So I'm pretty Sure Baby, our Amazon, has hit mating season...

[darkserenity]

I can't seem to find much info on it, but I think he may have hit it... We've still been working on getting him used to touch and such. I've been working with him every day, offering him (while he's on the playstand we keep in our room) the back of my arm, where he can't grab hold, and he normally nibbles lightly, only going slightly aggressive once in a while. He also, while he's nibbling, rubs his head sweetly again the back on my arm, as well.
Normally, if he goes to his slightly lower perch (it's like a step down), that is his way of telling me he wants attention. Also, lately he'd even seemed a little more affectionate. Three days ago, when I saw him do that, I offered him my arm and he actually maliciously bit me aggressively (I could tell her was actually trying to hurt me), and he left a large bruise. I was careful not to react or anything, but since then, he lunges at me whenever I'm near the perch (only me, I've been having my boyfriend change the lining and food and water and such, he's intimidated by him and stay away), points his eyes a lot and fluffs, and this morning he was even making regurgitating noises and strutting when I was around. I haven't actually tried to touch him since then, since my arm hurts like hell... He's even been aggressive towards his toys and such.
Anyway, I don't know much about when they're in season, how long it lasts, what to do, etc. Should I stick to not having physical contact with him until he settles?
Advice, please. :)

[DeguMom]

Ah yes, Amazon aggression. That's what gives them their reputation, but in all honesty, they don't want to hurt anybody. I know you know that, but it sure does feel like they want to hurt you!

They are just reacting by instinct, and it's not something they reason out or think about - their instinct just makes them react in an animal way. That being said, it still doesn't stop the bleeding. Your best bet may be not having physical contact with him until mating season is over. That doesn't mean he needs to be stuck in his cage all mating season, it just requires some creative thinking.

I read a great idea for handling hormonal males on another website somewhere. You make a long perch out of a dowel. You cut off the top portion of a 2 liter bottle, and slide it onto the dowel, making a "shield" out of it to protect your hand. That way you can still transfer a bird from cage to playgym and back, without exposing your arm and hand to any biting beaks.

Ok, that's just one idea, I also have some articles to share with you. I hope they'll give you some good info, and maybe some good ideas. When I adopted my rescue BFA, I researched all this stuff, so hopefully this info will help you too!

What's Wrong With Amazons - Amazons - Joannie Doss

Amazon Parrots

Bird Behavior & Training

Amazon Parrot Behavior Revealed

How To Tame Your Wild Or Aggressive Biting Parrot

And you can check out the "Amazon" section of this site: Second Chance Birds health and behavior of cockatoos and parrot species.


I hope some of these links will have info that is relevant to you and Baby. Sometimes, once a Zon settles in and gets comfy, the problem behaviors start to show. Poor Baby, he has had such a rough start, and all he's ever known from humans is hurt and neglect. It took him many years to learn that, so it will take him a while to un-learn it too. But you and your boyfriend are the perfect people to help teach him that humans can be kind also!

Keep hanging in there, you're doing great! I can't believe what FAST progress he's made with you - already accepting your touch. That is a HUGE step, and at light speed too!