Which zon is right for me?

[amanda143]

I have been considering a zon for a long time but there are just soooo many to choose from. I'd like to hear from zon owners what their opinion is on the different ones.

[Abby]

You're going to get so many different opinions on this one.

I have a 1yo YCA who I think is just wonderful. For an average zon he's a little on the neurotic side but that's just him and part of what makes him the gorgeous boy that he his. Now keep in mind my guy is young so we haven't been through any of the hormonal stuff yet so he may not be as malleable then as he now.

Example, he strikes, we say "Oh get over it" (knowing that it's all bluff), he looks at you and it's like oh ok I'll step up now and have snuggles.

[angelicarboreals]

I have two, and they are as different as night and day. I own a five year old Blue Crown Mealy named Chico, and a ten year old Mexican Red Headed (Green Cheeked as some people call them) named Harley. This is what I can tell you about mine:

Chico, Mealy: All amazons are loud, but from the ones I have been around I can say that the mealy amazons are the loudest. Chico talks pretty well (can say around thirty words/ phrases) and is quite the clown. He plays patty cake and can give five, and it a pretty good chewer. No toy that is hung in his cage goes untouched. Mealy amazons are known for their docile temperament, even thought they are the largest of the amazons (think the size of a small macaw, large cockatoo). From what I have read, they are referred to as the "gentle giants" of the amazon world. Like all amazons, he loves taking baths.

Harley, MRH: Harley is a little more reserved than Chico. I am not sure if this is due to his background and prior homes, but he does not go nuts in his cage playing with toys like Chico does. Harley can talk as well, he says around ten things. He also gives kisses on command, so it seems like amazons, in my opinion, are easily trained to talk and do tricks. I am sure there are some out there, but I have yet to meet an amazon that did not jibber jabber on and off all day. Out of the two that I own, Harley is the most colorful, and the bird that catches everyone's eye. Mexican Red Headed Amazons are one of the smaller species of Amazons, although Harley is more prone to nip than my Mealy. He is still alot of fun, and both of my amazons are extremely loyal to me. Other people can handle both of them, but they only display and regurge for me.

If you are looking to get one of the lesser known amazons like I have, Birdtalk just put out an issue that had a really good article about amazons and the difference in looks and temperament. You may want to check it out!

[amanda143]

Thanks guys! I've really been looking at the double yellow-headed. I hear they are one of the largest and the blue front the smallest. I was curious mainly about temperament and vocalizations. I'l try to find that bird talk issue, it sounds great!

[pippy]

Charlie, my boyfriend's Yellow Crowned Amazon is quite a chatterbox and likes to laugh and sing!

I filmed these clips of her the other evening.

CHARLIE LAUGHING & SINGING on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

CHARLIE LAUGHING & SINGING on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

CHARLIE LAUGHING & SINGING on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Frankie]

We have a LCA and she is such a character - never met a stranger, isn't afraid of anything.
She is very social thus prefers being with us rather than in her cage!! She is just learning language skills ( she is about 9 mo old ). Not sure yet if she will be a good talker but she is so sweet it doesn't matter whether she talks or not.

[becca623]

I have to say that if possible let the bird choose you. I wanted a lilac crown until I looked into the eyes of Blossom my blue front. She stole my heart. I love all amazons. I think they are all gorgeous birds but I really think that when the right one picks you, there will be no regrets. Good luck!!!

[amanda143]

I think you are right becca. Someone also told me they are not cuddly birds and don't like to be handled a lot. Do you think this is true?

[Lori~D]

My Blue front female is every bit as big as any YN or DYH Ive met. The Red front is the smaller one I believe. Whichever one has the red and white on the head is wee small comparatively. I have met Panamas that seem nice and mellow yet real good talkers. Some also SING human songs better.

[becca623]

I've heard of cuddly amazons. I met a panama that was extremely cuddly. I had a hard time not bringing her home with me. She was still a baby so I cannot say if she is still that way. I saw a red lored amazon snuggling with his new mom but he too was just a baby. My Blossom is not cuddly like a cockatoo but she does like to snuggle down on my shoulder to take a nap. She does not like to be pet. She'll let me rub my head against her and she will fall asleep. That is as close to cuddly as she gets. She's always been that way. I've seen many zons that love a neck rub. I think it has a lot to do with the individual bird's personality and how much they were handled and cuddled as a baby. It's hard for me because I love to pet, snuggle, and cuddle my loved ones but I respect her for who she is....okay, okay I have been known to try to pet her neck or back on occasion just in case she changes her mind. She does like foot rubs though.
I've heard the red lored, yellow fronts, and panamas are the most inclined to like cuddles but it doesn't mean every bird of those species will.
Birds are a lot like spouses and children you have to accept and love them for who they are regardless. Sorry that I can't be of more help.