Making the right decision

[sha37ron]

Hi Joanie, I am hoping that you can give me constructive advice regarding a yellow nape I will soon be given. His name is Zack and in fact over 20 years ago (I believe 25 years to be exact) he was once my family's bird. However, due to my father being transferred to another state and due to the fact Zack loved me and would attack others who would come near me, or try to feed me when I would approach him and consistantly call out my name when he would hear the door open or when I wasn't home or very early in the morning (He only bit me once, accidently, due to I took him into the bathroom and made the mistake and put him on the bathroom counter and when trying to pick him up he came at me thinking I was the other bird he saw in the mirror). My parents thought it would be best to send him to my dad's aunt in Florida who has been taking care of him since. To my understanding he was the ruler of the house and could do and eat whatever he pleases. He still bites only men, I think. Unfortunately, Zack caught a virus and is now blind in one eye and the most unfortunate part is my dad's aunt passed away. The only options is to either put him in a place for birds who live in an enclosed area with other birds or to fly to California and live with me. Here is my dilemma; I know he has never been in a wild life setting and feel he wouldn't do well because he has never been in this type of environment and he is blind in one eye. Also, if he moves in with me, I have two sons ages 14 and 10 and am very concerned of them being bit by Zach. Having not been around him for so many years I'm not sure of his true temperament and how he would feel or respond to me considering he might feel that I abandoned him. I have always loved Zack and it literally breaks my heart to think of him being anywhere else. I do, however, have to think about my children and what the best environment would be for them as well as Zack. Please help me with this dilemma and advise if you think it would be wise to have Zack live with me and my family. I need to make this decision ASAP due to I just found out this myself. Therefore, if you could respond as quickly as possible would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this and extending your advice. Sorry for such a long question/message.
Sincerely,
S. Abeyta

[Chief's Mom]

I would try to meet with Zack and see how he responds to you and your family. Sometimes birds mellow out as they age, some do not. Amazons are known for their 'one-person'ness The blind eye could possibly make him more cautious around high-energy (read:children) homes which may be a problem if your house tends to get a little 'crazy.' A nervous bird can be a very difficult bird to work with. At the same time he will be having to adjust to a new home and grieving for the loss of your Dad's aunt. I'm not saying all this to talk you out of it, but this definitely needs to be a decision that everyone in your household has discussed and understands. For it to work out, schedules may have to be changed a little (bedtime/lights out, for example). If you currently have no birds, you may have to make some changes in your regular household stuff (no teflon, candles, fumes; you may need air purifiers; proper cage locationmay interfere with current furniture arrangement; length of vacations or pet-sitting/boarding; etc.) Only you can know if your children are mature enough to deal with the addition of what may be a 'difficult' bird. Some children are accepting and want to learn to help in whatever way they can, others are not, if you know what I mean.

As far as the 'wild' sanctuary, I would not be concerned about his ability to fend for himself. These places tend to be set up to deal with special needs birds and group those together. It's not like they have to fight for food, water, territory, or anything like that when they're being taken care of. He would be able to fly freely, which he may not be able to do in your home (you didn't mention if you have space or resources for an outdoor aviary).

If it were me, I'd do some serious research on the sanctuary to make sure that's it a legitimate place. I'd hate to find out that that your family was scammed and he was taken for breeding or not being taken care of. If it sounds like a good place and you're pretty sure it's not going to work out with your family, I don't think I would have any regrets sending him there. It's sounds like he's lived out a nice life as a companion bird.

Remember they can sense and feed off your nervousness and uneasiness. I definitely wouldn't do it just to 'keep the bird in the family' per se. Both Zach and your family may end up miserable. But if ya'll are ready for a little work and he seems managable, then by all means, get him. It may spark an interest in your children that you've never seen before (or it may scare them away from birds forever ) And if you do decide to get Zack back, you've found a great resource here for tons of information on health, toys, training, and everything else you can imagine about birdies. Everyone here loves to help and learn, so please ask questions That's the only way we'll have something to talk about Please let us know what you decide

[Kolkri]

Since your boys are old enough to learn not to touch the bird I would go get him.

[sha37ron]

Thank you for responding so quickly. My boys and I have decided to meet with ZacK and see how he responds to us. All of us have discussed the changes you mentioned and we feel Zack is managable. I think my nervousness and uneasiness comes from not being around him for so many years and I know how powerful his beak can be. Any suggestion in removing these feelings before being re-introduced to him? Any suggestions to get him to stop biting? Any advice on how I can be the one in charge and not him? Basically, I need some training/re-training with him.

I still love Zack and he was so lovable when I did have him before and to my understanding he still is. Do you think he'll remember me or feel that I abandoned him?

If for some reason Zack doesn't respond well to us can you recommend an aviary or know of anyone in Southern California (San Diego to Orange County area) who would take wonderful care of him? I feel he will adapt and enjoy living with us, but I want to make sure I have all my bases covered. Thanks again!

[sha37ron]

Thank you for responding so quickly. My boys and I have decided to meet with ZacK and see how he responds to us. All of us have discussed the changes you mentioned and we feel Zack is managable. I think my nervousness and uneasiness comes from not being around him for so many years and I know how powerful his beak can be. Any suggestion in removing these feelings before being re-introduced to him? Any suggestions to get him to stop biting? Any advice on how I can be the one in charge and not him? Basically, I need some training/re-training with him.

I still love Zack and he was so lovable when I did have him before and to my understanding he still is. Do you think he'll remember me or feel that I abandoned him?

If for some reason Zack doesn't respond well to us can you recommend an aviary or know of anyone in Southern California (San Diego to Orange County area) who would take wonderful care of him? I feel he will adapt and enjoy living with us, but I want to make sure I have all my bases covered. Thanks again!

[Chief's Mom]

Well first off, I would start by reading some of the wonderful stories on here about Amazons (or any birds for that matter) and their relationships with their families. It may take a little time, but you'll learn to be able to read Zack's expressions again. Normally their body language tells you if they're upset, angry, or playful. If you're concerned about being bitten, there are many ways to help with that. You can wrap your arm in an ace bandage and wear long sleeves. Some folks like gloves while others think it scares the bird. I think it depends on how scared you are and how much bite you're willing to take. When we took in Mando, a B&G, I knew she was a big boundary tester. If you even look like you might hesitate, she lunges at you with that big black beak (but she doesn't bite hard, she grabs your finger and tosses it away from her). If you walk directly up to her, place your hand under her chest, and say 'step up,' she does exactly that. You may want to use the search feature and look up training tips or maybe something about older birds.

I just don't have a ton of experience with older birds who were taken care of Sarge is my oldest, at somewhere between 11 and 21, but he's a rescue and we have no clue about his past other than that he was given back to the petstore because the family didn't want to bring him with them when they moved. At first he didn't trust anyone, would eat all his food in 2 mintues without dropping a crumb (like he didn't know when his next meal was coming), and didn't have a clue what to do with a toy. That was a year ago, now he's my big cuddle bird. I can lay him on his back in my arms and rub his belly. And like a normal macaw, most of his food now goes on the floor I did wear long sleeves for the first 4 or 5 months that I had him as he was very skiddish and would bite the person holding him (me) when something spooked him.

He may or may not remember you, but I doubt he'll feel abandoned. It's not like ya'll sent him off to suffer or anything like that. He may seem depressed at first due to the move and the loss, but birds grieve as well. You may also want to discuss this with your boys so they don't think the bird doesn't like being there or anything like that. If the transition into your home is comfortable for him, he may not be as difficult as you remember.

I don't personally know of any sanctuaries in your neck of the woods, but I'm sure they have them. You may want to post another thread asking about that.

And maybe I just got lucky, but Kiwi (OWA) really doesn't bite hard at all. I've read that Amazons can tear you up, but even when she looks really mad, it still doesn't break the skin or anything like that. Or it may be that I've been gotten by my big guys so many times, that I've grown thick skin Good luck! I'm glad to hear that ya'll are going to try him out!

[jylu97]

I had to leave my Yellow Naped Amazon for over nine years with my parents. When I finally bought her home, it took a little time, but she is still the light of my life. She also loves my husband. I think as long as you give her a clean, safe, loving home, that's enough for an amazon. Please remember and take it into account that it is mating season so most amazons are more aggressive.

[chapala]

If the Amazon only likes you, not your sons, they can stay out of reach and avoid any bites. It's not that hard to do.