Amazon owners

[Chariclo]

Well, as you know I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new, old zon. There has been a little delay in shipping arrangments, so I have had even more time on my hands to research Amazons, and the Salvin's Red Lored in general.

I still have not been able to speak to anyone who actually owns this subspecies as a pet, but I haven't given up hope. What I have been thrilled about however is the incredible response that I have received within the Amazon community. So many people have taken time out of their busy lives to call me on the phone and email me back. I am making new connections everyday with others who share my love for birds, and dedication to being a good parront.

This adventure is already one of the most exciting things I have ever done. Yesterday I was on the phone with Diana Holloway of the Amazona Society. She said that the spring issue of their quarterly would be having an article dedicated to the adoption of older birds, and that maybe I could share my story with them. I am so tickled!

Anyway - what I wanted to share more than anything, especially with those of you, who like me, are somewhat new to the bird world is this -
never stop your quest for knowledge about your birds and their care. There are so many incredible people out there who are willing to share their experience and expertise. All it takes is your willingness to ask the questions.

[The Outlaw]

Melissa:

You will find that folks with Amazons and Toos are among the most dedicated of all to their birds. They have to be. Their birds get the most bad publicity and unfortunately fill the shelters.

But if you can learn about the species and be willing to observe and then interact , the benefits are simply astounding.

Easily the MOST loyal bird here is my Taco, a 20 year old Yellow Nape Amazon. She was owned by a family for 18 years, 15 with the mother, and 3 with her son. She pretty much just lost interest in Taco and her son Christopher was the only other family member that the bird loved.

However, he was young and never home. His girlfriend detested her. It was assumed Taco was male for 18 years. I adopted her because I was BEGGED to take her. I won't lie. I wasn't looking forward to bringing home a zon. I too had read the posts and seen the pictures of facial trauma and eye injuries from hormonal zons.

To my absolute and utter delight, Taco liked me from the moment our eyes met. I was the recipient of the famous Amazon crush. I have had her for 2 years and she is so sweet. She really is. I have received one bite from her in all of that time. She was actually trying to get to my Severe, whom she detests and got me when I snatched him out of her grasp. The look of absolute horror on her face I'll never forget. I know she was embarrassed by having bitten me and not him. She has NEVER repeated that act.

Please don't expect a wild caught older male to ever be cuddly bird. That isn't going to happen However, there is much to be said for being greeted happily every day by a happy and beautiful zon. Taco sings like a diva, literally. She loves opera and does one helluva impression of any soprano. Zons love music.

You are in for one wild ride. However, as we all know, the roller coaster is ALWAYS the best ride in the park

THE OUTLAW

[Chariclo]

Thanks Nancy - loved hearing about Taco too by the way! I am a thrill seeker all the way - so I've buckled up and can't wait to see what's in store! He may never be able to be held - but I assure you he will forever know that he is loved.

[LtlWngdAngl]

I have to be honest too, Amazon's were never on the top of my list...all the one's I've ever met have been "testy" to say the least, and I wanted an interactive, loving bird. I had been in contact with Terry about Eartha and Mango, two Macaws up for adoption from parrot jungle. I couldn't take both of them, and I felt bad about splitting them up, so I passed on them (and from what Terry told me, they found a WONDERFUL new home). Terry knew what I was looking for in a new parrot, and she e-mailed me about Oscar. I was a little skeptical at first: 21 y/o, wild caught, spent his life in PJ in an outdoor flight, had a history of being beat-up by the other birds in his enclosure....you get the picture. Terry said that he was very sweet though, and I also called his keeper at PJ and she told me that he was exactly what I was wanting....though I was still skeptical of his social ability and
snuggle-iness....but now that I have him home, he's fits in perfectly to my life and lifestyle. He travels well: most of the time he doesn't wanna get out of the car, and gets mad at me if I shut the cover to the sun-roof window (I NEVER open the sun roof if he's out of the cage in the car). He also likes to hang around the house and watch movies or straiten up the house with me while listening to Jimmy Buffett (okay, so I clean, he poops and eats)...and he's the most cuddly bird of my whole flock! He's never bitten, even when he gets upset with me...he loves everyone, and he's SO calm and quiet, even when my Conure provokes him!
I really couldn't have asked for a better companion....I really hope you find the same amount of joy from yours Melissa!

[The Outlaw]

Nina:

Tell us some more about Oscar. I don't know much about the Mealies and would very much like to learn. Describe him, please.

THE OUTLAW

[AmandaB]

My zon is an OW, 28 yrs old and probably wild caught. I am his third home. His first owner 'gave' him a cage mate when he was 17 yrs old, an Indian Ringneck. They are totally and utterly bonded. Very protective, and will bite if you try to go near either of them. I have been able to get Fred away from the IRN on a few occassions, and then he'll allow head scratches and has even stepped up for me and my husband. Even though he'll never be a hands on bird, and even though I've suffered many bites, I still love him. He is a joy, he laughs when we laugh, says um hmmm when I talk on the phone, his only word is hello and he says that for hello, bye and it's also his answer when I say I love you.