New here and need some advice.

[Ajilon]

I inherited a blue front amazon who is just under a year old. Admittedly, if I had the opportunity, I would have done a little more research on care, training and behavior before bringing him home. He's sweet, very chatty and seemingly smart. I've handled him alot every day and he does well when we're away from his cage. However, he doesn't trust me yet. Sometimes I can pet him and sometimes he won't let me. I have to be persistent to get him out of his cage and I hate the idea that I'm pushing him. I want him to WANT to be out and have fun.

What's the best way to earn his trust? How long should I expect this process to take? I've been taking things slow, just talking to him while he's perched on his cage and feeding him treats from my hand. He takes food very nicely. I haven't pushed him too hard and I've got all the patience in the world for him. His former owner had no problem getting him to come out and play. But with me, he's fearful. He doesn't know I won't eat him. We need to bond, but I don't know how yet. I need to earn his trust. It makes me so sad that he doesn't know all I want to do is love him yet.

His nails are SHARP! It hurts to hold him without gloves. How often should I have them trimmed and by whom? He's also scratching his head alot. Is this an indication of something I need to look into? I plan to take him to the vet within the next week. Are there any questions I should ask.

As for diet and environment, he's eating a seed mix with pretty bird combined. Occasionally, his former owners would give him bing cherries as a treat and a 15 bean soup. What about vegetables? What essential elements does he need? What do all you Amazon people feed your babies?

[AndreaSctlnd]

Ajlion - Welcome. I do not own an Amazon but I did get a 3 year old bird who was not treated real well before I got him. I have had him for a year and to this day I can not rub his back/wings. I can occasionally scratch his head but he would rather snuggle with me under a blanket. Now enough about me...on to your questions.

It can take months for your baby to come to trust you. I would just sit and talk to him and let him come to you. Just be patient and be there for him. I would also try and get him on some pelleted food, eggs, veges, and meat. I feed my Sunny macaroni's, chicken, eggs, rice, apples, cauliflower, cherries, pineapple, potatos (white & sweet), and basically anything else that I would eat. Do NOT feed avacado, iceburg lettuce, onions, or any kinds of pit from fruit. Cherry, nectarine, plumb, and apple seeds have trace amounts of cyanide and could kill your bird. I often give my bird foods that are not really good for him like pepperoni, cheese, and chips but he does so enjoy them...lol Just use your best judgement.
About his head scratching, is he getting new feathers? My sun scratches a lot when he has a lot of pin feathers.
Well, I hope this helps...and you will get a lot of help from those on here who have zons.

Good Luck and welcome

[my-africangrey-echo]

I agree with Andrea. Give him time. Just talk/sing/whistle to him and continue to hand feed him. Nail clipping can be as often as you need. Do you have a pet store near by? They can clip them for you. If not you will only want to clip the very tips off. Having kwik stop on hand is a must for birds do not have the same clotting factors like we do. You must stop any bleeding right away. I am sure some zon people will be by soon. Good luck and PLEASE post some pics. We love pics!!!