Red Lored diet.

[magdalena]

I had a lady contact me about taking in a Red Lored rescue she has been working with and he sounds like a wonderful bird. I know my fiance would poop himself if we adopted him (he loves Amazons but I've always been a little hesitant about the hot three though I do like the Panamas and Mealies). I know the Red Lored are one of the more gentle of the Amazons.

Is there anything I'd need to look out for in feeding an Amazon? I think they are prone to obesity so a lot of nuts is not good right? We don't feed sunflower or peanuts at all. We mostly feed fresh these days with some Harrison's and Goldenfeast Goldnobles as pellets and nut free fruit mixes set out during the day. I cook birdie bread from scratch with various veggies and fruits and sprout grains and cook beans and fresh feed steamed or raw veggies and fruits a few times a day. I do a lot of variety and every day is different.

Is there anything I'd need to add or subtract specifically for an Amazon? I'm still getting more information from the lady who has him but if she isn't going to ask a crazy rehoming fee I think we will probably adopt, or I will adopt and surprise my fiance and earn mega gold stars. :D Just want to make sure I'm prepared diet wise, I think I'm pretty much on top of any other issues that may pop up.

[chapala]

It sounds like you're on the right track. Amazons are prone to fatty liver disease and shortened life spans on high fat diets, so eliminating most seeds (grains are lower fat than seeds, and especially if sprouted or cooked) , feeding lots of fresh food, a good pellet such as Harrison Lifetime, Zupreem natural, or Roudybush, and you'll have a good start. I would cut way back or eliminate dried fruit with the high sugar content. Amazons need to be encouraged to move around the cage - foraging toys are great - and need to get out and flap and move around since they have a tendency to be perch potatoes.

[magdalena]

Ok great, was hoping you'd chime in. I can easily cut out the dried fruit since I buy it separate and mix it in myself. Waiting to hear back on this guy's health and diet and whatever other information. Will make a note to keep him active if we do adopt him.