thinking about getting a WF Amazon

[debbielabella]

I was planning on getting a BW Pi, but this is my last bird, has to be, and am second guessing my choice. Can anyone tell my about their WF Amazons? I understand they are a little shyer, more laid back, possibly not as easy to train, not great talkers. I saw a couple a while back in a bird store and they were very busy active babies, but I read they were more layed back, and what I've seen on youtube they seem quieter. Do they tend to pick a person like other zons or are they not so much one person birds? Any info is greatly appreciated.

[birdiemommy]

I had a female, and she did tend to be a bit more quiet than my DYH. They are in general not as likely to talk as some other zons. Mine was definitely a one person bird, even more so than my DYH. She was very pretty, I was shocked when I first met her, she was so small compared to most zons I had seen! If you don't want a one person kind of bird, it is especially important to work on socializing them, I think that is the key.

[ThreeX]

From what i have heard (from owners) they are less likely to go into hormonal rages, pretty active, want to follow you everywhere (without being 'sticky/velcro' birds) They have unexpectedly loud voice for their petite size (i can tell you that's true from first hand experience OMG :) ) Not great talkers but handsome pretty easy going birds.

[debbielabella]

they sound great! surprised to hear they are so loud being so tiny. They sound louder and more active than Lilac crowns or Orange wings. I've seen pictures of them with WC Pionus and conures, leading me to think they tend to be better with other birds than amazons in general, do you think I'm off base? Maybe the pictures I saw were babies.

[Tom Lawless]

I don't mean to be contrary but, after taking all of this into consideration, reserve final judgment until you meet the bird his/herself. I just adopted a six year old, female Blue Front Amazon. She will go to almost anyone. Is not known for rages. Talks (I just heard her talk last night for the first time) but is mostly quiet. Friends have called her the unzon zon. She is a very sweet, gentle bird and based on everything I've read, I would never have considered one of the "Hot Three" but in one meeting she won me over.

I just thought I'd throw that out there. Good luck. I'll be anxious to hear what you decide.

[debbielabella]

she sounds wonderful Tom!! can I have her???

There aren't any WFs around here, I would have to have one shipped. My other thought was a LC. You are very right that they are all individuals, and I wonder if I shouldn't do this at all and bide my time like you did, until I meet the right bird in person, regardless of what species.

I'm wondering if Tiki would be happier with another zon in the room. My son went back to school yesterday (sophomore college - commutes) and Tiki is used to having him at his disposal. He has been absolutely POd for the past couple of days. You have never seen anything like a horribly angry zon. I think I will take him out for some errands tonight and hope that soothes the savage beast.

thanks everyone for your feedback. Still not sure what the right choice is, but not rushing it.

[Newticus]

The 2 WF amazons I have known were the hardest amazons I have worked with.
One, I named ceciel and he LOVED me. He would regurgitate all the time, even if I just looked at him. With EVERYONE else though he would shred them to bits. He made every person in my department bleed, including me once. The other WF was Lola who bonded to another staff member and she was almost totally unhandlable by any other staff members.
Yes, it is only two examples, but I have heard that that type of behaviour is status quo with WFs. Now don't get me wrong I LOVED Ceciel. So much so that I wanted to bring him home. When they like you, they love you and it is very endearing. I never knew Lola as well as Ceciel, but Ceciel had quite the piercing shreik, but he would only do it once in a while.
Unfortunately I couldn't afford the price the quoted me for Ceciel and he was traded off to a breeder because he was basically unsellable with his temperment. We got Lola for Ceciel, and she was the same.

I still miss Ceciel :(

I am a zon girl through and through but I love pionus as well. Usually they are nice and laid back, much less one person birds, but I have only worked with white capped and blue headed.

Melanie

[debbielabella]

Originally Posted by Newticus

I am a zon girl through and through but I love pionus as well.

I know the feeling!! Zon's are hands down my favorite, but the Pi's are so sweet and irresistible.

I'm sorry about your having to part with Ceicil, that's very sad. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the WF. I would really enjoy one, but I think there would be conflicts with Tiki, as he feels he owns me, and he does! If I did get another amazon, it would have to be a more independent bird, not one that needs to be involved in everything I do, because that's Tiki's spot.

[Tom Lawless]

Debbie, before I got Annie I only had Dave and Bing. They don't really like each other. When I mentioned it to the vet she said that even though they aren't buddies, because they are a flock animal there is, most likely, some comfort having the ohter one around. They will battle if they are next to each other but I have caught them calling back and forth to each other (sometimes in English). I would never get a second bird expecting them to be friends. In fact, they might always have to be kept separated from each other but I do think my AV might be right. Another bird around to call to might be a comfort for them.

Having said that, it is a toss-up with Annie. She's still not in the big room with the boys but she is used to being an only bird and then was kind of bullied by the birds she later met so I'm wondering if she actually will like being around the others.

And btw, my unzon zon got a little nippy with me today because she didn't want to have her head scratched and I forgot she wasn't Bing (who puts up with me that way) and went in for the scratch anyway. I know she's got a great reputation but I still think she is going to get me good one of these days when I don't watch her body language.

[debbielabella]

Tom, guess Annie really is a zon after all! she has a little angel face though!

I can handle 2 birds that don't get along, but I don't think I can handle 2 velcro birds that hate each other. Tiki is the cockatoo of zons. The WFs sound like they want to be with their person 24/7 too, and I love birds like that, but if they hated each other they'd cut into the time and attention they both need.

Tiki doesn't like my other birds, I'm not sure he even appreciates there being around. I think he would show a lot more interest in an amazon though, and if I know Tiki it would either be pure love or intense hate, there's no in between for him.

I think if I got another Pi there's a very good chance the BW would get along peacefully with the WF. Even if they aren't best of friends, chances of them being bitter enemies are slim. Now I've probably jinxed it for sure, the BW is a better fit than a zon, but I will always want more zons, which brings me back to my dilemma,

does it make sense to get my second choice if it's a better fit for my flock rather than another amazon, which is what I want most?