Should I get an Amazon?

[PetiteJadie]

My mom and I want to get my dad a parrot for Christmas. I'm trying to help him figure out which would be a good fit for him. My mom and I were thinking Ringnecks but I thought maybe i'd ask about Amazons. I'm also a male eclectus and mini macaws. The Hahns is my dream macaw but my dad didn't seem as excited about them as I am.

Would you recommend a Amazon as someone's first larger parrot?

[milkevi]

well...the 3 birds you mentioned zons, ekkies, minis are at far opposite ends of the spectrum from each other...what does your dad want in a bird? Also, what species of zon..a DHY and MRH will vary greatly in personality...

[asulli]

I am a parront to both an Alexandrine Ringneck and a Orange Winged Amazon.

Both have very distinct personalities. There is a lot of good information on the web in reference to these species.

My Alexandrine, although cuddly, is not as cuddly as my Amazon who loves to be held, hugged and kissed all over!

As Milkevi said, it depends what he is looking for in a parrot. One thing for certain that I have noticed is that my Alexandrine is more independant than the Amazon.

Before I made up my mind of what kind of parrots I wanted to share my life with, I read and re-read as much information as possible.

[PetiteJadie]

I'm just at the beginning of the research process. As I mentioned it's a christmas present so i've got lots of time to find information. I wanted your opinions to help me narrow my search.

He's looking for a bird to be his friend. He loves the baby cockatoos - so sweet and gentle. he doesn't seem to get that these can be monster birds when hormonal and i know that a cockatoo would be all wrong for him and the family.

He likes the medium-large sized birds. A Hahn's is probably just a bit small but I think what it lacks it size it would make up for in personality. Blue and scarlet macaws are too big.

Do Amazon's tend to be more on the nice side? He loves giving Jadie little scritches on her head. I know Ringnecks tend not to like being touched so that's why i decided to start looking at other species.

[jdlilfan]

He's looking for a bird to be his friend. He loves the baby cockatoos - so sweet and gentle. he doesn't seem to get that these can be monster birds when hormonal and i know that a cockatoo would be all wrong for him and the family.

It's nice to see someone who knows where people get into trouble with baby 'toos and that you can be the voice of reason with Dad!

Do Amazon's tend to be more on the nice side? He loves giving Jadie little scritches on her head. I know Ringnecks tend not to like being touched so that's why i decided to start looking at other species.

It's always an individual bird thing. A lot of that comes down to environment. Also just individual birds' personalities and their likes and dislikes. Generally, I'd probably say if you're looking at any of the Hot 3 species-blue front, yellow headed, yellow naped-just be wary these guys all have a reputation for having "hot" temperaments. Like other posters have said...talk with Dad and see exactly what it is he wants in a parrot (personality wise)...then you have a feel for what he wants and can go out, meet some birds, and find the one you feel best suits you guys. I always like to live by the motto, "let the bird choose you" when it comes to adding a new bird. Good luck in your search! :)

[asulli]

I have met quite a few types of Amazons and I think the Orange Winged and the Red Lored are gentle, but the gentlest of them all the Mealy.

This, of course, is my opinion.

But then I must tell you that my Alex loves a good cuddle, but only if she feels it is time to be lovable.

[becca623]

I think an amazon can make a good first large bird. I would make sure the bird likes him first if possible. The above poster mentioned two great choices (orange crown and red lored). I would like to add 3 more. The lilac crown, mexican red head, and the panama are also great choices. They don't have quite the tempers of the hot 3. I would strongly caution against having them in the same room as your birds even if they are in cages. That's how I lost my lovies. My amazon and ekkie figured out how to work the door handle on the lovebirds' cage. Blossom mauled them horribly while I was away at an appointment. I thought they were safe in their own room. Please be careful.

[berger232004]

Hi there

I am the lucky mum of an orange winged amazon by the name of Gizmo who is approximately 6 years old. She came to me eighteen months ago as a rescue bird who previously had three homes.

She is a beauty and is now what i would call my loyal companion. She loves a head scratch and loves to preen my face, the first time she did this made me so proud that she trusted me .... here is the video xx

[T.W.]

I have a yellow naped amazon, named Elvis. another poster mentioned them having a hot temperment, and boy does he, of all my birds I have to be on my toes around him, his bites not only hurt, but do deep muscle damage depending on where he has bitten you. He was a rescue and my first large bird, so I learned very quickly how to deal with him and what to expect from him. He doesn't like people much, but loves any other animal, large or small, his best buddy is my cherry headed conure, he protects her fiercely, and she can be quite mean to him, but he loves her. Amazons also have a unique musky smell to them, some people are offended by it.

[ThreeX]

I'd recommend a grey, TAG or CAG is not really that important. Pionus are great underestimated (IMO) birds too.
Amazons are too much for me personally, i'd love a Mealy because of their gentle nature, but boy do they have a voice.. disaster if you're in a rented flat or have highly strung neighbors..