Newly aquired Amazon...Need help

[elep97]

We were just given a double yellow head a few days ago, was told he/she is 6 yrs old. It's obvious the bird was hardly ever handled and spent just about all of it's time in the cage, and was fed a poor diet (gave him veggies & he wouldn't even touch them), doesn't even have a name I've done some research online and found a good site (avianweb) but I have some questions about behavior....he does this thing where he hangs from the top bars of the cage and does the "stevie wonder dance", sometimes the tail is spread out & sometimes it's not..what does this mean? He won't let anyone touch him, tries to bite if you get too close. I haven't figured out if his pinning of the eyes is fear/anxiety or not yet either. Doesn't talk either, might be saying hello, hi at times..is their speech clear.. similar to an african grey? It's hard to believe a 6 yr old amazon doesn't talk. Needless to say I need lots of helpful advice...we want to make him a part of the family and get him out of the cage life.

[Parrotpeople]

Hi and welcome,
Well congratulations for taking that poor bird in. It sounds like it may take some time for him/her to come around, but I am sure it will happen eventually. Best of luck!

[Rustysparents]

I wish I had some good advice for you.. we recently got a 20 yr old amazon.. he hates me but loves my husband. I think the biggest thing is patience. Go slow.. you might have to use a towel or glove to get him to go to you at first.. and be consistant in your words to him. we say "want to come out" when we get her out.. but I think "step up" or other things will work.. and when he does bite.. dont over react.. a stern look and a quick "NO" should be it. I wish I had more advice I do have a book that helps a little I can get the name of if you're interested. good luck
Marie

[Whistand]

I too just adopted an amazon, 10yo hybrid (BFA/OWA). I got bit BIG time today, deep.
That was when I tried to sit her on my lap. After which I used a towel, but she is just too stressed. Trying to coax with peanuts. I did have her on my shoulder for a few minutes, but she took off for her cage when it was in site. I will continue to work with her, and will continue to do more research on how to care for my new Amazon.
Wendy in PA

[Sunnybirdmom]

Patience - lots of sweet talking - and more patience. Take it slow and don't try so hard to get out of the cage just yet. Give some time to let him get used to his new surroundings and trust you. Offer a peanut or an almond and let him take from you. Buy him a chew or preening toy but don't expect him to tear into it right at first. When he does get around to it praise him. Is he flashing his eyes at you? Just say oh you're not scary in a sweet voice. He's just nervous. He'll settle down in a while. It takes a while for a neglected Amazon to trust but he will. I wouldn't worry about the Stevie Wonder upside down dance Amazons love to hang upside to play in their cage. That's probably how he used entertain himself. Sounds like he wasn't used to much attention for a long time. My Sunny was always wary of strangers until he got to know them.

As far as biting. If you own an Amazon you are going to get bit. I got to the point where I could almost tell when Sunny was going to bite me. And I'd say don't bite me hard in a stern voice and he'd look sheepish...so funny. And when I didn't notice and he'd bite me good - I'd look hurt and say you bit me hard. They are very concious of your facial expressions.

In spite of the outward bravado, Amazons are real softies inside. They are smart, funny and sometimes stubborn and ornery. I miss Sunny more than words can say. Once you are loved by one you will never be the same. Good luck and I'm so jealous.

[Evo]

Hello,

This is my first post, but I've read much of the forum. I've been Mom to a YN zon for 16 years. Beyond that, I've fostered many birds and also worked as an Avian Vet Tech. That being said, there is still more to learn. Amazons are much like humans and often thought of as perpetual two year olds. They do have their individual traits, but often display Zon specific behaviors!

One of the rules of new engagement with an Amazon is time and space. They hear and see everything and want to size you up before they decide whether they like you (generally.) I've found, both personally and professionally, that giving a bird their space and even acting like I'm ignoring them right at first makes them curious about me. I'll sing and act like I'm playing with things near their cage, but will not impose myself on them initially. Just because a bird doesn't want to jump right into being your best friend...it doesn't mean they were abused or neglected.

My "Jaya" likes her space. She does not like people in her face or demanding she perform for them. She is very independent and calls for me when she wants me. If I just go waltzing up and demand her attention when she is having her "me" time, I'm likely to get a growl and the evil eye.

When I clean her cage, sometimes she enjoys it and plays with me, but other times she does the Zon territorial dance (referred to as the Stevie Wonder dance above.) When they pin their eyes, fluff their feathers, spread their tail feathers, rock back and forth, and usually cluck a little like a chicken...that is a territorial display or the "I'm gonna kick some butt!" display.

Just tell them how impressed you are..."Oh my you are so tuff!, What an impressive bird!, You are right, that is your cage." They understand much and really pick up vibes, so try to mean it when you compliment them. In the wild, a new "person" in the flock coming on to them that strong or that fast would be seen as a threat or a predator.

The main thing is to respect them and take your time. Let them observe you. They generally will not talk in front of strangers. (Just because you've taken them in doesn't mean you are friends or trusted just yet.) I've had friends that didn't hear Jaya talk for years and then one day they look at me and say "What in the world is that noise?" "Well that is Jaya asking for your attention" I'd tell them. They never knew she could talk let alone have a conversation with them.

Word to the wise: It is not advisable, IMHO, to put an Amazon on your shoulder. Many do, but unless you have a long established relationship, you may lose part of an ear. Another issue, even with an established pet, is that if they get scared by something they see as a threat, they will bite you to warn you of the "impending danger" even if it was just a dog that ran past near a window. If the closest thing handy is your ear...holy crap, that hurts.

There is so much more to say, but I do hope that this helps someone. Bravo for your efforts and read, read, read. Most of all take your time and give the bird some space and quiet time to adapt.

[DeguMom]

Some really wonderful advice given so far! And yes, kudos to you for taking in this bird. There are so many birds in need of rescuing, thank you for chosing to adopt a rescue rather than buy from a breeder!

I am also the proud parent of a rescued Amazon - a Blue Fronted. The best advice so far is just to let your new little one be. Just let her have her space. Give her at least a week, maybe several weeks, to just stay in her cage and size you up and size up her new home. She doesn't know you're to be her new care taker yet, as you're still a stranger to her.

Not all Amazons talk. The breed you have is in general considered to be one of the more talkative Amazons, but not all of them ever talk. I know of DYH who have never uttered an actual word. That being said, after she starts settling in, and gets to know you and trust you more, she'll probably open up and start using her vocabulary.

You can talk nicely to her from across the house, or across the room. And as she gets more comfortable, walk up to her cage slowly (with your hands down, or behind your back) and talk softly or sing to her. Some birds love to be read to, so if you have any children's books lying around, you might even try sitting down next to her and reading to her.

It will take time, and Amazons are not known for being extremely "cuddly" birds, or enjoying being petted. But your little one may find out she really enjoys being petted at some point in the future. For now, don't worry about getting her out of her cage, especially since she isn't used to that. Just let her settle in to her new home.

You might even explain to her that this is her new home, she's going to stay here with you for the rest of her life, that you're going to be her new family and you're going to love her no matter what. Birds really do understand when you talk to them, and really appreciate you explaining things to them. When I have to go out of town and leave my Zon, I always show her with my fingers how many "sleeps" (nights) I'm going to be gone. She always pays attention and seems to really appreciate knowing those kinds of things.

You'll do great. Owning a Zon (especially a rescue) is a life changing experience. You'll never be the same once this little one becomes part of your family. It's totally rewarding in every way! Just be patient, and learn to measure your progress in tiny little bird steps.

There's another great bird board especially for rescuers at Second Chance Birds health and behavior of cockatoos and parrot species.

They have people who have been doing bird rescue forever, and are very knowledgable. Congrats to you and your family! I wish you many years of happiness together!

PS - Wanted to add, my little girl won't really touch raw veggies with a 10 foot pole! She prefers all her food to be cooked. I make up big batches of bird recipes and freeze them into single servings. I make different recipes with beans, pasta, brown rice, a variety of veggies, and breads. There are several websites with bird recipes, and as long as you check out the ingredients of each recipe, and make sure none of them are bad for birds, you can make all kinds of yummy foods. As you begin cooking for your little one, you'll learn quickly which flavors and which ingredients are her favorites, and then you can go from there. Soon you'll be investing in a larger freezer to hold all your bird food. LOL :)