New Parrot Owner

[Misera1013]

So to make a long story short, I have aquired a double yellow headed amazon, today. He wasn't being taken care of properly, and I just can't sit and watch. I'm a huge animal suck, what more can I say. They pick me!! So I grew up having cockatials, but never a parrot! So please help!! I know basics, but not any details. I will not let myself be one of those blind pet owners that doesn't know everything that can be known. I am 23 y/o married to a wonderful man, God help one of us... (I try to save all the animals in the world.) He is getting out of the Army, and I got out in Jan. 2007. I ahve a 6y/o stepson, along with my own kids;aka 2 dogs, 1 cat, 4 ferrets, and now a Amazon.... So hello to everyone!!! Thanks for all the help I am sure to find.

[stepht25]

Hi and welcome to the board. Congrats on your new Amazon! I don;t have any experience with amazons - so I'm not much help there! What kind of diet is he on? How's his personality so far (are you able to touch/hold him etc.?) A check up by a good avian vet. would be good.

[Misera1013]

He was on a diet made up of only wild bird black oil sunflower seeds, yuck!! But I got him abba(?) certified parrot food. I think that is good, right? I also started giving him fresh fruit, veggies, and other foods too. He seems to have a good/nice personallity. He has a tramatic day, poor thing, I got his way too long/overgrown nails cut, along w/ his wings. I Also got him a few toys, he had NONE!!! and more than one perch to sit on. But when I was trying to get him into a crate to go get his nails trimmed he jumpped on my arm, and didn't try to eat me..lol. I can't pet him yet, but can hold him a little. Which I think is Amazing, b/c he has only known me 24 hrs... ANY help I can get would be great!!

[stepht25]

Sorry - haven't really heard of ABBA - is it a seed mixture? Giving him fresh/cooked foods are very good. I know I have heard that Amazons are one of the species prone to Fatty Liver disease - so you may want to research that and see if it might be better to try and switch him to pellets along with the fresh/cooked foods. (I'm not sure on that which is why I suggest reading up on it.)

As far as working with him - I would start very slowly and kind of try to follow his lead as far as how much he's comfortable with. You'll have to earn his trust - and depending on how bad his previous life has been - that could take some time. Sit by his cage and read, sing and talk softly to him. Lots of parrots actually love to have children's books read to them. Play the blinking game - you close your eyes at him - and eventually at some point hopefully he "blinks" back. Sounds kind of silly, I know - but it really does work. Something about it shows you're a friend, I can't remember the exact reasoning behind it - but it's fun to do anyway! Especially when they actually start blinking back at you! Try and find a treat he favors and use that to "bribe" him for stepping up etc.

You might want to check out this link Amazon Parrots - Joanie Doss - Intro / Bio and also look through the amazon section and look especially for posts by Joanie Doss. I have heard she's kind of like an Amazon expert. I think she has a book about them too - which you should be able to find at her web page (the 1 I posted above). Hope that helps!

[Misera1013]

It does, thank you!! He has stepped up for me.

[Lisa B]

Hiya, I have a DYH as well. They are great birds. You do need to learn as much as you can about their language to read the signs to avoid a bite. Even the best ~handfed~lovable birds will bite. And take it from someone who knows, an excited DYH gives a nasty bite.
Another well known Amazon person is David Layne Dicker. You can google him, to see some things he has written.

[Misera1013]

Any knowlege I can soak up from you guys that have DYH would be great!! I have started reading his body language, and I can see when he has had enough..lol...I'm so excited!!

[Amazonlady]

Welcome to BirdBoard and congradulations and thank you for taking in this bird. I myself do not have a DYH, but I do have Blue Front,Lilac Crown,
Orange Wing,Yellow Nape and the little White Front along with many other fids (feathered kids). What I can tell you is that Amazons in general are prone to Fatty liver disease (Check this forum under Amazons) so seeds should be fed spareingly. Pretty bird makes a pellet diet just for Amazons (Hi Pro) that is high in protein and low in fat. Amazons also are prone to Vitamin A dificiencies so foods rich in vitamin A should be fed daily (examples: carrots,sweet potatoes,peaches and cantaloupe). Also you might want to get the book "Second Hand Parrot" by Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Darter I could not find it in my local book store so had to order it on line. A very good read into adopting a second hand parrot and information on body language and behavioral issues and of course the knowledge of other Amazon owners on the forum who's knowledge and experience goes a long way.

[Misera1013]

Thank you for the info. He is on a seed diet now, but I will be going and adding in some pellets asap. What about the parrots for dummies book? Is it any good?

[Amazonlady]

I have that one as well.... It to is a good read with lot's of info.