CHOOSING AN AMAZON PARROT
General information
The colorful Amazon parrot (Amazona sp.) is the most common of all the pet
parrots kept in captivity. They originate from Mexico, Central America, South
America and the adjacent islands of the West Indies. There are numerous types
of Amazon parrots. They are a stocky, medium sized bird with a strong beak and
short, rounded, blunt tail. These birds can be very personable and interactive.
Amazons bond readily, often with one member of the family or specifically with
males or females. This bond occasionally leads to aggression towards others.
They are generally very affectionate and will often persistently solicit petting
and head scratches. Widely recognized for it's extraordinary ability to mimic,
some amazons develop extensive vocabularies of words, song, verse, whistles,
sneezing, coughing and electronic sounds such as telephones and microwave oven
beeps. Some species are prone to loud squawking especially in the early morning
and late afternoon. They are very playful and enjoy climbing and chewing. Providing
nontoxic, washed, fresh branches and pet-safe toys will afford many hours of
entertainment and exercise for this inquisitive pet. These handsome, good natured
birds make excellent companions and family pets. The Blue-fronted, Yellow-naped
and Double Yellow-headed Amazons are best known for their talent to talk.
Some commonly kept Amazon parrots include the Double Yellow-head Amazon, Yellow-naped
Amazon, Blue-fronted Amazon, Green-cheeked Amazon and Orange-winged Amazon.
Purchasing a Amazon Parrot
Amazon parrots may be purchased from a pet shop or, better, a reputable breeder.
When selecting an Amazon, try to choose a young bird as it may be easier to
tame and train. Older, wild, colony or parent raised birds may prove difficult
to tame. Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely
socialized with humans. Young birds are easier to tame and adapt readily to
new environments and situations. Importantly having a captive-bred bird also
means that the wild bird population is not threatened further by catching and
importing wild birds. This practice is bad both for the bird captured and transported
as well as for the dwindling population left in the wild. Your new bird should
be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females,
other pets, car trips, visits to the vet, etc.) to help promote a calm, well
adjusted pet. The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely
a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your vet.
Veterinary care
Amazon parrots require regular, routine veterinary health check ups. Your vet
can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak, nail or feather trim) and
laboratory tests as needed. During these semiannual checkups, health, nutritional
and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary checkups
help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy
relationship between you and your bird.
Color
Mature
- green is the predominant body color with red, orange, yellow, white and
blue adorning the head, wings and tail differently amongst the various species.
Immature
Sexing - no external sex differences
Weight - average 10 - 20 ounces (300 - 600 grams)
Size - average 10 - 20 inches (25 - 45 cm) in length
Life span - 15 - 25 years (maximum 75 years)
Diet - consult your vet or see the diet sheet in this series
Breeding - sexual maturity at 3 - 6 years - large environment is needed
to breed this challenging bird
Brood size - 2 - 7 eggs hatch in 17 -31 days, young leave the nest in
4 - 8 weeks
Cage - minimum 2 ft x 3 ft x 4 ft (60 cm x 90 cm x 120 cm) depends on
the size of the bird
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