Basic Information

Amazons are among the best known parrots kept as companion birds. There are many species of Amazons, but only a few are available to the average bird owner. Many species are endangered, kept or imported only by special permit or kept in closed breeding facilities or zoological parks.

Young domestic-bred birds may readily be obtained. Purchase of an Amazon should be made from a breeder so you can see the parent birds, or from a reputable store that offers closed-banded domestic-bred birds. Purchasing a wild-caught bird is not advised because of the potential for disease and loss to the wild population. Smuggling a bird into the USA is a Federal offense and can result in prison and/or confiscation of your property (vehicle, house, ect.)

Obtaining a Baby Bird

Inexperienced bird owners should not purchase an unweaned bird, and that sale of unweanded birds in general is discouraged; the risk of death of the bird from inept handling is too great. The training necessary to hand-raise a parrot should not be practiced on a real parrot. Persons wishing to hand-raise a bird should volunteer to serve at a wildlife rehabilitation facility or a veterinary clinic that sees wild bird, to learn the techniques of preparing food and feeding immature birds under close supervision of a professional. Once these skills are learned, success is much more likely. A bird that is eating on its own and has been hand-raised by a skilled caretaker will be just as tame, and will bond with a new owner as readily as one that is not yet weaned.

Cage and Diet

Amazons have varied dietary requirements; a diet of seeds is lacking in nutrients and is far from their natural diet. Amazons in the wild feed on whatever is in abundant supply-vegetarian, fruit and occasional animal protein. A diet of carried green and yellow vegetables, fruit, sprouts, a small amount of meat protein and some grains or legumes is a good start. Avoid fatty or junk foods. There are also formulated diets designed for birds. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a diet.

Boredom and Entertainment

Amazons tend to become obese with inactivity. Offer the bird toys and interesting foods, keep the bird in a room with family activity, and give it time out of the cage. This helps keep the bird from developing bad habits and becoming overweight. Ask your veterinarian for a AAV brochure on Enhancing your bird’s life.

Taming and Training

Amazons can form lifelong bonds with their owners. Some Amazons are friendly to everyone they meet- some like only a few. This is normal behavior and forcing the issue is often fruitless.

Persistence is the key to taming. If the bird is tame when obtained, daily handling will ensure that it remains tame. If the bird is not tame, daily taming sessions of 10 to 15 minutes will gradually accustom the bird to being handled.

A large part of success in taming is to keep the bird’s wings trimmed. Have this done by your veterinarian so that the wings are trimmed correctly and the bird does not associate you with the wing trim.

Breeding and Seasonal Aggression

Amazons customarily begin to seek mates and breed from January through April. During this time they may become possessive or aggressive toward their owner, depending on how they view that person in their life.

If the bird is overly aggressive toward its owner during this time, some suggest that another person temporarily take care of feeding and cleaning so the bond with the primary owner is not compromised. Forcefully trying to control aggression in a sexually mature Amazon may not be the best choice. Let the bird get through this period with a minimum of disruption, and it will likely return to its old self once breeding season is over.

Breeding Amazons is relatively simple for some species. You need a positively identified male and female (ask your veterinarian how to identify the sex), a cage large enough for short flights (4 to 6 feet long by 5 feet tall is adequate, but you can go larger), a large, sturdy nest box, proper diet, and patience. Light periods are also important, so if the birds cannot be kept outside, full-spectrum light can be provided with a timer to simulate natural daylight hours.

Illness

Amazons are subject to many of the same diseases as people: obesity, malnutrition, tumors, respiratory disease, in addition to avian diseases their owners may not have heard of. Pacheco’s disease, papillomavirus, papovavirus, psittacine beak and feather disease, and pox are a few. Consultation with your avian veterinarian will help you understand the diseases- which ones can be vaccinated against and how to recognize or prevent some of the others.

Birds tend to hide signs of illness, so the best way to ensure your bird remains in good health is with an annual checkup. If you suspect the bird is sick, take it to a veterinarian immediately. Birds are often critically ill before the owner notices. Many veterinarians recommend that you keep a gram-scale at home and weigh the bird on a regular basis to check for unusual weight loss or gain.

Next to proper veterinary care and diet, the most important aspect of birdkeeping is the sanitation of the cage and feeding utensils. Water and food should be freshened daily, and the cups cleaned and sterilized. If you would not during out of the cup of taste the food, it’s too dirty for the bird and needs changing. Perches should be scrubbed often and the cage-bottom cleaned daily. Birds in the wild do not have to contend with unclean living conditions, and birds in captivity should not be forced to do so.

Talking or Screaming

Amazons can be excellent talkers. Many trainers recommend that you do not teach your Amazon to whistle. It’s so easy and fun, some birds resist learning new words once they learn to whistle. It’s so easy and fun, some birds resist learning new words once they learn to whistle. Repetition is the key to teaching the bird to talk. Some birds begin to talk very early, and some excellent talkers start much later in life. It can take several weeks for a bird to learn a word or phrase (they actually practice when they’re alone), but once learned, it is never forgotten. Be careful what you teach!

Amazons are artful screamers, preferring mornings and evenings for their vocalization. This is a natural pastime for Amazons, and trying to discourage it can do more harm than good. Learn to love your Amazon’s cheerful noisemaking. It’s a sign of contentment.