An Amazon parrot is a term used to describe a variety of parrots native to Central and South America. Amazons come in over 30 different species, with 10 of them being popular as pets. The majority of Amazon parrots have green bodies. Depending on the species, they can have a variety of feather colours on their heads, including red, lilac, yellow, purple, blue, and more. Some have different coloured shoulders, tail feathers, and beaks.
With proper care, these medium-to-large birds can survive for decades. They demand constant attention, a varied diet, exercise space, and training, particularly if you want a quiet, kind bird. Several species are excellent communicators and mimics.
Temperament and Behaviour of Amazon Parrots
Amazons are intelligent and energetic birds who enjoy being in the spotlight. Amazons require a lot of love and attention from their owners. They’re curious and athletic, and they love putting on a show for their owners. Amazons that have been hand-tamed from a young age are usually calm around people and make loving, affectionate companions.
However, as they reach sexual maturity, Amazon parrots can become grumpy and violent if not adequately trained and treated. It is referred to as the bluffing stage. While the phase eventually passes, it can last up to two years. Amazons may bite and engage in other aggressive activities during the bluffing period. Males are more prone to acting out, and some birds act out more than others.
To comprehend Amazon’s emotions, owners can learn to interpret its body language. A parrot with narrowing pupils and elevated head feathers, for example, may become overly enthusiastic and bite if not given a chance to settle down.
Most Amazonian creatures can learn to communicate, be pretty loud, and talk about other vocalisations. They may screech, though not as loudly as cockatoos or macaws. Birds use these loud vocalisations to communicate with their flock, and they frequently indicate danger, wrath, enthusiasm, or a plea for help.
If Amazons are left alone for too long, they can grow bored, depressed, and destructive. They can get along with other birds but must introduce them gradually and carefully to ensure a good match. They can also get along with other well-behaved household pets, like cats and dogs, although they should be kept under supervision.
Housing and Cage
The cage for an Amazon parrot should be as big as you can fit and afford. The housing should be at least 2 feet by 3 feet by 4 feet in size, but the more significant, the better. Some owners even dedicate tiny rooms to their pet birds as free-flight aviaries. Make sure the cage bar spacing is small enough for your bird’s body parts not to get stuck.
Toys, swings, ladders, and perches of various sizes are included in the enclosure. Because Amazons like to chew, ensure that everything in the cage is safe and nontoxic. Include food and water dishes where bird droppings will not fall into them.
Substrate Requirements
Many owners use dye-free paper, paper towels, or a similar item to line the cage floor. Grates in cages let waste fall through, preventing your bird from wandering in droppings. If your bird’s cage floor is a grate, ensure it has access to a level surface to rest its feet.
What Food and Drink Do Amazon Parrots Consume?
Amazon parrots eat a wide array of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and flora in the wild. Your pet Amazon should consume a pellet bird meal and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Because nutritional demands vary depending on size, age, and activity level, consult your veterinarian about the amount and type of food you should treat.
Because birds like to graze throughout the day, keep a day’s worth of pellets in the cage in a chew-proof and tip-proof dish. Stainless steel dishes attached to the cage’s side are an excellent choice. After 24 hours, discard any uneaten pellets before adding the next day’s amount. You should feed Fresh items separately in a separate dish, preferably first thing in the morning when your bird is awake and hungry. To avoid deterioration, remove them after a few hours.
Make sure your parrot has access to clean water. Bottles are often easier to keep sanitary because many birds like to dunk food in water dishes. Before removing your bird’s water dish, make sure it learns how to drink from the bottle. Replace the water daily.
Typical Health Issues
Amazons are long-lived and relatively robust birds. However, they are frequently exposed to the following conditions:
- Obesity
- Picking feathers (plucking feathers due to boredom, skin problems, and other issues)
- Hypocalcemia is a condition in which the body’s (low calcium)
- Hepatitis is a disease of the liver.
- Infections and respiratory diseases
- Injuries in the home (such as from ceiling fans, toxic fumes, electrical wires, and more)
Tip
Some veterinarians do not consider birds to be patients. So, when you buy a parrot, make sure you can get it treated by an avian veterinarian in your area.
