Birdless, but not for long?

[Joon]

Hi,

Not sure what to say because I worry I'll jinx myself. I just spent an afternoon at a nearby rescue trying to get to know about fifteen Amazons while listening to an ear piercing cacophony of Cockatoos in the adjoining rooms. Some sat nearly motionless on their perches trembling while others said hello and pretty bird while one pranced on their perch vying for all the attention. I wish I could've spend more time getting to know them before making a choice.

I've had smaller birds, but this will be my first big bird. I'd like to teach it to forage and wear a harness so I could take it for walk if my mad plans for parrot domination of the neighbourhood skies doesn't pan out.

I'm excited, but a bit burnt out so not sure what else to add. I keep bees and have a cross eyed cat with gorgeous blue eyes and like fermented things. So ... umm, hi.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums! It is wonderful to adopt from a rescue, and yours seems to have a large selection. But is appears you have already made a choice? If possible, spending more time with various candidates is helpful. There is a concept of "letting the bird choose you."

Of course there is always the affliction of MBS. Many of us surrendered to Multiple Bird Syndrome ages ago and require a flock at all times!

 

[Joon]

Thanks.

I agree and if I was a bit closer I would volunteer to help to make the decision a lot easier, and said as much, but they're too far away. I was thinking of going back at least once or twice more because I wasn't expecting anything like I experienced. It was all incredibly overwhelming. Cockatoo screams can make your ears hurt ... yeeouch!

Cockatoos were always out. I was thinking of an African Grey, but my partner discovered they're allergic to feather dust today. I picked four that seemed really responsive to me ...

I'm not sure what to say. Kudos to those volunteers. They have a (seemingly) impossible task ahead of them, about 600 birds are looking for homes. I've always wanted a bird and thought maybe I could help out, but if I don't wind up with a bird that'll be ok too. After all I've learned I don't want to make things worse. A happy ending.

You know what I mean?

 

[Loko]

Welcome and glad you are going to rescue a bird in need of some love. If you are ready for a possible lifetime commitment to a wild little 2 year old, then go for it! The love you give you will get back and theres no other bond like a birds imo. You will see pretty quickly which birds like you and which dont - and dont take it personal as some birds have had abusive pasts and may hate males or hate females because their owner was a male, or owner was female and abused them. If they pick you, you wont have as much to worry about in that aspect, also, adult birds are already who they are so its not like getting a baby who is one way until puberty then changes into someone else, with an adult you get what you got or saw. There is plenty of amazing info on amazons here, check out the amazon section. You wont be in the dark, or alone if you need any help. Of the four you narrowed it down to, what species are they?

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you, happy adventures!

 

[Joon]

Thanks Loko, and Flboy.

I'm going back to take a look again this week armed with ear buds designed for a gun range so I can better zen out on each of the birds.

Of the four, I almost certain one was a double yellow who thinks I have mate potential. Knows how to say hello, trilled/purred at me while trying to squeeze through the bars to reach me. He took to me immediately and was the most animated of the bunch. This might be the best choice, but I have some concerns about the potential for possessiveness and jealousy.

Another was a blue fronted who repeats hello/pretty bird, and will gladly step up for volunteers.

My partner liked the third who would say hello any time we walked away from the cage. He thinks "she" has potential and I shouldn't discount her. I think it's a yellow naped, or double yellow. It's all a blur ...

The last was bigger and all green IIRC. It fluffed their head feathers and at one point fanned their tail telling me it had enough. It was nearest to the door. I have a weak spot for the hard to get types.

The rest were pretty much typical Amazons, sitting stoically, refusing to give me a glimmer of their personalities, and apart from a name tag there wasn't additional information for any of them. Some of the volunteers have done write ups, but not for all. The refuge they were rescued from didn't keep good records. They've been through a lot, and I suspect the current environment is very stressful for them which makes harder to get to know them.

 

[Scott]

If you have the time, please consider reading these Amazon threads!

http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/65119-i-love-amazons-going-journey.html

Amazon body language: http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/54250-amazon-body-language.html

Good luck with the search, let us know the outcome!!

 

[Joon]

I have a hot date with an amazon parrot tomorrow. I thought we'd go for a joy ride in the snow before heading home.

The cage is set up and I've been stockpiling foods for the bird to try, thought about buying a few shares in a paper towel company and the phone company generously donated a phoneb... chew toy.

I'll post a photo when we're back home.

 

[Allee]

Welcome Joon, enjoy the journey and please remember to share the details!

 

[Scott]

Nice to see you are not making an impulsive decision. Have a great visit and let us know the outcome!!

 

[Joon]

It loves soba noodles, rice and a slew of fruit and vegetables. I've been sharing meals sometimes giving it a bit of what I'm eating, or something from the bowl of food I've made up for them. It's going to be really easy to switch the bird over to chop I think. I don't know how to find the food it would kill for training though. So far cashews, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds (raw and out of the shell), pumpkin seeds and whole and shelled almonds are dropped or thrown ... /puzzled

It sings Old MacDonald and opera in the sweetest voice. It also knows how to say, hello, I love you, hello it's me! and a few other phrases I haven't quite caught yet.

The img tag is throwing me so hopefully the link works. The bird. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-dOxDlQttFNR21fUFB5SGN6RjA/view

 

[Scott]

Ah, you have chosen a bird? The link works well and reveals a beautiful Amazon!

 

[Joon]

We did! And we want another one ... (I'd like a hahns or severe macaw) but that will be far in the future I think.

S/he smells good too.

I tried to hyperlink with the img icon, it ate my link. Good to know it works.

 

[Flboy]

Such an awesome cutie!
Really good photo!

 

[Scott]

Amazons can smell wonderful. My BFA has the aroma of roses!

 

[Teknogeddon]

What a beautiful Bird!


I can tell you from personal experience of my bird being in my face, Hahns smell a bit fruity. Not like, fresh fruit smell... more of fresh fruit loops? I find it quite pleasant.

Chas is an absolute delight, I'd recommend a Hahns to just about anyone.

Hope you enjoy the forum.

 

[Joon]

Thanks everyone.

Scott, the first night it was floral, musky with a hint of urine. Now it's more musky/floral maybe because of all the fruit and veg? I tried giving them a bath with a mister, but it just sat there with a "you done yet?" look.

Teknogeddon, when I was at the shelter I made sure to tour the macaw cages. I have a soft spot for them. They have a Military macaw, and a bonded Scarlet and Severe pair. The Scarlet wouldn't let us near the smaller bird. I really like the way the Hahn's sound, and they look like they're a lot of fun to be around.

 

[Scott]

I would imagine his scent will change based on cleanliness and certainly food. I suppose that is why specific species can have different scents.

Really like macaws, so much personality! My favorite are the Green Wings.

 

[Kentuckienne]

Beautiful bird.