Blue fronted amazon question

[SlashGash]

A friend of mine has a 1 year old blue fronted amazon that he no longer has time for. He has asked me if I would take her because she doesnt get enough attention at his house. Im no beginner to birds, Ive owned many birds in the past and im very familiar with how to care for them. But, ive never owned a blue fronted amazon before. Ive done a lot of research and I feel I can definately handle the seasonal aggression, the loudness, messiness, and everything else that comes with owning one. My question is, Is there anything else that I should know about them? Is there anything that maybe a google search wouldnt tell you. And id like anyone with first hand experience to tell me about these birds.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Well, I don't have first hand experience other then interacting with the occasional amazon here and there XD

One thing I know is amazons are prone to obesity like the galahs so a lot of care should go into their diet. I don't know how severe there health problems can get. With Galahs they really need to be fully flighted, in fact I don't think anyone should have a galah clipped and if they do it's either ignorance or laziness. I'm not sure the extent of an amazon's proneness to obesity so I would talk to your avian vet about it or speak to a reliable amazon breeder.

 

[Kiwibird]

My husband and I have a 15 y/o rescue BFA. I must say, I grew up around parrots (including 2 amazons) but he is certainly the, erm, most 'unusual' parrot I've ever encountered lol. He makes goose noises instead of parrot noises, and is absolutely hilarious to watch. My personal favorite is when he slightly lifts a wing, and rolls his head around under it (not preening, just flicking his head around in his wing pit). He isn't the "petting" type, but he does give kisses and happily undoes any buttons or zippers holding your clothes on as well as helps me out by pulling my hair ties or clips right out (he unbraids my hair too!). He likes to hang upside down, like a bat, from the roof of his cage. He'll stay like that for a few minutes too, while grunting at you and sometimes he'll spread his wings, further adding to the "bat illusion". He also HATES the mailman and loves the vacuum. He is a very special little creature, and has quite a personality. We have had him 5 years, and just couldn't imagine life without his rediculous anticts.

Parrots aren't for everyone, but for someone willing to accept them for what they are, amazons on the top of my list (yes, I'm a bit biased lol). They're just so adorably mischievous IF you decided to take this little guy in, be prepared for a rough few moths while you get better aquainted. But after you form a strong bond, a parrots can make the best animal companion ever!

 

[henpecked]

I'd read though some of the older post here in this section. You can learn a lot and then ask questions. We'd love to help you out.At 1 yr old you have a great chance at a life long companion.

 

[SlashGash]

Thanks for your input, guys. One question I do have is when I get her home, should I give her a few days to get used to my living room before attempting to handle her? Or should I jump right in and try to get her used to me as soon as possible. Ive heard of people doing both, thats why I ask.

 

[Aquila]

Feel it out, it's hard to say how the bird will be till you actually get her! She might be the type that's comfortable anywhere and ready to explore. With her age, it's likely she's going to be interested, though maybe a little timid. Offer her some special treats and she'll love you!

 

[SlashGash]

Thanks! Another question, what are suitable treats for BFAs?

Sorry if im being a bother with all these questions, I just want to maike sure she gets the best care possible.

 

[Aquila]

Mine loves Yogurt-covered-anything. I get the Kaytee parrot biscuits as well, and when I'm training, that's the only time he gets a few sunflower seeds. I've said this in a few other threads, but I did this for my Green cheek conure, I used cheerios and rice krispies at the very beginning, and she went crazy, will still try to dive into my bowl! It's "human food" but still healthy enough for a treat. It's also something you can just sit and eat and hopefully get their attention.

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum

As he is still so young,I dont think you will have too many problems.

When you bring him home, just see how he reacts first... If you find he is reluctant to come out, then leave him for a few days, but if he is ok with stepping onto you , or coming out, then thats fine.

You will get to know what his favourites are for treats. They are all different in their likes.. The only thing my Zon will takes as a treat are hazelnuts.

 

[aliray]

Welcome and congrats on your new baby

 

[MaraWentz]

They're pigs and messy eater in my experience. My grandmom has 3 amazons, all pigs, all messiest, but the blue fronted is the worse, and they all love buttered bread.

 

[SlashGash]

Thank you all so much, you've been so helpful.

MaraWentz, Im used to messy eaters lol. My cat gets more food on the floor than in her mouth when she eats, then once it touches the floor she refuses to eat it because it's "dirty".

One other question I have is I dont really like her name, but ive been told she says her name, If I were to change it, being as she says it would thaty confuse her? I mean, do you think that she know's she is Lola or do you think she just says Lola to mimic whats been said to her. I dont want to confuse her if I do change it, but I kinda cant stand the name Lola. lol

 

[beekersmom]

I rescused a 45 year old blue fronted amazon named willy who had lots of health issues to address in the beginning. Try to keep the name similar if the bird is older, sorry I forget how old you said you bfa was. I call willy by his given name but i also gave him a special name "Willers",lol. All Birds are different in what they will accept and how long it takes to become trusting of their new home and flock. Willy joined us july 19th. He is a womans bird, but is learning to trust that hubby is not going to hurt or mistreat him. Bob has managed to stick train willy to come out and go back into his cage using a clicker and a special treat. Now he willingly steps up onto the stick for him with no agressive moves. We also mimic his calls so that he feels that he is truly in a flock, and he enjoys being around the other fids even though he cannot interact with them. Different species. willy now climbs down his cage and comes to me if i am home relaxing and enjoys one on one time a great accomplishment and show of trust from him. take your time and your bfc will let you know when he is ready to be friends

 

[wenz2712]

It wont be a problem changing the Name! Just keep saying it over and over.. he will soon pick it up!

I have just found out my Zon is a Male rather than a Female, so I have had to teach him to say, Good Boy rather than Good Girl, which he is now saying after only 2 Weeks

I dont find him to be messy at all!

 

[Kiwibird]

If your going to change her name, the time to do it is immediately after bringing her home. That way, as she adapts to her new environment, she will also adapt to what you call her. Bringing a parrot into a new home is like being given the one time only chance to hit the "reset" button for them. What they learn in those initial few months will influence them the entire time they remain in your care (which is hopefully forever). It shouldn't be too hard to do, just start calling her what you want her new name to be as soon as you get her, and it won't take long for her to pick up that she's being called Suzy instead of Lola. I would highly suggest though you have your mind made up regarding her new name before you ever bring her home. You only have a small window of opportunity to make it an easy, smooth transition.

I wish we would have had some time before we brought Kiwi home to figure out a new name, but we got a call someone wanted to give him up asap on a Friday afternoon, and picked him up Saturday afternoon. We had no time to decide on a new name. Plus, despite all his other problems, he did respond to his name, so we ended up keeping it for lack of a better alternative and ease of building trust. I have always thought Kiwi was a kind of girly name though, and he is 100% male zon through and through lol. O well, at least he doesn't seem to notice his names a bit on the feminine side.

 

[KBEquine]

I came into parrot-hood thinking I was an African Grey person, but discovered to my surprise that I am really an Amazon person. I say that so you know my bias - I love them all, but feel like I "get" the 'zons. So, from the perspective of a person with 2 'zons, a yellow crowned & a Pan:

1. 'Zons seem to adjust to new environments a bit better than some of the other species. Just my observation. The YC came into the house & all but said, "Where's the party?" could be picked off his cage [with a perch] from day #1, was immediately OK with being held [and now that he knows me better, loves being held], is rarely afraid of new toys although he does approach some cautiously, will go to strangers, does not try to climb to my shoulder, and eats his fruits & veggies with gusto, as well as some pellets & most nuts. The Pan is much more reserved, but stepped to hand from day #1, took months to allow head scritches, adores several kinds of pellets, most nuts and some fruits/veggies. He is afraid of some toys & rarely plays (but recently displayed a love of wicker baskets).

2. They are messy eaters. Then again, every bird in the house except the macaw are messy (and I don't know why the macaw is cleaner).

2. You will have to figure out your own treat. I find that my rehomed parrots do not eat the treats their prior owner tells me they love (maybe I don't cook the same!) but will come up with 'new favorite' treats. For example, my YC loves cashews & buttered whole grain bread. My Pan loves the mango/pineapple nutriberries & almonds-in-the-shell.

3. It seems to me that amazons are either perch potatoes or very active. But they do tend to weight, so hopefully the BFA is young enough to learn to play with toys. Our Pan doesn't play much, but he flies occasionally, which takes tremendous energy. The YC plays hard with his favorite toys & also flies occasionally [and goes on walkabouts, looking for treats, if I take his food away when he is on his playstand.]

4. Be careful how you change the name, if you must change it. I personally do not change an animal's name, if it comes with a name & responds to that name. But listen to the bird - it might tell you what it wants to be called. And of course, there are plenty of rescue birds who come with no history at all, including a name & they often adjust (and some of them will spontaneously TELL you their name, when they are comfortable enough to talk).

We had 1 bird who rejected his owner-provided name & renamed himself "Beaker" & another who recognizes his owner-provided name, but gave himself the nickname "Little" or "Little-little."

And listen to the bird to see if HE has renamed YOU. My cousin has a B&G macaw who calls her "sock" as in, "You're a good sock!" and our Grey says, "Christmas tree?" when he wants my attention. He accurately says the names of the dog, my sister-in-law, & several of the other birds. When I realized he had never said my name, even though I know he can make the right sounds, I asked him, "What's my name?" and he said: Christmas tree! [I asked several times over the course of a couple days - same result. Given the vast extent of his vocabulary, I think of all the things he COULD have called me & feel like I got off easy.]

Sorry. Got off topic!

Enjoy the new bf - may your 'zon make you an 'amazon person' too!

 

[SlashGash]

Thank you everybody! Im picking her up today or tomorrow. Im super excited.

 

[SlashGash]

I have another question. Do you guys think the name Calypso would be too much of a mouthful for her?

 

[JerseyWendy]

I have another question. Do you guys think the name Calypso would be too much of a mouthful for her?

You must be SO excited!!! It shines through in your posts. LOVE the name Calypso!!! I think she'll be able repeat it in due time.

 

[SlashGash]

I got her! But I think she definately needs some time before I can attempt to really touch her too much. I was able to carry her a little bit, but then she started trying to bite. The person I got her from says when she bites just push back on her beak to stop her and she wont do it again, but that doesnt work for me. Maybe its just because shes scared right now? Also, Im not changing her name. Everytime I said Calypso, she'd scream Lola. lol. So, I guess she likes her name.