Considering this guy

[Shine]

I saw a bird on craigslist. I went to look at him to see who he was.

I think, (maybe?) hes a double yellow head? They say he is 4 years old, but who knows? You can see from the pics that he is in desperate need of a beak trim. I dont know how he eats with that beak. But, all they feed him is sunflower seeds and hot cheetos.

He seemed alert and curious, but hes in a small cage in a corner that people walk by occasionally. They have never touched him, but he can let himself out of his cage and will climb on top of it sometimes. He let me touch his foot and even raised his foot when I put my hand in his cage. Not sure if he was saying no, dont touch, or let me step up. He did let me rub his foot but didnt want to step up. He couldnt have bit me if he wanted to with that beak.

I added a couple of pics that show his beak. There is also one of his back. He has lots of yellow feathers mixed in with his green feathers. Is that due to bad nutrition or a natural thing?

I offered what I could afford, (considering hes going to need an immediate vet visit) They wanted considerably more then that. They said they would talk about it and let me know. I'm crossing my fingers.

Any info or suggestions anyone can give me on him would be appreciated.

 

[SailBoat]

Well, you are looking at a Double Yellow-Head Amazon that has a very elongated upper beak. The extensive over-growth implies an underling Health Problem and/or a genetic issue, which either or both result in what you are seeing.

And yes, this will require several visits to an Avian Professional as an elongated upper beak will require far more than a single visit just to correct the length. In addition, a 'new' Bird full physical examination, with a full spectrum blood testing is needed.

Since you are looking at a DYH Amazon, which are classified as 'endangered' by CITES, the seller needs to provide you a detailed Buy/Sell document that lists with detail the seller (full contact information), the species of the Amazon and its age. If the Amazon is three years old or younger, you will need a completed 'Hatch Certificate.' which defines, it's parent's species, the hatch date and the DNA Sex of the Amazon. Plus the full contact information of the breeder and any resell agent between the breeder and you.

You should also request that they provide you the contact information of their Avian Vet and a 'Letter of Release' for any and all medical documents for this Parrot to your Avian Vet's Clinic...

You /they state this Amazon is a male, I'm guess they have a DNA Document which states the Sex of this Amazon. You have the right to request a copy of the document.

FYI: The head coloration suggests this DYH Amazon is younger as the neck coloration has yet to fill in. The yellow feather across the back could be several things, hence the need to understand the parent's species, i.e. is a hybrid parent involved.. Or, is this a health or diet issue pushing the yellow. More likely a hybrid parent.

 

[saxguy64]

I second the need for full blood work and exam. There's so many things that could be going on. The yellow feathers could be from damaged follicles from plucking, but I think more likely due to an underlying issue caused by the AWFUL diet. Liver, kidney, or thyroid issues can cause this. Also as mentioned above, something genetic could be the source. Blood work is your friend here, and really the only way to know. Poor little guy, i hope you can help him.

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[wrench13]

One thing is 100% certain, this beautiful Amazon needs rescueing. THis borders on animal cruelty! Amazons are so smart, imagine keeping a 3 year old toddler in a cage thaat small, likely living in his own poop and eating nothing but frosted flakes. I so hope you get this guy.

 

[Laurasea]

I see a bright soul shining through those eyes! I hope you can rescue! Beak terrible... I've seen a few like maybe 4 yellow feathers sprinkled on the back of an Amazon I babysat
Edit: shared photo with a vet WHICH is NOT the same as a hands on exam!!! But they said eyes, nose , color looked good, would GUESS, a color variation. And ofcourse said NEEDs full work up. But I wanted to share with you that it MIGHT just be color variation on back... I think that bird is beautiful, and sure hope you can save

 

[Shine]

Thank you for the replies.

Sailboat, they have none of that and I know they wont have any idea how to get any of that info. It simply isnt available. So where does that leave me if I dont have any of that paperwork? He doesnt have a band. I dont plan on leaving the US.

They got him in southern california (I am in Nevada) from someone who was moving back to Mexico. They have onlyl had him for 2 mos and obviously know NOTHING about him or parrots in general.

I dont believe hes done any plucking, his feathers are beautiful. He really is a beautiful bird! He does have a light in his eyes and it felt like he was begging to go home with me. I was crying when I realized I couldnt take him with me.

I saw a man and his daughter, (daughter translated for him) when I looked at him. They said they had to talk to the wife to see if they could sell him to me for what I offered. I havent heard from them so far. I did tell them even if they couldnt sell him to me to let me know and I would bring over some better food options for him untl they could sell him.

I have never seen a beak that long and didnt realize it would take several visits to get it to where it should be but I am prepared to do what needs to be done to get him to where he should be. Of course, full blood work up is a necessity. (ouch)

I just tried to call them again to see if they made a decision about him but no answer.

Laurasea, thanks for the info from the vet. Thats at least good news as far as it goes. Of course, a full exam is going to happen if I get him.

So, let me just put the cost out there and get some opinions. They are asking $500, I offered $300. Am I crazy? I cant do $500 and have the cash to get all the vet work done at this time. I might be able to convince them to take $400 but not sure. They already had an offer for that much and turned it down. But they also said they wanted him to go to someone who knew something about them. (I'm lucky that I know where to come for information!) I know the husband wants me to have him, but not sure he can convince the wife to let him go for that amount.

This just breaks my heart.

 

[texsize]

The perch he is sitting on is way to small for him.

 

[Laurasea]

I dont believe hes done any plucking, his feathers are beautiful. He really is a beautiful bird! He does have a light in his eyes and it felt like he was begging to go home with me. I was crying when I realized I couldnt take him with me.

I Totally agree! He liked you! I can see it in the picture! I fell inove with him those pictures!

Fingers crossed!

 

[Shine]

The perch he is sitting on is way to small for him.

Yes, I also mentioned that to them. All of his perches were dowels that size. Nothing natural at all.

They really were clueless about him. They had no idea the damage they were doing to him, but once I mentioned a few things that could be done differently, I could see that they felt badly about it.

I have to admit, when I was talking about the all sunflower seed diet, the man picked up the container they came in and pointed to where it said, "Parrot Food" and had no idea it wasnt a good diet. It just infuriates me that they can label them that way when they will eventually kill the bird! They were trying though.

 

[Laurasea]

500 is complete responsible around here for a rehome Amazon.... Most go for even more. .

My vet freind says she never asks for paperwork......that they only do when making travel documents..... So for what it's worth.....

 

[Shine]

YES! I'm picking him up at 6pm tonight! They are taking $350 for him!

I'm so excited to get him! Vet appt made for Wednesday for an exam and beak trim

 

[saxguy64]

YEEEESSSSSS!

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[Flboy]

Oh wow! Oh wow!if I could dance, I’d be doing the happy one now!

 

[Shine]

Oh wow! Oh wow!if I could dance, I’d be doing the happy one now!

I know! Me too!

 

[Laurasea]

Yippie!!!!! Fingers now crossed for healthy vet exam!!!

 

[SailBoat]

Congratulations!

- Save up the money for a Micro Chip and before the end of this year (2020), have your Amazon Microchipped.

NOTE: Removing too much of the length of beak will impact the nerve bundle at its root (think tiny nerve filaments in the beak) and your Amazon will likely stop eating! Think clipping a dog's nails too short and the pain they feel. Its the same thing, but much closer to the the brain...

 

[wrench13]

Oh wow! Oh wow!if I could dance, I’d be doing the happy one now!

I know! Me too!

Pfffft, I AM dancing the happy dance. Whoo Hooo!!!!!!

DOuble Yellow Heads are one of my very favorite parrots ( though they uniformly hate me on sight). SO glad you are bringing the boy home!

wink wink

 

[Shine]

Got him home and settled in a cage that will be his home for awhile. (till I can get a bigger one for him. I didnt even bring home the cage they had him in, it was literally held together with wire and there was a breeder door that was just open, didnt even have the door for it! He deserves so much better then that!

Anyway, hes home. Its funny, hes louder then either of my other two. This should be fun! His name is Nico.

Oh, once I got him in a carrier, I could see his feet.

And now the adventure begins!

 

[wrench13]

Those feets need some 911 help! 'Boats what the best thing for this, beside a smoother,larger diamter perch. Jezz, thats making my feet hurt looking at them.

 

[SailBoat]

Those feets need some 911 help! 'Boats what the best thing for this, beside a smoother,larger diamter perch. Jezz, thats making my feet hurt looking at them.

They're bright reddish, but do not look as if the pads are flattened. If they are not flattened, a fast switch to larger diameter natural perches is a quick must do. A very light coating of corn oil (very light being the operative term here). And, comforting rub along the pad area is also helpful - more along the side of the pads and less on the pad themselves. Easy to say, just more difficult to do with a new member of the house...

If they are flatted, we will need to consider a totally different style of perch, think a cloth padded pad perch with a flatter center. But that is a discussion after our New Owner gets a good look at those claws.