Hello!

[CardiBird]

Hello,
My name is Johnathon and I recently acquired a Yellow Crowned Amazon. I am an exotic and small animal vet tech and an older couple had to drop their bird off due to the husband needing hospice care. I decided to take her home. Her name was Louise but she has never said it so I have decided to change it to Cardi Bird. She is 15 years old. I am feeding her Harrison’s life time coarse pellets and nutriberries along with vegetables that my rabbits eat. Is that a good diet? She doesn’t seem to like me very much yet. Any advice on getting her to like me? Will she ever really like me or just tolerate me (in your experience). I used to have a Rose Breasted Cockatoo and she adored me from the beginning. Forum question- why is my avatar sideways?
Here’s some pictures of her and her cage

 

[CardiBird]

Oh also, she doesn’t play with her toys or really move from one perch. Could it just be because she’s in a new environment or just lazy?

 

[cnyguy]

Welcome to you and your new feathered friend! It takes time for a parrot to adjust to a new home and new people, so be patient and let Cardi Bird set her own pace. Mature, rehomed parrots often need more time to settle in than younger parrots in their first real home. Spend some time sitting near her cage and talk softly to her to help her get more used to you and the sound of your voice. Try offering a variety of vegetables. Fresh green peas are a good choice-- George, the YCA who was part of my family for 40 years, loved those (as does Ralph the Quaker parrot who is with me now). George wasn't much for playing with parrot toys either, but sometimes play can be encouraged when the parront plays with the toys and shows the parrot how much fun they are. With time and patience, there's a good chance that you and Cardi Bird can build a strong bond.

 

[CardiBird]

Thanks for the warm welcome. Yea I’ve talked to a friend that actually got her 15yr old yellow headed amason from an older woman and she said it took about a month for him to get used to her. She lets me hand her treats and has stepped up when I first took her out of the carrier and when she fluttered to the ground one time. What is an appropriate amount of time before really trying to work with her? Also what are good treats? She has been fed crackers and peanuts but those are pretty fattening.

 

[Soyajam]

Welcome! What a sweet looking 'zon.

I can speak to the specifics of an amazon diet, but it's generally a good idea to be more on the fruit & veg side than on the processed/pelleted kind. Often they can be hard to shift onto new foods so you'll have to gradually change it over to more of the fresh stuff.

How recent is "recently"? If he's been with you less than a few weeks it's no surprise at all she's not doing much. It's a big change for a little bird. And if she was in her previous home for all of her 15 years, for his mum and dad to suddenly not be there will be quite a scary experience for Cardi Bird.

My own bird, who was hand-raised - didn't really start coming out of her shell until 2-3 weeks. I'm only really starting to see it for real now and it's been a month. She's what I would consider a best case scenario. Some birds take less, many take much longer. As you'll get to know her you'll know when she's more ready. Look for content behaviour in her cage like beak grinding, snoozing on one foot - she make even start to vocalise a bit when she's feeling safe.

Did they tell you much about her? Any habits, foods, toys or routines from her old life you could implement to make her feel more comfortable? If not, you'll probably need to start from "scratch". There's lots of threads on this forum about building bonds and trust, and training but the general gist is you need persistence!

I think you'll both be fine. Her diet is OK at the moment. If you can afford it, try a few more (or different) toys. My girl likes shredding carboard, toilet rolls, tree bark (from safe trees) so you can also find cheap things to play with.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, Johnathon!! One of my bird's avian vets began as an RVT and became a DVM a few years ago. Certainly gives a wider range of experience!!

Cardi Bird looks great, and I've adjusted your avatar to a normal orientation! Amazons can take a while to acclimate. During the "honeymoon" phase they are sizing you up much as you are assessing the relationship. Relax, it is normal!! We have many Amazon members who can give great advice.

Diet is crucial, an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits is best, supplemental quality pellets and some seeds are acceptable. Most parrots love almonds and walnuts as treats... small bites as they are high fat. My Blue Front enjoys Cheerios and warm plain cooked oatmeal as treats.

Feel free to check out the very active Amazon subforum and post any questions. A few other threads of interest:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you both!

 

[CardiBird]

Welcome! What a sweet looking 'zon.

I can speak to the specifics of an amazon diet, but it's generally a good idea to be more on the fruit & veg side than on the processed/pelleted kind. Often they can be hard to shift onto new foods so you'll have to gradually change it over to more of the fresh stuff.

How recent is "recently"? If he's been with you less than a few weeks it's no surprise at all she's not doing much. It's a big change for a little bird. And if she was in her previous home for all of her 15 years, for his mum and dad to suddenly not be there will be quite a scary experience for Cardi Bird.

My own bird, who was hand-raised - didn't really start coming out of her shell until 2-3 weeks. I'm only really starting to see it for real now and it's been a month. She's what I would consider a best case scenario. Some birds take less, many take much longer. As you'll get to know her you'll know when she's more ready. Look for content behaviour in her cage like beak grinding, snoozing on one foot - she make even start to vocalise a bit when she's feeling safe.

Did they tell you much about her? Any habits, foods, toys or routines from her old life you could implement to make her feel more comfortable? If not, you'll probably need to start from "scratch". There's lots of threads on this forum about building bonds and trust, and training but the general gist is you need persistence!

I think you'll both be fine. Her diet is OK at the moment. If you can afford it, try a few more (or different) toys. My girl likes shredding carboard, toilet rolls, tree bark (from safe trees) so you can also find cheap things to play with.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!

I have only had her a week. I had read she would take time to get used to me so that was expected. She’s starting to use some of the other perches now. She actually does the puffed out standing on one leg already and she talks to me. She’s already said “I love you” “I don’t know” and “hello”. She was with her old family for 15 years and then was at my clinics sister clinic for 2 weeks so it’s been a big move for her, but I’m excited to be giving her some stability. I
am definitely going to buy her more toys. I’ve actual found some good cheap options on wish so I’m gonna load her cage up with a variety and see what she likes.

 

[CardiBird]

Welcome to the forums, Johnathon!! One of my bird's avian vets began as an RVT and became a DVM a few years ago. Certainly gives a wider range of experience!!

Cardi Bird looks great, and I've adjusted your avatar to a normal orientation! Amazons can take a while to acclimate. During the "honeymoon" phase they are sizing you up much as you are assessing the relationship. Relax, it is normal!! We have many Amazon members who can give great advice.

Diet is crucial, an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits is best, supplemental quality pellets and some seeds are acceptable. Most parrots love almonds and walnuts as treats... small bites as they are high fat. My Blue Front enjoys Cheerios and warm plain cooked oatmeal as treats.

Feel free to check out the very active Amazon subforum and post any questions. A few other threads of interest:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

Thanks! Are the pictures in this thread sideways too? Are plain Cheerios pretty healthy? I’ll probably do that as training treats.

 

[SailBoat]

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Amazons!!!

Consider: At fifteen, you had been ripped from your home and everything and everyone you knew since you where just a baby! How long would it take you to adjust to this very different new place and Humans?

Basics:
- Read the Amazon Forum: Start with the first two Sticky Threads (found in light blue at the top of the Page) The first one is Understanding Amazon Body Language! This is the Starting point for anyone with an older Amazon! Read it out-loud to your Amazon multiple times until you clearly understand it! The Next Thread is Just Huge! It is titled: I Love Amazons - ... and you will find it a foundation to Loving and Living with Amazons! Insider Information: The vast amount of this Thread can be used for near any Parrot! Read it out-loud to your Amazon Also!

- Interaction with an Amazon: It Is ALWAYS The Fault of the Human! It Is NEVER The Fault Of The Amazon! Always work from this vantage point and you will quickly see what you are doing wrong and correct it!

- It just takes time for 'Parrots' to develop a Trust!!! Remember that they are Hard Wired to see the World as a Dangerous Place and need the Humans to prove that that we can be trusted!!!

- Socialization is a very important part of assure that your Amazon will be comfortable with other Humans! Once you have a working relationship with your Amazon! Its time to start introducing your Amazon to near everyone! Very Important Note: If your Amazon pulls back from someone! Respect that emotion! Never force your Amazon to go to someone!

- Once you begin to watch for and understand Amazon Body Language you will find that your Amazon is clearly telling you when it is Happy or Not and more importantly, "If you Keep Doing This, I will really bite you hard." With few exceptions, Amazons will warn first than if you continue, They will Nail You Hard!

- Bite Pressure Training: Like socialization this is very important training to assure that when you are being stupid and not paying attention, that in place of a hard, deep, cutting bite, you only get a nip!

- Always remember that Parrots do not have hands and that the Beak is used to hold-on to things, gain balance and to identify the World around them! Being Beaked is very different from being bitten! Do not confuse the two!

Again, Welcome to the Wonderful World of Amazons! Parrot Forums and the Amazon Forum is a Wonderful Place to Learn About and share ones joy of being OWNED by an Amazon!

Amazon's Have More Fun!!!

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, Johnathon!! One of my bird's avian vets began as an RVT and became a DVM a few years ago. Certainly gives a wider range of experience!!

Cardi Bird looks great, and I've adjusted your avatar to a normal orientation! Amazons can take a while to acclimate. During the "honeymoon" phase they are sizing you up much as you are assessing the relationship. Relax, it is normal!! We have many Amazon members who can give great advice.

Diet is crucial, an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits is best, supplemental quality pellets and some seeds are acceptable. Most parrots love almonds and walnuts as treats... small bites as they are high fat. My Blue Front enjoys Cheerios and warm plain cooked oatmeal as treats.

Feel free to check out the very active Amazon subforum and post any questions. A few other threads of interest:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

Thanks! Are the pictures in this thread sideways too? Are plain Cheerios pretty healthy? I’ll probably do that as training treats.

Thread pics reoriented!

Original Cheerios (not the honey type or for sure not chocolate!) are not particularly "healthy" in quantity, but they are one of the least offensive OTC treats. Relatively low in sugar and a pleasing "donut" shape.

 

[CardiBird]

Welcome to the forums, Johnathon!! One of my bird's avian vets began as an RVT and became a DVM a few years ago. Certainly gives a wider range of experience!!

Cardi Bird looks great, and I've adjusted your avatar to a normal orientation! Amazons can take a while to acclimate. During the "honeymoon" phase they are sizing you up much as you are assessing the relationship. Relax, it is normal!! We have many Amazon members who can give great advice.

Diet is crucial, an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits is best, supplemental quality pellets and some seeds are acceptable. Most parrots love almonds and walnuts as treats... small bites as they are high fat. My Blue Front enjoys Cheerios and warm plain cooked oatmeal as treats.

Feel free to check out the very active Amazon subforum and post any questions. A few other threads of interest:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

Thanks! Are the pictures in this thread sideways too? Are plain Cheerios pretty healthy? I’ll probably do that as training treats.

Thread pics reoriented!

Original Cheerios (not the honey type or for sure not chocolate!) are not particularly "healthy" in quantity, but they are one of the least offensive OTC treats. Relatively low in sugar and a pleasing "donut" shape.

Ok thanks for the info!

 

[cnyguy]

A treat I always suggest is plain popcorn-- no butter, oil or salt. I use air-popped popcorn for my two parrots. It's one of the few things that they both like a lot (George the YCA did too).

As I said in my earlier post, George didn't take much interest in toys, but he did like to untie knots in string. I used fairly thick pure cotton string, tied several knots in a length of it, and tied it onto the cage bars. That would keep George busy for quite a while. He did have a stainless steel cowbell he would play with (and fight with ), and if I gave him an almond in the shell, he'd toss it to the bottom of his cage, go down and get it, drop it again, etc., etc. All three parrots I've lived with would rather play with things that aren't really toys.

 

[wrench13]

'Boats you always give new folks such a great intro !

Cardi welcome and be be welcomed. Boats here is one of our Amazon experts, the advice he offers is worth it's weight in gold. I like the pics of your new teen ager. The fact that she's interacting with you already is a good sign, I hope you 2 have many many years of love and companionship.

 

[Inger]

I am definitely going to buy her more toys. I’ve actual found some good cheap options on wish so I’m gonna load her cage up with a variety and see what she likes.

Beware of purchasing things for Cardi on Wish. They will likely not meet the safety standards that would be required here and/or that you would want them to meet. The wrong kind of paint, for example, can cost Cardi her life. Making toys is very easy and you can get parts at a reasonable price online. I bought a ton of stuff from mysafebirdstore.com.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Scott]

I am definitely going to buy her more toys. I’ve actual found some good cheap options on wish so I’m gonna load her cage up with a variety and see what she likes.

Beware of purchasing things for Cardi on Wish. They will likely not meet the safety standards that would be required here and/or that you would want them to meet. The wrong kind of paint, for example, can cost Cardi her life. Making toys is very easy and you can get parts at a reasonable price online. I bought a ton of stuff from mysafebirdstore.com.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Some really good points! Lead parts and paint, chewable fibrous materials, sharp metals, etc are found with inferior toys. Threads of interest:
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-toys/38678-list-hazardous-toys-here-please.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-toys/38676-toy-safety.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-toys/282-cheap-parrot-toys.html

 

[CardiBird]

I am definitely going to buy her more toys. I’ve actual found some good cheap options on wish so I’m gonna load her cage up with a variety and see what she likes.

Beware of purchasing things for Cardi on Wish. They will likely not meet the safety standards that would be required here and/or that you would want them to meet. The wrong kind of paint, for example, can cost Cardi her life. Making toys is very easy and you can get parts at a reasonable price online. I bought a ton of stuff from mysafebirdstore.com.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I didn’t think about that. Maybe I’ll just stick with amazon.

 

[CardiBird]

A treat I always suggest is plain popcorn-- no butter, oil or salt. I use air-popped popcorn for my two parrots. It's one of the few things that they both like a lot (George the YCA did too).

As I said in my earlier post, George didn't take much interest in toys, but he did like to untie knots in string. I used fairly thick pure cotton string, tied several knots in a length of it, and tied it onto the cage bars. That would keep George busy for quite a while. He did have a stainless steel cowbell he would play with (and fight with ), and if I gave him an almond in the shell, he'd toss it to the bottom of his cage, go down and get it, drop it again, etc., etc. All three parrots I've lived with would rather play with things that aren't really toys.

I’ll have to try that. She did not like cherrios. She just throws them on the ground so I’ll pick it up and had it back.

 

[Scott]

A treat I always suggest is plain popcorn-- no butter, oil or salt. I use air-popped popcorn for my two parrots. It's one of the few things that they both like a lot (George the YCA did too).

As I said in my earlier post, George didn't take much interest in toys, but he did like to untie knots in string. I used fairly thick pure cotton string, tied several knots in a length of it, and tied it onto the cage bars. That would keep George busy for quite a while. He did have a stainless steel cowbell he would play with (and fight with ), and if I gave him an almond in the shell, he'd toss it to the bottom of his cage, go down and get it, drop it again, etc., etc. All three parrots I've lived with would rather play with things that aren't really toys.

I’ll have to try that. She did not like cherrios. She just throws them on the ground so I’ll pick it up and had it back.

All part of the gig! Training the servant to obediently pick up what was thrown!