Is there any way to prepare?

[Phlox]

So I found out a few weeks ago that there is a YNA in my future. It's a weird situation however, as I actually have only met the owner a few times years ago and he's a grumpy old man who's not interested in having me meet the bird...he's in his 80s but sort of in denial about his own mortality. I'd love for him to get to stay with his beloved Alys for a long time to come, but his heath is less than ideal.

His primary caregiver is my uncle because he has no family of his own. My uncle is not a bird person and wants me to take the bird when the inevitable happens.

Alys is a YNA as I mentioned, as she's between 25-30 years old. I know very little about her and my questions really aren't going to be answered. I do know she's cared for well, as this man actually was a zookeeper and he's had her for her entire life. He's had other birds as well, but she's the only one left.

I've read what I can about Amazons, but all my bird experience outside of visiting a rescue or a pet shop is with smaller birds. Are there any resources you guys can direct me to for learning more?

I would love to volunteer at a rescue, but the closest one is a very long drive away and I have a 3 year old, so my spare time is for her and my current FIDs and other pets and family and so forth.

Any help you can offer would be great. I want to make sure I do right by her and give her the best chance for me being her forever home when it happens.

 

[labell]

Very sad situation but reality is what it is. I have my birds in my living will and have all the particulars worked out as they will all out live me.

It is unfortunate that you can't meet the bird ahead of time it would make the transition easier. I will tell you though one of the true loves of my life was an older rescue YNA. He hated every one but me and there was no way to change that believe me we tried, he was also very hard to change to any sort of good diet it was a constant struggle but he and I were best friends! I miss him everyday. I didn't get near long enough with him, maybe with this guy being an ex zoo keeper he would have been aware how easy it is for amazons to get over weight. Is the bird flighted or clipped that you know of?

 

[BirdyMomma]

Clicker training will help you. Amazons are strong willed, and I find that I get the best results with clicker training mine, and using positive reinforcement.

Also, music is key. Mine loves music, and really gets interested in me when I sing or whistle to him.

 

[Phlox]

I'm assuming she's flighted, though I'm not sure. I do know this man had a sun conure who apparently loved everyone, who was lost as he was accidentally brought outside and was fully flighted and flew off.

But again, that's a guess. That's something I might be able to get answered by my uncle.

I know it's not the norm, but I like to trim wings for training if there's a struggle and then let them grow in -- but that's with little birds. I know clipping is a divisive subject, but I'd love to hear what other Amazon parents do.

I sort of expect the bird will hate me for a while. Luckily everyone that lives in my house understands this. Unless the bird becomes a danger to herself, we can deal. (My Nanday was in danger of hurting himself, trying to attack other birds and men so he found a lovely one bird, female only home.) Even so, I'd love to find a way to give this bird another happy 20 or more years with me if I can.

 

[labell]

I would wait and see the birds reaction to you first, my Karma fell in love with me on first sight and I with him.

Personally I would keep an amazon flighted if you can since without exercise they tend to become over weight but if it makes training easier I would consider it but not before he/she has time to adjust and settle in. Amazons can hold a grudge so if you know someone who could clip for you so you are not the "bad" person that is the way I would go!

 

[Birdman666]

Joanie Doss has a very good book on amazon body language and what it means, probably the best resource out there. I believe she's also got a fairly advanced training manual for zons.

She has a performing zons... that's what she does for a living.

With zons, it's really just a matter of handling them, until they accept it.

 

[Taw5106]

Everyone has given great advice, I think you have to wait to see how the bird acts with you. My experience, I got Buddy after his primary owner passed last October, then his other owner, primary's husband, passed this past March. I was nervous because I had only had budgies and a cockatiel. We picked him up from the city pound, the police found the husband so when we got him, he was saying hello but leary of us. We loaded his cage in the back seat and left, stopped by Sonic to get drinks and I was already looking things up trying to figure out how I was going to work with him. I heard him moving, turned to look at him and I wish I had a picture, he was holding onto the side of his cage as close as he could get to me and had his face smashed into the bars staring at me. Without thinking I reached over and asked if her wanted a head rub and I swear he tried to squeeze his head thru the bars. I scratched his head for several minutes. He was desperate for interaction and we just clicked. Food was a big motivator, helper and a big bonder.

Buddy is also flighted, I'm not for or against, it just hasn't been an issue with him.

 

[Birdman666]

That's actually a good point. If this bird has been languishing without attention for years, then he might open right up if he gets it...

He might also be cage bound, and territorial. So prepare for both.

 

[Phlox]

Thanks for all the replies! I am trying to be optimistic and still realistic about this. I think the bird actually does get a lot of interaction now, to be honest. I know since she's bonded to a man now she may fall for my husband instead of me and I'm okay with that, as long as I can work with her enough to feed her and keep her cage clean, etc.

From the stories I've been reading, it looks like most Amazons will come around eventually, even when they come from dire circumstances, as long as you learn their "language." Is that something that really varies bird to bird, or is there an Amazon to human translator I can study somewhere?

I think Alys is well loved, I think her owner just figures he's going to live forever.

 

[Birdman666]

thanks for all the replies! I am trying to be optimistic and still realistic about this. I think the bird actually does get a lot of interaction now, to be honest. I know since she's bonded to a man now she may fall for my husband instead of me and i'm okay with that, as long as i can work with her enough to feed her and keep her cage clean, etc.

From the stories i've been reading, it looks like most amazons will come around eventually, even when they come from dire circumstances, as long as you learn their "language." is that something that really varies bird to bird, or is there an amazon to human translator i can study somewhere?

i think alys is well loved, i think her owner just figures he's going to live forever.

joanie doss' book is the bible of amazon body language!

http://www.parrothouse.com/wrongwithamazons.html

 

[95talongirl]

Sounds like you are doing the right thing and preparing for the worst case scenario.

From my experience with a few Blue Fronts, I can tell you the same things that everyone else is saying. They communicate very well through body language, and don't joke around. In the 10+ so years of having an amazon around, I've only been bitten twice. And I deserved both of those.

My previous BFA was a very well mannered bird, in all reality. She tolerated everyone, even though I was her primary person. I've had friends, cousins, immediate family all be able to handle her. She was also never horribly aggressive or hormonal, for that matter. (I call her a she, but I never actually had her DNA-ed... ) This bird I got from a local rescue organization, too. So she already went through at least one home. I would still have her if she didn't pass away during a surgical procedure.

After her death, I got Mopar from a breeder. I had him DNA sexed, so I know he is a "he." Currently he is just over two years old, and still crazy as ever, but not aggressive at all. I can't even recall any time he ever has tried to actually bite anyone. If he's mad, he will growl and lunge a little, but will never actually lay his beak on your hand. I was expecting he would test me a little more by now, but I'll take it! lol! So time will tell if this little guy will develop into a hormonal monster or not.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the YNA. Amazons get a bad rep, but most I've seen do come around after a while. They are not super hand-on type birds, which I am ok with. I know for some, they like cuddly birds. I enjoy watching them play and sing and talk. Mopar likes to hang out on his cage and the computer chair, as well as the couch. I usually will have some plastic chains or a whiffle ball for him to wrestle with when he's on the couch, and he loves that.

Best of luck to you!! I think you'll do just fine.

 

[Phlox]

Thanks everyone! I'm starting to feel more excited than worried the more I'm learning. I honestly always wanted a larger parrot, but I'd always leaned towards Greys and Ekkies instead of Amazons because of their reputation. It appears its a stereotype due to birds not getting their needs met (which we all know happens entirely too often). I think I'm going to be up to this challenge!

 

[Taw5106]

You will never be bored, that's for sure. I look forward to getting up in the mornings. My little friend is all screaming sunshine, a chatterbox, animated, and says good morning every time. It's a nice way to start my day. Keep building that excitement!

 

[SAUD]

Take him wherever you go and always keep talking to him , sometimes I think they have the same of our hearts