Meeting potential red-lored overlord this week...advice?

[Kentuckienne]

Wondering what you guys think about this ...

You might know that we are presently owned by a rescue, a special-needs blue & gold, Gus. Gus isn't going away, he's here with us for the rest of his life, good lord willing and the creek don't rise. But we're thinking about taking on a second parrot overlord, a red-lored amazon. A red-lored overlord!

Gus likes to be held by my husband, and if he's alone long enough - say someone is taking care of him while we are away - he will solicit scritches and love from that person. But he tends to pick one person and stick with them. There is only so much attention he wants. Most of the time he wants to sit on top of his cage and stare out at the world. Haven't been able to find a toy he will play with or chew up. All he wants in the world is to tear up paper. I don't know if it's something in his past, or if he is in pain from his spinal deformation - the condition is supposed to be extremely painful for humans, and if he's hurting that could explain a lot.

My husband still misses his blue-front amazon and that amazon personality. The rescue that saved Gus has a red-lored that's still in quarantine. His owner died. He's at least 20 years old and the rescue says he's the cuddliest, snuggliest amazon they have ever seen. Talks and whistles. Our BFA was also a shoulder snuggle bird, loved his human, loved to get hours of touching. This new bird sounds similar. We're thinking ... oh, to have another Amazon in the house. We will still give Gus all the attention and scritches and loving he will accept, and maybe some day he will become a mush mac. We have room for both birds. Noise is no problem. Maybe Gus would benefit from having another avian in the house to set examples?

Anyway, we will drive down and meet this new fellow this weekend. See if there is any chemistry. Just wondering, especially those of you who have been owned by both these species of Amazon ... is there anything we should know? Are red-loreds really that much different from blue fronts, that we would still miss that blue front personality? Or does an outgoing red lored approach the personality of a relatively calm, friendly blue front?

 

[texsize]

My red-lored amazon was very friendly with me from the first time I saw her. She was a rescue of sorts and about 12 years old when I got her.
She chose me as her person. My son was able to interact with her to a lesser degree.
Only real problem I had with her was her mood swings. She could be accepting a neck scratch on second and the next turn and bite me. She did not show the typical body language of an upset amazon (tail flaring and eye pinning).
of course every bird is different. she never talked but had 3 distinct whistles.
I have no idea how she would have reacted to a macaw. She got along well with my orange wing amazon and was a partner to him.
I miss her terribly. in my opinion she was the most beautiful of my 3 amazons

texsize

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Jimmy,a good friend of mine,had Jake,a RLA..Smaller in size then a BFA,He would willing come to me and demand skritches.
Jim said he was very animated,talked a little,but whistled and made 'zon sounds a lot.
Jake didn't scream.
Jim's GF had two white doves that Jake had as pals.
Jake had a good disposition.

Jim had Jake since he was 6 months old.
Unfortunately and sadly,Jake passed away a few years ago.




Jim

 

[SailBoat]

Been Blessed with both owning us and if pushed to choose, I truly couldn't. I would have to let the one that wants us choose. I really mean it, the personalities, interactions, colors and variation in sizes are all there.

Both have a very wide range is sizes from the mid 300's up to near and over 470 grams in their traditional ranges with size a factor of the depth of the over-growth of the range. Small body's in thicker growth areas and larger body's in more open areas.

Of the seven RLA's that I have known, (owned by two) the personalities have been all over the range from very composed to over-active. All have been friendly and interactive.

Although, I have seen and heard of this problem with other Amazon species. I have seen and heard of more RLA's with dominance problems when on the floor; a tendency of foot /toe biting. This is a behavior that can be overcome, either check for it or be aware of it. I have never choose to study it, so I am not sure of whether it is nest protection, an abuse issue, etc...

If this RLA show interest, you could be faced with a full-feather hugging Amazon! Both of my two just couldn't get enough hugging time.

 

[Kiwibird]

My moms green cheek amazon (a close relative of the RLA) was the sweetest bird on earth. I don't think he bit a single time in his whole life. You could pick him up and cuddle on him however you wanted and he just accepted it. Not an aggressive bone in his body, very go-with-the-flow bird. Apparently, the smaller amazons do tend to have this kind of friendly, lovable personality (as opposed to their larger, feistier and more aggressive cousins the "hot 3" species).

Please keep us posted on your potential new addition

 

[GaleriaGila]

I'm excited!
Ooooooh, I hope it works out.
You'd give our little Red-lord such a great home...

 

[Kentuckienne]

Thank you all for piping up! I had a good feeling about the RLO, but I really want to have a realistic expectation. If he comes to be our Over-Lored, that’s forever. If hooman-parrot or parrot-parrot or hooman-hooman relations are imperfect, we will work them out, but there’s always a risk in any worthwhile endeavor. Right now the red-lored subject is being sweet and friendly but you don’t lose your companion and home of 20 years without some trauma. And the best case scenario is that he also loses his current companion and home. It would be unfair to make him endure a third upheaval.

We will go introduce ourselves and see what happens. He might not like us, and if so there will be lots of folks in line for his hand in parrotiage. If he does, we will still think long and hard about it and what’s best for all.

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Thank you all for piping up! I had a good feeling about the RLO, but I really want to have a realistic expectation. If he comes to be our Over-Lored, that’s forever. If hooman-parrot or parrot-parrot or hooman-hooman relations are imperfect, we will work them out, but there’s always a risk in any worthwhile endeavor. Right now the red-lored subject is being sweet and friendly but you don’t lose your companion and home of 20 years without some trauma. And the best case scenario is that he also loses his current companion and home. It would be unfair to make him endure a third upheaval.

We will go introduce ourselves and see what happens. He might not like us, and if so there will be lots of folks in line for his hand in parrotiage. If he does, we will still think long and hard about it and what’s best for all.

K???...Is there a timeline in adopting this wonderful sounding creature?
I know you are an experienced parront,and will think long AND hard before even considering bringing this needy guy to his potentially "forever" home

I know if I had the space (AND BUX!) I'd have....a "couple" more fid's,living with me and Amy,and Beebers..

God bless you my friend! :60:




Jim

 

[Kentuckienne]

Thank you all for piping up! I had a good feeling about the RLO, but I really want to have a realistic expectation. If he comes to be our Over-Lored, that’s forever. If hooman-parrot or parrot-parrot or hooman-hooman relations are imperfect, we will work them out, but there’s always a risk in any worthwhile endeavor. Right now the red-lored subject is being sweet and friendly but you don’t lose your companion and home of 20 years without some trauma. And the best case scenario is that he also loses his current companion and home. It would be unfair to make him endure a third upheaval.

We will go introduce ourselves and see what happens. He might not like us, and if so there will be lots of folks in line for his hand in parrotiage. If he does, we will still think long and hard about it and what’s best for all.

K???...Is there a timeline in adopting this wonderful sounding creature?
I know you are an experienced parront,and will think long AND hard before even considering bringing this needy guy to his potentially "forever" home

I know if I had the space (AND BUX!) I'd have....a "couple" more fid's,living with me and Amy,and Beebers..

God bless you my friend! :60:




Jim

Jim, he’s in quarantine at the rescue now, and people are already expressing interest. The timeline could be pretty short if we decide to take him. We’ve been reflecting and waiting for a long time...talking about ways to accommodate two birds and be fair to both, especially Gus with his special needs...about what kind of parrot we feel the absence of...looking for an older bird, since we are older ourselves...and of course it would have to be through a rescue organization. It looks like the Red-Lored Overlord-in-waiting might be The One!

 

[GaleriaGila]

I'm already wondering about names...

 

[Kentuckienne]

Well, I loved the little guy. He was so tiny! It was late in the day ... we were late getting there because had to drive about 500 miles to pick up and deliver another rescue bird, so he was tired and maybe shy. But sat on my arm and let me scratch his little head. What a sweetie! Sadly, it was not love at first sight for Popeye and Jeff. He wouldn't step up for Jeff or get a head-scratch. So, he will go on to another good home, at least two people have asked for him.

So J will still keep looking for an Amazon. Maybe not have to be a blue-front, but will need to have that active amazon attitude. I wish he'd go for a birdie like Salty, so active and also so sweet and friendly, and not some hothead bite monster. But that's just me. Actually if it were just me I wouldn't have any parrot. I travel too much. I can help them from a distance, and help support the people who help them directly, and I love having one around - but I'm not a good parront myself. Kudos to you who have it together.

 

[SailBoat]

Well, I loved the little guy. He was so tiny! It was late in the day ... we were late getting there because had to drive about 500 miles to pick up and deliver another rescue bird, so he was tired and maybe shy. But sat on my arm and let me scratch his little head. What a sweetie! Sadly, it was not love at first sight for Popeye and Jeff. He wouldn't step up for Jeff or get a head-scratch. So, he will go on to another good home, at least two people have asked for him.

So J will still keep looking for an Amazon. Maybe not have to be a blue-front, but will need to have that active amazon attitude. I wish he'd go for a birdie like Salty, so active and also so sweet and friendly, and not some hothead bite monster. But that's just me. Actually if it were just me I wouldn't have any parrot. I travel too much. I can help them from a distance, and help support the people who help them directly, and I love having one around - but I'm not a good parront myself. Kudos to you who have it together.

What would J think about a Yellow Nape Amazon? I have been approached by two separate individuals (so its not the same Amazon ). Ask, and if he is interested, I will get more information. At present, I am working with one of them to find a way for the Amazon to keep its home. So, one never knows! The other is more interested in rehoming, I need more information regarding that situation.

 

[Scott]

Just checking in now, sorry the RLA was not a good match. So kind and conscientious of you to heavily rely on allowing the "bird to choose." There will be others, and one that is a perfect fit!

 

[clark_conure]

I think you were very mature, sensible, whatever the right adjective is, in making sure you have a harmonious flock, I know what a draw it is to find a cute little bird, but being pragmatic enough to make the right decision. Kudos..

 

[Kentuckienne]

Just checking in now, sorry the RLA was not a good match. So kind and conscientious of you to heavily rely on allowing the "bird to choose." There will be others, and one that is a perfect fit!

Yeah, I’m not a reliable chooser. The little DYH we transported to the rescue? Want. The red-lored overlord? Want. The big green wing I couldn’t touch? Want. The little female eclectus chewing the drywall? Maybe no one would notice if I put her in my coat pocket.

 

[Birdman666]

I've had both a super bonded BFA and a super bonded Red Lored.

Red Loreds are the shyer of the two, but shy within the context of Amazon shy... (i.e. Not really all that shy.) They are sweet sensitive souls...

Mine is somewhere around 18 years old now, and I've had her since she was 2.

 

[BeatriceC]

Just checking in now, sorry the RLA was not a good match. So kind and conscientious of you to heavily rely on allowing the "bird to choose." There will be others, and one that is a perfect fit!

Yeah, I’m not a reliable chooser. The little DYH we transported to the rescue? Want. The red-lored overlord? Want. The big green wing I couldn’t touch? Want. The little female eclectus chewing the drywall? Maybe no one would notice if I put her in my coat pocket.

You sound like me. I'm a sucker for every hard luck story out there. I am actually choosy about who I bring into my home, but if money and space were limitless, there'd be a whole lot more (and a staff to help care for them.)

Monday night, when we were discussing what to do with Charlotte's stuff, MrC noted that we really should just clean and store it all, because he said that there will be another large disabled bird show up, and I won't be able to say no, and we'll need the stuff. He's probably right.