Neighbor sick, cannot keep bird. Amazon acquired.

AmberL

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Sep 29, 2018
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Our neighbor lady had an YF Amazon, but she is elderly and has some breathing issues that are only getting worse with age. Having the dusty bird in the house wasn't helping, I'm sure.

We brought this bird in, and the cage was completely covered in grime from top to bottom. I have gotten it cleaned up and it actually looks brand new now.. I think she purchased it new and maybe never cleaned the cage other than the bottom tray. She stated she owned her for about three years, but it was around 10 years old when she acquired her.

So we're not new to birds in the least, we've owned conures, cockatiels, budgies, etc. We've never owned an amazon.

We were told he/she's probably around 13 years old, but not sure.
His/her band states SOF WA and then 3 digits. Cannot find breeder info yet but would really like to try and track that down, so will keep looking.

Will likely have the bird DNA sexed just so we can stop calling it him/her as well.

The bird has flaky skin on it's feet and had open sores/raw red bottoms of it's feet.. I'm sure from standing on dirty cage/perches. Letting her soak her feet in water with some healing bird friendly oils and then drying her out real good again. Any other suggestions? Though I really do think it's just like that from poor nutrition and overall filth in cage, a mite check is happening as well when we take her in to an avian vet when we find one nearby.

The bird will only eat seed.. I know that's a huge no-no.
Was also told her favorite food is spaghetti with sauce, cottage cheese and toast. Poor thing. She's been offered nothing but fruits and veggies, beans and tiny bits of egg since coming here- and she's just now gotten hungry enough to start nibbling on it. So it won't be long til she's eating a bit better. I've been googling foods she can eat, but it's been the same as the conure foods we fed.. so we'll stick with this. Any suggestions on what amazons seem to LOVE (healthy only, please!) I'd love to find something she actually might enjoy! I'll start adding seed ONLY as treats in the future.. but not for quite some time. We were given a 5 gallon pail of "parrot seed mix" and an ice cream pail of "fruit flavored pellets".. it'll go into storage for now. Or maybe a rescue will take them?? I haven't asked yet.

We were "done" with birds after having to part with our old friend, but we're in it for the long haul with an amazon again now. She lights up and get's super talkative and pins like crazy when the neighbor comes to visit- then starts biting her to the point of bleeding. We've trimmed her beak so it isn't quite as deadly... lol.. but her "visits" have been spread out quite a bit longer now thankfully. She hasn't tried to hurt us as all but is still pretty shy. She lets every single one of us in the family pick her up (steps up) off her cage, out of her cage, etc. She just wants to get back. She's obviously still not quite at home, because she doesn't talk like she did at her previous place, but we know she'll eventually warm up to us.

Thanks for letting me join the forum. Looking forward to learning more and taking part. :)
 
Welcome! Sounds like your new friend is slowly settling in, looking forward to hearing more about the adventure :)
 
Thanks for rescuing this Amazon! It is quite possible the elderly owner was having as much a reaction from the filth as to the typical parrot dander.

Your methodology seems excellent, and prior experience is an asset. A visit with a certified avian vet ought be productive and help determine if health issues exist. Parrots are masters at hiding illness, and much is possible given the diet and history.

My Amazon has a great appetite, and foods dearly loved include sweet potato, yam, edamame in the pod, various beans such as garbanzo, pinto, kidney, pear, pomegranate seeds, banana, and melon seeds. For treats he loves cooked plain oatmeal at room temperature, Cheerios, bits of whole grain bread, and a small piece of string cheese weekly. Besides a large variety of fresh veggies/fruits, he has learned to love Harrison's pellets.
 
Yes indeed! Welcome to parrot forums! Just a F.Y.I. here..according to Steven, (SailBoats) YOU are "owned" by an Amazon! YOU do NOT "own" an Amazon lol :p But anyway..Thank you so much for taking in this wonderful creature!


As things progress you will be amazed how intelligent and mischievious and loving these birds can be. It sounds like you are making progress already :D

We all LOVE photo's here,so when you can,we'd love to see a picture of your new friend. Any name yet? :confused: Please read the stickies in blue at the top of the page "



I love Amazon"s by Sailboat and "Amazon body language" by Birdman 666.. they will help you greatly in learning about your new friend!


Jim
 
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Amber, sorry, but I think I have bad news... :(

If the information is correct, I've "tracked down" the breeder, so to speak. Info below.

LMG and SOF silver mostly, some green BSI but not all Smiles Of Feathers Centralia WA 360-736-3973 JDC


However, from what little I can gather, the breeder passed on over 8 years ago... which means that if there were any records, they might be gone now... message dated April of 2010 that she's gone.
 
Welcome.

I'm so glad you're here. You're a hero, and you just changed that dear bird's whole world.

I'll look forward to following this story!
 
Welcome to Parrot Forums and within it the: Amazon Forum.

As stated above, Please read with Detail the two sticky Threads at the top of the Amazon Forum. Read: Amazon Body Language" by Birdman666. This Thread should be read out load in a comfortable voice with your Amazon near by (Amazon's Love to be Read too). It is highly recommended that one reads this Thread over and over again as it is the foundation of your relationship with an Amazon.

The other sticky Thread (both highlighted in light blue) is a Very Large Thread with over thirty segments titled: I Love Amazons - ... Within that huge Thread you will find segments on the foundation of an Amazon Diet, Getting to the Foot of the problem, which is a guide for red foot pads and a full host of other informative segments on the Loving and Living with Amazons.

And, you can always ask questions here!

Thank-you, for bringing an Amazon into your home!!!
Remember, Amazon's Have More Fun! (messing with their Human's)
 
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