New Yellow-Shouldered Amazon - In Love

[PCash]

So, today, after much thought about what would be a good fit for our family, I drove 3 hours to a quality bird store and met several of the birds. I wasn't really seeing anything until they mentioned a sweet Yellow-Shouldered Amazon. They brought him out and I hung out with him for a bit. Long story short, I fell in love with the guy and brought him home with me. But to be honest, I don't know that much about Amazons (other than my brief interactions with the Amazons at the rescue) and reading through the stickies here since I got home. I can't seem to find much about Yellow-Shouldered Amazons either. Apparently they're rare?

Anyway, he is really sweet and very gentle. He will "bite" to say he doesn't like something, but it's so gentle, it's more like he just closes his beak on my finger and a little pressure. I have been and will continue to be respectful of him and not force anything. I'd love to be able to maintain that gentle bite of his. Any advice? Do's and Dont's?

What routines/habits should I be working on with him?

What about socialization? I'm going to order an aviator harness soon and start getting him used to that. He's so laid back and calm right now, I want to capitalize on that. What should I make sure to socialize him too? I'd love for this guy to be able to go places with us. I hear that amazons can be social and friendly and I'd love to provide him every opportunity to experience all that life can offer.

Also he is rather clumsy/unsteady, but I guess that's just his babyness. They gave him what they called a "baby clip" with his wings, so he can glide, but can't get any altitude or go very far. I'm hoping to teach him step up and station and then work on recall so we can have him fully flighted.

He came with a pellet and dried fruit mix. I'm going to offer him chop in addition to that, and probably a few (just a few) in shell nuts a day to give him something to work on.

Guidance on toys? He's a small Amazon.

The little I've been able to find online about Yellow-Shouldered Amazons, says that they are sweet and gentle, playful and active and intelligent. There's a lot of "negatives" shared about Amazons in general (screaming, plucking, biting, aggression). I want to do all I can with this baby so he doesn't end up with issues like that. Advice?

Once I figure out how to upload pictures again, then I'll share a picture of the little guy. He asked to be out of his cage this evening, then perched on my lap and is sleeping now. Sweet baby.

Gosh, it's pretty cool to be sharing this moment with this baby. Hopefully he sleeps alright tonight in his cage alone.

 

[goodfellowsheryl]

Sounds like a real doll. My aman is a yellow head. I think they are very similar in behaviour. Amazons. Babies are young and moldable. My bud is a teenager so hes very opininated lol

Sent from my LG-V533 using Tapatalk

 

[wrench13]

You have one of the rarerAmazons, which is considered an endangered parrot species in its native home of coastal Venezuela and the Islands off shore. I too am owned by one of these very special Amazons!
So first off, make sure you have his hatch certificate from the shop where you purchasesed him from. Since he is an endangered species, you will need this down the road. Secondly, make anappointment with your Cetified Avian Vet( not a regular vet) for a complete and thorouh wellness check up. This is critical down the road, pehaps even more important than the hatch cert.

Continued.........

 

[wrench13]

OK , lets answer some of your questions and ask a few questions myself.

YSA are one of the smaller Amazon species and their weight range is 320-270 grams . The "Hot 3" all run sustatially more. Speakin of the hot 3, almost all of the information available on the web about Amazons pertain to the Hot 3. They are what most folks think of when you say Parrot, or Pirate. So when you readinfo aout Amaazons keepthatinmind.Speakin of reading, there is a wealth of info about Amazons body language, which DOES pertain to our species quite well. Read it several times,out loud in a soft voice
to your YSA ,while he is in his cage.

What city are you living in now, and where ( city only) did you puchase your YSA?

What is his name?

To be continued..........

 

[PCash]

I do have his hatch certificate. They gave that to me as well as his DNA test paper. They have a six month health guarantee as long as I get him to the vet very soon. (Was already planning too anyway.)

I wasn't able to find a CAV near me, but I've found one or two avian vets. I'll be calling today.

Already read the Amazon body language sticky, but I guess I should go read it to him. Just to make sure he and I are on the same page.

I live in York, PA and got my baby from Delran, NJ (Todd Marcus Bird Store.)

I'm not sure what to name him. It's a little intimidating to think this guy's gonna have that name for the next fifty years or so. Don't want to name him the wrong name.

Alrighty, I gotta run. Thanks Al! Blessings to you and Salty!

 

[SailBoat]

Always take your CITES documents and DNA document with you to a new Vet and 'assure' that they make copies of the documents and place them in your Amazon's records! If you have a safety deposit box keep them in there with a copy in your Amazon's file at home. These are foundation documents that will become more important as your Amazon becomes older.

We have a Certified Avian Vet and an Avian Vet and require that they share and keep each others records up-to-date. A Vet out of the office, road conditions, etc... will likely have you making a mad rush for who is in the office that day or the office you can get too!

 

[PCash]

So I have a hatch certificate typed up by Todd Marcus (bird store) with a BN#: on it. Should I have something else that says "CITES" on it? I thought the Hatch Certificate was all I needed, but maybe I'm missing something?

I'm making copies now of what I have and it's going in our fireproof safe. I think I will also prep copies for our "evacuation" carrier. That way it's all there and ready to go if I should ever need it.

Also, I found an avian vet that I'm going to take my boy to tomorrow. Is there certain testing I should have done? I'm sure the doctor will direct me too, but since I don't know this doctor, I kind of wanted to go into things with some prior knowledge. There's another avian vet I can go to later if this one doesn't work out, but he didn't have any openings within the time frame I needed to get my bird checked for the health guarantee.

...How do I know what size aviator harness to get for my bird? The sizing info I found online lumped all Amazons into size "medium" but this guy's significantly smaller than some of the larger Amazons. Would the same size as an African Grey work? Which one? Timneh is size small, Congo is medium.

My boy is settling in well today, eating, playing, trilling for me once in awhile. He's a little startled (looks quickly) by my son sometimes (when he runs through the room or something), but other than looking quickly. I can tell he's a little unsure of my son. I do insist my son is respectful of the bird. Other than having my son offer my new baby treats, is there anything else I should do to help them build a positive relationship?

 

[TiredOldMan]

Get the medium harness. Your Zon and you will like it better(larger head hole)

 

[Laurasea]

Congratulations on your new baby boy! Sounds like you are in good hands here

 

[SailBoat]

CITES documents (titled) are slowly making their way into the system. The USA is behind Europe in this regard. That said, a Breeder is required to provide a document set that (if needed) can be used to create a CITES document. The important part is that your document set shows a clear line from its Hatch date, its species, the Name and Address of the Breeder, the date sold to the Bird Shop and its address and the date sold to you and your address. Should you rehome your Parrot in the future, this document set would go with the Parrot with the date, name and address of the new owner. Over killing know will make your life easier in the future.

Regarding visiting your CAV tomorrow: In the Amazon Forums, the Sticky Threads (highlighted in light Blue) at the top and specific to the one that is Titled: I Love Amazons - ... Within that huge Thread are a series of Segments that speak towards Avian Vet visits and developing a robust medical file at the Vet's clinic and a copy at your home. Your goal on this first visit is to set the foundation of this medical file in which all future records will be based on and grow from. Hence, this first visit is a full hands-on physical including a full spectrum Blood Test and testing for illness common in your area. This first test commonly includes a fecal gram stain test (normally our Amazon provides one on-site) or you can take that morning's dropping. Some Vets will recommend a Crop swab test for fungus. And, Most Important, do not leave without a copy of that days evaluation, including test results! You have a right to this document and you will find it very helpful two weeks later when you wish to recall what a specific test's result was.

 

[wrench13]

PCash you are getting priceless info from one of our boards most knowledeale members. If it's an Amazon question - Sailboats; if its a question about macaws - birdman666 .

I got Salty a medium Aviator harness. The headloop IS a bit larger than the small size, and you will want the larger headloop especially during initial training. If your YSA is anything like mine and many other parrots, it will HATE and DESPISE the harness at first. I include many of our personal experiences in my responses. Others may have different ones. I train with Salty every night, religiously, or one of the members of my famility does it. Harness trainin is a every night part of it, even if it's only puttin the headloop on and lettin him walk around the trainin tale

 

[PCash]

Well I have all of the CITES information, just on two different sheets. The sales slip has my address, the bird type and his band number on it, and the hatch certificate has everything except my address on it. Oh, and I also have another sheet, a temporary permit for owning a Yellow Shouldered in NJ. After that time, one has to apply for a permit to own the bird in NJ.

Any idea if I need a permit here in PA where I live? And what about traveling? Do I need to get a permit every time I cross state lines (like on vacation)?

We're gonna let the the bird settle in (and find a name) and then it's straight to harness training. I've done some clicker training work with my conures, so we'll be training along those lines. I need to find a treat that he's crazy about. I had some safflower seeds and he liked them, so those may be enough. Thank goodness they're small.

I think I heard him talking softly this afternoon. I'm not quite sure what he was saying, but it sounded a little like "hello."

Still can't believe I'm sharing my life with this special guy!

Oh, and thanks for the guidance on looking through the other sticky for vet visit info. Been there, working on taking notes and getting ready for our appointment tomorrow.

 

[SailBoat]

I have not heard of any specific CITES travel requirements for the vast majority of States. What I am aware of is that you should always carry a 'copy' of your Document set that defines you as an owner and if asked, your Amazon is a Companion Parrot for travel outside of your State. And, if asked: No, s/he is not a breeder and I have no interest in breeding my Amazon.

Traveling into Canada is a totally different story and you will be require to have an extensive document set including Health Certificate from your CAV to just travel in and back out with your Amazon. Such travel could require you to begin document updating and travel documents 4 to 6 months in advance.

Within USA travel, it is very likely you will be faced with more demands to the East and Northeast of you than in any other direction.

 

[ChristaNL]

As far as I know the CITES need an update the bird is now in your possesion -> you will have to get another set of CITES-papers with your name and adress on them.

It kind of a pain, the only reason you can be out with your bird without those papers is if you are on your way to the vet (in an emergency) otherwise you *have* to have you papers out with the bird.
(so make copies that go in your wallet or even in in a sidepocket of the carier)

Not that most law enforcement people would know a frog from a parrot, let alone a rare one from a common budgy but its one of those rules...

 

[PCash]

Where should I go to update my paperwork? I guess I can ask the vet too. Maybe they will know. I just want to have all my i's dotted and my t's crossed.

 

[ChristaNL]

Go ask your vet plze - there is not a lot of consesus between countries (except that these creatures "should not go extinct plze"), she/he will know where to go for the papers.
I only know the dutch way to go, and that is not helping you much (sorry).

 

[GaleriaGila]

Wow! You really hit the jackpot as far as information and support on special Amazons and their needs and documentation concerns!
I'm so happy for your satisfaction and success so far.
I'm just glad you'e here.

 

[SailBoat]

At present, North America is far behind Europe regarding the documentation demands and carry requirements for classified Parrots. When traveling within a State (In the USA) there is no documentation demands with the exception of those States that have specific requirements. When traveling between States and in this example lets say PA and OH. Unless you are Stopped by an Police Officer that is bored out of his/her mind with nothing to do. They are not going to Stop you because you have a Parrot. As Christa stated, you will likely spend more of your time explaining what it is and does it talk, bite, etc...

At present, at the National level, the roll-out is very slow and it will be several years before you will need to have your Paperwork updated. Your Avian Vet will likely be the source for that information as those really smart people have provided their AV with the document sets and those same smart people have developed a Medical File that supports (proves) ownership. Those that have not gotten or maintained those original documents nor have ever seen an AV are going to be racing about try to get supporting documentation. You, on the other hand are going to be fine.

 

[PCash]

Awesome! Thanks.

Another question. So my boy is pretty mouthy. Anytime my hand comes near (and I try to bring it very slowly and watch him for any signs of nervousness or stepping away and I respect that if he shows it, but any time I bring my hand up, he's got his beak on it. Sometimes, it's clear he's testing how sturdy my hand will be before stepping onto it. Other times, it's like he just wants to chew on it.

I've been allowing that as long as he's gentle. A few times he's gotten a little excited or a bit rough, and I'll use the back of my hand to slowly back him up on his perch a few steps. This worked with my GCCs (who bit a good bit harder) and didn't scare them or damage our relationship. I'm very slow and gentle with this and make sure that it doesn't scare him. He comes right back, but is more careful. Also, if I'm getting ready to offer him a treat and he is too rough, I withhold the treat for a second or two and then offer it again. He's figuring it out.

All that to ask, are Amazon's mouthy? I read that Macaw's like beak play, but I don't know if Amazons do. Or is this just a baby thing? I like beak play and don't mind his exploring with his beak (and he's doing it on everything, lol) and he's been pretty gentle and learning, I think, what is too hard. ... Oh, I also redirect to chew toys a lot too. But my big question is, should I discourage/redirect all beak play from my fingers? Or is it okay for us to do that as long as he is being gentle?

(My experience here is with dogs. As puppies they are incredibly mouthy and basically you teach them that all mouthiness is too much or they can grow up and end up hurting you or someone else.)

Thank you also for the advice about paperwork. I'll be talking to my vet about that. You guys rock!

 

[SailBoat]

Mouthy Amazon commonly means they are commenting about something they want you to be aware of or you not paying proper attention too. Like assuring they are the center of your World.

An Amazon that is Beaky, Bitey or Chewy is likely what you are talking about. It is very important to remember that Amazons are 'Smart' and their mind is much faster than ours. They tend to be single taskers, while Humans are more mulit-taskers. The very structure of their mind supports very rapid reaction. As a result, using dog training tools is not as effected.

You will get them to response quicker if you communicate what you are doing or want them to do. By using the same word or words and using the same tone each time. You will see them connect them (the words not long sentences) to a specific action. Example: If I want my Amazon to step-up! As I enter the room, I will start by communicating a greeting combined with words indicating that we need to go some place or change locations in the room, etc, etc, etc... As I get closer, I will begin communicating that I want him to come to me. When I get next to him and as I am moving my hand /arm into position, I will continue that. At the point my hand /arm is very near position, I will state: Step-Up! Not A Question. But, a Want. A well bonded Amazon will lift their preferred claw and be ready to step-up. Once on the hand /arm. Tons of verbal rewards!

Hands are very important to us. We need them. Fingers are very important to us and like hands, we need them. We know that our fingers are part of our hands and they they are part of our arms and they connect to our bodies. This is not a known fact to our Parrots. They see us as our Heads and the rest of the stuff that hangs around us as just that, the hang around stuff. We want our Amazons to see our hands as safe as our heads and be comfortable when hands are around them. We want them to trust our hands.

The goal with a young Amazon is to not teach them that fingers and hands are crew toys. That said, Amazons explore their World with their Beaks! That is a reality! So, they are likely to crew them to better understand them. Remembering from above, Amazons are Smart! When your Amazon becomes chewy, state 'No, be gentle!' Understand, that if your Amazon is busy with something, and if time allows, let them finish what they are doing before you stick you fingers /hands in to the bite zone. Assure that you are communicating with your Amazon! Work at developing a Bond with your fingers /hands: Only good things happen when they are around. And, they should be likewise respected.

A couple of years from now, when your Amazon has a strong bond with you and your hands, you can introduce play! At this point, you are only providing mixed messages and that leads to you rightfully getting bitten.