New Yellow-Shouldered Amazon - In Love

[PCash]

We have a name. Cobie!

That made a lot of sense, Sailboat. Thank you!

Sounds like miscommunication and possibly impatience on my part. I wasn't sure how to show Cobie what I wanted, but like you said, Cobie understands more than I realize. For example, we just got back from the vets. Cobie wanted to come out of his carrier and he was looking at his cage (a few feet away). I showed him my hand for step up and pointed to his cage, asking him if he wanted to go there. He had to think about it a minute, seeing if I was going to make him do it, but I didn't push him, and then he tested my hand to see if it was steady (with his beak) and then slowly stepped up. I was able to praise him, take him right to his cage like he wanted and then give him a pistachio (our jackpot treats at the moment). No beakiness, no biting, no backing away. We took it at his pace and he somehow understood that I was trying to help him. So cool! We'll continue working on growing our understanding of each other and our communication skills.

Our vet visit today went well. The vet sees all kinds of animals, but he works closely with a bird rescue and came recommended by a local parrot club. The avian vet I wanted to go too couldn't fit us in before the health guarantee period ran out. So we did this. The vet seemed very knowledgeable about birds and passionate about them too. We were scheduled for a 1/2 hour appointment and we were there nearly two hours.

They're sending out bloodwork and gram stain and fecal and the whole nine yards, as we say here in the States. I should hear back in a couple days on all of that. Cobie was a champ. He didn't get overly stressed. When the vet was doing the exam he did get scared for a minute or two and hollered, but he calmed right back down pretty quickly. He didn't stay panicky. It was encouraging to see a bird handle stress that well. We took treats and little foot toys to keep him occupied at first. After the exam he was too tired/stressed to play anymore, but he hung out quietly. They did "sedate" him with something really quick and simple to take the blood sample. I forget exactly what it was, but the birds are super relaxed with it and then they recover in an instant. The doctor did get bit pretty hard (drew blood) when putting Cobie down after the sedative. He commented that apparently Cobie is an angry drunk (I guess the sedative made him a little tipsy at first - I have a feeling that either Cobie was annoyed at feeling that way or annoyed at them laughing at him, or just annoyed at the world in general for thinking up such a thing as a vet). However, the doctor was impressed. Said everything looked great on the exam. Now, just to wait for the test results.

Also, I need some more advice. In the evenings, my husband and I like to watch TV til 9:30pm or so at night. Our livingroom isn't huge and that's where Cobie's cage is at the moment. So of course he's part of that. Last night, Cobie desperately wanted to be out with us, trilling for me, and walking back and forth in his cage. He did the same thing the night before. If I get him out then, I'm afraid he won't get enough sleep. Our house is fully awake and noisy by 8am. Poor Cobie is clearly very tired today, yawning a lot and falling asleep.

If I cover his cage at night? Will that be enough to encourage him to "go to bed?" I tried to use a dark blue fleece blanket over the top of the cage last night for a minute or two, but Cobie seemed a little unsure about it, so I took it off again. I have a lighter colored sheet I was planning on using too, but will that be enough? Or should I plan to use a sleep cage for Cobie in another room that is dark and quieter earlier in the evening.

Personally, I'd like to snuggle with him in the evenings, but I want to make sure he gets the sleep he needs. Suggestions? I'd love to be able to simply cover his cage when it's his bedtime, but are Amazon's simply too social to do that? It works for my conures. They understand bedtime pretty well.

 

[SailBoat]

Happy to hear that Cobie had a good visit to the Vets office.

FYI: Your statement; 'They did "sedate" him' can cause a fair amount of backlash from the Parrot World as some really disapprove, while others advise with caution! With that said, no one should need to advise further. At a later point, it is a worth while discussion to have, but not today.

The correct amount of Sleep for an Amazon is an important discussion also with different views. At present, you appear to be around the 10 to 11 hours of sleep point. As a general statement, if you are on a 12 hour sleep 12 hours awake schedule you a a bit short. With that in mind. hold your 9:30 pm start sleep point and allow your baby to be the last one up in the morning, regardless of background noise. We can talk about the whys later in addition to other sleep cycles.

Cage covers. I like the idea of a cage cover using different material weight at different times of the year. Light in the Summer, heavier in the Winter. Start with covering only the back and over several weeks work a his rate of comfort until he is fully covered.

NOTE: One of the nice tricks with kids is that you can start the kids off to bed just prior to 9:30 stating that Cobie needs his sleep.

 

[PCash]

Oops, I didn't realize that there might issues about sedation. I just went with what the doctor told me was best. He did explain though it wasn't like full on sedation or anything, it was just something to keep Cobie relaxed while they drew blood. I wasn't entirely happy about it, but it was what it was and that's over and done with. Thanks for your graciousness Sailboat and everyone else reading this thread. Doing the best I can. Learning as I go.

Alrighty, I'll keep slowly introducing the cage cover and we'll let him "sleep in" in the morning as best we can. So, should he be getting like 14 hours or so? It sounded like maybe 12 hours isn't enough?

Just got through reading the "diet" section in the "I Love Amazons" thread. Awesome info and pretty much what I'm trying to do with Cobie anyway. I don't think he had anything fresh before offered to him, but I started offering him some chop. Do you know if Amazons like larger pieces in their chop? Or are they okay with the more minced version? My conures get a minced version of chop and go at it with gusto (my male more so than my female). I've offered some to Cobie. He picks out the few larger pieces in it, but that's all at the moment. No rush. Just trying to cater to any known preferences. Thus the question.

I think maybe I'll offer him a mini pepper later and see what he thinks.

 

[SailBoat]

And, how would you know there might be issues about sedation? Like I stated, a topic of interest, but later, not now! After all you have a Baby Amazon!

Our Big Boy (and man does he know it!) Amazon determines when He Wants to go to Sleep! Some nights its 7:30 and other nights its 11:00 pm. Interestingly, his preferred time is around 8:30 pm. That okay for a 21 year old that understands why he is grumpy the next day when he is pushing 11:00 pm. But with a Baby, that is a no-no as you really want to build consistency into his life. You will hear your boy in the morning when he wants the cover removed. But you had better have his breakfast ready! 14 hours is too much for a Baby who will want to be part of the action! Most Amazon's will nap during the day, some will play hard all day. Welcome to the Wonderful World of Amazons!

The size of cut food! I have always loved the statement: Amazon Have More Fun! Non-Amazon people rarely get this statement. Those who become Owned By An Amazon, know the full Statement: Amazons Have More Fun, Messing with Their Human Staff's Minds!!! There is no answer to this question. Our big guy loves carrots diced, but apples are sliced and Corn Must Be On the Cob!!! They will refuse a veggie in one form and love it in another! I have come to an Answer and it is a single Word: Cause!!! Never assume that its the food, 'cause' it can just as likely be the cut used.

We should talk about the "Radioactive" issues with large Parrots and just as true with Amazons! New things that just show-up can be seen as Deadly by some Amazons and Nothing to be concerned about for others. But, if your Amazon pulls back! That is a clear sign that you assumed it would be okay an it clear is not! i.e. Thus Radioactive affect!

Regarding sleep, there is a segment in the I Love Amazons - ... Segment that looks at sleep cycles, but that is more targeted toward and bit older Amazon. But it is a good read none the less.

 

[PCash]

And here he is! It's Autumn now here in Pennsylvania, so we did a fall themed photo shoot today. Cobie wasn't really into striking a pose, but he thoroughly enjoyed the crinkle paper and mini pumpkins.

 

[PCash]

I think Cobie got better sleep last night. He was more active this morning and not falling asleep all over himself. He enjoyed our earlier photo shoot (or rather enjoyed the crinkle paper and pumpkins) and wanted to spend time with us throughout the morning.



How do you introduce your bird to new things? Going from one room to the next seems to make Cobie a little uncomfortable. I get that, it's new. I guess I just need to do one small step at a time. With my conures, if they're uncomfortable, they just fly off, but Cobie can't really do that and his cues seem a little more subtle, like leaning away slightly. I want my boy to grow up confidant, so trying to make each new experience as positive for him as possible.



And this was Cobie's take on the fresh veggie/lentil and quinoa chop I gave him this morning.

Silly bird.

 

[SailBoat]

Consider entering Cobie's photo in this months Photo of the Month Contest (POTM). That is one great photo you have there. Interesting coloration he has, it will be very interesting to see what his Adult colors will be. Link to POTM: October 2018 POTM Contest

Yes, Amazons need to be introduced to new things especially when they are young. When you want to introduce a new room to him. Assure that the lights are on in that room first. What you will be doing is a version of the Real Estate Agent's Home tour. First start in the Room he is in. Move from his cage out away from the cage targeting setting a flight path into place, an open path away from the cage to a safe landing area. Then return to the cage introduce things he has seen everyday along the the path both ways. When you have completed that room, staring at the cage, create a flight path to the new room. As before introduce things along the way. As you approach the doorway to that room slow down so you soft stop in front of the doorway so he can look in, but still be safely inside his room, but not yet in the new room. In the doorway, point out and talk about what is in the room. Turn around and flight path back to the cage. Ask if he would like to do it again. Unless he expresses a strong interest in going on to his cage, retrace your steps back to the new room. This time just a bit further into the room. Watch for any leaning back away. If he does, return to the cage. Over a few days you will find that he will be more comfortable further into the room. Once you are in the room with comfort. It's time to look at flight plans in that room and safe landing spaces. Once that room receives approval, you will find that the next room will become easier. This builds your Trust Bond and his comfort with new things.

As you likely have picked-up on, we are also training safe flight paths should he take-off one day! The reality is, a Parrot with actively trained and walked paths will use them. Consider this: Something spooks Cobie and he latches. The first few seconds, it just full on go! After a few seconds, the learned flight paths set in and take over as does the safe landing places.

After you have a couple of rooms under his wings, it time to start-over in his main room. This time you are going to switch between crashes and safe landing places. When you crash, clearly you need to do it in slow motion. Lets use a window as an example: Flight path to the Window and both he and you slow motion into the 'hard' (soft touch) surface! Back away and tap on the glass, bring him to the glass so his bill touches it. Tap again on the glass. NOTE: Some Parrots will tap and others will not. The point is, very quickly when you practice a crash, and as you crash into the glass, he will lean back and look at you like you are crazy! That is your sign that he gets it. Now repeat as part of all hard surfaces. Assure that all windows, pictures, mirrors, and glass cabinets are defined in this manner. Remember to mix in the safe flight paths and safe landing places. Also include the additional rooms and in those rooms, look for circle back flight paths. As the further away from the launch point the more in control he will be and he will be able to build into the launch a return path.

This process will build confidence and also that all new things will not hurt him. Knowing he has a safe place to go will reduce his fear of new things. That Said! Your Big Boy will get spooked at something and it will likely take you by surprise. Slow the introduction down and also operate at his speed. New Big Stuff, especially if it is in a box. Move the box into the room over a period of time, using the same guide as stated above. If he leans away, slow down. Amazons love to be part of things and doing things with the family. With the box safely introduced, begin opening the box. If at all possible get him on top of it or at least near it. Boxes are one of the great low cost toys there are and getting your Amazon comfortable with them and more importantly being part of opening them up and making small pieces of them will get your miles down the road regarding a whole bunch of introduction stuff. Our guy fly's over when a box arrives. Open the box without his helping and you will get the stink eye! Yup, new term, but you will know it when you see it. Having him part of putting together a toy or a play stand or a cage will cause the fear issue to go away, 'cause' he was part of the process.

For some background knowledge, it back to the I Love Amazons - ... Thread and a look at a Segment that talks about teaching an older Amazons to fly. The title has slipped my mind, but it is in there. Segment: 5. Re-Fledging an Adult Parrot Page 4

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Amazons! Your statement: "but Cobie can't really do that and his cues seem a little more subtle, like leaning away slightly." Amazons are either very subtle or dead-on in your face! They demand that you learn their Body Languages and yes, it is a life time of learning. When you tune into your Amazon, you will become aware of far more going on around you than you can believe. Your learning curve is near vertical and it will be that way for several years.


Enjoy!


FYI: Love the drawing! That is just so Amazon!

 

[PCash]

Yeah, I actually was wondering about his coloring. He has black on his wings. On my conure, the black bits are stress induced? They're mostly gone now from my conures wings. I'm not sure what constitutes stress coloring on an Amazon though. Are their feathers supposed to be tipped with black? I guess we'll see when he molts what he looks like then too. Kinda a mystery! I wish I could find more information about Yellow-Shouldered Amazons. I love the red and blue on his wings when he stretches them up. So stunning.

He seemed pretty happy today. Had more energy, chattered for a bit, like he was trying out words, and then this evening fluttered down to be with my son and I on the floor and chewed away on his pumpkin and then played with legos. Every time I picked up a lego he wanted that one instead. He tried to chase my son away once when he thought my son was taking his legos. I showed my son how to exchange with him so they didn't have to fight and they played on.

I want to get a fairly reliable step-up with this guy, since I want him to be flighted, but I'm beginning to realize that he is way too smart for me. If he doesn't want what I have planned, then no step up. I'm trying to make every time he steps up an out-of-this-world experience for him. He's slowly getting the idea. Do what I ask and he gets something great. But I have to think two or three steps ahead to make sure that I don't accidentally do something he doesn't like afterwards.

Thanks for the advice about introducing new rooms. We will work on introducing the rest of the house to him tomorrow following that format.

Thanks for the idea. I posted a picture on the October Photo Contest.

 

[PCash]

First test results back from the vets. Results are all perfect. Cobie is the picture of health. We should hear back about the rest of the tests next week sometime.



We introduced a bunch of rooms yesterday and Cobie did great! I have to think out some appropriate perching spots in each room. I didn't really have that with my conures because they prefer to stay in the livingroom. Cobie thought I was crazy when I pushed him (gently) into the bathroom mirror the second time. He was like, "Hey! Are you dumb or something? That things solid!" Made me laugh. We'll review that again later and I'll introduce him to some of the windows too. Hopefully once he's flying he remembers, or we will have to put up a bird climbing net or curtains. But he figured out the bathroom mirror pretty quickly, so I'm hopeful.



When is it okay to start taking Cobie places? Of course he needs to be comfortable in a harness first and I need to hear back on the rest of the test results. But after that, is it okay to take him out? Like, to visit my family? I want to capitalize on his young age and have him experience as much as possible positively. Are there other places it's good to take a parrot out to? It's too cold to do outdoor events, or should I try a hoodie for Cobie? I think the petstore would be fine with him visiting, but I'm a little leery about taking him where other birds are. Thoughts?

 

[SailBoat]

Happy to hear that Cobie's first tests are excellent. Please assure that you get and keep copies of the visit and the tests. This will allow you to compare them in the future.

Harness training is a subject that I approach very differently from other members. We live in an area that is heavily populated with Red Tail Hawks. In fact our backyard is a late Spring training area for at least five families teaching their young the art of high-speed inside turns, followed by an attack at a bird feeder (not ours). So, our Amazon does not go outside without being in a carrier. So, assure that you do not live in a like populated area.

Harness training is 95% having your Amazon being comfortable with you actively handing your Amazon. Examples: You can lift his Wings (slide you hand between his body and Wings), place your hand softly on his head, place your hand under his belly and between his legs, etc... The introduction of the harness is to a level that he will in fact play with it. Than allow you to place it just on his back (not installing it). Once he is comfortable with you and the harness, than it becomes time to try to place it only over his head. Some Amazons (Parrots) will allow you to slip in on, others will have nothing to do with it. The most important part is that once on him, extensive reward is part of the process. AND, that he gets to go outside like on a semi enclosed porch or other semi-open areas.

As you can tell, there is a ton of work that needs to be in place prior to the placing the Amazon (Parrot) into the a harness. See the Work that Wrench13 and his Amazon: Salty have gone though to get Salty into a Harness. Their Threads are found in the Amazon Section. NOTE: Rapidly proceeding into placing a harness on any Parrot without the above and you will likely be able to determine the level of pain you can withstand from a hard bite or really screw-up your relationship.

Introduction of new people should occur as soon as he has a comfort with new things. Introduction to new people should first occur in the comfort of his favored room of your home. As stress levels go up, his biting someone also follows that path. So, going out to other peoples homes, etc., is not recommended until he begins meeting people in his safe place.

Feathers! What you are see is not Stress Bars on the tips of his feathers. Those are part of his coloration. One year from now will be a great time to define his specific coloration pattern. The Black, deep dark Blue and deep dark Purple feathers are common on many Amazon Wings, as is Red and Yellow. The primary color of Amazon is clearly Green, but the variations speak to the species and sub-species.

Stress Bars on Amazons tend to first show on Body Feathers and they are noted as dull bars or stripes across the Feather. The Body Feathers bright Green is seen as a dull Green Bar across the Feather. There can be multiple bars on a single feather.

 

[PCash]

Alrighty. I've been working a little on figuring out Cobie's comfort with my hands on him. He's a handfed baby so he doesn't seem uncomfortable with much of it, though I can tell when I'm annoying him (he steps away or gives my finger/hand a pinch if I didn't get the subtle hint at first). I was working a little last night with giving him treats every time he let me touch his wings cheerfully without showing any avoidance/annoyance. I try to find that sweet spot where I can tell I'm pushing his boundaries just the littlest bit and I stop right there and reward him for going along with it.



The thing is, we don't have people over very often. I will try to invite a few friends over to engage with Cobie, and see how he does. My family lives an hour away and I'm trying to get them to come visit, but I'm usually the one that goes there. I know if I took him they would be great with him and adore him. They're great like that.



I used to have pigeons and quail outside in an aviary and we occasionally would have a sharp-shinned hawk come in (a hawk on the smaller side) to check them out. So, we know they're in the territory. We also had a larger hawk (something like a rough-legged or red-tail) that came in once. They didn't get anything of course and left, but I made sure to double check everything. I made my enclosures super sturdy though. Even a run-away oversized pitbull couldn't get at my pigeons (not for lack of trying though). I want to have an outdoor aviary again, but for my parrots, but put out enough cash at the moment bringing Cobie home and vet bills.



I'll proceed with caution as far as outdoor stuff is concerned. Thanks!

 

[PCash]

I'm not sure if this video is okay to post directly here, so I'm sharing the link to the page on the blog I just started about my birds. The page has the youtube video on it.



The video is Cobie having fun with some new toys, particularly a little crockpot set.



https://featherfluffers.blogspot.com/2018/10/cobie-takes-down-dinner-roll.html?view=magazine

 

[SailBoat]

That is one very comfortable young Amazon! Keep working at his pace and you will do very well.

Try some very soft (thin) wood pieces (not toothpicks) like trim style white pine (species not color). Common the Big Box Stores will have a End Cut Barrel that if you catch them during a slow time may let you have a few smaller pieces. Always remember to have your mobile phone with pictures to prove the application.

 

[TiredOldMan]

Happy to hear that Cobie's first tests are excellent. Please assure that you get and keep copies of the visit and the tests. This will allow you to compare them in the future.

Harness training is a subject that I approach very differently from other members. We live in an area that is heavily populated with Red Tail Hawks. In fact our backyard is a late Spring training area for at least five families teaching their young the art of high-speed inside turns, followed by an attack at a bird feeder (not ours). So, our Amazon does not go outside without being in a carrier. So, assure that you do not live in a like populated area.

Harness training is 95% having your Amazon being comfortable with you actively handing your Amazon. Examples: You can lift his Wings (slide you hand between his body and Wings), place your hand softly on his head, place your hand under his belly and between his legs, etc... The introduction of the harness is to a level that he will in fact play with it. Than allow you to place it just on his back (not installing it). Once he is comfortable with you and the harness, than it becomes time to try to place it only over his head. Some Amazons (Parrots) will allow you to slip in on, others will have nothing to do with it. The most important part is that once on him, extensive reward is part of the process. AND, that he gets to go outside like on a semi enclosed porch or other semi-open areas.

As you can tell, there is a ton of work that needs to be in place prior to the placing the Amazon (Parrot) into the a harness. See the Work that Wrench13 and his Amazon: Salty have gone though to get Salty into a Harness. Their Threads are found in the Amazon Section. NOTE: Rapidly proceeding into placing a harness on any Parrot without the above and you will likely be able to determine the level of pain you can withstand from a hard bite or really screw-up your relationship.

Introduction of new people should occur as soon as he has a comfort with new things. Introduction to new people should first occur in the comfort of his favored room of your home. As stress levels go up, his biting someone also follows that path. So, going out to other peoples homes, etc., is not recommended until he begins meeting people in his safe place.

Feathers! What you are see is not Stress Bars on the tips of his feathers. Those are part of his coloration. One year from now will be a great time to define his specific coloration pattern. The Black, deep dark Blue and deep dark Purple feathers are common on many Amazon Wings, as is Red and Yellow. The primary color of Amazon is clearly Green, but the variations speak to the species and sub-species.

Stress Bars on Amazons tend to first show on Body Feathers and they are noted as dull bars or stripes across the Feather. The Body Feathers bright Green is seen as a dull Green Bar across the Feather. There can be multiple bars on a single feather.

We have the same problem. Huge RTHs and massive owls.

I don't feel confident with them flying on an Aviator long line.

Seeing them taking by a hawk or owl, it would be a favor if they would take me

 

[Laurasea]

That looks like a kid at a birthday party! So many presents!! So very cute and playful! Great video!

 

[wrench13]

good point 'boats. Free anything is always a good deal.

 

[PCash]

Ooh, I have some of that unfinished pine trim I was going to use for another project that didn't happen. It should be perfect! I have some inch wide pine blocks I already cut, drilled and dyed and gave to him, but they're too big or tough or something. I'll try the thinner, softer trim pieces I have and see what he thinks of those. Thanks for the idea!

We, son and I, spent a hour or so yesterday making toys for him and my conures. It's weird how much happiness can be gotten out of watching my birds tear into some crafty creation of mine. Cobie seems to really like cardboard.

 

[PCash]

Cobie loved the pine trim. He shredded some of it. I need to make some toys with some of the pine pieces in it now.

I gave Cobie a spray bottle bath today. He didn't seem to know what to do. He didn't spread his wings or fluff at all, but he liked the water (kept moving towards the bottle and trying to drink the water spraying out of the bottle). I hope he can figure out how to take a proper bath at some point. (Picture is post bath. That's why he looks so ragged.)

He also seems to be feeling more comfortable every day. Today he was spunky, playing much of the day, demanding cuddles, and wrestling with a fleece blanket. I tried to join in with that one, but after getting my finger bit (enthusiasm I think), we went back to keeping the blanket between us while he played with it.

Overall today was a great day for us. We seem to be communicating fairly well. I haven't been bit hard and he hasn't needed to tell me off much either. I'm a little slow sometimes, but he's still been gentle. He seems to trust me and look forward to spending time with me. He also came down and played legos with my son for a little on the floor. He did bite (as in pinched him with his beak) my son when he offered his arm. I need to work on Cobie being more comfortable with my son. It's hard cause my son reacts strongly when he gets pinched and I think Cobie likes that. I will oversee their interactions more closely and guide them so that Cobie doesn't get the chance to do that again.

Cobie chatters certain times of day. He makes a lot of sounds that almost sound like words. I think he might have "hello" almost. The rest is just him making all sorts of noises. He got talkative while we were at the dinner table and we were all in stitches. It really sounds like he is having a dynamic conversation with someone.

I think I caught a glimpse of Amazon cheekiness/humor today too. He was on top of his cage, and came over to say hello. The top of the cage is a bit taller than me, and Cobie came over, looked down at me. I offered my hand to see if he wanted up, and I swear, he looked at me and laughed with his eyes, like "Haha, no, I don't want to step up. I just wanted you to come over here so I could look down at you."

What do you do to wear your Amazon out? I do some forage toys (right now he's getting mini pumpkins fairly often), although he has to learn how to forage actually. He's not flying yet, although he has tried to glide down to the floor a few times. And of course the cage door is open and he can come out to the playstand with toys on it much of the day. I also bring him over on the sofa with us with a basket of toys. My conures only play with their toys a little and mostly only if their's something to forage for. Cobie went around to each of his toys and either attacked them or chewed them or what have you. I want to keep my boy happy and engaged, but I'm not quite sure what to do with him all of the time, lol. He's a lot of fun. I'm so worried he's going to get bored.

 

[alancole]

This may be a “newbie” question ... but Codie looks just like my Captin Jack. I was told that Captin Jack was a “Panama Amazon” - is that just a different name for “Yellow Shouldered Amazon”??

 

[Rozalka]

This may be a “newbie” question ... but Codie looks just like my Captin Jack. I was told that Captin Jack was a “Panama Amazon” - is that just a different name for “Yellow Shouldered Amazon”??

Panama and yellow shouldered are two different amazons. Here is your parrot: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_amazon and YSA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow-shouldered_amazon