Please help me out!

[Kitty]

Hi, everyone.
I'm an ex veterinary assistant and I'm good with animals in general. I've kept birds before and I currently have chickens and a pheasant, but I've never had a parrot. I now work form home so I'm in the house all day and have lots of time to spend with a parrot.

I'm really interested in buying an amazon. Would an amazon be good for me?

Can anyone offer me some advice?
Do they make good pets?
Do any of you have any regrets?
Has your bird ever been aggressive?

Thank you so much for reading. I will really appreciate any replies I get!

 

[roxynoodle]

An amazon is generally not a good first bird. But, if you have your heart set on one, it would be best to learn as much as you can about parrot behavior first. And another really good idea would be to volunteer at a parrot rescue and get hands on experience with amazons there and other birds.

I feel they are wonderful pets, but they can certainly be a handful. They do get moody, and can be downright terrorists during hormonal times (thankfully mine isn't). They do tend to be one person birds, so whoever they choose in your household belongs to them, and they may even be nasty to the other family members. If you have children, this is a bird you may not want to consider, or not have until they are older.

I don't have any regrets, but I'm a single and childless person. I have a feeling though that if I were to ever date again, my new bf would not be very happy about my having Pete in my life, lol!

It is good you are doing research before getting the bird though. That can prevent any number of problems right from the beginning

If you have children you might want to consider a budgie, cockatiel, male Eclectus or a Pionus parrot instead. Those all tend to be better family birds than amazons.

 

[Wulfgeist]

You forgot to mention how Pete would feel about a new bf

 

[nikkiscriv]

I second Roxy's post. My husband has had birds before, but our blue front Amazon was my first bird. I personally would not recommend it.

He is a goofy, smart, playful guy but he is definitely a one person bird, and I know his moodiness will get worse as he ages. We do not have kids currently, but I know that when we do it will require a lot of extra effort to ensure our home is safe for the child and the bird.

I personally would suggest a blue crown conure, a Pionus, or perhaps a smaller macaw - my Illiger's macaw is just slightly smaller than my Amazon, has the same energy level and curiosity, but he is a love bug and is very happy to visit with anyone.

If you do choose to get an Amazon I would suggest waiting to find a bird that chooses you. I used to laugh people off when they suggested that the bird should choose you, but I've realized Amazons especially are one person birds and it's a lot easier if you start off with one who already "loves" you.

 

[wenz2712]

I agree with all the above comments... I have a Yellow Crowned Amazon who is now 7 Months Old, and I have had her since she was 11 Weeks old.. She has formed a very strong bond with me and will not tolerate anyone else at all!

She is quite a handful and is also very Loud ! but having said all this Amazons are defo great Birds to have, and if you do decide to get one then do lots of research first!

If your looking for a Bird of similar size, then I have heard that the Male Electus are really good as first time Birds Good Luck in what you decide on and welcome to the Forum.

 

[roxynoodle]

You forgot to mention how Pete would feel about a new bf

I believe the feeling would be mutual

 

[Kitty]

Thank you to everyone who has replied!

You've been a big help. I'm not planning to get a bird right away, I'm going to do lots of research and wait until I find one that's suitable, amazon or not!

Can I ask exactly what would make an amazon unsuitable? I'm good with animals, especially birds.. And my local pet store and breeders I have spoke to seem willing to sell me one!...Is there something the these people aren't telling me?:smile031:

In what way is something like and electus different to an amazon? (other than appearance!)

I have a big outdoor aviary, I've kept cockateils, budgies, canaries and finches before..

I guess I'm looking for something a bit more...Interesting!

 

[roxynoodle]

Eclectus tend to be easier going and to like more people than amazons do. That is why they are better family birds, and better first large birds.

Well, a lot of breeders will sell anything to anyone. Of course they aren't all that way. I know one who won't sell a Blue Crown conure to anyone who's never had one because she said to many people can't stand the high pitched screech they sometimes make.

I do second a Blue Crown as an awesome bird for anyone. I really miss mine :-( They are very sweet, and talk very well.

 

[lizardsmells]

Kazi was my first parrot. A male amazon, one of the 'hot three' and a rescue from a bad background. I must have been on drugs or just besotted.

He's challenging. If not for my work with abused dogs I'm not sure I could've handled this. My hands are scarred up, he hates my husband more than just about anything and he's very bossy and pushy which means I have to be bossier and pushier but in a way that doesn't incite aggression because I want to build trust, not destroy it. So it's a tricky balance for me and I will be honest and say there have been times I wondered if I made the right decision bringing him home. I will say, without a doubt, I'm glad I adopted an older parrot. I don't think I could handle him during the adolescent phase at all. He's hard enough to manage when he's not hormonal. Never mind 2-3 years of hormonal monsterbird.

I suggest reading a ton about Amazons and spending time around a lot of them if you can. An amazon was not my first choice, but I was his, so he lives with me now. I don't regret my decision to bring him home. I regret not becoming more familiar with Amazons in general before bringing him home, though. I should have spent more time with all the 'zons at the rescue before bringing him here to live. Not because I wouldn't have brought him home, because I still would have, but because I would've had a much better idea of what to expect.

 

[JensFlock]

I second the suggestions about a blue crown conure or a male eclectus.

My boys are wonderful.!!!! They have their cranky moments, but 99% of the time, they are loving, intelligent, and funny.

 

[Beako_N_Kiwi]

Thank you to everyone who has replied!

You've been a big help. I'm not planning to get a bird right away, I'm going to do lots of research and wait until I find one that's suitable, amazon or not!

Can I ask exactly what would make an amazon unsuitable? I'm good with animals, especially birds.. And my local pet store and breeders I have spoke to seem willing to sell me one!...Is there something the these people aren't telling me?:smile031:

In what way is something like and electus different to an amazon? (other than appearance!)

I have a big outdoor aviary, I've kept cockateils, budgies, canaries and finches before..

I guess I'm looking for something a bit more...Interesting!

Breeders are willing to sell anyone a bird. And pet stores don't really seem to care if pets go to a good home or not. I adopted two big amazon parrots a few weeks ago - after wanting one for about 10 years, and doing extensive research. The start-up $$$ alone, investing in a safe large cage $500, getting appropriate UV lighting if they aren't exposed to sunlight, getting a health check done to see if there was anything that was overlooked $150. Be ready to clean up DAILY for about 30-45 minutes after them. Cleaning bowls, wiping down the cage, throwing away dirty papers, not to mention the papers you have to clean up when they are out and you have the floor covered. My birds are sick (did not know when adopting them), so I've already spent $800 in the last 1.5 weeks getting blood panels done, medications, etc. Here is what my day looks like:

Wake up, wake the birds up (uncover them, turn their UV light on)
Prepare their medicine well hidden in some sort of treat (very difficult to give to them unless your sneaky)
Fresh water, food.
Turn some music on.
Go to work.
Come home
Lay down papers around the perimeter of the play-cage
Let them out
Prepare their medicine for them, trying several different ways for them to take it. (frustration, hehe)
Cut up fresh fruits and veggies
Give them a mist shower.
Clean up the mess from the water everywhere
Dance and sing to them!
Wipe the inside of their cage down
Change their papers
Vacuum to get the bird-dust out of their carpet/air.
Get them to bed.

Even though I'm saying this like it's a chore, I'm not trying to discourage you at all!!! My life has a whole new meaning with them in my life. I truly love them. One is friendly, one is a biter (and it HURTS). She recently tore a chunk of my finger out. It's all about patience, consistency, and time management to be able to keep up with their needs. They will take up HOURS of your time daily, and when they do get sick, expect to pay $$$ for a good avian vet. Since you will be home all day, you will probably be able to manage all the tasks throughout the day, whereas I have a strict time frame to stick to! They have the intelligence of a 2 year old, and it definitely feels like you have a child with all the responsibilities included.

 

[nikkiscriv]

Thank you to everyone who has replied!

You've been a big help. I'm not planning to get a bird right away, I'm going to do lots of research and wait until I find one that's suitable, amazon or not!

Can I ask exactly what would make an amazon unsuitable? I'm good with animals, especially birds.. And my local pet store and breeders I have spoke to seem willing to sell me one!...Is there something the these people aren't telling me?:smile031:

In what way is something like and electus different to an amazon? (other than appearance!)

I have a big outdoor aviary, I've kept cockateils, budgies, canaries and finches before..

I guess I'm looking for something a bit more...Interesting!

I don't think anyone is saying that Amazons are unsuitable, it's just that they are much more difficult to handle and raise than many other species. They are bossy, confident, independent, and temperamental. When you combine these qualities with a relatively inexperienced bird owner, things can often go downhill quickly.

If you're a dog person I kind of compare an Amazon to a working dog with strong drive. A family with young children who are looking for a friendly companion would probably not be a good fit for a working line German Shepherd. The family will end up frustrated with a "high strung" destructive dog while the dog will suffers due to a lack of physical/mental stimulation. A more easy going, friendly dog such as a Golden Retriever would probably be a wiser choice for both the family and the dog.

The suggestions provided (Blue crown conure, Male eclectus, pionus, etc.) are birds that are larger and more "interesting" than Budgies, but they have a personality that is more forgiving for a newer owner.

As others stated, I do not regret buying our Amazon, but if I could go back I would have chosen a different bird to start out with. I think it's easier to start off slow and gain confidence bonding with your bird than it is to struggle with something a little over your head. Either way, best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

 

[Molcan2]

If an amazon is something that you really want. Then go spend some time with them at different rescues. I strongly encourage this. For instance, I know I'm not an amazon person, when I look at one its like their eyes scream back at me 'Im crazy dont touch me'. I don't know why they just do. If you look in the Too section you will see that no one thinks you should have one as a starting parrot. If you look in the macaw section you will find people who dont think macaws are good for first time parrot owners. If you look in the Grey section you will find the same. So then what large parrot should you start with? (with the exception of the male eclectus - no ever has anything bad to say about them but stay far far far away from the females). No small bird will ever fully prepare you for a large parrot. So if your going to get one, it needs to be something that you absolutely love. You need to meet as many different parrots as possible to find the one that is just right for you. A pet store or most breeders will sell you anything (the reputable ones are sadly few and far between), they are looking for profits and need to move birds. A good rescue will look at your life situation, your personality and can match you up to the right breed (doesn't mean that you have to have a rescued bird, just picking the right type of bird for you). You need to make sure that you can stand next to them while they are making all kinds of noise (preferably their most annoying) and not be bothered by it. For instance, I am immune to the M2s scream, not sure how, when she sounds off I stress more about what the neighbors think (because yes, even when shes inside they can hear her inside their house) but it truly doesn't bother me. Your parrot that you will get, will more than likely live with you for the rest of your life. Take the time to meet several in person, in all kinds of different areas before making a decision.

My first parrot was a Too, my current parrot is a Too, they both worked out lovely because I made it work and they were right for me (unfortunately I'm a Too person, there are days where I'd rather be an any other kind of parrot person). No matter what parrot you get you will have to put tons of work into them, they all make a mess, their all destructive, they all take up a lot of time and they all cost a lot of $ to maintain. There are horror stories for every type imaginable. You've been doing the research by reading and have picked this type for some reason (maybe its your gut), now go out into the field and find what fits for you. Meet them and see what you think.

 

[Spiritbird]

Please check out the bird rescue organizations instead of a pet store. Where you live depends on who you would contact in your country.

 

[nikkiscriv]

If an amazon is something that you really want. Then go spend some time with them at different rescues. I strongly encourage this. For instance, I know I'm not an amazon person, when I look at one its like their eyes scream back at me 'Im crazy dont touch me'. I don't know why they just do. If you look in the Too section you will see that no one thinks you should have one as a starting parrot. If you look in the macaw section you will find people who dont think macaws are good for first time parrot owners. If you look in the Grey section you will find the same. So then what large parrot should you start with? (with the exception of the male eclectus - no ever has anything bad to say about them but stay far far far away from the females). No small bird will ever fully prepare you for a large parrot. So if your going to get one, it needs to be something that you absolutely love. You need to meet as many different parrots as possible to find the one that is just right for you. A pet store or most breeders will sell you anything (the reputable ones are sadly few and far between), they are looking for profits and need to move birds. A good rescue will look at your life situation, your personality and can match you up to the right breed (doesn't mean that you have to have a rescued bird, just picking the right type of bird for you). You need to make sure that you can stand next to them while they are making all kinds of noise (preferably their most annoying) and not be bothered by it. For instance, I am immune to the M2s scream, not sure how, when she sounds off I stress more about what the neighbors think (because yes, even when shes inside they can hear her inside their house) but it truly doesn't bother me. Your parrot that you will get, will more than likely live with you for the rest of your life. Take the time to meet several in person, in all kinds of different areas before making a decision.

My first parrot was a Too, my current parrot is a Too, they both worked out lovely because I made it work and they were right for me (unfortunately I'm a Too person, there are days where I'd rather be an any other kind of parrot person). No matter what parrot you get you will have to put tons of work into them, they all make a mess, their all destructive, they all take up a lot of time and they all cost a lot of $ to maintain. There are horror stories for every type imaginable. You've been doing the research by reading and have picked this type for some reason (maybe its your gut), now go out into the field and find what fits for you. Meet them and see what you think.

Very good advice!

 

[roxynoodle]

Well, don't laugh, but I always said, "I'm not an amazon person." Everything I read kind of scared me off. And every amazon I met in person would instantly display as soon as I looked at it, and I thought they all wanted to rip me to shreds. One even kept saying to me, "Come here! I won't bite you!", but it's body language said, yes, I'm going to bite you, and very hard! So then I thought, OMG, they even lie to people!

So, there were never any plans to have an amazon in my life.

Then my Blue Crown died unexpectedly, and I wanted to adopt an older parrot given my age now. All of the birds offered me were amazons. So I decided I would see some and consider it. I just had a good feeling about Pete.

Now I'm very glad I did get an amazon as I just enjoy him so much. And when he's all cuddled with me, and practically asleep while I pet him, making cute little thank you sounds, my heart melts.

So, no, don't run away based on what we've said if this is the bird you want. It can definitely work out just fine. You're preparing yourself ahead of time, which is always best. There is probably an amazon out there waiting for you to find him or her.

 

[Mozzie]

We have a blue fronted amazon and she is the sweetest bird you could ever imagine. She was a rescue bird, and when we first got her she was very afraid of hands. It took a lot of time for her to adjust (in fact about a year). But she came out of her shell and is so much fun. She is definitely a one person bird though. She did pick my son, and she loves him. She does like me and my hubby but she only lets my son scratch her. She is very cuddly with him but no one else. But she is not aggressive at all. I guess we were lucky with her. Amazons are not first birds for sure. She wasn't our first parrot. We are really glad we got her. We feel like we changed her life and she definitely changed ours. We have never had one moments regret. In fact we are so thankful every day for her. (and all of our fids!)

 

[Kitty]

Hi, everyone! : )

I'll start by saying: The reason I liked Amazons (and african greys) is because of their size, I thought something like a Too or Macaw would be too big for me to handle. Out of an african grey and an amazon I prefer amazons, for no particular reason, that's just me.

However, after reading your comments I have decided I agree with you. Something like a male eclectus seems much more suitable for me because I'm really not fond of the idea of an amazon being aggressive.

I'd like to ask you all a few more questions about the male eclectus if that's ok?

Do you have any more information you can give me about them?
I've done some research on the net, but you guys really seem to know what you're talking about! It's good to get information from people who actually have some experiance with caring for them as pets!

Can any one share any good or bad experiances they've had with eclectus parrots?
I really want to hear both sides of what living with one could be like if possible.

Are they more or less noisey than an amazon?
Noise isn't a problem, (If it was I'd be stupid for wanting a parrot!) providing it's not totally excessive and constant..

How much care do they need in comparison to an amazon?
I'm at home all day and can spend lots of time with a parrot. I just want to be prepared!! : )

Do they ever become aggressive? If so how bad can it get?
I don't want a bird i'm frightened of! Or a bird thats frightened of me!

What do you guys do with your birds when/if you go on holiday?
a random question but one I must ask! (I don't go away often)

Will an eclectus attack my partner, like so many people told me an amazon would?!?!?!?!
I like my partner and I don't want to drive him out of our home!! : )

Finally, are they smart?
I really wanted a bird I could spend lots of time with and teach to talk and do tricks. People say not all "talkable parrots" will talk, which is fine...But i'd still like and fairly intelligent bird.

Thank you for reading and all for your help!!
If anyone can answer any of those questions you'd really help me out! I know I can probably look on the net at all this stuff, but like i said before, I think you guys know what you're talking about and I want to ask people with first hand experiance.

I'd also like to add:
I fully intend to be an excellent owner which is why I'm asking you all so many silly questions. I just don't want to mess up and pick an unsuitable parrot because it would not be fair on the bird. I love all animals, I'm an ex veternary assistant, I'm a vegan and I even have an exotic animal licence.

 

[Kitty]

Thanks, roxynoodle!!

you've been a big help. You have a conure? a conure is another bird I was considering. What are they like? They certainly look cute!!

(you've already wrote loads, so if you're sick of typing I don't blame you!!)

Kitty

 

[Kitty]

: ) Thanks for letting me know.

I think i'll try do some more research into eclectus and Blue Crown conures. I don't mind putting in hard work and lots of cleaning as long as keeping my new pet is enjoyable and the bird enjoys both mine and my partners company.

Kitty