Preparing for my first parrot

[Mumzy]

My name is Mumzy, and I'm 24 from Parkersburg WV!



A parrot has always been my dream pet ever since I was little! I barely remember looking way up at my mom's budgie cage when I was about 3, but he passed because of some dye in the seeds back then. Ever since I still knew I was gonna have a bird one day.
My mom always said no because "dogs are enough" and it would be too hard while we always had a cat or two. For years I knew it would be the first thing I'd do when I'd get out on my own. Now I have a trailer house with just me and my dog.


I have room for two 4x4 foot cages, but I could go bigger if they go in the living room instead of my office. I currently am able to stay home all day every day. Even when I did work I'm a home body and didn't leave even on the weekends. I'm an introvert and pets are my friends! Otherwise I'm an artist, read, write, and play videogames. I could spend at least 6 hours a day one on one time with a bird.



I always thought I'd get a cockatiel, but I found out that conures are much more needy, noisey, and playful birds.. and usually cuddlers! Plus their a bit bigger being more hardy where as cockatiels are a lot more flighty and tend to be fragile.

I Then I discovered the amazon parrot! Though I'm still debating hard and I want adopting to be the just right situation I'm leaning a lot towards Amazons. I know their not a 'starter bird' But I feel I have the resources, time, patience, and willingness to learn and delve in enough? I still have a lot of questions on my mind and I'm in no rush.


that's why I joined here because I wanted to connect with a community of people that are knowledgeable to learn from, and I won't be buying from a pet shop!
I welcome any questions and advice

 

[wrench13]

Welcome and be welcomed.

So its not a question of of is an Amazon right for you or not, but the RIGHT Amazon for you. If your a first timer, it is going to be a much much smoother ride for rthe next 40-50 years if you let the Amazon pick you. Try adopting one that tis over 5 yrs and past the trials of puberty, which can be massive with most 'zons. Especiallsy with one of the 'hot' 3 species. Blue front, yellow nape and double yellow head. Make sure you have the financial means to have a parrot, vet costs and toys are expensive and must be provided, esp toys. My small amazon Saly goes thru 80-100 a month in chewing toys. Add in food and vegtables for making chop and its easy around 120-130 a month. All parrots can be loud at times, think about that an d your living conditions. What about a future SO? What if the parrot intensely hates them? THat does happen. OR your parrot decides they love the SO more than you? THat happens too.

I suggest if you go for an amazon, try to find one of the smaller species, known for a more even disposition, lilac crowned, red spectacled, or a yellow shoulder (thats my Salty). But yeah, let the parrot pick you!!!

 

[saxguy64]

Welcome to the forums Mumzy! Huge respect for doing your research before diving in. Wonderful to keep an open mind as you learn more about different species. Is there any possibility you could volunteer at a rescue/refuge? It's a fantastic way to gain experience, and see what it's like to care for birds every day. Gives you a great representation of the good, bad, and ugly. Also, spending time there, that special one might find and choose YOU.

Best of luck in your research. Feel free to ask questions. We have lots of experienced, knowledgeable members, always happy to help. If an amazon is a consideration, I recommend reading the stickies at the top of the amazon sub forum titled "I love Amazons", and "Amazon body language.". TONS of information. Much amazon specific, and lots that can apply to parrots in general.

I'm not one to try to sway anyone's choice. I had budgies as a kid, cockatiels for many years, a BFA, and currently an Ekkie and a YNA. They're completely different, and I love them all dearly. Time and hands on experience will help determine what's the best fit for you.

 

[Piasa]

How exciting to have a place of your own, and to be able to finally bring home your special bird

I'm of the mind that you don't get a starter bird, you get the bird you click with. You learn together.

Wrench's advice about Amazons is spot on. They tend to be easy birds to read because they broadcast their mood and use obvious body language. Conures are a little more sneaky, but the consequences of reading them wrong are smaller (smaller beaks!) If you have a big dog that is indoors, a larger parrot would be safer than a small one that can be grabbed - something to consider.

If you have unsprayed trees/forest land around you, you can harvest branches from non-toxic trees to use as perches and toy parts (maple, apple, willow, autumn olive are some). Bark peeling is a hit at my house. Green branches are also better for foot health than a dried branch.

Good luck on finding your special one! I'll enjoy following your story.

 

[chris-md]

Wrench's advice about Amazons is spot on. They tend to be easy birds to read because they broadcast their mood and use obvious body language. Conures are a little more sneaky, but the consequences of reading them wrong are smaller (smaller beaks!) .

Oh not necessarily! So many people who have experienced the bite of the biggest macaws have said smaller bird bites can absolutely hurt much worse. I’ve been savaged by my eclectus but I still remember some nasty bites from my red throated conure years ago.

 

[fiddlejen]

If an Amazon is what you want, you should go for an Amazon. Do all your research, learn all you can. The advice here is really good.

IF you want an Amazon AND a Conure then sure get one, then the other. (Or both at once!) BUT IF the bird you want is an Amazon, then get an Amazon. No such thing as starter birds. You should start with the bird you want -- unless you are planning to start a collection!

 

[ParrotGenie]

No such thing as a starter bird, go for what best fit you and let the bird pick you. If you are unsure, you best bet is to volunteer at a bird rescue in your area and you will gain experience and learn behavior of each specie. So many volunteers that wanted a Macaw for example coming in at first and when with a completely different bird. Birds like to pick their owner, or more like slave. I would also look into adopting a bird over a store, or breeder. Many birds that are in need of a good home with someone that has time to give them attention. Plus is a long term commitment as a larger bird can live 60 plus years. Reason why I say go to a bird rescue and volunteer, or to a pet store, so you are sure what you are getting into and the different species and behavior overall. Wish you good luck in finding your new companion.

 

[Laurasea]

When I got into parrots I wanted a quaker, but talked myself outta of that because I didn't know if I would move to a state they were banned. A GCC choose me and she was beyond fantastic absolutely a love match and ment to be. It took me 20 years to get my fist quaker, and they are my spirit parrot. Despite the noise. So I say go with your heart, and aldo be open to who chooses you..and read and try and meet some different parrots. And remember your life will evolve and often significant others don't like parrots or the sacrifice you have to make to live with them. Be clear with people you date that your parrot is a package deal and more like a kid than a pet

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, Mumzy, thanks for joining our community. Kudos for researching and seeking advice before making an impulse purchase. Either are acceptable as first parrot - mine was a Blue Front Amazon and the learning curve was quick and steep! Turns out he probably came to us just before puberty. Back in 1985 there was little support, and if I knew then what I knew now, our relationship would have been smoother. All worked out well and I still have Gonzo - he's towards bottom right of my signature.

Wonderful advice above, try to spend time with either species and you'll have an idea which one is ideal for you.

 

[noodles123]

Welcome---

There is a lot to know and you are on the right track for thinking carefully etc. Please see this link to another thread-- my 1st 2 responses will be helpful to you as you make plans.

http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/87643-taking-care-gcc.html I know you don't want a GCC- but this stuff still applies

 

[Mumzy]

Thanks all! Letting a bird (or two) pick me sounds much better instead of scouring the internet for ads or settling for a not so great situation.

I've always wanted to volunteer, but sadly I live out in the country. Theres only cat and dog shelters for hours around. I tried finding a group on facebook for parrot enthusiasts in my local area and there's nothing.

I wouldn't doubt if one of my only options would be to have a bird shipped, but that's probably not ideal? I'd be willing to make a trip to pick up a bird but sadly getting hands on experience isn't an option and pet stores here like Petco are pretty sketchy even when it comes just to advice. Hopefully as I look around I'll get lucky and find a foster parent!


I'm so glad to find this active and welcoming community with so much info! My only concern right now is I wonder if a Amazon parrots screaming would hurt my dogs ears? But maybe they don't scream constantly like I imagine.
p.s not sure why my avatar isn't showing up?

 

[saxguy64]

Yeah, Amazons scream... Sometimes. Some more than others, some barely at all, and completely dependant on the individual. If they get lots of social time, they have less need to scream. They're very social creatures, and communication is very important to them. Contact calling is how they know who's around, and where they are.

My YNA mostly likes to shout HELLO, in a loud, raspy, old woman voice. It's her preferred contact call to me, along with the first half of the wolf whistle, expecting the second part as my response.

Her "screams" are... different. Honestly, I think hers are the mimic of having lived in her previous (ummm... "active", vocal) owners' bedroom. No words other than, "oh", just THAT kind of scream. Won't go into details, but it's really funny.

My Ekkie is really jealous, so Baxter (the amazon) talking, yelling, or getting ANY attention from me whatsoever sets him off sometimes. Between the two of them, the noise only seems to bother one of my 3 dogs. He'll start howling like a wolf, which keeps the birds going. Makes me laugh every time, and it only goes on for a minute or two.

 

[saxguy64]

p.s not sure why my avatar isn't showing up?

Did a little edit for you, your avatar should be all set now

 

[Mumzy]

Yeah, Amazons scream... Sometimes. Some more than others, some barely at all, and completely dependant on the individual. If they get lots of social time, they have less need to scream. They're very social creatures, and communication is very important to them. Contact calling is how they know who's around, and where they are.

My YNA mostly likes to shout HELLO, in a loud, raspy, old woman voice. It's her preferred contact call to me, along with the first half of the wolf whistle, expecting the second part as my response.

Her "screams" are... different. Honestly, I think hers are the mimic of having lived in her previous (ummm... "active", vocal) owners' bedroom. No words other than, "oh", just THAT kind of scream. Won't go into details, but it's really funny.

My Ekkie is really jealous, so Baxter (the amazon) talking, yelling, or getting ANY attention from me whatsoever sets him off sometimes. Between the two of them, the noise only seems to bother one of my 3 dogs. He'll start howling like a wolf, which keeps the birds going. Makes me laugh every time, and it only goes on for a minute or two.

Oh my lord imagine the guests LOLOL and the old womans voice ties it all together terribly haha!!



Well my only concern was my dogs ears getting hurt but from what I've heard and seen Amazons are more chill than I thought. I automatically imagine worse case scenario until I find out otherwise.
I found an amazing foster group on petfinder thats only 2 hours and 30 minutes away! Which means I can even visit the birds available!

They have a lovely 25 year old Double Yellow Headed Amazon I'm very interested in and will likely be applying for. He sounds like hes such a calm, quiet, sensitive sweetie! I know nothing is a guarantee, I just hope an Amazon that old isn't too likely to have fatty liver disease already?
I read that they can live far past 30 as well if well taken care of?

 

[saxguy64]

Terrific! Hope you get to meet and spend time with some birdies. Multiple visits is always best if that's possible, to get a good feel if there's a connection.

The nature of rescues/rehomes, is that you get what you get, good or bad Accept them for who they are, and go with it. A full exam and blood work with an avian professional is the best way to get a baseline for where they're at, so you have something for comparison later on.

At 25, an amazon has long since passed the perils of puberty, and established his personality. To me, that's a win. If well cared for, he's still likely to be with you for much of your adult life. Thank you for considering an older bird! They are so deserving of a loving home.

Keep us posted!

 

[Scott]

Most parrots scream at times, sometimes during morning or afternoon to "call the flock." I've never found Gonzo's vocalizations objectionable, particularly as he is superb talker. Amazons tend to have a more gravelly, less "high pitched" shriek and thus more tolerable to my ears. Then again, I have mostly highly vocal cockatoos and find Gonzo absolute least problematic. BTW, none of my dogs seem offended by parrot screaming.

You struck gold with relatively close foster group! The mature DYH seems ideal, but please go with an open mind!

 

[wrench13]

Good for you that the shelter is within visiting distance. I love double yellow heads, but they unfortunately uniformly hate me on sight. Been badly bitten by them almost 100% of the time, dont know why. They can be outstanding talkers and singers! But read the Amazon Body language stickie a few times, so you have an inkling of what they are communicating to you. Amazons telegraph how they are feeling the best out of all parrots - no excuse for not paying attention to what they are telling you.

 

[noodles123]

Thanks all! Letting a bird (or two) pick me sounds much better instead of scouring the internet for ads or settling for a not so great situation.

I've always wanted to volunteer, but sadly I live out in the country. Theres only cat and dog shelters for hours around. I tried finding a group on facebook for parrot enthusiasts in my local area and there's nothing.

I wouldn't doubt if one of my only options would be to have a bird shipped, but that's probably not ideal? I'd be willing to make a trip to pick up a bird but sadly getting hands on experience isn't an option and pet stores here like Petco are pretty sketchy even when it comes just to advice. Hopefully as I look around I'll get lucky and find a foster parent!


I'm so glad to find this active and welcoming community with so much info! My only concern right now is I wonder if a Amazon parrots screaming would hurt my dogs ears? But maybe they don't scream constantly like I imagine.
p.s not sure why my avatar isn't showing up?

I would not get 2 as first birds. That can make bonding with you a struggle and really complicate things on a variety of levels (behaviorally, hormonally, medically)..Plus, if they don't get along and have to be separated ( or get along TOO well and have to be separated) then you are looking at 6-8 hours collective interaction (3-4 for each bird, out of the cage etc)
In my opinion, you need to learn the behavioral dynamics and nuances of a bird like an amazon by itself before diving into 2 at once-- they can be tricky, and 2 can be trickier.

Also- babies are always way sweeter than adults, so preferences and tendencies as babies do not necessarily carry into adulthood/sexual maturity (that can go for preferences towards humans and other birds as well)

 

[texsize]

Here is a short video of my amazons screaming.

To get a true idea of how loud it is be sure to turn up your volume.

[ame="https://youtu.be/Yqq-Zq743N8"]3 Amazon parrots screaming - YouTube[/ame]

My yellow nape is does not scream to often but my two red headed amazon it's every day.

my YNA is at least 35 and has mellowed some with age.
the other two are young and I am hoping they will also calm down as they age.

 

[wrench13]

LOL.. oh my, excuse me while I have a laugh at your expense bud! For us its when my wife starts preping dinner - Salty puts on a 20 minute floor show, ranging from singing to some of the loudest parrot screeks I've heard to date, to running thru his sayings and laughs. But thats it, he is very quiet the rest of the time, just talking in his cute little indoor voice.