What should I be prepared for

[kmiller0320]

I've been talking to a man with a rescue that has a YC Amazon that he just got. The previous owners didn't share much information and the bird he says is very nervous and scared. Good feathering but missing a couple toes. Was told he is around 10 years old. I asked if her took him to the vet and he said no. I really want to adopt this bird as it seems he really needs some TLC. What should I be prepared for, as in health concerns? Doesn't sound like he was taken well care of. I have an avian vet that I go to, but is it a bad idea to adopt him without a vet check first? An what problems should I anticipate and need to accomodate for with missing toes? I appreciate any advice.

 

[kq_fan]

Well most rescued amazons at the rescue I work at are very loud. Most just want to have attention! They and the macaws are the loudest. There is one who is more quiet. But the zons usually just want the attention they have been missing for quite some time. But not all are loud. Mainly if you have the patience for a more "special" bird. They are so incredibly smart, they know when they have been done wrong. But that sure does not mean that this bird doesn't deserves a good place. And again not all are like that. But a majority of abused amazons are a bit more work then others. Amazons are also very moody. I would say that maybe if the bird gets to be too over whelming, put the bird in a different room so you both can calm down. When my birds are being sassy, it is nice to have alone time.
Other amazons vary in their personalities. Some of the parrots have bad days but to hold them, they need to be in a certain mood or they do get so defensive. But when they are in a good mood, they are so fun and loving! I know I would not trade working there for anything! It is so fun! It is also where I got my shy little cockatiel. Rescue birds can be so amazing!

 

[wrench13]

My opinion and what I have read is that amazons are the come back kids of parrots. They may not have come from the best homes, but with patience and lots of love and TREATS, They come around. Zon's like to ruff play and they get a bad rap, if they were never bite pressure trained.
If you think you can spend the daily time , every day, can afford the vet bills, and have the space in your home and heart... take the plunge.

 

[Mariar]

I LOVED my Amazon!!! Loved him loved him loved him.he was missing an eye and loved to bite! He liked to swear and tell you.."don't touch my stuff". But.....he loved being loved,and when he wanted something he knew how to turn on the charm.he was loud and demanding, and was always at your feet. Like wrench13 said if you think you have the time and money and heart ( I use care credit for vet stuff) then take the plunge....you won't regret it...well at least I never did....and I miss him more than words can describe. Keep us updated.

 

[SailBoat]

Eight days ago, you created a Thread: How do I tell age of Amazon!

I am hoping that you took the time to at least read my Post and more importantly, the recommendation of reading the First Thread in the Amazon Section regarding understanding Amazon body language. Have you?

So, where in this larger World are you? A general idea would be nice.

Do you have any experience with medium to larger parrots?

What should you be prepared for:

If you have not, you will be developing a long term relationship with an Avian Vet. Yes, you will need to get this Amazon into that Avian Vet ASAP and yes, you should be prepared to complete a full spectrum of testing. Also, DNA Sex Test your Amazon. Yup, it will likely be expensive.

If you do not have a proper size cage, you will need to buy one.

If you do not have a chest filled with medium to larger parrot toys, you will need to buy lots.

If you do not have an understanding of what a health diet for an Amazon is, you will need to learn that and, buy and prepare.

If your question is simply; will the loss of a couple of toes be a issue. Depends of which toes are gone. So, Yes, No or Maybe - but for sure, as the parrot ages, there will be some problems perching. Commonly, larger natural perches solves most problems. Up-grade perches early-on!

So, are you going to rehome this Amazon?

By the way, how many visits have you made to see this Amazon? Have you interacted with this Amazon? Have you 'Stepped-Up' this Amazon?

 

[kmiller0320]

I did read the post on age and appreciate the info. Age really isn't that important to me, I know that he can live quite long if cared for well. I'm getting a cage 32x30 and will get plenty of toys for activity and stimulation for sure. I've had parrotlets, GC conures so this will be a step up to the larger birds. I've been wanting to do that but am also of the mindset to give animals a good home that need one, which is why I'm looking at rescue. I guess I just wanted some opinion on the fact that the rescue has not taken him to the vet yet and what health problems I might expect to run into with him. I wondered if it's common for the rescue organizations not to have done that. He is several hours away so I have not met the bird but have had a lot of interaction with the rescue about him. Apparently he is just very nervous and scared and he tells me quiet, which I think is unusual for an amazon but it may be due to his situation. I'm ready for the challenge and have a good avian vet with an appointment scheduled for him already for after I get him home. I do worry about what kind of perches to get for him with the missing toes.

 

[mh434]

YNA's are fun. They can also be VERY loud, but usually when they're demanding something (our CAG asks nicely - our YNA yells loudly!). From my experience, they tend to be one-person birds (not all of course, but many...), and form a powerful, long-lasting bond. It can take awhile to gain a 'Zon's trust. My YNA has been with me almost 2 years, and he's still building trust. No one else can get near him - he's totally bonded to me alone.

The toes issue can, as SailBoat mentioned, be an issue for perching. My 'Zon's feet are normal, but he prefers larger perches...he also hates getting onto my hand, but has no problem with stepping up onto my forearm (when he feels like gracing me with his presence, that is!). It makes sense - it's easier for us to stand on something large than to balance on something narrow, so it probably works for parrots, too.

I had a Lilac-Crowned 'Zon with gout, & major perching issues resulted (more serious, I suspect, than missing a couple of toes). I had to make him a little donut-shaped bed to lie on, as he simply couldn't perch.

10 years old is still young for a YNA - the same age as my YNA - he's more or less an adolescent, at that age. Once he gets comfortable, you'll be seeing the hormonal behavior coming out. That can be a "challenge", but it's cyclic, so you get used to dealing with it.

And, as others have said, learn 'Zon body language!! They're pretty much in-your-face about their mood, and unspeakable evil will befall those who fail to heed it! (Amazons NEVER bluff!! If it looks like he might be looking to bite, he WILL bite...HARD!)

Keep us posted!