Amazon Parrots
By Vijai Sharma

Amazon parrots (Amazona sp.) originate from Mexico, Central America, South America and the adjacent islands of the West Indies.

There are several species of Amazon Parrots.Some of the most commonly species are the double yellow headed amazons, yellow napped amazons, yellow or blue fronted amazons, orange winged amazons, green cheeked amazons, and lilac crowned amazons.

A healthy Amazon can be expected to have a life span of around 50 years or even longer with good nutrition and care and their size can range anywhere from about 10-20 inches in length.

The affectionate and loyal nature of the Amazon make this bird a wonderful pet for those experienced with companion parrots. Amazons are highly intelligent and require a devoted owner who is willing to provide significant and meaningful attention, as well as stimulus such as chewing toys to keep them happy and healthy.

Some males can become aggressive when they reach sexual maturity. Gentle dominance training is essential. It is a good idea to teach amazons to step up on a stick on command for those times when they are “over-stimulated.” These birds require strong, patient owners who understand their moods. Do plenty of research on behaviour and training before buying one so you can build a strong foundation with the young bird.

The best talkers tend to be the double yellow heads, yellow napes, and blue fronts. Many of these birds can also become proficient singers. They are not shy and will often perform for strangers. Because of these characteristics, these parrots are often selected as performers in bird shows and at zoo’s.

Generally, they do not develop feather picking problems the way many parrot species do, but they can if they are neglected, confined in small cages for long periods of time, and not stimulated with interaction and/or toys.

Caging

Amazons are quite active and very prone to obesity if they do not get exercise. The cage provided should be large enough to ensure that they get adequate room for play and exercise. Spacing of bars depends on the size of the species and care should be taken for smaller amazons to ensure that the spacing is not large enough for them to get their head through.

Diet

A diet that is about 25-50 percent pellet based, with the rest made up of a variety of healthy fresh foods is generally accepted as a good guide. Seeds are too high in fat for Amazons and while they can be fed as treats, they should make up no more than 10 percent of the whole diet. Nuts are a good treat, also in moderation.

Feather and Skin Health

Amazons should be showered regularly for feather and skin health. They can develop a musky odour that bothers some people, but most owners will need to get used to it. Regular shower’s keeps the smell from getting too strong.

Noise

Most birds purchased young and properly trained and socialized will rarely vocalize to the point of disturbing neighbours, but generally they do vocalize at least once a day with loud screeches.

Some amazons can be very loud resulting in many older birds being sold because of the noise becoming a nuisance factor to others. They are not great pets to be kept in apartments for this reason and generally, the larger the bird, the louder the call. Amazons that have been kept with other amazons tend to be the loudest.

Sleep

At least 10 hours of dark, quiet sleep time each night. Amazons that do not get enough sleep can be very grouchy and aggressive.

With lots of love, care and an occasional trip to the vet (where flight feathers should be trimmed), an Amazon parrot will be a beautiful and entertaining companion animal for many years.

Website : http://www.colourfulparrots.com

Blog : http://www.colourfulparrots.com/blog

Vijai Sharma

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About Yellow Headed Amazon Parrots
By Allan McConnell

These interesting and popular pets are originally from the coastal area of Mexico.

Yellow headed Amazons have striking markings, with mostly green bodies, a bright yellow head and a red patch on both wings.

Their range includes parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize, and they tend to prefer habitats in tropical and subtropical forests.

They also live in savannas, mangrove swamps and cultivated land that still retains trees.

Unfortunately, these parrots are now on the endangered species list.

Deforestation has destroyed their habitat, illegal pet trading has reduced their numbers in the wild, and poaching is responsible for the deaths of many birds.

Captive bred birds are available as pets, but like most other parrots, they are quite expensive.

This is due to the effort required to raise one.

Considered perhaps the second best talker in the parrot world (after the African Grey), these parrots are popular because of their vocal abilities.

Remember, however, that not every parrot will talk.

The amount your pet will talk will depend on its preferences and surroundings.

Some birds chatter right away, while others won’t talk at all.

That doesn’t mean there’s not a lot more than talking there, however.

Even a nontalking parrot is smart, active, and entertaining.

These birds love attention, and can be playful and very vocal.

In fact, they’re generally called the loudest of the Amazon parrots, and may need some training to quiet them down a little.

The activity level of the yellow headed Amazon parrot means that it needs an environment that’ll allow it to fly.

For many, this means an aviary or parrot room.

Indoor cages are still a possibility, however.

You just need to offer enough daily exercise to keep your bird happy.

These parrots are easy to tame and train, but be sure to supervise them when they’re out.

Like most large parrots, yellow headed Amazons are quite destructive.

Be sure to provide lots of branches and toys to chew on, as well as perches, ropes and ladders for climbing.

Don’t be surprised if your bird tends to explore and climb with its beak as well as its feet.

You may find your pet eating all kinds of foods and trying out new things on a regular basis.

Feed a good, balanced diet, and offer plenty of toys and interaction to keep your pet happy and healthy. You’ll get years of entertainment and companionship as your reward.

Allan McConnell is the author of The Ultimate Guide To Parrots – compulsory reading for any parrot owner. This website contains valuable information on the secrets to adopting and raising a healthy and happy parrot.

For a FREE 10 part mini-course to “Learn The Secrets To Raising A Happy And Healthy Parrot That Thrives For Years To Come” go to => http://keepingaparrot.com/

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