Help! Need Advice on Bird Choice

[AmazonFan]

Hi all - I'm currently trying to filter through all the reading I've done to decide which Amazon I'd like, and which would suit me best.I have some experience, having once had a DYH who was starved, wormy, and abandoned on a golf course. Lola was about 10-12 years old and mostly good with me...but was vicious with everyone else and he ended up puncturing my elderly mother's Achilles' tendon. At the time I did a few short trips and I could never find anyone to care for him while I was gone and even the boarding facility wasn't thrilled with his aggression either. Ultimately, rather than pass him off to an unsuspecting buyer, I found him a home with a local breeder who found him a mate and has him in a large flight with his 'girlfriend' (totally think they're not married, LOL).I love the 'spicy' in Amazons - but know that a bird that is that aggressive is beyond my abilities as a relative novice. Talking ability isnt that big a deal for me. I'm no longer traveling (ok, perhaps a weekend escape once or twice a year) and want a fid. In reading and asking around (asked Lola's avian vet), I have repeatedly heard that I should try for a YC or BF. That was the vet's pick, and he said try for a female. I've heard Panama and LC are very sweet too.Right now there is a breeder with YC, and another with a Panama. The P is considerably less money (hey, I'm a teacher, not a cheapskate), but it seems that the breeder is far more large scale. I'm looking at about 1300 (this includes shipping) for the YC and about 900 for the P. BF are some months away from egg laying. I'm in no hurry, and i know it's all about socializationbut i want to share my home and life with a bird who will love me too...and not kill my family.Thanks for reading this! Thoughts?

 

[Jen_ConureLvr]

You aren't dead set on an Amazon then? Perhaps a smaller bird would be less intimidating?
I figure the smaller the beak the better IMO.

I am a bird novice too, and would never attempt to adopt or handle a macaw or amazon without
having more experience. It sounds tho like you do have experience tho.

Have you conisdered looking into a Congo Grey? I hear they make really good family pets
and entertain themselves well with a variety of toys.

Oh and welcome to AA~~

 

[macawpower58]

IMO a Blue Front can be just as challenging as a DYH. They also are one of the 'hot 3'. Those two, and the Yellow Naped are infamous for hormonal aggression. Experienced owners advised!

Is size important? Some of the smaller Zons may suit you well. The smaller Green Cheeked Amazon is one that's very engaging, and gorgeous to boot.

The Lilac Crowned, Orange Wing and Red Lored, come to mind for the larger sized Amazons. The Yellow Crowned also seems to be a great Zon, beloved by their owners.

If large is your thing, you've the huge gentle Mealy's to consider. I do believe though that, that 'spice' you like, is toned down in these gentle giants.

 

[MommyBird]

I understand - there is something about an Amazon that nothing else can simulate!
Blue Fronts are one of the hot three - if you wonder what that means - see here
What's Wrong With Amazons - Amazons - Joannie Doss

In addition to my BFA, I have an Orange wing, and they are definitely all amazon, but generally with a less volatile temper.
I think a Panama would be a wonderful companion also.

 

[Tangle Elf]

I just love the smaller Amazons and their beaks are less scary. I think it would be best for you to get a hand fed baby (locally, not shipped) that you know the full history of and can socialize appropriately. I say local because I think it's important for you to meet with the bird many times before bringing it home. Also, an older bird that's well socialized with a known past from a reputable rescue would be great. Again, meet with the bird a few times and bring different people with you each time.

 

[melissasparrots]

I breed yellow napes and I'm also a teacher. Generally the species most prone to aggression are the napes, double yellows, blue fronts and the odd yellow headed family amazon which can include yellow crowns and sometimes panamas. However, its generally the males that really throw their weight into it doing major damage and come across the room to get you. I like my female napes which would probably be similar to female yellow crowns. They've got some attitude, they can bite, but generally they hold back a little more than males. Females make me bleed a little. Males make me need stitches and antibiotics. Personally if given a choice between blue front and yellow crown I'd say females of both would make excellent pets. Males of both have the potential for outrageous aggression like your other bird had. With the blue front maybe a little more likely than the yellow crown to take it to the extremem although any yellow headed family amazon to me has the potential to get that way.

My personal pick for all around good birds would be #1 lilac crowns and #2 orange wings. Both tend to be cheaper than the birds you listed. Less likely to talk but great personality. I prefer the females, but I wouldn't sweat it if all they had were males. Orange wings have a natural pitch to their scream that would drive me up th wall, but that is the only reason I have them as #2. When in doubt, get a girl, make sure its handleable and sweet you'll probably have a good friend for life so long as your willing to forgive a little excess of spice here and there.
Melissa

 

[jeme3]

Are you set on a baby from a breeder?

Check rescues in your area. There are a heartbreakingly large number of birds that need homes.

You may be able to meet and get to know a bird before bringing it home. You may also find out more about the bird and it's personality that way.

I'm sure there are people here who will be able to recommend rescue organizations in your area.

 

[GlassOnion]

I have an excellent breeder friend in Florida, who's been love with Amazons for more than 40years. If you'd like, I can put you in touch and he and his wife would answer any questions you have.

 

[FLmom]

There is a bird store in Wilton manors that has a few birds up for rehoming. I see your in Miami just like I am. Check out "everything for the birds" and the golden cockatoo. I have found these two stores to be very knowledgable and a great place to interact hands on with the birds. Also type in the word parrot on Craigslist main page and you will find many looking to rehome their parrots. I have no amazon experience though.

 

[AmazonFan]

Thanks for the welcome and the suggestion, but I really think the Congo isn't for me. Lovely birds, but a little too dusty.

 

[AmazonFan]

Hi - thank you for the great advice. I am open to the smaller ones, though I have had little interaction with them. The article was great and food for thought.

 

[AmazonFan]

Yes, am open to a rescue but weirdly in my part of Florida it seems shops and the newspaper are how this works. Florida Parrot Rescue operates out of areas further north. But here's my issue - truth be told, many of the rehomes I've seen are screamers, 'special needs'/injured birds, biters, or species I really don't want (here it seems macaws are the majority). Would I be doing a bird any good if I don't know how to truly rehabilitate it? And I am concerned about getting another bird like Lola - very aggressive. I will keep rescues and rehomes on the radar, though. Thank you for your comment!

 

[AmazonFan]

Yes! Please send me their contact info - thank you!!

 

[AmazonFan]

Wonderful advice, thank you. My avian vet said mostly the same thing!

 

[Bokkapooh]

I wouldn't get any amazon if you don't want any slight chance of aggression and jealousy and biting from happening.

 

[AmazonFan]

Ah, I'm okay with some bites and bleeding (on my part), and even a primarily one person bird. Just not one that is homicidal or sends someone to the hospital and months of physical therapy.

 

[Mythreeiggys]

I highly recommend an Orange Winged. I have 3 - 1 pet and a pair that are former breeders. All my guys are super sweet. My "pet" - Jay, is my heart bird. I adopted her from a rescue in PA. It was love at first sight My former breeders Ava and Frankie are hands off but are not aggressive in anyway. Don't get me wrong, OW's can be aggressive but I believe they are a lot less aggressive then the "Hot 3" (BF, YN and DYH).

 

[AmazonFan]

GlassOnion...can't message you or your friend until I have 20 posts. Could I trouble you to send him my post and have him message me? Thank you!

 

[AmazonFan]

Ty - many have suggested them. They seem wonderful!

 

[birdlady]

my blue front was a Re home...he was so sweet. would go to anyone, was totally predictable and my sweet man....I Miss him so much. he was totally opposite the " hot three" conception...

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