So...this is Cocoa. She is a gorgeous female Red Lored Amazon parrot who is 20-years-old and (reportedly) very sweet.
She is also homeless right now. Her female owner loved her very much but when she passed away, her husband did not want to keep Cocoa so he surrendered her to a Humane Society. They say she is sweet and she lets them change her food and water and clean her cage without a fuss but she will not come out of her cage. She has stepped up once or twice but staff do not try to touch her as they do not want to chance a bite (although she has not attempted to bite) She fluffs up to warn people to back off but mostly just if startled. She likes attention and people to talk to her. She was adopted out to a family who brought her back 4 days later because she apparently attacked/chased a child all over the house (I blame the family on that one, not Cocoa and it was all chase, no bite and chasing on the floor as she is clipped)
So. I have two green cheeks. Amazons are my dream bird. Cocoa has had room mates and enjoys the company of other birds - chatting to them, but again has not come out at all when door left open. She loves toys and has a lot. I have an A&E flight cage and the people at the shelter seem to think it would be fine - she is currently in ferret cage. They were impressed at my knowledge although I think it is limited - it was much more than people have shown who turn in applications apparently (and I never once asked if she talks, LOL)
She has been thoroughly examined and blood tests done by an avian vet and gets a clean bill of health. They are just worried that the longer she is there, the more she regress.
Am I crazy for considering an Amazon when I have only had cockatiels and green cheeks? I am not keen on bites and have never been seriously bitten by my guys (I am on blood thinners) but she has not bitten anyone so far and seems to give good warning. She has never been flighted.
It is a three hour drive to the shelter. They have been giving me info on the phone and asking questions and suggest I come early, if Cocoa and I get along they think I could fill out the application - go to lunch and be accepted to take her in the afternoon. (They really want to see her get a good home). In order to ensure only serious offers, they are asking $650 for her. I pass all of their requirements so far but I know this is a big decision
So I need help. I know it is my decision but would appreciate good and bad scenario advice to help me see all angles. @Danita - you have the greenie meanies - any advice. @JLcribber, you give sage advice. Any amazon people or others?
She is also homeless right now. Her female owner loved her very much but when she passed away, her husband did not want to keep Cocoa so he surrendered her to a Humane Society. They say she is sweet and she lets them change her food and water and clean her cage without a fuss but she will not come out of her cage. She has stepped up once or twice but staff do not try to touch her as they do not want to chance a bite (although she has not attempted to bite) She fluffs up to warn people to back off but mostly just if startled. She likes attention and people to talk to her. She was adopted out to a family who brought her back 4 days later because she apparently attacked/chased a child all over the house (I blame the family on that one, not Cocoa and it was all chase, no bite and chasing on the floor as she is clipped)
So. I have two green cheeks. Amazons are my dream bird. Cocoa has had room mates and enjoys the company of other birds - chatting to them, but again has not come out at all when door left open. She loves toys and has a lot. I have an A&E flight cage and the people at the shelter seem to think it would be fine - she is currently in ferret cage. They were impressed at my knowledge although I think it is limited - it was much more than people have shown who turn in applications apparently (and I never once asked if she talks, LOL)
She has been thoroughly examined and blood tests done by an avian vet and gets a clean bill of health. They are just worried that the longer she is there, the more she regress.
Am I crazy for considering an Amazon when I have only had cockatiels and green cheeks? I am not keen on bites and have never been seriously bitten by my guys (I am on blood thinners) but she has not bitten anyone so far and seems to give good warning. She has never been flighted.
It is a three hour drive to the shelter. They have been giving me info on the phone and asking questions and suggest I come early, if Cocoa and I get along they think I could fill out the application - go to lunch and be accepted to take her in the afternoon. (They really want to see her get a good home). In order to ensure only serious offers, they are asking $650 for her. I pass all of their requirements so far but I know this is a big decision
So I need help. I know it is my decision but would appreciate good and bad scenario advice to help me see all angles. @Danita - you have the greenie meanies - any advice. @JLcribber, you give sage advice. Any amazon people or others?
