THOSE AMAZING AMAZONS

NOT LONG ago, the common family pet parrot or "talking parrot" was referred to as a "polly parrot." This bird was basically green with either some red on the head or, more commonly, yellow. Today we know that these family pet parrots were of the genus Amazona, which we refer to as Amazon parrots.

The Amazon is the most common of the South American parrots. These parrots are strong and stocky with rounded short tails and strong beaks. They get their name from the area they inhabit, the Amazonian rain forest.

Many Amazons are excellent talkers with varied and distinctive personalities-even in the same species, However, amazons can be demanding, strong-willed and, at times, dangerous. The females generally are more docile than the males. Although amazons are a rewarding pet for the right person, these birds can be a nightmare for the wrong owner. Do not recommend Amazons for households with small children.

Meet the Different Species

The yellow-naped Amazon is considered an exceptional talker and is one of the most sought-after Amazons. As its name implies, most of the yellow on this bird is on the nape of its neck. The personality is not as strong as the double yellowhead.

The double-yellowheaded or yellowheaded Amazon has an outstanding beauty that comes with maturity, along with their reputation for being "difficult" during breeding season, especially males. They are not as common as they once were in the pet trade because they are not considered reliable breeders. This is the only Amazon whose head is entirely yellow when it is mature.

The yellow-fronted or yellow-crowned Amazon is not as colorful as the others in the group and often is overlooked for the more colorful birds. These birds have the intelligence and ability to talk like the others, but they are more evenly tempered with not as strong a personality. The prices of the yellow-fronted and yellow-crowned Amazons generally are more reasonable because they do not share the same publicity as the more popular birds in the genus.

The blue-fronted Amazon is one of the easiest to obtain because it is a reliable breeder and one of the most popular Amazons. Color varies among blue fronts, but some are the most striking of the Amazons. Many of these birds are excellent talkers, having a softer, more pleasant voice than many of the yellow heads or yellow crowns.

The hand-fed, domestic orange-winged Amazons available today are quite different than the wild-caught birds imported in large numbers years ago. These inexpensive birds were not considered to make good pets. The major difference in the pet quality of the orange wing today was the end of importation into this country and the breeders who saw the advantage of adding this Amazon to their breeding programs. When a customer is considering an Amazon, these are an inquisitive and calm variety.

Often referred to as a spectacled Amazon because of the coloration of the head, the white-fronted Amazon's coloration gives the appearance of glasses or spectacles. It is the smallest of the Amazons and often is reasonably priced. This Amazon is dimorphic, which means the sex of the adult bird can be distinguished by a variation in color. The male will have red alula and primary-coverts, while the female's is green. Generally, their talking ability is limited to a few phrases.

Housing and Care

Amazons do best in cages large enough to encourage play and exercise. This will help to avoid obesity, which is commonly found in pet Amazons.

Cage size will depend on the species being housed. The bird should be able to fully stretch its wings without touching the sides of the cage (and still have plenty of room to spare). In addition, the more toys placed in the cage, the larger the cage needs to be. When the cage is completely furnished, the resident bird should be able to move around freely without banging into the cage, swing, toys, etc. The bars should be strong enough to withstand the strength of the bird, and spaced properly to prevent wings, head, etc. from catching between the bars.

In addition to the proper cage, educate your customers about the importance of having more than one set of toys. Explain how to rotate toys frequently, not only moving the location of the toy within the cage but replacing toys to encourage play and prevent boredom. Show them how to inspect all toys regularly for damage and signs of wear.

Many Amazons enjoy playing with toys that they can hold in their feet and toss when the mood strikes them. A variety of these toys should be made available, as well as a large variety of toys that hang in the cage or on the playgym.

To keep the pet in good health, recommend a manufactured diet and premium seed mix for variety. Seed should be limited to keep weight under control, and owners should work with their veterinarians to determine the right combinations of food. The diet can be complemented with fruits and vegetables, soak-and-cook mixes and sprouting mixes. Quality, nutritious treats can be offered in limited amounts.

Many Amazons prefer to walk and climb around instead of taking flight. Unfortunately, many owners think their pets can't or don't want to fly. Given the chance, these birds can and will escape in the blink of an eye. Wing feathers on all pet birds should be trimmed to prevent escape. "Saving money" by waiting for all the flight feather to grow in before having them trimmed may result in the loss or injury of the bird. Owners not experienced or uncomfortable with feather and nail trimming should have it done professionally.

Arrange for your customers to have their birds' nails and wing feathers trimmed regularly. This service is performed at a nominal cost to encourage your customers to return and discuss how the bird's life is progressing..

The only safe way to transport a bird outdoors and prevent escape is in a carrier. Help customers select an appropriate carrier for their birds' travel needs and warn them that a current of wind can carry off a bird (even with trimmed wing feathers) like a piece of paper.

Feather and skin condition can be improved or kept in peak shape with regular bathing, which encourages preening and will supply needed moisture. Amazons have a certain odor that is normal for them, so keep this in mind if the customer questions it. A veterinarian should be consulted regarding any odor that is odd or different.

AMAZON BASICS

• Amazons have varied personalities, even within the same species.
• Many Amazon parrots are excellent talkers, which is a great selling point for this species.
• They can be demanding, strong-willed and, at times, dangerous. Do not recommend these birds for households with small children.
• Cage size will depend upon the species being housed. The bird should be able to fully stretch its wings without touching the sides of the cage (and still have plenty of room to spare). There should be space for toys, and the bars should be strong enough to withstand the strength of the bird and spaced properly to prevent wings, head, etc. from catching between the bars.
• These birds have a tendency toward obesity. Therefore, their base diet should consist of a manufactured diet. For convenience and nutrition, some manufacturers offer dried vegetables and fruit, soaking mixes and sprouting mixes. Owners also should work with their veterinarians to choose the right mix of foods for their birds.
• Most pet birds do not get enough sleep. Experts recommend 10 to 12 hours.
• Rotate toys often to help prevent boredom, and inspect them regularly for signs of wear and damage.
• Very few Amazons are sexually dimorphic. When the sex of the bird is important, such as for a breeding set-up, DNA sexing is recommended.
• All pet birds should have their wing feathers trimmed regularly to prevent injury or escape.
• Amazons have an odor that is normal for them. However, a veterinarian should be consulted regarding any odor that is odd or different.

Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Pet Product News by Penny Corbett