should I or shouldn't I???

brianlinkles

New member
Aug 17, 2011
740
1
Oakwood, Ohio
Parrots
i am the mom of three parrots:
Dorothy- African grey (cag)
Bowie- blue and gold macaw
Nellie- hyacinth macaw
Reggie- hyacinth macaw
Marnie- white bellied caique
Hi!
I am new to this forum, I would like to tell you a little bit about myself first. Many years ago I had a roomate with a blue front. Well, I always told myself that someday I would own a similar bird. I have waited many years until I felt that I could give enough time to a bird of this species. My children are in school all day and I am home during the day so I feel that this is the perfect time to look for the perfect bird. Well in doing lots of research on different species I have been told repeatedly that the amazon might not be the type of bird that would do as well in a family. (husband, two daughters 11&13) I was steered towards a hahns. I have been quite excited about getting our new bird and do feel that a hahns might be a better choice for us, however the thought of an amazon has always been the bird of my dreams. Well I just heard of a rescue of a lilac crown (not even a species that I was familiar with) I have researched & researched this species and they do seem like a wonderful bird. I was set to bring home a baby, feeling that it would bond to all of us. This bird is 15 years old, comes from what appears to be terrible conditions. It is in such a small cage, she is dirty (almost oily feeling) It seems to be very frightened, kind of shaking a bit. She keeps her beak a bit separated and works her tongue back and forth inside almost like a panting motion. Her feathers are white and fuzzy around the edges. she is also very weak. She steps up wonderfully however I almost feel like I have to hold her back or she could topple off. I am not sure if it is just that she had such a small cage with only one perch. However with all of this negative she is so, so sweet! Now this could change when she gets healthier. I have spent a several hours with her over several days, I am just so nervous that I may be getting in over my head. I was referred to this site from another forum that I am on. My daughter has a little linnie that is just a marvelous bird! I am out of my comfort zone here and don't know if I am just thinking with my heart or should be thinking more logically. I hoping for some direction. I have pictures of her feathers below.

15qff5h.jpg


afhpg9.jpg
 

Auggie's Dad

Administrator
Dec 28, 2007
1,995
Media
12
Albums
1
13
South Hadley MA
Parrots
Auggie: Dusky Conure
It sounds like someone really needs to take that bird and give her a better healthy home.

Whether you are that someone though is another question. Rehabilitating a bird from such a situation is not easy even for someone with a good deal of bird experience. She likely has some health problems which could carry untold costs in vet bills, and potentially a shortened lifespan.

I am a bit torn as this bird really does need someone to care for her - but I suspect you may be in for quite a bit of cost financially and emotionally if you take such a 'fixer-upper' as your first parrot.

That said, a bird rescued from a bad environment rarely takes things for granted and can become the best companion.

Hopefully others will chime in on this - but on balance, given that this is your first parrot, I'd give this very careful consideration and lean towards finding a healthier start.
 

merlinsmom13

Active member
Jul 27, 2010
1,445
1
Beckley, WV
Parrots
Merlin a Red Crowned Amazon
LCA is similar to my bird (red crowned amazon). He's alot of bird, but I think they are the quieter, gentler amazon. That doesn't mean he doesn't bite @ times, or he doesn't scream & be noisy. It means that they don't do it as much. Merlin has alot of energy, he's fully flighted so it makes life interesting. He does want to be w/me alot of the times, but sometimes during the day he will play or nap on his own. I know a lady who rescued an older female LCA, & she is in love, her girl is sweet & polite.

You need to evaluate how much time you can spend w/your bird. Can you afford vet bills, if she has been in a bad home, there could be health concerns. But most of all, make sure you are in it for the long haul. This bird has probably been passed around & doesn't deserve to come to you if you are not 100% positive that she will have a forever home. Good luck.
 

OOwl

New member
Oct 12, 2010
723
3
Texas
Parrots
Rosebreasted Cockatoo, Congo Grey, MRH Amazon, Lovebird
Ten years ago I adopted an older Blue-Front Amazon (it was thought to be a male for the first 8 years of her life, mainly because she was so aggressive toward her "caregivers"). At the time I adopted her (she had been turned into the feed store by her former owners because they were tired of her). She had up until that point only been fed pigeon food, twinkies, pizza, fast food fries, and other similar fare. Her feathers were ratty and oily, her nares red and inflamed, the feathers under her wings a dull grey. She did not look healthy at all. She had never flown in her life and was kept in a cockatiel-size cage. She had never had toys nor the pleasure of a shower. As I understand it, she lived alone, on their screened in porch for all her life, which I believe because of the sad sounds she sometimes makes of crows and crickets. This was an angry, unloved, misunderstood bird. That said, I adopted her and have never been sorry. She is now healthy and vibrant and the most devoted and affectionate of my avian companions. She has complete trust and is a wonderful pet. It took many, many months to achieve even a tiny amount of success with her. We started at the vet for a full (expensive) workup and it took over a year to bring her cholesterol into the normal range. It took her almost two years to consume at pellets as her base diet. It took eight YEARS before she would go to anyone but me (trust issue). Are baby parrots easier? Yes, by far (my other three were all acquired as babies); however, the satisfaction of working with a rehomed bird that really needs a better life is FAR, FAR and away more gratifying. There is no question in my mind that my Amazon appreciates the changes that happened in her life. Good luck on your choice. I hope you get to help this bird.
 

Molcan2

New member
Jul 19, 2011
783
1
Lake Co., Florida
Parrots
Princess Rome- Moluccan Cockatoo (18yrs old), Rosie - Galah/Rose Breasted Cockatoo (2yr old)
Was the bird outside when you went to see it? If so, birds do pant when they get hot (depending on how hot it is the bird may be weakened just from the heat). It looks much like when a dog pants. They usually hold their wings a bit away from their body (makes it easier to catch a breeze to cool off a little) and they will hold their beaks open a little and move their tongues back and forth to help cool off.

Secondly, if you have always wanted an amazon and that is the bird you most desire (you have already had exp. with them as you mentioned that you had lived with one) then don't cheat yourself. Whatever parrot you pick (including this one thats 15) will more than likely be with you for the rest of your life. You need to make sure that you get what makes you happy, its you that has to deal with the bird everyday and with the amount of work that you put into them you might as well get the most fulfillment out of it.

Thirdly, your schedule is ideal for a bird. If you are truly home all day then I don't see any reason to not get this bird. Just keep in mind that it is going to take time and a great deal of patience to rehab this little guy but you have the ideal set up. You would be home in a completely quiet, distraction free environment for the greater part that you are working with the bird. This will allow the bird to get comfortable with you. Theres nothing wrong with getting an older bird, they can still bond to you the same (if not - more as they know what it is like to come from unloved home). If you do get this little guy - try to go into it with the mindset that you have the rest of your life to develop a relationship and take baby steps - let the bird choose how fast it develops the bond with you. More often than not when you take a bird out of a bad environment and into a good one you'll be surprised at how fast they not only come around, but appreciate you as well.

If you do get the bird, I would suggest taking it to the vet, get some blood work done make sure that its not undernourished and put it on a good food. Provide a respectable, stable, structured, consistent, loving home and you'll have a happy bird in no time.
 

henpecked

Active member
Dec 12, 2010
4,858
Media
3
18
NC/FLA
Parrots
Jake YNA 1970,Kia Panama amazon1975, both i removed from nest and left siblings, Forever Home to,Stacie (YN hen),Mickie (RLA male),Blinkie (YNA hen),Kong (Panama hen),Rescue Zons;Nitro,Echo,Rocky,Rub
I will try to address everything you brought up.Earlier posters have good points concerning health and vet bills, however at age 15 i think most of her possible health issues can be fixed with proper diet and cage,perches etc. A complete vet check is needed ASAP.Any rehoming fee needs to be based on outcome of that vet check,owner bears some responsibility after all.
As for a amazon not being a good family bird,hogwash.Yes any parrot could be a issue in a family envrioment if not well socialized (but if steps up for you a stranger,that's a good sign).Amazons love an active house hold with lots of action and want to be in the center of it all.I would plan a family outting and visit the bird ,just to see how it reacts to everyone.I don't think the sweetness part will change as the birds health improves ,it may pick a favorite person but ALL of my rehomes can be handled by most anyone.Active participation by all of the family members would go a long way to making this a great family pet.It's often said"let the bird pick you" if this is the case then my vote is go for it. I for one would be here to help any way I can and have plenty of free advice if you need it.
PS welcome to the forum and hope you join in ,even if you don't get this bird.
 
Last edited:

savagem13

New member
Aug 17, 2011
4
0
Hey there,

I had to join just so I could chime in here. I am the proud and happy owner of 4 rehomed, large birds: Optimus, a female CAG purchased from a woman who had to move to Florida to care for an elderly mom; Loke, a male CAG given to me by a man who was undergoing treatments for cancer; Rosie, adopted from a rescue, where she ended up after her "mom" passed away; Polly, a female Goffins purchased from Craigslist--Polly is wild-caught, and spent her first years subsisting on nothing but cracked corn--reportedly had only a brick to sit on. All are delightful in their own way. All have their individual quirks.

Opti, who lived with a smoker, was and is a plucker. Has had every test under the sun, and is perfectly healthy. Vet hoped that once the nicotine was removed from her feathers, she'd stop plucking. Three years later, she still looks mangy. On the other hand, she has a huge vocabulary and is extremely gentle. Wouldn't hurt a fly.

Loke can be fiesty, and is the peskiest of all the birds in the house. You can't leave him alone for a minute, or he'll chew something up. On the other hand, he talks, dances, and loves to follow me around the house.

Rosie is a sweetheart. Only says about 5 words, but says them in the sweetest, little-girl voice. She hates my dad, and will go out of her way to attack his feet if he wears sandals. With me she is sweet as pie, though once in a while she'll let you know she doesn't want to be petted.

Polly I've had the longest. The three others will step up and let me handle them no problem. After more than three years, Polly still won't step up. On the other hand, she LOVES for me to pet her--will sit for hours behind me on a chair and let me scratch her head. Doesn't talk, doesn't dance. But she LOOKS like a different bird since being put onto a healthier diet, and she's a love. At her most recent check-up, the vet noted she is developing cataracts. Probably the result of early malnutrition, though we don't really know how old she is. But so far she can still see, and she seems happy just to have healthy food, wood to chew on, and scritches.

I wouldn't give up any of my second-hand (or third or fourth-hand) birds. They are all amazing in their own ways, and I don't regret adopting any of them.
 
Last edited:
OP
brianlinkles

brianlinkles

New member
Aug 17, 2011
740
1
Oakwood, Ohio
Parrots
i am the mom of three parrots:
Dorothy- African grey (cag)
Bowie- blue and gold macaw
Nellie- hyacinth macaw
Reggie- hyacinth macaw
Marnie- white bellied caique
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Thank you so much for all th input! I just came back from visiting with her again. She is still very sweet, and very quiet! One of the girls that work there weighed her she said she weighs 1.17 lbs. is that even possible? I mentioned to the girl that I thought she might be a little chubby however it seems like that is more than a little chubby! She is kind of puffy around her crop which worried me however now I just think that she is just very heavy. I brought her lots of healthy food choices to try and feed to her today however she really didn't want much to do with anything except a few nuts.
 

suebee

New member
Jan 13, 2011
2,394
3
she might not have a clue what the other things were??

i'm gonna play devils advocate an tell you about when i accepted nut, she was sweet for 2 wks an all hell broke loose, she started biting, lunging, flying attacks (when i say bite, it means bruising or breaking the skin) its taken a few months to find the routine that works best for us all, i say routine, as the basic training of stepping up etc nut already knew an understood

well since i have found the right routine, its all smiles, she is still nippy with my son, but its his fault as he will keep pestering her to play, when she is not in the mood, he'll learn?? (i hope)

a few months may sound a long time, and can cause stress for whole family, but it IS worth it, as what is a few months on the incredible lifespan of these birds

and welcome to the forum!

i won't say nut is the perfect bird, and i cannot say her change to being a sweet little sennie will last, if the routine seems not to work again then i will try a different tactic
 

Conurekidd

New member
Mar 30, 2011
343
0
Southern Calif
Parrots
YC Amazon Sampson

Sun Conure Bella

Cinn Green Cheek Conure Rexx
I adopted Sammy 7 months ago from a rescue.
He's my yellow crowned amazon. Well hes been hospitalized for almost 3 days now. 2 nights. And has something hidding we cannot find. Vet thinks it has alot to do with the fact that his previous owners under nourished him and mistreated him as well.
Well 700+ dollars later and sams still there :(. I'm expecting to reach a thousand. I'm Completly wiped out of my funds. I have one job that's 2 days a week and I roof for extra cash. I literally work my a$$ off so I can tend my bird. It's the price of rescuing.
You could indeed Recive a healthy bird. It's very possiable. I'm 19 years old. And I do whatever it takes. Even if it means flat broke. It was my desion. So if you don't mind being "broke" all the time. (I mean that in a diffrent way then said)
Then go for it. I'm not saying that this bird is sick. Just chances are high.
Exotic animal care is always extra for everything.
Exotic blood panels
Exotic admission
Exotic medication (though birds use human meds)
And more. Add 100-200 to anything tested or admitted just because it not a dog or cat
It's a risk I guess. Babies cost 1000. However so do vet bills. So it's choise you would have to make. But for a first bird. Idk. I'd go with a healthy baby
 

Munkys

New member
Jul 1, 2011
25
0
CT
Parrots
Meiko, 9-year old Moustache
Just a sidenote- you might want to look at the macaw section. Someone had mentioned they were interested in a Hahn's macaw, and several people responded that while they are great macaws to start off with, that they tended to bond strongly to one person unless you worked with them (A LOT from the way it sounded) when they were babies. Just something else to consider.

Also, consider this: either way you're going to be spending quite a bit of money on the bird- whether its a baby from a breeder considering the type you want, or from vet bills from rescuing. Which do you think would be more gratifying? I know what I would pick...

Plus, your kids are older, so the challenge in rehabilitating this bird won't be nearly as big as if you had younger kids running around, freaking the bird out, and sticking their fingers in the cage (which could be frightful for the bird and dangerous for the child). A few less things to worry about.

A LOT of patience, a lot of research, a bit of adaptability, and some unconditional love go a long way with animals...
 
OP
brianlinkles

brianlinkles

New member
Aug 17, 2011
740
1
Oakwood, Ohio
Parrots
i am the mom of three parrots:
Dorothy- African grey (cag)
Bowie- blue and gold macaw
Nellie- hyacinth macaw
Reggie- hyacinth macaw
Marnie- white bellied caique
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Wow! Now I am nervous! I had decided to bring her home tomorrow for a very long weekend until Tuesday. I thought this would give us some time to see how she does. The woman that runs the rescue gave me a name of a vet she uses, she said she will reimburse me or probably take the fee off the adoption fee. I though this was very fair! We talked tonight and she did say that this bird is very overweight and is causing a bird that has been in its cage all the time to be very weak and clumsy. I am nervous after reading the last post but thank goodness that I am going into this somewhat with my eyes open. I admire the fact that you are 19 and working so hard to take good care of your bird. I think that is amazing! I am quite a bit older and although I don't want to spend tons of money on a sick bird I am probably a bit more prepared. I will see what happens over the weekend, I can't think of anything better than watching her become the beautiful bird that she can be! Wish me luck, right now my biggest worry is that her cage is really not clean. I know that they have cleaned it however I am somewhat of a cleanfreak and I know that and owning a bird isnt always the best match but I figure I can work it out. I am a little grossed out by her cage. I am hoping I can take it apart and scrub it to death! I heard from someone that I can use water with bleach in it, what do you all think? I don't want to go and get her new cage if she doesn't work out, plus I thought that it would be in some ways less stressful to have her own cage. Wish me luck! I have just come back from buying her a toy, I don't know if she has ever had one! So I have my checklist, healthy food and excersise and lots of cuddles! I will let you know how it goes!
 

Auggie's Dad

Administrator
Dec 28, 2007
1,995
Media
12
Albums
1
13
South Hadley MA
Parrots
Auggie: Dusky Conure
Good luck, keep us posted.

If the place she's coming from is okay with such a "weekend trial" perhaps they are better that I was first assuming. [That or they're really good salespeople ... they *know* you'll keep her after that.]
 

merlinsmom13

Active member
Jul 27, 2010
1,445
1
Beckley, WV
Parrots
Merlin a Red Crowned Amazon
Good luck. I'm sure you will be fine. I wouldn't use bleach unless you can let it air out for a day in the sun, try white vinegar. Dont be disappointed if she is very timid, it takes tons of time for any bird to trust you. Good luck again & keep us posted.
 

henpecked

Active member
Dec 12, 2010
4,858
Media
3
18
NC/FLA
Parrots
Jake YNA 1970,Kia Panama amazon1975, both i removed from nest and left siblings, Forever Home to,Stacie (YN hen),Mickie (RLA male),Blinkie (YNA hen),Kong (Panama hen),Rescue Zons;Nitro,Echo,Rocky,Rub
I'm glad you talked about the vet thing,it's great they let you do the long weekend,hope all goes well. Don't worry if he doesn't like the toy,lots of new thing going on right now,maybe hang it on the outside and see if he shows any interest. Good luck,Please keep us posted
 
OP
brianlinkles

brianlinkles

New member
Aug 17, 2011
740
1
Oakwood, Ohio
Parrots
i am the mom of three parrots:
Dorothy- African grey (cag)
Bowie- blue and gold macaw
Nellie- hyacinth macaw
Reggie- hyacinth macaw
Marnie- white bellied caique
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #16
Thanks everyone! I am so, so excited! I am hoping that she likes it here! I know it sounds crazy but my biggest worry at this point is that she doesn't have a great cage yet! I think it premature to purchase a cage for her when I am not sure how she will do! I hate bringing her home in that small filthy cage. If anyone has any good ideas on how to get it as clean as possible, please share. I guess I can just bring it out in he back yard and spray the heck out of it. Yes, I was very pleased that the woman in charge of the rescue was very open to the idea of taking her to the vet, she was the one that offered to reimburse me. It made me feel like she truly was hoping to find this bird a great home. It is very funny, she is so quiet until I bring her over to a blue front that they have at the rescue. When she gets by this other amazon, she perks up and makes a few little squeaks. Again, any help or suggestions on how to disenfect this cage would be appreciated!
 
OP
brianlinkles

brianlinkles

New member
Aug 17, 2011
740
1
Oakwood, Ohio
Parrots
i am the mom of three parrots:
Dorothy- African grey (cag)
Bowie- blue and gold macaw
Nellie- hyacinth macaw
Reggie- hyacinth macaw
Marnie- white bellied caique
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Oh I also wanted to add, the woman in charge of the rescue doesn't think it is a good idea to give her too big of a cage. I tend to disagree as I have read to give amazons the biggest cage possible. What is everyones thoughts? What size would you go with?
 

suebee

New member
Jan 13, 2011
2,394
3
depends how much time she is going to spend in it!

but yes bigger the better!

i always see it like this, when kids go for a room, they will always pick the bigger room over there siblings, or complain there siblings room is bigger etc

i am so excited for you! and glad i think you've made the right choice, when nuts mis-behaving to me its nothing more then having a naughty child
 

Remy

New member
Jul 13, 2011
1,905
1
California
Parrots
Darcy (Golden-Collared Macaw), Puck (Caique - RIP)
As for cleaning, if you use bleach, make sure the bird isn't exposed to the bleach fumes. Vinegar is a safer germicide. There is also a product called Poop Off that is good for dissolving poop, but i don't know if it kills germs.

I'd say the bigger the cage the better! I found a big parrot cage, taller than me, brand new, on Craigstlist for $150!

I've heard that birds on a seed/nut diet tend to get fat, because nuts/seeds have fat in them (good to an extent) and captive birds tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle compared to wild ones. Maybe switching her to a high quality pellet (some birds need to be switched gradually, but mine didn't care), with fruits and veggies.

ALL of the animals I've rescued over the years have been AWESOME! I think they tend to really appreciate what you give them more.
 
OP
brianlinkles

brianlinkles

New member
Aug 17, 2011
740
1
Oakwood, Ohio
Parrots
i am the mom of three parrots:
Dorothy- African grey (cag)
Bowie- blue and gold macaw
Nellie- hyacinth macaw
Reggie- hyacinth macaw
Marnie- white bellied caique
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #20
thank you everyone! I am excited/nervous! I hope she does well! I hope she likes being part of a family, I don't think that she has had much experience in that. Actually I think that she started off as part of a family but the kids grew up long ago and lost interest and she has just been sitting in a cage for years, bored & getting very chubby!
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top