REading body language??

Okay so is there a site or book that will give me some keys at to the body language of Amazons? Tonight he was looking out and flipping his wings and making begging noises.I think they may have fed him at night.I offered him a piece of unsalted popcorn and he loved it.
The whole not knowing what they are trying to tell me drives me nuts.

Mine does that to show me how pretty and symmetrical he is and what pretty babies he would make, lol! When he does it he likes me to say, "Yes, Petey, you are a pretty boy!" It's become a routine now.

If he starts dancing and making chicken clucking noises though and kicking out his feet, and some regurgitation motions, that is their mating dance. The first time I saw Pete do it, it scared me because I thought something was wrong with him.

They also do a "strut" where they walk around like they are marching in a way.

Like with children, you'll learn by doing. After you've had him a while, you both will be psychically in tune. Trust your instincts. Also, Henpecked can give you more insight into Amazons. Private Message him...he's very nice & helpful, and knows a lot.

There is a group here called 'bonding with amazons' that is run by Henpecked that you could join, lots of info and advice about amazons

Yes, please join our social group!

There is a blue bar near the top of this page. On it are several words. Go to "community" and click on that, then click on "social groups". Find the one that is "bonding with amazons" and join us. It was created only recently by Henpecked, and we have several members already.

Amazons,like a lot of birds seem to be more active in the AM/PM."Pinning" when their pupils contract and dilate, means they are excited and their eyes almost "flash" black and orange.It could mean "stay away" ,"i love you", "i want to sing like you",but it means i'm really excited about something. Reading your amazon is something that will take time but as you become closer you'll learn quickly,amazons are very good at giving off body language to help you know what they have in mind.We'll be glad to help.Have you started feeding him treats by hand yet? How does he act? have you found a healthy favorite yet? I'd also suggest a small digital scale that weighs in grams to keep track of your birds weight. This will give you two a routine intereacting with each other and help you with early ID of health issues. Good luck

Thanks I will join the group today.Ive got so much to learn.I let him out this morning and he flew to the back room obviously looking for someone.Poor little guy, I know he must miss his family..On a good note he hasnt even offered to bite me but those claws on him are murder on my arm.And he is so heavy..I am both excited and scared about having such an awesome animal.Ive got so much to do and buy for him.

Yes, they are heavy compared to conures! I have to switch arms a lot. Have the vet dremel his claws when you take him to round off the points. Right now it's winter and I'm wearing long sleeves so I haven't had an issue, but Pete just had his claws done anyway.

They do make some perches that are supposed to wear down their nails.Some birds/owners don't like them but we do. We rarely have to groom nails ,maybe touch them up with an emery board and we make a game out of that,doing one nail every day or two.The perches we use are called "Safety Pumice Perch" @ Pet Supplies | Dog & Cat Supplies, Pet Meds | DrsFosterSmith.com Pet Products

PS by wife says that another perch,,Safety Perch,,,isn't colorfast.(found out with W/F Lutino Cockatiel,LOL)

I use those cement perches. If I have them in the right spot, I rarely have to groom nails. Sometimes I have to change its location a few times before I find a place the bird likes to use it. Otherwise it doens't do any good. If your bird already has bad nails, my advice would be to have the vet trim them for now and put a cement perch in the cage next to the food or water bowl so you don't have this problem again in a few weeks.

For body language, you'll just have to watch your bird. My yellow napes can often be handled when they are displaying and flashing their eyes. But if they are really serious, their vocalizations hit a certain level and I just know its time to leave them alone. Also, sometimes if you see the short feathers above their nostrils standing up, accompanied by eye flashing and tail flaring, with most birds that means now is a bad time to try petting. They are all a little different though and some males will have hair triggers and you have to watch for the slightest eye flash and that will be your only warning. Some females and a few very laid back males can be handled regardless of body language.
Melissa

He let us give him scritches..LOL..He put his head down expectantly and waited.Im pretty amazed he is so friendly, I guess I was expecting fear and biting and having to work hard to build trust.But he likes my hubby already(BOO)....BTW the former owners wife called me last night asking how Paco was doing and informed me that he loves being in the shower and even likes being blown dry.She also said he likes fish and chicken.I think this was very very hard for the man, he didnt really want to give them up..

I have one of those cement perches for my greenie and she uses it regularly but her nails are still really sharp.Ive only ever trimmed them once and she was not very cooperative..I hate doing it.

My birds all have cement perches, too. Rowdy and Merlin not only sleep on theirs, but they do use them for grooming their nails and beaks. Pete isn't using his as much.

I do shower with Pete as well, and he loves being blow dried. And you know, it's just as well because big birds bathing in sinks or dishes make a huge mess, lol! Merlin bathes in a large bowl and boy does the water fly!

I can pet or handle Pete when he is flashing his eyes and sticking up those feathers over his nares, but he is incredibly mellow. He's actually a very considerate bird, who will stay quiet if another bird is napping, even though sometimes I can tell he doesn't want to. I don't normally consider parrots to be all that considerate, but he is.