How do you tell a parrots age

hamza.ayub

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Feb 22, 2014
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I have a mealy amazon
Hi I would like to know what age is my amazon as I would like to buy pet insurance I have also surfed the net can't find any proper info
 

labell

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Feb 17, 2014
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It is difficult once they reach a certain age but feet on younger birds are smoother less flaky, or wrinkled if that makes sense. You can also sometimes tell by the band as some breeder will put a hatch year at least on the band. Is your boy banded, can you read any of the markings without stressing him? Is the band a complete solid ring or is there a break in it?
 

Kiwibird

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Jul 12, 2012
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1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
Just looking at Rio, he looks like an older bird. They can live 60+ years, so he could be anywhere from 4/5/6 years old to 50/60/70 years old. He may just be dirty (have you given him a good bath recently?), but they take on a more "dull" appearance as they age, which he has (that can also be due to dirt and improper diet/care too). My guess is he's probably over 10 and probably not older than 30 (just a hunch). Where did you get this bird anyways that he came with no background information?
 

henpecked

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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
When they get older it's harder to tell. If i had to guess, which is hard to do with the pics i've seen, i'd guess 20-30 . he's not a young bird IMO. With mealies it's hard to guess because of all the subspecies and hybrids. Generally they would yellow more with age and perhaps a few on the nape. Bird in Hand, i could guess better , i say 20-30.
 

Birdman666

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Sep 18, 2013
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Presently have six Greenwing Macaw (17 yo), Red Fronted Macaw (12 yo), Red Lored Amazon (17 y.o.), Lilac Crowned Amazon (about 43 y.o.) and a Congo African Grey (11 y.o.)
Panama Amazon (1 Y.O.)
If he has a band, or an import band you can sometimes trace that.

Some bands have actual months/years on them.

Sometimes there are vet records that give a hatch date.

Other than that, I am not aware of any way to do it.
 
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hamza.ayub

hamza.ayub

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Feb 22, 2014
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England,Lancashire
Parrots
I have a mealy amazon
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  • #7
Just looking at Rio, he looks like an older bird. They can live 60+ years, so he could be anywhere from 4/5/6 years old to 50/60/70 years old. He may just be dirty (have you given him a good bath recently?), but they take on a more "dull" appearance as they age, which he has (that can also be due to dirt and improper diet/care too). My guess is he's probably over 10 and probably not older than 30 (just a hunch). Where did you get this bird anyways that he came with no background information?
I got him off a women who has no background info
 

Terry57

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How is your bird doing now? Are things better?
 

RavensGryf

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Great to hear! Just curious, what have you and your brother been doing (differently) now to make him seem to trust you more?
 

Terry57

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Hawkhead(Darwin),YCA(Dexter),VE (Ekko),OWA(Slater),BHP(Talli),DYH(Calypso),RLA(Kimera),Alex(Xander)CBC(Phoe),IRN (Kodee,Luna,Stevie),WCP (Pisces),CAG(Justice)GCC (Jax), GSC2(Charley)
I am very happy to hear that he is doing better with you:)
 
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hamza.ayub

hamza.ayub

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Feb 22, 2014
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England,Lancashire
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I have a mealy amazon
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Great to hear! Just curious, what have you and your brother been doing (differently) now to make him seem to trust you more?
Just going up to his cage and talking to him and scratching his beak and where ever he feels itchy I scratch him where he is itchy
 

dreamin_sqaw

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Oct 19, 2013
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It is difficult once they reach a certain age but feet on younger birds are smoother less flaky, or wrinkled if that makes sense. You can also sometimes tell by the band as some breeder will put a hatch year at least on the band. Is your boy banded, can you read any of the markings without stressing him? Is the band a complete solid ring or is there a break in it?



I have questioned Sammy's age as well. Is the band style ,solid or with a break in it, helpful in determining? I can get the info from his band, a solid silver covered one , I have learned from it ( WA on it ) maybe he was hatched in Washington state.
I have searched everything I could find via google and the good folks here at the forum.
 

treckel

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Sep 5, 2013
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I wouldn't worry about age my orange winged zon is wild caught adult and 37 years in captivity so no one knows truly how old but he is still super healthy and going strong. I think nutrition and proper care are more important than age
 

dreamin_sqaw

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I wouldn't worry about age my orange winged zon is wild caught adult and 37 years in captivity so no one knows truly how old but he is still super healthy and going strong. I think nutrition and proper care are more important than age


treckel,
I agree with ya. I just didn't know if anything needs to change for them as they age. you know like diet, activities, or healthcare
 

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