Help me and my OWA

Hello,
I got an orange wing amazon a few months ago. He was in a house where he was not given a lot of attention. Before I took him home i made sure that he would come to me and "liked" me. He came to me when i asked, and sat on my hand the whole drive home talking to me. Now every time I try to go near him he screams and starts shaking. When he hears my husband he starts whistling and talking. I am guessing it is a he (that is what I was told) and he is about 14 years old. Any advise, I am the one that feeds him, cleans his cage, everything. He wont take treats or eat any fruits or veggies. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I use to have amazons and I have never had a situation like this. I really don't want to give up on him but I don't want him to be scared either and that is how I think he is sometimes. I also have him sit in the room with me while watching tv, talking to him.

Welcome to the forum, and thank you for giving this OWA a home.

It's entirely possible the bird took an instant liking to your husband, Amazons are funny that way sometimes. Please don't take it personally. Yes, you're the one who feeds and cleans, and who spends all the time with him, but he's the one who gets to pick his favorite person regardless.

Continue working with him, as giving up IMO is not really an option, especially because you've only had him a few months.

Welcome to the forum. Does he like your husband? What does he eat? Will he step up for anyone? Describe your house hold, dogs,cats, kids, quiet,active? Where is his cage kept?

I have him on Lafebers, he was on seeds. We have 2 dogs, however he only sees one and she is very mellow, they get along, but are never alone. He is in a cage 25x25x40 something, the cage is in my room so he gets use to me more (plus dont want the other dog around him). I leave the tv or radio on for him when we are out at work. He will step up but "screams" when me or my daughter try to get him. When my husband does he practically jumps to him. Giving him up is really not an option for me either, I am not that way, but I want what is best for him.

May I gently recommend you put him into a MUCH bigger cage, please. 25X25 is extremely small for an OWA. My YN is in a cage measuring 36X30, and my DYH is in a 40X30. Both cages allow for a variety of toys and activities.

1. It's breeding season right now. Some of this is probably hormonal.

2. Sounds like he has the "amazon crush" thing going on with hubby...

Once breeding season is over, he'll probably go back to normal. THAT is the time to work with him. Right now just talk to him, and leave him be... LET HIM COME TO YOU.

IMO it's not so much hormonal, not breeding season here in the US. Hormonal behavior would have him being aggressive not fearful, which is what you describe. i assume hubby isn't interested in being the OWAs favorite person? Move his cage to a more central part of your home, somewhere near the center of activity. He'll get used to people and activities. I wouldn't try to interact with him when hubby is around. Keep interactions short , up beat,happy, with him in his cage(safe spot). Speak to him when ever you walk by but don't walk by if he starts "lunging/skriking" at you. Don't let him think he's driving you away. You need to "break the ice" by offering treats by hand. These treats should be something he ONLY gets from your hand, not something that's free fed. (if you have him off sunflower seeds that might be a good choice, small pieces of nuts work also) I'm sure you can get him to start eating fresh veggies/fruit, might take awhile but most zons are food oriented. Eating meals within eyesight of him will help also.They love to share dinner with their flock/humans. The treats you're feeding him now are not a good diet. They are a treat. They are sweet (taste them) so i would start with a sweeter favored pellet. Maybe one of the Kaytee or Zupreem pellets. Loads of good threads about switching to a pellet diet. (use the forum search). In fact lots of good threads covering many of your issues. IMO you can turn things around and have a great companion parrot. It will take some time,research, and patience on your family's part. We'll be glad to help. Ask lots of questions and post pics/vids. Hope to see you in the Amazon section.