possible amazon adoption.

Hey guys I have the opportunity to get a 15 yr old bfa hen. This guy's desperately needing a home for her but I have no experience with zons whatsoever. Shes fairly bonded with the husband and is incredibly tolerant of his wife and children. She seems like an easy going gal, but I'm worried about the bipolar behavior they have sometimes. I hear the echos of my vet saying nothing hurts more than an amazon bite. I'm not afraid of getting bit anymore, dealing with chihuahuas and poodles at work basically I'm a certified chew toy. She seems very sweet but she is in "heat" right now any petting even on the head gets her going. I want to pull the trigger and I know if I have any questions you guys are here to help. What kind of questions should I ask? This is her second home the previous owner passed away. Shes been at this house for a year. Reason for rehoming is wife wants a cat and can't deal with the morning screams of an amazon. Lol. Thoughts?

Well, doesn't the "wife" in this scenario sound like a real piece of work:20: Perfectly nice sounding bird. As an amazon owner I'm a *tad* biased to say their slightly bipolar nature is part of their charm But they definitely let you know when they are in a less than pleasant mood and you have the ability to react in such a way as to prevent a bite. Very easy to read a zons body language once you know what to look for! And in my humble opinion, cockatoos have FAR worse bites than amazons:54:

As for the noise, that could possibly be an issue depending on your situation and personal tolerance for loud noises. Amazons are loud, theres no question there. They can be TRAINED to lower the volume, but there are those times even the best trained bird will get a bug up their butt and SCREECH:52: If one knows what they are listening for, you can hear an amazons scream a few blocks away. I would say, if you would be dedicated to learning your birds body language and can tolerate the "morning screams of an amazon" they are really awesome birds. Very independent, headstrong, intelligent (and slightly bi-polar) animals. Let us know if you decide on this sweetheart!

Bipolar behavior... Blue fronts????:54: HAHAHAHA

Lol...yes that is an appropriate description...at times. She sounds like she is fairly well socialized. If it is mating season it could be hard to tell what her real temperament is. I got my 12 yo BFA from a man who did not allow her out of her cage and did not handle her. It took her 2 months to trust me and come to me. Yes, hubby and I did get bit...and it did hurt...I don't know if "nothing hurts worse than an amazon bite" though. I haven't been bit by my cockatoo yet, but I'd bet money it will hurt wayyyyy worse!:52:

My BFA did a complete turn around once she trusted me. She will step up anytime to me now. She is loud at times, but thankfully not that often (and my sun conure is as loud or louder than she is) Your living arrangements should be considered. I live out in the middle of nowhere with no close neighbors so noise isn't an issue. I will say, however, that my amazon will occasionally "go after" hubby if he's walking through the room she is in. It is always when he's walking away from her so I don't know if she wants more attention from him or she is just trying to intimidate him. She doesn't do it as long as I'm right there. With a zon (or any parrot really) it's important to be able to read their body language.

As far as questions to ask, I'd ask when/if her last vet visit was..who is her vet...what is her current diet...what is her current "schedule" as far as bed time/out of cage time...her preferred method of bathing...her likes and dislikes of food/toys. Make a list of what you want to know and I would write it down (or else I would forget).

I can't remember if you already have other parrots, but if so keep in mind that you may or may not be able to get them out at the same time. It just depends on the birds. Make sure you have enough time for them, even if you have to spend one on one time with each one separately.

This is all just my opinion and thoughts...I'm no expert:22:. My Sassy has been a challenge at times, but I wouldn't change it (or her) for anything.

Good luck...let us know what you decide.

Sounds like a great opportunity if you are ready for the responsibility and long term commitment. Looking forward to hearing what you decide. Best of luck to you and this special girl.

I'm headed over there right now. It's been agreed that I will house her and if it isn't a good fit we will continue to try find her a stable home.

Good luck! Cant wait to see some pics once she settles in. Another (pending) member of the "owned by BFAs club" Though, I think once she is settled and things are moving forward with training ext... you will wonder how you ever lived without a feisty, bossy, big amazon attitude in the house!

Oh that's great! I think it will work out for you. I see (now) that you do have other fids. That is a great arrangement you have come to, but I bet you don't have to worry about finding her an alternate home for her after you get her home and settled. Let us know how it goes and remember to post pics!

I am on the older BFA bus. It's a great ride.

I've only had Iris 2 months, but I haven't been bitten (yet) so can't comment there and she's a muffin; usually quiet, funny and very clear about her moods (which is how I've avoided any bites thus far.)

(And I have FOUR cats and all these birds, so its a crap excuse to get rid of the bird...but people like that shouldn't have birds anyway....)

Alright so miss kiwi is settling in her cage right now. Very quite checking things out. The intelligence of these bird is mind blowing. Holding her on my arm is like a ton of bricks compared to sherlock. She did bite me hard no blood but bruising when I took her out of the carrier. Suddenly a conure bite seems like a kiss. No worries though I'll post pics when she settled in a bit more and stepping up... something she never learned. Another thing I noticed she immediately went for the shoulder... that's something I'm going to work on hard.

Congrats, maybe we'll see you around in this section,LOL. If you have conures,,,,a well socialize amazon that likes you should be a breeze. Welcome to life with a zon. BTW thanks for giving an older zon a new home. You should start a thread about hormonal hen zons, many of us have one, There's several things you can do to help.

Congrats on your new BFA...so happy for you. Keep us updated and post pics when you can!

Welcome home, Kiwi! I'm happy to hear your decision. I'm guessing, by the time you get to know her, the arrangement will be permanent. Best of luck to both of you. Can't wait to see photos.