I rescued a red-lored amazon that was terribly abused?

CharliePickles

New member
Feb 2, 2015
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I can't take her to a vet, cause she looks like she'll have a heart attack whenever my hand even gets near her.

As far as I can tell, the bird reeks of cigarette stench, two of her toes are mutilated, and her beak is a little overgrown - although she doesn't have problem eating yet. I believe her wings are clipped and she cannot fly.

What can I do to earn her trust? I'd like a close examination of her myself, give her a good rinse, and have a vet trim her beak and take a look at her toes. As far as her health, she's got a bit of a hoarse voice, but she poops well and I'm feeding her nothing but varieties of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, cooked rice, and a bit of meat.

I believe she was given table food, but mostly fed on sunflower seeds. Is there any sure fire sign as to any serious illness - like coughing or anything of that sort?
 

Kiwibird

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Jul 12, 2012
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1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
Poor baby:( Any history on what kind of abuse she was subjected to? It may help in a trust building plan. General trust building activities would start with sitting as near to her as she seems "ok" with and softly talking or reading out loud to her. Eat something you can share and if she's interested, offer her some slowly and calmly. Sharing "your" food (obviously bird friendly) is HUGE in building trust with a abused bird. Just talking to them in a non threatening manner too. It sounds as though it will be some time before this bird is ready to start contact trust building like stepping up. Let her set the pace and be patient.

As for illness, there is no way to tell. Generally, they are so good at hiding illnesses that owners often don't see any sign until the bird is on deaths door. I would contact the avian vet and ask for their advice whether to give her some time or bring her in sooner than later for a full workup. Generally, healthy appetite and healthy droppings mean any health issues would be long term and a week or 2 for the poor baby to calm down won't be the difference between life or death.

Truly, thanks for saving this poor bird! And believe me when I say, if you are willing to put in the effort, the ones from the worst situations give you the greatest reward. To see a bird go from scared and lashing out to a friendly and bonded animal of higher intelligence who will be with you the rest of your life is an AMAZING journey. And they know who loves them and who doesn't.
 
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weco

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Nov 24, 2010
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If as you say, the bird is that afraid of human contact, building trust like KB mentioned, letting the bird set the pace is your best chance for establishing trust & don't get impatient if it takes longer than two weeks to happen.....

Good luck.....
 

henpecked

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Dec 12, 2010
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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
Any more history? IMO sounds like a xbreeder bird.
 

Anansi

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Excellent advice offered thus far. Don't rush the process unless something life-threatening becomes an issue. I'd say bribery is the way to go. And once she gets a little more comfortable taking treats from you, try some target training.

But be prepared. It may well take weeks or possibly even months.

Please keep us updated.
 

SilverSage

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Sep 14, 2013
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Also, try to see if you can identify what about you she fears. This may sound silly, but some birds area specially afraid of human hands rather than just humans. If this is the case here, puting your hands out of sight at first may help her calm down long enough to think about you and what you do rather than just flying into a panic.

Amen to letting the bird set the pace and sharing food! Also, I have found with abused kids and pets that a reliable, predictable routine can help a lot early on. Yes, it can later mean a bit of work when you change things up but having the bird feel she knows what Tom spect will help her relax as well.

I am sorry she is so terrified; poor baby :( but it sounds like she really DOES need to see a vet right away. Check with your local vets; more and more are doing house calls these days.
 

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