DYA and YCA

Jackiebuckdaily

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Aug 21, 2015
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Double Yellow Headed Amazon and Yellow Crowned Amazon
Hello everyone!

I am new to this board, my name is Jack. This is my new world that I am wanting advice, tips and suggestions.

I am getting a 15 year old Yellow Crowned Amazon (Rocky) and 14 year Double Yellow Headed Amazon (Adrian). They are technically my first parrots. They used to be my late uncles from 15 years ago. But after he and his fiancee split, she ended up keeping the birds. The YCA turned on her because I guess he attached himself to my uncle. He also suffers from separation anxiety because after she and uncle split, she ended up giving her birds to her mother and unfortunately after 3 years, her mother passed. Rocky also cannot be separated from Adrian and shares a cage with her and can't literally not be next to her. He wants to part in mating with Adrian but is attached to her. She would say that Rocky would have to die before Adrian because otherwise he would have a heart attack. Supposedly he's a biter and even she (the fiancee) who consider these birds as her kids, can't handle Rocky especially because of his attitude and biting.

So here's the background story. I believe in God and signs and this is how it begins. For years I wanted a bird but my fiancee told me that I had to wait a month after we're married to get a bird. She and I love to go to pet stores to play with the animals and especially the birds. I got when I am happy, sad, bored, etc. The next day I was giving her hypotheticals, one being, if an old lady is about to die and wants to pass on a free bird and cage, can we break the one month agreement. She said, knowing me, I would find that old lady and get the bird... so she said no. THE NEXT day, while I was at work. I was typing and looking up birds and my uncle's ex fiancee came to my head, so I emailed her asking how she and Rocky were. In a Nutshell, she was praying for someone to come and take the birds from her. Someone she trusted and not a bird sanctuary. She is moving and working with a lot of customers and really can't give her the same attention, mind and patience that she once could back in the day. Especially the biting, in which I will include below.

I am getting both birds for free, plus their cage (I am going to buy an even bigger cage) because I can't just get Rocky without Adrian (Rocky would die.)

I am indeed renting a house, so it will be perfect seeing that these two in particular, love to have yelling contest... which brings me to the next queston. I am getting a job as a TV reporter (God willing) in May and it could be in Florida or my current state (Maine) and I might have to live in an apartment. How can I do my part while in the house to train them to yell at certain times.... or to get them to stop biting. I know that I am going to get bit, I get it... but I don't want to be attacked haha.

I know that these birds will be challenging but they were my uncle (who passed as well) so they are reasons that I am willing to take these birds on forever. I was going to get my own parrot (conure).

:green1::green::rainbow1::orange::greenyellow:
 

Doublete

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RIP "pineapple" lovebird
Well... Birds will make noise when they want to.
But if they are happy well adjusted and comfortable it won't be unreasonable. My birds are loudest in the am (but my amazon is the quietest of the 3), and in the afternoon.

I don't believe birds bite for no reason so you'll have to learn what they are communicating when they bite. Maybe they don't want to be bothered at that moment?

My amazon is very quiet. She talks and says nonsense usually around 630-7 am and again sometime between noon and 4.
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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Bangor, Maine
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Double Yellow Headed Amazon and Yellow Crowned Amazon
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That's interesting. So that's what I am wondering. Maybe they are biting because of the fact that she split up with my uncle back in the day? Maybe Rocky is holding a grudge?
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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If you have not already read the first posting in the Amazon section: Amazon Body Language, I strongly recommend that you read it multiple times. I would go so far as to say, print it and high light it as thou you were planning to report on it.

Also consider purchasing Sally Blanchard's Companion Parrot Handbook. She also has a book specific to Amazons.

Point being, with two Amazon's you will need to fast track your knowledge base. Amazon's can read our emotions better than we can possible believe. Knowing what you're doing around them will help greatly. Having some understanding of their body language will help greatly. Guessing at it, with two new Amazons in your home, is not for the faint of heart.
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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Wow that was deep! No, thank you so much! I have been doing a lot of research and that's definitely what I have been reading a lot about! I have also been experimenting with an amazon that I visit. Watching the eyes and being gentle and respectful. I will be probably getting these lovely birds early to mid October.

If I need to, what kind of apartment should I be looking towards when the time comes of me perhaps having to move from my rental house to another state?
 

SailBoat

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Be very open and up front that you will have parrots!

Look for Southern, Southeastern or Eastern windows. West windows will over-heat in the summer and northern windows will limit sunlight to only several weeks during the summer.

Remember that the floor below the cage(s) will need attention everyday, sometimes multiple times during the day. So, avoid carpeted floors where the Amazons will be.

Introduce your parrots to your neighbors early on! Like barking dogs, friends will put-up with more. Our neighbors talk and sing with our DYH when we are out of the house.

Since, you will be moving across State Lines, see your Vet early and get the needed tests and paperwork. This will help when you provide your new landlord with Vet papers. Commonly not needed, just nice to have - it states that you care.
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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What about when I should begin to handle these birds? They don't know me and they will be in a new home. Their owner of 15 years won't be around (she'll be in the picture) but not physically around. When will it be a good time to start handling the birds? I am extremely outgoing, charismatic and I love birds. Not to be cocky but I have way of calming them down and respecting boundaries... but these are completely NEW boundaries and a new playing field... they are now my birds and I am trying to load up my brain so that, when the time comes, I am not completely ignorant. Sailboat, so you live in an apartment/Condo? I read that Amazons do get loud, but at certain times and are not as loud as Macaws, Conures, Cockatoos. When I mean as loud, I am not talking about their vocal frequencies or pitch, I mean how often they go crazy.

How are birds typically with car rides. I live in Maine (where I will graduate from Husson University) and come May, I might have to leave if I receive a job opportunity as a TV reporter in South Florida.

Another question that I have is the fact that in Maine... it gets dark around 4p.m., late October... will the birds be more inclined to go to bed at that time versus at 9p.m.? I fortunately will be in a house until May and then from there... it's I don't know. If I get a job as TV reporter in Maine, I will continue to be in this house for a bit longer and then probably my own house or apartment. If I do end up in an apartment while in Maine... will they make their morning and dusk squawking earlier and earlier? (Earlier mornings and then at 4 vs. 9?). Hopefully that makes sense.

Florida tends to have cement walls (thicker.)

Sorry for all of the questions. I am very much inquisitive and I will ask tons of questions. I am nervous and excited about receiving these Amazons and I don't want to be arrogant nor ignorant when it comes to taking care of them or acting like a pro when I really know Jack squat!
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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Sailboat, I was actually going to attend Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, fun fact.
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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Double Yellow Headed Amazon and Yellow Crowned Amazon
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A few more questions:

How do I retrain the birds? I heard that you should only train one bird at a time... how do I do that, when Rocky is very possessive of Adrian and can't and won't be separated from her? He shares a cage with her as well. I want to break the territorial attitude that I know that Rocky has with his cage and Adrian... how should I go about doing that? I know that I should use a food as a way to get them to come onto my finger, but should I be holding two birds at once or one at a time?

And how many times a day should you feed the amazons? I know what you shouldn't feed it but I want to make sure that I don't over feed it and indulge in treats.
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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Double Yellow Headed Amazon and Yellow Crowned Amazon
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I just bought The Parrot Wizard Guide to Well-Behaved Parrots. Thoughts/reviews?
 

JerseyWendy

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Separating them is key in training them. As long as they are housed together, I'm afraid you won't be getting very far, unless you can take out one at a time and work AWAY from the cage (where the other one is). But even then, I'm worried they are so bonded with each other, that as soon as you remove one from the other, the screaming (flock calling) will begin.

Many of us are not fans of the self proclaimed Parrot Wizard. Barbara Heidenreich has many good books on the market.

Here is a link with a vast wealth of information (thanks Mark!!)
Training, Behavior, and Other Information - Florida Parrot Rescue
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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Bangor, Maine
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Double Yellow Headed Amazon and Yellow Crowned Amazon
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Thanks for the timely response.

"Separating them is key in training them. As long as they are housed together, I'm afraid you won't be getting very far, unless you can take out one at a time and work AWAY from the cage (where the other one is). But even then, I'm worried they are so bonded with each other, that as soon as you remove one from the other, the screaming (flock calling) will begin."

Maybe separate them while they are both out of the cage on a perch? There has to be away to not necessarily break the bond... but being able to have them and mostly Rocky tolerate being content with Adrian being separated..

What is about Parrot Wizard that makes people iffy about it? Just so that I can keep my eyes open and know what to expect when reading that's wrong. Barbara Heidenreich's book was my next go to.
 

henpecked

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Hey jack, welcome to the forum. I thought you might need some advice when dealing with a bonded pair of amazons. I have quite a few pairs as i breed amazons. Most of the folks responding to you don't. They are giving good advice but dealing with a bonded pair is very different than dealing with a companion zon. pairs that are bonded don't really need or even want you around. There are exceptions, I have a pair of wild caught OWAs who have never been pet birds. They are very friendly to me, step up, crave attention, etc. but handing one without the other will only get you bit. So long as i have them both on my arm i can pet them, carry them around etc. Almost impossible to handle alone as they don't like to be separated. ALL of my other bonded amazons are impossible to handle, they will viciously attack if you invade their territory,especially the males. My suggestion to you is not to separate them. Make friends with them as a pair. They will never be cuddly or even "tame" but might tolerate you . You're dealing with birds who mate for life and only tolerate flock members during certain times of the year. I know i haven't answered all of your questions but felt you needed some basic info. Ask questions and i'll try to give good advice. BTW if you're looking for a companion for yourself than these two would not be a good choice. Just my .02 worth on the subject.
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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Sorry, I had not been following this thread.

Heidenveich is a behaviorist and for that method to work, you must follow the process. The book is good background, but her DVD's are most likely the better choice, since the process is more understandable for most people in a "Show and Tell" format.

Parrot Wizard maybe a light-hearted read, but IMO its more a cut and paste of other peoples older work by someone that has a limited knowledge of the subject. Nice 'general' back-ground, but there is a reason that the number of used books available is always fairly high. In short, there is just much better material available. See the references that JerseyWendy provided and/or my reference: Sally Blanchard's Companion Parrot Handbook. To be a great reporter, you need to have great and trusting sources. Some are good for general stuff, the great ones, well you get the point.

The move will be in your favor, since for a very short window, their worlds will be off-balance. Consider two cages set side by side in place of the single cage. As JerseyWendy points out, to retrain/train, you will need to separate them.

Cornerstone is well regarded - your right, fun fact - small world.

There are several approaches to feeding. If both Amazons are on the heavier side, you will need to cut back (better: eliminate) the fattier parts of their diet - peanuts and sunflower seeds. As you can see, this will be a problem, if both Amazons are sharing the same cage. Most forum members will have a very wide cross-section of food available all day. Others will target specific foods a specific times. At this point find out what their current schedule is and use that for the next month as at least one thing that has not changed in their life at this time. Once both are in their own cages you can begin customizing their diets. Lets hold on this item until that time.

Traveling with parrots is an unknown until they are in the car and moving. I have been lucking in that all of my Amazons over the years have loved to ride. Others I know, have parrots that stress-out. Short rides as a starting point and increase with time. Luckily, gas prices are down. My DYH Amazon, loves to travel, prior owners were snowbirds and traveled from northern Michigan to deep southeastern Texas.

The parrots will want to regulate with natural sunlight and humans will want to control light. Goal: Provide the Amazons with a routine. Maintain that routine and life will be far better, jack that routine all over the place and there will not be happy results. Main point, the number hours of night outside should be your target for inside. Start and end points can change a little, the goal is like number of hours.

Visit the Amazons as much as possible before you get them. Use your report's ear to 'hear' about what they are currently eating, their pattern of life, etc... and begin making a list of what you will need to change and what will be maintained. Also, look at what toys they have or more likely do not have, same with the cage and its layout, and what food bowls are available and where. More lists; What you need to get, cage(s), perches (natural branches), bowls, etc. Have they been to a Vet, who, when - will need name and a release to get their records (if any). Once you target your mind to this assignment, you will begin to quickly see additional things that you will want to know regarding their current status.

This is all do-able. Just be realistic on the result time lines.

Once again, sorry for having my head somewhere else.
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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Thanks henpecked, as I have mentioned earlier. I am being given these birds due to the account that they are my late uncle's and his ex fiancee in unable to care for them anymore. I don't want them to go to a pet sanctuary and neither does she. So handle them as pairs.

Thank you again Sailboat for your advice. But now I am confronted with two ideas and that is bonded companion Amazons. I really don't want to stress Rocky out and make him hate me for separating them. I don't want to say these are an exception seeing that I don't live with them... supposedly they bonded with my Uncle and they also bonded with his ex fiancee's mother... like they both were in love with her... so I am going to approach the situation that they will bond with me and not just tolerate me haha... here's hoping that it's not just wishful thinking.

They are trained birds and are also very very healthy and well taken care of. I just know that Rocky has separation anxiety and has developed a biting problem. They sing and talk... supposedly extremely loud in the yelling department as well.
 

JerseyWendy

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The only thing I want to throw in here is that our Captain (aka henpecked) TRULY knows his Amazons like no other! :D He's always given nothing but the very best advice, and his knowledge is truly invaluable!
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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I have been following a lot of Captain's posts because he really does seem to know what he's talking about for sure! ;)
 
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Jackiebuckdaily

Jackiebuckdaily

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So I finally received Rocky and Adrian two days ago. Yesterday they finally walked around and explored their cage. Side to the very top. Rocky grunts and charges the newspapers on top and tears them up and climbs and Adrian hangs out on top of the door.

Originally I was told that they will not like me right away and it will take them time to warm up to me. I was told that Rocky is extremely overprotective of Adrian, to the point that you wouldn't even be able to touch her without Rocky attacking. I was told he is cage territorial and over protective with his mate of 15 years.

Yesterday after hanging out with them from 5-9:30. I picked up Rocky and Adrian. I get Rocky to say "UP UP... UP UP..." and that's my cue to pick him up and Adrian at the same time. He hasn't bitten me yet, Adrian has but because she lost her balance twice.

I feel good, I have always been able to calm birds down and get their trust. But I would be a liar if I said that I wasn't nervous getting these birds that had a long history and experience of aggression and trauma (separation anxiety).

I can't leave the room for a minute or else they cry and when I return, Adrian says "I MISS YOU, I MISSSSS YOU BABY, I MISS YOU!". I tested this and it's in context. When I first met them and even earlier yesterday, they couldn't care less and wouldn't leave the inside of their cage. Now they both say up up up.

I work with Rocky mostly and try to get his approval before dealing with Adrian. He perches at the top of the cage and I work with Adrian on the door, face to face.

Adrian is DYH and speaks and sings perfectly. We had a sing off yesterday. Rocky the YCA sounds like a raven and doesn't speak that well. I compliment him and speak to him like my baby.

Tips on a healthy long term diet and ways to exercise them? I use organic oatmeal for breakfast and made scramble eggs today. Fruits too. How often for each and long term tips.

I already love them! The old owner and her boyfriend was beyond surprised and shocked that I earned this trust so quickly. It's funny because I sat down yesterday and pretended to cry (before holding them) and they looked at each other and started grunting and spoke to each other without actual words. I joke around and say that they are saying "We like him... lets give him a chance."

Rocky also, working slowly allows me to scratch his head and rub his beak. I am a bit worried however, that maybe it's because we are in a honeymoon stage and they are faking this good behavior. I am also worried about mating season, making sure they don't and recognizing those patterns.

I have a way bigger cage than what they were in. So maybe he was moody in the first place was because he was cramped, mad at his old owner because of people he liked coming and going. Plus, supposedly he likes men more and Adrian is afraid of men. Except we're close. She tells me to come here.

:orange::green::green2::greenyellow::green1:
 

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.)
Hey jack, welcome to the forum. I thought you might need some advice when dealing with a bonded pair of amazons. I have quite a few pairs as i breed amazons. Most of the folks responding to you don't. They are giving good advice but dealing with a bonded pair is very different than dealing with a companion zon. pairs that are bonded don't really need or even want you around. There are exceptions, I have a pair of wild caught OWAs who have never been pet birds. They are very friendly to me, step up, crave attention, etc. but handing one without the other will only get you bit. So long as i have them both on my arm i can pet them, carry them around etc. Almost impossible to handle alone as they don't like to be separated. ALL of my other bonded amazons are impossible to handle, they will viciously attack if you invade their territory,especially the males. My suggestion to you is not to separate them. Make friends with them as a pair. They will never be cuddly or even "tame" but might tolerate you . You're dealing with birds who mate for life and only tolerate flock members during certain times of the year. I know i haven't answered all of your questions but felt you needed some basic info. Ask questions and i'll try to give good advice. BTW if you're looking for a companion for yourself than these two would not be a good choice. Just my .02 worth on the subject.

Agreed.

The biting is due to their bond with each other.

They won't be pleasant to deal with if you try and separate them.

Don't get me started on "the parrot wizard." We just had this same conversation about a month ago where someone was getting bit... by following the good advice of the parrot wizard.

I would suggest you read my thread on amazon body language if you haven't.
 
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AmyMyBlueFront

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Apr 14, 2015
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Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(

And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
Congrats on your accomplishments already with Rocky and Adriane :)

As far as food/breakfast goes,feed them whatever they like..EXCEPT chocolate or alcohol! My birds < Amy my Amazon and Jonesy the cockatoo> love scrambled eggs ANYTIME..it is a source of calcium,which,believe it or not,your loved ones need.
Also cooked chicken bones! My African Grey would literally rip the chicken leg bone out of my hand when she saw I had one lol.

Of course fruits and veggies..my two love 'nana pieces..and grapes,orange pieces..my Grey loved chunks of pineapple. You could see her eyes pin while she munched and slurped the juices from it.

For breakfast I offer in their bowls the above mentioned goodies. Sometimes I'd put in a small handful of plain cheerios..I am now using "Kashie" all natural clusters..with oats and wheat,rice..just about the same ingrediences as nutraberries for half the price and bigger package.

Oh..BTW..we need pictures!! :rolleyes:

Jim
 

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