Adopting a nervous bird

I'm adopting a yellow crowned amazon from a rescue organization. They tell me from what they could get the owners just didn't want him and tell me he's very nervous and shy. Has a couple of toes missing too. I'm told after a couple of weeks with the resucue he seems slightly calmer but needs a lot of patience. Don't know an age, was told around 10 but we don't really know. I have some parrot experience, but usually with younger birds that I have been their only parent and no real issues. Any advice? Has anyone had success stories with situations like these?

Missing toes are a huge clue.

99% certain that this bird was housed with another bird, probably bigger, possibly a mate, that was an aggressive bully, and went so far as to remove digits. He is terrified of everything for that reason. There was no safety for this bird, and there was no escaping it... and probably for an extended period of time. HE ALSO HAS A DISABILITY FROM IT. That leaves mental "fear" scars. I can't defend myself as well/hold onto things as well as other birds. And was kept by someone who did not appear to care...

So, three issues to deal with here. Lack of safety - long term. Inferiority - due to disability. Uncared for - That's the easiest one to fix.

So psychologically, the bird does not feel safe, and does not feel loved. Give this bird that, BINGO! YOU FLIP THE SWITCH IN THE BIRD BRAIN TO COMPANION ANIMAL FOR LIFE.

Quiet nurturing, and reassurance will gradually bring him around, but after that sort of trauma the first instinct will probably always be to "cower."

Traumatized birds do well with attentiveness AT THE BIRD'S PACE (pay attention, but don't force it on him. Let this one come to you.) And a change in scenery that emphasizes safety and security.

Let this one develop a "comfort zone" first...

As said go at his own pace . Be happy what hes willing to give. I had a story like this but with a Macaw. Drag his cage right next to where you always hang out . Doesnt matter what it looks like . Whats important he has plenty of time to "take you in " watch you. Be consistent with attention and acknowledgement . This make take awhile,when he starts to show an interest .Open his cage door ,look up how to get them to step up on a perch. You can open his cage everyday and see if he climbs down to see you. Or get him on a perch and sit on the floor with him in your bathroom.Just realize this
his could take months.





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I have a white fronted Anazon (way smaller Anazon than yours) who was sick and frightened of everything when he came here. He hasnt the disabilty of having toes missing but he had other health issues ...my boy was also neglected and forgotten and left outside in horrendous weather before I got him ...it took a few weeks but he is a changed boy already ...he still has a long long road to go. It will be a slow progress journey to begin with for you too but it will be the most rewarding journey you have ever traveled. So glad you are giving this parrot a chance to have a great life. I will look forward to following your journey with him. Congratulations on adding a new member to your family

Please read the first Thread in the Amazon Forum: Amazon Body Language. Better said, set you chair along side your Amazon's cage or perch and read it aloud to him. And, repeat this a couple times a week. In fact, anything you are reading, including this Forum, read it aloud to your Amazon. This in and of itself will go along way to reducing his nervousness i.e.: the comfort of your voice!

Good things always happen when you and other family members are around! Get everyone involved that is in the home. Everyone has a stake in this and therefore everyone needs to be involved. Everyone needs a job that brings something important to your Amazon. Water, food, toys, cleaning, etc... Point being, your Amazon is the center of his new family.

Target getting him out of the cage ASAP. Whether that is step-up to a finger or a hand held perch. You will need to avoid cage dominance.

Avian Vet Visit: This should also be ASAP.

There has been tons of diet information in the Amazon Forum. Point being, a solid, balanced healthy natural diet support with a solid healthy dry diet is a primary requirement, the sooner the better. No Sun Flower Seeds!

Cage: Lots of toys, especially hanging toys that by placement will create a safe spot for your Amazon to retreat too. Set a large diameter natural perch in an upper corner and set the hanging toys around it. If you do not have a Cage, see the Cage Forum. In general, the larger the better. Target a full height door - the first time you will need to clean that cage, you will love that door! FYI: Hanging toys work on the outside of the cage also!

Although you will not likely enjoy the instant bonding that can and may happen to some. I can assure you that if you fully commit to this process, the Love and Joy that you commit will come back to you at levels you will not believe.

NOTE: Your Amazon will likely be more comfortable on perches commonly sized for MAC's. Target natural perches at 2.5" diameter and larger. Complete a Web Search for Handicapped parrots (or birds) and target foot problems. There is great information available.

Expectations: Expect near nothing and rewards for near anything! Overload the Love. If you start from nothing, everything is up! And, that is a wonderful thing for everyone! Your Amazon wants to be part of your family and wants to be some place safe and loving.

Its Never The Amazon's Fault! Its always your fault. Work from this view point and you will quickly solve problems and move forward.

Keep coming back: Amazons and the people they own are a wonderful group, after all "Amazons Rule!"

PS: As BIRDMAN state, slow and steady, so move a little slower on getting him out of the cage!

Thank you everyone for the feedback. That is very helpful. What I'm trying to decide is on a cage. Since the bird is nervous and insecure should I go with a cage big enough but on the smaller side so as to give more security or go with large and roomy. I don't want to overwhelm him.