8 year old amazon

Hi,

My mum took in a orange winged amazon about 3 years ago.
we think from a young age to about 5 years old that she was brought up by an old lady who unfortunately passed away, from there she went to a man who had teenage daughters who would fight and argue frequently and Bo was getting stressed so my mum took her in.

We've had her for 3 years, at first, neither of us knew what we were doing. When she came to us, her wings had been clipped but her flight feathers have grown back.

What I would like to know, is; Bo will sometimes stand on her perch and slowly scratch her head next to her ear- is that something that maybe her first owner would do?

Bo is a very sweet bird, but shes not very trusting at all! My mother seems to be the person bo is attached to, and has managed to stroke her once in the 3 years we've had her- How do I get her to trust me?

I'm also quite worried as she has been flying perfectly until about 6 months ago, she's started getting very disorientated and falling off what she was flying too..and flying into doors and panting alot when she has a hard time getting to where she wants to go. She is also doing a lot of stargazing as of recent. Is it a lack of certain nutrients?

Hi pixie9419 and welcome to you and Bo. I do not have enough experience to answer your questions but I know there are many others on here who will try to help you and Bo but your first task is to determine what is wrong with Bo and in order to do this you need to bring Bo to a good Avian Vet who will do tests and determine what exactly the problem is. I wouldnt wait any longer...I would just book Bo in to the nearest Avian vet and have them check her out. It is wonderful that you were able to offer Bo a good home and take her out of a stressful situation now hopefully your Avian Vet will be able to diagnose her and treat her and get her back to full health. Make sure its an Avian Vet you go to as they are more qualified to deal with parrots.

Being disorientated and falling off things sounds to me like a vitamin defiecency. I had a grey who kept falling <she didn't fly> and took her to an AV immediately and he found she had a calcium deficency! I'd get Bo to an AV ASAP!

Jim

Hi and welcome to the Amazon Forum!

Please take the time to read the first Thread in this Forum regarding Understanding Amazon Body Language! This is a must for Amazon owners, since our Amazon's use a 'fairly' universal set of body positions and movements in addition to varying the color of their eyes to convey emotions. Although, from one Amazon to another, there maybe minor variations, there is more than enough consistency that having read this Thread you will begin understanding Amazon Language! What Your Amazon is Telling You!

Amazons are very smart and when an Amazon has not had an ongoing experience of Good Things Happen When Humans are Around. They tend to hold back and wait to see if 'This New Human' is any better than the others. So, it is up to you to prove your worth to the Amazon.

Trust building comes with time and commitment on your part. If you are willing to put in that time and commitment your Amazon will reward you with his trust.

Start with setting a chair next to your Amazon's cage. Now read 'aloud' the first Thread in the Amazon Forum to your Amazon. Continue to read 'aloud' this first Thread until you understand it! Now, read 'aloud' other section of the Amazon Forum to your Amazon, also return to this first Thread whenever things are not going as you may have hope. This is the same process as if the Amazon just arrived today in your home! The goal of all of this is that it sets a comfort zone with your Amazon i.e. your physical closeness and your voice. Plus an understanding of Amazon body language!

Remember to always work from the positions that no matter what happens; Its Never The Amazon's Fault! Its always the fault of the Human! If you always work from that position, you will come to a much quicker understanding of what may have gone wrong and what you need to do to limit it happening again. The combination of Understanding Amazon Body Language and its never the Amazon's fault will place you well on your way to getting your Amazon's Trust!

Always remember: Amazon's Rule!

If your Amazon is still displaying the issues that you listed, It Is Very Important That You Get Your Amazon to An Avian Vet ASAP. Maybe better stated - You should already be on your way! As stated, Parrots tend to hide their illness and when you see problems, your Amazon may already have a serious underlying illness! I cannot convey how important it is to have an Avian Vet!