Amazon Reputation

CDavis · Sep 14, 2016

Hey guys I have been going to different bird expos and working at the bird store so I have met a bunch of different species of birds. Talking to a lot of breeders and reading online people seem to dislike the hot 3 amazons a lot for no reason really but in my experience with them they seem like the most fun of the larger birds every time I meet one of the hot 3 in person(especially the YNA) they immediacy start to show off there awesome Vocab and funny expressions. I've actually been able to handle a lot more amazons without being bitten than macaws maybe that's because I can read the body language a lot better. But to you people with Zons you all seem to really love living with a Zon and I was wondering if you could tell me where the reputation comes from besides the rough puberty.

texsize · Sep 14, 2016

I can only guess but I would say it comes from people who DON'T know how to read there body language.
texsize

wrench13 · Sep 14, 2016

Amazons - either you love 'em or you don't. Personally, I have only been owned by Amazons ( Is Brotogeris considered an Amazon?).

henpecked · Sep 14, 2016

It's because amazons will dominate ( control) folks who don't realize what an amazon is about. Especially folks who are the least bit timid.

Kiwibird · Sep 14, 2016

Amazons, especially the "hot 3", get a somewhat unfair reputation. Some is due to the nature of their puberty/hormones, but a lot is also due to ignorance and/or the owner not properly recognizing/handling that aggression in a manner where the bird understands it will not be tolerated. A lot of owners are unaware their sweet baby will hit puberty someday. A lot misread body language and a lot also are flattered by the whole 'amazon crush' thing so much they allow it to turn into an unhealthy obsession where the bird will attack anyone but them. It's not the birds fault either. They are flock animals and look to their flock for cues and guidance to what behavior is "normal", acceptable (or unacceptable) and their behavior is a reflection of what they have been taught and allowed to do.

For lack of a better term, zons need to be kept in their place by their owner along with the owner being well informed of body language, how to handle hormonal behavior and to put an emphasis on continued socialization. So long as you do those things, they are great birds and make great companions. I could not imagine life without an amazon!

SailBoat · Sep 14, 2016

"Anyone that has know me for even a short period of time, knows that I Love Amazons!"

Over the years, I have enjoyed the company of the full cross-section of large parrots, nearly all well loved by their owners. I am often asked; which is my favorite and without hesitation, I state that my favorite is that raucous group of parrots know as Amazons. The common second question is: WHY Amazons? They are so difficult!

Difficult? What is so difficult about Amazons! At this point, the questioner commonly tells any number of stories of the much-fabled Flaming Hot Three, The Hormonal Maniacs, The Screaming Monsters, The Flesh Devouring Vampires, The Territorial Hoarders, and The Cruel Divider of Families. Stories, Stories and more Stories of that fabled New World Green Killer!

Then I begin asking questions – commonly the bird or birds in question was purchased on the quick and far more commonly, the cheap. The new owner was provided little or no information, let alone what constitutes a healthy meal or proper living quarters, then surprise, surprise the little green bundle turns into a Mass Murderer! It would be truly humorous, if not for the part where they dump the bird!

It must be a new fault in the Human personality or a recent failure in our rearing of Humans, which has resulted in the growing number of Humans that believe that life requires nothing more then simply wanting something for it to magically be that way. Possibly, it’s the affect of the wonders of modern technology - that fresh from the box - instance gratification of extremely complicated technology that by simply adding batteries, plugging it in, or connection to the net and ‘It Works’! Gratifying our momentary want, before we whisk onto our next want. Whatever happened to actually having to work for something? Reality Check: Living Things do not function that way. Surprise, you have to work at having a ‘Successful Relationship’ with Living Things!

Amazons Are Simple! All you have to do is pay attention and they will clearly tell you what is working and what is not. Amazon’s tell you like it is, no rouse, no guessing, no game playing, just to the point, the way it is! All we Humans have to do is to use only a small percentage of our enormous brains and simply be observant. How hard is that? You would think that we are asking a Human to cut-off their arms and legs!

That same Amazon, now having lived though the passing from one dead-end relationship after another, with stops between in those wonderful places called “House of Horrors” or more commonly referred to as Pet Stores, can by luck or divine intervention find its way into a true home. You know, one of those seemly rare places in which individuals value each other and contribute to their abilities. There, that Green Mass Murderer, by great transformation, becomes the love of that family’s life. How can this be? A Vampire to a Lover, what Storybook can this be from?

There is no storybook - it is simply why I love Amazons. Through all the past miss-treatment with a little bit of love, understanding and observation they are the “Come Back Kid’s” of the Avian World. It can even occur in the same home that had defined that Amazon as the New World Green Killer. Is this possible? In the same home? Yes, a simple change on the part of the Humans and its time for the Lover to come forth!

Anyone that has known me for even a short period of time, know that I have a Love for Amazons. I Love the Feather, Flesh, that Amazon Scent, and Blood of the Living Amazon, which does not require batteries and is not simply de-activated by pulling the plug or pushing the OFF button. I Love In Your Face Amazons! A Warm Blooded, Living, Reality Check, Everyday!

Put that latest greatest electrical gratification toys away, engage a living creature. You may just find that there is far more to life than that momentary gratification techno toy. Without engaging that living creature, such a statement would never be possible.

Amazons are not toys! And Fools are justly rewarded for their self-centered stupidity. Let the Fools write their stores, with hope it will keep other Fools from thinking that their next toy should be an Amazon!

Amazons’ Have More Fun! And, the brighter, more open, Loving Humans quickly find that to be true! Individuals who are successfully owned by an Amazon are the kind of People that I have always found to be a True Joy being around!

AmyMyBlueFront · Sep 14, 2016

SailBoat said:
"Anyone that has know me for even a short period of time, knows that I Love Amazons!"

Over the years, I have enjoyed the company of the full cross-section of large parrots, nearly all well loved by their owners. I am often asked; which is my favorite and without hesitation, I state that my favorite is that raucous group of parrots know as Amazons. The common second question is: WHY Amazons? They are so difficult!

Difficult? What is so difficult about Amazons! At this point, the questioner commonly tells any number of stories of the much-fabled Flaming Hot Three, The Hormonal Maniacs, The Screaming Monsters, The Flesh Devouring Vampires, The Territorial Hoarders, and The Cruel Divider of Families. Stories, Stories and more Stories of that fabled New World Green Killer!

Then I begin asking questions — commonly the bird or birds in question was purchased on the quick and far more commonly, the cheap. The new owner was provided little or no information, let alone what constitutes a healthy meal or proper living quarters, then surprise, surprise the little green bundle turns into a Mass Murderer! It would be truly humorous, if not for the part where they dump the bird!

It must be a new fault in the Human personality or a recent failure in our rearing of Humans, which has resulted in the growing number of Humans that believe that life requires nothing more then simply wanting something for it to magically be that way. Possibly, it’s the affect of the wonders of modern technology - that fresh from the box - instance gratification of extremely complicated technology that by simply adding batteries, plugging it in, or connection to the net and ‘It Works’! Gratifying our momentary want, before we whisk onto our next want. Whatever happened to actually having to work for something? Reality Check: Living Things do not function that way. Surprise, you have to work at having a ‘Successful Relationship’ with Living Things!

Amazons Are Simple! All you have to do is pay attention and they will clearly tell you what is working and what is not. Amazon’s tell you like it is, no rouse, no guessing, no game playing, just to the point, the way it is! All we Humans have to do is to use only a small percentage of our enormous brains and simply be observant. How hard is that? You would think that we are asking a Human to cut-off their arms and legs!

That same Amazon, now having lived though the passing from one dead-end relationship after another, with stops between in those wonderful places called “House of Horrors” or more commonly referred to as Pet Stores, can by luck or divine intervention find its way into a true home. You know, one of those seemly rare places in which individuals value each other and contribute to their abilities. There, that Green Mass Murderer, by great transformation, becomes the love of that family’s life. How can this be? A Vampire to a Lover, what Storybook can this be from?

There is no storybook - it is simply why I love Amazons. Through all the past miss-treatment with a little bit of love, understanding and observation they are the “Come Back Kid’s” of the Avian World. It can even occur in the same home that had defined that Amazon as the New World Green Killer. Is this possible? In the same home? Yes, a simple change on the part of the Humans and its time for the Lover to come forth!

Anyone that has known me for even a short period of time, know that I have a Love for Amazons. I Love the Feather, Flesh, that Amazon Scent, and Blood of the Living Amazon, which does not require batteries and is not simply de-activated by pulling the plug or pushing the OFF button. I Love In Your Face Amazons! A Warm Blooded, Living, Reality Check, Everyday!

Put that latest greatest electrical gratification toys away, engage a living creature. You may just find that there is far more to life than that momentary gratification techno toy. Without engaging that living creature, such a statement would never be possible.

Amazons are not toys! And Fools are justly rewarded for their self-centered stupidity. Let the Fools write their stores, with hope it will keep other Fools from thinking that their next toy should be an Amazon!

Amazons’ Have More Fun! And, the brighter, more open, Loving Humans quickly find that to be true! Individuals who are successfully owned by an Amazon are the kind of People that I have always found to be a True Joy being around!
{ END QOUTE }

Eloquently put,Steven!
It took me,literally YEARS,to understand Amy. And especially,when she was a teen ager and young "lady", I seriously had my doubts. At one point, I even "traded" her to a local pet shop,for a CAG,because she was a terror,a Jeckyl/Hyde lunger/biter/blood drawer..and then I read up on pet birds in general,and amazons.

I read about the 'terrible two's'...BODY LINGO!.. Back then I loved this bird,and I came to my senses and brought back the CAG and took Amy home..to find out less than a week later the pet shop CLOSED! < it was in a failing mall>.

I studied Amy..watched and listened closely..the poofy head/face..fanned tail..flashing eyes..BEWARE!

And now that she has reached "middle age" she has calmed down immensely. In the past seven years or so,I can do ANYTHING with her. And SOCIALIZATION! THAT was a big part of her up-bringing..She went every where with me and still does. Travel,outside,rides in the car,MEETING new people AND birds, is her favorite thing in her life...<and ME, of course! :60:>

And I believe,coz I let HER pick ME..the bond between us is even tighter and more loving. She is my "little green girl" for the rest of our lives!!

Just my $0.02 here folks.

Jim

Birdman666 · Sep 14, 2016

Well, you know me, I love my goofball birds... I presently have three of my own, and have fostered 8 more, and can't even keep track of the number of zons I've worked with over the years. 50-100-ish would probably be a conservative estimate.

Hot 3 reputations tend to be because of their "hormonally challenged" behaviors. They can become quite territorially aggressive at times. That's not a myth. I've seen it happen. A bird that is sweet and loving most of the year, goes into territorial defend the nest mode when it becomes hormonal... BECAUSE IN NATURE, THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE HARD WIRED TO DO. THERE IS COMPETITION FOR NEST SPOTS, AND YOU DEFEND YOURS TO THE DEATH. IF YOU DON'T, YOU DON'T GET TO MATE...

Here's the deal with the territorial stuff though. Move him away from the territory he is defending... AND THE BAD BEHAVIORS STOP. No nest = nothing to defend. If he can't see it, THEY GENERALLY CALM DOWN.

Also people play with zons, get them worked into a state, and then wonder why they get bit when they rile the bird up into overload mode...

And not being able to read, or understand amazon body language is a HUGE part of it... "Oh, was that a territorial intrusion warning?! I thought he was happy to see me!" Nope. That was the opposite of happy to see you...

And believe it or not, MY ZONS ARE ALSO BITE PRESSURE TRAINED... it's harder to do with a zon, but it can be done! (Zons will bite down and grind when they are angry if you don't bite pressure train them!)

Zons are JEALOUS birds. And because they are pair bond birds, they can also be prone to over bonding. Which means they can also (a) displacement bite you because they are jealous of the attention you pay to someone else, and (b) attack other people when hormonal and in "stay away from my mate" mode. SO, YOU WANT TO AVOID BIRD MATE ISSUES WITH ZONS.... and extra socialization is called for with pair bond birds.

MOST ZONS, LIKE MOST PARROTS PERIOD, SIMPLY DO NOT GET HANDLED ENOUGH, THEY THEN BECOME CAGE TERRITORIAL, THEN SURPRISE, SURPRISE THE BIRD BITES...

Stop me if you've heard this before. Right?! It's the bird's fault... "they're mean."

Birdman666 · Sep 14, 2016

By the way, I play with Kiwi nose to beak.

I play with Sally nose to beak.

My LCA doesn't have an aggressive bone in her whole body... I don't think she'd ever really latch onto anyone. She just grabs onto you and lets go to make her opinions known...

So... it very much depends on who raised them.

And my red lored was once one of the worst biters the rescue ever had. She came to me as a "home of last resort." This is the same bird that preens my eyebrows and my eyelashes, and uses my cheek for a pillow. YEAH. AGGRESSIVE!!!

riddick07 · Sep 14, 2016

I wouldn't be surprised that you are playing with a lot of Amazon babies. Babies do not yet have the adult behaviors people often talk about the hormonal things or people screwing them up.

My male yellow nape Amazon is crazy hormonal right now. I guarantee you try to hold him and you will be going to the hospital for stitches. He doesn't play around when he is in a hormonal mindset. He thinks the cabinet under the tv is his nesting ground. You mess with it you better be able to dodge well. He will even go after me if I'm in it and he loves me. Just this morning my mother came down the stairs which is right next to the tv and he went running after her she grabbed the nearest towel to knock him back until I could get him. There is definitely a reason they got their reputation. However you just have to know how to deal with it and work around it. I don't allow Kelly to play in darker places right now and once away from the trigger (the cabinet) he doesn't display that crazy attack behavior....just his normal I hate other people behavior.

I will play with Kelly nose to beak when I'm home alone or in the shower with him. Otherwise I'm likely to get a displacement bit across the nose when someone walks by

He is just one that I haven't been able to convince to stop displacement biting completely. He is better than before but he just loses his mind when Byron walks by.

AmyMyBlueFront · Sep 14, 2016

Amy is NOT your "typical" 'Zon

She has NEVER screamed..NEVER! oh sure,she is LOUD and vocal..especially in the am hours..but its in words lol.
"HELLO!..HOW ARE YOU??!! "WHAT'CHA DOING??!!" at the top of her lungs...it really is comical! THAT type of behavior is absolutely allowed

My house is located on a corner lot,and Amy's house is in the living room,between the side and front windows. Young kids/children like to cut thru my yard

and while they are talking/laughing,Amy will hear them and get so excited,yelling out just about every word and phrase she knows.
Its hilarious to watch the kids stop,look around,and hear them say " Hey? Did you hear that?? Who was it??"

I tell Amy...way to go baby...you have them thinking now.

Honestly, I could NOT imagine my life without this wonderful creature. :green:

Jim

Taw5106 · Sep 14, 2016

Buddy is sweet, cuddly, and loves to be a show off. I love his personality and how he butters up to people but DON'T TOUCH ME!! When I take him out, he eats up all the attention. He loves to talk to people, he could have a future as a Walmart greeter.

Here is Buddy on an outing to Petsmart to pick out a new toy. He was having a fit in the car but once out "Helloooooooo!!!!" Everyone got a Hello and made everyone smile.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Birdman666 · Sep 14, 2016

riddick07 said:
My male yellow nape Amazon is crazy hormonal right now. I guarantee you try to hold him and you will be going to the hospital for stitches. He doesn't play around when he is in a hormonal mindset. He thinks the cabinet under the tv is his nesting ground. You mess with it you better be able to dodge well. He will even go after me if I'm in it and he loves me. Just this morning my mother came down the stairs which is right next to the tv and he went running after her she grabbed the nearest towel to knock him back until I could get him. There is definitely a reason they got their reputation. However you just have to know how to deal with it and work around it. I don't allow Kelly to play in darker places right now and once away from the trigger (the cabinet) he doesn't display that crazy attack behavior....just his normal I hate other people behavior.

Typical Amazon "defend the nest" territorial behavior. They can be little holy terrors when this stuff starts...

My neighbor's bird was like that. A few days out of the house, away from the nest, and it calmed down.

Kiwibird · Sep 14, 2016

Birdman666 said:
And my red lored was once one of the worst biters the rescue ever had. She came to me as a "home of last resort." This is the same bird that preens my eyebrows and my eyelashes, and uses my cheek for a pillow. YEAH. AGGRESSIVE!!!

Same story with Kiwi. He was one mean little

when we got him. He also "hated women". His prior owner was scared crapless of him. He attacked my face twice, inflicting pretty nasty bites on my nose and lip.

These days he insists upon preening Joe's eyebrows and eyelashes and has even recently started playfully grabbing my nose and preening about my face (after years of building trust that he wouldn't try to rip my face off anymore

). He hasn't drawn blood in a very long time. Sure he still has his hormonal moods, but we don't provoke him when he's in a foul hormonal mood. We back off and let him be until his mood improves.

BeatriceC · Sep 15, 2016

Goofy is pretty typical in a lot of ways of the Amazon stereotypes, but he's such a sweet, affectionate bird to MrC. He's coming along with me, but it's taken a lot of time and patience. Last night he even spent a half hour chilling on my knee. As I've learned more about him, I've been able to go at his pace, and he's turning into a different bird. It's really amazing to watch him progress.

LeaKP · Sep 15, 2016

Amazons are amazing parrots and as such need amazing owners who educate themselves on their behaviors and tendencies and then learn how to treat their individual birds. We form relationships with our birds and the more we put into it, the more we learn. We most likely will get bitten in the process. I tell people if you're not willing to learn, not willing to even be bitten, do not get a bird.

My aunt had an Amazon years ago (think it was a yellow nape) and it was set in a parakeet cage in the corner of the kitchen on top of the refrigerator. Of course it bit her, of course she had scars. My heart still hurts when I think of how that bird was treated.

I'm rambling now. I think amazons are falsely accused of being mean inherently. Just like my favorite, the African grey, is accused of always being hands off. Nope, you learn and grow into a friendship.

Long and rambling...sorry!

Amazon Reputation

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