Got Really Bad Bite

From the Amazon bug. So I've never really had much interaction with amazons before, I've just never been in a situation where I've been exposed to them. However, last week, a situation came up where I took in two fosters. They were a blue and gold and a blue front. They were loved pets, but one owner passed away a few years ago, then the other recently had a stroke and just couldn't care for them anymore.

I fell in love with the blue front, Willie. He is incredibly thin, blind in one eye, and has a bit of an attitude, but under it all he is a sweetheart. He is starting to open up more, he is eating more than he did when he first came home with me, and he loves coming out of his cage to spend time with me. Almost too much. It's almost getting hard to put him back in his cage when I need to, he tries to avoid it if he can. I've decided he isn't going to be worked with an adopted out, he's staying with me forever.

Then yesterday, I had to go pick up another blue front. It was over a 3 hour drive each way, but again, another much loved bird that just can't be taken care of anymore. She desperately needs to see a vet, a I have an appointment set for later this week. She is an older bird, though, I know she is at least 40. The gentleman that had her has had her since at least the 80's although I'm not sure if he got her as a baby or if she was already an adult at that point. Both of her feet are crippled and she has multiple tumors. She had to have been a much loved bird, though, for she is probably the sweetest bird I have ever handled. I don't have much of a background on her, her primary owner has dementia so he doesn't remember really anything about her. That is also why she has not seen a vet in several years. I think in her case, what we are going to do with her in the long run will depend on her tumors. If they are just fatty tumors, we will have the large one removed as it gets in her way when she climbs around her cage, then we will try to find her a forever home that will be able to accommodate her feet. If it is cancer, then I will probably end up keeping her as well, for however long she has left.

I never knew how much of a joy amazons are to have around. I think I might be infected.

How wonderful of you to give these 2 very deserving older zons a home! I hope the female doesn't have anything life threatening and that her mobility can be helped some. I'd love to see pics of both

Congratulations on the new additions to your flock! I think it's great that you are taking them both in, and that Willie has actually found his new forever home with you. I know both Steven and Al are going to be more than happy to welcome you into the ranks of the Amazon enthusiasts.

I really hope the tumors on the second BF turn out to be fatty rather than cancerous. Poor thing.

So Willie is really thin and ragged looking, just so you're prepared. He has had a really rough transition and refused to eat for a few days when he first came to me. He had lived with his previous owners for over 20 years since he was a chick and has been severely depressed with losing them.

Birdy, the zon I picked up yesterday, looks really good except for her feet and the big tumor you can actually see. She has a few more smaller tumors, but they are hidden by her feathers and I wouldn't even knows about them if it wasn't for the fact that she is perfectly okay with being handled anywhere. In one picture you can see part of the big tumor and one of her feet. She seems to have adapted well to the issue with her feet as she still climbs add-ons her cage and sleeps on a perch as long as she is close enough to something to stay herself with her beak when she needs to.

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Welcome to amazonia! They really are a different kind of parrot.

Absolutely precious, both of them:07:. I want to give both a hug and a treat. They both just have such a sweet and gentle look about them. I see why Willie has charmed you so much! And I really really hope Birdy's tumors are fatty and can be removed. It's good they don't seem to be causing her discomfort or pain. The foot problems sound like they just stem from advanced age? My moms 45+ year old DYH is starting to get some arthritis in her feet now, especially the foot she broke years ago. Vet says it's just plain and simple old age. She still gets around fine and is still very independent! Hopefully Birds can too with just some slight modifications to her perches and an improved diet.

You have a direct line to Heaven! Looks like maybe a good shower for Willy would help his "dishelved" look I feel for Birdy but they are both beautiful B.F.'s

To quote our resident 'zon expert: "Amazon's rule!" and "Amazon's have more fun!"

Please keep us updated on their progress!



Jim

Our thought with Birdy's feet is age as well. Like I said we know she is at least 40 but could be much older, so arthritis is a very good possibility. We'll have a much better idea when she sees the vet later this week.

I plan on giving Willie a good shower, I'm just waiting for a nice sunny day without too much since so he can go outside to dry off and not get chilled. Since he is so underweight, I don't was by to get him wet and then have him get chilled drying off. We've just either had a lot of wind like today, or it's been storming.

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Blue Fronts are like no other parrot. All the ones I've known were filled with sweetness, even when being evil and biting me. Must have been my fault.

Remember to up size the perches for both of them. Buried in the "I Love Amazons...." Thread, a sticky near the top of the Amazon Forum is a segment "Getting to the Foot of the Problem." You will find it a great help in selecting perches for older Amazons.

The rapid weight loss will cause a Parrot to look worst than their feathers provide. The combination of a recovering interest in eating, upping the quality of the Diet, restful sleep, a couple of good baths, and good old fashion Love will have an amazing effect.

Our first Vet visits with our new Amazons have always been the most difficult as beyond what is known are the additional unknown health factors that years of poor diet, little activity and the effects of other illness are having. Our goal has always been, what can we do to obtain ever additional day with this Amazon. As you have likely seen with other Parrots that have come to you, they all pick-up quickly on knowing they are loved and safe!

Thank-you, for what you are doing!!!

And, for my fellow Amazona's: Amazon's are Amazing!