How you know if an amazon chose you

LibbyCarp

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Aug 27, 2018
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Recently, a yellow crown was put up for adoption at our local SPCA. We went today to go see him. I had just made a giant batch of chop this morning and wanted to bring some to him because I only ever see pellets and seed in the bird dishes when we see any birds there. So, when I went to see him he was obviously nervous but I got down and started talking and singing to him. He came over to check me out. When I asked if I could take him out, he was walking around the top of the cage and easily stepped up and let me give him all kind of head scratches. He even seemed to nuzzle against me a little. I am totally new to amazons and their body language but what are the signs that a bird has chosen you? I absolutely fell in love with him.
Side note: Our SPCA has him priced at $800. I find that really high - what do you think?
 

wrench13

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I'd say you been picked. It's not a mandatory thing w/amazons, but it makes forming a bond much easier.
Here in NY aread $800 for a yellow crown is a deal.
 

Birdman666

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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.)
Yellow crowns are going for around $1,500 these days so that's roughly half priced...

And in terms of have you been picked?! If you have to ask...
 
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LibbyCarp

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Sounds to me like you're off to a good start. The fact that he allowed you to touch him is huge.
Check out this tread:
http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/54250-amazon-body-language.html

Do you know how old he is? Babies by me go for a little over 3K. Chk out the Mealy Amazon $3200.
https://www.birdsbyjoe.com/available-babies
Thanks for the amazon body language link. I will definitely check it out. He is 15 years old and is currently looking for his 3rd home. His old family moved and couldn’t take him.
 
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LibbyCarp

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Yellow crowns are going for around $1,500 these days so that's roughly half priced...

And in terms of have you been picked?! If you have to ask...
I’m not really sure what that means. I was asking because I have 2 birds from breeders, neither of which are amazons. Just trying to learn any peculiarities or specifics of amazons. Guess I just am not sure if the bird was just generally sweet or was like hey I like this chick. The people at the SPCA did say they were surprised how well he was doing with me so I guess that’s my answer.
 
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LibbyCarp

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Yellow crowns are going for around $1,500 these days so that's roughly half priced...

And in terms of have you been picked?! If you have to ask...
Birdman666, I just read your thread on Amazon body language. Thank you for writing that. Good list and explanations
 

Joon

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Two adorable Yellow Nape Amazons and a Military Macaw. Double Yellow Headed Amazon (RIP)
I absolutely fell in love with him.


I don't think anything else matters.



I brought home an older yellow naped who sat on my lap then let me kiss the top of her head within minutes of meeting her. I brought home another with serious aggression issues not having an inkling of what I was getting into. I think the majority of the battle is a willingness to put in the effort to befriend them and still loving them even when they're at their worst, and that's the hard part because there really isn't a way to know how things will unfold over the long term until you bring them home.
 

Birdmom12

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Parakeet named Blue. Adopted from a Humane Society 5 years ago.

Kirby Cockatiel adopted from a humane society 2018.

Also a slew of other small birds that span my entire childhood.
Speaking from someone that works for an animal rescue. Adoption prices are generally based off of a few things.

1- what would that animal cost in a pet shop or breeder
2- what the cost for vet checks/vaccines/etc...
3- what is the potential cost of care for this animal (food, shelter, staff)

$800 is probably reasonable considering vet work was likely a couple hundred then add in food and staff to care for him.

Amazons are one of the most common breeds to be seen in rescues though. So I strongly consider adoption over breeders any day. There are just so many in need of happy homes that can truly meet their needs.
 

cnyguy

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It sounds to me like somebirdie has chosen you. :) $800 seems quite reasonable for a YCA. Baby Amazons typically sell for around $1500 to $2500 in my area and it's rare to find one available for adoption at any price.
 

Anita1250

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When I was picking out my Sam 36 years ago, he was on a table with about 20 other baby Amazons. They were all covered in formula, and had varying amounts of feathers. What a motley crew! Sam was the only one who didn't bite me when I went to pet him. So, he came home with us. I guess he chose me on that little table so very long ago!
 

AmyMyBlueFront

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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.
When I was picking out my Sam 36 years ago, he was on a table with about 20 other baby Amazons. They were all covered in formula, and had varying amounts of feathers. What a motley crew! Sam was the only one who didn't bite me when I went to pet him. So, he came home with us. I guess he chose me on that little table so very long ago!

Same story with Amy except he was in a huge flight cage with about 15-20 other babies ( Amy was about 4 months old) I got him "brand new" :p :D for $400..thirty years ago.. He is priceless to me now. ;)


Jim
 

SailBoat

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The Bond that is created by an Amazon that choses a Human is something to behold! Letting the Amazon choose is such a wise choice. They just know...
 

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