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Savi

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Feb 15, 2018
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Trinidad and Tobago
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Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
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Good evening. I stumbled upon this site while researching my baby's sudden change in behaviour. I've got 2 parrots, one an orange-winged amazon (Ravi), who is 10 years old and a yellow-shouldered amazon (Silvana), 9. They are like my children. Ravi is so loving, will talk to anyone but will keep his distance. Silvana on the other hand, has a different personality, loving and protective towards me, but not the friendliest towards other family. They are both quite comfortable roaming the house,, but about 6 weeks ago Silvana suddenly became very aggressive. I had problems that day getting her back in the cage and I was literally shaking. I've had to improvise when feeding and cleaning out her cage. I let her out recently and that was another scary moment. She is distressing Ravi who finds her whole behaviour strange. I now know when she doesn't want to interact but will allow me at times to stroke her head to calm her down. Our lives have changed. Can anyone offer some advice with dealing with her, and can you also tell me if sshe will be "normal" again? My heart is breaking since she was the more active one in the house. I am open to questions. Thank you! :greenyellow::green:
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome to you, Ravi, and Silvana, thanks for joining the forums.

A sudden and lasting change in personality can occur for many reasons, but we can likely filter out the onset of puberty if Silvana is confirmed as age 9. More likely is a sudden psychological trauma or medical/neurological issue. I would advise a visit with a certified avian vet to determine whether illness is a factor. This would be accomplished via selected lab tests and a basic neurological screening. I don't believe brain imaging is a developed technique with parrots as may be helpful with humans. That Ravi is aware and responding is an interesting and possibly helpful clue. To me, this diminishes the likelihood of trauma, though a thorough check of the cage is warranted; birds as creatures of prey are extremely perceptive and aware of nuances we cannot detect.

Giving Silvana extra attention and love may help her return to her former state, assuming there are no medical issues. Please keep us updated, hopefully other members may see parallels and offer advice.
 

SailBoat

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Jul 10, 2015
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I strongly concur with Scott regarding a much needed (ASAP) visit with a Certified Avian Vet (CAV). 'Major' change in a Parrot personality is concerning and the medical aspect must be considered!

Although you clearly state their ages, and sex you do not stated how long you have had them. Have you had their sex DNA verified?

Depending on where you are in the huge World, 6 weeks ago is a very important time period for Amazons, especially for Amazons of the Northern Hemisphere! Both of your Amazons, if their age is to be believed are mature and either or both could have had a flush of hormone's.

Please make the appointment tomorrow morning. Unless you have the Certified DNA Document, have that verified also.

As an FYI: Please read the first Thread at the top of the Amazon Forum regarding Understanding Amazon Body Language!

By the way, Welcome to Parrot Forums!
 

wrench13

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Welcome fellow yellow shoulder amazon owner! My Salty is only 2.5 years old, so has not even begun puberty. Sailboats and the others are giving you really good advice, 'Boats in particular is very experienced ed with amazons.

I'very only seen one other amazon on here in 2 years that has shown this 180 degree of personality change. Go to the Amazon sub forum, look for a thread on Sammy. His owner is slowly getting back to the great relationship he once had with Sammy, that story may help, if all medical causes are ruled out. Please keep us posted on any new devdlopements.
 
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Savi

New member
Feb 15, 2018
28
1
Trinidad and Tobago
Parrots
Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
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  • #5
Good morning!

Thank you all for your responses. We currently live in Trinidad and I am awaiting an appointment with the Vet School. I've not had them DNA tested and am assuming that Silvana is a girl and Ravi is a boy. After doing some research, I am suspecting that Silvana may actually be a male..lol. She is not as bad as the the first couple of weeks, but I'm not sure she can be trusted outside yet. Will certainly keep you updated!
 
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Savi

New member
Feb 15, 2018
28
1
Trinidad and Tobago
Parrots
Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
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  • #6
Btw, I've had them both as babies, so their age is correct. Thank you Wrench13, they are absolute darlings! More human than any other I've come across.
 
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Savi

New member
Feb 15, 2018
28
1
Trinidad and Tobago
Parrots
Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
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Scott, thank you for the advice. I followed up with the Vet School, which is part of the University. I have requested DNA sexing for both of them, can you say what other tests I should request for Silvana? Hopefully, I will get an appointment by next week.
 

SailBoat

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I will let Scott provide addition thinking to his recommendations and my summation below.

- Basic Neurological Screening: Commonly includes Sight, Hearing, Sensitivities (pain of the head, neck, spinal regions).

- Psychological and/or physical trauma: An attack or close encounter by an animal or snake in or near the cage.

- selected lab tests: The extensiveness of the lab test are based on the finding of the above items. The most common will be a extensive blood testing with specific added blood tests. Gram tests of the Crop and Stool.

The hands on evaluation of your Amazon that an Avian Vet will provide greater detail than others can provide from afar.

*** Regarding my comment of the actual age of you Amazons and how long they have been with you. That is based around common events of individuals who have recently obtained the Parrots and there is no really confirmed knowledge of the age of the Parrots. A few years younger and puberty could be a real contributor. Many Amazon's loss their homes resulting from the onset of puberty.

No one here makes claim on being schooled in Avian Medicine. The combined knowledge of the Membership of Parrot Forums helps in providing insight and recommendations. The trained hands and eyes of an Avian Professional on your Amazon(s) allows the directed use of Avian Medicinal Knowledge.

Please update us as to their findings.
 
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Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Scott, thank you for the advice. I followed up with the Vet School, which is part of the University. I have requested DNA sexing for both of them, can you say what other tests I should request for Silvana? Hopefully, I will get an appointment by next week.

Completely agree with Sailboat's suggestions for the vet. This link provides guidance for an exam. Bird Health Exam - Association of Avian Veterinarians
Scroll about halfway down for "diagnostics." At a minimum, suggest CBC, CHEM, and fecal testing. After a thorough physical exam the staff will be in a better position to recommend specifics.

Does the vet school provide training for avian certification?
 

GaleriaGila

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Welcome. I'm glad you're here, and reaching out. I'm so pleased that you're getting great advice. Hang in there with us. I admire your devotion to your birds' mental and physical health.
 
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Savi

New member
Feb 15, 2018
28
1
Trinidad and Tobago
Parrots
Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
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Thanks, Sailboat, Scott, Galeria. We here in the tropics take these babies for granted becuz they're so common. Silvana was found in an empty lot of land next door to me. Was out picking some produce and just barely heard her crying, not injured. Her feathers were very short and looked like a juve. I took her in and she's been with me ever since.
They do have a regular vet but will certainly get the basic tests done at the Vet School.

Scott, I'm sure they do provide some sort of certification because I spoke to someone in the exotic birds dept, never had any dealings with them in the past, so will def keep you all updated.

Thank you Galeria! I love them to bits, they keep me going..
 

wrench13

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Hi Savi, I would love to see pics of both your amazons, Silvana in particular, since she (?) is a rare species of Amazon, just like my Salty. Yellow Shoulder Amazons are supposed to be one of the sweetest disposition parrots out there, that is why I am surprised at the change in attitude. I astonished that someone could abandon a chick of one of these parrots. They come from such a different environment than most would think when the word Amazon is mentioned, being almost desert dwelling parrots - lots of pics of YSA on cactus on line.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Nice to live in a land of abundant tropical birds! Thanks for sharing their stories!!

I hope the vet visit gives Silvana a clean bill of health!!
 
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Savi

New member
Feb 15, 2018
28
1
Trinidad and Tobago
Parrots
Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
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  • #15
Wrench13,

I'm still trying to find my way round this site, but I posted 2 photos this morning. For some reason they were rotated during the upload...check them out in Photos...thanks!
 
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Savi

New member
Feb 15, 2018
28
1
Trinidad and Tobago
Parrots
Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
  • Thread Starter
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  • #16
Hope you can see the photos of Silvana and Ravi, my babies.
 

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Savi

New member
Feb 15, 2018
28
1
Trinidad and Tobago
Parrots
Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #17
Hi Savi, I would love to see pics of both your amazons, Silvana in particular, since she (?) is a rare species of Amazon, just like my Salty. Yellow Shoulder Amazons are supposed to be one of the sweetest disposition parrots out there, that is why I am surprised at the change in attitude. I astonished that someone could abandon a chick of one of these parrots. They come from such a different environment than most would think when the word Amazon is mentioned, being almost desert dwelling parrots - lots of pics of YSA on cactus on line.
Wrench,

She is the most loving, brave, very feisty person I've met. Extremely clever too. Worst than a clingy baby. She will follow me upstairs and if my room door is open, will walk right in. Quite happy to be on my shoulder if I'm going out to the shops/pharmacy. Sit in the kitchen when I'm cooking and always first at the dinner table. At around 7pm she will fly straight to the kitchen and call out for her treat..like a nagging wife. She rules this roost and Ravi looks on and mock me when she and I are having one of our lil fights....I certainly can't live with out them.
 

wrench13

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Such a YELLOW SHOULDER! I can't see in the pic but has she the yellow thighs that YSA get when they reach and are well into maturuty? Both your babies look well cared for. If you have the time, take a look at Salty videos, I think you will get a charge from them. He is quite a talker and singer too. Is Silva the same?

Back to the issue with her, how much out of cage time does Silvano get every day? These parrots seem to thrive on being in the middle of the 'action,' in our household Salty is out from 1 in the afternoon til 10pm, on his hanging boing/play chains and that's in the middle of our open floor plan house. Silvano may just need more you time. Thanks for posting the pics!
 

wrench13

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Just saw your latest post.. is she clipped or flight recall trained? I would never take Salty out with out him being in his harness , I've had a parrot fly away, a most gut wrenching experience, one I would never want happen to anyone.
 
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Savi

New member
Feb 15, 2018
28
1
Trinidad and Tobago
Parrots
Ravi (Orange-winged Amazon)
Silvana (Yellow-shouldered Amazon)
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #20
Just saw your latest post.. is she clipped or flight recall trained? I would never take Salty out with out him being in his harness , I've had a parrot fly away, a most gut wrenching experience, one I would never want happen to anyone.
They were clipped, but not anymore. I was advised by the Wildlife Division that they should be free flight. She flew off once, ended up on the roof and I had to climb to the lower level roof, gently coax her and she flew straight on my shoulder. When I take her out I'm always careful to keep one hand hovering on her back when we're walking. I have trained her to always face front, so I can see if/when she does go off. Ravi has a nervous disposition and flew off a few times. I was like a mad woman in my neighbourhood calling out to him..and he answered me..lol.
 

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