Rescuing and Amazon

Hi everyone!
After a lot of consideration, we have decided to adopt a 20+ year old Blue Fronted Amazon from a local rescue. Her name is Princess and I expect it won't take long before she rules the house. I've been reading on the Amazon specific forum and just wanted to take a moment to say hello.
No pictures yet. We're still working through the adoption process and getting all the stuff together.
Our family consists of me, my long term boyfriend, his three kids ages 12,13, and 15, and our 6 year old great pyrenees.

Welcome!!
Thank you for adopting!
Have you had a bird before? I always ask because there is a TON to know about things in the home that can kill them (cleaners, teflon etc)

I haven't had the pleasure of sharing my home with a bird since I was a teenager, but I have had friends with birds and also am taking time to research.

Welcome to you and Princess! You're in great company with many Amazon parront members.

I had a Great Pyrenees many years ago. He showed no interest in my birds, but loved to escape, bark, and shed!

Welcome.
I think that's a great name for an Amazon, I am sure she will earn it.

Welcomed,! Thanks for taking in parrot needing a home!

Welcome! it's great that you want to adopt and this forum is a great resource.
A lot of things have changed in terms of what vets now know about birds/safety etc.

I have 2 massive posts on page 2 of the following thread which discuss many of the care concerns when adopting parrots (of any type---doesn't matter that you want an Amazon- 99% is the same). There is a lot of detail, but their health and well-being can be impacted by a lot of things within the home, so please read that thread (especially since you are semi-new to birds-at least in your adult life)
Here it is:
http://www.parrotforums.com/questio...t-getting-eclectus-african-grey-parrot-2.html

^The whole thread is really worth reading (page numbers can be toggled at the bottom of page on right-hand side), but I am mentioning page 2 because the 2 huge posts that I made there discuss some essentials that are not very well known by many new to birds.

Oh, and after reading that- visit these links if you have any doubts about the whole Teflon/PFC/PTFE/PFOA danger-

https://www.ewg.org/research/canaries-kitchen

https://www.ewg.org/research/canarie...on-kills-birds

http://www.animalplanet.com/pets/oth...on-bird-guide/


There is a whole section of this forum that talks specifically about Amazon behavior etc, but the health stuff honestly freaks me out the most because so many people seem to be unaware, which is why I always post about it first.

Thanks! I'll definitely read those threads. It's nice having a little extra time to prepare now that I've decided I want to bring Princess home. But I'm also antsy to get her here.

Welcome to the PF Family, so glad you joined.

That is wonderful your rescuing Princess. Thank you for that!

Here are more links to add to your reading:

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/54250-amazon-body-language.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/65119-i-love-amazons-going-journey.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

Best of luck to you & Princess.

Welcome to Parrot Forums and the Wonderful World Of Amazons!

As you can see you have a ton of reading available and a rich mix of Parrot Lovers to help you along the way...

Since you have already received a vast amount of read, let me talk a bit about Expectations and the Loving and Living with Amazons...

- Leave the time frames (expectations) behind you as a 20 year old Amazon can have another 40+ years with your family. More than enough time to allow her to find that you are trustworthy of her Love.

- She will be suffering the loss of her past family and confused as to why they have not come back for her. Think of a three year old child who's parents have vanished. The fear and pain of their loss hurts deeply and being understanding of her loss can only help!

- Interact at her pace... But, understand that Amazon's are highly social and have a want to be in the center of things. So, keep her where the family is by moving her perch during the day.

- The Highlighted Threads at the top of the Amazon Forum are must read documents. FYI: Amazon's Love to be Read too. In a comfortable tone, sit next to her and read aloud. It will help her become comfortable with her new family. The Reading is true for everyone in the family.

a. Understanding Amazon Body Language: I cannot understate how important this Thread is to you and your families interaction with your Amazon... It is so important that I recommend that it is read to your Amazons until you and yours fully understand the Language of Amazons as if it is a First Language in Your Home!!! What is provided is commonly referred to as an Amazon's Base Language. At 20, she has very likely added to the basics...

We have a Double Yellow Head Amazon who is quickly pulling in on 22 years old and his array of Body Language statements... But the basics are there. When approaching an Amazon, Always complete a quick check, to assure that your Amazon is aware that you are coming her way...

b. I Love Amazons - ... is a huge Thread that is filled with Loving and Living with Amazons! It is provided in segments that can be read as your interaction with your Amazon requires. Review the list of segments and pick and choose what you need, but do make a promise to read it all during this coming year.

A Few Pointers:

- Vantage Point!
It (regardless of what) is never the fault of the Amazon!
It is Always the fault of the Human!
This change in Vantage Point will allow you to more quickly understand what you are doing wrong and changing what you are doing will far more quickly allow you to correct what you are doing. FYI: This tool works wonders on Humans also.

Contact Calls! - Your Amazon likely has a set of contact calls that she will use. It is kind of like, you determining where your family is and what they are doing and when they will becoming to where you are. LEARN to use contact calls with your Amazon, starting day one! You and your family communicating with your Amazon will make for a much happier home. Also, as you and your's learn what your Amazon is saying (commenting about) you will find that the World she sees is much larger than what you notice.

Slow down, you have 40 years in front of you! As they open-up you can enjoy each new moment of Trust!

Again, Welcome to the Wonderful World of Amazons!!!
The day you wake-up to the understanding that you are Owned by an Amazon is a wonderful day!!!

Enjoy!

Welcome and be welcomed. THank you for adopting Princess and bringing her into your family's life. All the above info is spot on, and thanks to the Internet its available to you and new parronts ( unlike years ago where it was pretty much learn as you burn).