Amazon Questions

[Lithium]

Sometime in the not-so-near future, I'd like to get an Amazon. It probably won't happen for four or five years, maybe more. But I'd like to be prepared when that time comes, so I have some questions. What species would be an ideal first Amazon? After looking at pictures of some species, I found that I really like the look of the Double Yellow Head and the Lilac Crowned Amazon. Would a 36" x 28" x 50" cage be enough for one? I could go a bit bigger, but that's more in the price range I'd be looking for. And does anybody now of any good books on them?

 

[SandyBee]

The cage size you have there is good for a lilac crown
I would go 40 x 30 for a DYH.

Ideal first amazon, hmmmm
Well the lilac crowns are known to be sweet and the DYH are known to be part of the hot 3 for hormonal surges and tempermant. It really does depend on what your looking for in a companion parrot and each bird also has their own personalities on top of that.

There's lots of information on the internet, not sure about books.

 

[TessieB]

My first Amazon was a Lilac Crown. While not as pretty as a Yellow Head, she was a doll. She was an uncanny mimic and not as temperamental as some Amazons. She traveled well, and went back and forth with me to Florida and South Carolina several times.

I currently own a Yellow Head, and while she (?) is very smart and trainable, she can very opinionated about certain things. She will do the Amazon lunge when upset about certain things but responds well when directed to other behaviors. She is a fun bird and will keep you mentally active.

Good luck when choosing your bird, but don't limit yourself to two certain breeds of Amazons. Go for the personality that matches yours, and you'll have a buddy for life.

 

[JerseyWendy]

I agree with Sandy. Sure, you could put a DYH in the size cage you mentioned, but you would have to make sure he/she gets plenty of time outside the cage. My Sam (DYH) is in a 40X30, and he utilizes each and every square inch of that cage, despite spending a good amount of time on the java trees.

I honestly don't know of any good, UPDATED books on Amazons. I have 2 ancient ones, which I still like to look at, but the info contained therein is completely out of date.

I'm talking about these:
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Amazon-Parrots-Klaus-Bosch/dp/0866227970/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1386802268&sr=8-2&keywords=amazon+parrots]Encyclopedia of Amazon Parrots: Klaus Bosch, Ursula Wedde: 9780866227971: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/World-Amazon-Parrots-Dieter-Hoppe/dp/0866229280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386802469&sr=8-1&keywords=the+world+of+amazon+parrots]The World of Amazon Parrots: Dieter Hoppe, William Charlton: 9780866229289: Amazon.com: Books[/ame]

 

[Lithium]

Okay, thanks. TessieB, I'm not limiting myself to those two species, they are just the ones I like the most out of what I researched. When I do end up getting an Amazon, I might end up going to a breeder to hand pick my bird and get a hand feeding lesson.

And I'm still trying to decide between other species like, Macaws, Cockatoos, Lories, Lorikeets, Rosellas, etc.

 

[henpecked]

Welcome to the forum. IMO species is not as important as personality. heck they all have very individual personalities. It's not fair to stereo type the different species. Yes the "hot three" are more "difficult" but that's because they are more individual personalities and have a more "structural" social situation. They need a strong leader.The more timid birds (less outgoing) don't require as much structure. The better flock leader you are, the better relationship you can have with the more intellectual birds. Panamas are by far the best amazons if outgoing , talking,adaptability and "well rounded" is important. But like i recommend, meet lots of zons and chose personality(compatibility) over species(color, size, talkablity, etc)

 

[Belgaram]

Don't rule out African Grey's either. Not the prettiest of birds as far as colors, but personality and vocabulary for days! I swear I have conversations with my grey and he knows what he is saying! On the flip side, my BFA is my bird! We have such a bonded relationship. Best of luck wherever your choice lies! Keep us updated!

 

[Lintini]

My mom's mealy amazon is a really nice bird. She has never bit anyone and we've had her for over 20 years now. She's a good sized bird too. I don't think mealys are too popular? I don't know who else has one on here that I've seen but someone must. Margret is her name, but she doesn't talk. She just whines like me when I was a little kid saying "moooooooooooooooooooooooom" I would meet many different birds and then decide, you have plenty of time!

 

[Birdman666]

THE BIBLE of amazon parrot behaviors was written by Joanie Doss, and it includes actual photographs of the various body language postures, and what they mean....

I forgot the name of it, but it is available on her website. (She has a performing amazon troupe... those amazing amazons, or some such.)

And with amazons, choose the bird that also chooses you.