Looking for General tips on raising a parrot (more specifically an Amazon parrot)

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am a student, and my mom told me before I could get a parrot, I need to know how to raise one perfectly before she can consider it. I am looking to find out the general needs of a parrot. I recently got interested in owning a parrot and know they require a lot of work, but I find them so cool that I am willing to put in the effort to get one. So can someone basically give a brief overview of these questions please? Thanks.



️ What is the yearly cost of owning a parrot, like how much money would be needed to properly raise a parrot per year?

️ What are some disease that they can get and how can I treat them?

️ What are their daily care needs, like what would I need to do for them everyday?

️ What temperature would they need in their area to be content/ what are their ideal comfort needs?

️ What types of toys do they need? I mean like what material because I heard some can be toxic.

️ What is the ideal size of the cage?

️ How would I train one? By training I mean being able to fly away and back to me etc.

️ I have two dogs and was wondering if that would be a con to the Parrots comfort, even though it would get a room to itself which the dogs never go into as it is.



I know it’s a lot of questions but I just want to make sure that I am capable of raising a parrot properly and giving it a healthy and happy life. If someone answers all these questions, thank you very much and have a good day. Any additional information that I left out would be appreciated

 

[BirdyBee]

Hi, I am a student, and my mom told me before I could get a parrot, I need to know how to raise one perfectly before she can consider it. I am looking to find out the general needs of a parrot. I recently got interested in owning a parrot and know they require a lot of work, but I find them so cool that I am willing to put in the effort to get one. So can someone basically give a brief overview of these questions please? Thanks.



️ What is the yearly cost of owning a parrot, like how much money would be needed to properly raise a parrot per year?

For smaller birds, a good cage will cost $100-200. Avian vet visits can cost $50-100 or more depending on whether medications are prescribed or not. It is reccomended to take your bird to an avian vet at least once a year.

️ What are some disease that they can get and how can I treat them?

Avian vet. Take your bird to an avian vet if ill.

️ What are their daily care needs, like what would I need to do for them everyday?

Give attention to them, feed them veggies, spot clean cage(meaning clean areas that are a bit dirty), etc etc.

️ What temperature would they need in their area to be content/ what are their ideal comfort needs?

I'd say about 15-25 degrees Celsius is ideal. This depends on species and individual birds, though.

️ What types of toys do they need? I mean like what material because I heard some can be toxic.

Avoid cotton, copper, sinc, galvanized etc, bells, treat sticks, mirrors, sandpaper perches, unsafe woods(check online for safe woods.) That's what I can remember from the top of my head.

Shredable toys, cardboard, paper, popsicle sticks, vine balls, finger traps, raffia/crinklepaper... just a few examples of safe materials.

️ What is the ideal size of the cage?

Depends on species.

️ How would I train one? By training I mean being able to fly away and back to me etc.

Recall training - experiences

Hi all!! I am curious for those who did train recall training - how did it go for you? Did you start with an already tame bird, or did you perhaps had a non tame bird who was reluctant with hands? Did the recall training pay off? Does the bird do recall every single tame when you want, or is...

www.parrotforums.com

️ I have two dogs and was wondering if that would be a con to the Parrots comfort, even though it would get a room to itself which the dogs never go into as it is.

Never let them interact together. Theree are way to many stories of birds being killed by dogs. In the same house it's probably fine.

I know it’s a lot of questions but I just want to make sure that I am capable of raising a parrot properly and giving it a healthy and happy life. If someone answers all these questions, thank you very much and have a good day. Any additional information that I left out would be appreciated

You may find this useful:

What Students Should Ask Before Getting a Bird.

Being of school age isn't necessarily a bad thing in and of itself when it comes to taking on a parrot. Heck, I got my first cockatiel as a student in college. But I wasn't exactly a party animal. I was home enough to give him the attention that a bird requires. And believe me, they do require a...

www.parrotforums.com

If you tell us what bird you're getting, I can give much better advice.


For diet, birds typically need mostly fresh foods. I give about 50% dry and 50% fresh for my birds. Dry diet:

Grains, seeds, dry herbs/spices, dry flowers, nuts(best to use them as a treat as birds really love them), pellets(optional, avoid pellets with colours, sugar/salt, and soy/peanuts(small amount is ok but shouldn't be main part of the pellets. TOP's and Harrisons are good

Fresh diet:

Veggies, herbs, fruit(10% or less for most species to avoid hormonal behaviour), boiled eggs, etc.


I will add some more links later


EDIT: Just read that it's an Amazon you want... I'll tag some Amazon owners.

@SailBoat @wrench13 @saxguy64 @foxgloveparrot @JimsBrother @ravvlet

 

[Anonymous]

For smaller birds, a good cage will cost $100-200. Avian vet visits can cost $50-100 or more depending on whether medications are prescribed or not. It is reccomended to take your bird to an avian vet at least once a year.

Avian vet. Take your bird to an avian vet if ill.

Give attention to them, feed them veggies, spot clean cage(meaning clean areas that are a bit dirty), etc etc.


I'd say about 15-25 degrees Celsius is ideal. This depends on species and individual birds, though.

Avoid cotton, copper, sinc, galvanized etc, bells, treat sticks, mirrors, sandpaper perches, unsafe woods(check online for safe woods.) That's what I can remember from the top of my head.

Shredable toys, cardboard, paper, popsicle sticks, vine balls, finger traps, raffia/crinklepaper... just a few examples of safe materials.

Depends on species.

Recall training - experiences

Hi all!! I am curious for those who did train recall training - how did it go for you? Did you start with an already tame bird, or did you perhaps had a non tame bird who was reluctant with hands? Did the recall training pay off? Does the bird do recall every single tame when you want, or is...

www.parrotforums.com

Never let them interact together. Theree are way to many stories of birds being killed by dogs. In the same house it's probably fine.

You may find this useful:

What Students Should Ask Before Getting a Bird.

Being of school age isn't necessarily a bad thing in and of itself when it comes to taking on a parrot. Heck, I got my first cockatiel as a student in college. But I wasn't exactly a party animal. I was home enough to give him the attention that a bird requires. And believe me, they do require a...

www.parrotforums.com

If you tell us what bird you're getting, I can give much better advice.


For diet, birds typically need mostly fresh foods. I give about 50% dry and 50% fresh for my birds. Dry diet:

Grains, seeds, dry herbs/spices, dry flowers, nuts(best to use them as a treat as birds really love them), pellets(optional, avoid pellets with colours, sugar/salt, and soy/peanuts(small amount is ok but shouldn't be main part of the pellets. TOP's and Harrisons are good

Fresh diet:

Veggies, herbs, fruit(10% or less for most species to avoid hormonal behaviour), boiled eggs, etc.


I will add some more links later


EDIT: Just read that it's an Amazon you want... I'll tag some Amazon owners.

@SailBoat @wrench13

Thanks so much this was very useful

 

[BirdyBee]

Thanks so much this was very useful

I Love Amazons - An On-Going Journey!

I plan for this to be the first of many segments as part of this Thread regarding my joy of Amazons and what I have learned over the many years from my Amazons and the leaders in the Avian field that I have met and exchanged thoughts and ideas. It will never be about me, only the Amazons I have...

www.parrotforums.com

So you bought an unweaned baby...

Today I spent several hours trying to help someone save a baby bird they had purchased unweaned. The baby died; they are usually almost dead by the time the new owner realizes something is wrong, not because the owner doesn't care but because they are not educated about what to look for or...

www.parrotforums.com

Amazon body language

I've been asked to contribute my take on amazon body language. So here it is. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If anyone thinks of things I've left out, and I'm sure there is, feel free to add to this. Amazons more than any other parrot use body language to communicate. You can...

www.parrotforums.com

First Aid Kit

After keeping and breeding parrots and volunteering for bird rescue here in NZ and dealing with wild and domestic birds I have come to realise the importance of having a first aid kit especially put together for birds.. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime so be prepared! I always have...

www.parrotforums.com

Avian Vet Resources

After a suggestion by a member, @Abu Colo, the Mod Team decided to create a list of veterinarians around the world who see birds. This was something we had discussed a few years ago, but the task seemed so large that we didn't get very far. However, the need is there and we decided that the time...

www.parrotforums.com

We want to see your homemade toys!

As we all know, bird toys are expensive to buy, so many of us make our own. We Mods thought it would be nice to have a thread where everyone can show off their toys, and include what parts you used. I think we are all needing new ideas at some point, and this would be a great way to learn to...

www.parrotforums.com

Tips for Bonding and Building Trust

Parrots rarely bite each other, because they convey their feelings beforehand or fly off to avoid physical contact. If it feels cornered and frighten then need to bite will be from the natural instinct of self -preservation. The cage is the Parrot safe haven and any attempt to enter, add or...

www.parrotforums.com

PTFE's, PFOA's, Silicon, and Ceramic Cook/Bakeware

Hi all! I've been relatively inactive for awhile, life has been hectic. I'm currently in the middle of lots of work, sports, as well as in the process of making a bird room, so I've been busy. But recently when I saw someone asking about some ceramic frying pans, it made me want to look a bit...

www.parrotforums.com

 

[Laurasea]

Enrichment ideas, share yours

I'm often posting how I use ceiling hooks abd heavy weight fishing line to create what I call an aerial gym. I attach foraging stuff, stuff to chew, and treats to find to keep my flock busy. So now I will share examples to inspire you. Hopefully you all will share yours to inspire me too! this...

www.parrotforums.com

Ornithology: Share and discuss scientific articles on parrots!

Yes I read that as well about urine. Absolutely, please share the you tube, or any articles you want. I'm fascinated by our birds friends! link to a Youtube video on UV Parakeet information.

www.parrotforums.com

Stress Reduction for Companion Parrots – Pet Birds by Lafeber Co.

To put it bluntly, keeping companion parrots is similar to trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. The fact that they do as well as they do is testimony more to their adaptability than it is to our husbandry efforts.

lafeber.com

 

[Anonymous]

I Love Amazons - An On-Going Journey!

I plan for this to be the first of many segments as part of this Thread regarding my joy of Amazons and what I have learned over the many years from my Amazons and the leaders in the Avian field that I have met and exchanged thoughts and ideas. It will never be about me, only the Amazons I have...

www.parrotforums.com

So you bought an unweaned baby...

Today I spent several hours trying to help someone save a baby bird they had purchased unweaned. The baby died; they are usually almost dead by the time the new owner realizes something is wrong, not because the owner doesn't care but because they are not educated about what to look for or...

www.parrotforums.com

Amazon body language

I've been asked to contribute my take on amazon body language. So here it is. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If anyone thinks of things I've left out, and I'm sure there is, feel free to add to this. Amazons more than any other parrot use body language to communicate. You can...

www.parrotforums.com

First Aid Kit

After keeping and breeding parrots and volunteering for bird rescue here in NZ and dealing with wild and domestic birds I have come to realise the importance of having a first aid kit especially put together for birds.. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime so be prepared! I always have...

www.parrotforums.com

Avian Vet Resources

After a suggestion by a member, @Abu Colo, the Mod Team decided to create a list of veterinarians around the world who see birds. This was something we had discussed a few years ago, but the task seemed so large that we didn't get very far. However, the need is there and we decided that the time...

www.parrotforums.com

We want to see your homemade toys!

As we all know, bird toys are expensive to buy, so many of us make our own. We Mods thought it would be nice to have a thread where everyone can show off their toys, and include what parts you used. I think we are all needing new ideas at some point, and this would be a great way to learn to...

www.parrotforums.com

Tips for Bonding and Building Trust

Parrots rarely bite each other, because they convey their feelings beforehand or fly off to avoid physical contact. If it feels cornered and frighten then need to bite will be from the natural instinct of self -preservation. The cage is the Parrot safe haven and any attempt to enter, add or...

www.parrotforums.com

PTFE's, PFOA's, Silicon, and Ceramic Cook/Bakeware

Hi all! I've been relatively inactive for awhile, life has been hectic. I'm currently in the middle of lots of work, sports, as well as in the process of making a bird room, so I've been busy. But recently when I saw someone asking about some ceramic frying pans, it made me want to look a bit...

www.parrotforums.com

Thanks so much for these additional tips links.

 

[ravvlet]

I guess it depends on your location, but a new parrot visit at my avian vet, which includes blood work and a culture, is going to run you about $350 USD. Our newest Amazon’s cage was $600, and her toys were $200 (I buy them rather than make them myself). She also has a $150 playstand and her food costs about $30/month (pellets, fresh organic veg and fruit, treats).

Additionally Amazon parrots from a breeder run about $1500-3000 depending on species. You could find a parrot being rehomed for less, but that often means behavioral or health problems. They are a difficult species for a student whose free time is limited. They live a very long time, thrive on routine, and you would be surprised how much a big green bird will put a dent in your social life and free time. They are also particularly hormonal, infamously so, so you’ll need to plan on having entire periods of the year where they are consistently difficult to handle.

I only have two amazons, but their daily care is pretty involved and requires two adults as they don’t yet get along-

Before I sit down for breakfast in the morning, I prepare the parrots’ chop (a mix of fresh veg, fruit and grain, I usually make in batches and freeze). I take them their breakfast, weigh them and record their weight, and for my orange wing Amazon I also towel him and give him nasal drops.

I then get to sit down and have coffee and my own breakfast. After an hour, I go back and add their pellet bowls. I give them an hour with just veg because both of them prefer the calorically dense pellets, so that hour in the AM is the main time they really get into their vegetables.

I pick up their veg after about two hours max and throw it out and wash the bowls. At this point I also let them out of their cage to play and free roam their room (my other parrot is in my partners office and she does similar at this time). I need to be in the room with them while they’re out as it’s pretty impossible to parrot proof a room; they’re like toddlers with a can opener face!

If I have to run errands or leave the room for more than a few minutes they’ve got to go back up. I usually do this to go make my own lunch and then come back down and eat with them.

Around mid afternoon they get their second serving of veg, which also needs to be removed and thrown out after a couple hours. At this point I also give them a bath if they’re due; my OWA gets daily mists and the Yellow Nape is a couple times a week.

I put them to bed 12 hours after they’ve been woken up - it’s important they get consistent sleep! This means no noise or as little noise as possible. Parrots don’t usually sleep well in high traffic areas, and an underslept Amazon is a terrifying prospect! I wipe down their cage, change their paper, and in the case of my OWA administer his heart medicine and joint supplements, as well as more sinus drops.

By this point it’s usually 10pm. I am home all day, and my partner works from home, so this works well for us. I work in my office and have an activity center for my kids in there, and I know my birds schedule well enough to know when he naps versus when he wants to interact or have company.

While there is no such thing as a “beginner” parrot species as they are all deserving of respect and care, there are many smaller parrots - cockatiels and budgies especially- often looking for new homes as they’ve been acquired on impulse and without enough forethought or research. They are incredibly intelligent and affable little birds deserving of the same level of respect and care, and due to their smaller size they tend to - barring serious health issues - cost less money to house and feed, if budget is a major concern. We have many members of the forums who are enthusiastic and excellent budgie owners who are also able to balance their schoolwork and budgeting concerns. They tend to do well as family birds, so if you’re living at home with other people you’re less likely to run into issues with aggression.

Dogs and birds don’t mix any better than birds and cats. Parrots are a prey animal and it only takes one accident for your bird to become a tragic statistic! Please always keep your bird away from your other pets!

 

[Anonymous]

I Love Amazons - An On-Going Journey!

I plan for this to be the first of many segments as part of this Thread regarding my joy of Amazons and what I have learned over the many years from my Amazons and the leaders in the Avian field that I have met and exchanged thoughts and ideas. It will never be about me, only the Amazons I have...

www.parrotforums.com

So you bought an unweaned baby...

Today I spent several hours trying to help someone save a baby bird they had purchased unweaned. The baby died; they are usually almost dead by the time the new owner realizes something is wrong, not because the owner doesn't care but because they are not educated about what to look for or...

www.parrotforums.com

Amazon body language

I've been asked to contribute my take on amazon body language. So here it is. This is by no means an exhaustive list. If anyone thinks of things I've left out, and I'm sure there is, feel free to add to this. Amazons more than any other parrot use body language to communicate. You can...

www.parrotforums.com

First Aid Kit

After keeping and breeding parrots and volunteering for bird rescue here in NZ and dealing with wild and domestic birds I have come to realise the importance of having a first aid kit especially put together for birds.. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime so be prepared! I always have...

www.parrotforums.com

Avian Vet Resources

After a suggestion by a member, @Abu Colo, the Mod Team decided to create a list of veterinarians around the world who see birds. This was something we had discussed a few years ago, but the task seemed so large that we didn't get very far. However, the need is there and we decided that the time...

www.parrotforums.com

We want to see your homemade toys!

As we all know, bird toys are expensive to buy, so many of us make our own. We Mods thought it would be nice to have a thread where everyone can show off their toys, and include what parts you used. I think we are all needing new ideas at some point, and this would be a great way to learn to...

www.parrotforums.com

Tips for Bonding and Building Trust

Parrots rarely bite each other, because they convey their feelings beforehand or fly off to avoid physical contact. If it feels cornered and frighten then need to bite will be from the natural instinct of self -preservation. The cage is the Parrot safe haven and any attempt to enter, add or...

www.parrotforums.com

PTFE's, PFOA's, Silicon, and Ceramic Cook/Bakeware

Hi all! I've been relatively inactive for awhile, life has been hectic. I'm currently in the middle of lots of work, sports, as well as in the process of making a bird room, so I've been busy. But recently when I saw someone asking about some ceramic frying pans, it made me want to look a bit...

www.parrotforums.com

Enrichment ideas, share yours

I'm often posting how I use ceiling hooks abd heavy weight fishing line to create what I call an aerial gym. I attach foraging stuff, stuff to chew, and treats to find to keep my flock busy. So now I will share examples to inspire you. Hopefully you all will share yours to inspire me too! this...

www.parrotforums.com

Ornithology: Share and discuss scientific articles on parrots!

Yes I read that as well about urine. Absolutely, please share the you tube, or any articles you want. I'm fascinated by our birds friends! link to a Youtube video on UV Parakeet information.

www.parrotforums.com

Stress Reduction for Companion Parrots – Pet Birds by Lafeber Co.

To put it bluntly, keeping companion parrots is similar to trying to pound a square peg into a round hole. The fact that they do as well as they do is testimony more to their adaptability than it is to our husbandry efforts.

lafeber.com

I guess it depends on your location, but a new parrot visit at my avian vet, which includes blood work and a culture, is going to run you about $350 USD. Our newest Amazon’s cage was $600, and her toys were $200 (I buy them rather than make them myself). She also has a $150 playstand and her food costs about $30/month (pellets, fresh organic veg and fruit, treats).

Additionally Amazon parrots from a breeder run about $1500-3000 depending on species. You could find a parrot being rehomed for less, but that often means behavioral or health problems. They are a difficult species for a student whose free time is limited. They live a very long time, thrive on routine, and you would be surprised how much a big green bird will put a dent in your social life and free time. They are also particularly hormonal, infamously so, so you’ll need to plan on having entire periods of the year where they are consistently difficult to handle.

I only have two amazons, but their daily care is pretty involved and requires two adults as they don’t yet get along-

Before I sit down for breakfast in the morning, I prepare the parrots’ chop (a mix of fresh veg, fruit and grain, I usually make in batches and freeze). I take them their breakfast, weigh them and record their weight, and for my orange wing Amazon I also towel him and give him nasal drops.

I then get to sit down and have coffee and my own breakfast. After an hour, I go back and add their pellet bowls. I give them an hour with just veg because both of them prefer the calorically dense pellets, so that hour in the AM is the main time they really get into their vegetables.

I pick up their veg after about two hours max and throw it out and wash the bowls. At this point I also let them out of their cage to play and free roam their room (my other parrot is in my partners office and she does similar at this time). I need to be in the room with them while they’re out as it’s pretty impossible to parrot proof a room; they’re like toddlers with a can opener face!

If I have to run errands or leave the room for more than a few minutes they’ve got to go back up. I usually do this to go make my own lunch and then come back down and eat with them.

Around mid afternoon they get their second serving of veg, which also needs to be removed and thrown out after a couple hours. At this point I also give them a bath if they’re due; my OWA gets daily mists and the Yellow Nape is a couple times a week.

I put them to bed 12 hours after they’ve been woken up - it’s important they get consistent sleep! This means no noise or as little noise as possible. Parrots don’t usually sleep well in high traffic areas, and an underslept Amazon is a terrifying prospect! I wipe down their cage, change their paper, and in the case of my OWA administer his heart medicine and joint supplements, as well as more sinus drops.

By this point it’s usually 10pm. I am home all day, and my partner works from home, so this works well for us. I work in my office and have an activity center for my kids in there, and I know my birds schedule well enough to know when he naps versus when he wants to interact or have company.

While there is no such thing as a “beginner” parrot species as they are all deserving of respect and care, there are many smaller parrots - cockatiels and budgies especially- often looking for new homes as they’ve been acquired on impulse and without enough forethought or research. They are incredibly intelligent and affable little birds deserving of the same level of respect and care, and due to their smaller size they tend to - barring serious health issues - cost less money to house and feed, if budget is a major concern. We have many members of the forums who are enthusiastic and excellent budgie owners who are also able to balance their schoolwork and budgeting concerns. They tend to do well as family birds, so if you’re living at home with other people you’re less likely to run into issues with aggression.

Dogs and birds don’t mix any better than birds and cats. Parrots are a prey animal and it only takes one accident for your bird to become a tragic statistic! Please always keep your bird away from your other pets!

Thanks so much.

 

[SailBoat]

Large Parrots and especially Amazons are demanding and represent a real challenge and long hours of commitment!

Look around and see if you have a Parrot Rescue near you. Help them out four or five days a week, for free!! After a month, you will either be still crazy over large Parrots or be running off to something else.

As a long time Amazon Snob, I do not recommend Amazons to young owners as your life will be in a near constant state of change., during the same time your Parrot needs stability.

 

[wrench13]

Ditto on what Sailboat says. Amazons are truly like having a perpetual 3 yr old human baby, who has a can opener for a mouth. They have real emotions and get upset, mad, annoyed and the full spectrum of feelings that humans are capable of. THink VERY hard on whether you want this responsibility for the rest of your life, my friend. I honestly can't think of a single teenager or younger that I know who would be a capable owner of an Amazon, they take up that much time (and $$). I easily drop $100-150 a month in food and toys on my 1 Amazon. So much to consider about your available time outside of school, you need to take a realistic assessment of that. I always recommend that parrots, especially large ones like an Amazon, wait until you finish all schooling, and are firmly into your chosen profession and adult life, before getting one. Oh yes, and your future significant other has to sign on to this too - many is the parrot that has had to be rehomed because the SO is not on board with this large green semiperson, who rules the household.

 

[MykaMom]

Hi, I am a student, and my mom told me before I could get a parrot, I need to know how to raise one perfectly before she can consider it. I am looking to find out the general needs of a parrot. I recently got interested in owning a parrot and know they require a lot of work, but I find them so cool that I am willing to put in the effort to get one. So can someone basically give a brief overview of these questions please? Thanks.



️ What is the yearly cost of owning a parrot, like how much money would be needed to properly raise a parrot per year?

️ What are some disease that they can get and how can I treat them?

️ What are their daily care needs, like what would I need to do for them everyday?

️ What temperature would they need in their area to be content/ what are their ideal comfort needs?

️ What types of toys do they need? I mean like what material because I heard some can be toxic.

️ What is the ideal size of the cage?

️ How would I train one? By training I mean being able to fly away and back to me etc.

️ I have two dogs and was wondering if that would be a con to the Parrots comfort, even though it would get a room to itself which the dogs never go into as it is.



I know it’s a lot of questions but I just want to make sure that I am capable of raising a parrot properly and giving it a healthy and happy life. If someone answers all these questions, thank you very much and have a good day. Any additional information that I left out would be appreciated

I commend you on starting your research here. The amount of knowledge in this group is fantastic!

I have an Amazon, a yellow nape. Myka is my dream bird: I was in my mid to upper 40s when he came into my life, still being hand-fed.

Despite a great deal of bird experience (including wild bird rescue and rehab) as well as hook bills of many species, Myka is a challenge. He is now 13. We learn something new ALL THE TIME.

The time commitment is intense. This is not a pet bird you keep in a cage and play/interact with once in a while. These birds are intelligent and long-lived. Their needs are many and complex.

I urge you to find a local parrot sanctuary and volunteer. You will learn far, far more hands-on than all the reading and research combined.

I think you will become an amazing parrot parent(parront!). You have started a wonderful, life-long journey.

Welcome to the flock!