New to Amazons and considering adoption, have questions

[Sudz1109]

I have fallen in love with a Red Lored Amazon at our local SPCA (no kill shelter) and am really considering adoption but I have a question or two before I do as I need to be sure that I make the right decision in giving him a well deserved loving forever home.

Here is his background: he is approx 40-50 yrs old, most likely wild caught (has recently had an operation to remove the leg band that had embedded into his leg) and has been fed a poor diet and locked in a tiny cage all his life with little toys. He is obviously slow to trust but the adoption agency says that he thrives with other birds and really has come around to trust one or two humans while he has been there.

Here is my background: I have only had parakeets and canaries mostly in my past however I recently have adopted an incredibly hilarious male cockatiel who is flighted and is allowed to have access to all parts of our home throughout the day with supervision. I am home all day. He is fed Harrisons (vegetables and greens are another story due to his previous owner's negligence) and is very much an attention seeker although dislikes being touched. He will happily ride on shoulders and enjoys showers. I have a full spectrum light for him (I realize some don't agree that these are all too useful) and all the other necessities.

So, I definitely have no experience with Amazons! Here are the questions I have:

Does anyone have a cockatiel and an Amazon? How do they get along?

Do senior birds require any additional care other than the regular vet checks and proper cage, lighting, food, love, flight and socialization?

This particular bird is covered in "white down", is this a regular molt or is this just due to poor nutrition and can be overcome?

I think that is about it.

I appreciate any help, advice and further information in helping me make this decision. Thank you!

 

[Motogordo]

Jan. 26, 2014

There was a time when I had an African Gray, bluefront & cockatiel. They did get along fine. However it is not easy to get older birds to join the gang. I know of a bird name "Gabby" who is a male yellow nape amazon and he is now about 60 years old. He stays on a stand both day and night in a store. He will only go to one or two people and likes being left alone. I would think it would require a good bit of work when obtaining a 50 year old bird. I have adopted many consignment birds (I call them Used but not abused ). It's a gamble that might work or might not work. If you are willing to take a chance and spend the time with this older bird, then you should go for it and be patient. As far as a veterinarian check, that is up to you. However, if you are adding this bird to others, you want to make sure he is healthy and carries no diseases.
Gordon

 

[JerseyWendy]

Hello there, and welcome to the forum.

Wow, sounds like the Red Lored had it quite rough, poor guy.

I had a cockatiel for several years, along with my Yellow Naped Amazon. They did NOT get along. Sparky (cockatiel) was also flighted, and I had to be extra careful that she didn't land on Hunter's cage, as I was afraid she'd lose a leg (or worse). I believe the quick motions bothered my Hunter, as she gets along with other parrots, closer to her size.

If the Red Lored is only covered in white down feathers, there is a possibility he is plucking. None of my Amazon ever molt so profusely that only down feathers are showing. I would think a good diet may remedy the plucking, even though there is no guarantee for that.

If you have room in your heart, I'd say go for it. I'm sure he would be forever appreciative for having a loving, caring home.

 

[Terry57]

I have 2 amazons currently and am adding 2 more next weekend. My orange winged is tame, he was 7 when we got him last year. My yellow crowned is not so tame. He is 14, and was used as a breeder and was parent raised. He is coming along and will sometimes leave his cage - we leave it open when the other birds are out, and we are allowing him to come out when he is ready. Neither of mine bother my other birds. They are quite interested in what everyone else is doing, but don't go near them.

I think that when taking in a rescue with issues, you have to ask yourself what you are wanting form the relationship. If you are wanting a bird who will end up completely tame, that you can hold when you want, then maybe an older rescue isn't the right choice. On the other hand, if you are willing to accept him for what ever kind of bird he becomes, then I think it would be a wonderful thing to take him and and give him a good, loving home.
After reading about your cockatiel, it sounds like you are willing to accept a bird for who they are I think you would be a wonderful parront to this poor, older 'zon.

With the white down, could he have been plucking at one time? The Red Lored I am getting next weekend is covered with that down on his chest and I know he is a plucker.

Good luck in whatever decision you make

 

[Sudz1109]

Luckily he has had a thorough vet check via the shelter (these guys actually do care and even have a bird specialist working there during the week that assesses the birds behavior etc prior to adoption and helps rehab those that need it before they go to homes). I have not spoken to her yet as she also worked with my cockatiel so I believe she will also give me some insight into the possibility of cohabitation between the two.

As for the molt/down issue, there is definitely feathers mixed in but yes, sadly, quite a lot of the down is exposed too. Hmm...

I really do have a thing for this old guy but I know that sometimes love is just not enough when it comes to taking a bird like this into a home. I did forget to mention that I also have a 2 and 4 year old but they seem to stay clear of the cockatiel and duck as he flies over! I just want to be 100% sure that we are the right retirement home for him, after all he has been through he absolutely deserves it.

 

[Sudz1109]

I have 2 amazons currently and am adding 2 more next weekend. My orange winged is tame, he was 7 when we got him last year. My yellow crowned is not so tame. He is 14, and was used as a breeder and was parent raised. He is coming along and will sometimes leave his cage - we leave it open when the other birds are out, and we are allowing him to come out when he is ready. Neither of mine bother my other birds. They are quite interested in what everyone else is doing, but don't go near them.

I think that when taking in a rescue with issues, you have to ask yourself what you are wanting form the relationship. If you are wanting a bird who will end up completely tame, that you can hold when you want, then maybe an older rescue isn't the right choice. On the other hand, if you are willing to accept him for what ever kind of bird he becomes, then I think it would be a wonderful thing to take him and and give him a good, loving home.
After reading about your cockatiel, it sounds like you are willing to accept a bird for who they are I think you would be a wonderful parront to this poor, older 'zon.

With the white down, could he have been plucking at one time? The Red Lored I am getting next weekend is covered with that down on his chest and I know he is a plucker.

Good luck in whatever decision you make

I am definitely willing to accept any animal for who they are that is for sure Our family has always adopted throughout our life (dogs, guinea pigs, birds) that have been somewhat older and have had past lives and issues to deal with. They always seem to be overlooked by others and I can understand why, although it breaks my heart.

Ugh, I think I will need to give the parrot specialist a call tomorrow and get more details! My husband is going to kill me!

 

[Terry57]

So excited you are going to make that call tomorrow! He will be a very lucky boy if you are able to bring him home.
I bet you can bring your hubby around
Please let us know what happens!

 

[Motogordo]

I have fallen in love with a Red Lored Amazon at our local SPCA (no kill shelter) and am really considering adoption but I have a question or two before I do as I need to be sure that I make the right decision in giving him a well deserved loving forever home.

Here is his background: he is approx 40-50 yrs old, most likely wild caught (has recently had an operation to remove the leg band that had embedded into his leg) and has been fed a poor diet and locked in a tiny cage all his life with little toys. He is obviously slow to trust but the adoption agency says that he thrives with other birds and really has come around to trust one or two humans while he has been there.

Here is my background: I have only had parakeets and canaries mostly in my past however I currently I have adopted an incredibly hilarious male cockatiel who is flighted and is allowed to have access to all parts of our home throughout the day with supervision. I am home all day. He is fed Harrisons (vegetables and greens are another story due to his previous owner's negligence) and is very much an attention seeker although dislikes being touched. He will happily ride on shoulders and enjoys showers. I have full spectrum light for him and all the other necessities.

So, I definitely have no experience with Amazons! Here are the questions I have:

Does anyone have a cockatiel and an Amazon? How do they get along?

Do senior birds require any additional care other than the regular vet checks and proper cage, lighting, food, love, flight and socialization?

This particular bird is covered in "white down", is this a regular molt or is this just due to poor nutrition and can be overcome?

I think that is about it.

I appreciate any help, advice and further information in helping me make this decision. Thank you!

Jan.27, 2014

I just spoke to a friend who works in a bird store and she said the following to your question. I goofed. I accidentally removed the quote from this person. Anyway, all the advice you got from everyone was okay.

Gordon

 

[Sudz1109]

I have fallen in love with a Red Lored Amazon at our local SPCA (no kill shelter) and am really considering adoption but I have a question or two before I do as I need to be sure that I make the right decision in giving him a well deserved loving forever home.

Here is his background: he is approx 40-50 yrs old, most likely wild caught (has recently had an operation to remove the leg band that had embedded into his leg) and has been fed a poor diet and locked in a tiny cage all his life with little toys. He is obviously slow to trust but the adoption agency says that he thrives with other birds and really has come around to trust one or two humans while he has been there.

Here is my background: I have only had parakeets and canaries mostly in my past however I currently I have adopted an incredibly hilarious male cockatiel who is flighted and is allowed to have access to all parts of our home throughout the day with supervision. I am home all day. He is fed Harrisons (vegetables and greens are another story due to his previous owner's negligence) and is very much an attention seeker although dislikes being touched. He will happily ride on shoulders and enjoys showers. I have full spectrum light for him and all the other necessities.

So, I definitely have no experience with Amazons! Here are the questions I have:

Does anyone have a cockatiel and an Amazon? How do they get along?

Do senior birds require any additional care other than the regular vet checks and proper cage, lighting, food, love, flight and socialization?

This particular bird is covered in "white down", is this a regular molt or is this just due to poor nutrition and can be overcome?

I think that is about it.

I appreciate any help, advice and further information in helping me make this decision. Thank you!

Jan.27, 2014

I just spoke to a friend who works in a bird store and she said the following to your question.

Gordon

Oh reading this makes me smile and gives me great hope. As mentioned, I am willing to accept him for who he is but knowing that there just may be a chance for him to find trust in a human would be an incredible joy to experience!

I am waiting for a return call from the appropriate person tomorrow. If all goes well, and my husband approves, then he will most definitely have his own cage to escape to with a nice warm AviTemp heater and heating perch attached (being in Maine), plenty of toys including some of those he has become attached to at the shelter and all else that is needed for him to have a much loved retirement.

Who knows? With less boredom, great food and much more love and adventure, he may just overcome the plucking that has now become habit after all those sad long years of nothingness.

Fingers crossed this all works out! Will keep this updated when I hear more.

 

[Terry57]

I have my fingers crossed for you as well...and I truly believe that there is nothing that love can't overcome! I think he would have a wonderful home with you and I am so hopeful that you will have a great life together!

 

[Birdman666]

So, I definitely have no experience with Amazons! Here are the questions I have:

Does anyone have a cockatiel and an Amazon? How do they get along?

Do senior birds require any additional care other than the regular vet checks and proper cage, lighting, food, love, flight and socialization?

This particular bird is covered in "white down", is this a regular molt or is this just due to poor nutrition and can be overcome?

I think that is about it.

I appreciate any help, advice and further information in helping me make this decision. Thank you!

First, I have a red lord Amazon.

Second, if the bird is 50-60 years old it would have to be wild caught. They weren't really doing much captive breeding in the pet trade in those days.
BUT the band is the key. If they removed it, they should know if it was an import band, or a closed band.

Second, if the bird is covered in down, it means it is most likely plucking... Amazons don't pluck all that often, so it may be a nutritional deficiency, and vitamin A shots, frequent bathing, and a better diet may do the trick. Then again, he may have damaged the feather follicles.

My Red Lored, when I got her, hadn't been bathed in about 2 years, and had begun to pluck, just because her feather quality was so icky! Once she got bathed regularly, she stopped tearing her feathers out.

Only time will tell on that one...

I didn't have a tiel, but I did have conures. My red lored didn't really care about the conures, unless they intruded on her space. Then she would chase them off. They, however, were smart enough to know not to intrude on an amazon's territory. (If it happens once, your bird will get out of there, and probably won't do it again.) My amazon wasn't aggressive with my conures, but they should have separate areas.

 

[Sudz1109]

Ok, so the parrot expert thinks my family (including our precious tiel ) would be great candidates for him! He has been at the shelter since Nov and has spent some of that time recuperating from his band removal operation and completing some rehab work.

100% wild caught due to the band and therefore has a need for a flock. Prefers smaller birds to other parrots his size or larger so that is perfect for us. He likes to have them around but not really be bothered by them. Not aggressive in any way.

He has survived two previous owners in those awful living conditions

He allows scritches from only one or two people that he has chosen to trust, does not step up or enjoy being held (which is totally acceptable to me). Does not move much from the top of his cage and naps a lot due to his age.

I did find out he is quite arthritic and they have provided him with the appropriate perches to help him. So my last question would be, what else would be helpful in easing his arthritis through his golden years if adopted?

(I will be speaking with my husband tonight in the hopes of going through with this adoption - this is the last hurdle!)

 

[Birdman666]

100% wild caught due to the band and therefore has a need for a flock.

He has survived two previous owners in those awful living conditions

He allows scritches from only one or two people that he has chosen to trust, does not step up or enjoy being held (which is totally acceptable to me). Does not move much from the top of his cage and naps a lot due to his age.

I did find out he is quite arthritic and they have provided him with the appropriate perches to help him. So my last question would be, what else would be helpful in easing his arthritis through his golden years if adopted?

Arthritis is normal in birds of that age, especially if they've been on dowel perches most of their lives. Natural wood perches help, and if he is having trouble perching, add a shelf perch for him.

Amazons may live in flocks, but they are PAIR BOND birds. So, if he has a favorite person, that would most likely do it for his emotional needs. They may live in flocks for protection, but they tend to become close with one lifelong companion bird.

 

[JerseyWendy]

What GREAT GREAT news for both you and the RL Amazon.

I'm so happy for both of you.

I think this is the corner perch that Birdman is talking about....they come in different varieties.
Cage Accessories: Cage Corner Shelf at Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[Sudz1109]

What GREAT GREAT news for both you and the RL Amazon.

I'm so happy for both of you.

I think this is the corner perch that Birdman is talking about....they come in different varieties.
Cage Accessories: Cage Corner Shelf at Drs. Foster & Smith

Thank you for the link!

 

[Birdman666]

My red lored also LOVES her rope bird boing.

She also has a round rope perch swing.

 

[Sudz1109]

Eek! So I got the go ahead from my husband and will be placing a deposit or hold on him tomorrow!

Before I bring him home, I want to be sure to have his AviTemp heat panel, thermo perch, lighting and all the other goodies in order. He does come with a wonderful flat corner perch, and my husband Is incredible with making pine ones as well (non treated pine).

I have been advised that he is very sensitive to new things due to his lack of change his whole life. Having everything set up in his existing cage (donated by an incredible group) and ready when he is brought into his new home would be much better than trying to introduce them at a later date. An example given to me was that they had set out a new toy for him outside of his cage for 3 weeks and then tried to introduce it into his cage - this backfired and he flew to the other side of the room and would not return to his cage until it was removed.

I will update with photos once he is home and settled.

Thank you all for your advice! I am sure I will be back with more questions in the not too distant future :2_smile:

 

[Terry57]

Your post just made my day!! I am so happy for him that you have decided to take the plunge and give him the home he so richly deserves! Your husband rocks
I can't wait to see him once he is settled.

 

[Sudz1109]

His adoption photo is my avatar

 

[Terry57]

What a sweetie! One of the 'zons I am picking up Saturday is also a plucked Red Lored. I am glad we can navigate this together!