Personally, I like the coming home in late August better than pushing for an earlier date. Push too hard and you may get a baby that is not yet weaned, let alone fledged.
If your Breeder is doing a combination of Parrot and Breeder rearing, the longer you wait the healthier your Amazon will be (both body and soul).
Things to do that will keep you busy:
Locate a Avian Vet in your area. It would be wise to do a pre-owner visit. Fill-out documents and find out what the hours are and their emergency phone numbers. That way you can also get an idea of how long it takes to get from you home to the Avian Vet's office and what other routes are available if traffic become blocked and you are on you way with a very sick parrot. Also, you can set-up your new client (parrot) visit. Know what costs will be involved. Also, what that first visit should include beyond a full well parrot exam, blood screen and gram stain. Since they will be taking blood at that time, consider a DNA sex test and any other DNA blood based tests that would be wise based on your area and any history there maybe with Breeders, Traders and Pet Stores in your area. Expect to be spending a fair amount of money as part of this first visit. Based on common diseases in your area, you could be looking $500.00 or more for this first visit.
Purchase dry foods a 'minimum' of one month before your parrot comes home. This way it is in the Freezer for at least one month prior to use. Have enough food so that you are one month in advance of what you are using! Buy the fresh foods one - two days prior to your parrot coming home. By the way, you will be shopping at least weekly, commonly more often for fresh foods.
Buy the appropriate sized cage also a month before hand. Clean it with Dawn and a plastic scrap pad, rinse with clean water and let dry in the Sun shine. If you are related to my dear wife, you will do this at least twice prior to the parrot taking up quarters.
Buy natural wood perches, vary their size, but none under 1.5" (38 mm) and a large number of hanging toys, push around toys and foot toys. Set-up the cage and like above, re-do the cage layout a couple of time before the parrot comes home.
Make sure that you have a minimum of four 'full sets' of water and food bowls.
Read the first Thread in the Amazon Forum regarding Amazon Body Language at least twice a week for four weeks prior to your Amazon coming home. OK, that may be a bit much! But it is that important! Repeat once your Amazon is home, but read it aloud with your Amazon by your side!
Visit your parrot at least twice a week for the three to four weeks before coming home.
If your elect to bring your parrot home early while still weaning (NOT A GOOD IDEA!) or just after your Amazon has switched to solid food: MAKE SURE YOUR KNOW HOW TO TUBE FEED, IF NEEDED! That means you should in fact do it at least four separate time before coming home with you. Far to many parrots die because they come home too early!
I can understand the want to have now! But, you really have a ton of stuff you need to do and get in front of prior to that parrot coming home with you. There was a recent Thread that involved someone bring they baby home early. Not sure whether that went South or she got likely. Do Not Be That Person!
Always remember: It is never the fault of the Parrot and it is always your fault! That way, you will figure out what you are doing wrong quicker!
Now, there is a high likelihood that you know all of this and are well underway in getting everything ready, and are just express that thrill of being owned by a baby Amazon! If so, feel the pride of being ready and allow the information to support someone that is considering becoming owned by a parrot.
Soon, you can proudly say that: Your Amazon Rules!
, like by a lot. Just really excited. I guess this will give me some time to start making some foraging toys for my potential baby and my parents rose breasted cockatoo ( rosey) . I've waited this long what's two or three months. My kids are keeping me real busy chauffeuring them around everywhere.
