Weight gain? Whats healthy, what is not?

[wrench13]

Hi Guys,

Salty has been 270 gr like forever since we got him in Nov. Now in the last 2-3 weeks he has put on 10 gr. or more. We find him as much as 282 some mornings. He is not quite a year old, and I know he has some growing to do,

SO the question is: How fast should he be putting on weight? Adult Yellow SHoulder Amazon, I am reading, is 300 to 350 gr,

 

[plumsmum2005]

I would assume it is okay if he stays within the ideal parameters given and rises steadily. Obviously if he is gaining at the same rate / time period, AV check IMO.

Look at how many treats he is receiving in a day. Weighing before or after a poop makes a little difference 1-2g.

Is he getting enough exercise each day, flying? If he is struggling to hold his weight then he is too heavy.

These links are quoting less as ideal weight. https://www.parrots.org/encyclopedia/yellow-shouldered-amazon

http://parrotsonly.ca/Yellow%20Shoulder%20Profile.html

http://avalonaviary.com/yellow-shouldered-amazon-parrots.aspx ie 270g?

If you decide he may be getting a little portly then have a look at all the unnecessary foods first, it isn't advised to starve a bird.

 

[SailBoat]

The majority of times we are watching for weight losses. The good news is that you're watching, so very few actually do.

If you have him flighted, it is very possible he is simply packing on the muscles.

Selecting when you get his weight is very important, early morning after the morning dump is the target. I'm sure you know that, it's more for those who as a result of reading this Thread will start this practice.

I agree that if it is not a growth period and/or packing on the flight muscles it is very possible a reaction to a little to many treats.

If it is none of these, there is an outside possibility of a growth (a mass). A good old hands on body feel looking for an odd area or areas. This would be unusual for you to find such an area since you are so hands on at your home.

At the end of the day, it is highly likely that your teenager just out grew all of his cloths in the last month. Thank God, Amazons do not out growth their cloths like that. Both my dear wife and I are tall and when our son hit 13, well, you get the point.

I'm leaning on teenage growth surge!

FYI: We have a DYH Amazon and I wish that his morning 'pass' was that light. When it hits the paper its a thud! I'm waiting for USGS to call regarding an earth tremor.

 

[henpecked]

Yes 10% is about right at 1 year . After that a 10 % gain can be expected when he's hormonal at about 5yrs of age. At what weight he should be is better determined by someone who has him "in hand". The feel of his body is the best guide. After that keeping a good watch on his weight will alert you to most issues. Good job starting this practice at an early age.

 

[wrench13]

A scale was one of the first things we got. Every couple of days, Salty gets weighed as son as he is woken up and taken out.

 

[henpecked]

I can tell you and Salty will have a great relationship, congrats.