Hey everyone! First time posting here besides in the newbie thread! After doing research and spending time with various species, I have settled on a YNA for my first parrot! I've already had a moderator pass on my contact info to henpecked on the forum as i was informed they are a breeder of YNA and very helpful/knowledgeable as well as in Florida (i live in tampa). I was just looking for any advice that anyone had and would maybe share about any first timer issues/problems they ran into when they initially brought home a new juvenile YNA that they could pass on? I just want to be as prepared and experienced as possible on the do's and dont's, bonding, socializing, training, etc.... thank you in advance and I cant wait to get some insightful information! Thanks!
Yellow Naped Amazon for first bird!
- Thread starter jbready
- Start date
Welcome! I'm sure one of the "die-hard" Amazonians will be along soon to share some links to Amazon parront-ing threads.
Meanwhile, my advice, always... take any issue or topic which interests you, use the Search Tab and then read about it. I do that a lot, still. Almost every day. The people here are an amazing source of information, advice, and support. I'm glad you found the Forums!
Meanwhile, my advice, always... take any issue or topic which interests you, use the Search Tab and then read about it. I do that a lot, still. Almost every day. The people here are an amazing source of information, advice, and support. I'm glad you found the Forums!
First welcome to the Amazon Forums! A place where Amazon's Have More Fun!
Since you are beginning the search for knowledge here, I would recommend that you look at the efforts of CDavis 's recent adventure in search for the perfect mid to larger Parrot and finally settling on an Adult Amazon.
I understand your interest in the larger Amazons and more specific a juvenile YNA. They are truly amazing!
As stated above, the Search Tool available to the membership is an excellent tool and will get you started.
Since you are a new member, I really do not know of your experiences and knowledge regarding the Wonderful World of Amazons. With that in mind, it is very hard to find a starting point. The last thing anyone here would want to do is provide information /experiences that you already have, a little more background would be useful.
Again, welcome to the Forum where Amazon's Rule!
CDavis
New member
- Aug 7, 2016
- 310
- 3
- Parrots
- Goose: Yellowsided Greencheek Conure
Dobby: Turquoise GCC
Bonkers: RLA
Why a YNA if you don't mind me asking I have talked to henpecked and he also breeds Panama amazons Which is a much easier going bird in general. I only ask because the YNA while being awesome talkers and singers are one of the hot 3 amazons and that means that they are one of the most difficult parrots to live with they tend to be extremely hormonal and if you have no prior bird experience it will be very hard for you to handle. If you are dead set on YNA see if henpecked will allow you to come and visit his amazons and give you an Amazon 101 course so you can see exactly what you are getting into.
CDavis
New member
- Aug 7, 2016
- 310
- 3
- Parrots
- Goose: Yellowsided Greencheek Conure
Dobby: Turquoise GCC
Bonkers: RLA
Also i will give you the rundown of my epic quest to find the perfect bird.
Ok so i started out wanting an African grey like everyone who first gets into larger parrots but I quickly realized that I wanted a bird that could come out about with me and enjoy himself.
So I started looking at macaws and they are absolutely perfect birds if you can handle the noise and destruction they entail so I had my heart set on a macaw until i truly grasped what a commitment they were and decided that they were not gonna be a good first large bird to learn on ( look up GW macaws they are absolutely amazing)
then i decided to get a job at my local exotic pet store that sells birds and I fell in love with the stores YNA names coco she is thirty years old and still looks to take advantage and scare off anyone she can. My first time feeding her i opened the cage and she shot the gap and bolted to her playtop and refused to get off so she stayed there all day taunting me with fake lunges. We quickly developed a good relationship it was completely hands off but I snuck her some pine nuts every once and awhile and then a new bird came into the shop his name was bonkers and was a 16 year old RLA who had been neglected for 4 years after his iowner passed away and we just hit it off and after a few weeks of making sure we were a perfect match I brought him home where he will live with me until one of us dies hopefully we will die the same day but if not he will have his own inheritance to live off of with all the pistachios he can eat.
I really recommend going and meeting a bunch of different species of birds and deciding what bird is the best for you in real life and not on paper.
Ok so i started out wanting an African grey like everyone who first gets into larger parrots but I quickly realized that I wanted a bird that could come out about with me and enjoy himself.
So I started looking at macaws and they are absolutely perfect birds if you can handle the noise and destruction they entail so I had my heart set on a macaw until i truly grasped what a commitment they were and decided that they were not gonna be a good first large bird to learn on ( look up GW macaws they are absolutely amazing)
then i decided to get a job at my local exotic pet store that sells birds and I fell in love with the stores YNA names coco she is thirty years old and still looks to take advantage and scare off anyone she can. My first time feeding her i opened the cage and she shot the gap and bolted to her playtop and refused to get off so she stayed there all day taunting me with fake lunges. We quickly developed a good relationship it was completely hands off but I snuck her some pine nuts every once and awhile and then a new bird came into the shop his name was bonkers and was a 16 year old RLA who had been neglected for 4 years after his iowner passed away and we just hit it off and after a few weeks of making sure we were a perfect match I brought him home where he will live with me until one of us dies hopefully we will die the same day but if not he will have his own inheritance to live off of with all the pistachios he can eat.
I really recommend going and meeting a bunch of different species of birds and deciding what bird is the best for you in real life and not on paper.
- Thread starter
- #6
Thanks everyone! I have quite a few friends with birds varying from african grey (also my original choice CDavis lol) to amazons and macaws. After spending lots of time with the different species and researching i settled on the YNA because of how awesome their personalities are and the challenges associated with them i guess? I'm stubborn and always had to have the more difficult animals. Also yes, i wont be working at a pet store however i will be starting this Saturday volunteering at my local parrot rescue which I've been to many times and already sort of helped out so now i can volunteer weekends there starting 9am this Saturday! Yes probably the biggest reason I want a breeder somewhat close and that is also knowledgeable is because i know i will encounter problems no matter how much i prepare. I am dead set on YNA. I guess mainly was looking for anyone who has a YNA and what common issues they ran into, or what questions they wanted answers to. For me so far it would be this:
When i first bring home and introduce to new cage, should i leave him/her alone? Or try to reassure talk to/hold them etc??? I want to make them comfortable as possible during transistion and begin bonding and socializing bird around different people in my house as well as take him out and about with me.
How long should i wait after bringing him home should i start trying to socialize?
I know what kinds of foods and diet to feed him, but how much on a daily basis to avoid bird getting fat and being perch potato as I've read they are prone to obesity. I dont want to offer too much or too little food.
Any general advice specific to experiences one had to overcome with their new YNA would be great! CDavis i read many of your posts and loved them! I hope getting to interact with my friends birds as well as the parrot sanctuary will help prepare me with as much hands on experience as possible.
When i first bring home and introduce to new cage, should i leave him/her alone? Or try to reassure talk to/hold them etc??? I want to make them comfortable as possible during transistion and begin bonding and socializing bird around different people in my house as well as take him out and about with me.
How long should i wait after bringing him home should i start trying to socialize?
I know what kinds of foods and diet to feed him, but how much on a daily basis to avoid bird getting fat and being perch potato as I've read they are prone to obesity. I dont want to offer too much or too little food.
Any general advice specific to experiences one had to overcome with their new YNA would be great! CDavis i read many of your posts and loved them! I hope getting to interact with my friends birds as well as the parrot sanctuary will help prepare me with as much hands on experience as possible.
CDavis
New member
- Aug 7, 2016
- 310
- 3
- Parrots
- Goose: Yellowsided Greencheek Conure
Dobby: Turquoise GCC
Bonkers: RLA
If you Do the research on YNAs and really commit yourself to doing it correctly you will have a best friend for life. Their is nothing like having an Amazon on your shoulder it is an incredible feeing. Also if you have any specific questions about amazons feel free to pm me and I will ask sailboat lol
Kiwibird
Well-known member
- Jul 12, 2012
- 9,539
- 113
- Parrots
- 1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
You have chosen an excellent breeder to get a bird from. Henpecked is very experienced and cares greatly about parrots, so no doubt you will get a wonderful baby from him.
As for choosing an amazon for your first bird, welcome to your trial by fire
J/K. Amazons are awesome parrots. I am quite biased toward them myself. They have huge personalities and when trained and socialized properly, they make fantastic companions. In regards to when to start socialization, started ASAP. A new baby may need a little time to adjust to it's new home or may be ready right away to start exploring and getting to know you. That's one of those "play it by ear" things. Every bird is different. Don't think you'll have much trouble with one of Henpecked babies though. Amazons need a diet heavy in fresh foods- produce, (cooked) beans and grains, nuts, small amounts of seeds... Variety is key! Many suggest a pelleted diet, but I feed my amazon fresh foods pretty much exclusively. There are no pellets in the jungle is how I see it and he's a ball of energy and probably in better health than most humans
However, if feeding a fresh foods exclusive diet is too time consuming (which it can be for some people), pellets supplemented by fresh foods would be the next best option to ensure your baby gets proper nutrition. Seeds should be reserved for foraging/treats/training only. Fatty foods in general should not make up the bulk of any parrots diet. Familiarize yourself with what is and isn't safe for birds too (things like avocados, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol etc... are not safe to offer). A hand raised baby from a reputable breeder like Henpecked is unlikely to be a real picky eater and will probably come home willing to try a variety of foods. Again, don't foresee much issues there.
The key to an active amazon is providing reasons for the amazon to be active. Toys, foraging, puzzles, human interactions (INCLUDE YOUR AMAZON in your day to day life- showers, eating at the table, hanging out, observing you do chores etc...). A lot of amazons don't need the super 1 on 1 attention as much as they do the passive attention from being included in your everyday life. Harness train your baby or buy a backpack style carrier, that way he/she can come out and about with you. Amazons who go out become a bit like dogs who go out- excited to ride in the car, intrigued by new places, eat up the attention of strangers (some amazons may actually try to eat strangers, so a few individuals like mine are more suited to heading out on public excursions in a carrier VS on the shoulder
). Going out and about actually helps with socialization too. My bird is an older rescue and prefers non-trusted humans to not invade his bubble, but taking him out has really helped him be more accepting towards new people (especially at the farmers market where vendors like to give him produce and nuts to sample).
Edit: These are the backpacks I'm talking about. Great for taking your bird out, would work well as a sleep cage (if you do that, we don't, we just cover his cage) and also good for emergencies/when you need to transport your bird/travel. A bit pricey, but one of the single best investments we ever made for our bird! Great for day trips too, as it has easy in and out dishes. Amazons need the medium size. http://www.celltei.com/birds-parrots.html
As for choosing an amazon for your first bird, welcome to your trial by fire
J/K. Amazons are awesome parrots. I am quite biased toward them myself. They have huge personalities and when trained and socialized properly, they make fantastic companions. In regards to when to start socialization, started ASAP. A new baby may need a little time to adjust to it's new home or may be ready right away to start exploring and getting to know you. That's one of those "play it by ear" things. Every bird is different. Don't think you'll have much trouble with one of Henpecked babies though. Amazons need a diet heavy in fresh foods- produce, (cooked) beans and grains, nuts, small amounts of seeds... Variety is key! Many suggest a pelleted diet, but I feed my amazon fresh foods pretty much exclusively. There are no pellets in the jungle is how I see it and he's a ball of energy and probably in better health than most humans However, if feeding a fresh foods exclusive diet is too time consuming (which it can be for some people), pellets supplemented by fresh foods would be the next best option to ensure your baby gets proper nutrition. Seeds should be reserved for foraging/treats/training only. Fatty foods in general should not make up the bulk of any parrots diet. Familiarize yourself with what is and isn't safe for birds too (things like avocados, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol etc... are not safe to offer). A hand raised baby from a reputable breeder like Henpecked is unlikely to be a real picky eater and will probably come home willing to try a variety of foods. Again, don't foresee much issues there. The key to an active amazon is providing reasons for the amazon to be active. Toys, foraging, puzzles, human interactions (INCLUDE YOUR AMAZON in your day to day life- showers, eating at the table, hanging out, observing you do chores etc...). A lot of amazons don't need the super 1 on 1 attention as much as they do the passive attention from being included in your everyday life. Harness train your baby or buy a backpack style carrier, that way he/she can come out and about with you. Amazons who go out become a bit like dogs who go out- excited to ride in the car, intrigued by new places, eat up the attention of strangers (some amazons may actually try to eat strangers, so a few individuals like mine are more suited to heading out on public excursions in a carrier VS on the shoulder
). Going out and about actually helps with socialization too. My bird is an older rescue and prefers non-trusted humans to not invade his bubble, but taking him out has really helped him be more accepting towards new people (especially at the farmers market where vendors like to give him produce and nuts to sample).Edit: These are the backpacks I'm talking about. Great for taking your bird out, would work well as a sleep cage (if you do that, we don't, we just cover his cage) and also good for emergencies/when you need to transport your bird/travel. A bit pricey, but one of the single best investments we ever made for our bird! Great for day trips too, as it has easy in and out dishes. Amazons need the medium size. http://www.celltei.com/birds-parrots.html
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #9
Kiwibird thank you so much for your response! Just what ive been looking for! I will be providing lots of fresh produce as you stated but will also offer a pellet diet. So on a day to day basis do you just provide ample amounts of varied produce and pellets throughout the day? Or provide a certain amount in morning/afternoon/evening and if so roughly how much? Do you just give them what they want until they stop eating?? Also thank you for providing the link to the backpack I will buy one just in case but I have been looking at the harness much more as well as the training sticky thread for them as id rather him be able to be out while we go out! Yes i heard henpecked does an amazing job with his birds and living in Florida makes it so much more comforting for me! I want to know the bird is being raised right and having lots of interaction before he comes home with me! I have read so many different articles and online information but this forum in just a day has provided with me with so much more! Thank you so much!
Taw5106
New member
- Mar 27, 2014
- 2,480
- 25
- Parrots
- Buddy - Red Crowned Amazon (27 yo)
Venus - Solomon Island Eclectus (4 yo)
Buzz CAG (2 yo)
Sam - Cockatiel 1997 - 2004
Tweety - Budgie 1984 - 1987
Sweety - Budgie 1985 - 1986
My Amazon experience happened by chance. Two years ago I had decided I wanted to bring a parrot back in my home after loosing my tiel in 2005 and traveling. I was considering a too, but received a call from my cousin. His step father had passed, prior to that by six months his mother had passed. His mother had a parrot named Buddy and he needed a home so I said yes knowing nothing. I had to pick him up from the police station because the city didn't have facilities to house birds. Knowing him now, kind of fitting, lol.
Buddy is a green cheeked Amazon also known as a Mexican Redhead. He took to me immediately and we've been BFFs ever since. I think if I had read up on amazons I would have been Leary but I love him. We get along great. Since getting him I've also gotten a female eclectus, and recently a hard headed Congo African Gray, lol. They are all amazing. Good luck on your search and Henpecked is amazing, great choice.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Buddy is a green cheeked Amazon also known as a Mexican Redhead. He took to me immediately and we've been BFFs ever since. I think if I had read up on amazons I would have been Leary but I love him. We get along great. Since getting him I've also gotten a female eclectus, and recently a hard headed Congo African Gray, lol. They are all amazing. Good luck on your search and Henpecked is amazing, great choice.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
- Thread starter
- #11
Thanks for sharing! Thats awesome! In my general experience with animals, the ones most challenging often tend to be the most rewarding as well! I cannot wait! Henpecked is going to give me a call tonight! At least according to one of his previous posts last year he actually lives no more than 20 minutes from me!!!! Really a blessing and going to offer my services to help with his birds so i can learn from one of the best!
AmyMyBlueFront
Well-known member
- Apr 14, 2015
- 6,315
- 3,034
- Parrots
- Amy a Blue Front 'Zon
Jonesy a Goffins 'Too who had to be rehomed :-(
And a Normal Grey Cockatiel named BB who came home with me on 5/20/2016.
Amy was kind of an impulse buy I always thought of Amazon's,on a whole,were just "green" big birds 
I was at a friends who had Apollo,a Blue Front. Apollo was very chatty and when he took off and flew around the living room,I saw these magnificent colors! Reds,and oranges,yellow,blue..I was like WOW how gorgeous! I want one!!
Having has Smokey for about 1.5 years, I was an avid reader of Bird Talk magazine,and one month was dedicated to BF's. Their personality was exactly what I was looking for!
I found an add at the back of the magazine and paid the guy a visit.
He had a HUGE cage with about 20 BF's clamoring about.
Looking back,this gentleman was very informative and caring about his charges.
He told me to slowly walk around,pay attention to the birds,and let the BIRD pick you! Some of the birds ignored me, a few lunged at the bars
, but this one particular bird,followed me around the cage,climbing over other 'zons,climbing the bars and giving little baby 'zon grunts,and when I stopped to look at him/her,he would stop and look at me and make little noises.
The guy said "YOU have been picked!"..looking back and reading on this forum,that is the very BEST way to be owned by an Amazon.
I sat on a chair,and the guy just reached in and said "step up" and out came what would be known as Amy. Thinking about it now,the guy socialized with his birdies too. He told me. go ahead,extend your hand and tell the bird to "step up". I did,and Amy didn't hesitate to come to me. I was light headed lol. This beautiful baby bird was on my hand! I lowered my hand and she jumped right onto my knee and lowered her head. I was puzzled! The guy said "He wants head skritches!" I skritched for about 10 full minutes. By the time I was done,Amy had her head laying on my lap,head turned side ways,eyes closed,and beaky slightly open..to this day,she still does that with me :60:
He told me the birds were eating solid foods,pellets,veggies and fruit. He said for the next two weeks,give her baby formula ( he showed me how) it'll help with bonding,do this just before her bedtime. It worked! she is very bonded to me. She was just 4 months old back then.
Why am I telling you this?? I don't know really lol. I guess its just to show my passion and love over my "little green girl" Blue Fronted Amazon!
Jim
I always thought of Amazon's,on a whole,were just "green" big birds I was at a friends who had Apollo,a Blue Front. Apollo was very chatty and when he took off and flew around the living room,I saw these magnificent colors! Reds,and oranges,yellow,blue..I was like WOW how gorgeous! I want one!!
Having has Smokey for about 1.5 years, I was an avid reader of Bird Talk magazine,and one month was dedicated to BF's. Their personality was exactly what I was looking for!
I found an add at the back of the magazine and paid the guy a visit.
He had a HUGE cage with about 20 BF's clamoring about.
Looking back,this gentleman was very informative and caring about his charges.
He told me to slowly walk around,pay attention to the birds,and let the BIRD pick you! Some of the birds ignored me, a few lunged at the bars
, but this one particular bird,followed me around the cage,climbing over other 'zons,climbing the bars and giving little baby 'zon grunts,and when I stopped to look at him/her,he would stop and look at me and make little noises.The guy said "YOU have been picked!"..looking back and reading on this forum,that is the very BEST way to be owned by an Amazon.
I sat on a chair,and the guy just reached in and said "step up" and out came what would be known as Amy. Thinking about it now,the guy socialized with his birdies too. He told me. go ahead,extend your hand and tell the bird to "step up". I did,and Amy didn't hesitate to come to me. I was light headed lol. This beautiful baby bird was on my hand! I lowered my hand and she jumped right onto my knee and lowered her head. I was puzzled! The guy said "He wants head skritches!" I skritched for about 10 full minutes. By the time I was done,Amy had her head laying on my lap,head turned side ways,eyes closed,and beaky slightly open..to this day,she still does that with me :60:
He told me the birds were eating solid foods,pellets,veggies and fruit. He said for the next two weeks,give her baby formula ( he showed me how) it'll help with bonding,do this just before her bedtime. It worked! she is very bonded to me. She was just 4 months old back then.
Why am I telling you this??
I don't know really lol. I guess its just to show my passion and love over my "little green girl" Blue Fronted Amazon!Jim
Kentuckienne
Supporting Vendor
- Oct 9, 2016
- 2,748
- 1,651
- Parrots
- Roommates include Gus, Blue and gold macaw rescue and Coco, secondhand amazon
Sorry I'm on an iPad and it takes forever to edit the quotations - but the idea of visiting birds until one picks you is probably the single best indicator of getting the right bird. Yes, just about any bird can be trained and tamed - but the one who falls in love at first sight? Wait for that one.Amy was kind of an impulse buy
I was at a friends who had Apollo,a Blue Front. Apollo was very chatty and when he took off and flew around the living room,I saw these magnificent colors! Reds,and oranges,yellow,blue..I was like WOW how gorgeous! I want one!!
Having has Smokey for about 1.5 years, I was an avid reader of Bird Talk magazine,and one month was dedicated to BF's. Their personality was exactly what I was looking for!
I found an add at the back of the magazine and paid the guy a visit.
He had a HUGE cage with about 20 BF's clamoring about.
Looking back,this gentleman was very informative and caring about his charges.
He told me to slowly walk around,pay attention to the birds,and let the BIRD pick you! Some of the birds ignored me, a few lunged at the bars
The guy said "YOU have been picked!"..looking back and reading on this forum,that is the very BEST way to be owned by an Amazon.
I sat on a chair,and the guy just reached in and said "step up" and out came what would be known as Amy. Thinking about it now,the guy socialized with his birdies too. He told me. go ahead,extend your hand and tell the bird to "step up". I did,and Amy didn't hesitate to come to me. I was light headed lol. This beautiful baby bird was on my hand! I lowered my hand and she jumped right onto my knee and lowered her head. I was puzzled! The guy said "He wants head skritches!" I skritched for about 10 full minutes. By the time I was done,Amy had her head laying on my lap,head turned side ways,eyes closed,and beaky slightly open..to this day,she still does that with me :60:
He told me the birds were eating solid foods,pellets,veggies and fruit. He said for the next two weeks,give her baby formula ( he showed me how) it'll help with bonding,do this just before her bedtime. It worked! she is very bonded to me. She was just 4 months old back then.
Why am I telling you this??
Jim
- Thread starter
- #14
Thanks for sharing!!!! I am very excited! I actually spoke to Henpecked on the phone tonight and he is literally 20 minutes from me! Once hes back in town, I'll be able to come help with his birds and learn from the master and when babies arrive I can visit them and hopefully one will "pick" me!!!!! VERY EXCITED RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!
Taw5106
New member
- Mar 27, 2014
- 2,480
- 25
- Parrots
- Buddy - Red Crowned Amazon (27 yo)
Venus - Solomon Island Eclectus (4 yo)
Buzz CAG (2 yo)
Sam - Cockatiel 1997 - 2004
Tweety - Budgie 1984 - 1987
Sweety - Budgie 1985 - 1986
Jim that is an awesome share! Thank you. I personally love it. It shows how those little green amazons capture your heart without you realizing it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Taw5106
New member
- Mar 27, 2014
- 2,480
- 25
- Parrots
- Buddy - Red Crowned Amazon (27 yo)
Venus - Solomon Island Eclectus (4 yo)
Buzz CAG (2 yo)
Sam - Cockatiel 1997 - 2004
Tweety - Budgie 1984 - 1987
Sweety - Budgie 1985 - 1986
That is fantastic! Congrats! I posted a video of Buddy whistling happily. Henpeck posted that he played it and all amazons were whistling now, lollllll!!!!! Be sure to meet Jake! Jake is the Amazon in Henpeck's profile pic, lol. Awesome pic.
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CDavis
New member
- Aug 7, 2016
- 310
- 3
- Parrots
- Goose: Yellowsided Greencheek Conure
Dobby: Turquoise GCC
Bonkers: RLA
You are very lucky to live near henpecked I had to work at a petstore to learn about parrots and you get to learn from the Caesar Milan of amazons.
I dare you to make the tsk sound and wag your finger in front of a YNA hahahahaha hope you don't have to count past nine.
I dare you to make the tsk sound and wag your finger in front of a YNA hahahahaha hope you don't have to count past nine.
Just cause I'm an Amazon Snob! I believe that it was Caesar Milan that learned from Henpecked.
After all, Amazon's Rule!Most Reactions
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