Disclaimer
This text has been reviewed for factual accuracy by a professional veterinarian. The views and opinions expressed herein are these of the writer and don’t essentially symbolize the views or opinions of the veterinarian.
Amazon parrots are daring, energetic, and social birds. There are an estimated 35 species of Amazons, with round 10 of these generally discovered as pets. Within the wild, these parrots keep inside a flock, whereas domesticated ones bond deeply with their homeowners. These birds are medium to massive in dimension, have a stocky construct with quick tails, and are principally inexperienced. Nonetheless, colourful markings range between species. As their look varies, so can their care necessities, so use this text as a common information and examine the wants of your chosen pet species for extra particular steerage.
These parrots do mimic phrases, however they convey finest by way of their physique language. For those who’re contemplating adopting an Amazon parrot, it’s vital to grasp the accountability and dedication these birds require, in addition to the years of affection and giggles you possibly can stay up for!
Species Overview
| Colour: | Inexperienced |
| Measurement: | 10–20 inches |
| Weight: | 6–22 ounces |
| Wingspan: | 10-16 inches |
The Amazon parrot is a sturdy chicken that may stay from 30-60 years when well-cared for and given a assorted eating regimen. As a result of this lengthy dedication, these birds ought to go to homeowners who’re ready to dedicate their time, love, and vitality to them. Amazons are extremely clever, capable of be taught a big vocabulary, like to discover, and want loads of stimulation.
Amazon parrots (genus Amazona) are principally sexually monomorphic (each sexes look the identical), however males anecdotally are usually extra aggressive. They’re noisy birds that love receiving consideration from individuals and conspecifics. They’ve the power to acknowledge their homeowners and like to clown round for them.
Not all species of Amazon parrot are capable of be saved as pets as some are endangered, threatened or susceptible, and possession could also be restricted by legislation. At all times be sure that the parrots you bought will not be wild-caught animals, as this commerce is unethical. As well as, examine your native rules for restrictions on chicken possession in your chosen species.
Amazon Parrot Traits
Historical past & Pure Habitat
Amazons have been named after the lengthy Amazon River as a result of individuals first believed they originated from the identical space. Nonetheless, they really originate from and may nonetheless be discovered within the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. They’re a various species that may survive and thrive in numerous varieties of habitats such because the forest, woodland, rainforest, and savanna.
It’s potential that early data of “Amazon parrots” have been present in a “The Talking Parrots: A Scientific Handbook” by Dr Karl Russ, revealed within the nineteenth century. Legend has it that these birds have been as soon as known as “Kriken,” which was given by seafarers and means “to screech.”
Of the various Amazon species, round 10 of them are saved as widespread pets in US properties at present.
Issues to Know When Proudly owning an Amazon Parrot
Temperament
Nothing makes an Amazon parrot happier than receiving consideration from their homeowners and anybody who comes to go to. They’re extremely social and love interplay, and so they’re additionally loyal and kind deep bonds with their homeowners. Early socialization, coaching, and dealing with are needed for these birds to scale back behavioral issues. It’s additionally vital to look at their physique language and conduct intently. For those who fail to spot the indicators of discomfort or stress, you’ll possible find yourself bitten.
If these parrots don’t get the stimulation and a spotlight they crave, they are going to start to behave up and will develop into harmful or depressed. To fight this, work together along with your chicken on daily basis or think about getting them a mate. Amazon parrots stay in flocks within the wild and mate for all times with one associate, so companionship is extremely vital to them.
Sounds, Speech & Vocalizations
Amazon parrots are noisy birds, and are famend for having the ability to be taught phrases and discuss. They’ll additionally mimic sounds, phrases, and elements of songs. They get pleasure from listening to music and the sounds round them. They’re fast to repeat what they hear and will even mimic your cellphone’s ringtone, the sound of the doorbell, and the barking and meowing out of your different pets.
Amazon parrots vocalize loudly as a result of it’s how they convey within the wild. They are going to vocalize when they’re startled, indignant, excited, or simply on the lookout for consideration.
Look
There are over 30 several types of Amazon parrots, and appearances range between species. Nonetheless, most Amazons have stocky our bodies with quick tails which might be rounded as an alternative of pointy. They vary from 10 to 16 inches in size and are medium to large-sized birds. Their broad wingspan is between 5 to twenty inches, relying on species. Their eye shade is often both crimson, orange, or brown.
These birds are principally inexperienced and have lovely markings that set them aside. Amazons are principally distinguishable by their brow markings, with every species boasting a special shade.
- Purple-lored Amazon: They’ve crimson patches on their foreheads and crimson on their wings. They’ve yellow cheeks and blue feathers on prime of their heads.
- Blue-fronted Amazon: A yellow face, blue feathers round a grey beak, and crimson and yellow markings on their shoulders and the guidelines of their wings.
- White-fronted Amazon: Purple rings round their eyes, blue feathers on prime of their heads, and white above their beaks. In addition they have blue on their wings.
- Yellow-naped Amazon: Largely inexperienced with yellow feathers in the back of their necks and on their heads.
- Mealy Amazon: These Amazons are principally inexperienced with a “powdered” look on their backs.
- Double Yellow-Headed Amazon: Yellow heads and necks with crimson and yellow markings on their shoulders.
- Lilac-crowned Amazon: Maroon feathers above their beaks and lilac-blue on their heads and necks.
- Panama Amazon: White round their eyes and yellow feathers above their beaks.
- Inexperienced-cheeked Amazon: Purple feathers above their beaks and blue above their eyes. Their cheeks are inexperienced.
- Orange-winged Amazon: Blue feathers on their foreheads and over their eyes, yellow cheeks, and an orange patch on their wings.
Weight-reduction plan & Diet
Amazon parrots like to eat and can attempt their luck at begging at any time when they see their homeowners with meals. Due to this, they’ll develop into overweight, so it’s vital to look at their day by day consumption and ensure excessive calorie and low nutrient seeds are solely provided sparsely.
Amazons ought to be given a eating regimen of species-appropriate parrot pellets, fruit, and greens. About 60-70% pellets and 30-40% number of produce is beneficial.
In addition they want contemporary water of their cages or aviaries always. You may place a water bowl of their cage or use a water bottle that attaches to the facet of the cage.
Cage/Housing Necessities
Amazon parrots are medium to massive in dimension and want a cage massive sufficient to go well with them. This isn’t an merchandise you need to skimp on since you need it to final a few years and serve your parrot nicely.
The cage ought to be as large as you’ll be able to present, however the naked minimal is 40”X30”X65” for one chicken. It additionally must have numerous perches located somewhere else across the cage which might be of various textures and sizes. These perches ought to be away from the parrot’s meals and water to keep away from droppings from falling into the bowls.
A parrot’s cage additionally wants toys to forestall boredom and harmful conduct. Your parrot will possible chew on these toys, so you may as well add cheap gadgets equivalent to cardboard and blocks of untreated wooden. In addition they get pleasure from toys that they’ll forage in, such because the Tremendous Chicken Creations Coco Cornhusk Forager Chicken Toy, which can preserve them bodily and mentally busy.
Parrot cages additionally want a spot in your parrot to cover or have some privateness. You should purchase a “hiding spot” out of your native pet retailer, or you may make one out of a cardboard field. Don’t overlook so as to add meals and water bowls or a chicken cage water bottle, ideally on the perimeters of the cage to forestall contamination with droppings.
Train
Train is a superb approach to stimulate your parrot, entertain them, and preserve them from boredom and weight problems. Amazons are particularly liable to weight problems due to their love for meals and have to be taken out of their cage to train usually. You may train your parrot by permitting them to stroll round your room, however guarantee that it’s a protected surroundings for them with out turning ceiling followers or electrical cables that they’ll chew on.
You too can train your parrot by encouraging them to climb up on objects like stairs or rope ladders. Get your parrot to beat their wings by transferring the arm they’re perched on up and down. Chasing toys and dancing to their favourite tune are different methods to get your parrot transferring.
Caring for the Amazon Parrot
Bathtub Time
Amazon parrots like to splash about, so bathtub time is mostly fairly easygoing. Your parrot is likely to be comfy sufficient to hitch you within the bathe, but when not, you possibly can spray heat water on their feathers or place a bowl of water down for them to get into. Parrots are capable of preen themselves and don’t want a lot assist from you on the subject of getting clear. Make certain your parrot is having a shower a number of instances every week.
Toenail and Beak Upkeep
Your grownup parrot’s toenails might have to be filed down to forestall them from getting caught in materials and toys, which may entice your chicken or trigger their toenails to tear off. Submitting down their toenails can even shield your pores and skin from getting injured. Your parrot ought to have the ability to put on down their very own beak, but when they’re unable to or it begins to look overgrown, or if the nails develop into lengthy and have to be clipped, they might want to go to the vet.
Well being & Situations
To stop well being points in your parrot, make sure that their surroundings is protected and clear, that they get loads of psychological stimulation, and that they’re exercised day by day to forestall weight problems and different well being problems.
Taking your parrot to an avian vet often for examine ups and preventative care can even guarantee an extended and wholesome life.
Some widespread well being points are:
- Weight problems
- Egg binding
- Hypovitaminosis A
- Feather plucking
- Polyomavirus
- Psittacine beak and feather illness
- Chlamydiosis
- Epilepsy in red-lored Amazons
3 Little-Recognized Details In regards to the Amazon Parrot
1. The Smallest Amazon Parrot Is the White-Fronted Parrot
These colorful-faced parrots are the smallest of all of the Amazon parrot species, with a size of round 9–11 inches. They’ve white foreheads, and in contrast to most different Amazons, women and men are simply distinguishable as a result of they’ve totally different colours on their shoulders. They’re generally seen within the south of Mexico.
2. Male Amazons Are Recognized to Strut
One factor that’s distinctive to male Amazons is their “strut.” It’s often placed on once they’re very excited or aggravated. This strut might also be carried out out of a territorial show or to woo a mate.
3. They Want At Least 10 Hours of Sleep
Amazon parrots sleep longer than many adults, as diurnal birds, they could want between 10 and 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep each evening. To make sure your parrot will get the standard of sleep they want, it is best to place them in a quiet and often used room at evening.
Conclusion
There are 31 species of Amazon parrots. They’re beautiful birds which might be predominantly inexperienced and have markings of various colours relying on the species. They’re daring, affectionate, and clever and are able to studying a big vocabulary and mimicking the sounds of their surroundings. Amazons want a eating regimen of pellets, fruit, and greens and loads of train to forestall weight problems.
These birds are a giant dedication as they’re moody and have a lifespan of 30–60 years when cared for correctly. They love consideration from their homeowners however crave companionship and do nicely with a mate. With an Amazon parrot in your house, you possibly can anticipate a number of noise, giggles, and love.
Featured Picture Credit score: Milan Zygmunt, Shutterstock
