Disclaimer
This text has been reviewed for factual accuracy by a professional veterinarian. The views and opinions expressed herein are these of the creator 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 house owners. These birds are medium to massive in measurement, 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 normal information and verify the wants of your chosen pet species for extra particular steering.
These parrots do mimic phrases, however they impart finest via their physique language. For those who’re contemplating adopting an Amazon parrot, it’s essential to know the accountability and dedication these birds require, in addition to the years of affection and giggles you possibly can look ahead to!
Species Overview
| Colour: | Inexperienced |
| Measurement: | 10–20 inches |
| Weight: | 6–22 ounces |
| Wingspan: | 10-16 inches |
The Amazon parrot is a sturdy fowl that may dwell from 30-60 years when well-cared for and given a diversified weight-reduction plan. As a consequence of this lengthy dedication, these birds ought to go to house owners who’re ready to dedicate their time, love, and power to them. Amazons are extremely clever, in a position to be taught a big vocabulary, like to discover, and wish quite a lot 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 house owners and like to clown round for them.
Not all species of Amazon parrot are in a position to be saved as pets as some are endangered, threatened or vulnerable, and possession could also be restricted by regulation. At all times be certain the parrots you bought should not wild-caught animals, as this commerce is unethical. As well as, verify your native laws for restrictions on fowl 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 varied varieties of habitats such because the forest, woodland, rainforest, and savanna.
It’s doable that early information 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 houses at this time.
Issues to Know When Proudly owning an Amazon Parrot
Temperament
Nothing makes an Amazon parrot happier than receiving consideration from their house owners and anybody who comes to go to. They’re extremely social and love interplay, they usually’re additionally loyal and kind deep bonds with their house owners. Early socialization, coaching, and dealing with are mandatory for these birds to cut back behavioral issues. It’s additionally essential to observe their physique language and conduct intently. For those who fail to spot the indicators of discomfort or stress, you’ll doubtless find yourself bitten.
If these parrots don’t get the stimulation and a spotlight they crave, they’ll start to behave up and will change into damaging or depressed. To fight this, work together together with your fowl each day or contemplate getting them a mate. Amazon parrots dwell in flocks within the wild and mate for all times with one accomplice, so companionship is very essential to them.
Sounds, Speech & Vocalizations
Amazon parrots are noisy birds, and are famend for with the ability to be taught phrases and discuss. They will additionally mimic sounds, phrases, and components 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 telephone’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 impart within the wild. They’ll 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 can be rounded as a substitute of pointy. They vary from 10 to 16 inches in size and are medium to large-sized birds. Their huge wingspan is between 5 to twenty inches, relying on species. Their eye shade is normally both purple, orange, or brown.
These birds are principally inexperienced and have stunning markings that set them aside. Amazons are principally distinguishable by their brow markings, with every species boasting a unique shade.
- Purple-lored Amazon: They’ve purple patches on their foreheads and crimson on their wings. They’ve yellow cheeks and blue feathers on high of their heads.
- Blue-fronted Amazon: A yellow face, blue feathers round a grey beak, and purple and yellow markings on their shoulders and the information of their wings.
- White-fronted Amazon: Purple rings round their eyes, blue feathers on high 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 purple 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 loss plan & Diet
Amazon parrots like to eat and can attempt their luck at begging at any time when they see their house owners with meals. Due to this, they will change into overweight, so it’s essential to observe their day by day consumption and ensure excessive calorie and low nutrient seeds are solely provided moderately.
Amazons ought to be given a diet of species-appropriate parrot pellets, fruit, and vegetables. About 60-70% pellets and 30-40% number of produce is beneficial.
In addition they want recent 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 measurement and wish a cage massive sufficient to go well with them. This isn’t an merchandise you wish to skimp on since you need it to final a few years and serve your parrot nicely.
The cage ought to be as massive as you’ll be able to present, however the naked minimal is 40”X30”X65” for one fowl. It additionally must have varied perches located somewhere else across the cage which can 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 stop boredom and damaging conduct. Your parrot will doubtless chew on these toys, so you can too add cheap objects comparable to cardboard and blocks of untreated wooden. In addition they get pleasure from toys that they will forage in, such because the Super Bird Creations Coco Cornhusk Forager Bird Toy, which can hold 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 neglect so as to add meals and water bowls or a fowl cage water bottle, ideally on the perimeters of the cage to stop contamination with droppings.
Train
Train is a superb method to stimulate your parrot, entertain them, and hold them from boredom and weight problems. Amazons are particularly vulnerable to weight problems due to their love for meals and should 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 secure atmosphere for them with out turning ceiling followers or electrical cables that they will chew on.
You may as well train your parrot by encouraging them to climb up on objects like stairs or rope ladders. Get your parrot to beat their wings by shifting the arm they’re perched on up and down. Chasing toys and dancing to their favourite music are different methods to get your parrot shifting.
Caring for the Amazon Parrot
Bathtub Time
Amazon parrots like to splash about, so bathtub time is mostly fairly easygoing. Your parrot is perhaps comfy sufficient to affix 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 in a position to preen themselves and don’t want a lot assist from you with regards to getting clear. Make sure that your parrot is having a shower a number of instances per week.
Toenail and Beak Upkeep
Your grownup parrot’s toenails could should be filed down to stop them from getting caught in materials and toys, which may entice your fowl or trigger their toenails to tear off. Submitting down their toenails may also shield your pores and skin from getting injured. Your parrot ought to be capable to put on down their very own beak, but when they’re unable to or it begins to look overgrown, or if the nails change into lengthy and should be clipped, they might want to go to the vet.
Well being & Circumstances
To forestall well being points in your parrot, be sure that their atmosphere is secure and clear, that they get loads of psychological stimulation, and that they’re exercised day by day to stop weight problems and different well being problems.
Taking your parrot to an avian vet recurrently for verify ups and preventative care may also 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 Information Concerning 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 completely 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 normally placed on once they’re very excited or aggravated. This strut might also be executed 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’s best to place them in a quiet and often used room at evening.
Conclusion
There are 31 species of Amazon parrots. They’re gorgeous birds which can 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 atmosphere. Amazons want a weight-reduction plan of pellets, fruit, and greens and loads of train to stop weight problems.
These birds are an enormous dedication as they’re moody and have a lifespan of 30–60 years when cared for correctly. They love consideration from their house owners however crave companionship and do nicely with a mate. With an Amazon parrot in your house, you possibly can count on plenty of noise, giggles, and love.
Featured Picture Credit score: Milan Zygmunt, Shutterstock
