Amazon Parrot

General information

Amazon parrots (Amazona sp.) originate from Mexico, Central America, South America and the adjacent islands of the West Indies. There are numerous species of Amazon parrots. They are a stocky, medium sized bird with a strong beak and short, rounded, blunt tail. The majority have a basic green body colour, though some of the rarer species are brown. These birds can be very personable and interactive. They are generally very affectionate and will often persistently solicit petting and head scratches, however, they are also given to moodiness. Widely recognised for their extraordinary ability to mimic, some amazons develop extensive vocabularies of words, song, verse, whistles, sneezing, coughing and electronic sounds such as telephones and microwave oven beeps. Some are prone to loud squawking especially in the early morning and late afternoon. They are very playful and enjoy climbing and chewing. Providing non-toxic, washed, fresh branches and pet-safe toys will afford many hours of entertainment and exercise for this inquisitive pet. These handsome, good natured birds make excellent companions and family pets. Some commonly kept Amazon parrots include the Yellow-naped Amazon, Blue-fronted Amazon, and Orange-winged Amazon.

Purchasing an Amazon parrot

Amazons may be purchased from a pet shop or, better, a reputable breeder. When selecting a parent-reared Amazon, try to choose a young bird as it may be easier to tame and train. Older, wild, colony or parent-raised birds may prove difficult to tame. Hand raised babies often make better pets since they have been completely socialised with humans however this process may adversely affect behavioural development predisposing to overbonding and feather destructive disorders. It is possible now to obtain birds that have been parent-reared until they are due to exit the nest (thus entering an important socialisation phase), then hand-reared to weaning. Importantly having a captive-bred bird means that the wild bird population is not threatened further by catching and importing wild birds. This practice is bad both for the bird captured and transported as well as for the dwindling population left in the wild. Your new bird should be exposed early to different events (young and old people, males and females, other pets, car trips, visits to the vet, etc.) to help promote a calm, well-adjusted pet. The lively, alert bird that is not easily frightened is more likely a healthy bird. After purchasing your new bird, have it examined by your veterinary surgeon.

Veterinary care

Amazon parrots require regular, routine veterinary health check-ups. Once or twice a year is recommended. Your vet can perform a physical examination, grooming (beak or nail trim) and laboratory tests as needed. During these check-ups, health, nutritional and maintenance issues can be identified and addressed. Veterinary check-ups help prevent disease and will aid in the maintenance of a long lasting, healthy relationship between you and your bird.

Colour

Mature

Green is the predominant body colour with red, orange, yellow, white and blue adorning the head, wings and tail differently amongst the various species.

Immature

Somewhat less colourful.

Sexing

No external sex differences.

 Weight

Average 300 - 600 grams (10 - 20 ounces) depending on species.

 Size

Average 25-45 cm (10-20 ins) in length depending on species. 

Life span

25-40 years (maximum 75 years).

Diet

Consult your vet or see the diet sheet in this series. They are very prone to obesity and fatty liver problems so diet and exercise need to be addressed in these species. 

Breeding

• sexual maturity at 3-6 years
• large environment is needed to breed this challenging bird

Brood size

2-7 eggs hatch in 17-31 days, young leave the nest in 4 - 8 weeks.

Cage

Minimum 60 cm x 90 cm x 120 cm (2 ft x 3 ft x 4 ft) depends on the size of the bird (the bird must be able to fully extend its wings in all directions).