Yellow-naped Parrot or Yellow-naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata)
at Gatorland. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The yellow parrot in the Amazon really has many different appearances; the
most noted is the Yellow-headed Amazon which stands anywhere from 15 to 17
inches tall, with a short tall, yellow head and a sturdy body. A sad fact
about this yellow parrot is that they are on the endangered list in Mexico
and in Central America. The attractiveness of Yellow-headed Amazons
continues to increase poaching which is why they have been nearly driven to
extinction in the wild. The reason for this is they are so appealing because
they make a great pet and are excellent talkers. Their speaking abilities
are considered to be outdone only by the African Grey Parrot and matched by
the Yellow-naped Parrot.
The Yellow-naped Parrot or Yellow-naped Amazon is considered to be a
sub-species of Yellow-crowned Amazon. It is notable by its green forehead and
crown and a yellow band across the lower nape of their neck. The reason this
parrot is well-liked as a pet is because they mimic sounds, and when in
captivity this includes humans and anything else that they hear plus they have
a mischievous personality. During the breeding season, males are known to bite
because they feel that they are defending their nest.
The Yellow-crowned Parrot averages about the same size as the Yellowhead
Amazon parrot their tail is more squares and have mostly all green feathers
and dark blue tips which are difficult to see when they are on a perch. The
amount of yellow on the parrot varies which is restricted to the crown-region,
hence the name. They are usually found in pairs or small flocks and as with
most parrots, their foods consist of fruits, nuts, and seeds and berries. They
like to nest in hollow trees and they lay anywhere from 2 -3 eggs and the
incubation time is only about 26 days about sixty days after hatching they
leave the nest.
Amazon parrots such as the Yellow-headed Amazon, Yellow-naped Amazon, and
Yellowface parrot (which is declining or has already disappeared in large
areas of its former range in Brazil, are all generally kept as pets because of
their extraordinary speaking abilities, mischievousness, and agility with
their feet. They can live up to fifty years old and make very devoted pets.
Nevertheless, even well-taught parrots can become hostile dunning mating
season.
These Amazon yellow parrots require more attention than our domesticated cats
or dogs. Which involve making sure these birds have plenty of chewing toys and
branches. They enjoy chewing wood and should be provided with chunks of pine
or fir wood. They also love branches with leaves which they benefit from the
nutrients obtained from chewing leaves and green bark. Good types of branches
to offer to include willow, honeysuckle, eucalyptus, palms, bottle brush, and
fruitwoods. These parrots can be destructive that is why they need
non-destroyable safe toys as well. They don't seem to have the nervous
plucking of their feathers as some species.
They are very active birds they prosper in an area that allows them to fly and
move around, an aviary is a large enclosure for confining birds and would be
recommended because unlike cages, aviaries permit the bird to have a larger
living space where they can fly. They need a proper diet which would consist
of fresh vegetables and fruits, sprouted seeds and grains, and other whole
foods that will keep your parrot healthy.
How yellow parrots or any parrot for that matter has been raised will
drastically affect its personality. Parrots vary in their temperament, noise
level, talking capability, attraction to people and care that they need. They
can be a joy to have in your life.
Among the Amazon parrots beside the Yellow-headed, Yellow-naped,
Yellow-crowned you will also find the Orange-winged Amazon, and Blue-fronted
Amazon, which is as well frequently kept as pets. All of these birds along
with Macaws and the African Greys are known for their outstanding vocal
abilities.
Blue-fronted Amazon also called the Turquoise-fronted Amazon and Blue-fronted Parrot kept as a pet in Argentina.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot is actually one of the best Amazon parrots with the ability of speech and sounds. Their talking ability varies greatly from individual to individual, but some speak nearly as well as the Yellow-headed Amazon group. These Amazon Parrot originated from South America and is average in size. They can probably live up to 50 to 60 years or more, but little is known about their life span in captivity.
Blue-fronted Amazon's average height is 14 - 15 inches from head to the tip of the tail and weight average being half a pound to just under a pound. The Blue-fronted Amazon also called the Turquoise-fronted Amazon and Blue-fronted Parrot is a species of Amazon parrots and one of the most common parrots kept in captivity as a pet or companion parrot. They have blue feathers on the forehead above the beak and yellow on the face and crown with blue and red streaks at the tips. The Blue-fronted Amazon reaches sexual maturity at around two to three years of age. The Blue-Fronted Parrot is a highly intelligent species; however, they can also be quite moody at times.
The Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot lovers are very worried, because of illegal capture of wild birds every year. Data concerning the reproductive biology will serve to guide future decisions about the management and conservation of this species. This was because the public was prepared to pay high prices for the Yellow-naped Amazon, Double Yellow-headed Amazon and the Blue-fronted Amazon (having heard that they were the best talkers) but would not pay high prices for the Orange-winged Amazon parrot, because they had previously been imported as wild-caught birds in such huge numbers that prices for them had always been low. Blue-fronted amazons are good pets but generally not the right bird for first-time owners.
They are very easy to feed. Basic nutrition is supplied through any of the many fine vitamins, mineral, and protein-enriched large hookbill seed mixes or pellets available at your local pet shop. Amazons feed on fruits and seed in their natural habitat and they can attack crops, especially citrus.
A cage with a playpen roof is highly recommended for Amazons as these birds love to sit up top and look around. Blue-fronted Amazons enjoy chewing wood and should have wooden toys or prepared wood for chewing "only give toys that are designed for parrots". A parrot's cage should, of course, be cleaned out every day and some of the old sand can be used again if the droppings are removed by sifting it. They need a cage that has enough room that they can move around in and also be able to spread their wings. A suggested cage is 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall by 8 feet long suspended 4 feet above the ground or floor. They require a cage with toys and equipment to keep them entertained. They have a tendency to nip which is their way of expressing themselves and exploring their surroundings.
These Amazons are heavy-bodied and care must be taken not to cut too many feathers. Blue-Fronted Amazons, males can be aggressive in spring, the mating season. Blue-fronted Amazon is one of the most common companion parrots. It is endangered in its natural habitat in North-eastern Bolivia, South-Western Mato Grosso, Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina and Northernmost Buenos Aires.
Also, they have this new toy out that talks to the bird with your voice. Maybe you could do some training while you are at work plus it will keep them busy for a little while. All parrot need a lot of attention.
I am going to introduce you to my Red-Lored Amazon Parrot, Gonzo. He is the mildest in temperament for an Amazon Parrot. He loves to be around people maybe not very cuddly, but his personality outshines that. He is very intelligent and it attentive when being spoken to. He understands you and responds to you when he is told not to do something. He is much like a dog and very loyal. I am very fortunate to have an Amazon-like Gonzo.
Now we are going to talk of the genus of all Amazon parrots. There are about 30 different species within the Amazon genus. They are all on the CITES index, which means that Amazon parrots, like Macaws, Pionus, Caique parrots all protected exportation out of the wilds like Brazil, Central and South America and the likes of Mexico.
On what is called the CITES Treaty; CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. The CITES also known as the Washington Convention was created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was adopted in 1963, the convention then opened for signatures in 1973 and entered into force on July 1, 1985.
I ask that if you do decide on an Amazon parrot be very careful as to where you purchase your Amazon from. They are an endangered species and they need to be protected by people, like you and I. That is why I highly recommend getting a hand-fed baby or adopting an older parrot. The difference between a wild caught and a domestic parrot is the band they have on their leg; an open band means they have been taken out their country of origin and a closed band means they were hatched and hand-fed in the country you reside in. Many breeders do band their babies for statistical reasons, by keeping clean bloodlines and knowing which aviary the baby came from. If a breeder does not band their babies I would be wary of that purchase. Remember that if one-day certain species of Amazon's may become extinct in the wild, it will be you and I who not let them be forgotten; as they will be our domestic companions.
An Amazon parrot's lifespan, with them being healthy is around 50 years or even longer as long as they have had good nutrition and have been well-taken care with their needs in mind. They are a medium size bird about 10-20 inches from head to toe. Amazon parrots have short stubby tails. Their primary colors are green feathers with coloring on their head and/or their face. Some can be very colorful to just a multitude of greens.
Diet
An Amazon parrot's diet, you have to be careful as they have a tendency to become overweight with lack of exercise from being in a cage for a number of hours a day. They eat seed, pellets, fruits, veggies and some may like human food. I highly recommend putting a pellet in their diet. It has nutrients not found in the seed. Fresh fruits and veggies are very important as they contain phytonutrients (antioxidant pigments), that is not found in seed and pellets. Your Amazon needs nutritional food and also a variety of other foods because as they become bored, they need a variety for psychological enrichment. Food is mealtime but it is also playtime. Like your two-year-old child, mealtime is a fun time. The fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamin A are dark green leaf-veggies, carrots (the baby ones whole), mangos and sweet potatoes. The reason for vitamin-enriched foods is because Amazon's are prone to this deficiency. All sorts of fruits and veggies can be fed. The fruits you can feed them are apples, pears, berries, mango, papaya, banana, grapes, oranges, tangerines, tangelos. The veggies you could feed them are whole baby carrots (something they can play with), cucumbers, zucchini, red peppers and chilies, even dandelion and chickweed (make sure they are not sprayed with pesticides). Gonzo loves all nuts, though Amazons are known to get obese from fatty food, he also has an indulgence for tortilla chips and ramen noodles. DO NOT feed them avocado as it is toxic to them. Make sure they have clean and fresh water every day. Amazon's like to dunk their food so you may have to change it a couple of times a day. That is to avoid any bacterial infections.
Cage
Their bird cage should be as followed with the cage guidelines when you are buying a cage for them. Remember twice the width so they may spread their wings and 1 1/2 times in length for their tail. Bar spacing needs to be 5/8 inch to one inch apart. There need to be both horizontal and vertical bars to climb around on. The cage Gonzo has is 24x20x27.
They need plenty of toys to play with. Make sure the bowls are secured to the cage because Amazons are renowned throwers. I recommend an extra bowl for treats, fruits and veggies; besides their water and food bowls.
You need to wash their food and water bowls daily. Clean their cage at least once a week, by washing everything down with water and a small amount of dish detergent. Make sure it is well rinsed off when you put your parrot back into the cage after cleaning. Their trays can become quite messy as everything goes on the floor or below them. They do not have the best table manners. I like to change their trays with a newspaper every time I feed them. The newspaper is nontoxic and cheap to get. I do not recommend pine sawdust or ground shells. There is a chance of getting a bacterial infection or them eating it and getting sick.
Illness
We have spoken of bacterial infections and you are wondering "How do I know if my parrot is not feeling well?" The signs can be different so watch them carefully. Watch your parrot carefully because parrots differ from one another when there are signs of illness. If their demeanor changes from lively to sullen, ruffled plumage, resting often with their head tucked into their back (keep in mind that your parrot may prefer to sleep this way), consistent sneezing (yes parrots do sneeze). Now the most noticeable ones to watch for are if they do sneeze and discharge is coming from their nostrils, cloudy eyes and any change in their droppings (feces). I recommend you to have a good avian vet specialist, who you have a relationship with; that knows your parrot so you may call them after hours for any potential issues that should arise.
Gonzo
Gonzo is not caged and we do not have to be subjected to the aggression that Amazons are known for. The more your parrot is out and interacting with the family they are more likely to be friendlier and not so aggressive. Amazon's can be the most aggressive of all parrot species; however, this varies from Amazon to Amazon. Our Red-Lored is one of the mildest and more adaptable to the family life than other known species. These issues can be alleviated by not caging your parrot for excessive periods of time. Gonzo is not caged; he hangs on top of his cage and playpen, watching the day goes by. This also gives him a chance for exercise and prevents the obesity Amazons are known for. Please do not keep them on their perch in the middle of their cage; as they will appear like a stuffed parrot and when approached will bring out their aggressive side.
Behavior
How your Amazon parrot behaves. Many are very loyal, like a dog. Extremely intelligent and playful; you can teach them to play basketball and roller-skate; these are typical toys that can be purchased. They are outstanding talkers and yes, even sing opera. Amazon parrots love classical and traditional anthem music. Keep in mind that each species of parrots are individualistic and have differences so you may get an Amazon parrot who does not sing or talk. In our case, our Red-Lored does not sing nor talk, but is fantastic just the way he is. Never get a parrot expecting it to talk, get it because you want a lifelong companion. Amazon parrots are great screamers and vocalization, not as loud as a cockatoo or macaw though. They can be quite noisy at times, especially when the sun comes up and goes down. When it is breeding season and they hit puberty, about 5 or 6 though it could be later, they can turn into Jekyll and Hyde. Ride it out, this your companion you made, it is a commitment to for life.
Amazon parrot loves to bathe with a mister or in the shower, it is a fun time and it can be quite comical. Their world is about playing. May it be with food to the toys in their cage; they see the world as an adventure playground.
Keeping this all in mind; you will have a happy family when you understand your new found companion and their idiosyncrasies. Gonzo is everything that one that anyone could ever ask for. He is beautiful, great disposition in life and shows us how to take one day at a time. We are grateful for Gonzo; hopefully, after you have done all your research and made that commitment as to what kind of parrot you decided on, you have decided on an Amazon parrot.
Peter has four very proud parrot species from all over the world. We have lived with our four parrots for over 15 years. All of our parrots are domestically born. The joy we share with them is immeasurable.
Amazon parrots (Amazona sp.) originate from Mexico, Central America, South America and the adjacent islands of the West Indies.
There are several species of Amazon Parrots. Some of the most common species are the double yellow headed amazons, yellow napped amazons, yellow or blue fronted amazons, orange winged amazons, green cheeked amazons, and lilac crowned amazons.
A healthy Amazon can be expected to have a lifespan of around 50 years or even longer with good nutrition and care and their size can range anywhere from about 10-20 inches in length.
The affectionate and loyal nature of the Amazon makes this bird a wonderful pet for those experienced with companion parrots. Amazons are highly intelligent and require a devoted owner who is willing to provide significant and meaningful attention, as well as stimulus such as chewing toys to keep them happy and healthy.
Some males can become aggressive when they reach sexual maturity. Gentle dominance training is essential. It is a good idea to teach amazons to step up on a stick on command for those times when they are "over-stimulated." These birds require strong, patient owners who understand their moods. Do plenty of research on behaviour and training before buying one so you can build a strong foundation with the young bird.
The best talkers tend to be the double yellow heads, yellow napes, and blue fronts. Many of these birds can also become proficient singers. They are not shy and will often perform for strangers. Because of these characteristics, these parrots are often selected as performers in bird shows and at zoos.
Generally, they do not develop feather picking problems the way many parrot species do, but they can if they are neglected, confined in small cages for long periods of time, and not stimulated with interaction and/or toys.
Caging
Amazons are quite active and very prone to obesity if they do not get exercise. The cage provided should be large enough to ensure that they get an adequate room for play and exercise. A spacing of bars depends on the size of the species and care should be taken for smaller amazons to ensure that the spacing is not large enough for them to get their head through.
Diet
A diet that is about 25-50 per cent pellet based, with the rest made up of a variety of healthy fresh foods is generally accepted as a good guide. Seeds are too high in fat for Amazons and while they can be fed as treats, they should make up no more than 10 per cent of the whole diet. Nuts are a good treat, also in moderation.
Feather and Skin Health
Amazons should be showered regularly for feather and skin health. They can develop a musky odour that bothers some people, but most owners will need to get used to it. Regular showers keep the smell from getting too strong.
Noise
Most birds purchased young and properly trained and socialized will rarely vocalize to the point of disturbing neighbours, but generally, they do vocalize at least once a day with loud screeches.
Some amazons can be very loud resulting in many older birds being sold because of the noise becoming a nuisance factor to others. They are not great pets to be kept in apartments for this reason and generally, the larger the bird, the louder the call. Amazons that have been kept with other amazons tend to be the loudest.
Sleep
At least 10 hours of dark, quiet sleep time each night. Amazons that do not get enough sleep can be very grouchy and aggressive.
With lots of love, care and an occasional trip to the vet (where flight feathers should be trimmed), an Amazon parrot will be a beautiful and entertaining companion animal for many years.
This is Baby. He is a yellow naped amazon parrot and about 18 years old. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
If you are looking for a pet parrot and want one with intelligence, funny personality, impressive talking capability, and awesome singing ability, then it has to be a yellow naped amazon parrot. In their own habitat, these parrots can be found in Central America, along with the Pacific slope, North Western Costa Rica and Southern Mexico.
One very disastrous effect is that deforestation in recent years has reduced the number of these parrots in the wild, yet their stunning personality has attracted it towards a lot of parrot owners.
Description:
A yellow naped amazon parrot usually weighs around 480 to 680 grams and in a size of around 35 cm. The most noticeable feature of these parrots is their green forehead with a yellow band across their lower nape. Some parrots develop a lot more yellow on them than others do, while others do not have any yellow feathers at all. These yellow feathers appear with maturity and can also be found at the back of the neck. They usually have pretty feet and a dark grey beak with a lighter upper.
Food:
Yellow-naped Amazon parrots like a very natural and simple diet of fruits, beans, berries, seeds, and nuts. But remember it is important to mix and match these combinations in their diet so that they can keep themselves entertained and attracted towards their food. A variety in their diet ensures that they are getting all the vitamins they need. Vitamin enhanced pellets are also very good for them to have each day.
Personality:
Yellow-naped Amazon parrot is loved for their yellow and stunning green color but their intelligence and clown personality is usually the final decision maker when a person is looking for a pet parrot. They can be quite impressive when they start to talk. What's more? They can sing too! They can also imitate human voices and have a great sense of voice pitch.
An Amazon parrot can live for 60 years or even longer, provided that you take care of them really well. There are several striking mutations available in many parts of the world with the most beautiful being the Blue Mutation.
Training:
One fact to be aware of though is that a yellow-naped Amazon parrot needs training because they do tend to bite, chew or even be very noisy during certain stages in their lives. Even a young bird which has not been neglected requires proper care and guidance which makes it very challenging for the owner.
Because they are so intelligent they do need stimulation and love being around their owners. When owners cannot be there they should have some stimulating toys for the parrot to play with. Perhaps look into the 'talking toys' as these have been working very well keeping parrots entertained.
To conclude, these birds are really attentive and responsive while being trained and this is why a lot of people love to own a yellow naped amazon parrot. These parrots have a fantastic sense of humor and their human imitation can surely cheer up the whole house. They love being around the owners and can become one of the family in a very short space of time.
The Yellow-headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix), also known as the Yellow-headed Parrot, Double Yellow-headed Amazon, etc., is an endangered Amazon parrot of Mexico and northern Central America. Measuring 38–43 cm (15–17 in) in length, it is a stocky short-tailed green parrot with a yellow head. It prefers to live in mangrove forests or forests near rivers or other bodies of water. It is often considered a subspecies of the Yellow-crowned Amazon. It is a popular pet and an excellent talker. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
I am going to introduce you to my Red-Lored Amazon Parrot, Gonzo. He is the mildest in temperament for an Amazon Parrot. He loves to be around people maybe not very cuddly, but his personality outshines that. He is very intelligent and it attentive when being spoken to. He understands you and responds to you when he is told not to do something. He is much like a dog and very loyal. I am very fortunate to have an Amazon-like Gonzo.
Now we are going to talk about the genus of all Amazon parrots. There are about 30 different species within the Amazon genus. They are all on the CITES index, which means that Amazon parrots, like Macaws, Pionus, Caique parrots all protected exportation out of the wilds like Brazil, Central and South America and the likes of Mexico.
On what is called the CITES Treaty; CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. The CITES also known as the Washington Convention was created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was adopted in 1963, the convention then opened for signatures in 1973 and entered into force on July 1, 1985.
I ask that if you do decide on an Amazon parrot be very careful as to where you purchase your Amazon from. They are an endangered species and they need to be protected by people, like you and I. That is why I highly recommend getting a hand-fed baby or adopting an older parrot. The difference between a wild caught and a domestic parrot is the band they have on their leg; an open band means they have been taken out their country of origin and a closed band means they were hatched and hand-fed in the country you reside in. Many breeders do band their babies for statistical reasons, by keeping clean bloodlines and knowing which aviary the baby came from. If a breeder does not band their babies I would be wary of that purchase. Remember that if one-day certain species of Amazon's may become extinct in the wild, it will be you and I who not let them be forgotten; as they will be our domestic companions.
An Amazon parrot's lifespan, with them being healthy is around 50 years or even longer as long as they have had good nutrition and have been well-taken care with their needs in mind. They are a medium size bird about 10-20 inches from head to toe. Amazon parrots have short stubby tails. Their primary colors are green feathers with coloring on their head and/or their face. Some can be very colorful to just a multitude of greens.
Diet
An Amazon parrot's diet, you have to be careful as they have a tendency to become overweight with lack of exercise from being in a cage for a number of hours a day. They eat seed, pellets, fruits, veggies and some may like human food. I highly recommend putting a pellet in their diet. It has nutrients not found in seed. Fresh fruits and veggies are very important as they contain phytonutrients (antioxidant pigments), that is not found in seed and pellets. Your Amazon needs nutritional food and also a variety of other foods because as they become bored, they need the variety for psychological enrichment. Food is mealtime but it is also playtime. Like your two year old child, mealtime is fun time. The fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamin A are dark green leafy veggies, carrots (the baby ones whole), mangos and sweet potatoes.
The reason for vitamin-enriched foods is because Amazon's are prone to this deficiency. All sorts of fruits and veggies can be fed. The fruits you can feed them are apples, pears, berries, mango, papaya, banana, grapes, oranges, tangerines, tangelos. The veggies you could feed them are whole baby carrots (something they can play with), cucumbers, zucchini, red peppers and chilies, even dandelion and chickweed (make sure they are not sprayed with pesticides). Gonzo loves all nuts, though Amazons are known to get obese from fatty food, he also has an indulgence for tortilla chips and ramen noodles. DO NOT feed them avocado as it is toxic to them. Make sure they have clean and fresh water every day. Amazon's like to dunk their food, so you may have to change it a couple of times a day. That is to avoid any bacterial infections.
Cage
Their bird cage should be as followed by the cage guidelines when you are buying a cage for them. Remember twice the width so they may spread their wings and 1 1/2 times in length for their tail. Bar spacing needs to be 5/8 inch to one inch apart. There need to be both horizontal and vertical bars to climb around on. The cage Gonzo has is 24x20x27.
They need plenty of toys to play with. Make sure the bowls are secured to the cage because Amazons are renowned throwers. I recommend an extra bowl for treats, fruits, and veggies; besides their water and food bowls.
You need to wash their food and water bowls daily. Clean their cage at least once a week, by washing everything down with water and a small amount of dish detergent. Make sure it is well rinsed off when you put your parrot back into the cage after cleaning. Their trays can become quite messy as everything goes on the floor or below them. They do not have best table manners. I like to change their trays with a newspaper every time I feed them. The newspaper is nontoxic and cheap to get. I do not recommend pine sawdust or ground shells. There is a chance of getting a bacterial infection or them eating it and getting sick.
Illness
We have spoken of bacterial infections and you are wondering "How do I know if my parrot is not feeling well?" The signs can be different so watch them carefully. Watch your parrot carefully because parrots differ from one another when there are signs of illness. If their demeanor changes from lively to sullen, ruffled plumage, resting often with their head tucked into their back (keep in mind that your parrot may prefer to sleep this way), consistent sneezing (yes parrots do sneeze). Now the most noticeable ones to watch for are if they do sneeze and discharge is coming from their nostrils, cloudy eyes and any change in their droppings (feces). I recommend you to have a good avian vet specialist, who you have a relationship with; that knows your parrot so you may call them after hours for any potential issues that should arise.
Gonzo
Gonzo is not caged and we do not have to be subjected to the aggression that Amazons are known for. The more your parrot is out and interacting with the family they are more likely to be friendlier and not so aggressive. Amazon's can be the most aggressive of all parrot species; however, this varies from Amazon to Amazon. Our Red-Lored is one of the mildest and more adaptable to the family life than other known species. These issues can be alleviated by not caging your parrot for excessive periods of time. Gonzo is not caged; he hangs on top of his cage and playpen, watching the day goes by. This also gives him a chance for exercise and prevents the obesity Amazons are known for. Please do not keep them on their perch in the middle of their cage; as they will appear like a stuffed parrot and when approached will bring out their aggressive side.
Behavior
How your Amazon parrot behaves. Many are very loyal, like a dog. Extremely intelligent and playful; you can teach them to play basketball and roller-skate; these are typical toys that can be purchased. They are outstanding talkers and yes, even sing opera. Amazon parrots love classical and traditional anthem music. Keep in mind that each species of parrots are individualistic and have differences so you may get an Amazon parrot who does not sing or talk. In our case, our Red-Lored does not sing nor talk, but is fantastic just the way he is. Never get a parrot expecting it to talk, get it because you want a lifelong companion. Amazon parrots are great screamers and vocalization, not as loud as a cockatoo or macaw though. They can be quite noisy at times, especially when the sun comes up and goes down. When it is breeding season and they hit puberty, about 5 or 6 though it could be later, they can turn into Jekyll and Hyde. Ride it out, this your companion you made, it is a commitment to for life.
Amazon parrot loves to bathe with a mister or in the shower, it is a fun time and it can be quite comical. Their world is about playing. May it be with food to the toys in their cage; they see the world as an adventure playground.
Keeping this all in mind; you will have a happy family when you understand your new found companion and their idiosyncrasies. Gonzo is everything that one that anyone could ever ask for. He is beautiful, great disposition in life and shows us how to take one day at a time. We are grateful for Gonzo; hopefully, after you have done all your research and made that commitment as to what kind of parrot you decided on, you have decided on an Amazon parrot.
Peter has four very proud parrot species from all over the world. We have lived with our four parrots for over 15 years. All of our parrots are domestically born. The joy we share with them is immeasurable.
Originating from Mexico and northern Central America the double yellow headed amazon is a stocky parrot with a square tail. It is between 15 and 17 inches long from the tip of their tails to the top of the head.
Their bodies are a bright green with a yellow head. There is red on the bends of the wings and on the tails. They are intelligent parrots that are outgoing and playful. They love to perform and they are great at learning tricks.
The double yellow headed amazon is considered the best talking of all the amazon birds and ranks only second to the African gray parrot.
The bluffing stage that amazon parrots go through as they approach maturity makes them less entertaining and affectionate than they are normally. The aggressive and stubborn attitude they develop at this stage makes them a real challenge for all but the most experienced parrot owner.
As long as they have enough toys amazon birds can be left to entertain themselves they can be left alone for long periods of the day than some of the less independent parrots can. Some parrots like the cockatoo birds may require a lot more attention than the Amazons, but that doesn't mean that they don't require some socialization every day.
Amazons don't tend to scream that much, but if you aren't keeping your parrot happy with socialization and entertainment it will get bored and start making a lot of noise.
Your parrot needs some variety and some exercise every day to keep it happy and healthy. The way to give it that is to let it out of its cage to explore and play. Amazons are curious and they love to chew. If you leave your parrot unsupervised while it is out of the cage it can get into all kinds of trouble.
Amazon birds have a tendency to get obese so it's best to feed your parrot pellets supplemented with vegetables and fruits and leave the seeds for training and special treats.
If you can handle one when it's in the bluffing stage a double yellow headed amazon makes a great pet parrot.
Many questions are asked by people considering a Blue And Gold Macaw as a pet.
1. Will my bird do things I find attractive?
2. Will he be loving, talkative, intelligent, affectionate, playful?
3. How about my kid and all the other family members? Will a Macaw be likely to get along with them?
4. Will I be able to train a Macaw?
5. How difficult is it to teach a Macaw to talk?
6. Will a Macaw be friendly to other people or just me and my family? Will he become attached to only myself?
7. How do I avoid my Macaw becoming a biter?
The simplest answer to all these questions of Macaws will come down to this. If you properly socialize a Macaw all things are possible. It is mostly up to us as owners and caregivers to be sure our Macaw meets not only our own expectations but his maximum capabilities.
Other than the actual physical care of each bird, food, living conditions, living space, and exercise. Socialization may the most important word when talking about Macaw parrots or any parrot for the matter.
The Macaw cannot socialize himself. If you believe it takes a village to raise a child. Then it takes a state to socialize a Macaw. It takes a dedicated state of mind at the very least.
If you intend to buy a baby Macaw Blue And Gold or any large Macaw. It is highly recommended for everyone to do business with a trusted breeder if at all possible. Breeders begin for us the entire socialization process. Around the sixteenth day after hatching most breeders begin hand feeding.
A baby Macaws eyes open about the nineteenth day of life. The importance of recognizing humans as the source of food, care, affection along with fun and entertainment cannot be overstated. We have an advantage if humans are perceived as all important and pleasurable to a Macaw.
Before purchasing a Macaw it is extremely important to understand. Macaws and parrots, in general, are not domesticated animals as are dogs and cats. Humans through their actions hand feeding, comfort, and care simply are associated with mom and dad then become members of the bird's flock.
The beginning processes of the breeders get us off on the right foot. However, it is extremely important that the process is continued and expanded consistently by new owners. The socialization process of a Macaw is a lifetime commitment and should not ever be discontinued.
As important as constant care and handling by all family members and including friends truly is. Socialization also includes an introduction to new and different places and new situations.
Often unfamiliar situations and locations are the cause of an upset or frightened bird. Subjecting a Macaw to different locations and situations early in life is every bit as important to you and the bird as is constant handling.
Macaws can be upset and frightened easily. The gentlest Macaw upset or frightened can be a real handful to deal with. As the owner of a Macaw, it is a must that your bird trusts you in any and all locations and any situation.
Exactly how your Macaw or parrot turns out is more up to you than it is the bird. Remember both good behavior and bad behavior are learned. Most of what is learned will be up to you.
Yellow-headed Amazon (also known as the Yellow-headed Parrot and Double Yellow-headed Amazon) at Cougar Mountain Zoological Park, USA perching on zookeepers left hand. This subspecies is sometimes called the Tres Marias Amazon and originates from the Tres MarÃas Islands, off west-central Mexico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Originally from the coastal regions of Mexico, the Yellow-headed Amazon parrots have become popular pets partly because of their attractive markings.
These birds are predominantly green with a striking yellow head and a red patch on each wing. They can also be found south of Mexico in Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras.
Although they prefer habitats like tropical or subtropical forests, savannahs, mangrove swamps, or cultivated land where trees are available for nesting, Yellow-headed Amazon parrots are now considered rare and on the endangered list because of poaching and illegal trade and because of deforestation resulting in the loss of their nesting habitat.
Captive bred Yellow-headed Amazons are widely available as pets but can be somewhat expensive. They are an extremely popular parrot species to own because of their vocal abilities.
They are a close second to the African Grey parrot which is considered the best talker in the parrot world. Although all Amazons are capable of talking not all do.
Their talking ability varies with each bird. Some birds are excellent talkers while other may never talk. Yellow-headed Amazon parrots are extremely intelligent, funny, and active birds. They like to receive attention and do so by sometimes being loud and playful. They are said to be the loudest of all the Amazon parrots. But, it is possible to replace screeching with human speech with a little bit of training.
Because Yellow-headed Amazon parrots are active they thrive in an environment that allows them to fly and move around. An aviary is a great enclosure but they can also adjust to indoor cages as long as sufficient daily exercise is offered by their owner.
These parrots are also easily tamed and trained. But, like most large parrot species, Yellow-headed Amazons can be destructive. Owners need to provide their birds with plenty of chewing toys and braches.
These parrots can grow to the average length of fifteen inches although females are slightly smaller than males.
Yellow-headed Amazon parrots have a stout, hooked beak that is not only used for cracking the hard shells of seeds and nuts but also for grasping, exploring, and climbing.
They also use their feet to climb and it is almost like another hand for them. Amazons have two toes pointing forwards and two toes pointing backward which make them perfect for grasping. They will use their feet to hold food while eating.
In the wild Yellow-headed Amazons eat a variety of fruits, berries, nuts, blossoms, and leaf buds. They have also been known to raid agricultural crops like maize. When living in a home environment with an owner these birds enjoy vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts, berries, and pellet food.
ike all parrots nutrition is very important to their health and their lives.
When considering having one of these beautiful birds as a pet, owners should consider the longevity of their commitment.
Yellow-headed Amazon parrots can live to be sixty to eighty years old. Although no pet is perfect, these parrots are sure to give their owners hours of entertainment and pleasure.
Joseph Keith has been caring for parrots for more than 10 years.
One of the more popular parrots breeds to own and train as pets are the Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot. They have become so popular because of their beautiful feather coloration. If you've attempted to train your Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot, it likely proved to be a very frustrating endeavor.
Although training and teaching your parrot tricks can be a bit challenging, there are steps you can take to help your parrot successfully learn new tricks.
Yellow-headed Amazon (also known as the Yellow-headed Parrot and the Double Yellow-headed Amazon). Two captive. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Speaking
First, it's important to realize that although all members of this parrot family have the ability to speak, some will just choose not to speak at all and there is nothing you can do to change their minds. Fortunately, most Amazon parrots do enjoy talking and the mental stimulation associated with speaking, so this shouldn't be much of an issue.
There are other methods available to encourage your parrot to speak. Using classical conditioning, meaning offering a bribe such as food or treats when a specific task or trick is completed, is often a successful method to train your Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot. After a word or phrase is successfully uttered, immediately give a treat or piece of fruit as a reward for the action. Your parrot will learn very quickly.
You can begin with a very simple word that has only one or two syllables such as the word "hello." Continue to repeat the word over and over again until your Amazon parrot responds with any sound. At first, any response to you, even if it's gibberish, is successful, and you'll want to offer a piece of food as an incentive to continue the training. Continue the process until your parrot begins to repeat the word in a more clear tone.
Once your Amazon parrot is able to clearly say the first word, move on to a different but easy word and repeat these steps. This speaking and training technique has been regarded as most successful, but it could take a bit of time before your Amazon parrot is successful, so it's best to show a bit of patience in the process.
Step Up Trick
The "step up" trick is another popular training trick for your Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot and is easy to teach. This trick requires your parrot to step up on either a branch or your fingers. Using the words "step up" and gently pushing your index and middle finger into your parrot's breast above their legs. They will begin to step up onto the branch or your fingers and repeat until there is no need to gently push, but rather your parrot steps upon command. Be sure to keep gentle when pushing into your parrot's chest and not poke them.
Turnaround Trick
The turnaround trick is another pretty easy trick to start with your Amazon parrot. Simply take a treat or piece of food and let your parrot smell it. Then using the words "turn around," rotate the food around their body slowly so your parrot is able to follow it, and once a complete circle has been made, offer the treat as a reward to your parrot. Your parrot should be able to turn around in a complete circle after a bit of training without the encouragement of food around their body, but be sure to give them a reward after successful completion of the trick.
Caring for and teaching your Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot can be very fun and rewarding. As mentioned, be sure to keep your patience, as these are smart birds but they will require a bit of time to master these fun tricks.
By Jessica Peloski - Jessica Peloski is a parrot enthusiast and author of pet parrot care books.
, Gonzo. He is the mildest in temperament for an Amazon Parrot. He loves to be around people maybe not very cuddly, but his personality outshines that. He is very intelligent and it attentive when being spoken to. He understands you and responds to you when he is told not to do something. He is much like a dog and very loyal. I am very fortunate to have an Amazon-like Gonzo.
. Our Red-Lored is one of the mildest and more adaptable to the family life than other known species. These issues can be alleviated by not caging your parrot for excessive periods of time. Gonzo is not caged; he hangs on top of his cage and playpen, watching the day goes by. This also gives him a chance for exercise and prevents the obesity Amazons are known for. Please do not keep them on their perch in the middle of their cage; as they will appear like a stuffed parrot and when approached will bring out their aggressive side.
can be very fun and rewarding. As mentioned, be sure to keep your patience, as these are smart birds but they will require a bit of time to master these fun tricks.
