AMAZONS:
Amazon parrots are native to areas in Mexico and Central and South America. Deforestation of their natural habitat and capture for the pet trade have greatly reduced the numbers of these once common species. Most free-ranging species are considered threatened or endangered and efforts to protect these birds have resulted in a ban on importation for pet purposes in the United States. High quality companion birds are available from breeders.
Amazons have extroverted personalities and entertaining antics, but these birds don't always enjoy being touched or "cuddled." Some may be considered hyperactive or short-tempered. They generally are not good pets around children.

WHAT TO EXPTECT FROM YOUR AMAZON PARROT:
Amazon parrots are best known for their excellent ability to mimic. Double Yellow-headed, Yellow-naped and Blue-fronted Amazons seem to have the best potential for talking, laughing, coughing or even imitating a baby's cry - perhaps males more than females. Other species may whistle or scream. All Amazons tend to form a bond with a specific individual, which may turn into aggression toward other family members, especially during the breeding season. Although Mealy and Orange-winged Amazons are not as lively and talkative as other species, they are generally regarded as more gentle and affectionate. Hand-raised Blue-fronted Amazons generally make good companions.

IS YOUR AMAZON MALE OR FEMALE:
In most Amazon species it is difficult to reliably distinguish a male from a female based on physical characteristics; therefore, endoscopy or laboratory methods must be used for sex determination in breeding facilities. Amazons are somewhat of a challenge to breed but the offspring are easy to hand-raise.

WHAT DO AMAZONS DO ALL DAY?
Amazons are playful and easily amused with simple toys. Because they love to chew, toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. Providing chew toys or fresh-cut branches from non-toxic, pesticide-free trees may prevent some Amazons from destroying their perches as quickly. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations on locally available safe trees. Amazons tend to be the most vocal in the early morning and late afternoon.

ARE AMAZONS TAME?
Young, hand-raised Amazons adapt readily to new surroundings and handling procedures. They should be exposed early in life to novel situations (car travel, hospital visits, multiple visitors in the household, other household pets) so that they are well adjusted to these events. Discipline, leadership, patience, hooding (covering the head), a sense of ritual and the offering of rewards are necessary to modify the behavior of Amazons. Even then, they are not completely trustworthy and may bite for no apparent reason, especially after they reach sexual maturity.

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR BIRD:
Two methods used to permanently mark companion birds for identification purposes are tattoos and microchips (both are injected under the skin). Individually numbered leg bands are not reliable for identification. However, every bird has distinct facial characteristics and a unique scale pattern on the feet. Photographs of the face and feet, which are updated as the bird ages, can be maintained in the bird's record to confirm its identity and to prevent fraud that can occur with other techniques.

WHY THE WINGS SHOULD BE CLIPPED:
Amazons that are allowed unrestricted access in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins (as well as cause significant destruction); therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wings is NOT to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. An Amazon will require additional trimming eight to twelve weeks after the start of a molt.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR AMAZON HEALTHY, HAPPY AND SAFE:
Give lots of attention and leadership training. Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free, formulated diet with daily supplementation of chopped vegetables and fruit according to manufacturer's recommendations. Grit is probably not necessary with modern captive diets. Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water (try using water bottles). Remove and replace food and water containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.
Provide an occasional opportunity for bath, shower, or misting (at least weekly). Avoid spraying house with insecticides. Housing for your Amazon should: be as large as possible (minimum: 2' x 3' x 2'). be clean, secure, safe and easy to service. be constructed of durable, nontoxic material.
contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches. have food and water containers placed at opposite ends of the
enclosure. Avoid having perches located directly over food containers.
offer occasional protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight
and exercise.

BE SURE TO PREVENT YOUR PARROT'S ACCESS TO:

ceiling fans
hot cooking oil
Teflon coated items (overheated)
leg chains
sandpaper - covered perches
tobacco and cigarette smoke
chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol
toxic houseplants
pesticides
toxic fumes
easily dismantled toys
dogs, cats, and young children
cedar, redwood and pressure treated wood shavings
sources of lead or zinc
MOST COMMON DISEASES IN AMAZONS: Behavioral
Obesity
Respiratory signs (sneezing, runny nose, swollen eyes)
Vitamin A deficiency
Discolored feathers
Lethargy, weakness
Chlamydiosis
Bacterial diseases
Tumors
Sores on the feet or in the mouth
Blood in the droppings
Feather picking
Cloacal protrusions
Egg-binding
Exposure to toxins
The most common disease conditions in Amazon parrots are often the result of malnutrition. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many of the above diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your Amazon parrot.