Amazon Parrots | Genus Amazona | ParrotsLove

Amazon parrot is the common name for a parrot of the genus Amazona. These are medium-sized parrots native to the New World ranging from South America to Mexico and the Caribbean. Most amazon parrots are predominantly green, with accenting colors that depend on the species and can be quite vivid.

Amazon parrots are highly intelligent birds, they are often described as boisterous, playful, and outgoing — some even like to sing. Male Amazons have a reputation for exhibiting “macho” behavior — they might flare their tail feathers, pin their eyes and “strut” across the floor or table top.

Most Amazon parrots love to bathe; and bathing opportunities can include joining their owner in the shower, getting a spray bath, or jumping in their water dish and splashing water all about. Bathing is an important part of an Amazon’s feather health. Because of their love of food and their habit of begging for table foods from their owners, Amazon parrots tend to tip the scales toward being overweight. An Amazon parrot needs a spacious cage with toys and swings spread out, as well as a play gym/play tree, climbing rope and/or ladders to scale to encourage movement and exercise. 

• An Amazon parrot often has a hearty appetite, especially for people food so owners need to make sure that they (and other household members) do not overdue it with treats and table foods.
• An Amazon parrot’s main diet should consist of a nutritionally balanced manufactured diet, as well as an assortment of healthy vegetables, some fruit and healthy treats that pack nutrition instead of empty calories.
• Amazon parrots seem to relish the texture of food almost as much as its taste,
• Amazon parrots are prone to becoming obese, which is why owners should pay attention to the amount and types of food offered daily.

Amazon Parrot Care

• Enclosures should be as large as possible, such that the bird is able to fully extend it’s wings and flap without touching the cage walls
• Cage should be clean, secure, safe and constructed of durable, non-toxic materials
• Perches should be of variable widths, heights, and textures. Also provide a concrete perch to help to maintain the toenails.
• Avoid placing perches directly over food or water to prevent contamination
• Access to natural light is preferred
• Avoid drafty areas.
• Parrots should stay in their cage or a “bird safe” room when they are not under direct supervision.
• Birds with unrestricted access to the home are at risk for accidents such as toxin ingestion, electrocution, pet attacks, and drowning.

Other diseases/conditions that affect Amazon parrots include:Polyomavirus (can cause anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, death); Chlamydiosis (signs include low appetite, fluffed feathers, nasal discharge) and vitamin-A deficiency if fed an inadequate diet.

Interesting Facts and Quirks:

Amazon parrots have a distinct odor that seems to emanate from their respitory system. This odor is not unpleasant and those who adore Amazon parrots often associate this smell with something good. The odor is most noticeable near their nares. The purpose for this odor is not known at this time, as most birds do not have many receptors for scent.

Potential Behavior Problems:

Amazon parrots have been labeled as having a reputation of becoming aggressive upon sexual maturity, to the point that some breeders refuse to breed them for the pet trade. Some behavior consultants have labeled several Amazon species as “hot” indicating they will likely behave aggressively as they mature. Unfortunately this label is less likely the result of some innate characteristic of Amazon parrots, but the result of a lack of information on how to train Amazon parrots with positive reinforcement. There are many examples of mature well behaved Amazon parrots.

Amazon Parrot Lifespan

The thing about parrots is that they live so long. That’s good news for them, of course, when they’re out in the wild. But bad news when they’ve been domesticated and need to find a forever family … for 80 years.

How Much Is An Amazon Parrot

Amazon parrot for sale: Amazon parrot Price: $400 to $1,000 for most species, although very rare Amazons can go much higher. As always, try to buy a weaned bird from a breeder that handles their babies a lot.