Mealy Amazons

[Basilbirdie2012]

I currently have a Senegal. I am looking into rescueing a Mealy Amazon and I dont know much about the breed. I have done some research online and I found a lot of the same things word for word on each site. Id like to hear from an owner of the breed. I really want to take this new girl home. She is 20yrs old. She isnt gonna be rescued at 20yrs old... people want young birds. I understand that this bird has a lifespan of 70 plus years....So if I take her in then I still have a lifetime of loving for this girl.. Thank you. Hope to hear from you soon about this...

[Basilbirdie2012]

Well I did it. I rescued a 21yr old Mealy Amazon... She is soooo sweet... Gentle giant for sure!! She is bigger than 17"! Best bird I could have picked in the world! I LOVE her morning greetings and yells, she knows a lot of words, picking up on some already since shes been here..

[janetafloat]

That's great, well done you! And so nice that it's working out well. What a happy tale - my heart just sinks to see all those unwanted birds out there - your bird has obviously had a home as she's so sweet and now she does again!

[Pajarita]

Congratulations and kudos to you for rescuing her! Now, a word of caution, older zons (and they NEVER last 70 years, you'll be lucky if she reaches her 50's with you) always have liver issues because we simply did not know any better and fed them seeds, peanuts, pellets, etc. All stuff that is not good for a zon as they need much less protein and much more fruit than other species. Please take her to an avian vet and ask for a bile acids test. It's a bit pricey but it's the only way to find out how her liver is working because the usual avian panel doesn't tell you anything is wrong until the liver is only working at 25%. The good news is that the liver is the only organ that regenerates itself so, if you put her on a detox diet and give her herbal tonics and cleansers for the rest of her life, she will do just great.

PS I have a bit of experience because I have six amazons, one is about ten years old (just a guess), and the others are 27, 30, 32, one is close to 50 (also just a guess) and the other one is unkown but as he is a wild-caught, he has to be at least 22 years old.

[Basilbirdie2012]

Thank you for all this info on the Mealy... these are things that sites dont tell you about the bird... Ill gladly take her for the test and add more fruit into her diet. Im a chef so Ill get whats closest to her natural fruit that she eats... I want her around for a long time! I have fallen for her already... she is the sweetest bird, so soft in her movements... gentle as can be... really a sweetheart!!! She has Basil my sennie showing off to grab all my attention... it is really cute and I havent seen him this affectionate yet!! Ill post a video and some pics as soon... She is beautiful!