Wanting to bring an older parrot home

[Wolf]

There is nothing wrong with giving your feeling on this matter, we all offer what we can and it is fine if we don't always agree on things, personally I would hate to live in a world where we all agreed on everything. Besides you never know what will help the most for any person at any time.

[Pajarita]

Well, chances are they are hormonal and aggressive because they belong to the 'hot' species of zons, they are males, they are both at the 'bad' age and they have been eating a diet super high in protein... but, they could also be feeling sick which would make them mellow - at least, at the beginning and until they feel better. Hormonal male amazons of that age which have been abused or neglected are not something that anybody can handle... And, if you are not afraid of them, Liz, you have no idea of how aggressive they can be because anybody with half a brain would! I've taken in several aggressive male amazons and I would be the first to admit to been afraid of them (who would not be when a big ass bird flies out to you with murder in his eyes?!). You can tamp the fear down and act with confidence around them but the fear is still there. They no longer attack me or even try to bite me but I am still very careful around them...

As to your question, the consideration here is what can you provide and whether you are willing to go through the vet's bills and work it will take to get them well because they will definitely need to see a vet, put on a STRICT solar schedule, given a detox treatment, have their diet changed completely and given very patient and consistent handling. This requires the right infrastructure, time, money, dedication and a very long term commitment. But, yes, it can be done.

[liz]

My half a brain only thinks of how the bird feels and what he could be thinking. That must have knocked the fear out of it.

But you are right. I am not normal and will stay out of it.

[Pajarita]

I didn't mean to imply that you have half a brain, Liz, merely that you might not have any real experience with a truly aggressive amazon. They ARE scary! Putting yourself in the bird's shoes and understanding why he attacks does not automatically dispel fear, it just makes you keep on trying.

[Wolf]

Well I am not normal either, I am a b normal and can not stay out of it. Although I am on the birds side and want nothing more than to get them out of this situation, I am also obligated to the person to advise them of the possible danger involved in taking these two birds. If I failed to do so and the person was injured then I would be every bit as responsible for the injury as the people that did this to these birds. And even if no one else realized this, I do.

[Pajarita]

AHA! I see you are also a fan of Young Frankenstein, Wolf (I must have watched that movie 100 times and it still cracks me every time! - "Whose brain did I put in?" "Abby someone" "Abby someone... Abby who?" "Abby Normal" Genius!

And, yes, that's also the reason why I always make sure I mention aggression, because the person who is thinking of taking in a bird in these conditions needs to consider this very real possibility before they make a decision. I know of several experienced parrot owners and rescuers that thought they could handle an aggressive large bird and later realized they couldn't - and I know because I ended up with some of these birds. A male, overly hormonal, aggressive amazon in his prime is no joke when it comes to aggression - and I have the scars and notches missing from my ears to prove it.

[Crystalmcp]

Thanks for the advise guys!! They are outside 24/7.. Their cage is stacked so they aren't sharing a cage! The blue front seemed more interested in me. He came right over to the cage right where I was sitting. Really talking up a storm ( mostly all I could make out was here kitty kitty and shut up).. But he was very vocal . Though I would love to take them both , I don't think I would be prepared to bring them both home anyway... I live in North Carolina and it's about to get cold here! I didn't know the rules of bringing him straight to strictly inside !! I was actually suprises they could even survive outside in the winter ?? Basically this bird would come to a home with an actual bird cage ( unlike the chicken cage he is in) and be showered with toys and lots of love if he will allow!!! Will he accepte ? Will the living conditions stress him out?

[Crystalmcp]

I have NO experience with Amazons, maybe I'm letting my heart make all the decisions here, I want to learn as much as I can ... Though Ithe guy is selling the birds, it feels more like a rescue to me!! I did see the guy reach in and put more sunflower seeds in and neither bird totally freaked.. They actually moved closer to him... Like someone said they may not being feeling 100% and I may see a completely different bird once I change this diet and he gets the care he needs!!!!!

[Wolf]

I am also in NC, where are you and where are the birds as well as their prices and what comes with them?

[liz]

I am also in NC, where are you and where are the birds as well as their prices and what comes with them?

GOTCHA

That is why I like the location in the info box.