Owning an Amazon Parrot as a Pet

Adopting a parrot is not like adopting any other kind of pet. If properly kept, Amazon parrots can live as long as 60 years -- and having a parrot around will always be like having a toddler in the house. For the right home, Amazons make fantastic companions, but it is not a partnership to be entered into lightly.

  1. Discipline

    • Amazon parrots are intelligent, curious and playful. While these qualities make them fun pets, they also make these birds challenging to train. Baby and young parrots tend to chew on everything they can and regard most small objects as toys. Many owners, unaware of how to best discipline their parrots, cannot control them. This can lead to continuing behavioral issues, such as screeching or nipping, and can even be dangerous.

    Hormonal Aggression

    • Amazons are sweet, loving pets only after they come through what is called their hormonal aggression phase. This is a period of a year or two that usually arises between ages 5 and 12. Amazons in this state, particularly males, can become highly aggressive and will often bite. Your loving pet may suddenly turn on you or take a shine to another family member during this phase. Once this phase passes, however, Amazons are typically calm unless it is breeding season, when aggressive behaviors may briefly return.

    Adaptability

    • More than many other birds, Amazon parrots are extremely adaptable to new and various environments. Amazons generally are outgoing and bold, which helps them survive in the wild. These same qualities allow Amazons to adapt to life with people more readily than many other pet birds do. Even if they've been rescued from poor conditions, Amazons tend to adapt quickly to their new surroundings and let go of past misfortunes.

    Diet

    • Amazons, like all birds, love nuts and seeds; and they ave delicate systems. Nuts and seeds should make up no more than 5 percent of an Amazon's diet, as too much fat can lead to liver and digestive problems. Most experts recommend organic pellets for the bulk of an Amazon's diet, with about 20 percent fresh fruits, vegetables and greens. Steer clear, however, of feeding Amazons sweets, chocolates, alcohol and avocados. All of these can be deadly to Amazons.

    Other Considerations

    • Amazon parrots are avid talkers and singers, so if you want a quiet pet, these birds are not it. Also, their impishness and intelligence compel them to "problem solve"; so lots of play, games and mental stimulation keeps Amazons from untying knots or playing with household objects they shouldn't play with. Also, recognize warning signs. Amazons often pluck their own feathers when stressed or sick, and they sometimes scream if they feel ignored.