How to Acclimate an Older Amazon Parrot to a New Home

Adopting an older pet allows you to fulfill your desire for companionship while giving an animal a second chance in a loving home. At times, however, it can be challenging. This is especially true when bringing an older Amazon parrot to a new home. Moving can be a great time of stress for these birds, especially ones that have endured poor treatment in the past. That being said, certain approaches help minimize strain when you acclimate an older Amazon parrot to your home.

Instructions

    • 1

      Move the parrot into your home when it will be quiet. The stress of moving can be greatly reduced if the new environment is calm and relaxing. A recommended time would be when you and the parrot will be alone together and you don't have a lot to do. If you have other pets that tend to be boisterous or might otherwise be frightening to the parrot, consider temporarily confining them during the move.

    • 2

      Bring the parrot's home and food with it. An older Amazon parrot will be used to its particular cage and food, and keeping those things the same will help maintain familiarity and allow the parrot to acclimate faster. This is true even if the parrot's housing is inadequate or its food is unbalanced. Once it is settled into its new surroundings, switch the housing and food if necessary or desired.

    • 3

      Cover your parrot's cage with a cage cover or dark colored sheet at night. An Amazon parrot needs at least eight hours of sleep a night. Inadequate sleep can amplify the stress your Amazon parrot is feeling and make acclimation more difficult. On the other hand, allowing your parrot to rest properly every night will help it feel comfortable in its new home faster.

    • 4

      Interact with your parrot daily. When trying to acclimate an older Amazon parrot to a new home, this is the most important step. If the bird is shy, interaction can consist of simple things, such as talking to it or sitting quietly in the same room. If your parrot is handling its new home well, you can try to physically touch it. Watch your parrot carefully for signs of stress, which include tightening of and picking at the feathers, hopping from one foot to another and widening of the eyes.