Amazon Parrot - Info for the New Owner - Part 1

You just purchased, or plan to purchase, an Amazon Parrot. You have a little knowledge about them, but it is general knowledge, so now you are seeking more info - info for the new owner of an Amazon Parrot.

Amazon Parrot Subspecies

First of all, what kind of Amazon parrot is it?

* Blue-fronted Amazon
* Double Yellow-head Amazon
* Lilac-crowned Amazon
* Mealy Amazon
* Mexican Redhead Amazon
* Orange-winged Amazon
* Panama Amazon
* Red-lored Amazon
* White-fronted Amazon
* Yellow-crowned Amazon
* Yellow-naped Amazon

Amazon Parrot Description

Whatever subspecies your Amazon Parrot is, it will probably be predominantly green. It will be a medium to large, stocky bird, about 15″ long when full-grown. It will sport a somewhat rounded, short tail. There is nothing fragile looking about an Amazon Parrot. The splashes of color will help you know which of the above kinds of Amazon Parrot you have.

Amazon Parrot Native Land

Amazon Parrots are native to South and Central America. Some are from hot, humid tropical areas while others originate in areas of tropical savannah climates with short dry periods.

Amazon Parrot Cage

Your Amazon Parrot will need a large, strong cage. To fit its needs, look for a cage that is between 40″ and 60″ high. Its floor space should be about and 24″ x 40″. A cage of this size will allow your Amazon Parrot to move around, and will accommodate the various perches, food dishes, and playthings it will need for a happy home.

Your Amazon Parrot’s perches should be 1/2″ to 1″ round or square to allow his large feet to grasp them comfortably. It will also appreciate various sized fruit tree branches in its cage. Add toys, too, such as bells, chains, climbing ropes, swings, and wooden chew toys.

A pull-out tray will make your cleaning task easier. A gym on top of the cage will provide entertainment when your Amazon Parrot is out of its cage.

Amazon Parrot Food

It is important that your Amazon Parrot have nutritious food. “Polly wants a cracker” is fun to hear, but it needs much more than dry food. A basic parrot feed mix is a good place to start. Supplement this diet with fresh things such as sprouted seeds, fruits, vegetables, and even clean dandelion greens. Add more protein every week or two by offering your Amazon Parrot a hardboiled egg, a little cottage cheese, or a canned meat.

CAUTION: Never feed your Amazon Parrot avocado. It is poisonous to birds.

Amazon Parrot Cleanliness

Your Amazon Parrot will appreciate a nice, lukewarm shower once a week to keep its beautiful plumage clean and healthy. Place it in a sink or tub and use a hand-held shower with a gentle, fine spray. Many will learn to take their own shower in a shower stall – again with a fine, gentle spray.

Get more info for the new owner of a Amazon Parrot in Part 2 of this article.