Amazon Parrots

Amazon Parrot - Species Profile:

Origin: South America
Size: Medium
Colors: Green with accenting colours
Temperament: Energetic
Scientific name: Genus Amazona

General description

An "Amazon parrot" is a common name for parrots that originate from South America, Mexico and the Caribbean region. They are predominantly green birds with accenting colours that depend on the species. The size of Amazon parrots can be up to 40cm from the beak to the tip of the tail. The lifespan is up to 60 years, although some individuals can live longer.

Temperament

Because of their talkative and energetic temperament, Amazon parrots are known as "feathered chatter boxes". Because of their voice capabilities, these birds can be extremely adorable and amuzing. Amazons are affectionate, social, loyal, and very intelligent, which makes them wonderful but somewhat demanding companions. You'll have to provide your Amazon with daily interaction and mental stimulation so it stays happy and healthy. Make sure chewing toys are always available: in the wild, Amazons are cavity nesters, so their desire to chew wood is strong. If an Amazon parrot is bored and neglected, chances are high that it will become very destructive to itself and the surroundings; it can also become moody, jealous, stubborn, irritable, or overly loud.
This species is more suitable for experienced bird owners because Amazon parrots require a certain amount of patience and training. Males and females make equally good pets.
Amazon parrots reach sexual maturity at about 4 or 5 years old. They often become restless during this period, and signs of physical distress are not uncommon (these can include feather plucking or a female laying infertile eggs).
Birds are flock creatures, and Amazon parrots are not an exception. While they can live happily as a sole pet (if they're given plenty of attention and mental stimulation), it is still recommended to keep at least two birds.

Health and nutrition

An Amazon parrot's diet should consist of seeds, nuts, fruits, and supplemented by leafy matter. Giving your parrot fresh fruit, make sure you remove all uneaten leftovers because fruit spoils quickly. Feeding your parrot fresh vegetables, remember that some vegetables contain lots of fiber and water, but are otherwise not very nutritious (for example, lettuce and celery). At the same time, dark yellow and leafy green vegetables are a great choice.
A Parrot that receives poor nutrition may develop a number of health issues such as feather plucking, overgrown beak, blindness or other eye diseases, epileptic seizures (frequently found in African Greys and Cockatoos), and immune deficiency. Beware of colourful seeds and pellets as those are usually coloured with sugar-filled food colouring, and giving them to your parrot may result in sugar overdose.

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Amazon Parrots

General description

Temperament

Health and nutrition

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