How to Care for a Yellow-Naped Amazon
Yellow-naped Amazons are highly intelligent, lively birds. They are usually a light green in plumage, with a yellow nape that gives them their name. They may also have touches of red and blue, depending on their genetics. Amazon's make very rewarding pets, and are very playful. They require plenty of attention and care to remain in optimum health, and live for between 20 and 60 years, depending on their health.
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Instructions
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Set up a bird cage. Mature Amazons are large birds, measuring around 14 inches from head to toe, so a large cage is needed. The bird will also require ledges at varying levels, and regular time outside of the cage to fly and play. The cage should be placed in a moderately busy part of the house, as Amazons enjoy socialization.
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Provide suitable food. This can be purchased from pet shops or good department stores. Amazons thrive on a diet of seeds, fruits, nuts and berries. They are also known to enjoy eating blossom and leaf buds, green vegetables and corn. While you should provide access to food at all times, monitor your birds eating. Amazons are prone to obesity, and therefore require a low fat diet to maintain a suitable weight.
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Offer a variety of toys, such as branches and wooden toys. Due to their high intelligence, Amazons become easily bored, so having a range of toys is considered necessary. As well as toys to chew and climb on, Amazons tend to love toys which are brightly colored and contain bells and mirrors.
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Mist the bird with room temperature clean water regularly. In warm rooms, the Amazon can be left to dry naturally, or you can use a hair dryer on a low setting. Amazon's are unlikely to bathe themselves successfully in a bird bath, although this can be a fun activity for the bird.
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Socialize the bird as much as possible. This includes introducing the bird to different people, and making trips to the vets. Young Amazons are usually very friendly, and will befriend everyone. Mature Amazons tend to bond strongly with their primary carer, and can become very protective.
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Provide fresh, clean water at all times. Amazons do not need a vitamin supplement added to their water, provided that they are following a good diet, and are offered fresh fruit as a treat. Change the water once a day if possible to ensure it remains clean and hygienic.
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Tips & Warnings
Inform the vet immediately if your parrot is acting out-of-sorts. Amazon parrots suffer from a range of health conditions, most of which can be easily treated if caught early enough.
References
- Photo Credit orange-winged amazon parrot eating a peanut image by Bo Widerberg from Fotolia.com
