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From: susans@cfi.COM (susans)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: INDOOR:  Any Tips For A First Time Amazon Parrot Owner?
Keywords: AMAZON INDOOR PARROT
Message-ID: <1016@cfiprod.UUCP>
Date: 8 Feb 91 19:09:01 GMT
References: <16456@sdcc6.ucsd.edu>
Reply-To: susans@cfiprod.UUCP (Susan Scheide -CFI-)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Consumer Financial Institute, Waltham, Mass.
Lines: 80

In article <16456@sdcc6.ucsd.edu> ma176f1@sdcc14.ucsd.edu (Sean Kelly) writes:
>
>I've been a bird lover for most of the twentythree years of my life,
>but due to circumstances beyond my control (mom wouldn't let me) I
>have never been a bird owner until yesterday.  I came across a
>beautiful Amazon (mostly green with orange cheeks) female (they said
>it was surgically determined) in the local Bird Store (Bird Haven).

	Find out what KIND of Amazon.  And ask to see the surgical
	sexing papers.  If the store is advertising an "amazon
	parrot," I would run, not walk, to another store that knows
	what they're selling!

>1) Does anyone know of a good bird vet in San Diego?  And, how often
>   should she been seen?

	Bird Talk magazine has lists of Avian vets in all areas of
	the country.  The bird should be examined the day after you
	buy it, and the bird should come with a health guarantee so
	that you can return it if the vet finds anything wrong with
	it.

	Other than that, you need not take her in unless she's sick.

>2) What kind of food do they like? And what kind of food do they need?
>   (the salesmen said birdseed and fresh fruits and vegetables)

	Score one for the salesman.  Read books.  Read magazines.
	Ask the vet.
>
>3) Since I work for a living and can't be home constantly what kind
>   toys and equipment should be in the cage to keep her busy?
>   (rubber squeky toys, cuddle bones, ladders, swings, radios?)

	This is cute!  It isn't "cuddle bones," it's cuttle bone,
	and it's not a toy, it's a necessary dietary supplement
	(the skeleton of a squid or something like that) and the
	bird should have one available at all times to provide
	calcium.

	You start with one toy, and if she likes it, great.  If
	not, try another.  My birds don't like toys much.  Some
	don't.  If they don't, they don't.  Do NOT give it a mirror,
	unless you want her to fall in love with herself, and not you.

>4) How much should I expect her to be able to learn?

	Like what do you mean?  She won't learn to read!  Knitting
	is probably out!  She might learn a few simple tricks, and
	perhaps a few words or how to whistle.  If the bird is not
	currently tame enough to sit on your arm/shoulder, you should
	probably think twice since you have no bird experience.  
	Taming an adult parrot is not easy, and it takes a lot
	of time and patience.  For a little more money you can buy
	one that is already tame.  Makes for a much easier time.
	Some amazons are better talkers than others.  That's why you
	have to find out what type she is.  Some are noisier than others
	too.  Something to consider when you consider your neighbors!

>5) Are there any really good books or magazines that are considered
>   required reading?

	I'd recommend Patricia Waltz's "The Pet Bird Handbook."  There
	are a million books.  I like Bird Talk magazine, because I'm
	not a professional.  There is also American Cage Bird, but I
	feel they have too much canary stuff.

>6) What are good names for Parrots (other than Polly)?

	That's equivalent to asking what's a good name for a child.
	Pick a name you like.  Any name will do.  Mine are Flipper,
	Murphy, Sugar, Pookie, and Bandit.  Not good kid names, but
	adequate for birds!



-- 
                        Susan S. (susans@cfi.com)

                        Another Friend of Bill's