Taking Care Of An Amazon Parrot.

I recently bought an untamed six- month old parrot-some sort of Amazon
from an acquaintance. He's got red and yellow little bits on the top of his wings
and a little yellow on his head. From time to time pieces of his feathers break off
so he looks tatty, but otherwise he seems to be in good condition. He also
makes lots of noises and sounds.

I have a tame Senegal parrot, which has become more affectionate and
more tolerant of other people since my new bird's arrival I know that my
Senegal has to have fruit and vegetables every day, so I am feeding the
Amazon the same diet. Is this right?

Answer:
At six months old your Amazon parrot, which I think may be a yellow naped Amazon (going by your description), still has to develop full adult plumage. He will gain more yellow coloration in the forth coming months but will not be in full color for a couple more years or so. If you take some photographs at intervals you can record the development of the feather coloration with each moult.

The yellow-naped Amazon is said to be a very good mimic and because you mentioned your pet is making lots of sounds, I think it is likely that you have got this particular species of Amazon.

You mention feather condition and your concerns. It maybe that your pet is just going into his first proper moult as a young Juvenile, or he might be a bit older than you have been advised and this is a second moult. Many Amazons take a while to develop immaculate plumage. There are one or two factors to consider

Do you spray your pet with lukewarm water from a hand spray or in the showers I recommend a shower every day at this time of year for developing good plumage, cutting down feather dust that is often itchy and makes some Amazons scratch a lot.

Has your bird had its wings clipped by a previous owner? Clipping should not be contemplated in birds under 12-18 months as this often ruins feather growth Feather breakage for no reason is often seen on birds that have been previously clipped. If you feel there is serious damage to the plumage and you need something extra, here is my hot tip I recommend the addition of glycerin and rose water toward water spray just a couple of tablespoons to help feathers achieve a nice gloss.

As far as diet is concerned you can feed both your Amazon and Senegal on more or less the same food but give your Amazon plenty of mixed nuts as well as some protein, such as chicken bones, and now and then a small cube of cheese if your pet shows an interest in this treat.

_{source Bird Keeper Mag}