My friends are considering adopting a new parrot, and they are particularly interested in bringing an Amazon into their home.
Personality compatibility is at the top of their list of traits to look for, so they asked my advice.
I was thrilled to get a question about parrot personality.
No matter how beautiful the bird and no matter how well prepared the owner, a mismatch in personality can be a deal breaker for a family.
I pulled together as much information as I could about Amazon personalities, and I am here to share it with you.
Are Amazon parrots friendly?
Yes! Amazon parrots are well known for being incredibly friendly, outgoing parrots. Amazons make great pets because they are highly intelligent, affectionate, and love to play with their owners. This makes them very amenable to training and integrating with their new family, and they will quickly learn to do tricks and even talk!
The other side of the coin is that, because of this high intelligence and play drive, Amazon parrots can become bored quite easily.
This can make them temperamental, causing behavior problems such as screaming.
Amazons are some of the friendliest parrots out there, but keep in mind that they do require a lot of one-on-one time with their owners.
Any new Amazon owner must be prepared to provide plenty of training, stimulation, and exercise for their new friend.
Do Amazon parrots like to be with people?
Amazons are incredibly affectionate, meaning they love to engage with their owners.
They love to be the center of attention and they will always put on a show when spending time with their family.
Amazon parrots require careful training to make sure that this energy doesn’t go overboard.
Owners can begin by handling their Amazon by simply spending time with them in the room and feeding them while in their cage.
From here you can move on to teaching them to gently eat out of your hand directly.
A natural next step to handling your Amazon will be teaching them to step up onto a perch and eventually onto your hand.
Slow, careful training here will ensure that they are not nervous when being physically handled by you.
Another form of interaction that your parrot will love is bath time.
Amazons come from the rainforest, so weekly showers can be a great bonding experience for both owner and parrot.
They may also love being sprayed with a spray bottle while playing.
Amazons love water, so explore the different options for play to optimize your bonding experience.
Eventually you’ll be able to let your Amazon spend more and more time outside of its cage.
Ideally this can mean more time with you!
Whether riding on your shoulder or playing together with toys, the more time you spend handling your Amazon the better.
Are Amazon parrots aggressive?
Because Amazons are so high energy, they can become aggressive if poorly trained or if they are under stimulated.
Amazons are incredibly friendly, but also a big commitment.
One reason an Amazon may become aggressive is if they are frustrated with their environment.
If they are left alone too much, left without enough toys, or don’t get enough exercise then they could begin to take out that pent up energy on you, the owner.
A change in environment can also trigger some aggression.
This is because Amazons tend to be territorial birds (especially the males).
If, for example, you switch your parrot’s room or expand their environment they may see this new space as their territory and become aggressive when people enter it.
Parrots also often become aggressive to protect something they value, like food.
If your Amazon does become more aggressive than normal check to see if this could be a factor.
It’s possible, for example, that you’re reaching into their cage past a favorite toy.
It’s also important to remember that Amazons experience hormonal aggression.
This can happen during mating season and will likely also be heightened during their adolescence.
It could be that the aggression is not related to you at all, but simply that your parrot is experiencing internal changes.
If this is the case it is best to respect your parrot’s space.
While that does not mean allowing poor behavior, such as biting, be patient with their experience as well.
How energetic are Amazon parrots?
In the case of the Amazon, friendliness and high energy levels go hand in hand.
They are outgoing and love to be around people.
They also need plenty of exercise and stimulating toys to maintain good behavior.
A common behavior issue with Amazons is screaming, and this is generally a manifestation of these high energy levels.
It is totally normal and expected for your bird to chatter constantly and even to scream a bit, especially in the mornings and evenings.
There are lots of ways to take your bird’s energy into account.
Make sure they have plenty of space, both in the cage and out.
The more you are able to handle your amazon the better off they’ll be.
Include lots of active toys in their environment, like swings and ladders.
If possible and safe allow them to fly free each day as well.
Space outside of the cage, like a gym or playset, can provide a change of scene and exercise.
Training will also be critical in managing energy levels.
Teaching your Amazon new skills will improve your relationship, ensure they understand safety boundaries, and keep their brains working.
Lastly, make sure you allow them plenty of rest!
Amazons need a consistent sleep schedule, often including an afternoon nap.
Are hand fed Amazons more affectionate?
Hand raised Amazons are likely to be more friendly and make better pets.
They will be more likely to be comfortable with humans and to seek out their owners for companionship.
Hand raised Amazons are also more likely to see humans as competitors, which could cause them to become territorial.
This could lead to larger problems during adolescence as well.
The choice between hand raised and parent raised parrots is an individual one, but if your number one priority is having a friendly Amazon then consider choosing a hand raised bird.
Either way, if you are a consistent, caring owner then you will certainly be able to find a friendly, loving companion.