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Should we buy a Yellow-Naped Amazon?
We have 3 birds right now...Red-Bellied, Gold-Capped Conure and a Cockatiel. We fell in love with a Yellow-Naped Amazon, but the bird store owner told us "we are not Amazon people." We just met her a couple months ago and have been in her store a total of MAYBE 5 times. We do have a 5 year old son, but he knows not to touch the birds, and always asks before approaching them. We understand they are "moody" and you have to approach them on "their" terms, and we would continue to read up on them more, if we did purchase. How are you going to learn to handle them if you don't start sometime? I was just wondering what your input was on this, and owning one. It is 8 months old and we would be the first owners. We have also thought about getting a baby, so it is brand new and we can let it get to know us from birth. Thoughts please!

Hi Laurie,

I admit I'm somewhat impressed by the store owner. She seems to be discouraging you because she thinks you might not be the appropriate home. To me, that sounds like she is not just in it for the money and is genuinely concerned about where her birds go. It seems like most pet stores will sell anyone that walks through the door a bird, as long as they have the cash.

That being said, I think it is your decision whether you are "Amazon people" or not. It's not like you are inexperienced with parrots. You've got three so you know the care they require, and you are more than willing to learn about the parrot you are interested in. I think that is one of the most important things of all - the willingness to learn.

My first bird was an African Grey. Most people do not recommend a Grey as the first bird, but for me, it was a perfect match. I wanted a Grey, but because of the books I'd read, I was considering a Pionus. While talking with a local Pionus breeder, who did not raise Greys, she told me to get the bird I really wanted. She encouraged me to get the Grey, and I did. I still really like the Pionus though and am now considering adding a Dusky to my flock.

Yellow Nape, Double Yellow Head, and Blue Fronts are considered the "Hot 3." They can be more difficult than some of the other Amazons, but every bird is an individual. When I first became interested in birds, the Amazons scared me off because of all the stories I'd heard about hormonal problems, but now I think I could live with one. They are very honest birds. You can tell when they are excited - their tails are fanned and their eyes are pinning. I particularly like the Yellow Napes and the Lilac Crowns.

I say if you've fallen in love with this bird, and you and your husband both want the bird, go for it. I'd recommend you get a VERY large cage with lots of toys to keep it busy. Some Amazons have a reputation for becoming couch potatoes and becoming overweight. If the store owner won't sell you the bird, you can always look into breeders in your area.

Good luck! And let us know what you decide to do.

Good to hear the store owner seems to have the best interest of the bird in hand.

However, Kia, my double yellow headed zon was my first big bird I've had a parakeet here and there, but nothing larger. I didn't know much about parrots other than they live a long time and you need to be willing to spend money on them for vet bills and such.

I think I've done fine with Kia. Learned some things here and there. I read about them, visited message boards and that sort of thing, but before I bought her I didn't really know a thing. In fact I thought I made a mistake....after reading about their moodiness. She is a little moody every so often, then again...so am I