Amazon Parrot

• ExerciseModerate

  Daily out-of-cage time and foraging toys keep them busy.

• GroomingRegular feather care

  Regular bathing or misting plus nail and beak checks.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment40–70 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Obesity · Respiratory issues · Feather plucking

The Amazon parrot is a bold, outgoing, operatic bird that loves to sing, talk and show off, and it thrives on being part of the family's daily life. It is intelligent and playful but also strong-willed, and many Amazons become 'hormonal' and can nip or turn aggressive during breeding season, especially males — reading their body language and keeping firm, consistent boundaries makes for a much happier relationship. It needs a large cage, out-of-cage time, and plenty of toys and foraging over its 40–70 year life. The defining health issue is diet-driven: Amazons love to eat and are extremely prone to obesity and fatty liver disease, so they need a controlled, low-fat diet of pellets and vegetables, minimal seed and nuts, and daily exercise. Beyond obesity, watch for respiratory and fungal disease (aspergillosis) and vitamin A deficiency from poor diets. Their lungs are sensitive to non-stick fumes, aerosols and smoke, which are lethal. Give an Amazon a lean diet, exercise, mental stimulation and clear routine, and it will be a charismatic, singing companion for decades.

• How much activity does a Amazon Parrot need?

  Moderate. Daily out-of-cage time and foraging toys keep them busy.

• How much feather care does a Amazon Parrot need?

  Regular feather care. Regular bathing or misting plus nail and beak checks.

• What cage does a Amazon Parrot need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Amazon Parrot a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Amazon Parrot live?

  40–70 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Amazon Parrot?

  Keep an eye out for Obesity, Respiratory issues, Feather plucking. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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