How to Safely Pick Up and Tame Your Amazon Parrot for the First Time?
Learn the correct technique to pick up your Amazon Parrot and build trust without causing stress. Follow these 5 steps.
1. The Correct Pickup Technique
Gently approach your Amazon Parrot from the front, ensuring you're at eye level. Use both hands to support its body. Place one hand under its chest and the other under its thighs. This provides stability and prevents injury.
Avoid reaching over the top of the cage, as this can startle the bird. Keep your movements slow and calm. Your Amazon Parrot's body shape is long and slender, so it's crucial to support its weight properly.
- Approach from the front at eye level
- Use both hands to support chest and thighs
- Avoid reaching over the top of the cage
- Keep movements slow and calm
- Support the bird's weight properly
2. Building Trust in 5 Steps
1. Spend time in the same room as your Amazon Parrot, speaking to it softly. This familiarizes the bird with your voice and presence.
2. Offer treats through the cage bars, gradually increasing the time you spend near the cage.
3. Once comfortable, try placing your hand inside the cage while offering treats. This helps the bird associate your hand with positive experiences.
4. Gently touch the bird's feathers while offering treats, increasing the duration of the contact.
5. Gradually increase the duration of handling, ensuring the bird remains relaxed and comfortable.
- Spend time in the same room, speaking softly
- Offer treats through the cage bars
- Place hand inside the cage while offering treats
- Gently touch feathers while offering treats
- Gradually increase handling time
3. When Not to Handle Your Amazon Parrot
Avoid handling your Amazon Parrot immediately after feeding, as it may be full and less interested in interaction.
Do not handle the bird during its shedding period, as it can be sensitive and stressed.
Respect the bird's need for sleep; avoid handling it while it's asleep.
Never handle your Amazon Parrot when you're rushed or feeling anxious, as this can increase stress levels.
- Avoid handling after feeding
- Do not handle during shedding
- Respect the bird's need for sleep
- Avoid handling when rushed or anxious
4. Stress Signals to Watch For
If your Amazon Parrot puffs up its feathers, this is a sign of stress. It's important to recognize these signals and adjust your handling technique accordingly.
A hiss or screech can indicate discomfort or fear. If you hear these sounds, stop handling the bird immediately.
If the bird fluffs up its feathers and turns its head away, it's a clear sign of stress. This is your cue to give the bird space and time to calm down.
- Puffing up feathers indicates stress
- Hissing or screeching shows discomfort or fear
- Fluffing up and turning head away is a stress signal
Keep reading about Amazon Parrot: Amazon Parrot care sheet
Related questions
How often should I handle my Amazon Parrot for the first time?
Start with short, daily sessions of 5-10 minutes, gradually increasing the time as the bird becomes more comfortable.
What should I do if my Amazon Parrot becomes stressed during handling?
Stop handling immediately and give the bird space. Offer a treat or a favorite toy to help it calm down.
Is it okay to handle my Amazon Parrot while it's sleeping?
No, it's not okay to handle your Amazon Parrot while it's asleep. This can startle the bird and cause stress.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your amazon parrot is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.