Yellow Headed Amazon

Question
We inherited a femaile yellow fronted Amazon.  Well - we were told that she was a female, but with her reaction now during breeding time we wonder if in fact "she" is a "he".  She is very aggressuve towards me right now.    She regards my husband my husband as her mate and lets me know it, but is more aggressive during the breeding time of the year.  Is there a difference in the way both sexes react at breeding time and is their masterbation technique different.  Maybe there are differences in parrots individually?

Is it possible to find a website on parrot sounds.  We are wondering about some of the sounds she makes.  That again, could be an individualistic thing I guess.

We also wonder why she puts one leg in the air on occasions.  She doesn't appear to be stressed when she does that.  She also grinds her beak on the cage.


Answer
Hi Sue, I'm glad this amazon has found a home to continue his/her care, hopefully for the rest of their life with no more moves.  You must keep in mind above all at this time that the bird is very likely undergoing a stress reaction in having lost their previous home, habits and familiarity.  

The very first thing to do is have her established with a local vet who either knows bird care very well or is (preferably) an avian vet.  The bird should have a DNA profile done not only to establish sex, but make sure there's no underlying diseases that may pop up or cause health complications as time goes on.  Just because nothing has shown up after perhaps many years of life, doesn't mean it's not there and may not show up later.

DNA testing is really very reasonable.  Also, establishing the vet exam so you'll have someone to call in the middle of the night, on a holiday or weekend, is absolutely priceless!  Believe me on this.

When it comes to their technique for mating, yes, it's a pretty individual event.  Girls tend to back up to things, while boys tend to approach things, however, this isn't a sure way to know.

As for the bird prefering one or the other of you, this too isn't likely 'forever'.  Birds can be fickle about their preferences in households.  I've constantly seen our macaws seemingly deeply bond to one person and it can last for months, even years, then one day just change - no rhyme or reason.

 Take a look at our site to find out more about behavior and what to expect, but please have the vet check done, including the DNA to determine sex.  This is very important since if it's a girl, you need to be on the alert for possible egg binding (also addressed at our site under 'egg laying').


 www.4AnimalCare.org