Taming my New Amazon

Question
Hi there

We purchased a orange winged amazon aprrox 1 week ago.

From the first day she comes over to the edge of her cage and puts her head down and ruffles her head feathers so we stroke her when she does this. is this the right thing to do is that what she is asking?

When ever i open the cage and try to get her out she starts growling and going at me to bite me. once she steped onto my arm for a second then flew off. (she isnt wing clipped)

My aim is to get her to walk onto my arm etc and make her feel happy doing this and be comfortable to stay there a while. How can i acheive this aim with her in the best possible way?

I hope you can help me and i look forward to reading your answer.

Thanx Becki  

Answer
Hi, Becky.  Thanks for posting.

#1- Amazon's are moody anyway- you will have to be patient and get to know her and her moods.

#2- You are correct when it comes to scratching her head.  The more you know them- the more you will understand her requests.  When she puts her head down and ruffles her feathers, she is asking you to love on her (scratch her).

#3- However, you need to respect the inside of her cage.  This is her home and you are the intruder- especially with Amazons.  You will need to coax her out of her cage (on the door or top of cage) and then let  her step onto your arm or hand.  She feels safe in her cage, kind of like her "den".  Since you have only had her a week, it can take years to bond with a bird, be patient and you will be rewarded.  If she doesn't want to do something, respect this- she may bite if she feels provoked.  

#4- I would recommend for you to get the wings clipped of the bird.  If she were to fly off of your arm and hit a window or wall, it could cause severe injury to the bird.  You are doing this for her benefit- as well as keeping her tame.  You will be able to do more things with her when she is clipped.

#5- It will take time to achieve trust with your new bird.  If you are sitting around watching TV- let her explore your world- get her out slowly, put her on your shoulder and sit- she will explore things and get to trust you.  When they learn to trust you, she will show affection.  They bird will bond with the person that spends the most time with it, meaning...  if you have a husband or significant other, the bird may become jealous and show anger towards them.  

Chrys