	AllExperts > Parrots
	Search

About Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott
Expertise
Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides. Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care. No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication. Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.

Experience
Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.

Organizations
4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more

Publications
Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.

Education/Credentials
Doctorate, Ordained Minister

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Parrots > OW Amazons

Parrots - OW Amazons

Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 10/29/2009

Question
I have a bonded, proven pair of OW Amazons who have gave us 2 viable clutches in the past 3 years.They normally stay in an outdoor Avery during March thru October. I have brought them into the house for the winter and would like to separate them because the female has started plucking. I think I have seen the male plucking her also. Would this be possible? Should I put the separate cages next to each other, should they be placed where they can not see each other? Will this upset their breeding each spring? Can they be perch trained while seperated

Answer
One of the most common questions I receive, “How do I separate birds that have been sharing a cage forever?”

To do this it would be best to buy two very large, identical cages. Yes, that means the one cage they’ve been sharing goes up to an online auction or other re-sale. You can also keep it as a ‘spare’.

Try to set up both new cages as mirror images of each other and put them next to each other.   Allowing long-time bonded birds remain close without cage sharing is important.

When taking one bird for human interaction, you should leave the other bird inside. If the remaining bird tends to aggravate or rile up the bird in hand, try going to another room wile leaving the caged bird with some distraction. A t.v. on, someone there to talk to it, even a new ‘toy’ if necessary.

The more unusual the distraction, the more likely it’ll work.   Something it hasn’t had or seen before.   Ball up a couple pages of newspaper (no color print) and roll into the bottom of the cage; a paper towel tube with an almond inside and both ends twisted shut; use your imagination.

Follow steps for taming you’ll find here about midway down the page under ‘biting’
            www.4AnimalCare.org/birds

Once one bird starts to cooperate, let the other bird see it. Birds are very good at learning by example. I think you’ll be surprised at how quickly and rather easy this is. What it takes most of all is consistency and patience.

Add to this Answer Ask a Question