AboutTracy Conant Expertise I am part of running Pampered Parrots Avian Rescue. It is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill, non-breeding and Christian run organization. We focus on being a small rescue offering quality care.
I can answer questions pertaining to running a rescue, starting a rescue, promoting a rescue and fund raising for a rescue. I also am able to answer questions specifically about bird or parrot rescue. I can help you explore what kind of bird may be right for you and your family. I can also offer aid and advice in integrating your new companion into your home. Together we can work on behavior issues, gaining your birds trust and other issues you face as an owner of a rescued parrot.
Experience I have been involved in animals lives for 25 years. I volunteered for many years with Humane Societies and other animal organizations before founding a parrot rescue with my husband. I have participated in emergency animal rescue including active rescue in areas devastated by hurricane Katrina. I am currently taking FEMA classes to further my ability performing rescue in emergency situations.
I have worked side by side with Board Certified Avian Veterinarians as well as Veterinarians with a special interest in Pscittacines. I have also been active in being an animal advocate and protecting animals rights. Humane treatment of all animals is a passion of mine and I am particularly passionate about avian welfare and protection.
Organizations I am currently involved with Pampered Parrots Avian Rescue, PNW Animal Advocates, HEART, Parrots as Service Animals and some small grassroots rescue organizations.
Education/Credentials I do have a college education and have a degree in a medical field. I have taken many classes and extended learning courses on animal behavior as well as online interactive courses from a parrot behaviorist. Mostly my education is hands on and from many years of working in animal related fields. I gauge my success and capabilities on the end result of birds coming through rescue. Previously emaciated and non socialized birds that become healthy, companionable and able to go to a home of their own is worth more than any certificate on a wall.
Question Hi! I need your expert advice. I am very concerned with Gladys, my amazon parrot that I adopted a few weeks ago from a family that couldn't care for her anymore due to illness. I have tried everything to make her feel at home, placing all her familiar toys around her, talking constantly to her (I work full time, so I do this after work), playing cartoons for her, and leaving the radio on for her during the day, so she will hear voices and not feel so alone. Some days she is very talkative and seems at peace, but other days, she is uneasy and unrestful, moving nervously up and down on top of her cage, and scratching her beak continously on the cage. She has also been emitting high pitched cries, while trembling, which makes me think this is a cry for help, rather than a normal parrot sound. It breaks my heart thinking that she might not feel at ease at her new home. Because she's by herself most of the day, I'm wondering if I should get her a companion. My husband is completely against it, but I told him we need to look out for Glady's well being and comfort while she goes through this acclimatization period. She has been a single bird in all her three years of life, so I don't know if adding a companion will make the adaptation more stressful. If your suggestion is to get her a mate, will you also advice on where I can adopt a male amazon parrot? Thanks. Your suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Answer Nalle,
I am not overly concerned with the actions of your Amazon. First, it's only been a few weeks of you having her and she could still be making the adjustment. Some birds become very depressed when changing families and it may last for weeks.
Have you owned birds before? most of the actions you have described seem normal Amazon behaviors. The moving constantly is often an OCD type behavior where they just can't sit still and will do repetitive movements. Some birds pace back and forth, some will spin in circles or move their head in a Stevie Wonder type manner. This is nothing more than a behavior brought on by being a caged animal that in all truthfulness shouldn't be in one.
The crying may be nothing more than vocalization. Amazons are not a quiet bird. There are times during the day where they will screech, holler and make enough noise to wake the dead! In the rescue we encourage this activity and will holler with them and interact with the flock. We jokingly call it 'scream therapy'!
Depending on the manner of beak scratching can offer insight into why she is doing it. If she is rubbing in an up and down manner, it is nothing more than scratching her beak! Beaks have a lot of nerves in them and it feels good to have it rubbed, scratched and caressed!
I have to say I side with your husband on getting another bird- at least with getting a male! You would be opening a whole can of worms by introducing a male to your female. You risk mating behavior that can result in babies or egg-binding! This is a dangerous condition that can kill birds. Amazons are flock creatures, so if you did decide to get another you should have it be another female. In the event you were to do that, be prepared to have a lot of noise in your house as they perform contact calls to one another and they also may decide to not want to interact with you at all!
Some things to be sure you offer the best to your bird is to have the largest cage possible for her, lots of toys she can chew, shred and destroy and a diet that is best for a caged companion. This diet should not contain seed. This is because seed can contribute to excess energy that may cause the pacing, 'shivering' and some other actions.
I sure hope this has helped touch on a few things for you that you can possibly explore further to develop a better relationship with your companion. Thank you and I hope you enjoy your companion for years to come!
God Bless,
Tracy Conant
Pampered Parrots Avian Rescue
www.pamperedparrots.org
