Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,

It's been awhile since I have posted, but I had a question you might be able to help me with. I'm about 6 months pregnant now, and I have a 6 and a half year old male double yellow headed amazon who is going through some hormonal "adjustments" lately. Up until about a year ago, he was a little angel. Now, he is particularly possessive with any one person he chooses in a room when he is not caged, and very nippy and protective to anyone else in the room. His love interest changes from week to week. I know this is normal amazon behaviour for his age and is triggered by hormones, but I just want to know if there is anything I should do if he continues to behave this way when the baby is born in January. I love my parrot and would like to know if any of you have had similar experiences, and how you dealt with them.
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We have definitely had to contend with hormonal amazons along with many other species of hormonal or just plain grumpy (at least when the arrived)birds. I have found that the only real way to get past this stage is patience and positive reinforcements. Just like any behavior you want to curb in a bird it will take time and this is just one that takes a bit more time until the hormones settle down. Reward him for good behavior, ignore bad behavior, when he is quiet and not nippy spend more time with him, praise him, give him treats (if not already doing this make sure you have a treat he likes that he gets at no other time such as an almond, a pecan etc), scritches if he likes them etc. When he is behaving badly, place him down immediately, try not to reward bites with loud "Ouches" or dramatic behavior, sometimes it can be difficult but it will eventually subside. Whatever you do, don't leave him completely alone at this time or he will become impossible to handle even when the hormones stop.

As far as an expected family addition. Try to get him used to having baby furniture around, baby toys around etc. Place a bassinet (or stroller, carriage, car seat etc) within his sight range. If possible use a doll as a substitute baby. It may seem strange but pay attention to the doll, spend time around to show that something new will be getting some of your attention, but try not to take time away from your bird make sure you still spend as much time as possible around him but an amount of time that you "think" you will be able to keep allotting when the baby is here. This should help him get used to the fact that there will be something else in your life taking up some of your time. As far as his behavior around a baby, do not let him out while your baby is in the room, wait till baby is taking a nap or safely in another room etc. If someone else will be helping in his care while you are delivering then make sure he is used to that person giving him food, water etc.

You may find it easier to get your amazon adjusted to a new room in the house where the baby won't spend as much of its time. Make sure it is still a room you frequent, where he will still get lots of attention but maybe not where little junior will be trying to nap, etc. If you are going to be rearranging cage, furniture try to do so before the baby arrives so that all the changes don't happen at once.