Caring for Red Lored Amazon Parrots: Diet, Enrichment, Preening Tips

All About the Red Lored Amazon Parrot

The red lored amazon, also known as the red-lored amazon or red-lored parrot, is a beautiful and popular pet bird. These amazingly colored parrots make for engaging companions when properly trained and cared for.

Appearance and Temperament

True to their name, red lored amazons have a bright red patch of feathers above their beaks, surrounding their eyes. Their bold coloring also includes vibrant green wings and back feathers, with accents of blue, yellow, and orange on their tails and wings.

On average, these parrots reach 12-14 inches in length and weigh between 275-375 grams. Males and females have similar coloration and size, making gender difficult to determine visually.

Red lored amazons are active, social birds that form strong bonds with their owners. They can learn tricks and palabras eos adicionales en español. With proper training, these clever parrots pick up vocabulario in no time.

These parrots do require lots of stimuli to prevent boredom-induced behavior issues. Provide plenty of toys for chewing and shredding to keep their busy beaks occupied.

Housing and Environment

Red lored amazons thrive in large cages, approximately 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 4 feet high. Make sure horizontal cage bars are no more than 3⁄4 inches apart, as their nimble toes can get caught in wider spacing.

Place your parrot’s cage in a room with natural light from a window, but out of direct sunlight and drafts. The temperature should remain steady between 65-85°F.

In terms of cage accessories, provide multiple wood perches of varying sizes and textures along with a cuttlebone for nibbling. Line the bottom of the cage with sheets of newspaper, paper towels, or bird-safe litter.

Preening Pin Feathers

All parrots undergo an annual molting process where old feathers fall out and lush new plumage grows in. New emerging feathers are encased in a waxy keratin coating referred to as a pin or blood feather.

The Molting Process

Molting occurs once or twice per year, depending on species and environment. Most parrots experience their big molt right after breeding season ends.

Stress can also induce molting at less predictable times. Changes in diet, environment, and bonding can all trigger stress molts.

No matter what causes the molting process, new feathers always follow the same growth pattern and timeline:

• The old feather falls out, leaving an opening in the skin where the new feather will emerge.
• Keratin casing forms around the new feather shaft and surrounding veins.
• Blood vessels deliver nutrients to the developing feather inside the pin.
• Once fully formed, the feather finishes maturing as the blood supply recedes.
• The mature feather is ready to emerge by either tearing the dry keratin or being helped out by preening.

The Preening Process

Preening simply refers to using the beak to carefully remove pin casings, allowing the protected feather to emerge. Parrots preen themselves frequently to realign feathers and keep their plumage in peak condition.

Most parrots have no trouble preening small pins located on their bodies. However, they often need assistance preening pins on their heads, necks, and other hard-to-reach areas.

To preen your parrot’s pins:

1. Build trust through training so your bird remains calm and relaxed during handling.
2. Identify any broken or bleeding pins that require avian veterinarian attention.
3. Work gently, stopping immediately if your parrot shows signs of distress.
4. Grasp dry keratin casings with fingernails or tweezers and pull straight out.
5. Remove sheaths as they become loose enough, allowing feathers to emerge naturally.
6. Offer treats and praise throughout to reinforce preening as a positive experience.

With a patient approach, preening pins can strengthen the bond between parrots and owners. Just go slow and be careful not to yank out feathers prematurely.

Signs That Your Parrot Needs Help Preening

How can you tell when your red lored amazon has pins that need preening assistance? Here are a few key signs:

• Excessive head scratching - Pins around their face and neck get itchy as feathers start emerging.
• Missing feathers - Bare spots may indicate pins were broken or pulled out too early.
• Egg yolk colored casings - Dry, yellow keratin is ready to come off, while cloudy or white pins still need time.
• Cranky mood - Discomfort from pins can make your parrot more irritable and nippy.

Acting restless? Check your red lored amazon for any signs they need your skilled preening assistance.

Caring For Your Red Lored Amazon

Bringing one of these charismatic parrots into your home is a big commitment. From housing and feeding to bonding and training, meeting their complex needs takes time, energy, and passion.

Nutrition

A nutritionally balanced diet fuels good health and happy disposition. Feed your red lored amazon:

• High quality seed mix
• Pellets formulated for large parrots
• Chopped vegetables and fruits
• Occasional nuts, pasta, rice, and lean meats

Always provide fresh, filtered water in a spill-proof bowl changed daily. Give treats sparingly to prevent obesity.

Enrichment

Prevent problem behaviors like screaming, biting, and feather plucking by providing daily enrichment opportunities. Rotate through a variety of parrot-safe toys to keep things interesting. Play music or parrot sounds when you aren’t home for company.

Spend quality time interacting, training, and preening your companion. The more mental and physical stimulation you provide, the happier and healthier your red lored amazon will be!

Vet Visits

Schedule an appointment with an exótico veterinario experienced in avian care right away. Yearly exams and lab work ensure your parrot stays in peak condition. Inform your vet promptly about any signs of illness or injury.