Chique is a Blue-fronted Amazon, and was given to World Bird Sanctuary by an
owner that didn’t have the time for Chique anymore. This species is also called the Turquoise-fronted
Amazon.
Blue-fronted Amazons are found
in northern and eastern Bolivia, northern Argentina, Paraguay and eastern
Brazil. They are one the best mimickers, next to the African Gray parrot. They will live 40-80 years with proper
care and diet. They are the most common
parrot kept in captivity.
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A wild Blue-fronted Amazon in Brazil. Photo: wikiepedia.org
Parrots need exercise, just like humans. Providing them with chew toys and keeping
them challenged by making them think about how to get to their food, instead of
just putting their food in a bowl and giving it to them, is a good
enrichment. Creating fun puzzles for
them to solve, and rewarding them for it, is great enrichment, too. As
long as you have the time to spend with them, they do make good pets. Although they are great tempered, having a
parrot is a lot of work. They need lots
of attention and care. It’s a lot like
having a child that never grows up, but you can also gain an unbreakable bond. Parrots are very long lived, and may live
longer than you, so you always want to have someone dependable to take care of
your parrot in cases like that.
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Blue-fronted Amazons are a common sight in Brazil, even in the cities in South America. Photo: wikipedia.org
Blue-fronted Amazons are typically a very well mannered
parrot. Chique is very sweet, but is shy
when it comes to new people. She can say
“How are you,” “What are you doing,” “Polly want a cracker,” and my favorite;
”What.” Chique will say this when you
are walking out of the room or when she can hear you, but you’re not paying
attention to her. She loves sunflower
seeds and grapes as rewards. She is a quick learner and is very gentle. She also has been trained to give kisses.
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With almost any pet, you may think the animal will be
awesome to have, but they take a lot of responsibility. As you have read, it takes more than just
feeding and watering to have any pet.
The next time you think you want a pet, do the proper research to make
sure you are capable of meeting all their needs.
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A pet Blue-fronted Amazon. Photo: wikipedia.org |
Submitted by Christina Rankin, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist
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