The double yellow-headed Amazon parrot, or yellow-headed parrot, is a popular companion animal, celebrated for its striking coloring and ability to amass a substantial vocabulary. These birds are especially talented in learning opera and other types of singing, making them charming companions. The most obvious features of this predominantly green parrot are its yellow head and a red patch, or speculum, on each wing. Young birds lack these distinctive yellow and red markings, which become more prominent with age. In the wild, the yellow-headed Amazons consume fruits, nuts, berries, blossoms, and leaf buds.
Understanding the Yellow-Headed Amazon
The yellow-headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix) inhabits tropical deciduous forests and other lowland wooded areas on the Pacific and Atlantic slopes of Mexico, as well as locally in Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Feral populations also occur in southern California, Florida, and Puerto Rico. This species is considered a good "talker" and, consequently, is highly threatened by capture for the pet trade, and is now very scarce in most parts of its native range.
These parrots grow to a length of about 15 inches from the tip of their beaks to the end of their tails. The double yellow-headed Amazon is an active bird that likes to clamber around its given area, and will love to fly if offered enough space. The yellow-headed Amazon’s stout, hooked beak is used not only for cracking nuts and seeds, but also for grasping, exploring, and climbing.
Dietary Needs of Yellow-Headed Amazons
A double yellow-headed Amazon should be fed a nutritionally balanced pelleted diet, as well as fresh vegetables and fruit. Lafeber’s Avi-Cakes and Nutri-Berries are also nutritionally balanced and offer variety for the diet and opportunities for foraging. Foods high in vitamin A and calcium are important, as this bird is prone to deficiency. Because its appetite is healthy, the DYH is prone to obesity if it doesn’t get enough exercise. It is essential to provide a balanced diet to maintain their health and well-being.
The Importance of Pellets
The current recommendation by board-certified avian veterinarians who study avian nutrition is that pellets should make up 50-70% of a parrot's diet. The best pellets to feed your parrots are those that do not contain additives, such as sugar or dyes, because these ingredients can have a cumulative effect in the body and cause diseases over the long term, possibly even shortening a bird's life span. Recommended pellet brands include (but are not limited to) Lafeber, Harrison’s, Roudybush, Zupreem Naturals, Hagen, TOPS (Totally Organic Pellets), and Caitec Oven Fresh Bites.
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Fresh Foods: A Vital Component
Parrot diets should consist of a combination of a high-quality pellet and fresh foods. Contrary to popular belief, most parrots should not be fed seed mixes. Small bird species, such as budgie parakeets or cockatiels, can have a mixture of high-quality seed and pellets because of their high metabolism and energy expenditure. But seed is not appropriate for larger species, such as Amazons, greys, macaws, and cockatoos, because they do not provide enough healthy nutrients. Plus, unhealthy seed mixes often contribute to health conditions in pet birds, including excessive weight gain and liver disease.
A varied diet that incorporates fresh foods can help keep your Amazon engaged and healthy.
Fruits, Seeds, and Nuts: Treats in Moderation
Fruits, seeds, and nuts should comprise no more than 10-20% of a healthy parrot diet. Many people envision parrots in the wild eating a diet of nothing but fruits and nuts, but researchers are discovering that, for most parrot species, this is somewhat of a misconception. In addition, wild birds expend a lot more energy than captive birds do, so they need the extra sugars and fats found in nuts and fruits. Plus, the fruits that they eat in the wild contain much less sugar and much more fiber than the fruits cultivated for human consumption. Offer fruits, seeds, and nuts only as a treat, and focus mostly on fresh berries and raw, unsalted nuts. Avoid giving peanuts, as these can be dangerous. Other nuts, such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts, can be used. Always check the food for mold or rot before giving it to a parrot.
Parrot Chop: An Efficient Solution
An easy, efficient, and cost-effective way to provide a wide variety of fresh foods to your bird daily is to make something called “chop.” Chop is exactly what it sounds like: You cook a big batch of grains and legumes, finely chop up a variety of vegetables, and mix it all together in a large container. You then spoon three to four individual daily servings into sandwich bags or other containers, and put them in the freezer. Depending on how much you make and how many birds you have, one batch of chop can last anywhere from one week to several months. Chop can be customized to the individual bird’s preferences, but you can also try sparking curiosity by mixing in new ingredients.
Addressing Common Feeding Challenges
Feeding a double yellow-headed Amazon can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to introducing new foods or ensuring they get a balanced diet.
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Encouraging Pellet Consumption
Many parrots have never learned how to eat a healthy pellet diet, but they can be taught to do so through a gradual conversion process.
One of the main challenges faced by Amazon owners is getting their birds to eat pellets. Here are some strategies to encourage pellet consumption:
- Mix with Favorites: Initially, mix a small amount of pellets with their favorite foods, gradually increasing the pellet ratio.
- Crush the Pellets: Try crushing the pellets to a smaller overall size, making them easier to eat.
- Make a Mush: Wet the pellets and mix them with fruit or other palatable items to create a mush.
Addressing Underweight Birds
If your yellow-headed Amazon is underweight, it's crucial to reevaluate their diet and ensure they are getting enough calories and nutrients.
- Monitor Weight Regularly: Keep track of your bird's weight to identify any trends and adjust the diet accordingly.
- Consult with a Vet: Work closely with an avian veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of weight loss and develop an appropriate feeding plan.
- Increase Caloric Intake: Consider adding healthy fats and protein to their diet, such as cooked sweet potato or buttered veggies (high fat, high VitA).
- Check Liver Values: Liver issues can contribute to weight loss in older Amazons, so ensure their liver values are checked.
What to do if a Yellow-Headed Amazon Refuses to Eat Pellets
It can be frustrating when your Amazon refuses to eat pellets, but persistence and creativity are key.
- Try Different Brands: Experiment with different pellet brands to find one your bird enjoys.
- Offer Variety: Provide a variety of fresh foods alongside pellets to make mealtime more appealing.
- Make it Fun: Turn mealtime into an interactive experience by hiding pellets in foraging toys.
Avoiding Obesity
Amazon parrots are prone to becoming obese, which is why owners should pay attention to the amount and types of food offered daily. Treats and table foods should be fed in moderation, as a double yellow-head has a hard time saying “No,” to food. Because its appetite is healthy, the DYH is prone to obesity if it doesn’t get enough exercise.
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