So you're thinking about getting a double yellow headed amazon parrot? Let me tell you upfront – these aren't your average parakeets. I learned this the hard way when I adopted Zazu back in 2010. Woke up to him screaming like a car alarm at 5:30 AM because the sunrise "offended" him. But man, when he whispers "pretty bird" while bobbing his head? Worth every decibel.

What Makes Double Yellow Headed Amazons Different

First things first: double yellow headed amazons (Amazona oratrix) stand out in the parrot world. That brilliant yellow head? It develops slowly – takes about 5 years for full coloration. Young birds look completely different with mostly green heads.

Their Native Habitat – Where They Really Come From

Wild double yellow headed amazon parrots aren't from some tropical paradise like you'd imagine. Mostly Mexico's Pacific coast – dry forests where they deal with extreme seasons. This explains why they're tougher than people think. I met a breeder in Oaxaca who showed me their nesting sites in cactus-filled cliffs. Not exactly five-star resorts.

Daily Reality of Owning One

Before you fall for those cute YouTube videos, let's talk brass tacks. My typical day with Zazu:

• 5:30-6:00 AM: Ear-splitting "good morning" screams (no snooze button)
• 7:00 AM: Fresh food prep (20 mins chopping veggies)
• 4:00 PM: 90-min out-of-cage play session
• 8:00 PM: Cover cage battles (he hates bedtime)

And the mess? Imagine a toddler with a blender full of berries. My walls have permanent mango stains.

Essential Gear You Absolutely Need

Skip the cute pet store cages. For a double yellow headed amazon parrot, you need:

1. Cage: Minimum 36"W x 48"L x 60"H ($500-$900). Powder-coated steel only.
2. Perches: Natural wood diameters varying from 1"-3" ($15-$40 each)
3. Toys: Destruction-friendly options (expect to spend $100/month)

Biggest mistake I made? Getting acrylic food bowls. Zazu shattered them in a week. Stainless steel only.

Behavior Quirks You Must Understand

Double yellow headed amazons have serious personality. They're like feathery toddlers with PhDs in manipulation. Common behaviors:

• The "Amazon Stare": That intense look before they lunge? Yeah, it's real.
• Seasonal Aggression: Hormonal months (spring) turn Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde
• Selective Talking: They choose words – Zazu says "dinner time" perfectly but mocks my laugh

Most surprising thing? Their emotional intelligence. When I had surgery, Zazu stayed unusually quiet for days. Creepy but sweet.

Training Challenges – What Works (and Doesn't)

Forget what you know about dog training. With double yellow headed amazons:

• Positive reinforcement: Works wonders with almonds
• Punishment: Makes them hold grudges for weeks
• Step-up command: Essential for safety (took Zazu 6 months to master)

Pro tip: Train during morning hours. Afternoons? They get stubborn as mules.

Health Issues You Can't Ignore

Vet Dr. Martinez in Tucson told me: "Amazons hide illness until it's critical." Watch for:

• Feather plucking: Often boredom-related (Zazu did this during my busy work week)
• Obesity: Too many seeds = fatty liver disease
• Psittacosis: Zoonotic risk requiring immediate treatment

Annual vet checks run $150-$300. Emergency visits? Try $800+ like when Zazu ate part of a remote control.

Diet Mistakes Most Owners Make

Seeds are candy to these birds. Proper diet for a double yellow headed amazon parrot should be:

• 70% high-quality pellets (Harrisons or TOPs)
• 20% chopped veggies (sweet potatoes, leafy greens)
• 10% fruits/nuts (almonds as training rewards)

Avocado and chocolate? Deadly. Learned that the hard way when Zazu dive-bombed my guacamole.

Breeding Challenges – Not for Amateurs

Thinking of breeding double yellow headed amazons? Consider this:

• Pairs can be violently picky (introductions take months)
• Chicks require hand-feeding every 4 hours
• Market saturation risks (ethical breeders lose money)

My breeder friend quit after a female nearly took off his finger. These birds mean business.

Adoption vs Buying – Ethical Considerations

Rescues overflow with unwanted double yellow headed amazons. Adoption pros:

• Cost: $300-$800 vs $3,500 for babies
• Often come with cages/toys
• Save a bird from shelter limbo

Cons? You inherit behavioral baggage. My adopted amazon, Paco, still hates men after 3 years.

Long-Term Commitment Reality

These aren't pets. They're lifetime companions with complex needs. Before getting a double yellow headed amazon parrot, ask yourself:

• Can I handle 50+ years of care?
• Will I still travel/live freely?
• Can I afford $1,500/year minimum?

Zazu outlived two dogs already. He'll probably attend my funeral.

Final Thoughts – Worth the Chaos?

Honestly? Some days I regret it. Like when Zazu destroyed my $200 headphones. Or when he bites for no reason. But watching him dance to mariachi music? Priceless. If you want easy, get a hamster. If you want a feathery soulmate who'll challenge you daily? Maybe a double yellow headed amazon parrot is your chaos companion.