Thanks guys! It was purely by chance that I happened to see his ad since I don't even buy the classified guide it was in, and I hadn't really given much thought to a Zon. His situation wasn't that bad where he was, but he was no longer wanted, and there aren't many people who understand birds in this part of the country (other than how to hunt them). I figured his prospects weren't all that rosy.

Thank you Arty, those kind words mean a lot, coming from someone like you, who does so much for so many little creatures. I'll do my best to live up to them.

Geeeeez, I forgot to mention this.
Chico is surely a fine looking Amazon, I am sure you will get his weight and health issues back on track.
One more issue I would like to mention.
I walk along side of you Nate, never in front for I want you to be able to see all I see and never behind you as I wish to see all you see.
Our goals are the same for you and I, to help all that call upon us.
Walking with you!
BrokenWing

Nate, how's Chico doing today?

Just thinking of some things that 'zons seem to enjoy. Most of them seem to enjoy a good shower. In Chico's case that might be a challenge, considering he hasn't yet become step-up proficient and you might not want to shower the entire room . You could get one of those garden misters. They seem to work really well and don't cause quite so much of a mess.

Have you tried playing music for him? Many 'zons seem to love having you sing, dance and act silly for them. I don't know your personality, but do promise that no photographs or videos will be taken in the process. It can be your little secret with Chico .

One of my flock loves watching figure skating on TV and my sister's DYH loves Dora the Explorer. Country music seems to be a big hit.

Joanie, he's doing great! When I visited him in his old home, she misted him with a spray bottle once a little bit, but as soon as he started to move around and make some noise, she stopped. Well today, I decided to go for a little more. I sprayed him (in his cage) for a while, and then he moved over to the other side and I almost stopped, thinking he was trying to get away from the water. Well, turns out he was just headed for the water dish! He started ducking his head in the water and splashing himself, and I kept on spraying. Ended up emptying the whole bottle on him and filling it again and gave him another half a bottle. He loved it! That part of the living room is soaked, and his cage tray had a half an inch of water in it, but we had fun! When he was done he went and had a snack.

Since everything in the cage was wet, I thought it'd be a good time to clean a bit, so I opened his cage door and wiped down the perches and stuff. I was keeping a wary eye out, but he was fine with it. Stayed away sort of, but no fuss at all.

While I have Quito and Tausi out in the afternoon, we always have apple snacks. I cut up little pieces for them for treats while I'm cleaning their cages. Chico's been having apple chunks too (she told me he didn't like apples)! He's fine with letting me give him those, plus almonds and pine nuts from my fingers. I have to give him a nut first usually, but then he'll have some apple. He's also munching on Zupreem pellets and Ultimate Blend from Bird Paradise. Not so much for my cooked concoctions yet. Since he's eating pellets and Ultimate blend, I took out the WalMart seed dish, although I let him have a couple of peanuts a day since he's been used to having so many. We'll see how it goes, but I don't think he's gonna starve himself.

I have been singing and whistling some to him. Doesn't seem very excited about it yet, but at least he's not hiding his head or trying to run away!

sounds good

Sounds like he's doing wonderful so far! That's great that he already loves to bathe!

I'm glad to hear everything is still going smoothly.

I bet he can't understand why his new humans are doing all this stuff. New foods, new bird freinds, new people, new cage - his head must be full of questions. It will be very interesting to hear all the stories about his changes & adventures.

Laker was very uncomfortable with hands for many months. So I'm thinking, I wouldn't recommend trying to get him to step up onto your hand, if he shows any aversion to the idea. You could try a perch. It can take a lot of trust or familiarity, for an older bird to want to hold onto our flesh. I'm mentioning this because your other 2 birds were young when you got them.

Sounds like Chico is doing great. They're just so funny when they decide to bathe in the water bowl. That was a good idea go wipe down the inside of his cage right afterwards, as he was probably preoccupied with his grooming chores.

Have you tried him with bananas? They're a big hit with my gang. The almonds are a good idea, too, filled with calcium and yummy.

I'm thinking John may be able to give you some good ideas about getting started perch/step-up training on a more mature 'zon. I bet he's dealt with many of them.

Hey Nate! Sorry I'm late on this thread. Welcome home Chico - YAY! I'm sure he'll get some much needed exercise in that hacienda! Thank for taking him. He's beautiful!