I think that's one of the keys to successful male Amazon companionship. Bites happen, but they're not fatal and shouldn't be allowed to sour the relationship. When a male 'zon is in breeding mode he's pretty much being controlled by the hormones and won't be behaving as he otherwise would.

I'd so go for it. Its amazing what a new environment can do for an 'aggressive' bird! Sounds like the poor guy just needs some TLC

Just think, you have the opurtunity to end this little ones nightmare of being bounced from home to home.
The stress this bird has endured over the years, I simply can't imagin.
Chico needs you in the worse way, any help you can offer this bird will be greatly appreciated.
You know as well as the rest of us Nate, you have what it takes to help Chico, stability is a beginning.
Chico needs NATE, I pray he finds his way into a forever home within your care, then maybe Chicos life can finally begin.
Thank you for all you have done so far Nate.
Take Care my friend.
BrokenWing

I know Arty, but his new life will begin by seeing how big a chunk he can take outta me!! Boy, you guys sure know how to put the pressure on! I am definitely inclined to give it a whirl! First off we have to find out what his owner has decided. I'll probably give her a call later today or tomorrow to see if she has any news.

Second, I need to come to a decision about the cage. I hate it, It's ugly and old and rusty, but having just shelled out for Tausi's new cage I don't know if I can swing a new one for him just now, and I do need to pay for him as well. As I mentioned, it has no grate, and I just hate the thought of him walking around in that damned corncob bedding! She says he likes it because he likes to chew on the corncob to "sharpen his beak". That can't be good! I could at least start using newspaper instead, but I know he likes to shred newspaper so it's going to be messy, and I'd think it might encourage his nesting hormones. Also I wonder whether it would be helpful or hurtful to put him into a new cage on arrival in a new situation. I'm sure he'd be more comfortable in his old cage, but maybe getting him out of his comfort zone wouldn't be a bad idea for taming purposes, know what I mean? This is the one I'd love to get him if only I could: Large Dome Top Bird Cage 40"x30" - Dome Top Bird Cages by Bird Paradise

Hmmm, Stella is one bird I have never seen go to the bottom of her cage. So I always thought most amazons did not! Learn something new every day!

I think most 'zons are considered to be pretty hardy as a whole when it comes to emotional issues -- dont' tend to pluck or self-destruct due to stressful situations. So while I would normally think it best to keep a new bird in his old cage to ease the transition, I'm not so sure that is really necessary with 'zons as a general rule of thumb.

Nate, you need to make a decision that is best for you AND Chico. If it doesn't feel right, I think you should listen to your gut. On the other hand, I have to tell you that 'zons are great birds and Stella was my first parrot. She is a stitch -- spicy yet hilarious, a real character. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, who has ever met her simply fall in love with her. I've heard over and over, "that bird is unique". She and I have a special relationship. If you do decide to bring Chico home, I bet you and he will also develop a tight bond. It may not happen overnight, but it will be worth it.

Have you ever read any of the material Joanie Doss has on-line about amazons? I think you might find her articles very helpful in assessing whether an amazon is the right bird for you. If you have time, you might want to check her articles out. I can't seem to find the link to her website right now, but you can google her to find it.

Kelly, we won't be telling any of your other fids that Stella is your favorite -- even if it is the truth .

As to going to the bottom of the cage, of my five most of them seldom go there but a couple a bit more than the others. None of them really spend much time on the bottom. IMO corncob bedding isn't the best choice.

you can probably have a grate made for the cage at a sheet metal shop and paint the cage until you can get a better one.

you will never get a bird that is as cool as a zon bud lol

sooooooo - nate... how did that phone call go? *curious, impatiently waiting bee*

It's a go! No date set as yet, but sometime in the not too distant future, Chico will be coming to live here. Sheesh, I hope I can pull this off!