Mealy Amazon

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: June 22nd, 2018

About Mealy Amazon

Size

16 inches

Lifespan

50-100 years

Bird Species

Amazon Parrot

Colors

Green

Sounds

Vocal, Talkative, Natural calls , Mimics, Chatterer

Interaction

Social, Fun, Affectionate, Cuddly, Calm

Comparable Breeds

African Grey Parrot, Hyacinth Macaw

Mealy Amazon Parrot General Info

We all know that the Amazon parrots are praised for their exceptional talking abilities and that they are all energetic- sometimes a little mischievous, too. The Mealy Amazon is a bit different. While it retains the great ability to talk and mimic, it is not so active and fiesty. This loved pet parrot is known for its calm and docile behavior, and for being an affectionate, cuddly companion. They have an incredible lifespan that reaches between 50 to 70 years, with some sources indicating a potential 100 years of age. This makes the Mealy Amazon a cherished friend for a lifetime, but it also means that you’ll probably have to make some arrangements in case your pet outlives you.

Mealy Amazons are calm and loving, fun parrots. With a long lifespan and lovely traits, they make a great lifelong friend!

Native Region/Natural Habitat

The first mention of these parrots goes back to 1780’s. They live in a wide region that spans from Mexico, through Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and Brazil. Even though they are widely distributed, they still suffer through the rapid loss of habitat, and they slowly approach a threatened status. They live in humid tropical forests, often in the canopies and tree holes.

Overall Description

These birds are one of the largest in the Amazon parrot family. The adults reach an average length of around 16 inches (40 centimeters), with all the common visual characteristics of other breeds. Similarly to the Hyacinth Macaw, Mealy Amazon can also be called “gentle giant,” due to their lovely, easy-going personality. In the wild, these parrots form pairs that last for a lifetime.

Speech and Sounds

All member of the Amazon parrot family are noted for their exceptional talking abilities and high intelligence. These talkative parrots simply love to talk and sing. It’s not uncommon for them to learn entire songs on their own, memorizing the lyrics, tones, and melodies without a mistake. Their natural calls can sometimes be loud, but they aren’t often heard. Without a doubt, your Mealy Amazon pet will be the center of attention when the chatting begins!

Colors

Mealy Amazons are entirely green. A couple of distinct details set them apart from other Amazon parrots. This tropical green color is lighter on the belly and darker on the back and wings. Small blue details are seen on the tips of the flight feathers, as well as some yellow tones underneath the tail. The Mealy Amazon gets its name from the subtle white tinge all over its back – as if it has been sprayed with flour. In general, this parrot has subtle and toned down combinations, but is still a pretty sight.

Simple color combinations and tropical shades – the Mealy Amazon is certainly an eye-catching parrot.

Care and Feeding

You can base their diet around the commercial seed mixes that are specially designed for Amazon parrots. They include sunflower, millet, milo, and safflower seeds. Amazon parrots love fresh fruits and the classic green veggies, so be sure to include a regular dose of these vital vitamin sources. As an added intake of calcium, a cuttlebone is a common goodie for them. While healthy, it also serves as a toy and helps your parrot keep their beak trimmed and in top shape.

Health and Common Conditions

These robust parrots are naturally adaptive and quite robust. If you avoid neglect and some crucial threats like the draft and extreme cold, which they are vulnerable to, they will have little to no troubles with their health. Remember that a bird of this size and energy needs a lot of exercise. You need to allow them the freedom of your home. Birds that are always kept in a cage without enough room will develop apathy, sadness, and eventually dangerous illnesses. This is a form of neglect.

Always provide your pet with enough room and freedom to fly around the house. This is a foundation of health and happiness in birds.

Personality & Behavior

While keeping the familiar traits of the Amazons, like a tendency for fun, talking and general silliness, the Mealy Amazons are much more calmer and affectionate. They love being cuddly and perching on your shoulders as they wait for that regular scratch. They also behave well with other birds of similar size. There is a tendency for bonding with their favorite person in the family, and this friendship can last for a very long time. However, if you want to get one of these birds, you need to be aware that there’s a fair chance that your pet will outlive you, which is why having a plan for their lifelong care is of vital importance.

Photo credit: Rosa Jay/Shutterstock

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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In a groundbreaking action, the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP), a non-profit organization that rescues animals used in testing, has shut down an animal testing facility in Nowata, Oklahoma, and rescued over 200 dogs and cats from certain death.This monumental action closed down one-third of the flea and tick product testing industry in the U.S., ending years of cruel experimentation on an untold number of animals, and saving thousands of cats and dogs from the same dreadful fate.Most of the animals kept in these facilities are bred specifically for testing, meaning they spend their entire lives in terrible conditions. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), animals in laboratories are kept alone in steel cages, with little room to move, and devoid of animal and human companionship.More than 200 cats, dogs, and a family of pigs were kept in horrifying conditions in the 30-acre facility in Nowata, Oklahoma. The poor animals were kept outside in the cold, in nothing but small tents to serve as a shelter. Those kept inside were housed inside tiny cages placed on hard concrete. In the past, the Nowata laboratory has been the subject of many USDA citations and violations. The animals kept there had to endure aggravating pain and discomfort caused by fleas and ticks breeding on their bodies. To make matters worse, the cats and dogs were forced to wear cones so they couldn’t relieve the itching and the pain.“We had to end this,” the president and founder of the Beagle Freedom Project, Shannon Keith, said. “Rather than rescue the dogs and cats one by one, while the facility continued its cruel operations, several months ago, we took a chance and approached the owner of the facility about relinquishing his USDA license and ending operations.”And they were successful! Animal Health Innovations Inc. has ceased operations and surrendered its USDA license. “The importance of this monumental achievement cannot be overstated. Not only have we rescued hundreds of animals from being tested on and certain death, we have also created a pathway for others to do the same,” said Keith to Agusta Free Press.But, that’s not the end. The Beagle Freedom Project plans to transform the former laboratory into a rehabilitation and adoption center called the Freedom Fields - a place where the rescued animals will receive medical attention and the love they deserve.“This has never before been accomplished. We are overjoyed that not only will we give more than 200 dogs and cats their freedom and identity, but that we will also transform an animal testing facility into a place of hope, happiness, rehabilitation, and love,” added Keith.The new space should consist of a doggy park, catio, cat cafe, dog dens, groom room, and lots of open space for dogs and cats to run around and play in. Additionally, there will be a barn for farm animals and a visiting center where the visitors can learn about animal testing before meeting the adoptable animals. Extensive renovations are already underway at Freedom Fields, including replacing small metal cages and makeshift outdoor tents surrounded with electrical fencing with warm and sturdy barns for large farm animals. A landscaped dog park and cozy indoor/outdoor spaces will make rescued cats and dogs feel at home. According to Keith, there are safer and better methods of flea and tick control, and these products don’t have to be tested on animals. Currently, the Beagle Freedom Project is arranging the closure of another large laboratory and is working with companies to provide safer and more ethical methods of flea and tick control for cats and dogs.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

How Can I Remove Plaque From My Dog's Teeth?

We love our dogs and many of us won’t say no to puppy smooches – but to be fair, not all furballs have the freshest breath out there. If your dog has  bad-smelling breath, the culprit might be plaque buildup and the bacteria overgrowth that comes with it. We all know that bacteria are responsible for all things smelly, and when it comes to oral hygiene, the reason why bacteria are there in the first place is bits of leftover food that slowly but surely turn into tartar on your pet’s teeth. The best way to prevent plaque on a dog's teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.How Can I Remove Plaque from My Dog's Teeth?Maintaining good dental health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Addressing plaque in your dog's teeth is not just about maintaining a bright smile; it's a key aspect that contributes to their overall health, happiness, and longevity. Regular dental care is an investment in your dog's well-being that pays off in various ways - it’s sure way to prevent dental diseases such as  gingivitis and  periodontitis, eliminate bad breath odor, avoid tooth decay and loss, and maintain your dog’s good appetite. After all, dogs depend on their teeth to eat properly. Just imagine the effect of bad or missing teeth. Unchewed food, indigestion, vomiting – the list is long. So it goes a long way to act on this ahead of time and prevent tartar buildup and remove any existing one. Here are just a few tips to consider when dealing with persistent dog teeth plaque:Prevent Buildup With Regular BrushingDogs need to brush their teeth just like us! They’ll need your help to do it, of course. Remember that it is never too late to start. Start slowly and gently with short brushing sessions, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Of course, you should use  a toothbrush that is designed specifically for dogs or a similar fingerbrush. The toothpaste also needs to be for dogs only (never use human toothpaste as it may contain ingredients harmful to dogs).