Double Yellow Headed Amazon Parrots: What They Are and How to Get One

Updated

The Double Yellow Headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix), often shortened to DYH, is a large, long-lived parrot prized for its talking ability and bold personality. It suits experienced keepers who can provide a very large enclosure, a varied diet, daily social interaction, and tolerance for a loud, assertive bird. In Canada, M&L Aviaries describes itself as a Canadian-based breeder of Double Yellow Headed Amazon Parrots and lists a pricing and reservations page, which is the practical starting point for anyone considering one.

What "DYH" Means

DYH is simply the common abbreviation for the Double Yellow Headed Amazon. The name refers to the species' yellow head markings, which in mature birds typically extend across the crown and down the sides of the head, unlike the more limited yellow patches of some related Amazon species. Because "Double Yellow Head" and "DYH" are used interchangeably by breeders and keepers, you will see both terms in listings and forums.

Key Traits at a Glance

Trait General expectation
Size Large Amazon; noticeably bigger than smaller Amazon species
Lifespan Long-lived, often measured in decades with good care
Noise Loud; capable of calls that carry through a home
Talking ability Among the stronger talkers in the parrot world
Temperament Confident, social, can be assertive or nippy if not handled consistently

These are general species tendencies, not guarantees. Individual birds vary widely, and a hand-raised, well-socialized bird often behaves very differently from a rehomed or poorly socialized one.

Basic Care Needs

Housing

A DYH needs a large cage — bigger than what is typically sold as a "starter" parrot cage. Bar spacing and bar strength matter because Amazons are powerful chewers. Many keepers also use a play stand or perch outside the cage so the bird can be out of the cage for part of each day under supervision.

Diet

A balanced diet generally combines a quality formulated pellet with fresh vegetables and a limited amount of fruit and seed. Treats and table food should be controlled, since Amazons are prone to weight gain and related health problems when fed a high-fat, high-calorie diet.

Socialization and Enrichment

Amazons are social and do best with daily interaction. Without enough attention and things to chew or solve, they can become noisy, destructive, or prone to feather-damaging behavior. Rotating toys, foraging opportunities, and consistent handling all help.

Noise and Neighbors

Expect noise. If you live in an apartment or a shared building, check your lease or strata rules before committing to this species. This is one of the most common reasons Amazons are rehomed.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

M&L Aviaries is one Canadian option to look at, and its site includes a "Pricing and Reservations" page. Beyond any single breeder, evaluate candidates on the same criteria:

  • Species accuracy — confirm the birds are Double Yellow Headed Amazons, not a similar-looking Amazon species.
  • Health documentation — ask what veterinary checks, disease testing, and health guarantees are provided.
  • Hand-rearing and socialization — ask how chicks are raised and whether they are used to handling.
  • Age at sale — ask whether birds are fully weaned before going home.
  • References — ask for past buyers you can contact.
  • Reservation terms — ask how deposits, waitlists, and cancellations work.

Questions to Ask Before Reserving

  1. What is the total price, and what does it include?
  2. Is there a deposit, and is it refundable?
  3. What health checks and testing are done, and can I see the records?
  4. At what age will the bird be weaned and ready to go home?
  5. Do you ship, and if so, how, and at what cost and risk to the bird?
  6. What happens if the bird is found to have a health problem shortly after purchase?

Get the answers in writing where possible. Pricing and reservation details change, so confirm current terms directly rather than relying on older posts or secondhand accounts.

Legal and Import Considerations

Rules for owning, selling, and moving a Double Yellow Headed Amazon vary by country and province, and cross-border transport of parrots can involve permits, health certificates, and CITES-related documentation. Because these requirements change and depend on your location and the bird's origin, verify current rules with the relevant wildlife or agriculture authority before arranging a purchase or transport. Do not assume a breeder's shipping offer removes the need for your own paperwork.

A Realistic Decision Checklist

  • Can you commit to decades of care?
  • Can you handle regular loud noise without complaints from neighbors?
  • Do you have space for a large cage plus out-of-cage time?
  • Can you budget for the bird, a proper cage, ongoing food, and avian vet care?
  • Are you prepared for a bird that may bond strongly to one person and test boundaries with others?

If most answers are yes, a DYH can be a rewarding companion. If noise, space, or long-term commitment are uncertain, a smaller or quieter species is usually the better fit.