Alice Wender

The avian ear, as the mammalian ear, is an organ of hearing and balance. The ear is composed of three parts – an external, a middle and an inner part. The external ear lacks a flap or pinna (earlobe) and is hidden by specialized feathers known as auricular feathers. The auricular feathers protect the opening, … Read more

Many bird clubs are folding because of politics or infighting or strong-arming by eqotistical members. The quieter members are made to feel inferior, or are recruited by the stronger to support their ideas. Some clubs don’t last a year. Others after many years and under many principal leaders finally wear out. But now there is … Read more

There are many risks when people take their pet birds outside in the open on perches, or with them riding on their shoulders, as well as risks to aviary birds that are not well protected. Pet owners don’t stop to think about the many dangers in the immediate area. For instance, here in the Southwest, … Read more

My husband and I are parents and teachers (H.S. and Elem.), and as I’ve often said to new teachers who don’t have children of their own, “I’m a better parent because I was a teacher first, and I’d have been a better teacher if I’d been a parent first.” This article has two purposes: 1) … Read more

The Avian Ear Part I addressed the anatomy of the avian ear. Part II explains how birds hear and discusses some of the more common diseases of the ear. How Birds Hear Sound waves are directed by the specialized auricular feathers surrounding the external ear and funneled towards the opening of acoustic/auditory meatus. Sound waves enter … Read more

First-time parrot owners are sometimes baffled by the numerous decisions necessary to care for their new feathered companion. While they are confident of their ability to care for a dog or cat, they are surprised by the realization that much of their knowledge of pet care simply does not apply to birds. One ready source … Read more

The fids scarfed down the last of the birdy bread this morning, so I had to make more this evening. Their ESP must have informed them of my intentions, and within seconds both fids were on my shoulder, supervising. Before long, they were skating down my arms to the tabletop to inspect the ingredients more … Read more

Egg binding occurs when a hen attempts to expel an egg but is unable to do so. Egg binding shoulfd be considered a serious emergency. It can result in shock, circulatory collapse and death, if left untreated. Although egg binding can occur in any female bird, it is most common in lovebirds, budgies and cockatiels. … Read more

Your tiel chicks are finally weaned and have been eating well on their own for two weeks. The chicks have successfully maintained their weaning weights day to day and are now ready for a new home and family. The decision to entrust you precious tiels to another family is a tough one, as you have … Read more

Fledglings can confuse a breeder as they prepare for their first solo flight. Inexperienced breeders may take the preparation for flying as a sign that the chick is weaning. This article is all about cockatiel chicks who are getting ready for flight. There are many aspects involved in fledging, so we are going to cover … Read more