Alice Wender

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

Perhaps this is a crisis particular to NY (the 3rd most litigious state in the nation) residents only, but I fear that this will spread quickly to all states. Let a word to the wise be sufficient, as the saying goes.If you are moving and need new homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, or if you have … Read more

Twas a month before Spring and all through the aviary Not a creature was stirring, Not even a Canary. The nest boxes were hung on the cages with care, In hopes that some eggs soon would be there. The Quakers were nestled all snug in their huts, With visions of nutriberries, chocolate and nuts. The … Read more

Megabacteria is a large gram positive rod shaped organism that causes severe debilitating disease in numerous species of psittacines and passerines in captivity and in the wild. A detailed description of this disease and it causes, can be found in Avian Gastric Yeast Formerly Megabacteria Part I. Transmission and Diagnosis Transmission of Avian Gastric Yeast (formerly … Read more

Let me begin with saying that Quaker parrots are thieves!! They try to steal your Hershey kisses and before you know it, they have stolen your heart instead. I know, because I am just one of many in a trail of Quaker slaves across America! This is my story… My husband and I sat down … Read more

Lead intoxication, also known as plumbism, is still the most commonly reported heavy metal toxicity in both companion and free ranging birds. Companion birds have a curious nature and are attracted by shiny objects, often exploring and examining their environments by chewing. Because lead is soft, it can be chewed and easily ingested. Waterfowl and … Read more

What is weaning? and what does this mean to the chick and to you the handfeeder? Weaning is Independence. The chick now eats enough on his own that he no longer requires handfeeding formula to maintain his body weight. As a responsible handfeeder your ultimate goal is to have chicks who are independent and able … Read more

The name Eclectus is derived from the word eclectic because of the sexually dimorphic coloration. Some pronounce the name E-klek-tus and others prefer Eck-lec-tus. Eclectus parrots are blessed with physical features that make them uniquely beautiful. Their head and breast feathers look like silky hair. Eclectus females are heavy bodied birds with a compact, rounded look. … Read more

Is plastic a safe product for my bird? Are there any unnatural chemicals used? I have read about phthalates, is that still used in plastic? Will my bird swallow plastic? Will plastic pass safely through if accidentally swallowed? Will my bird like playing with plastic? Why use plastic toys for my bird? What are some … Read more

Summer is here and many of you are planning your summer vacations. A big dilema many of us face is what should we do with our birds when we go away. Should we take them or leave them home? This depends upon how you are travelling and how long you will be away. If your … Read more