Alice Wender 
I did a little research and discovered that, other than pulmonary chlamydiosis (“Parrot Fever”), there are only six diseases or afflictions which can be transferred from parrots to humans: PEROT FEVER Marked by up to a 40% loss of height; enlargement of the ears; a squeaky, grating voice; paranoia; a strong desire to repeatedly run … Read more
Many of us have seen a variety of over-the-counter medications at pet stores. If your bird becomes ill, buying one of these medications and giving it to him may seem like a plausible thing to do. However, nothing can be further from the truth. If your bird appears to be “under the weather”, I would … Read more
Your baby will be coming home soon! It is important to be patient, gentle and considerate of your new Grey. He doesn’t know you. He is in a strange place with strangers. He will undergo a brief grieving period. He has lost all that was familiar and loved – the other babies he played with … Read more
Ten years ago, not many people knew about, let alone wanted, an African Timneh Grey. Today potential grey purchasers are doing their homework and researching which type of grey would be the best bird for them. Why the turn-around? The answer lies in the bird itself, and the pleasure of their owners. For a long … Read more
In this month’s column, I would like to discuss some emergencies that may arise with your bird. Some emergencies such as landing on a hot stove or eating lead solder from a planter can be prevented. Many, however, occur at the worst possible time. In many cases, a veterinarian needs to evaluate and care for … Read more
Looking for a bird that is affectionate, playful, bold, perky, garrulous, intelligent, inquisitive, fearless, mischievous, feisty, and who thinks that it is as large as a macaw all rolled up in an eight inch long frame? Then look no further, the grey-cheeked parakeet is all of those things and more. Physical Characteristics Weighing in at … Read more
Ozone generators are air cleaners, not air filters. An air filter draws air through a filter of some kind. The filter material allows the air to past through but catches the air borne pollutants in the filter material. Ozone air cleaners remove nothing from the environment. Bacteria are neutralized and all airborne pollutants are electrically … Read more
Occasionally, we find it necessary to medicate our feathered friends. Here are some pointers to help you with this task. FIRST APPLICATION: Retrieve the bird from the cage. Set the bird on a table and hold its head by carefully grasping the neck where it joins the lower jaw, or mandible. With your other hand, … Read more
Herbal medicine was early man’s first line of defense against the many ills and accidents that plagued him. Ancient humans learned from the observation of animals, including birds, how to use leaves, earth, mud and water to make soothing applications. Although the methods were crude, several of today’s medicines are based upon sources as simple … Read more
After contemplating all the pros and cons of owning a parrot (or rather, allowing one to own you!), you may decide that a parrot is the perfect companion for you and your family. After this first major hurdle is accomplished, deciding on a species is the next logical step. This may seem like a confusing … Read more