Old Magazine

Megabacteria, as the name implies, are very large rod shaped organisms. Although initially considered to be a type of bacteria, newly emerging evidence suggests it is really a fungus. Megabacteria have been identified in many species of birds among which include budgies, finches, canaries, lovebirds, cockatiels, rosellas, cockatoos, mynahs, certain parrot species and waterfowl. It … Read more

Awwww, a baby parrot. Such sweet treasures to love and cuddle. In addition to the joy they bring us, it is our responsibility to teach them things that will help them integrate into our homes safely and happily.To begin this integration process, you need some special items for that baby parrot. My task was to … Read more

The delightful Goffin’s Cockatoo (Cacatua goffini) is one of the gems of the avian world. While not quite as popular in the pet trade as their larger cousin, the Umbrella Cockatoo, these adorable, energetic birds have much to offer.Goffins are one of the smaller members of the cockatoo family, averaging around 12″-13″ in length and … Read more

Papillomatosis refers to pink, proliferative, vascular wart-like or cauliflower-like growths of epithelium. Papillomas may occur singularly or in clusters. Although they may occur in the oral cavity, crop, esophagus, proventriculus, ventriculus, cloaca, respiratory tract and conjunctiva, the most common locations are the oral cavity and cloaca. Thought to be of viral etiology and infectious, spread … Read more

I had hints, I had advice, I had cautions, but nobody told me how owning birds would completely take over my life.Nobody told me I’d become a bird store junky, standing at the checkout counter in bliss until half way home and then wondering just how long it would be before the Visa came in … Read more

Parrots are hearty and healthy creatures that rarely experience health problems if given an appropriate diet, clean air and water, sufficient exercise, and a safe environment. They seldom require medical treatment unless they suffer accidents or disease exposure. If birds do become ill, it takes a heavy toll on both bird and owner and can … Read more

Colorful, cuddly and playful are the Jendaya Conures, called Jenday and also Janday by many folks. This is a picture of my Jenday, Angel, holding his toy bat.Jenday Conures are close kin to the Sun Conure in coloring, size and temperament. Both being aratinga conures, they have the charming personality, sweet dispositions and the characteristic … Read more

When people ask me what I do for a living, I get a lot of different reactions when I tell them that I am a professional bird trainer. Some people have little reaction, but the bird and animal lovers usually respond with something on the lines of “you are so lucky!”I am lucky and thankful … Read more

A seizure is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness and control of motor function. It is caused by a paroxysmal, uncontrolled transient electrical discharge in the brain. Seizures may be mild to severe, partial or generalized, frequent or infrequent.When a seizure occurs, a bird may vocalize, lose consciousness, fall off its perch, flap its wings … Read more