When a distressed bird is taken to an avian veterinarian, respiratory disease is often found to be the cause. Frequent sneezing, nasal discharge, periocular swelling, coughing, wheezing, and a voice change may be evident. Dyspnea, or labored breathing, may be seen at rest or after the bird flies a short distance. “Tail bobbing” or a … Read more
With so many cages available on the market today how do you choose the right one? That is the question I asked everyone from veterinarians to manufacturers, breeders, distributors, retailers, bird owners and anyone else who might have an educated opinion. I received many different opinions, all valuable, but the most important issue that all … Read more
I have been involved in many aspects of aviculture over the past eight years. Of all of them, training has taught me the most about birds. It has enhanced my relationship with my pet birds and has helped me in socializing young birds that we hand raise. Training has helped me to better understand birds’ … Read more
Kita menjaga burung Burung menjaga hutan Hutan menjaga kita We look after the birds The birds look after the forest The forest looks after us. – Project Bird Watch motto Perhaps you’ve heard of Dr. Charles Munn’s Tambopata Research Center in Peru where macaws are the center of attention? Tourists go there from all over … Read more
Feathers are unique to birds. They provide insulation, camouflage, protection, water repellency and display. In some species of birds, the feathers of the male and female are identical. These birds are monomorphic – meaning their sex can’t be determined by their physical appearance. Other species are dimorphic – meaning the male and female look different … Read more
Starting a bird club in your area can be a very rewarding project. Making new friends, learning about birds and sharing experiences are just a few of the benefits a club can provide. I was a founding member of my bird club, the Parrot Fanciers Club, which now has over 100 members. I had been … Read more
As the new millennium begins, hubby Ken and I have made a few resolutions to ease our future lives with our birds. Perhaps some of them will be of use to you, too. So here goes. Take out two subscriptions to the Sunday New York Times, to ensure that there is sufficient paper in the … Read more
Looking at zebra finches in the pet store gives no indication that there are more than thirty mutations of this common bird. A normal zebra finch has a gray back, with bright orange cheek patches, beak, and legs. Black teardrops fall along the edge of the cheek patch, and a strip of white accentuates the … Read more
There are thousands of species of birds in the world, yet parrots are by far the favorite birds kept as pets. Why are parrots so valued and desired? And what makes them different from other birds? There are lots of reasons as you shall see below. All parrots belong to a family called Psittacines and are often … Read more
My ‘too is a pretty white cloud, Whose antics make me quite proud. That son of a gun Is so full of fun. But boy, is he ever so loud.Our conures were always so good, Until they encountered some wood. Then with a will, Each used his bill, To destroy whatever he could. There once … Read more