This story has not appeared in print before. It has not been told aloud. Popcorn and I did not realize that he was a bird, so we did many things inappropriate for a bird. But we loved doing it all wrong.My wife Carol met a cockatoo when the two of us were visiting a business … Read more
The avian egg goes through three major stages in its life, the process of forming the egg, incubation after the egg is laid and finally the hatching of the chick. Each stage is a wonder of nature and has its own unique processes. The Forming of the Egg It takes approximately 25 hours for an … Read more
Angel the Jenday Conure was found one April day immediately under his cotton candy preening toy. He was standing perfectly still with strings of shredded cotton wrapped tightly around his throat. Angel also had his right leg hung in those same strings from trying to free himself from the ones around his throat and he … Read more
If one were to look at the most popular species of pet birds, then 3 groups of birds would pop to the top of the list – parrots, softbills and pigeons or doves. But there are many other kinds of birds, such as raptors. And these fall into other groups called families or orders.There are … Read more
With the end of summer and the beginning of fall upon us, bird fairs are in full swing all around the country. At any of these fairs, prospective buyers can find almost any species of exotic bird, cages, cage accessories, feed, treats, toys, breeder supplies, and anything else that could be remotely bird related. For … Read more
TEFLON No product that has Teflon or any non-stick coating belongs in a house with a bird. Teflon – and any non-stick coating – is very serious business for birds. Non-stick coatings are everywhere – space heaters, irons, bread machines, ovens and racks, ironing board covers, waffle irons, burner pans or grilles, etc. Be sure that any … Read more
Birds have methods of eating which are all their own and are designed to befuddle their owners. Somehow they must have a way of communicating them to each other, since many birds use these techniques with their humans. Here are some common eating and drinking rules of etiquette, strictly from a birds point of view. … Read more
I write this story with pain and embarrassment at my stupidity. I wouldn’t write it at all, except that the tale might prevent a similar sad experience for another person and another bird. Perry Noid, a senegal that I had hand fed, couldn’t fly more than about 10 feet in my house, as he had no visible … Read more
Blue Crown Conures (Aratinga acuticaudata) are in the Artinga family of Conures. Other common names are the Sharp Tailed Conure or the Blue Headed Conure. There are 2 other sub-species; Aratinga haemorrhous and Aratinga neumanni. The natural range of Blue Crown Conures extends to several countries in South America that include: Columbia, eastern and south … Read more
Stress can cause major behavioral problems with any bird, but it is of even more concern with African Greys. Greys are sensitive to the moods of humans and the ambiance of the human environment because they are genetically vulnerable. The habitat where they evolved is, for the most part, on the margins of forested areas. … Read more