We all feed our birds as well as possible. Unfortunately for us, ants like all of the bird foods too. Last year we were suddenly infested with carpenter ants in our den. These black, half inch long devils made a beeline for our birds’ large gym and began feasting in the bird food dishes and … Read more
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
Last month in Part I, I discussed some emergencies that may arise with your bird. This month’s column covers additional ones. Some emergencies such as landing on a hot stove or eating lead solder from a planter can be prevented, but many cannot and occur at the worst possible time. Here are some of the … Read more
When I first became interested in birds, my idea of the perfect bird was a gleaming white cockatoo or a brilliant blue and gold macaw. The romantic images of these birds lingered in my mind. Despite the fact that my “little birds” (parakeets and later, a parrotlet) kept me entertained for hours, I longed for … 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