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
So many myths surround this sensitive and intelligent companion bird. Some of these myths have assumed the status of fact by virtue of repetition, but repetition does not make them true. Some of the most common myths are “Greys are clumsy”, “Greys need more calcium”, “Greys pluck”, “Greys are one person birds” and “Greys are … Read more
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
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that are transmissable from animals to humans. Young children, elderly adults and individuals with poorly functioning immune systems are at the greatest risk of being infected by a zoonotic disease. While there are a number of diseases which can be transmitted by companion birds, many are more likely to be transmitted … 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
One of the most often asked questions that I receive from potential clients, is whether they should purchase one or two birds, or whether they should get another companion bird for their existing pet bird.Birds are natural flock creatures and they form strong bonds with other members of their flocks. Raising birds in pairs can … 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