Having an aviary in your home provides a unique opportunity to witness birds in an fairly natural setting. While any type of bird can be placed in an aviary, probably the most popular are finches. Finch aviaries are inexpensive to create, take up little space, and provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these … Read more
Citricidal is the active ingredient in NUTRIBIOTIC grapefruit seed extract. It is referred to by several different names, such as Citricidal, Nutribiotic, Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), and by the name of a similar product named Agrisept. It is a liquid concentrate that can be purchased at health food stores, and it has been used for … 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
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
When Sam and I bought Ariel, our golden-capped conure, Sam already had a bird, I already had a bird, and we had promised ourselves (and our children) that we were not getting any more birds. Additionally, I had privately resolved that if we ever did get another bird, it was certainly not going to be … Read more
Occasionally, we find it necessary to medicate our feathered friends. Here are some pointers to help you with this task. FIRST APPLICATION: Retrieve the bird from the cage. Set the bird on a table and hold its head by carefully grasping the neck where it joins the lower jaw, or mandible. With your other hand, … Read more
Our pet conure, Woodgie, had become a super-biter, but with only me. I even decided that he was a Daddy’s boy and had chosen my hubby as his pal, and was almost resigned to a life with limited Woodgie contact. But….he always wanted to be with me, even biting. So I decided to look at … Read more
Herbal medicine was early man’s first line of defense against the many ills and accidents that plagued him. Ancient humans learned from the observation of animals, including birds, how to use leaves, earth, mud and water to make soothing applications. Although the methods were crude, several of today’s medicines are based upon sources as simple … Read more
Grooming is an important aspect of daily care that is necessary to maintain optimum health. Bathing is included in this category. Routine bathing will not only enhance your bird’s appearance, but is necessary to keep feathers in prime condition.Most birds will eagerly enjoy a shower or bath. In colder climates it is best to bathe … Read more
After contemplating all the pros and cons of owning a parrot (or rather, allowing one to own you!), you may decide that a parrot is the perfect companion for you and your family. After this first major hurdle is accomplished, deciding on a species is the next logical step. This may seem like a confusing … Read more