Old Magazine

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

Getting a new cockatiel can be the beginning of a joyful experience. You can look forward to many years of pleasure with your bird, if you learn how to care for it properly. Your investment in time will be paid back a hundred fold by a healthy, happy and lovable pet. Diet Wild cockatiels normally … Read more

With the increasing popularity and appreciation of birds comes an added risk from burglary and theft. Unlike some other pets which decrease in monetary worth to practically nothing, birds maintain their value. Because of this value, coupled with a growing awareness among thieves and the difficulty of positive identification, birds have become a prime target … Read more

What is a healthy diet for my birds? Are pellets, seeds, and/or other foods the answer? The controversy rages. Knowledge of nutritional requirements for companion birds is still in its infancy, but there is no question that many vitamins and minerals are required to maintain both health and life. Too much of a nutrient can … Read more

Late one evening, my telephone rang and several of my birds answered “hello”, as I picked up the phone. The caller said “I have an African Grey that I want to sell for $100.00 and if you don’t come and get him, I am going to let him out the door”. I asked the caller … Read more

One advantage to breeding cockatiels is that they aren’t extremely hard to pair up and get results. But, if you are breeding for real quality (large, well shaped, well marked, good natured) birds, it’s a bit more of a challenge. Anyone can just place a nestbox on a cage, place two cockatiels of the opposite … Read more