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
Many current bird owners are faced with the dilemma of whether they should purchase or adopt another bird. There are several aspects that should be taken into account before you make the final decision. Even though parrots have their own unique personalities and individual preferences, they are still flock creatures. In their natural habitats they … Read more
Before the High and Far-Off Times, O my Best Beloved, came the time of the Very Beginnings- sometimes referred to as the Time of the Great Grayness; and it was in the days when the Eldest Magician was getting Things ready. First he got the Earth ready, then he got the Sea and Sky ready; … Read more
There has been much discussion recently on the topic of feather plucking in companion parrots, along with even greater speculation on its possible causes. Companion bird owners who have watched their beloved and well-cared for parrots pluck themselves bald, as well as the veterinarians who have attempted to treat these birds, have come to the … Read more
Good nutrition is the single most important factor in determining the health, vitality and longevity of our parrots. Because we have taken them from their natural environment, and because they are unable to forage and choose their own foods, it is imperative that we provide them a nutritionally complete diet. It is my belief that … Read more
For those of us interested in learning more about lories, the following books contain a wealth of information. For each one I have provided a review and rating. Ratings are shown as one to four feathers, four feathers being the best. Lories and Lorikeets: The Brush-tongued Parrots by Rosemary Low (1977), ISBN 0-442-24898-9, 180 pages … Read more
Your bird’s cage is his/her home and should bring your bird a feeling of comfort and security. It is also the largest expense, after the initial purchase of the bird, that you will need to make. Great care should be taken when selecting a cage, especially, when you consider the amount of time that a … Read more
As parrot owner’s we know how special parrots are. They are the only creatures on earth that have feathers. Feathers are not only used for the magnificent and wondrous voyage of flight, but insulate and protect our feathered friends. Psittacine feathers consist of four types: down feathers, semiplumes, bristles, and the contour feathers.Down and semiplume … Read more