It is a well-known fact that parrots are especially sensitive to environmental toxins. Chemicals that normally are only irritating to humans and other animals can be acutely toxic to parrots. The inhalation of carbon monoxide exhaust or fumes from overheated Teflon products, which would cause no apparent damage to humans or other animals, can be … Read more
Going on vacation can be a major problem for anyone who has a pet bird. Finding a care giver for your favorite pet who is knowledgeable and willing to take care of your birds can be difficult. Whether you are hiring a professional pet sitting service, or are having a friend/or relative take care of … Read more
Bird owners have discovered how much their pet birds enjoy children and baby toys. Many of us spend hours combing childrens’ toy stores looking for those special items which we feel our pet birds will like. And since these toys are safe for toddlers we often assume they are safe for our birds. There is … Read more
Phobic birds are a real heartbreak. It is bad enough when you get one from another source but completely devastating when it is a baby that you handraised. Most young phobic birds……….Kodiak showed signs shortly after he was pulled from the nest……start fearing the main caregiver first and most.In working with phobic birds and their … Read more
Bird owners are often advised to clip the wings of their birds. A common first reaction is that it is a cruel thing to do. After all, birds are meant to fly. However, there are valid reasons for clipping. First and foremost is the bird’s safety, but there are other reasons as well. Safety – Unclipped … Read more
Lovebirds are the second smallest species of parrot. Their weight range is 42 to 60 grams. Females tend to be slighter larger than the males. All nine species are in the genius AGAPORNIS. Native to Africa and surrounding islands, many species were imported into the U.S. in large numbers in the late 20 th century. The … 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