A parrot’s beak is made of keratin, just like human fingernails. It has two basic parts: the upper and lower mandible. The mandibles are hinged to a parrot’s skull which gives the upper and lower mandible separate vertical movement. Their beaks grow continuously so parrots need constant sources for chewing to help wear down their … Read more
Several weeks ago, the lower part of my state, Michigan, was hit hard by severe storms. The storms were from the west and were moving east across the state. The storms brought high winds, hail, lightening, and tornados. I has been watching the weather reports all day. The storms had brought tornados in every county … Read more
At one time or another all of us have pondered the question of what is best to use to line the bottom of our bird’s cage. Although there are a variety of products which can be used, some of them are very dangerous for your birds. Learn all you can before making your choice. The … Read more
Birds have established protective mechanisms to hide or mask symptoms of disease until they are very ill. In order to survive in the wild birds must keep a normal appearance or they will be preyed upon. As bird owners we must be able to recognize early symptoms of illness. Any change in appetite, vocalization, activity … Read more
Until recently, choosing a Quaker parakeet as an avian pet was given only fleeting consideration by persons interested in sharing their homes with a bird. Most people are instantly captivated by the larger parrots’ beautiful exotic colors, size, and talking ability. But with a personality that has no rival and a life span of approximately … Read more
Thinking about a Senegal parrot? Here’s the practical owner guide to temperament, noise, diet, lifespan, and daily care.
Summer brings heat, vacations and the desire to spend more time outdoors. It is also the time for vacations. These seasonal changes in our lifestyles also affect our birds. Take a few moments to review some of the hazards which you should remember to watch out for. Clip those wings The best advice anyone can … Read more
Losing and replacing old feathers is a normal process in birds. However, when new long feathers on a bird’s tail and wings emerge, they continue to receive a supply of blood until they have completed their growth. If you examine the shaft of an emerging feather, you can actually see the blood in it. These … Read more
The most important part of bringing home the new avian family member is the New Bird Exam. This exam is essential to assure the health of the new family member. If health problems are found, this will allow the options of returning the bird to the breeder, getting the seller to cover part of the … Read more
Fast becoming the most widely distributed of all the parakeet species, Ringneck parakeets are well on their way to becoming as popular an avian pet as the budgie. These two different birds share many of the same traits that make either of them desirable as pets — they are both hardy birds, easily tamed, learn … Read more