Building a Good Avian Library

Caring bird owners quickly recognize the need for a home library which contains information on caring for, training and breeding their birds. Books not only help them learn about their birds, but are a source of important information when emergencies arise. However, when starting to build a library, many questions arise. What types of books … Read more

The Model Aviculture Program or MAP

What is MAP? The Model Aviculture Program or MAP is a voluntary aviary inspection and certification program for aviculturists. MAP is a non-profit service organization, not a private business. It has been in effect nation-wide since 1990. In the early eighties a plan was proposed for a model state program for pet birds, the National … Read more

An Introduction To Parrotlets

Virtually unheard of several years ago, parrotlets are rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after companion parrots. Their small size, beautiful plumage, comical behavior and inability to scream are all factors which make them highly desirable as pets. Parrotlets are true parrots which means they are intelligent, bold, curious, acrobatic, can learn to talk and … Read more

Can Dogs and Pet Birds Get Along?

Many bird owners have contemplated the purchase of a dog or cat. Others already have mixed pet households. Having both dogs and birds in the same household, raises the issue of the safety of the birds. I am a dog trainer, and while I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, I can assure you that there … Read more

Air Travel, Avian Style

“I believe I can fly“, a tune a friend sings to my African Grey keeps running through my head. I can fly and I do and I usually take Siva, my Umbrella Cockatoo with me. It sounds easy, and it is, well kind of easy, sometimes, but it didn’t all happen in one day. This … Read more

The Fab Four Fables

Our family consists of my wife Carol, me and six birds, a green cheeked conure, Pistachio, a dusky conure named Orville and four umbrella cockatoos, Ashley, Murphy, BeBe and Mickie. Unlike the conures, which we purchased as babies, all four umbrellas were adopted as older birds. They came to us, each with his own problems, … Read more

The Annual Well Bird Exam

An annual Well Bird Exam is a very important part of monitoring the health of your flock Birds will often show few signs of illness in the initial stages of disease. Early signs will often be very subtle and may be easily missed. By the time that obvious signs of illness are present ( a … Read more