One of the most frequently asked questions from new prospective bird owners is “How much noise does the bird make? There is no simple answer to this question. Verbal skills will even vary from bird to bird within each species. Each bird has his/her own unique personality. If you are considering the purchase of a … Read more
“Get your kicks on Route 66” Was the plan. A cross country adventure with one less than our entire menagerie. All but Opal, our wonderful little lovebird, were to head out across the US from Tucson, Arizona destined to arrive in New York a week later, cooking all meals and sleeping in the van. This … Read more
Loss of a beloved pet or valued bird is a painful experience. However, there are some measures you can take to help find or identify your bird if this happens to you. One of these is the use of a microchip, a tiny device which can be inserted into your pet by means of a … Read more
Introduction The words “A MAP Certified Aviary” are beginning to appear more and more frequently in literature and advertisements for aviaries. The words sound significant, but how many of us know what MAP stands for and what it means? Is MAP important to us and should we care? The answer to the last question is … Read more
Wouldn’t it be nice if all species of birds could be visually sexed? Unfortunately, nature was unconcerned about us humans when many of the bird species evolved. A bird’s sex is often a well kept secret, known only to the bird and perhaps others of it’s own species. Some species’ genders are easily identified. Male … Read more
I have been using a bountiful weaning concept combined with intensive socializing on my African Grey babies for many years. I believe these techniques are instrumental in producing babies that are well behaved, social, independent, curious and unafraid. It is the encouragement of these much desired traits that enables birds to become good companions, resulting … Read more
Feather plucking or shredding is as frustrating for the bird owner as it is for the companion bird. There is nothing more dreadful than returning home to find the bottom of your bird’s cage filled with feathers. The guilt that pet bird owners feel is not unique. The unanswered question….”Why is my bird doing this?” … Read more
‘Cotton Candy’, ‘Pink or White Clouds’, ‘Bundles of Fluff’ – How does one describe a species of birds which seem to have come to us straight from Heaven? White, pink or black with magnificent erectable crests, COCKATOOS are the affectionate and softer cousins of the vibrantly colored, magnificent Macaws. Cockatoos are native to Australia and … Read more
Some time towards the end of July 1996, I was working late on my computer and heard on the TV that a “spot” was coming up shortly regarding a woman who was rescuing birds. My ears pricked up; I shoved a tape in the VCR and managed to tape the spot. What I saw was … Read more
There is nothing more amusing than watching a parrot play. Hanging from the top of the cage by one toe, while swinging from side to side and screaming, as he attacks a toy, is a favorite pastime. Parrots play not only for entertainment but for emotional well being too. Providing your parrot with plenty of … Read more