The area in which I live is not “heavily” into aviculture. In fact, some breeds of parrots that are common elsewhere are difficult to find, and I don’t know of any large commercial aviaries in the vicinity. Yet, in the past 5 years I know of 8 breeders that have been stricken by disease in … Read more
“I never heard of Eclectus.” was my response when the parrot breeder suggested the species. I was looking for a small to medium sized bird who was fun, friendly, pretty, and adaptable. We spend three months of the year on the road in a motor home and over the years have reduced our doggy population … Read more
Below is a listing of various safe plants that will rid your home or office of not only carbon dioxide but also 1 or more of 3 other toxins. Benzene: found in gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, detergents and pharmaceuticals.Plants that will rid this toxin are: African daisy bamboo plant corn plant chrysanthemum … Read more
June Anderson writes: I have a 17 week old Eclectus female who has always been a real lover until recently. I also have a 15 year old son that our Eclectus, Kiki has always liked.But now, when my son puts his hand in Kiki’s cage, she lunges at him and tries to bite him She … Read more
Andy, now 4, has been a very happy bird from the day he weaned. Always an enthusiastic eater, Andy developed normally in every way to an adult weight of 270 grams. The vet never questioned the weight during our regular checkups, and his breeder said that Andy’s parents (from the second importation in the 80’s) … Read more
Egg binding occurs when a hen attempts to expel an egg but is unable to do so. Egg binding shoulfd be considered a serious emergency. It can result in shock, circulatory collapse and death, if left untreated. Although egg binding can occur in any female bird, it is most common in lovebirds, budgies and cockatiels. … Read more
My husband and I are parents and teachers (H.S. and Elem.), and as I’ve often said to new teachers who don’t have children of their own, “I’m a better parent because I was a teacher first, and I’d have been a better teacher if I’d been a parent first.” This article has two purposes: 1) … Read more
Your tiel chicks are finally weaned and have been eating well on their own for two weeks. The chicks have successfully maintained their weaning weights day to day and are now ready for a new home and family. The decision to entrust you precious tiels to another family is a tough one, as you have … Read more
The Avian Ear Part I addressed the anatomy of the avian ear. Part II explains how birds hear and discusses some of the more common diseases of the ear. How Birds Hear Sound waves are directed by the specialized auricular feathers surrounding the external ear and funneled towards the opening of acoustic/auditory meatus. Sound waves enter … Read more
Mosquitos are responsible for the deaths and illness of millions of people and animals through the transmission of diseases. Some of the diseases they carry include malaria, yellow fever, dengue, encephalitis, dog heartworm and the West Nile Virus. WNV is relatively new in the US and also infects our wildlife. People, horses, pets and wild … Read more