Over the years there have been hundreds of examples of birds who have been potty trained. We have heard of macaws, cockatoos, cockatiels, lories, conures, amazons, lovebirds and greys who have been successfully trained. Because parrots are among the most intelligent of the animal species, it is easy to understand why they can so easily … Read more
I saw, in person, my first Jardine’s Parrots in 1985 and there and then decided that we had to add a pair of them to our collection. Finally, in 1986 I was able to get a pair from a wholesale bird broker in California’s central valley. We segregated our new birds, did cultures and whatever … Read more
The avian ear, as the mammalian ear, is an organ of hearing and balance. The ear is composed of three parts – an external, a middle and an inner part. The external ear lacks a flap or pinna (earlobe) and is hidden by specialized feathers known as auricular feathers. The auricular feathers protect the opening, … Read more
First-time parrot owners are sometimes baffled by the numerous decisions necessary to care for their new feathered companion. While they are confident of their ability to care for a dog or cat, they are surprised by the realization that much of their knowledge of pet care simply does not apply to birds. One ready source … Read more
Many bird clubs are folding because of politics or infighting or strong-arming by eqotistical members. The quieter members are made to feel inferior, or are recruited by the stronger to support their ideas. Some clubs don’t last a year. Others after many years and under many principal leaders finally wear out. But now there is … Read more
Megabacteria is a large gram positive rod shaped organism that causes severe debilitating disease in numerous species of psittacines and passerines in captivity and in the wild. (Note the large rod-shaped organisms in the photo.) Megabacteriosis or Avian Gastric Yeast is most common in budgies. Cases have also been reported in parrotlets, lovebirds, King parrots, … Read more
Seven years ago, I told my husband Steve I needed a pet to keep me company while he worked and that I wanted a baby parrot! We attended a local bird fair, where we stopped to see 3 darling 8 week old patagonian conures being hand fed. Steve put his hand in the cage and … Read more
Fledglings can confuse a breeder as they prepare for their first solo flight. Inexperienced breeders may take the preparation for flying as a sign that the chick is weaning. This article is all about cockatiel chicks who are getting ready for flight. There are many aspects involved in fledging, so we are going to cover … Read more
Perhaps this is a crisis particular to NY (the 3rd most litigious state in the nation) residents only, but I fear that this will spread quickly to all states. Let a word to the wise be sufficient, as the saying goes.If you are moving and need new homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, or if you have … Read more
Twas a month before Spring and all through the aviary Not a creature was stirring, Not even a Canary. The nest boxes were hung on the cages with care, In hopes that some eggs soon would be there. The Quakers were nestled all snug in their huts, With visions of nutriberries, chocolate and nuts. The … Read more