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
The fids scarfed down the last of the birdy bread this morning, so I had to make more this evening. Their ESP must have informed them of my intentions, and within seconds both fids were on my shoulder, supervising. Before long, they were skating down my arms to the tabletop to inspect the ingredients more … Read more
There are many risks when people take their pet birds outside in the open on perches, or with them riding on their shoulders, as well as risks to aviary birds that are not well protected. Pet owners don’t stop to think about the many dangers in the immediate area. For instance, here in the Southwest, … 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
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. A detailed description of this disease and it causes, can be found in Avian Gastric Yeast Formerly Megabacteria Part I. Transmission and Diagnosis Transmission of Avian Gastric Yeast (formerly … Read more