Once a bird is diagnosed with Psittacosis, certain essential steps must be taken.If one bird in a group is found to be infected, it is reasonable to assume that all birds in the same air space have been exposed. Even though all exposed birds will develop chlamydiosis, it is strongly recommended that they be treated. … Read more
Is plastic a safe product for my bird? Are there any unnatural chemicals used? I have read about phthalates, is that still used in plastic? Will my bird swallow plastic? Will plastic pass safely through if accidentally swallowed? Will my bird like playing with plastic? Why use plastic toys for my bird? What are some … Read more
In brooding chicks there are many things to consider. This article will cover different types of brooders, the best temperatures to brood chicks, the effects on the chicks as a result of poor environmental conditions, how to set up the brooder, how best to brood the chicks for the best weight gain and how to … Read more
Summer is here and many of you are planning your summer vacations. A big dilema many of us face is what should we do with our birds when we go away. Should we take them or leave them home? This depends upon how you are travelling and how long you will be away. If your … Read more
How do you limit the independence and increase flight safety of those zooming, jet-plane Indian Ringneck babies once they learn how to maneuver and evade? An effective tool I use during the socialization process for young Indian Ringnecks is the use of a “progressive” clip that gradually reduces their flying ability. Once they have taken … Read more
Keeping records of your breeding pairs and tiel chicks is critical to any successful breeding program. The information gained from keeping accurate records is vital to the health of the parents and the chicks they produce. Recordkeeping on Adult Pairs When you decide that you are going to breed a specific pair, even before the … Read more
“Toe tapping” is the common name given to a condition characterized by repetitive muscular extending and contracting of the toes of a bird. In most circumstances, this condition is seen in the Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus), and has been observed by many pet bird owners and breeders for over a dozen years. “Toe Tapping” 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