One of the major decisions facing any breeder is deciding what type of nest box will work best for his breeding birds. In the wild, the choice of a nesting site is not a problem. Parrots are cavity nesters and will nest in tree cavities or in the hollows of large limbs. The exception to … Read more

A readily accepted fact is seed-only diets lack the proper nutrition for optimum health and life longevity in birds.There are countless variations and modifications of base diets, most of which are heartily recommended, as well. The recipe I personally use and recommend contains wholesome ingredients such as whole grain brown rice, pasta, legumes, a variety … Read more

Part II discusses the amounts of calcium required and also the processes and changes in calcium that take place in laying hens.Calcium is primarily protein bound in the blood. The normal range is 8.5 – 11.5 mg/dl. Laying hens require more calcium during egg shell formation. An estrogen-induced hypercalcemia occurs several days before ovulation. Estrogen … Read more

We want a macaw, but which one, how do we find the right one, and what do we look for in a bird? These are the questions we most frequently get asked on the Macaw Talk message forum.Selecting a macaw as your new life long companion and family member is a very important decision to … Read more

Do birds need grit? This is not only a common question of concern to bird owners, but a source of disagreement as well. Understanding what grit is, its purpose, and the possible problems which may result from its use, can help us in deciding whether or not to offer it to our birds. Most of … Read more

Calcium is essential for bone formation, muscle contraction, proper functioning of the nervous system and egg shell formation.Phosphorus is also essential for bone formation, metabolism of carbohydrates and fat, and calcium transport in egg formation. The diet provided to keep a bird healthy must contain adequate calcium and phosphorus and they must be present in … Read more

Parrots have their own unique way of playing and behaving. They amuse us, give us pleasure and sometimes cause great damage. Why they do the things they do are often hard to understand, but they are based upon behaviors in the wild. Here is a humorous look at some of their methods. Perhaps your bird … Read more

I flip upside down in a frenzy of play, Then call to you in my avian way. Nothing can be more important than me! So drop what you’re doing, and come here and see!For what I’ve done now is sure to impress, I’m chewing your plant and making a mess! I’m only asking for all … Read more

I’ve been breeding Indian Ringnecks for 13 years, and I find them a very easy bird to breed…they are normally excellent eaters, eating anything and everything you give them. They love fresh vegies and fruit and devour them…even orange peels seem to disappear! Give them a Pomegranate and try to find any of it later, … Read more

A seizure is a sudden, temporary loss of consciousness and control of motor function. It is caused by a paroxysmal, uncontrolled transient electrical discharge in the brain. Seizures may be mild to severe, partial or generalized, frequent or infrequent.When a seizure occurs, a bird may vocalize, lose consciousness, fall off its perch, flap its wings … Read more