There has been much discussion recently on the topic of feather plucking in companion parrots, along with even greater speculation on its possible causes. Companion bird owners who have watched their beloved and well-cared for parrots pluck themselves bald, as well as the veterinarians who have attempted to treat these birds, have come to the … Read more
Lovebirds are the second smallest species of parrot. Their weight range is 42 to 60 grams. Females tend to be slighter larger than the males. All nine species are in the genius AGAPORNIS. Native to Africa and surrounding islands, many species were imported into the U.S. in large numbers in the late 20 th century. The … Read more
Bird owners are often advised to clip the wings of their birds. A common first reaction is that it is a cruel thing to do. After all, birds are meant to fly. However, there are valid reasons for clipping. First and foremost is the bird’s safety, but there are other reasons as well. Safety – Unclipped … Read more
Phobic birds are a real heartbreak. It is bad enough when you get one from another source but completely devastating when it is a baby that you handraised. Most young phobic birds……….Kodiak showed signs shortly after he was pulled from the nest……start fearing the main caregiver first and most.In working with phobic birds and their … Read more
Bird owners have discovered how much their pet birds enjoy children and baby toys. Many of us spend hours combing childrens’ toy stores looking for those special items which we feel our pet birds will like. And since these toys are safe for toddlers we often assume they are safe for our birds. There is … Read more
Going on vacation can be a major problem for anyone who has a pet bird. Finding a care giver for your favorite pet who is knowledgeable and willing to take care of your birds can be difficult. Whether you are hiring a professional pet sitting service, or are having a friend/or relative take care of … Read more
It is a well-known fact that parrots are especially sensitive to environmental toxins. Chemicals that normally are only irritating to humans and other animals can be acutely toxic to parrots. The inhalation of carbon monoxide exhaust or fumes from overheated Teflon products, which would cause no apparent damage to humans or other animals, can be … Read more
One of the most wonderful things that can happen to you, is the addition of a pet bird to your family. However, there is a lot a new bird owner must know in order to develop a loving and trusting relationship and to keep a bird healthy. From time to time we will be presenting … Read more
The three most common sources of bleeding with pet birds is a broken blood feather, a torn toenail or a chipped beak. Owners are always terrified when they see their pet bird bleeding. The first and most important thing to do is remain calm. Our pets sense our anxiety and will bleed more because their … Read more
Anyone ever seeing a hawk-headed (Deroptyus accipitrinus) parrot, in the flesh …..er……. feather, will always say, “they will take your breath away”. They surely do, there truly is none more magnificent, in the parrot family. The hawk-head is rather a small bird as far as parrots are concerned. There size is comparable to a blue … Read more