Prospective purchasers of macaws often ask which species we believe make the best pets and which ones are more difficult to own. Macaws are near and dear to our hearts as we not only breed them, but also have a number of them as pets. In our experience, we have seen a noticable difference in … Read more

When a distressed bird is taken to an avian veterinarian, respiratory disease is often found to be the cause. Frequent sneezing, nasal discharge, periocular swelling, coughing, wheezing, and a voice change may be evident. Dyspnea, or labored breathing, may be seen at rest or after the bird flies a short distance. “Tail bobbing” or a … Read more

I am the owner of a 1 year old African Grey. I have had “Sera” since she was first weaned.My time is very limited as I work many hours. After having difficulty finding the time to prepare an adequate breakfast/dinner for Sera, I came up with a method of feeding her which she loves and … Read more

If you breed budgies, lovebirds or cockatiels, you know the excitement of working with color mutations. Studying the intricacies of genetics can give a whole new meaning to breeding birds. It is also difficult to describe the thrill of looking in a nest box and discovering a new color no one else has bred.Right now … Read more

Birds possess a very unique and efficient respiratory system. They lack a diaphragm, have nonexpandable lungs and a system of air sacs which extend into many of their bones. Vocalization is by means of a syrinx, not a larynx as in mammals. This column will describe the structure of the avian respiratory system. The following article will … Read more

There are many different public events a club can sponsor. They can range from holding seminars, to sales, swaps, auctions, expos and bird shows. When I did the Long Island Parrot Society club’s annual bird show it involved exhibiting and judging of birds as well as many other activities. Each club should consider the time, … Read more

With winter once again about upon us up here in Oregon, I am reminded of a few years ago – the terrible flooding we went through, and the many other states that went throught the same and other disasters. If it becomes necessary to evacuate, minutes and seconds count…..what can you do to help your … Read more

Time is critical when a bird is first lost or stolen. You want to act as quickly as possible, to get the word out and hopefully recover your bird. So BE PREPARED! Gather the information you will need and be ready in case such an event should occur. You will need to inform the unlettered … Read more

As the new millennium begins, hubby Ken and I have made a few resolutions to ease our future lives with our birds. Perhaps some of them will be of use to you, too. So here goes. Take out two subscriptions to the Sunday New York Times, to ensure that there is sufficient paper in the … Read more

As we move forward into the 21st Century, the lives of our birds are understood better than at any time before. Consider that just a scant 20 years ago, avian medicine was so poorly understood that many vets refused to treat parrots and other large birds. We have seen the advent of the pellet diet, … Read more