I receive lots of calls and visits from pet bird owners. All of them with the same question, “My sweet bird is beginning to pluck feathers. What do I do?” The first thing I ask them is, “Have you had them examined by your avian veterinarian?” Most of the time, the answer is, “NO.” whenever … Read more

Psittacosis may not be the most common disease in your flock, but it is the one you need to be most aware of. This is because Psittacosis (or more technically Chlamydiosis or Chlamydia) is the one disease your birds may give to you, and unless recognised, it can be fatal! The Chlamydia organism, which is … Read more

As new food facts surface and more formulated diets become available for our birds, nutrition remains the most debated subject in birdkeeping and aviculture. Some still question the use of an all-pellet diet, and the need for a greater consumption of water for birds who are on a diet consisting of all dry foods (nuts, … Read more

Food safety has made headlines in newspapers and magazines lately due to outbreaks of diseases such as hepatitis, E.Coli infections, and food poisoning, to name a few. Common food poisonings found in humans include E.coli 0157:H7, salmonella, campylobacter and listeria. Leaving fresh food and water in the bird’s cage for several hours may be the … Read more

There exists a Health Department rule in some states that prohibits parrots from entering certain health care facilities. However, dogs, cats, and llamas are permitted on those premises, but not those nasty parrots. Those filthy mammalian visitors can carry many different insects, worms, bacteria (and worse) which can attack the human body. As far as … Read more

Many members bring their birds to the club meetings. Since many avian diseases are airborne, you shouldn’t bring any new birds to the meeting that have not been quarantined for a minimum of six weeks. Quarantine means in a separate area from all other birds, preferably another room with a closed door to prevent airborne … Read more

Constance,I just finished reading your article, An Overview of the Eclectus Parrot, on the Internet. After several weeks of research, I narrowed my search to an African Grey, or an Eclectus. Upon further review, I selected the Eclectus. I wanted a bird of great intelligence and talking possibilities, while at the same time a PRETTY … Read more

Too bad there aren’t standard IQ tests for birds. Jazz is a cautious soul, never daring to throw himself into any activity until he’s completely comfortable. I’m learning that his lack of daring-do certainly doesn’t mean he’s dim-witted. Nor does it bother me in the least that my answer is “No” to the most asked … Read more

There was mention in the last issue of Eclectus Forum that apple seeds contain cyanide. This information was questioned by one individual who feeds apple seeds to his Eclectus, so I traced the information to a list of foods containing cyanide by Gillian Willis.She explains: ” Sorry if I have confused you…. The body can … Read more

Most people regard what’s in the bottom of their bird’s cage as something they’d rather not look at, but much can be learned by taking a closer look. IN GENERAL: We recommend you use newspaper to cover your cage bottom. Its non-toxic, inexpensive and gives you a clear view of what your bird has dropped … Read more