Helping People Keep Happy Healthy Parrots Since 1997
Ringneck and Mustached Parrots
The most important step in getting a pet bird is the research you do before you run out to get one. Study up on each species to make sure it is a bird you can live with (and a bird that can live with you). Once you have decided on which species is most appropriate for your lifestyle, the next step is to decide where you will find your pet. There are a number of places you can purchase a bird, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading »
Nanday Conure
Before you run out to your local pet store and yell, “Gimme that African grey,” it is important to understand that parrots are one of the most challenging pets to own. Do your research before you buy a parrot to avoid future health and behavioral problems, and to be sure you get the parrot that best fits your lifestyle and personality. You should realize that some of the larger parrots can easily outlive their owners, with life expectancies of 50 to 80 years. Many will live with you through various moves and changes in lifestyle. The better prepared you are to deal with this long-time companion, the less likely you are to be disappointed and the less likely your pet is to end up on the bird adoption merry-go-round. Continue reading »
Inca calls me by my name
One of the reasons humans love parrots is their ability to talk. We love their vocalizations (well, maybe not the screaming they are sometimes prone to), and we enjoy the feeling of communicating with these intelligent, beautiful creatures. Continue reading »
Can you find all the holiday hazards in the picture above?
Pointsettias: These beautiful holiday flowering plants have a milky substance in them that is hazardous to animals and birds. If any gets on your pets, wash it off immediately, as it can cause irritation or rash, especially around the eyes, mouth, or nose areas. Obviously you do not want your birds to eat this plant, so keep them away from them at all times. It is possible to have them in your house (the display in the photo above is a centerpiece in my living room), but only when you know you can control access without fail. Continue reading »
Umbrella Cockatoo
The rise in popularity of exotic birds has led to an increase in popularity of another activity: theft of exotic birds. Some large breeders have been devastated by large-scale thefts by professionals. In some states, such as Florida, the increase in bird thefts has led to major changes in how bird owners and law enforcement view this issue. There have also been some major thefts in California. Many of the breeders have had sophisticated theft protection that was evaded by criminals. Some victims have been threatened with guns. Pet stores have also been victimized, including cases where thieves smash store windows and grab birds. While this might seem to be a concern only of breeders and pet store owners, thefts of pet birds from homes have been on the increase as well. All owners of pet birds should consider taking precautions to prevent the loss of their beloved pets. Continue reading »
Baby Cockatiels
Report from The American Federation of Aviculture Meeting
Lecturer: Darrell Styles, DVM
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology
The Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center
Texas A & M University
The Schobot Exotic Bird Health Center is one of the top research facilities in the United States where the study of exotic species, particularly large parrots and endangered birds, is the main focus of research. Dr. Darrell Styles, a lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, spoke at the most recent meeting of the American Federation of Aviculture. His lecture was very interesting, and will give you a good idea as to the current issues facing researchers in the field of avian medicine. This is the first in a multi-part series on the current status of avian research. Continue reading »
Guinevere is a typical cat. She patrols her yard and keeps other cats at bay. She chases wild birds in the yard. She hunts at night. Guinevere followed her instincts, the way most animals do. The question I had was: Could I live in the back house behind the home where Guinevere reigned supreme and not spend half my time wondering if she was terrorizing my birds? Eventually my question was answered: Guinevere was an exceptional cat, and she quickly learned that these birds were pets and she was not to mess with them. My experience taught me that SOME cats do have the ability to live in relative harmony with pet birds. Other experiences (a neighborhood cat that had to be chased off with a hose at 2 am on a few occasions) showed me that some cats are ruled by their instincts and will never be appropriate in the same home as pet birds. Continue reading »
A Happy Hut is a small tent-like item that is hung by two quick-links from the top of the cage. Birds sleep in them and sometimes sit on top of the hut. They are made of a soft material. There are number of similar sleeping huts that are marketed under different trade names. Continue reading »
Military Macaw
Parrots make wonderful, enchanting pets, but they also require special care and a very safe environment in order to live long, healthy lives. Parrots tend to be more prone to accidents. Their extreme intelligence makes them curious so they will often “explore” and end up in dangerous situations. It is a good idea to make your house child safe when you bring home a parrot. Most birds will get into the same kinds of trouble that a 2-year-old human child will get into. They will taste test the potpourri, chew through an electrical cord, or jump into a sink full of water. Because parrots have small, sensitive lungs, they cannot be exposed to strong chemicals and fumes. Many “unexplained” parrot deaths have been due to exposure to overheated nonstick cookware or scented cleaners. Watch out for poisonous plants and foods. If you follow certain guidelines, you can be reasonably assured of your pet’s health and safety. Continue reading »
Violet Necked Lories
I remember the first time I distinctly noticed my pet senegal parrot seemed “grumpy.” It was as if my beloved pet wanted nothing to do with me. He was nippy and aggressive. I started to wonder what I was doing wrong when a friend asked me, “How much sleep is he getting?” It never occurred to me that Max could be grumpy because he was sleep deprived. Continue reading »
