tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77665372675698201552024-08-29T09:00:55.486-07:00A blog designed to share useful tips on careing, training, and feeding of companion parrots.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-26605855527595023852011-12-09T09:10:00.000-08:002011-12-09T09:12:34.531-08:00

Many bird owners discuss the pros and cons of flighted birds. Not only do flighted birds feel more confidant, but they are at less of a risk for predators and injury sustaining crashes than clipped birds. Whether your bird is flighted or clipped you can help your feathered friend relax his wing muscles with a type of bird massage therapy. Begin by setting your bird on a perch that will

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-57517676827448899282011-12-04T11:06:00.000-08:002011-12-04T11:06:32.751-08:00

During the holidays parrots and parrot owners are well aware of how birds are extremely sensitive to fumes from your kitchen. This year as you prepare meals for holiday gatherings be mindful of your feathered friend's lungs. Place parrots and other birds away from kitchen fumes. If you have friends that smoke, ask them to smoke outside so that you don't end a wonderful party only to find your

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-21690734684563941302011-11-30T16:39:00.000-08:002011-12-02T09:58:09.115-08:00

This link is an excellent resource for determining what foods your parrot should and should not eat. http://www.itsagreysworld.com/diet/food.htm

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-68622257839969280172011-11-30T13:12:00.000-08:002011-12-02T19:30:56.850-08:00

Parrots, like children, love to open and shred objects to see what is inside.  Packages such as boxes and even stockings can offer everyone an opportunity to have a gift under the tree. This year as you prepare for the holidays don't forget to pick up some stocking stuffers for your favorite feathered friend as you peruse the aisles of your local stores. Here are a few items you can purchase

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-78312915529703282382011-10-29T18:34:00.000-07:002011-10-29T18:34:05.206-07:00

During holidays it is easy to think that a little bit of candy, sweets or other junk foods is okay for your parrot. However, too much of anything can be bad for everyone. Refrain from offering your parrot too many sweets and never offer chocolate (white, dark or milk). Caffeinated drinks are also bad. But don't fear, there are safe alternatives to share with your pet. If you want to

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-3887877946355172142011-10-27T10:53:00.000-07:002011-10-27T10:53:08.833-07:00

Tips for Parrot Owners: Insecurity verses Independence

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-83785343685522422692011-10-24T16:54:00.000-07:002011-10-24T16:54:56.089-07:00

While the days are getting shorter, don't forget to turn down your parrot's lamp, too. The amount of light your parrot is exposed to directly effects his internal clock for mating, aggression and sleeping. For best results, keep your parrot's lighting similar to that outside your window. While this may not seem like a big deal, you should notice less aggression in your parrot since he (or she) is

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-34219589024253119922011-10-23T09:24:00.001-07:002011-10-23T09:24:15.583-07:00

In a down economy, everyone is looking to save money, but no one more than a parrot owner. A busy beak can demolish a 20-dollar toy in one day. Not the most pet friendly prices to keep up with in any economy. Where there is hope there is less feather plucking. Check out your local craft store for clean natural woods, untreated willow or grapevine wreaths (diameter to fit your parrot), organic

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-81648136297324831082011-10-11T06:29:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:29:26.899-07:00

Feeding parrots everything they need can be difficult on a busy schedule, and sometimes parrots just simply are tired of the same fruits and veggies everyday. Some signs that your parrot may need some nutritional adjustments is a flaky beak and irritability. To switch things up in an absolutely nutritional way consider adding a few servings of 100 % fruit juice to your parrot's weekly diet. I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-50389472205831468612011-10-09T13:35:00.000-07:002011-10-09T13:35:14.718-07:00

Many parrots unnecessarily suffer nutritional deficiencies. As a result, they also suffer behavior problems, health problems and a host of other issues associated with mental illness that usually accompanies the two. Try as they may, commercial diets are no replacement for fresh fruits, vegetables and grains that your bird is instinctively designed to ingest. Many birds still suffer egg binding

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-86264947443033804822011-10-02T06:37:00.000-07:002011-10-04T03:26:01.832-07:00

Many times parrots perch on top of kitchen cabinets while we are preparing their food dishes. If this sounds like you be aware of the potential threat of your parrot getting a pinched toe. When parrots are perched on open cabinet doors, wedge a piece of towel just above one of the hinges to prevent them from snapping shut. When cabinets are not in use, be sure they are closed properly. A half

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-5284119899945223522011-09-26T14:11:00.000-07:002011-09-26T14:11:35.977-07:00

Today I realized I kept worrying about getting my parrot a bigger cage. The reasons are many, starting with that the more space a parrot has the happier they are. Instead of getting a bigger cage, consider hanging shears or lacy curtains from the ceiling in a way that blocks off your parrot's space from yours. Hope this tip helps.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-23921535633243679032011-09-01T13:28:00.000-07:002011-09-01T13:28:25.964-07:00

I have owned my beloved conure for over ten years, and throughout those years have found little in the way of conures and lots in the way of parrots. Yes, conures are parrots, but not all parrots are alike. We are all told to feed pellets, fruits and veggies with some seed, but what we are not told is to take into consideration our feathered friend's natural diet. After a bit of research at the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-84317798049195429272011-08-29T13:41:00.000-07:002011-08-29T13:41:49.964-07:00

As there are always more to learn and understand about our feathered friends, I have found a wonderful website that I want to share with you. The World Parrot Trust functions to inform parrot owners of the many ways we can learn to understand and live alongside both companion parrots and parrots in the wild. Please take a moment to read some of the fascinating articles that can help you learn

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-88329553302436659812011-07-22T13:05:00.000-07:002011-08-15T16:03:43.440-07:00

With all the pressure of feeding a fresh veggies, it can be overwhelming to find and keep veggies our feathered friends enjoy eating, shredding and foraging on. So, to make things a bit easier, try being brave and experimental. When you are out buying groceries don't be afraid to try new flavors and textures when passing the produce aisle. 1. Purchase 2 or 3 fresh Brussels sprouts 2.

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-39010812188303413572011-07-08T19:42:00.001-07:002011-07-08T19:42:53.780-07:00

The last time we spoke, I promised to let you in on the benefits of a fully flighted (unclipped) bird.  While there are some drawbacks, hopefully you can make a good judgment on whether or not you want to keep your bird’s wings clipped or allow them to grow long. There are many benefits to unclipped wings such as your bird will be calmer and less likely to startle. Birds that are clipped

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-64497256082465591762011-06-29T16:07:00.000-07:002011-07-08T14:50:35.183-07:00

Last time I offered a worst-case scenario that is all too common. The most important thing to remember is to start addressing the problem in steps. It didn’t take one day for your bird to decided to become threatened and it isn’t going to be fixed in a day. The great trust bearer has been broken, but not forever. Begin by letting your bird out to exercise its wings. Because they ache from lack of

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-5873316269647736582011-06-13T08:13:00.000-07:002011-09-01T13:33:22.743-07:00

Most birds are sold with clipped wings, which allow the seller to give them a good deal on a cage that will fit the bird. Later, due to whatever reason, the bird ends up with a full set of wings he doesn’t know how to use.  Maybe it’s because the owner wants to see the vibrant plumage of the gold cap’s wing tips that is only visible when long. Or, most often, the owner is afraid of hurting

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-14017994581253747472011-06-05T18:15:00.000-07:002011-06-05T18:15:58.482-07:00

Just as many parrot owners know about the dangers of non-stick cookware as not. Everyday a new parrot owner has just brought home their first avian companion without giving a second thought to the many dangers that are already working against a satisfying relationship with their bird. And, by parrot I mean budgies and cockatiels that many people think are more resistant to household dangers

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-64056340166104826562011-05-24T12:00:00.000-07:002011-05-25T09:03:45.990-07:00

Is your parrot trying to tell you something about his diet? My conure and I are working on learning colors (red, yellow, blue, green, brown and white). Not only are these the colors of his plumage, but these are the colors I see when I go to the produce aisle. Now I know that a banana and an orange are different, but in the wild I would only need to know they are shades of yellow and they are

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-75780247774315096102011-05-16T14:02:00.000-07:002011-05-16T14:02:10.490-07:00

Habitat enrichment programs such as used by the San Diego Zoo are proven to improve your parrots overall mental and physical well being. To make sure your parrot’s feet and beak stay healthy try building a wall of perches that simulates the natural ledges parrots hang from in the wild. Simply attach a few perches to the sides of the cage going from left to right working your way UP the back on

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-11447803745466494912011-05-15T14:44:00.000-07:002011-05-15T14:45:40.917-07:00

Many bird owners think buying a “new” bird will prevent bad behaviors. Don’t be fooled. With the problem of bird milling, many birds are moved from mill, to pet store, to owner, only to end back up as breeders at bird mills because they were ruined before they were purchased. Commercial breeding creates chicks with socialization and behavior problems that result in feather plucking and screaming

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-36179147042973797772011-05-13T16:44:00.000-07:002011-05-13T16:44:12.262-07:00

The high moisture and low temperatures during spring work towards making your parrot comfortable when traveling outdoors. Parrot owners enjoy taking their parrot to the park. But, not every parrot owner lives within walking distance from the park. And, it’s not much of a day off if you have to move the ark. Solution: Take public transportation!During my time in NYC, I used public

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-12484157898999296492011-05-07T15:30:00.000-07:002011-05-07T15:30:08.913-07:00

Wooden toys in an age of plastic and metal ones may seem old fashioned, but a good friend of mine who boards birds in NYC says they are necessary for natural beak care. They are also environmentally friendly. So, the next time you are browsing the toy selection, consider how natural toys can simulate your bird’s natural environment. In turn, they will stimulate your bird’s natural behaviors to

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7766537267569820155.post-32366775102221834582011-05-05T09:54:00.000-07:002011-05-05T09:54:23.496-07:00

Leafy greens (collard, kale, romaine and spinach) are not as easy to feed as apples and mango because they’re a bit bitter and not near as juicy. However, that doesn’t remove the fact that birds need the nutrients leafy greens provide (iron, calcium, zinc, and more). Using the leaves of natural veggies to create a natural leafy enclosure for your bird is one way to enrich your parrot’s daily

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0