tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4265437489431412752012-03-20T00:23:56.543-05:00.The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-1385103687755137092009-08-22T09:04:00.003-05:002009-08-22T09:17:35.877-05:002009-08-22T09:17:35.877-05:00Smokey Meets Nemo<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/So_7Iu-lcaI/AAAAAAAAAIM/lcO_6ACesJM/s1600-h/SmokeyMeetsNemo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372789007944348066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/So_7Iu-lcaI/AAAAAAAAAIM/lcO_6ACesJM/s320/SmokeyMeetsNemo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>We went to a wedding this summer and as part of the reception table decorations, the couple used Male Betta fish. Being the animal lover that I am, I asked what the plan was for all the fish at the end of the event. "We're going to flush them down the terlet!" the father said proudly. </p><p>Even a little innocent fish doesn't deserve that fate! I couldn't take them all but I ended up with one new companion. After getting the little guy home I felt like he needed some friends. Now, I have two fish tanks. My male Betta sits in my office at my part time school social work job. The children love to come in my office and talk to him. </p><p>My second larger tank is at home, set up in my hearth room where our family can enjoy the calm and beauty. I've taken to placing the <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Parrot-Tower-Bird-Stands-s/27.htm">Parrot Tower Bird Stands</a> close to the aquarium. Smokey loves it almost as much as he loves his <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Sitter-Video-p/psv-00052.htm">Bird Sitter Video</a>! </p>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-84537396039846152302009-08-06T15:40:00.004-05:002009-08-07T10:23:56.683-05:002009-08-07T10:23:56.683-05:00Foraging & Enrichment Toys for Parrots<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SntK7lzX5rI/AAAAAAAAAH8/cFfqhpvPl84/s1600-h/ringsoffortuneWITH+bird.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366965768562402994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SntK7lzX5rI/AAAAAAAAAH8/cFfqhpvPl84/s320/ringsoffortuneWITH+bird.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Keep That Bird Busy!</strong></span><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Just as someone into aquariums has to contend with water chemistry and dog owners need to contend with chewing, bird owners have to contend with providing a healthy, stimulating environment for their parrot. Unable to rely on enrichment from Mother Nature, your pet bird relies on <em>you</em> for stimulation. And, if you don't provide what your parrot needs, he'll let you know with behaviors like screaming, biting and pulling his feathers. </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">But you can easily curb annoying parrot tantrums and self-destructive behavior. Sources like </span><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> specialize in selling bird toys and parrot accessories that create a stimulating environment for your parrot. The goal is to encourage thinking and exercise to get wanted objects, especially food, shredding and soft wood chipping items.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>What is Foraging? </strong></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We hear a lot about "foraging" these days. Most trusted bird toy manufacturers are getting very saavy as to the importance of providing bird safe foraging toys. Foraging bird toys require your bird to WORK for food, similar to how how he may do in he wild. Non-destructible feeding systems like the </span><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Rings-Of-Fortune-Bird-Toys-p/nat%2024284.htm"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Rings of Forture Bird Toy</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, shown above provide mental and visual stimulation as your parrot aligns a bit of food through a tumble system to capture it at the bottom. Similarly, the </span><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Original-Forage-Feeder-p/ai05942.htm"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Original Forage Feeder</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, which incidently is a hit with our 8 parrots, consists of three wood blocks with deep holes to insert food. Your parrot has to firstly, figure out that there is indeed food in the hole. Then, he has to chip away at the wood to obtain the desired treat. The manufacturer recommends that you fill the holes to the brim and as your parrot eats away, it realizes that it has to forage to obtain it's food. </span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The cool thing is that as as parrots become more popular pets and as we research the mental and physical needs of these beautiful creatures, many trusted bird toy manufactures are creating foraging toys. Keep in mind that in the wild, parrots spend about 70% of their time foraging for food while in a domestic environment, they eat for say, 15-20 minutes. Why not get a bunch of foraging toys and load them with your parrots healthy food. Better yet, check out the </span><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Enriching-Parrots-s/96.htm"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Parrot Enrichment Pack</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> at </span><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">!</span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">New to Foraging?</span></strong> <span style="font-size:85%;">Learn more with these DVD's: </span><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Captive-Foraging-DVD-p/cf-dvd.htm"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Captive Foraging</span></strong></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> and </span><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Enriching-Your-Parrots-Life-p/tle%20tledvd.htm"><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Enriching Your Parrot's LIfe</span></strong></a></span></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-12204443655847884212009-08-04T20:11:00.002-05:002009-08-04T20:17:45.973-05:002009-08-04T20:17:45.973-05:00<a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Parrot-Bird-Carriers-s/10.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366281590114054210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SnjcrKd3cEI/AAAAAAAAAH0/dy6HxdOlcSs/s320/PAK.jpg" border="0" /></a> Bird Carriers on Sale Now Through Friday, 8/7/2009<br /><br />Just in time for travel season, all bird carriers at Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies are on sale! Don't miss out! Get one now for evacuation purposes, holiday travel or just taking your bird out for superior socialization! <br /><br />Check out our <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Parrot-Bird-Carriers-s/10.htm">huge range of high quality bird carriers </a>now. <br /><br />Checkout Coupon Code: LETSGO<br /><br />Coupons or offers can not be combined.The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-85465262985445459942009-07-30T20:51:00.003-05:002009-07-30T21:04:39.790-05:002009-07-30T21:04:39.790-05:00OMG! That Screaming Parrot!!!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SnCDNUcglgI/AAAAAAAAAHc/zieBCVcWuRg/s1600-h/shutterstock_5122771.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363931421048083970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SnCDNUcglgI/AAAAAAAAAHc/zieBCVcWuRg/s320/shutterstock_5122771.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Peachy, my 14 year old Moluccan Cockatoo has taken up a new hobby. SCREAMING! It's not the usual and expected morning screaming. Not the when I leave the room screaming. Of course, Peachy is a healthy, normal male M2 so we are used to talk between flock mates. Peachy has recently started loudly vocalizing at about 30 second intervals during his routine bird stand play time. Peachy has several hours of bird stand play time each day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My first step to extinguishing this behavior is to <em>recognize what has changed for Peachy</em>. It's pretty easy to pinpoint. We've had some family challenges lately and Peachy is well aware of the tension. This makes him uneasy and aggitated. Secondly, I went on vacation with my son to <em>must see Puerto Rico</em> recently and Joe, my boyfriend provided reinforcement when Peachy screamed. Thank goodness this is a new problem which we can solve. Neither of these changes are Peachy's fault.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So where do we go from here. Two words. <strong><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=AP270273">Good Bird</a></strong> (by Barbara Heidenreich). If you haven't stumbled upon this professional avian trainer and educator let me introduce you! She is an extremely valuable resource for all things parrots. Bird behavior issues, parrot enrichment and more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now that I know that Peachy is screaming as a reaction to household attention and recent reinforcement for screaming, I'm ready to extinguish what I'll call Reactive Screaming.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><ol><br /><li>Actively reduce tension in the home. </li><br /><li>Everyone in the home will use the same extinguishment techniques.</li><br /><li><strong>Ignore screaming.</strong> Whatever it takes, we all need to NOT RESPOND to Peachy when he screams.</li><br /><li><strong>Reward quiet behavior.</strong> For me, that would be whistles, singing, talking and silence. Since Peachy had been screaming at extremely frequent intervals, I decided to reward silence of 10 seconds to insure results. Peachy LOVES fresh banana's. I just happen to have a couple on hand! He also loves sritches, which is not a problem at our house. </li><br /><li><strong>Model appropriate vocalizations.</strong> Peachy loves to sing with us. If I whistle a tune, he can repeat it. As I make appropriate vocalizations it plants a seed in Peachy's mind that that is how I want him to communicate with us. </li></ol><p><strong>UPDATE:</strong> I only started using Ms. Heindenreich's Good Bird recommendations yesterday. But, even today, I notice a <em>drastic improvement</em> in Peachy's screaming. Of course, Peach had not internalized his need to scream and our little household crisis has diminshed in size, but never the less, the techniques described in Good Bird really work! (As a clinical social worker, I had no doubt; hence, I seriously advocate Ms. Heindenreich's work.) </p><p>Peachy is now using words to yell at the dogs as opposed to screaming in an irritating pitch at me. He is singing, whistling and talking. I can't say that I love that hip hop stuff that my son teaches him, but it is a heck of a lot better than screatchy screaming. He just said his favorite phrase; "Whatcha doin' doin'?" The dogs got a good chewing out every time the door bell rang today. But, Peachy's inappropriate and unacceptable screaming was SIGNIFICANTLY less today. Thanks <strong><span style="color:#663366;">Good Bird</span></strong>! And, gosh, thank goodness for <span style="color:#ffff00;">banana's</span>!</p>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-39457415194810079952009-07-30T20:50:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:51:48.966-05:002009-07-30T20:51:48.966-05:00Sprouting for Parrots: Organic Bird Sprouts<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SmnQRoewzAI/AAAAAAAAAGg/bNexTkgVYVU/s1600-h/SproutswBird.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362045832704084994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SmnQRoewzAI/AAAAAAAAAGg/bNexTkgVYVU/s320/SproutswBird.jpg" border="0" /></a>Seed sprouting is a fantastic way to improve nutrition in your parrot's diet. Sprouted seeds are actually <em>live food</em>. A sprout isn’t part of a plant—it is <strong>the</strong> plant. The life energy in fresh sprouts is thought to assist and stimulate the self-healing ability of humans and birds alike. Sprouts supply the body with high-quality nourishment that is used for fuel. Not only do they contain the many trace minerals, vitamins, and enzymes necessary for tissue repair, this "pre-digested food" frees the resources of the body from the task of digestion to speed up the metabolism and to overcome challenges to the immune system.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SmnURjveKHI/AAAAAAAAAGo/4A0EZLqNuVw/s1600-h/easy-sprout_sprouter.jpg"></a><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SmnQJwbP5_I/AAAAAAAAAGY/jKkl6SK1CZw/s1600-h/sprouts4blog.jpg"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SmnUxdD74LI/AAAAAAAAAGw/PhPlMPiJQKk/s1600-h/easy-sprout_sprouter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362050777441099954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SmnUxdD74LI/AAAAAAAAAGw/PhPlMPiJQKk/s320/easy-sprout_sprouter.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you've been putting off making sprouts for your parrot because of fears that it is a time consuming, rigorous process requiring lots of jars and worry about contanimation, think again.<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Finally a truly easy sprouter because with <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/product-p/ses.htm"><strong>Easy Sprout</strong></a>™ there is no need to rinse anything and it's amazingly fast, efficient and convenient to produce, store and use practical quantities of sprouted seeds, beans, grains & nuts. EZ Sprouting for your bird with the Easy Sprout turns dry seeds into tiny dynamos of energy, rich in enzymes, anti-oxidant vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients. </div></div><div></div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/">Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies</a> offers <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Parrot-Sprout-Mix-p/pop.htm"><strong>All Organic Good Stuff Parrot Sprout Mix</strong></a> in three blends for small, medium and large parrots. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><ul><br /><li>The gold standard in bird blends! Nothing compares! </li><br /><li>Measured and balanced to provide necessary protein, vitamins and minerals! </li><br /><li>Organic, human-grade ingredients! </li><br /><li>All natural bird food! No synthetic additives or ingredients of any kind! </li><br /><li>Features unsulfured fruits and vegetables! </li><br /><li>No GMOs, peanuts, wheat or soy. </li><br /><li>Contains nutrient rich sprouted and slowly-dehydrated grains and seeds. </li><br /><li>Saves you the hours it would take to prepare such a varied diet for your bird!<br /><br /></li></ul><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-77051781500665154352009-07-30T20:49:00.002-05:002009-07-30T20:50:16.516-05:002009-07-30T20:50:16.516-05:00The Puerto Rican Amazon Parrot: Conservation Must!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SmMcFmI8eeI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/sA3gwRVxFZQ/s1600-h/PuertoRicanParrot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360158863964010978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SmMcFmI8eeI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/sA3gwRVxFZQ/s320/PuertoRicanParrot.jpg" border="0" /></a> I just got back from Puerto Rico. The American paradise! All I can say is BEAUTIFUL. This place is teaming with beauty. I know. Everyone thinks of beach. Snorkeling. Scuba. San Juan. I thought rainforests and the only parrot indigenous to the U.S. The Puerto Rican Parrot.<br /><br />I'm biased, in that I think all parrots are beautiful. But good grief. Take a look at this beauty! I've got an Orange Winged Amazon, Mandolina, a.k.a. "Mandy." Even so, to be redundant, all parrots hold a special place in my heart. Well, all birds for that matter. I saw some wonderful sea birds on my snorkeling excursions.<br /><br />But, check this out. The incredible efforts that we are going through as a nation to bring back the Puerto Rican Amazon Parrot. El Yunque Rainforest, just a few miles from my hotel, the Wyndham Rio Mar, offers a conservation program. Oh, I bet you didn't know this either. El Yunque is in 2nd place as one of the <strong>New 7 Wonders of the World.</strong> Unbelievable! That is until you see it. OMG.<br /><br />You know, sad statistic is that there are only about <a href="http://10000birds.com/puerto-rican-parrot-2009-breeding-season-update.htm">295 Puerto Rican Amazons</a> counting both captive and wild populations. But as a nation, we're pulling it together to bring this wonderful parrot back. <a href="http://www.fws.gov/southeast/prparrot/pdf/PR_parrot_FS.pdf">The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service</a> maintains a El Yunque has a Puerto Rican Parrot nursery. Puerto Rico celebrates these parrots. In fact, the municipal of Rio Grande boasts statues of Puerto Rican Parrots at the entry and exit of the town off of Hwy 3. They are actively trying to re-introduce this beautiful parrot back into our only American Rainforest.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p>I don't know about you, but I'm an avid ecology advocate. I want my son and his kids to experience a clean, diverse, and rich world. Including the Puerto Rican Amazon Parrot. So, as you read this blog update, please consider the journey that your particular parrots' ancestors have had to endure. Respect their unique diversity and personalities. Appreciate and enrich their captive existence. So, if you have a parrot as a pet, here is what you can do:</p><ol><br /><li>Encourage and Promote Parrot <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Enriching-Parrots-s/96.htm">Foraging and Enrichment Opportunities</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Play-Stands-s/28.htm">Make Your Parrot Part Of Your FLOCKILY</a> (family and flock) each day.</li><li><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/The-Aviator-Bird-Harness-p/puv001xx.htm">Allow Your Parrot To Fly</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Cooked-Bird-Food-Sprouts-s/24.htm">Feed Your Parrot The Diet It Needs:</a> </li></ol><p><strong>Photo borrowed from </strong><a href="http://10000birds.com/puerto-rican-parrot-2009-breeding-season-update.htm"><strong>10,000 Birds</strong></a></p>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-25420208325821101892009-07-30T20:39:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:48:51.056-05:002009-07-30T20:48:51.056-05:00Wingabago Bird Carriers! Order Now!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SkY1Sd41vkI/AAAAAAAAAGI/xU_vv1hu_nA/s1600-h/Wing-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352023798553361986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SkY1Sd41vkI/AAAAAAAAAGI/xU_vv1hu_nA/s320/Wing-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Wingabago Bird Carriers Are Back!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">New and improved! Literally, the best bird carrier on the market, the Wingabago is back in production and ready to ship! Limited quanitities! Order yours today!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-47135774500828822632009-07-30T20:37:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:39:02.310-05:002009-07-30T20:39:02.310-05:00Awesome Parrot Stands Bird Stands<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/ShLH3C26OhI/AAAAAAAAAE0/kKdWO6xhvRU/s1600-h/Caitec+Elevated+Tower.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337548256861370898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 102px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/ShLH3C26OhI/AAAAAAAAAE0/kKdWO6xhvRU/s200/Caitec+Elevated+Tower.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Height:</strong> 54"H<br /><strong>Tray Size:</strong> 32" x 22.5"<br /><strong>Perch Diameter:</strong> 1" +/- </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Have you been wanting a new quality bird stand but shy away from the price sticker? Well, the struggle is over! Caitec's Elevated Play Tower Bird Stands provide a fun yet affordable play stand for your Amazon or African Grey parrot to socialize. Variable diameter perches are both healthy and comfortable for your parrot's perching pleasure. The top perch features two bowls. With six lower level perches that encourage climbing and exercise, your medium sized parrot will love this bird stand. </div><br /><div><br />Why choose the Play Tower Bird Stand for your Amazon or African Grey? </div><br /><ul><br /><li>Economical & Affordable </li><br /><li>Easy to Clean </li><br /><li>Variable Perch Sizes for Foot Health </li></ul><br /><div><br />Assembly required. </div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-6164091456498287112009-07-30T20:36:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:37:32.402-05:002009-07-30T20:37:32.402-05:00Important Parrot Legislation: HR669ACTION ALERT - FROM AFA, ASA, and NAIA, with additional information from PIJAC WE NEED YOUR HELP - WHETHER YOU OWN AN "EXOTIC" ANIMAL OR ANY OTHER ANIMAL. HR 669 IS SET FOR HEARING ON 4/23/09. WE ALL NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO KILL HR 669 NOW.<br /><br />THE ISSUE - WHAT IS HR 669? - WHAT WILL IT DO? "ONE GENERATION AND OUT" is not just limited to purebred dogs and cats. Now our "non-native" species" are targets of the animal prohibitionist agenda. Under HR 669, "non-native" basically means if a species of animal didn't live in the US before the arrival of Columbus it is "non-native", and if HR 669 passes, most non-native species of animal (i.e., exotic animals) won't remain in the US much longer. That means your exotic pet bird, reptile, fish, or mammal. HR 669 is a very serious and harmful animal prohibition proposal. HR 669 is not needed to protect our environment.<br /><br /><blockquote>HR 699 is the legislative equivalent of a nuclear bomb that is aimed at the<br />entire US exotic pet industry, all US exotic pet owners, and all exotic animals<br />in the US.</blockquote><br />HR 669 is an "anti-animal bill". There is no amendment that can fix this bill. HR 669 will hurt everyone who owns an animal, and it will hurt our animals. Breeder, pet owner, rescuer, rehabilitator, zoo, service or product provider - it doesn't matter - we will all be hurt by this bill.<br /><br />HR 669 needs to be killed at the April 23rd hearing - not amended, not "made better" - HR 669 NEEDS TO BE KILLED. Please contact the Representatives hearing this bill NOW and ask them to KILL HR 669 (see below for contact information).<br /><br />All import, export, transport across State lines, selling, buying, bartering, or offering to sell, buy or barter, and all breeding, and release, of all non-native species not on the "approved list" will be prohibited - even by zoos, sanctuaries, and licensed breeders. Permits authorizing only "importation" may be issued to "zoos, scientific research, medical, accredited zoological or aquarium display purposes, or for educational purposes that are specifically reviewed, approved, and verified by the Secretary". There is no requirement that any permits be granted. Even if these institutions are able to obtain the required permits, where will they obtain their imported animals?<br /><br />Habitat for many species is declining worldwide, many species are endangered or threatened in the wild, and many species cannot be imported to the US under the CITES treaty.<br /><br />The result of this bill will be to put a stop domestic breeding of most endangered or threatened species in the US for zoos, conservation, or reintroduction programs. Zoos are not immune from the animal prohibitionist agenda.<br /><br />If you "possess" a non-approved species "legally" prior to enactment of the law, you will be allowed to keep it, but all of the other restrictions pf HR 669 will still apply to your species - you will not be allowed to sell, transfer, transport across State lines, export, barter, trade, breed, or give that animal to anyone else.<br /><br /><blockquote>Pet owners will not be allowed to take their non-approved pets with them if they<br />move to another state, and they will not be allowed to transfer them to anyone<br />else who can care for them. Those pets will be euthanized when their owners<br />move, die, or can no longer keep their pets for whatever reason. Pet owners and<br />their pets are not immune from the animal prohibitionist agenda. </blockquote><br /><br />"Rescue" and "sanctuary" will not be available for any non-approved species unless the rescue or sanctuary keeps only species found within their respective States. That result has been contemplated for years. Rescues and Sanctuaries are not immune from the animal prohibitionist agenda.<br /><br />Any person or company manufacturing or selling food or products for non-native (exotic) species will be affected by this act. If non-native (exotic) species cannot be legally possessed, bought, sold, or transferred, there will be no incentive for manufacturers of food, caging, and supplies for these animals to remain in business. Where will non-native (exotic) animal owners obtain the food and materials needed to keep their animals? Freeflight of exotic birds will be prohibited.<br /><br />THE LEGAL DETAILS OF THIS BILL Under existing federal law, it must be shown that a species is harmful before it is prohibited. That approach is reasonable, and has worked reasonably well for many years. In essence, HR 669 turns that reasonable approach on its head, and substitutes the unreasonable and unjustified approach of "bomb first, ask questions later". HR 669 requires the government to create an "approved" list of "non-native" species that will be allowed in the US. Any species not on the "approved" list will be prohibited.<br /><br /><p>HR 669 the "approved" list shall include "nonnative wildlife species that the Secretary finds ... based on scientific and commercial information .... </p><ul><li>(A) are not harmful to the United States' economy, the environment, or other animal species' or human health; or </li><li>(B) may be harmful to the United States' economy, the environment, or other animal species' or human health, but already are so widespread in the United States that it is clear to the Secretary that any import prohibitions or restrictions would have no practical utility for the United States." </li></ul><p>It takes time and money for the government to study any species and make a "finding". Time and money are always in short supply, and are especially in short supply in this economy. If your species is not included on the original "approved list", then under HR 669 you can try to get your species "approved" by paying a fee and submitting a proposal to our government to include it on the "approved list". Your proposal "must include sufficient scientific and commercial information to allow the Secretary to evaluate whether the proposed nonnative wildlife species is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to other animal species' or human health." While your proposal is being "evaluated" by our government, you and your animals are still subject to the restrictions of HR 669. Whether your proposal will ever be granted is pure speculation. </p><p>There are more than 9000 bird species, and thousands of species of birds are kept in the US. There are many other non-native (exotic) species owned by animal lovers across the US. How many bird or other non-native (exotic) species do you think our government can afford to study and determine that they can be added to this newly created "approved list"? If the required study can't be made of a species, and the required finding isn't made about a species, the animal won't make it to the approved list. That applies to every species of non-native (exotic) animal. </p><p>WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP KILL HR 669 Contact your Representatives NOW </p><ul><li>1. You can use NAIA's Capwiz tool to send an automatic email or fax to each of the Representatives who will hear this bill to ask them to KILL HR 669. Here's the link to send your email using Capwiz:<<a href="http://www.capwiz.com/naiatrust/">www.capwiz.com/naiatrust/</a>> </li><li>2. PIJAC has provided us with a PDF flyer which explains to pet owners how HR 669 will hurt all of us and our animals. The PIJAC PDF flyer is attached to this email. The PIJAC PDF flyer provides you with contact information - use it. Please contact your own Representatives NOW, and tell them to KILL HR 669. Be polite and respectful, but be clear and firm in your opposition to this bill. Be brief, and tell them a few reasons why you think it is a bad bill. Short and to the point works best. If you have time, you can also contact all of the other Representatives in your State. Write to your Representative using their contact pages on their websites. Unfortunately, it is sometimes hard for us to contact some of our Representatives - emails don't often go through, letters aren't read, and we sometimes have to write individually to our Representatives using the contact pages they put up on their websites. PIJAC has done the work to give us links where needed for these contact pages for these websites so that we can make those contacts (see the attached PIJAC PDF flyer), and NAIA is making "Capwiz" available for the one-shot contact - go to the Capwiz webpage at <<a href="http://www.capwiz.com/naiatrust/">www.capwiz.com/naiatrust/</a>> Call and Fax your Representative at the numbers provided on the attached PDF PIJAC flyer. Be sure to contact the local office of your own Representative by phone, and if you can, make a personal visit. Our congressional representatives are now on recess, and will return to their work at the Capitol next week. Let your Representatives' local offices know NOW that you want them to KILL HR 669. If the local staff hear from enough constituents that they want a bill killed, they will let their Representatives know that their constituents hate this bill. </li><li>3. Distribute this email, NAIA's link, and PIJAC's PDF flyer widely to everyone you know who loves animals and wants to keep them in our lives. In particular, send it to any pet lists you are on. This bill will impact almost all non-native animals. Ask them to contact the representatives and ask them to KILL HR 669. You can see PIJAC's earlier alert on HR 669 here: <<a href="http://www.pijac.org/files/public/US_HR_669.pdf">http://www.pijac.org/files/public/US_HR_669.pdf</a>> You can see the full text of the bill here: <<a href="http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h669ih.txt.pdf">http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h669ih.txt.pdf</a>> </li><li>4. If you have a website or belong to a discussion list, post this Alert and the PDF attachment. Ask your friends to do the same. A NOTE ALL ANIMAL OWNERS, AND ESPECIALLY TO BIRD OWNERS Does the Pennsylvania Proposed Ban of the Nanday Conure of 2008 ring a bell for anyone? For those bird owners who fought so hard and so well for the Nanday in Pennsylvania in 2008 - that was just target practice. </li></ul><p>HR 669 IS THE ANIMAL PROHIBITIONIST NUCLEAR OPTION - STOP IT NOW. Get your phones, emails, and faxes working and get our troops marching again. We need every one of you to help again, and we need the help of everyone you know. It doesn't matter if they own a bird, a dog, a cat, a turtle, a hamster, a fish, a snake, a tiger, a monkey, or any other animal. We are all affected by this bill. Don't let the animal prohibitionists force their agenda on the rest of us. Thanks, Genny WallAttorney at LawLegislative VP, AFA, NAIA Laurella DesboroughLegislative Chair, ASA, NAIA</p>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-52705092157788713392009-07-30T20:34:00.000-05:002009-07-30T20:35:56.265-05:002009-07-30T20:35:56.265-05:00How Earth Hour Can Help Parrots<strong>Did you know that tropical deforestation accounts for nearly 20 percent of global greenhouse gas</strong> <strong>emissions?</strong><br /><strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/Sc6ItMQWOkI/AAAAAAAAAEc/2joamdmnITc/s1600-h/flighted+parrot.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318338519936416322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/Sc6ItMQWOkI/AAAAAAAAAEc/2joamdmnITc/s320/flighted+parrot.jpg" border="0" /></a></strong><br />Each year, an area the size of New Jersey is cut down in the Amazon & Borneo, two of the world’s largest rainforests. These fallen trees could be absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide – the primary greenhouse gas. Or, they could be providing habitat for a vast but declining array of wildlife, including most parrot species. <span style="color:#ff0000;">You can help.</span><br /><p><strong>Participate in Earth Hour</strong><br /></p><ul><li><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/Sc6Jq95ua-I/AAAAAAAAAEs/PTaznI_aWeU/s1600-h/earth+hour.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318339581235325922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 147px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/Sc6Jq95ua-I/AAAAAAAAAEs/PTaznI_aWeU/s200/earth+hour.jpg" border="0" /></a>Earth Hour 2009 takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm local time.<br /><li>Earth Hour is World Wildlife Fund's global initiative where individuals, businesses and governments turn off their lights for one hour to show their support for action on climate change.<br /><li>Earth Hour is a symbolic event designed to engage people from all walks of life in the climate change discussion to send a strong message to our political leaders that we want them to take meaningful action on climate change.<br /><li>The largest climate event in history where millions of people around the world will unite by turning off their lights for one hour, Earth Hour, to demand action on the climate crisis. </li></ul><p><strong>Endorse ForestsNow.org</strong><br /></p><p><strong>Visit http://www.globalcanopy.org/</strong> and learn how to use your voice and your dollars to save the rainforest.</p>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-9717947416944546212009-07-30T20:33:00.002-05:002009-07-30T20:34:36.853-05:002009-07-30T20:34:36.853-05:00Parrot Totems<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/Sb0W8o7NAiI/AAAAAAAAAEU/WX0Axpnicp4/s1600-h/totem+pole.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313428366400750114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/Sb0W8o7NAiI/AAAAAAAAAEU/WX0Axpnicp4/s200/totem+pole.bmp" border="0" /></a>I was browsing Twitter and Facebook recently and came across an entire thread on animal totems. Totems support kinship. And, while American's liken Totem to Native American culture, similar totemism-like beliefs have been historically present throughout much of the world, including Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa, Australia and the Arctic polar region.<br /><div><br /><div>Did you know that animal totems offer spiritual guidance? To best understand the lessons conveyed by animals that show up in our lives involves us learning their instinctual behaviors and natural habitats.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>According to, <a href="http://healing.about.com/mbiopage.htm" zt="18/1YF/Zf">Phylameana lila Desy</a>, About.com, Birds in general are survivalists. They will first choose flight over fight. They instinctively know that fighting is a dangerous endeavor. Whereas flight is avoiding trouble: possible injury or death. Birds have superb reflexes. They teach us awareness and adaptability. Birds represent the air element and are also teachers of proper breathing.</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/Sb0WSH8l5EI/AAAAAAAAAEM/Sd7H-nfI0XQ/s1600-h/GreywithTeacherToySM.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313427635993699394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/Sb0WSH8l5EI/AAAAAAAAAEM/Sd7H-nfI0XQ/s200/GreywithTeacherToySM.jpg" border="0" /></a>Parrots in particular convey meanings and messages of a sunny outlook, color, interpreter, diplomacy. <a href="https://www.birdsupplies.com/Articles.asp?ID=235">Learn more about Parrot Totems</a> </div></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-81228815873103823932009-07-30T20:31:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:33:08.749-05:002009-07-30T20:33:08.749-05:00Homeless Parrots Need You!<p><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0cEde1t-yys&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0cEde1t-yys&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><p>Captive parrots are facing an epidemic of overpopulation and homelessness. We're finding that good bird homes are hard to find. You see, parrots are different than domesticated pets like cats and dogs. Parrots take a tremendous amount of attention and care and when they don't get it they frequently develop behavior problems. On top of that, many of the larger species can live 40-80 years and often outlive their caretakers. When the caretakers interests change, Polly has to find a new home. </p><p>You can help solve this problem by not breeding birds and by adopting a displaced bird rather than buying one from a pet store or breeder if you are ready to make a lifetime care commitment. We suggest that if you are a current bird owner or if you want a bird, learn about their needs for enrichment and make a commitment to provide enriching activities for your parrot. Click here for cool <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Enriching-Parrots-s/96.htm">parrot enrichment supplies.</a></p><p> </p>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-21139390494638570152009-07-30T20:30:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:31:53.888-05:002009-07-30T20:31:53.888-05:00Jury Duty AKA Jail Bird!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SaVRjCGKRKI/AAAAAAAAAD8/tJDmvWWBM74/s1600-h/birdinCage.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306737398225978530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SaVRjCGKRKI/AAAAAAAAAD8/tJDmvWWBM74/s200/birdinCage.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I had an insight about living in a cage today. It wasn't fun.<br /><br /><br /><p>I got the dreaded <strong>jury duty</strong> summons. I was apprehensive, yet excited to learn more about the judicial process. So, at 8:30 a.m. I, along with possibly 200 other people, entered the court house to serve my county. We all were funneled into a Jury Waiting Room and assigned a number. There were like 20 civil cases and 250 criminal cases. I sure didn't want a criminal case! But, like I said, I was bit excited to learn about the judicial process - plus, I took my computer and a good book so I was able to work and entertain myself. I was scared but I had my "toys."</p><br /><br /><p>Okay, so as far as I could tell, the judges were trying to schedule their week. So, every hour or two, the court clerk would call out numbers of potential jurors who might get to serve on a case. These people got to leave the room with permission. Possibly experience some excitement - but at least they got to leave the room! I got called for a case once. A civil vehicular homicide case was scheduled for trial. I got to leave my cage for about an hour, until the and sit on a wooden pew like seat.... that is until the case was continued. Then, I had to go back to my "cage" and wait. </p><br /><br /><p>You know, they look for a jury of your peers. Most people were approachable. One of the guys at the computer station area were I was sitting was diligently working on his website. Yeah, I felt a little kinship. Until I peeked at website name. "Sugar Daddy something or another dot com." Creepy. Then there was an old fellow that must have had difficulty sitting for long periods of time. He paced back and forth, back and forth in front of me, possibly 50 times throughout the day. Each time trying to make eye contact and snoop into my business. I was more than a bit creeped out. I stopped giving him my polite smile at about 10:30 a.m. The dude with tattoo's on his neck wasn't someone that I wanted to start a conversation with either. My point....I was caged with people that I did not feel comfortable with. tLuckily, I was released for lunch. 90 minutes out of the cage.During the afternoon, my number was not called once. At about 4:00 I began to wonder if I'd be able to cope with being stuck in this room for the entire week. Heck. How would I entertain myself for that amount of time. I had a headache. I wanted a beer. Okay, a few beers.</p><br /><br /><p>Gez. Is this what caged birds feel like? I think that I may have had more enrichment than most caged pet birds do. At least I got to leave the room for a few minutes for the potential vehicular homicide case and then for lunch. I wonder if our intelligent pet parrots become this frustrated. <strong>No wonder parrots want to bite and turn to screaming and feather picking!</strong> Excuse me. I need to go get my parrots and let them socialize. </p></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-59044646689509327252009-07-30T20:29:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:30:33.946-05:002009-07-30T20:30:33.946-05:00Positive Parrot Training Techniques and Recent Research<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SaLE8260xWI/AAAAAAAAADs/3bDgSjwN7Hg/s1600-h/shutterstock_684417.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306019860809303394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SaLE8260xWI/AAAAAAAAADs/3bDgSjwN7Hg/s200/shutterstock_684417.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>ScienceDaily (Feb. 18, 2009) — In a new, year-long University of Pennsylvania survey of dog owners who use confrontational or aversive methods to train aggressive pets, veterinary researchers have found that most of these animals will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified. The story went on to say that using non-aversive or neutral training methods such as additional exercise or rewards elicited very few aggressive responses.</div><div></div><br /><div>I'd venture to say that this research holds true for parrots, as well. Maybe even more so. Parrots tend to be very sensitive to adversity, negative moods or energy and punishment. Even though dominance-based training has been made popular by TV, books and punishment-based training advocates fear eliciting behaviors on our part only results in owner directed aggression. And, parrots have a long memory.<br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SaLFbHzS9NI/AAAAAAAAAD0/zVwU_tes0Qs/s1600-h/caique.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306020380737205458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SaLFbHzS9NI/AAAAAAAAAD0/zVwU_tes0Qs/s200/caique.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have a Black Headed Caique, Rascal. When Rascal was very young and I was new to parrots I improperly cared for him. First off, I made the error of getting a tall cage with the perches placed up high. He was too young to sleep through the night without falling off the perch. This caused him to repeatedly break his primary wing feathers. I added insult to the injury by "man-handling" him to catch him and try to stop the bleeding using styptic powder. I did not know that styptic powder can be quite painful to open injuries. To this day, Rascal associates me with pain. </div><div></div><div>Click Here to find <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Parrot-Bird-Training-s/13.htm">positive parrot training techniques.</a></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-90009147756903976532009-07-30T20:24:00.000-05:002009-07-30T20:26:16.536-05:002009-07-30T20:26:16.536-05:00Winter Weather is NOT for the birds!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SYM35kEZWlI/AAAAAAAAADc/aYxeGZp96CQ/s1600-h/AVFS-2T.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297139048792021586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SYM35kEZWlI/AAAAAAAAADc/aYxeGZp96CQ/s200/AVFS-2T.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Listen up! Birds get cold too! Why not get your parrot a Feather Sweater! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Don't get left out in the cold! Top quality comfy sweaters protect and keep birds warm during chilly winter days! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Feather-Sweater-for-Parrots-p/avfs.htm">http://www.birdsupplies.com/Feather-Sweater-for-Parrots-p/avfs.htm</a></div><div> </div><div>Have you met the <a href="http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=122697">Brooklyn Parrots</a>?</div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-20554386642654894882009-07-30T20:23:00.000-05:002009-07-30T20:24:49.223-05:002009-07-30T20:24:49.223-05:00Parrot Confuses CrowdStraight from January 21, 2009 Telegraph.co.uk <blockquote><p>"<em>A football match between Hatfield Town and Hertford Heath fell into chaos, we report, when a parrot that a woman in the crowd had brought along imitated the referee's whistle, with devastating accuracy. Fortunately, the smooth running of the sport as a whole is not threatened, since the proportion of fans accompanied by parrots remains low. So, once in a while, <strong>normally dumb</strong> animals are a useful reminder not to take ourselves too seriously."</em></p><br /><p>Huh? This reporter just doesn't know parrots! Anyone who understands the intelligence of parrots knows that this parrot figured out how to lead the "football flock" possibly faster than many of the attendee's.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SXnjZu_GEZI/AAAAAAAAADM/QlgHuEyHlb8/s1600-h/MacawonSkates.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294512868199633298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SXnjZu_GEZI/AAAAAAAAADM/QlgHuEyHlb8/s200/MacawonSkates.jpg" border="0" /></a>Parrots thrive on mental stimulation. And, like people, they use their senses of hearing and vision to figure out patterns. Patterns of the world's processes. The owner of this lucky parrot was providing important enrichment for her pet. How can you do the same for your parrot?<br /><br /></p></blockquote><li><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Leashes-Diapers-s/1.htm">Leash train your parrot</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Tricks-s/69.htm">Get parrot games and puzzles</a>.</li><li><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Enriching-Parrots-s/96.htm">Check out our Parrot Enrichment Pack</a>.</li><ol></ol><br /><em></em>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-56871939644331704022009-07-30T20:22:00.000-05:002009-07-30T20:23:37.819-05:002009-07-30T20:23:37.819-05:00Parrot Bill of Rights<div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A PARROTS BILL OF RIGHTS</span><br /><br /><div align="center">BY: Stewart A. Metz, M.D.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVzwO1eLgMI/AAAAAAAAACc/lCIi-oSZD_s/s1600-h/SB-GetGrip-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286364200288616642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVzwO1eLgMI/AAAAAAAAACc/lCIi-oSZD_s/s200/SB-GetGrip-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/The-Second-Hand-Parrot-p/bar-shp.htm">1. GET TO KNOW ABOUT PARROTS BEFORE YOU BRING ME HOME</a></strong></span> - I am not a domesticated pet like a dog or cat. I still have the spirit of the jungle in me. I have special needs which you may find it hard to fill. Please don't learn these too late for my well-being. And please don't acquire one of my cousins wild from the jungle—it will jeopardize his survival and well-being, and that won't be a party for you either!<br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;">2. GIVE ME THE LARGEST HOME POSSIBLE</span></strong> - I am used to flying through rainforests or savannas. I have given up this great gift for your pleasure. At the very least, give me enough room to flap my wings and exercise. And, I need toys for my amusement and wood to chew. Otherwise, I might confuse your home with the forest and its trees.<br /><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Food-Parrot-Food-Chirp-n-Squawk-Bird-Suplies-s/2.htm"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>3. GIVE ME A NUTRITIOUS DIET</strong></span> </a>- I need a wide variety of fresh and nutritious foods, even if they take time to prepare. I cannot survive on seeds alone and be healthy. Take time to learn what my needs and preferences are.<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVzwjbhKImI/AAAAAAAAACk/JQkV3ZXE3Qc/s1600-h/PT-JR-G.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286364554099040866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVzwjbhKImI/AAAAAAAAACk/JQkV3ZXE3Qc/s200/PT-JR-G.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Stands-Bird-Stands-s/28.htm">4. LET ME HAVE A SOCIAL LIFE</a></strong></span> - I am a gregarious flock animal, but I am not one of you. I need lots of socialization to learn how to interact with you as well as my siblings. I also need to have adequate quality time with you every day—no matter what your schedule or other needs are. I am a living, feeling creature. Above all, I need to be able to have complete trust in you and count on your predictability in looking after me—every day.<br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Cleaning-Supplies-s/55.htm">5</a><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Cleaning-Supplies-s/55.htm">. LET ME BE CLEAN</a></span></strong> - I may like to drop food or even throw it, but I need meticulous cleanliness to be healthy. My skin itches without frequent showers, the barbs of my feathers won't seal if they become oily and, worst of all, I may become ill if my food or water is not always sanitary.<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Sterling-Professional-Bird-Scale-Kit-p/ste-pro.htm">6. I NEED MY OWN DOCTOR</a></strong></span> - You may not understand my physiology and therefore you may not recognize it early on when I get sick. And, it may be too late when you do, because I hide my illnesses. (Remember what I said about my being an animal of the jungle, where there are lots of predators.) And I need an avian vet—a specialist. (No HMOs for me please.) If you can't afford one, perhaps you shouldn't have taken me home.<br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Training-s/66.htm">7. PLEASE DON'T PUNISH ME</a></span></strong> - Just as I don't always understand your peculiarities, you may not understand mine. I don't TRY to get into trouble—remember, a house is not the jungle. If I do screw up, don't yell at me and never hit me. I have sensitive ears and I may never trust you again if you strike me. Hands are sometimes scary things to us. (Why in the world would you not be zygodactylous like us?) Even more importantly, we don't learn by punishment. We are gentle creatures who only strike back to protect ourselves; we learn through patience and love.<br /><strong><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Understanding-Parrot-Body-Language-p/gb%200202.htm">8. SPEAK MY "LANGUAGE"</a></span></strong> - I know you get upset with me when I knock over my water bowl, throw food, scream, or pluck my feathers. I don't do these things to annoy you. I am probably trying to tell you something ( perhaps that I am hurting, lonely, or sad). Learn to speak MY (body) language. Remember that I, alone of all creatures on this planet, learn to speak yours!<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Understanding-Parrot-Body-Language-p/gb%200202.htm">9</a><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Understanding-Parrot-Body-Language-p/gb%200202.htm">. SEE ME AS AN INDIVIDUAL</a></strong></span> - I am a unique and feeling being. No two of us are alike. Please don't be disappointed in me if I don't talk like you wanted or can't do the tricks that your friend's parrot can do. But if you pay close attention to me (and I always empathize with you, whether you know), I will show you a unique being who will give you so much more than talking and playing. Give me a chance to show you who I am; I think you'll find the effort worth it. And remember, I am not an ornament. I do not enhance ANY living room decor. And I am not a status symbol—if you use me as such, I might nip at your up-turned nose!<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVzya9mdyBI/AAAAAAAAAC0/v7yaZorpbzQ/s1600-h/shutterstock_5122771.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286366607652538386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVzya9mdyBI/AAAAAAAAAC0/v7yaZorpbzQ/s200/shutterstock_5122771.gif" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Bird-Tricks-s/69.htm">10. SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH ME</a></strong></span> - Above all, please remember that you are my Special Person. I put all my trust and faith in you. We parrots are used to being monogamous. (No bar-hopping for us!) So please don't go away for long periods or give me away—that would be a sadness from which I may never recover. If that seems to be asking a lot, remember, you could have learned about my needs before bringing me home. Even having a baby or taking a new job isn't a fair reason—you made a commitment to me FIRST. And if you think that you must leave me because you might die, provide for me forever after you leave. I may live to a ripe old age, but I can't provide for myself. Remember I'm in a small cage amongst people who are not of my blood.<br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>11. YOUR RIGHTS</strong></span> - You have lots of rights, but I can only assure one. And that is, if you treat me the way I described above, I will reward you with unwavering love, humor, knowledge, beauty, dedication, and a sense of wonder and awe you haven't felt since you were a child. When you took me home, you became my Flock Leader, indeed, my entire universe—for life. I would hang the moon and stars for you if I could. We are one in Heart and Soul.</div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-48785953696980325972009-07-30T20:21:00.000-05:002009-07-30T20:22:42.251-05:002009-07-30T20:22:42.251-05:00Mexico Aims To Protect Wild Parrots<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVgNdMMBwlI/AAAAAAAAACM/hqPz-vQbdcg/s1600-h/shutterstock_259681.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284988957858316882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 136px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVgNdMMBwlI/AAAAAAAAACM/hqPz-vQbdcg/s200/shutterstock_259681.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Mexico's president, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, has signed into law a bill banning the capture and export of the country's wild parrots. The measure aims to protect Mexico's 22 species of parrots and macaws, about 90 percent of which are in categories of risk.</div><div></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVgNwDK0wJI/AAAAAAAAACU/JBI_uaflBeE/s1600-h/shutterstock_7900579.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284989281854865554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SVgNwDK0wJI/AAAAAAAAACU/JBI_uaflBeE/s200/shutterstock_7900579.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The Environment Commission of the Deputy Chamber introduced the bill one year ago, and the Mexican Senate passed it in April with near unanimous support.</div><br /><div></div><div>The bill was drafted in response to a 2007 report by Defenders of Wildlife, a nonprofit wildlife advocacy organization and Teyeliz A.C. an organization that monitors the trade of Mexico's wildlife. The report was the first to document the illegal trade of parrots. It found that an estimated 65,000 to 78,5000 of Mexico's wild parrots and macaws are captured for trade each year, with more than 75 percent dying before reaching a purchaser.<br /></div><div>According to the Defenders of Wildlife, six of Mexico's 22 species of parrots and macaws are found nowhere else in the world. The latest Mexican classification, which has yet to be published lists 11 species as endangered, five as threatened and four as requiring special protection.</div><div></div><br /><br /><div>PetProductews.com</div><div>December 2008</div><div>Page 16</div></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-31217221020757724682009-07-30T20:20:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:21:32.461-05:002009-07-30T20:21:32.461-05:00<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">By staff writers / December 18, 2008 04:10am</span></span><br /><br />AUTHORITIES have reportedly rescued 1500 parakeets from a two-room apartment in Berlin.<br /><br />Berlin veterinarian Margit Platzer says the birds were flying freely around the apartment, which was "littered with faeces, feathers and left-over food'', Associated Press has reported.<br /><br />Ms Platzer says it took her team more than seven hours to catch all the birds.<br /><br />The birds have been taken to animal shelters in Berlin and elsewhere because there was not enough room for them at facilities in the capital.<br /><br />The owner gradually bought and bred the birds until his apartment was full, and that neighbours had complained about the noise and smell, Associated Press has reported.<br /><br />The retired man has not been identified.<br /><br />Across the other side of the globe, parakeets are also making headlines with the birds brightening up Britain's dreary winter skies, in their thousands.<br /><br />But the ring-necked parakeets are proving a pest for farmers, damaging fruit crops.<br /><br />Seasonal traders, farmers, and orchard and vineyard owners have been watching on with frustration as the colourful birds gorge themselves on fruit and festive berries before Christmas.<br /><br />Parks and gardens in leafy London suburbs are also being adopted as a preferred habitat by the birds that are native to southern Asia.<br /><br />The rate of increase, helped by mild winters, is much greater than had been expected.The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-87868900866460266232009-07-30T20:19:00.000-05:002009-07-30T20:20:08.018-05:002009-07-30T20:20:08.018-05:00Parrot Care Tips for the Holidays<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SUWkLjJCkeI/AAAAAAAAACE/10f-jtQ9xkw/s1600-h/shutterstock_7787842.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279806656480448994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 133px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kSXSKgLFx_A/SUWkLjJCkeI/AAAAAAAAACE/10f-jtQ9xkw/s200/shutterstock_7787842.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Make sure that your special parrot has a safe, fun holiday. Just as Christmas can be unsafe for children, we must be careful with our parrots, too. Christmas isn't only stressful for us, it's stressful for our parrots who rely on routine! Our routines often change dramatically during the holiday season. Parties, friends over, our to do list gets longer. And, on top of that, we often make dramatic changes around the house! It's enough to make a parrot go batty!<br /><br />So, how can you help your parrot stay sane and safe? Remember a few tips:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>Watch the scents</strong>: Candles, cleaning products, deodorizers etc. can be difficult on a parrots delicate lung system. While we're talking about scents, make the guests smoke outside, please.</li><br /><li><strong>Careful with the cords</strong>: If your parrot jumps off it's stand and walks the floor, make sure it can't get to electric cords. Oh, don't forget the tinsel and wrapping paper.</li><br /><li><strong>Christmas Plants</strong>: Poinsettia's and Holly are poison to kids and parrots. Stick with plastic or silk plants!</li><br /><li>Watch the Ribbon: Two words. Strangution. Intestinal obstruction. Opps. Guess that's three words.</li><br /><li><strong>Watch what drinks you serve</strong>: Hot chocolate, alcohol, even egg nog are not parrot friendly drinks. Don't tempt your parrot with sweets or fatty foods, either. Not good for the digestive system. Stick with veggies and fruit, please</li><br /><li><strong>TEFLON:</strong> As always, use it with <strong><em>EXTREME</em></strong> caution and only under direct supervision. </li><br /><li><strong>Clip those wings</strong>: With lots of people coming and going, make sure that your parrot can not fly out an open door or window.</li></ul><br /><p><span style="color:#009900;">Merry Christmas to all and to all a good</span> <strike><span style="color:#ff0000;">flight</span></strike> <span style="color:#009900;">opps - night!</span> </p></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-44754904527758392902009-07-30T20:17:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:18:57.132-05:002009-07-30T20:18:57.132-05:00Green 4 Parrots<div style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">When you receive your order from Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies you'll notice that we make every attempt to recycle packaging materials. You may have ordered a new bird carrier… but the box might say “Harrison's Bird Food.” Or, it may take a few days longer to get your bird supplies order than you had hoped. If we are expecting to receive some items on back order within a few days, we my hold your bird supplies order to save a box and packaging material....in effect, to save a tree and ultimately save the rainforest AND parrots.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><span style="COLOR: rgb(50,205,50)"><span style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,204)">Why, you ask?</span><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><table style="WIDTH: 26%; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" align="left"><tbody><tr><td><a title="Click Here to Learn about why we are passionate about Green 4 Parrots" href="http://www.leonardodicaprio.org/files/videos/globalwarning.html?q=whatsimportant/globalwarming_movie01.htm" target="_blank"><img alt="Learn about why we are passionate about Green 4 Parrots" src="https://www.birdsupplies.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/green4parrots.jpg" align="left" border="0" /></a></td></tr><tr style="COLOR: rgb(0,102,0)"><td><p align="center">Click picture to learn why we are Green 4 Parrots</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Well….<span style="font-size:+0;"> At Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies, w</span>e feel that one of the the best things we can do for our earth, our rainforests and ultimately our parrots is to lessen our footprint on earth and recycle as much as possible. That's why there isn't a Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies printed catalog. We Recycle everything that is bird safe but reusable!! Packaging, boxes, paper, newspaper, even plastic bags. At Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies, we believe that going green isn't just trendy, it's the right thing to do! For our planet and for our parrots!<br /><br />As a business, we strive to leave as small a footprint on planet earth as we can. We want to save rainforests, trees and even the ocean. We want to protect wild parrots habitat and do our part to reverse extinction and global warming.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span><br /><br />Rest Assured that we only use clean packing materials that has never been in contact with other birds.<br /><p style="COLOR: rgb(102,0,204)"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(50,205,50)">How can you help?</span></p><ol><li>Learn how to <a href="http://www.cleanair-coolplanet.org/action/solutions.php" target="_blank">reduce your carbon footprint here</a>.<br /></li><li>Shop green sites like <a href="http://www.therainforestsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces;jsessionid=9D5A3773407A239E253199396EF9FDBE.ctgProd04" target="_blank">The Rainforest Site</a> and <a href="http://rainforest.care2.com/rainforest_thanks.html?p=&iID=" target="_blank">Rainforest Care2</a>.<br /></li><li>Watch Leonardo DiCaprio's film by clicking the Planet Earth picture above.<br /></li><li>Buy bird supplies and other items from companies that recycle like Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies.<br /><br /></li></ol></span>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-43980121256101204632009-07-30T20:16:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:17:39.112-05:002009-07-30T20:17:39.112-05:00Caring for Beautiful Canaries<div style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">How do I properly care for my canary? </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img alt="Canary Supplies" src="http://www.birdsupplies.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/canary.jpg" align="right" border="0" /> </span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Diet</span>: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Canaries</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> need a suitable canary diet to maintain health and sing beautiful canary songs. Healthy male canaries sing splendid canary songs! Fresh, premium canary seed should provide the foundation of your canary's diet. Vegetables, cooked rice, dark leafy green lettuce, cooked pasta, fruits, cuttlebone, crushed oyster shell and egg food are essential for a healthy canary, as well. And, of course, provide your canary with fresh water at all times.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Housing: </span>Keep your canary's cage clean to maintain optimum health. Droppings and food waste cultivate bacteria causing your canary to become ill. Develop a cage cleaning routine to keep your canary singing beautiful canary songs. The cage must be large enough to let your canary exercise; 15" x 15" should be a minimum sized canary cage. Place the cage in an area where the temperature will be consistently moderate and where your canary will be free from drafts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sleep:</span> Canaries need approximately 12 hours of sleep or dark, quiet time per day. Consider keeping your canary out of household traffic areas so that it will have enough quiet time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toys:</span> Provide toys, but place them in the cage in such a way as they do not obstruct flight space. Your canary might enjoy swings, mirrors, bells, and hanging wooden or acrylic toys.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Training: </span>Canaries learn to sing through imitation. Canaries need to hear and learn canary songs in order to produce canary songs. Provide your canary with high quality recordings of canary songs to teach it canary songs. Remember, canaries won't sing when they are ill, malnourished or molting.<br /><br />If you ever have any questions about how to care for your birds, let us know - we can help!<br /></span></div>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-34943483514926578782009-07-30T20:15:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:16:24.759-05:002009-07-30T20:16:24.759-05:00Maybe NASA Should Buy Our Bird Harness... They won't lose their tools on another spacewalk if they do!<span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/v/vspfiles/photos/PFTH-2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.birdsupplies.com/v/vspfiles/photos/PFTH-2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">The following AP story about the astronauts on a spacewalk losing a bag of tools worth over $100,000 parallels the importance of letting your birds "safely take flight" without getting away from you.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Articles.asp?ID=150&Redirected=Y">Compare The Feather Tether Bird Harness vs. Bird Diaper</a><br /><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Articles.asp?ID=150&Redirected=Y">Click here</a> to view the features of two styles of bird harnesses, the Feather Tether Bird Leash and the Bird Diaper, both available at Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies<br /><br /><a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Articles.asp?ID=110">Training Your Bird To Wear A Harness Is Easy!</a><br />Training your pet bird to accept a bird leash can open up a world of fun opportunities and socialization possibilities for you and your parrot. Before you start bird leash training your parrot learn which treats that your bird enjoys the most. Generally something small that can be eaten quickly works well to assist in training sessions. <a href="http://www.birdsupplies.com/Articles.asp?ID=110">Click here</a> for more training tips from Chirp n Squawk Bird Supplies.<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h1W8dcUP9H70AmlSfDSenPteDT9gD94IJQ4O5"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Astronauts vow remaining tool bag won't drift away</span></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">By MIKE SCHNEIDER – 16 hours ago</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">HOUSTON (AP) — Astronauts vowed to double-check, even triple-check, to make sure a bag of tools is properly tied down during a spacewalk Thursday so it doesn't float away like one did earlier this week.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"We're definitely not going to do it again. You're not going to see us lose another bag," lead spacewalker Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper said in an interview from the international space station with The Associated Press.</span>...<span style="font-style: italic;">Tethered to the lost briefcase-sized bag were a pair of grease guns used to lubricate a jammed joint that controls the space station's rotating solar wing. The bag was one of the largest items ever lost by a spacewalking astronaut, and NASA guessed it cost about $100,000.</span><br /></span>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426543748943141275.post-43722941505058846742009-07-30T20:13:00.001-05:002009-07-30T20:15:05.282-05:002009-07-30T20:15:05.282-05:00Book Review: Of Parrots and People<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">PAT MCCOID; pat.mccoid@thenewstribune.com</span><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Published: November 9th, 2008 12:30 AM</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Mira Tweti heaps so much praise on parrots in “Of Parrots and People” that readers might want to bring one home. That’s exactly what she hopes to prevent.<br /><br />Tweti reveals parrots to be human-like in their intelligence, vocabulary skills and social sensibilities – traits that have doomed them to cages for centuries.<br /><br />But the praise is prelude to 300 pages of investigative journalism aimed at discouraging parrot ownership.<br /><br />Tweti explains why life in a cage is particularly miserable for parrots. She documents the cruelty of breeding operations and follows firsthand the chain of parrot possession from jungle to living room. It’s not a pretty story.<br /><br />Parrots, possibly descended from dinosaurs, have the intelligence of a 3- to 5-year-old human. They mate for life, grieve for lost flockmates, defend one another fiercely and bond strongly with humans.<br /><br />Tweti introduces us to birds that use hundreds of words in their proper context. With focused training, parrots can learn to count, grasp such concepts as time and grammar and even dictate poetry.<br /><br />All those brains and beauty besides: Who wouldn’t want one as a pet?<br /><br />But parrots are loud, annoying, destructive and able to inflict painful bites. Rare is the person who will hang in there with a high-maintenance pet that might live for upwards of 65 years.<br /><br />Tweti, who lives in Los Angeles, defines a good parrot home as one where the bird is free to fly and has such enrichments as daily baths, time outdoors, mental stimulation, nurturing and social interaction.<br /><br />Such homes are rare, and when the honeymoon is over, parrots become hand-me-downs: Hidden in back rooms, closets or garages until a new owner is found. Neglected parrots can become psychotic and many resort to self-mutilation.<br /><br />Tweti’s devotion to parrots was inspired by her “muse,” a green-naped lorikeet named Mango whose intelligence she began to appreciate after the bird apologized for biting her. The book, the product of five years of travel, research and writing, is dedicated to Mango, who died in 2006. Its pages are filled with villains, including trappers, smugglers, breeders, retailers and the owners of America’s millions of neglected birds.<br /><br />The heroes are attentive parrot owners – “parronts” – and rescuers who devote their lives and homes to abandoned birds. Tweti visits several of the avian rescues that house unwanted birds brought to the U.S. during a 20-year boom that began in the 1970s (TV’s “Baretta” with his yellow-headed cockatoo, Fred, helped feed the frenzy).<br /><br />The couple who run Foster Parrots in Boston keep 280 parrots in their house, yard and barn. Their lives are an endless cycle of cleaning, feeding and looking for placement homes.<br /><br />At Lori Rutledge’s Cockatoo Rescue in Stanwood, Snohomish County, colonies of birds flock together in airy cages on 40 secluded acres.<br /><br />On the flip side are the “bird mills” of breeders. Tweti visits Martha Scudder’s Parrot Depot near Roy, a “concentration camp for birds” that she exposed in a 2005 article in The News Tribune. Subsequent attempts to get birds added to a Pierce County ordinance regulating the humane treatment of animals failed. Scudder’s operation is one of 20 breeding operations in Washington.<br /><br />Some of the happiest parrots are those who have escaped or been set free to flock together in friendly climates. California and Florida are home to thousands of parrots in a variety of species.<br /><br />America’s only native parrot, the Carolina parakeet, became extinct long ago. With trapping and smuggling kept profitable by worldwide demand, the same fate threatens parrots all over the planet.<br /><br />Only 10 percent of birds trapped in the wild live to see the inside of a cage. Replacing lost flock mates is a slow process for these long-lived birds.<br /><br />Smuggling has exploded with innovation such as fertilized eggs, the Internet and global shipping services. The huge profits have attracted the likes of the Russian mafia. Tweti is critical of international agreements that she believes are tailored more toward business than conservation.<br /><br />Tweti takes an inside look at bird smuggling alongside U.S. Fish & Wildlife agent Sam Jojola of Los Angeles. She finds dozens of smuggled birds on sale at Los Angeles swap meets and pet stores.<br /><br />With a Spanish-speaking friend in tow, Tweti poses as an American bird buyer in Tijuana, Mexico, where roadside sellers tell her how easy it is to carry an illegal bird across the border. The intrepid Tweti peppers them with so many questions about their filthy cages that her interpreter worries for her safety.<br /><br />She travels to South America to meet Charles Munn, an American who devotes his inheritance to saving the wild parrot. Since 1976 Munn’s nonprofit conservation organization, Tropical Nature, has secured millions of acres of habitat in Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, where rain forest is sacrificed on the altar of agribusiness at the rate of a football field every second.<br /><br />Munn’s strategy is to convert trappers to a more sustainable enterprise: eco-tourism. It works, but acquiring habitat before it goes under the plow is tricky and costly. Tweti follows Munn deep into the Brazilian jungle to see the endangered hyacinth macaw, the largest of parrots (3 feet from head to tail). In an area where Munn is buying up land, 50 birds sc*censored* out a living finding piacava nuts on 1,000 acres.<br /><br />Tweti’s Brazilian adventure continues in the Barreira Valley, one of the Lear macaw’s last strongholds. Led by a reformed ex-trapper, her group must avoid being followed by a man who recently stole six baby Lears from their nests. Only 600 remain in the wild.<br /><br />Her journey continues at the zoo in Sao Paulo, where seven Spix’s macaws, possibly the rarest bird in the world, are in maximum security, protected by guards. They are extinct in the wild, and the zoo’s captive breeding program is their only hope of survival.<br /><br />Zoo officials appreciate Tweti as a true friend to parrots and grant her a rare visit to the Spix’s. Her English evokes a happy response from Presley, a male Spix’s rescued after 25 years in a Colorado living room. It is one of many intensely personal experiences Tweti shares in a book best described as a labor of love. The final chapter is a scary vision of Earth’s future if changes aren’t made in humankind’s relationship with Mother Earth.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic">Save the parrot, save the world? It isn’t that simple, but keeping parrots alive in their native habitat would be a good start.</span><br /><br />If a creature that thrived for 65 million years can vanish from the planet, then so can we.<br /><br /></span>The Bird Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00611249240670062296noreply@blogger.com0