Sprouting Organics Blog

To clip or not to clip

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 14:22:00 +0000

Wing clipping is a very controversial topic. Some people think that clipping a parrot's wings is cruel because it takes away their ability to fly. Some think that clipping wings hurts the parrot.

Others think that clipping is a necessity as it keeps the parrot from flying into things that could cause harm. Then there are people who remain neutral on the subject. They don't clip but if need be they will. Whichever "side" you're on I think we can all agree that there are benefits and risks to both sides.

Benefits of clipping: Clipping allows you to have more control when it comes to training your parrot.

It keeps your parrot safe from flying into windows, flying outside through an open door or flying into a pot of boiling water, all of which could cause severe harm to your parrot, or possibly death.

Some parrots even have anxiety and need to have clipped wings for their protection, and don't worry clipping a parrot's wings does not hurt them and they will grow back.

Risks of clipping: Clipping could cause your parrot to become overweight from a lack of exercise and if you have other pets it could cause them more harm than help, as they won't be able to get away as easily. Sometimes parrots can become depressed when their wings are clipped.

Benefits of full flight: Leaving your parrot flighted will help them stay well exercised and could help them get away if danger arises.

They love being able to freely fly as they were created to do!

Risks of full flight: Flighted parrots could and most often do come to feel that they "own" the house. This makes it very difficult if you are trying to train your parrot or need to put them back in their cage as it can start to become a game of "catch me if you can". Some parrots can become a nueces, flying by with an attitude or landing on someone just so they can nip or harass them.

We used to clip our parrot's wings in the summer, this way they could go outside and enjoy the summer air and we didn't have to worry that they were going to take flight.

For the winter we'd let their wings grow so they could get some good exercise indoors.

Now that we have a puppy clipping is not an option, even though we are always in the same room as our parrots and our puppy doesn't seem the slightest bit interested in them, there are too many risks in them having clipped wings around a dog.

I keep a neutral stand on the subject. I think if you keep your parrots flighted, that's wonderful! If you clip, that's great too!

All that matters is that your parrot is happy.

If you do decide to clip your parrot's wing click here for tips!

Visit us at SproutingOrganics.weebly.com

Do you clip your parrot's wings or do you leave them flighted?

New Facebook Group

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 23 May 2018 14:50:00 +0000

Join our new Facebook group!
Here we'll talk about our parrots, share recipes our parrots love and photos of the crazy things they do!

Parrot Group by Sprouting Organics

Free Downloads!

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Fri, 11 Aug 2017 17:06:00 +0000

Looking for an easy way to remember what's safe for your parrot to eat or what plants are toxic?

Our new quick guides are here!

These guides are free downloads that you can print or have on hand on your device.

Downloads include:

Healthy food
Safe plants & trees
Recipes
Shopping
Toxic plants & trees
Unhealthy food

Get yours here!

"Averxise"

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:01:00 +0000

Do you Averxise? Kenneth Du does!

Watch the video here.

sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Parrot Emotion

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 18:36:00 +0000

As parrot owners, we know how much affection and emotion they are capable of showing.

"Birds may feel for others (have empathy) and even console them, may have a sense of justice, may show deep affection for their partner and grieve for their loss."

Read the full story here

Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Goofy Parrots!

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 02:06:00 +0000

What is the craziest thing your parrot does?

Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

#parrots #parrothumour #sillyparrots

Is a parrot right for you?

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 15:18:00 +0000

When considering whether or not a parrot is a good choice for you and your family, please keep in mind that they are wild animals, and they do bite.

Parrots are the
sweetest and most loving animals ever, but they have hard beaks and it really hurts when they bite.

I never want to discourage people from buying parrots or adding to their flock, but I feel people should be made aware that parrots although beautiful, are a lot of work to care for.

To help you find out if a parrot is a good choice for you check out our page below:
http://sproutingorganics.weebly.com/introduction-to-parrots.html

#parrots #wildanimals #pets #flock #parrot

Please Beware & Share

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 14:44:00 +0000

This has been spotted at Walmart and pet shops.... If you see this do NOT buy it! This is extremely unhealthy for your parrots and should not even be available to buy!

I've also

seen candy covered sunflower seeds... It sickens me what companies come up with just to catch your eye and try to get you to buy... Please share this post and make sure fellow parrot owners are aware that this is not ok for their parrots. Millet should only be given as a treat as it doesn't have much nutritional value. Parrots should never eat candy or any kind of sugar unless it is natural as in fruits..

No such thing as a self cleaning cage

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 18:20:00 +0000

As any parrot owner knows, unfortunately cages don't clean themselves.
Keeping your parrot's cage clean is
essential for your parrot's health.
Here are some great tips to help you keep that cage spotless!
For more tips check out our page below:
http://sproutingorganics.weebly.com/cleaning-your-parrots-cage.html

#cages #parrots #cleaning #parrothealth

Parrots - A privilege not a gift.

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:32:00 +0000

Something we should all keep in mind.

sproutingorganics.weebly.com

#parrot #friendforlife #smartanimals

Where can you own a Quaker Parrot?

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:20:00 +0000

Did you know that not everyone can openly own a quaker parrot?

When Quakers (monk parrots) were first brought over to the united states in the 1960s, a crate carrying them was dropped and many quakers escaped. Not thinking they would be able to survive the winter, no one was
ordered to find them. Well Quakers are tough and were able to survive the winter. Come spring they ate all the crops around the area they were living and had to be exterminated, although not all were killed. So because Quakers can survive, live in big numbers and devastate crops, they are illegal to own in certain states...
If you are thinking about getting a Quaker parrot be sure to check this chart to make sure it is legal for you to own one.

DIY Parrot Toys

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:06:00 +0000

Time to get creative with these DIY Munchie cup foragers!

Parrots love toys and foraging, but foragers can get pretty expensive especially when parrots tear up their new toys in just
a few minutes.

Making your own foragers is a cost effective way to keep your parrots happy and their need for foraging alive! Plus it's a great way to recycle toilet paper/paper towel tubes, organic seed starters (such as in the picture)

When buying foraging materials make sure they don't contain any chemicals or artificial coloring.

sproutingorganics.weebly.com

#DIY #parrots #parrottoys

Proper handling of parrots

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 02:16:00 +0000

Knowing how to properly handle your parrot will save him/her from becoming frustrated. Their frustration can
lead to biting and anger.
Keep these tips in mind and save your parrot from becoming frustrated.

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Great News!

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:23:00 +0000

After months of maintenance, we
finally have our Facebook page back up and running!

Be sure to follow our Facebook page along with our Google+ page and Twitter!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sprouting-Organics/940149449331054?ref=hl

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Parrot Rules

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:46:00 +0000

When you live with parrots, you find
out how true this really is.

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Only use Stainless Steel food/water dishes!

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 02:30:00 +0000

I used to promote plastic water bottles for water, but after some research and a couple informative Facebook posts, I've decided to switch my parrots over to using stainless steel dishes for water.

There are glass water bottles with stainless steel spouts (such as shown to the left), however I don't
care for these because I feel birds can't get enough water out of that kind of spout.

Those bottles are safe for parrots. If you feel they would work for your parrot, try them out!

Facebook post I felt needed to be shared:

Keep your parrots safe!

"I want to tell you how I almost killed my parrotlet and spent thousands of dollars in vet bills because of my ignorance. A few years ago my little guy wasn't doing well. I took him to the avian vet and she diagnosed him with gram negative bacteria and gave him antibiotics. He would be good for a while but would need more treatment and more meds every 6-8 weeks. This went on for 18 months with every test know to bird done on him. Eventually I asked to be referred to a special exotic animal hospital. We went for the appointment and had to fill out an extensive form outlining his medical history, food and environment. The vet walked into the room and told me she knew what was likely wrong with him before she even looked at him. Biofilm poisoning from his plastic dishes. Here's the scoop. Even when proper hygiene and washing is used, biofilms eventually build up on plastic dishes as they are porous. Wolfs dishes were washed daily but that does not matter. He was being poisoned every time he ate. The fix was easy.,,. Stainless steel bowls. The vet explained that biofilm poisoning is most likely to occur in birds smaller than a cockatiel. She says that these birds usual present in the ER vomiting and sick but most of them just die at home without the owner ever knowing why because people tend to be less likely to vet a small bird. Wolf is doing well but because of the 20 times he was on antibiotics and The long term sickness, his immune system has been damaged and his lifespan likely shortened, do yourself and your bird a favour and throw away those plastic dishes.. My mission is to get the word out so that no little parrots have to die needlessly. Every time I see on my boards about a parrotlet dying suddenly For no reason i wonder if it could have been biofilms. There is next to nothing out there that address' this so get the word out!"

Learn more about Biofilm here:

Biofilm/Wikipedia

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sprouting Organics

"Birdito"

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:02:00 +0000

Our parrots love being wrapped into
"birditos"
Have you tried this with your birds?

http://aspcapro.org/blog/2015/01/05/tip-week-hello-birdie-burrito

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Stove Warning!

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 16:38:00 +0000

New appliances are something people usually don't

think will harm their birds. If you are going to be buying new appliances please keep this post in mind.

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Before I was a Parront

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:10:00 +0000

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Cleaning Stainless Steel

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:51:00 +0000

McCormick

There are so many stainless steel cleaners out there and let's face it most of them smell toxic and have toxic ingredients. Toxic smells and ingredients are not only harmful for us but also for our birds. Most people now have stainless appliances be it ovens, fridges, toasters, coffee or espresso machines, slow cookers, etc.. and we need safe non toxic cleaners without breaking our budgets. It took a little digging but I found an awesome way to clean stainless appliances and it's also safe to use on your stainless cooking pots, utensils, etc..! AND only
uses TWO ingredients that most have in their kitchens! Water and Cream of tarter. Yup that's it!

Just use a sponge to apply and a wet towel to clean it off.

Oh and to keep your stainless steel shiny and clean finish off polishing with some baby oil.
After using this on my appliances, they have stayed clean for weeks! Just wipe down every once in a while and they stay clean! Plus there are no toxic smells to make you or your birds sick!
I hope you find this useful. What have you found that works to keep your stainless steel clean? Feel free to comment below.

What you'll need:

1 Tsp. Cream of tarter
1/2 Tsp. Water
A dab of baby oil

What to do:
Mix cream of tarter and water in a small dish. It should be like a paste.
Buff onto Stainless steel surface with a sponge and wipe clean with a wet towel.
Put a dab of baby oil on a clean towel and polish.

For more info on caring for and cleaning around parrots, visit us!

Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

What it comes down to

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:54:00 +0000

Parrots have huge personalities! They are picky eaters and unfortunately are
picky occasionally about what dish you use to feed them.... Is your parrot picky?

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Parrots do not eat just seed!

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:47:00 +0000

It makes me really sad and upset when I go into a pet shop and see that they are only feeding their parrots seeds.. Parrots do not survive on seeds in the wild so they should not eat only seeds in captivity. Seeds are
high in fat and do not have any nutritional value. Seeds should only be given as a treat occasionally and should be organic, not those seeds you can buy at the pet shops... Parrots should be on a diet of pellets, fresh fruits & Veggies.

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us!

Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:44:00 +0000

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

You Become Responsible, Forever, For What You Have Tamed

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 02:35:00 +0000

Treat your parrot with
kindness.

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com

Unsafe Bird Toy!

noreply@blogger.com (Sprouting Organics) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:33:00 +0000

Please always check the tag on the toys you buy for your parrots.
They'll never say that they may be toxic or harmful for your parrot but they do say what brand they are and where they are made.
This can say a lot about how safe it is for your parrot. Unfortunately pet shops carry and
sell items that can and sometimes do harm our pets. Please keep your precious pets safe by checking tags and not buying colorful toys unless you know that they were dyed with veggies. Veggie dyed and natural or organic toys may cost more but they won't kill your pet with toxic chemicals and metals.

For more info on caring for parrots, visit us! Sproutingorganics.weebly.com