Hi Chet, I agree with all comments for sure! There should be some sort of licensing involved that includes complete information regarding pet birds, of all kinds, but in particular parrots! They are so much smarter and emotionally needy than folk are aware. The worst lack of info incident I know of was a family that brought home freshly weened parrots. They put them in their cage with food, etc. and did not notice the food was not getting eaten. The birds were Not Actually Weened, and therefore, did not know how to eat from a dish. It ended Most Sadly. Owners should know that birds may just be throwing the food. Be sure they are eating! Make them take it from your hand, see you get it from the dish, etc., ESPECIALLY the BABIES please!! Blessings to you, and the fam, for all your Wonderful Info and hard work, love and care into giving the Best to the Most deserving…our Pets! Always, K

I bought an unbrella cockatoo two years. I can not say enough wonderful things about the breeder I purchased her from. The Royal Bird Company sent me everything I could possible need to know with the bird. They even sent the food that she had been eating. They are the best. I could have not done it with out the information. Bird education is so important. It should be mandatory before anyone is allowed to bring home one of these incredible animals.

Ditto!! It appears that breeders & even pet stores are the main contact point. Perhaphs a booklet for each type of bird….a lot of work, excpet every breeder, store & individual would need one. A group of people may be the answer to do each one or maybe a new web site, paid? I am no expert (I have two dear baby girl cockatiels :) ) but would be more than happy to help anyone who has a idea to help solve this gap. Brian

I had a Alexandrian for 15 years she came from a advertisment in a paper she came with no instructions at all she was loved and looked after by us for 15 years sadly she died 2 years ago it took us 14 months before we could get another bird. We know a wonderful lady who used to look after ours for holidays she had a African grey who was a rescue bird and needed a good home so Buster came to us complete with cage loads of toys and lots and lots of information books and a 24 hour phone number if we needed any help Buster is settled really well with us and when he went to be micro chipped his other Mummy came with me to the Avarian vet to see he was ok he is going back to her next week while we are on holiday we are very lucky and so is Buster to have found this lady who is so caring and knowledgable about birds

When my mom got my bird, 28 years ago, she did so from a bird store. They told her to buy this little cage – it was round, low to the ground, they told her it eats seeds, you can feed it some vegetables but try not to feed it too many salty crackers or nuts. That was it….there were not as many books then and no internet to look up stuff. So she was sweet for a few years then when she matured she was labled vicious….and was locked up. I eventually got a new higher bigger cage for her..she stayed locked in it for several years. It took a year of fighting for me to get her after my mom passed away. In that year the cage was not cleaned once and they covered her most of the time as she screamed that whole year with my mom gone. Now I have her and with in a week she was back to being able to get out of the cage…she now has 3 giant cages. She is not longer fed apple cores as treats..He diet has completely changed..veges everyday not just when the left overs are about to go in the trash..for years she would get her water taken away for making a mess now she is encouraged to play in water and given showers on a regular basis. And toys…all those years in that small cage she had one metal bell toy…just one…I did get her a wooden toy when I bought that first new cage which was taken away from her as she tried to chew it up…well now she gets new wood toys weekly and peices of wood and other toys daily. She is one spoiled bird now. When I got her I started attending siminars and classes on her care and learned so much. She was neglected and not because we did not love her we just did not know..now I am educated on her care and she is a happy, healthy girl now. Please get the word out to people on how to care for their bird. I know I feel terrible about her lack of care over those first 25 years of her life…that is why I spoil her now…

Fantastic! I would also add a list of things in a human household that are dangerous and/or toxic to birds.

Great idea and great work! My first birds were finches One died because my 2 year old niece tried to hold it,when she and my sister in law came by for a visit. I didn’t know anything about birds. Just fed and watered them, cleaned their cage and let them fly around together in the cage. I then bought Sunshine a half grown hand fed parrot. I thought he was going to be a talker and named him Sunshine; because he sat with his head hung down and grumbled all the time. The pet store owner had played a parrot talking tape for him, all the time He had a respiratory infection which was why he looked grumpy to me. The Lady that owned the pet store where I bought Sunshine over 40 years ago, was friendly and seemed to really love birds; but could have benefited from your information. She told me to buy the parrot mix they sold in the story. Red pepper, sunflower seeds and a few peanuts as I remember. I let him set on my shoulder all the time I liked that and still do but I wish I had known to keep him in my hands, or on my wrists. It is easy to get him on my shoulder hard to get him in my hands or give him to anyone else. They feel more safe and superior when they are up as high or higher than you are. I think that breeders and pet stores would benefit by, at least having a small handout giving new owners care directions for their bird. It might not look profitable; but I think it would make them a very popular place to shop for pets . If someone see a well trained bird and likes it they would inquire where and how it got that way. I have heard of police departments that had a parrot that went with its officer to safety instructions. What better way to get the attention of small children and teach parrot care as well as safe street crossing? I think the main cautions for birds, on exhibit, is They can only bite to grab hold of things or defend themselves. If they talk they will repeat anything said with emotion. Things said with emotion are probably not something you want your bird to say. The pet store that funded the policeman’s bird would have to pay for the privilege, perhaps by providing free instruction to the policeman? In California all extra curricular finds are curtailed because the state is broke Businesses are having a tough time as well but they still do have an advertising budget.

Good point, I agree with Liz because we all HOPE and WISH that people educated themselves BEFORE taking on such a huge responsibilty – which is what I did… I read alot online; many different websites and compared information before I adopted my first conure, and then I read a few books once I got him home. The information is out there IF one seeks it… but sadly many people do not, and they are still allowed to go out and purchase a pet bird, so I do believe 100% that mandatory information sessions should be included in the process before anyone can take a bird home!

YES! I totally agree that a FREE, but mandatory, training session should be included with ALL bird purchases and/or adoptions! It is unbelievable how many dangers lurk in an average home for pet birds, and yet soooo many bird owners are clueless! Not to mention the importance of their diet. Even experienced bird owners can benefit from learning more about what & how to feed/prepare foods and also toys. The information on bird care and their special needs is never ending and it should DEFINITELY START with the breeders, rescues, and pet stores who sell or rehome birds. They have a responsibility to provide the best start for each pet in their new home… THANK YOU for bringing this up!

1) To convert to pellets, just think like a bird. Cookie cockatiel was 16 weeks old and preferred millet and seeds to pellets. One day I laid out 3 small piles of seeds on a surface to see what she would do. All of a sudden, she was very intrigued. First she ate from one pile, sauntered over to the next, went back to the first, then to the third. Then, I removed what remained and switched up the piles, only 2 had seeds, 1 had pellets. She ate from al three. At which point, I cleared the piles and laid out 1 with seeds and 2 with pellets — same results. But what’s important is that there was no preference of seeds vs. pellets. This was just a game for her and all the piles were of equal value. From that day on, I provided her with feeding stations in her play area out of cage as well as the traditional in the cage cup. Every day I switch it up and she wakes up looking forward to what food will be in which feeder. Kaytee makes great products (Kaytee exact rainbow and their organic pellets are now her favorites) and Avian Zupreme fruit blend is a close third. She also gets millet, oat groats, molting food, Kaytee fiesta mix seeds, and other special veggie and fruit treats, plus popcorn made without butter or salt! She refuses fresh food and veggies since she likes the way that pellets crack in her beak. 2) I totally tossed out everything Teflon-ish I had, including my iron. Then I ordered xtrema cookware, which is the best product ever. No fumes, no toxins and safe to cook even your bird’s food in. A little expensive, but worth every penny. 3) Since Cookie is a girl and almost 3 at this point, I’ve given up on her ever talking. But I recommend a great toy called Talk ’N Play. It hangs and has a mirror and 4 buttons to press with 4 phrases spoken by a parrot, not a human! “Call all birds,” “Hello,” “Ha,ha,ha” and best of all, “I love you.” She knows exactly which button to press and when, and she figured it out on her own. She also figured out the TV remote control. 4) She spends a lot of time out of the cage. So I bought her a wooden doll house that’s about 2 foot tall, with a balcony she can perch on and feeding stations. I connected ladders from it to her cage and then to a playground area where I change up the toys regularly. The doll house is made by Plan Toys and is totally nontoxic and environmentally safe (I even called the manufacturer to verify). The night she got it, she positioned herself in the cage so that the very first thing she would see when she awoke was her new house. She absolutely loves it. 5) Cookie also loves watching TV, especially cartoons such as Sponge Bob that make weird sounds which she instantly responds to. I got her an aquarium light that looks like fishes are swimming around and around (actually it’s a light with fishes painted on paper that revolves). Needless to say, she’s fascinated. 6) Since she likes to sing, I got her a toy piano, the kind made of 6-month-old babies with keys that press down easily. She walks to and fro on it and chirps as she goes, making up new tunes all the time. 7) She also likes riding in my car, so I got her one of her own. It’s remote controlled and I built a perch onto it so she can ride around the living room, spinning happily. 8) She was frightened and would scream when she heard sirens from emergency vehicles outside, so I got her a toy firetruck with a flat ladder on its roof. When pushed, the sirens sound. The next time we heard a firetruck outside, I put her on her own and pushed it to make the same noise. Now that she thinks it must be little cockatiels coming down the street, she’s happy to join in the fun.

We brought our African Grey from a private breeder, he was very good .he said we could go anyday even every day until he was ready to come home. he encouraged us to see him and hold him as much as we can, because he likes to see how we got on with him and he got on with us .He talked to us in length about does and donts and Monty we have called him also camr with a book about African greys, so i think we were lucky . Thank you for all your information that hjas also helped , and monty is speaking and doing a lot THANK YOU

Our issue is that our daughter was the original purchaser from a breeder. Thankfully, we listened as she described each exercise they did to bond and learn proper care. Our daughter and the boyfriend who worked with her split up after 2 yrs and we adopted our African Grey’Harley’. I think any book should cover how to deal with these situations. Harley is distraught that he is ignored by our daughter that he lunges at her for attention, and often bites her. I have been consistant in praising Harley when he says hello instead of screeching and biting. It has taken almost a year but is finally less bizarre and stressful when she visits. We have had Harley 9 years now and do not wish to part with our friend when the situation could be changed.

http://www.lineolatedparakeet.net/general-linnie/10-reasons-not-to-buy-a-bird_366

I would also mention ways to calm a bird down during/after a night fright & how to properly/carefully clean a birds nose….very important!!

i’m writing a book on the use of animals to RAISE children and adults!!! one important concept for raising children is- to teach RESPECT for living members of the animal kingdom…part of teaching respect for a companion that you are responsible for, is to educate the child to the needs[food,washing, interactions,etc.] of the companion animal and the verbal and non-verbal methods of communication [it’s not what you say, …but what they hear and SEE you say…]…. certainly the adult, parent ,etc., has the responsibility to learn these needs of a companion animal… One of the oldest and still informativ e books on bird care was written by THE BIRD MAN OF ALCATRAZ…RORERT STROUD…portrayed in the movie of the same name by burt lancaster based on actual research he accomplished[ while in prison for LIFE…] on wild birds…which flew into his prison window….NOT ONLY IS THE BOOK WORTH READING… BUT THE ACADEMY- AWARD- WINNING MOVIE IS WORTH SEEING… part of the deterioration of our great society is the inability and lack of desire for individuals to ASSUME AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY….

i’m writing a book on the use of animals to RAISE children and adults!!! one important concept for raising children is- to teach RESPECT for living members of the animal kingdom…part of teaching respect for a companion that you are responsible for, is to educate the child to the needs[food,washing, interactions,etc.] of the companion animal and the verbal and non-verbal methods of communication [it’s not what you say, …but what they hear and SEE you say…]…. certainly the adult, parent ,etc., has the responsibility to learn these needs of a companion animal… One of the oldest and still informativ e books on bird care was written by THE BIRD MAN OF ALCATRAZ…RORERT STROUD…portrayed in the movie of the same name by burt lancaster based on actual research he accomplished[ while in prison for LIFE…] on wild birds…which flew into his prison window….NOT ONLY IS THE BOOK WORTH READING… BUT THE ACADEMY- AWARD- WINNING MOVIE IS WORTH SEEING… part of the deterioration of our great society is the inability and lack of desire for individuals to ASSUME AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY….

I wish all bird stores would require this type of documentation and education for the people who buy their birds. Sometimes I think of all the countless homes there are out there with unhappy birds doomed to live their lives bored to death in their cages. People truly do not understand how much interaction these pets need and require. I feel the same way as the author that if I were in the business of selling birds that I would probably go out of business as well. The only thing that I would say differently from the author is that I think responsibility for learning about a species prior to purchase or adoption IS a responsibility of the owner as well as the vendor. When I adopted an African Grey from a friend who was no longer able (or willing) to spend time with him, I read many books and received information from avian vets about their care. Anytime I have been in the position to adopt a different species of animal into my home, I have educated myself on it thoroughly in advance.

One would hope that a new bird owner would have FIRST read up and learned all they could on the bird they wanted to get, and know its requirements from the get go! I can’t imagine bringing home ANY pet and not having food for it! Pet shops are too lax in informing people, in my experience, but bird food suppliers are also at fault. I read all the time that sunflower seeds should be limited in my parrots’ food mix, and yet every different brand and mix I’ve tried is stuffed full of sunflower seeds, either in the shell or shelled. The gravel issue still exists too – parrots don’t need gravel and yet it’s still packaged and sold, aimed at parrot owners. Wing clipping is another issue that a new owner needs to know about – if it’s the best thing for your bird and its situation, and how to do it properly.

Great pictures!

The most important information I received when we got our first bird, Clyde an Alexandrine, was to get rid of any products in our house that contained teflon. We had no idea that teflon emits toxins when heated to a certain temperature and it will kill a bird within minutes. The other important thing we learned was to always buy organic fruits and veggies whenever possible, otherwise washing and peeling is a must.

I agree!! i have been reading all your emails, books i have tried several different suggestions on how to stop my umbrella cockatoo from screaming! she is driving me crazy she screams if i’m in the room i go out when she starts it and it doesn’t stop her., i also own a male electus he is picking up on the screaming not like the cockatoo but he is throwing a couple screams in there. i ordered Chets training dvds i ordered the pellets they would not eat them. I also want to know if it is ok to keep both birds in the same room? they both have their own proper cages but i didn’t know if the cockatoo would try to hurt my electus when they were out of their cages?

One thing that is equally important as well as their diet and social conditions is to be aware of things that are eithe dangerous or lethal to birds. All sorts of scents including candles, perfumes, bleach, cleaners and other products that produce a strong odor. Also kitchen hazards such as telflon coated pans and self-cleaning ovens not to mention the danger of birds falling into cooking pots. It is imperative that these are pointed out to a new bird owner. I would even caution against leaving them in the sun, unattended outside, left unsuprvised to walk around (danger of people either siting on them or stepping on them). I think when a bird is being sold the person doing the sale should offer a “mini” session explaining all relevant information and refuse to sell the bird until or unless the purchaser agrees to spend a few extra minutes to listen.

Chet, Many people learn much better from videos than they do from reading, and there might be higher compliance from bird breeders if they could plop prospective buyers in front of a TV and have them watch a video with all this info, then hand them a sheet or booklet or websites with specifics on the information covered. You’re great at making videos, and even though this one might not have as large a market as your others, still, it could be sold in pet stores, etc., or even just posted on YouTube.

I also agree these animals are as sentive as a small child . please think twice before you get in to something for the wrong reason. Theresa

I feed my Jenday KayTee brand food – which came highly recommended. However, from reading your site and the ‘meals’ that Chet and Dave give their birds each day it occurs to me that Zooey is missing a lot. The problem is she is now about 2-1/2 years old and set in her eating ways. I cannot get her to eat pellets at all … and fruit, she doesn’t like ‘wet’ food so much. Any thoughts on how to retrain her to eat more sufficiently???? I adore my little girl and I want to do things correctly :) -pamela