May 09, 20140 comments

Why Social Dominance Theory Does Not Apply To Flocks

Aggressive Senegal Parrot

Dogs and parrots are very different creatures, but as humans, we often try to draw comparisons to their behaviour. Canines being a creature that most everyone has had experience with, a lot of owners will try to draw connections.

For instance: The theory of height dominance. The idea is that birds move up high to try and ‘one-up’ their people.

First, let’s look at a parrot’s motivation for climbing up out of reach. A bird ...

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August 14, 20123 comments

Why Not to Feed Wild Birds But How to Safely Attract Them

Pair of King Parrots

When you decide to spend your life enslaved to a pet bird, you’re not doing it because you like their ‘chewed-on style’ decorating help. Usually it has something to do with you actually liking birds. Not surprisingly, bird people have a tendency to not just welcome wild birds into their garden, but to actively encourage them to show up.
Which brings me to the controversial topic of feeding wild birds. You might think it isn’t ...

July 25, 20122 comments

Using Australian Native Foliage and Branches in Your Aviaries

Short-billed Corella enjoying Eucalyptus nuts.

It was like Christmas for my birds at my place last week. It was what I fondly refer to as “Psychotic branch week”. It’s usually an annual event, although sometimes it happens twice a year. It’s not planned (I wish it was) and it isn’t consistently at the same time of year.

It’s not general knowledge but it is actually illegal to take branches and foliage from trees that are on public property ...

September 30, 20110 comments

How The Study Of Wild Parrots Improves Our Parrot’s Lives

Enormous strides have been made in the care and understanding of our companion parrots as researchers continue their studies of wild parrots. Through observing the different species, we now do less improvising and have come to understand why many behaviors exist and how we can adapt to make our birds happier in our homes.

In order to best utilize this research, you must understand that the birds we have in our living rooms are not domesticated. They are wild animals – tamed, but still wild. The process of ...

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February 12, 20104 comments

Is the "BITE" Part of Bird Ownership?

Blue and Gold Macaws

Q: I have a 2 year old blue and gold macaw that is very sweet and has never bitten me. I heard recently that at some point my bird will bite me. Is this true?

-Mary, Springfield, IL

A: This is a great question and an important topic for new bird owners. Unfortunately, the answer to your question is most likely ‘yes”. Parrots may bite for a number of different reasons ranging from fright to fear to aggression, with a host of different possibilities in between. What is more ...

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November 14, 20090 comments

Comparing Our Parrots With Children

Blue and Gold Macaws

It is frequently said that a parrot has the emotional capacity of a two year old and the problem solving capabilities of a 5 or 6 year old. I have drawn the comparison between my parrots and children many times. It’s hard not to do when they play with toys, throw tantrums, and look to you for their care and comfort. There are many similarities, but I think there is a place when the line should be drawn.