Umbrella Cockatoo

I had two days off in a row this week!!  I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but when you work in retail, believe me, it’s rare.  It feels like spring break.  I intended to tackle some projects that needed tackling.  I actually tackled two.  And they were, of course, bird projects.

New cage covers were desperately needed for Linus, my umbrella cockatoo, and the cockatiels, so I moved this to the top of the to-do list.  I went to the quilting section at the fabric store and ...

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Congo African Grey Parrot

I really dislike the term “forever home”.  It is used very commonly among people who take in rescued or rehomed parrots.  “He has found his forever home”.  I like the idea behind the expression, which is indicative of a person’s level of commitment to a bird that might be unsuitable in many homes.  Practically speaking, all good intentions aside, it often doesn’t happen that way.

Have you ever given thought to what would become of your parrot if you were to die or in some way become incapacitated?  ...

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Congo African Grey Parrot

Parrots are instinctively highly attuned to everything around them.  It is this awareness of their environment that keeps them safe from predators.  So it’s easy to understand why parrots are so quick to pick up on the energy levels of their owners and the home they live in. This is something we can use to our advantage and is just one more example of how having an understanding of a wild bird’s nature will help us with the birds we keep in our homes. Have you ...

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Congo African Grey Parrot

Q:  Is it safe to give my bird meat? -Joann, Athens, GA

A: Meat is not part of the natural diet of a parrot.  However, when offered a piece of chicken, many parrots will accept.  Offer them a cookie, they will do the same.  I think we all went to school with a kid that ate the paste that glued pieces of construction paper together.  I doubt that it was ever on the dinner menu at his house.  Just because a parrot (or kid) eats something, ...

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Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot

While I was going through some old parrot related paperwork today I found this piece. I think that, along with a guide to the proper care of birds this piece should be given to every new owner:

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF PARROT OWNERSHIP

by Jane Hallander, reprinted with the permission of Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary

1. My life is likely to last 20 or more years. Any separation from you will be painful to me. Remember that before you take me home.

2. Give me time ...

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A while back, a friend and I were talking about some of the behavioral oddities of my umbrella cockatoo, Linus. I call them Linusisms. I was explaining to her that he has this thing about me sitting on the floor. He doesn’t like it. If he is out of his cage when I’m on the floor, he will always make his way over to me, usually thinking evil thoughts. She asked me how I handled this, and I told her...