Quaker Parrot

As fun as it is to have a bird that talks, it’s never been high on the list of priorities where mine are concerned.   I am greeted when I get home with an array of “Hi”s and “How Ya Doing”s just enough to make me know I’ve been missed and that’s good enough for me.

However, it seems important to Libby, my adventuresome quaker, that she speak to me in my language, so I encourage it.  She is my breakfast making companion lately.  She sits on my shoulder while I ...

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Congo African Grey Parrot

I can always count on the fans of facebook to remind me that I haven’t updated anyone lately on the life of our birds in the circus. So here’s your update blog post on life on the road with our birds while touring with the circus!

The most exciting news we have is that Jinx joined the large part of the show (for those of you that don’t know, he was originally just in the preshow). We got a new act in the show which is a quick ...

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Blue and Gold Macaw

Parrots are easily able to manipulate their owners with the use of their beak.  This is done in a number of ways, most of which are referred to as a “bite”, but technically are not.  It’s important to consider the type of bite you have have received, so that you know what your next move will be.  Sometimes they are caused by the owners misactions, sometimes they are just a form of communication.  In any case, it is not acceptable, and your bird needs to be taught ...

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Have you ever wondered how your parrot’s sense of smell, touch, taste, sight and hearing compare to your own?

Sight:

A bird’s eyesight is the most important of its senses to its survival.  Our bird’s vision, while not as acute as that of raptors, is vastly superior to our own and is adapted to the survival needs of parrots.

Predatory birds, such as the eagle, the owl or the hawk, have wider skulls allowing for forward facing placement of their eyes.  This positioning gives them heightened depth perception which allows them to judge the distance and speed ...

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Congo African Grey Parrot

1. Dirty Food:

The expression “you are what you eat” is so true.  Since we are in charge of our parrot’s food selection, we have to make sure that it is not only the best quality we can offer, but that it is safely edible.  Thoroughly wash all fresh foods. Even organically grown produce use pesticides, although not chemical ones.

Many of us work full time jobs and are in a rush to get out the door in the morning.  It’s convenient to feed the birds and go.  ...

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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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