Dave and I always talk to people about the "Gypsy Experience", and the long version and seminar is on the Total Transformation Parrot Training course. But I'm here to give you the short version, the basics, because it's a lifestyle I live every day with my birds and I'm all about sharing that with you, my fellow bird caretakers. The video above is literally of an empty arena before the show gets a chance to load in. Every time we arrive to a city, we fly the birds in the empty arenas. People have gotten so used to it they often ask when we will be doing it so they can come watch or take part. It's a fun thing. The guy in blue is our production manager on the show, and even he gets sucked into hanging out. Anyone who says they're leaving will get immediately bombarded with parrots refusing to let their audience walk away.  

Photo by Jamieleigh Location: Bethelehem, PA Robbie Donnert (horse trainer) with: Galahs "Bondi", "Bandit" & "Ace", and African Grey "Cressi"

Some of the best people on the show to socialize our parrots to are fellow animals trainers; whether they train lions, elephants, horses, dogs, cats, or the like... they're great because they already have a basic understanding of animals and a respect for them you won't find in the average Joe.

We love using animal trainers to socialize our parrots to more people.

The key to keeping your parrot happy and healthy, is to be offering this lifestyle to them. It's what we go by, just like you would raise a child; taking it to new places, having it experience new things, and always meeting new people. This is what they would encounter in the wild, this is what we offer them on a daily basis. It's essential for your bird to be able to handle the many aspects of life. How you go about it, well, that's up to you and how you choose to use the tips I give you along the way.

For more videos from this day in the arena flying and playing and socializing, click here.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.