Category: Pet Bird Care

African grey; parrot and toy

Companion Parrots Need Busy Work to Thrive

A new study that included an online survey of nearly 1,400 pet parrots representing 50 species shed light on abnormal parrot behaviors like biting cage bars, pacing in the cage, and pulling out feathers. Researchers from the University of Guelph, University of Bristol, and Utrecht University drew on results from a 1990 study that looked at negative parrot behavior, and their results further support what other studies have pointed to—that foraging and other enrichment opportunities are essential to companion parrots’ well-being.

webinar slide promotes Dr. Stephanie Lamb discussing first aid for pet birds

Webinar: Avian Emergency: First Aid for Your Pet Bird

Dr. Lamb will walk us through basic first-aid skills we should all know, how to stabilize your bird until you can get it to the vet, and how to make your own first-aid kit for your birds. Tune in Friday November 20!

African grey parrot

Webinar “Tune In To Your Birds Daily Habits”

Webinar: “Tune In To Your Birds Daily Habits” Date: Friday, April 3, 2020 Time: 12:00 – 12:30pm PST (double-check your local time with this time zone converter) Join us for a live, interactive webinar hosted by Laura Doering, former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine. Our special guest Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP […]

head of cockatoo

Coughing Parrot?

Do parrots cough? Cough-like noises can indicate an underlying medical issue in our feathered companions. See how parrots’ coughs are different from ours, and when to call the vet.

parrots in cages

Moving With Your Bird? How To Reduce Stress For Everyone

Your house is all packed up, and you’ve hired movers to transport your belongings to your new abode. All that is left now is ensuring that you and your loved ones— including your feathered family members—arrive safely at your destination. Lisa Bono, CPBC, offers some important insight based on her own experiences on making the move stress-free for the flock, as well as tips to follow anytime you transport your bird.

cockatoo portrait

Playing With Fire: Tobacco & Pet Birds

Tobacco use, including e-cigarettes and vaping, can adversely affect a bird’s health. You might be surprised by some of the sneaky ways tobacco use and its by-products­ can adversely affect a bird’s health—see what you can do about it.

male normal gray cockatiel

New Bird? 5 Ways To Get Off To A Great Start

Have a new bird, or know someone about to welcome a bird into his or her life? Setting a bird up for success as a companion pet has a lot to do with the right interactions. Learn what you should do — and not do — those first few weeks after bringing a pet bird home. Get on the right track with your pet bird, and maintain a mutually respectful relationship for the years ahead with these helpful tips to welcome a new bird into the home.

head of cockatoo

Teach Your Bird to Communicate “Yes” and “No”

We like to make our own choices when it comes to what we eat, what we do for entertainment and everything in between. What if we could extend this power to our parrots — give them the ability to communicate what they want and what they don’t want? Here’s a step-by-step approach to teaching your bird to communicate “Yes” or “No.”

four lineolated parakeets on a branch

Love of Linnies: Lineolated Parakeets

Perhaps it’s time to make room on the perch for another small parrot that can also be a great companion — the lineolated parakeet, or simply, the linnie. Never heard of a linnie? Read on!

cherry headed conure

Follow This Stay-Healthy Plan For Your Pet Bird

If you’re a to-do list person or one who needs a little reminding every now and then, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a month-by-month list of suggestions —and gentle nudges — to help you help your pet bird in the year ahead.

white capped pionus sitting on food dish

Is Your Pet Bird A Healthy Weight?

Ever stop to think what type of shape your bird is in? Is he or she underweight, overweight or within normal weight … not sure? Find out what you can do to check your bird’s muscle mass.

sun conure

Conure Fast Facts

Conures are popular pet companions for good reason — these parrots are full of spunk with colorful personalities and a wide range of colors and sizes.

African Grey on perch In Pet shop

Top 5 Pet Peeves From Your Avian Retailer

On a given day, your avian retailer has a variety of people perusing the aisles, from those new to birds to those who’ve had birds for years. Ever wonder what challenges those who run a bird store sometimes face? Check out these Five Top Pet Peeves from an avian retailer.

head and shoulder shot of yellow-naped Amazon parrot

Feather Trims & Other Summer Safety Info

While we all want to get out of the house this time of year, how should we do that successfully with our companion birds? These tips help you enjoy safe summer fun with your pet bird.

head and shoulder shot of blue-and-gold macaw

Airplane Travel & Your Pet Bird

So you want to take a vacation?! Of course you do, and you want your best friend, your companion bird, to go along with you. Use these tips to do it right.

close up of cockatiel face

Spotlight on Female Parrots

Female birds tend to fly under the radar, so to speak, when compared to their flashier male counterparts. In many bird species, including parrots, the males have the more eye-catching colors. It’s time, however, to give our feathered girls time in the spotlight.

two lovebirds on branch

Lovebirds As Pets

No other companion pet has a name quite as endearing as a lovebird. The lovebird’s genus, Agapornis, is the words “love” and “bird” joined together — agape is Greek for “love” and ornis is Greek for “bird.”

Blue-fronted Amazon, blue front, Amazon parrot

“Theft-Proof” Your Pet Bird

Pet parrots can be prime targets of pet theft because of their perceived monetary value. Here are some steps pet bird owners can take to “theft-proof” their beloved companions:

Red Parakeet

Meet The Bourke’s Parakeet

The Bourke’s parakeet (Neophema Bourkii) is a gem among the members of the popular Neophema family, a group of colorful grasskeets that originate in Australia.

PeachFaced love bird

Pet Bird Sitter Prep

Don’t wait until the last minute to prep for your pet sitter; put your plan in place before you leave so your sitter has all the information he or she needs to take wonderful care of your companion bird.

mini macaw, yellow collared macaw, macaw parrot

9 Things Never To Do Around Your Pet Bird

While most responsible pet bird owners strive to make their birds feel part of the family and offer them plenty of one-on-one time whenever feasible, there are times when your bird should perch elsewhere.

cockatiel perched on finger

Keep Your Pet Bird Out Of The ER This Holiday!

The holidays can bring added dangers to a bird’s typically safe life. Being aware of these dangers can prevent accidents and tragedies, and a trip to your emergency avian veterinarian.

Chestnut-fronted Macaw

The Splash About Bird Baths

Birds like to get wet and water stimulates normal preening behavior. So, how can you help your bird bathe and enjoy water to the fullest?

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