Kathy M. relates, 

Agni, our 12 year old IRN parrot is molting. We live in California. This one is a big molt, so he looks really scruffy. I’m wondering if there is anything particular in food or supplements that could be helpful. He eats Harrison’s Fine Adult pellets and a variety of fruits and veggies. Otherwise healthy.

Just wondering about your thoughts. Thank you. K

(more…)

Lisa N. writes,

Good Sunday afternoon Catherine hope you had a great holiday, I just have 2 quick questions.

The first is what kind of humidifier do you recommend for us and our birds, second our Reggie girl and Kiwi boy have been fighting a lot lately they are not even preening each other and if we leave one in the cage while the other one is out the bird that is out will keep flying over to the cage and then they fight threw the bars I know 72 hr doesn’t cure anything and I know birds are birds it’s just hard to watch them fighting instead of being best friends anything you can suggest would be helpful. 

Thanks, Lisa N.

(more…)

Karen E. inquires,

If you could suggest the healthiest, most accepted by birds, flavorful, seed/pellet food for Tiels and conures. What would it be?? (Besides veggies and fruits)

Hi Karen

All packaged bird foods are the result of testing by the various manufacturers to produce what they feel is the best available with the resources available.

(more…)

Scott S. is confused about one of his rescue birds.

I’ll try to keep this long story short.

I’ve had/been around parrots for 63 years. Had my own for over 50. I currently have an open forever home for rescues. Currently have two parakeets, one Goffin, and one red belly – all well-adjusted and happy.

The little red belly (Bongo) was a breeder for seven years until I got him three years ago.

He is sweet, engaged, loving, etc., and loves to be scratched – until he doesn’t.

(more…)

Debbie C. is concerned about her 30 + year old Amazon and asks,

What do you recommend to give to a 30+-year-old Amazon parrot for fatty liver disease?

Thank you

Debbie

(more…)

Lisa N. has concerns about her 2 conures behavior,

My question is an easy one I hope. Lately our 7 yr old female GCC and our Pineapple Conure 2 and a half yr old boy, I think he’s going threw his terrible 2’s if there is such a thing with birds. He’s been real hormonal and they have been fighting with each other a lot lately and trying to get them apart we always get bitten is there something we could do to get them back to being the best friends they were.

 

I know birds are birds but it just came on so sudden we were thinking of the 72 hr (Light treatment) again for both unless you can suggest something else. We have tried taking 1 out and leaving 1 in and the one that is out going to the cage and they start fighting. You’ve always given such great advice I’m just worried about my babies.

Thanks, Lisa N.

(more…)

Tricia Z. wants to know how many finches would be comfortable in a birdcage

Hi!

I had 8 finches in a cage measuring 32 w x 32 h x 21d” and my neighbor just passed away and bequeathed me 19 more finches.

Everyone is getting along well. I have several nests and perches in the cage.

Do I need to get a larger flight cage?

(more…)

Margarita V. inquires about, Pomegranate Fresh Fruit

My White Capped Pionus likes Pomegranate, he eats the seed of each little red piece of the fruit. He bypasses the red stuff and goes for the seed buried in that part of the fruit. Do you know if it is harmful to parrots? I do not give him that on a regular basis.

(more…)

Shelle P. has concerns for her bird’s future,

Hi Catherine and Mitch, I have followed your birdy brunch and multiple bird store locations around Chicago for years.

I’m owned by 2 beautiful DYH and 1 grey who is way too smart. Anyway, I’m getting up in years and have health problems and need to start thinking about where my babies can be rehomed or sanctuary.

Just wondered if you have any thoughts or experience with others on how to start this difficult process/point in life. My family is small and are not “bird people”. I’ve tried some google searches of areas and am not sure how reliable they are. Thanks!

(more…)

 Karen R. is concerned about her grey’s lack of vocalizations.

Sam, our African Gray has been living with us for almost 15 years.

He had at least a few homes before us.

When he first came he was chatting up a storm, I felt like he was trying to call his flock.

Since then, he has only spoken twice in the 14 plus years he’s been with us.

(more…)