That Hookbill In Your Home – How Much Do You Know About Bird Beaks?
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That Hookbill In Your Home – How Much Do You Know About Bird Beaks?

Rotary trimmers are becoming very popular when people realize how easy it is to trim their own bird’s nails while saving money at the same time.

Although we recommend using an electric nail trimmer to keep your bird’s nails trimmed neatly we do not recommend that you attempt to trim your bird’s beak.

It’s a sensitive organ and has a lot of sensory receptors and which could potentially be very painful to your bird if handled in the wrong way, which got me to thinking about today’s topic.

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What Are Feather Stress Bars? Does Your Bird Have Them?
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What Are Feather Stress Bars? Does Your Bird Have Them?

If you’ve ever noticed strange lines running perpendicular (across) the shafts of your bird’s feathers these are what are called “stress bars”.

They are particularly noticeable when your bird is molting and are harder to see if the feathers are still on the bird. 

A bird’s feathers can be a great indicator of its overall health.
The growth of feathers requires a broad spectrum of nutrients and if how the bird is getting its nutrients into its body is disrupted while the feathers develop, feather stress bars can be produced.

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Do You Think Lupron Would Help or Hurt My Cockatiels Behavior?
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Do You Think Lupron Would Help or Hurt My Cockatiels Behavior?

Joanne F. wonders aloud,

 

Been reading your blog about the effects of Lupron on female birds for egg-laying.

 

My vet is suggesting these injections for my male white face cockatiel, “Pico”.

 

Pico is literally like Jekyll and Hyde.

 

Very loving but can turn on you in a nanosecond.

 

He is so highly hormonal that almost anything is perceived as a potential mate.

 

Feet, sneakers, plastic Kind bar wrappers……the list is expanding.

 

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How Do I Fix My Peach-faced Lovebird’s Beak Issues?
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How Do I Fix My Peach-faced Lovebird’s Beak Issues?

Brian M. is concerned,

 

I have a peach-faced lovebird that seems to have an issue with his beak.

 

His beak has never been trimmed and he has a stone that he rubs his beak on to grind it down. Recently the top part broke and it is smaller now but the lower part of the beak looks like it needs to be trimmed.

 

I read where some people trim them but I made an appointment with the vet.

 

I am nervous about taking the bird there he has never been taken anywhere.

 

I am afraid he can’t eat everything with the lower long beak.

 

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Is Lafeber Avi-era Superior to Nekton-S for an Avian Vitamin?
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Is Lafeber Avi-era Superior to Nekton-S for an Avian Vitamin?

Michael G. asks,

 

Mitch, you spoke about vitamins today, specifically Lafeber Avi-Era.

 

You’ve approved the diet for Big Boy Grey and Little Girl Grey.

 

I always used Nekton-S in their water until I learned from you about using a bigger amount of pellets and fewer seeds.

 

They eat each well and seem to enjoy their overall diet with fresh fruits and veggies for “lunch” each day.

 

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Can I Let My Finch Out of Its Cage?
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Can I Let My Finch Out of Its Cage?

Quora answer:

 

I wouldn’t. Unlike parakeets which can be tamed, most finches stay pretty wild and will always be somewhat skittish. If you let him out of the cage, he would be at risk of injury or trauma. I believe the best ways to care for a finch are:

  1. make sure he has other finch friends to play with;
  2. keep them in the largest cage you can afford—if possible, an aviary—to fly about and exercise;
  3. keep the cage, food, and water cups clean;
  4. feed good quality food with fruits and veggies;
  5. make sure they have sunshine during the day and dark and quiet at night.

 

Finches are sweet, happy, busy little birds. Keep them safe, and they will bring you lots of joy.

 

Peace.

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How Do I Handle My 2 Amazon Rescues Both With a Broken Wing?
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How Do I Handle My 2 Amazon Rescues Both With a Broken Wing?

 

 

Good Morning, I am rescuing 2 abused Amazon parrots – Male / Female.

 

Both have 1 broken wing and cannot fly.

 

Female about 4-5 years old).

 

The male (about 15 yrs) picks the top of this wing and has scabs – not healed – what can I do to promote healing?

 

From my observation, both birds are under extreme stress.

 

Please let me know what I can apply topically to prevent further picking and plucking.

 

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