We’ve talked about the differences between molting, preening, and plucking in a post found here.
Molting is misunderstood and usually viewed as nothing more than a nuisance.
We have 10 birds in our home.
That means they’re going to shed between 50,000 and 70,000 feathers combined, annually!
Feathered factoid: Ducks have 10,000 or more feathers and swans have upwards of 12,000+.
The actual Quora question read:
Is it okay for lovebirds to chew and swallow bits of clear paper?
The only ink it has is the one that lines the paper.
Some answers from the experts on Quora
Bonnie D. wrote:
I have a question for you.
The reason for my switching to Hagen Alternative Formula was because it had no soy or corn.
But I noticed that it has peanuts in it.
I was always told by my vets that the greys shouldn’t have peanuts (or too many) because it decreased the calcium in their bones.Â
What is your take on that?
Editors note: In the featured image above, Barney was obsessing with the other bird in the mirror as Catherine observed.
We have since blocked access to that part of the mirror and Barney has become far more social (less hormonal). Endnote
One of the reasons we are able to stay in business going up against the likes of Amazon and Chewy is that we answer the phone and can provide useful advice.
And although PetSmart and Petco will answer the phone on a national or store level, good luck with getting information about proper care for your white-capped Pionus.
There is been a definite uptick of calls and emails seeking advice for birds exhibiting bad hormonal behavior.
Meyers parrot
Darryl Z. writes:
Hi.
I’m looking for a good quality seed mix for my 4 birds – a CAG, a Yellow-Shouldered Amazon, a Meyers, and a Caique.
I’m currently using Vita Parrot by Sun Seed but it’s become really dirty over the years.
I actually pick out the papaya because it’s so filthy and looks so gross, I don’t want my birds eating it.
Ducorps cockatoo aka Solomons cockatoo
aka Solomons corella or broad-crested corella
Karen E. writes:
My 12-year-old rescue Ducorps cockatoo who I have had 5 months now, has proved to be a challenge in finding anything he will eat!
I have purchased Harrisons, Tops Higgins safflower gold, InTune, Tropican and Tropimix, freeze-dried fruits and veggies, and dried sprouted mix. I also have dried bananas, strawberries, Greenbeens.
Also, a chop mix that I keep frozen.
As well as fresh veggies and fruits.
Patti B writes:
I see you rescued an African ring-necked parrot, I love them, and I would also rescue one, so let me know if you find anymore rescues.
Unfortunately, I live in Bar Harbor, Maine…..but we will deal with that when the time comes.
I’ve combined several questions in this post, all related to feather care, you know those hundreds (thousands) of lighter than air floating things around your home, under the birdcage and on the floor.
Feathered factoid: small pet birds like budgies can have 4000 – 6000 feathers.
Larger parrots can have upwards of 8000 feathers (we count them coming out of the shop vac).
Waterbirds like ducks and swans have upwards of 10,000 feathers or more.
