Sophie writes,
I bought the wrong size swing.
I think this is more suited to large parrots.
Is it ok to put it in the cage for size variety?
Or should I send it back for a smaller one? (more…)
Hi Randall
I’m looking at the pictures you sent, thank you.
Obviously, the birds have feather self-destruction issues.
Typically these need to be addressed holistically.
Before we get granular on the issue let’s do some housekeeping and talk about this particular species.
About 20% of parrots are sexually dimorphic meaning you can determine the sex of the bird by its color or markings.
Eclectus parrots are either red and blue (female) or green (male).
Male ringnecks have the ring, females have none.
Hi Mitch,
I just noticed that you posted my questions about Ricky on your Blog.
I’m fine with that but feel a bit uncomfortable about naming my bird’s vet and giving her web address.
I came to you with my query as I am not seeing improvement in my bird after several appointments.
Your advice has been read and will be re-read.
From: June S.
Subject: Re: Hi June ~ How to Remodel Cages to Reduce 2 Bird’s Hormonal Behavior
Hi Mitch,
Do birds get coronavirus? I had it about a month ago.
My two parakeets have become so quiet and sleep alot.
I changed where I keep them thinking a change would help.
Some but not much.
Can they know I haven’t been very well?
Thank God I have recovered any thoughts?
June
From: Donna L.
Subject: Dangers found in toys and Oops, wrong Donna?
Hi Mitch,
I received your informative lesson about the dear little budgie? (Sorry, tiny strokes-no memory)
I couldn’t stop reading. So happy I found you!
I started to dismantle my sweet little 21-year-old Meyer’s parrot’s toys to DIY new ones.
From: ‘jmcoops’
My buddy flew into the window yesterday twice and all the feathers fell out as you can see (above).
I figured that’s where he hit the window.
He was stunned and still for several hours on my lap.
Today he seems fine.
Will those feathers grow back?
Anything I should watch for?
My husband and I debate constantly about flighted vs wing-clipped birds.
This is a follow-up post to:
How to Remodel a Cage to Reduce 2 Bird’s Hormonal Behavior
Lisa N. writes:
Happy New Year Catherine this is Lisa. I just wanted to let you know that Reggie and Kiwi are getting along like best friends. There have been no problems with Reggie attacking Kiwi they love being together. Thank you for that lighting treatment.
Subject: Re: Hi Leigh ~ Why Won’t This African Grey Play With His Toys?
Hello Mitch!
I wanted to thank you for your awesome weekly email – I look forward to the information and the humor every week!
I have a question on lighting and biting:
We have a 4yr old Quaker, Boop, who we think is male… does a bit of chest plucking – almost like a Tourettes behavior… but he seems to get awful pin feathers. It’s better now I have him on an avian vitamin powder.
Hello, I’m writing this because I have a 10-year-old Cockatiel female.
I’ve had her since I was 14 and she’s the most important thing in my life.
She’s gone through a lot though and has had to survive 2 emergency surgeries to save her life.
Becoming egg-bound and near-death both of these times due to chronic egg laying.
I don’t know what to do to help.
Hi Mitch,
My name is Barbara T, and you and I just spoke re my parakeet, Ricky, who has been treated by an Avian specialist, Gloria Goodman, VMD (website: avianexoticvetpa.com), for mites since July 2nd, 2020.
As I told you, I had surgery and my sister took care of the bird from May 12th through June 28th.
I noticed immediately that his face looked like it had rot on it and he seemed “antsy”—pecking on his feathers and rubbing his head, especially around the eye area, on the cage.
I called the vet and she saw him on July 2nd.
