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+.
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.
Georgia P. asks:
Is it absolutely necessary that my budgies be let out of the cage? One got out twice and was out 3 hrs refusing to get near his cage.
Finally, I had to catch him and put him back.
Did everything to get him back in…treats, toys.
Black-headed weaver (AKA weavers, weaverbirds, weaver finches, and bishops) male nest building ~ above
Jeanne G. writes:
I have a canary and am thinking about getting a Weaver finch.
Feathered factoid: Finches are part of the canary family.
At the pets store, they were in the same cage: canaries and one Weaver finch that the owner said sings beautifully.
My young canary is just starting to sing.
Nancy N.writes:
Questions about a harness for My African Grey.
She is 30 and really wants to “go for a walk” whenever I take the dog.
She stands guard by the door and flaps her wings which she does whenever we put jackets on.
Joyce C. writes:
Our cockatiel, who we rescued from our tree outside about 5-6 yrs ago, passed away Thursday.
We have a 4 yr old cockatiel.
She was only 3 months old when we got her.
The question is should we get another cockatiel for a friend for the 4 yr old?
The thread below triggered the idea for this post.
It’s time to revisit the general subject of where to put your bird when it’s out of the cage.
It’s also time to look at some common sense pet bird-keeping ideas.
From Facebook:
“How do I get my bird to stop biting my neck?”
Answer: “Don’t put them on your shoulder until the bird is trained.”
Lisa K writes:
I have a very hormonal lovebird.
Very. Hormonal.
To the extent that he is wearing the feathers away from his body from rubbing against his perch and his tail is all scraggly from grabbing it with his foot to balance himself.
At first, I was taking him to the “best avian vet in the state” who wanted to give him monthly shots at $45 a pop.
Stacy T. asks:
Are your indoor aviaries suitable for outdoor use?
Any articles on letting amazon have outdoor time in summer?
We live in SIL.
Seemed like last time I put him out he had some allergies around his eyes.
