Original question from Quora
Trish G asks:
Both are regularly seen by an Avian Diplomate Vet and are in great health, and they eat Harrisons, organic veggies (from the freezer section) and I hide sunflower seeds and pistachios all over their cage for them to hunt, which they do enthusiastically.Â
We take them camping and sailing with us (my husband is both patient and tolerant!).
Lucy usually lays eggs 1-2 times a year, fall and spring, and I let her sit on them at night for about 3 weeks because I found if I pull them she keeps laying more.Â
For the last month she’s been biting me quite hard (blood!) when I try to return her to her cage and random other times, and I’m not able to identify why.Â
Scroll down for 8/27/20 updated responses
Christopher G. writes:
I have a question about bird behavior, and I thought it might find a home in the birdie brunch.
We have a four-year-old green cheek conure and a three-year-old Hahns macaw.
We keep them in travel/sleeping cages in our bedroom at night, with the doors unlatched so they can come out in the morning whenever they want.
Recently, at night, we have found our green cheek to have left her sleeping cage and nestled into a tight space between the two cages, underneath the towels that cover the cage.
From Reddit
I’ve had my African Grey for a bit over 2 weeks. He only started flying recently.
He’s a 5-month-old birb and I’m getting worried because when he flies he usually flies into a wall.
Our Response:
Flying into walls can be based on color.
Carrie F. writes:
I’ve had diamond doves and then later had lovebirds in the past.
I’ve been without birds for a while, but I’m now setting up a large double flight cage in preparation for getting 2 or 3 pairs of finches.
I have a hanging bird light fixture, but since this cage is so wide (about 5 feet wide), I need to hang 2 fixtures.
I can’t find another one like what I already have so I’m looking around at what’s available.
Bill P. asks:
I have questions about the 72-hour circadian reset technique.
1. During the day portion of the 72 hour period would there be a problem with taking the bird, Blue and Gold Macaw out of her cage for food, exercise, and to interact with the family.
2. Can you provide clinical references pertaining to this technique?
Barb H. asks:
I’d appreciate advice on integrating parrots into a 36′ X 10 communal aviary for 8 amazons & 2 macaws.
These birds have all lived together in the same room divided by partitions. Although separated, they can see each other and communicate.
Since they’re familiar with each other, I’m hoping for a painless transition.
Laurieann T writes:
Why is my 25-year-old yellow-naped Amazon named Peso chewing up his cage cover?
This is the second time in months.
But yet at night, he wants to be covered up?
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.
