How Can I Achieve Better Birdcage Environments for My Birds?
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How Can I Achieve Better Birdcage Environments for My Birds?

Hey there, here for the brunch, but I’d like to speak to the manager, I just have a question or two before sitting down: 

So we have a 2 bird, 2 human family.   

The littlest one, a GCC named Pz is the comedian and energy ball of the group, with tons of personality packed into a 70gram feather suit.   

Our sanity these days hinges upon making sure the bird children are well taken care of, as we spend all our days with them now and find it very enriching to be attentive to their unique needs and the interesting ways in which they communicate them to us.

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How Do I Place Clamp Light for Lighting Over My Bird’s Cage?
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How Do I Place Clamp Light for Lighting Over My Bird’s Cage?

Marcia D. asks:

I wish to purchase a clamp light assembly w/light for my parrotlet’s birdcage…reason: I currently have a floor lamp with Zoomed avian bulb (expensive) and want to eliminate the floor lamp feature.

QUESTION: with clamp light. Am I laying it right on the top of the cage or hovering it inches above the cage?

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Why is My Green Cheek Conure Biting Me All of a Sudden?

Elena T. is concerned:

 

I have a green cheek conure named Rae and he’s about 2-3 years old.

 

I’m not sure if Rea is a boy or a girl but I got him from the pet store pretty early on so I’m the only owner he’s ever had besides the pet store workers.

 

He’s a sweet bird and my family loves him but recently he’s been biting me.

 

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Do Lighting CRI Ratings Help Birds & What the Heck are They?
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Do Lighting CRI Ratings Help Birds & What the Heck are They?

Hello,

I wanted to inquire about the three bulbs I purchased that were delivered today.
They are not the same bulbs that are shown in the photo and I’m not seeing a CRI on the bulb itself to be able to confirm that these are full spectrum.
I tried doing a google search of the product and from what I found, these bulbs have a CRI of only 81 (not full spectrum).
The bulbs were not delivered in a product box, they were sitting in a plastic container and wrapped with packing materials, so again I can’t confirm if I was shipped the incorrect bulbs.
Can someone please look into this for me? 
Thanks, 
Caitlin D.
 

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What Wattage Bulb Do I Need to Calm My Amazon?
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What Wattage Bulb Do I Need to Calm My Amazon?

Chuck Y. has a question about avian lighting:

Hi Mitch, my yellow-naped amazon can be very mean at times so I am going to get him a full spectrum light.

He is 32 years old and I miss being able to handle him, I could do anything with him and not get bitten.

I have heard the YNA does get this way as they get older but I think I want to try the light anyway.

I have a fixture so I just need to get a bulb.

I have heard 15 watts is ideal, what is your suggestion? Thank you for bringing this up in your birdie brunch.

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Are Vitamins Necessary When My Bird is on a Pellet Diet?
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Are Vitamins Necessary When My Bird is on a Pellet Diet?

Michael G. asks:

Hi, Mitch.

I was using a powdered vitamin in Little Girl and Big Boy’s water. When I began using Roudybush pellets they recommended discontinuing the vitamin. I took them at their word and don’t see any ill effects after 8 months.

I’m wondering if birds are like I’ve been told about humans, rid themselves of unwanted vitamins?

We use a spray bottle on a mist regularly.

It is amazing to see their wingspan as it doesn’t seem possible they can spread out as they do! (more…)

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What are Your Thoughts on Using Lupron to Curb Egg Laying?
Veterinarian examining Alexandrine parakeet in clinic, closeup

What are Your Thoughts on Using Lupron to Curb Egg Laying?

Bonnie B. would like to know:

 

First I want to thank you for your very informative emails.

 

They are always filled with great information.

 

My question is what are your thoughts on Lupron and what effects of long term use.

 

I have a 30 yo female Umbrella Cockatoo that we’ve had for 11 years.

 

She laid an egg once or twice a year and then in 2015 after laying an egg she prolapsed on a Sunday.

 

Luckily we were able to get her into UC Davis.

 

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I Am Trying to Find Fluorescent Tube Lighting for My 2 Amazons
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I Am Trying to Find Fluorescent Tube Lighting for My 2 Amazons

Marsha Asks:

Hi there – I’m trying to find fluorescent tube lighting for my two Amazons, as I understand the compact bulbs don’t carry quite the same punch.

What few I’ve found with high CRI (93+) and 5000K (Kelvin) are only available in packages, etc., so I’m wondering if LEDs rated at the same level are as beneficial, since workshop lamps, etc, of that sort, are easily available and much more easily installed.

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I Am Conflicted About Artificial Lights for Birds ~ Help
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I Am Conflicted About Artificial Lights for Birds ~ Help

David K. is conflicted:

I am conflicted about what I read about artificial lights for birds.

I have cockatiels.

My avian vet says to be careful about such lighting which can damage a bird’s eyes (retina).

My vet has had first-hand experience with this.

I currently use ZooMed Avian sun lamps, overhead.

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