Sarah F. inquires
We like to take our parrots camping with us (and our dogs and horses).
We’re thinking of going earlier, hence colder this year.
How much cold can they take?
It’ll probably get in the high 30’s in the AM (inside the camper).
Thank you
Kayla writes to ask:
I’m stuck between getting a conure or a quaker (ok maybe an Indian ringneck too), and could really use advice on what current owners think.
I’m hoping to find a best friend who wants to be involved, cuddly, silly, and maybe even say a few words eventually.
I mostly don’t want one who screams and screeches all day.
Is a quaker on the right track?
Kim W. wants to know
Can I Put A Baby Budgie In With My Cockatiel?
Dear Kim
One-word answer. NO!
We recently were given a baby parakeet from a customer who found it outside her apartment building.
She could not keep it as she has an ailing bird currently and didn’t want to take a risk.
Grae W. wonders
Hello, I have two 21-year-old grays, that I have had since they were young babies.
They are very healthy and happy birds. In the winter months, in the south (NC), I put them out in their cage on sunny, non-windy days, if it’s above 47 degrees.
As their cage loses the sun, I bring them in, and put them on their perch, in a glass door walk-in shower.
I have asthma, so must not bring in their cage.
Kirstin B. relates
Hi,
I have a blue and gold macaw parrot. He has been in the family since he was a baby. Sadly my great uncle was the one who got him and died shortly thereafter.
He has gone through 2 other family members until sitting with me and my dad.
Thank you for acknowledging a category for “large macaws,” you’ve been paying your due diligence.
My knowledge base comes from operating a website that sells exclusively to pet bird keepers.
You can read about 1400 posts I’ve written on pet bird care.
Re: “Please don’t kid yourself there are no large parrot species that is any less difficult than the other to take care of” (below).
First, off one person’s, anecdotes should not be a driver on how to create a single bird or a flock’s environment.
Re: “ I recently bought a brand new TV and thanks to my parrot it has a crack in the screen”
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.
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.
Mark Asks:
What is the best way to introduce my Quaker to his new cage?
Greetings Mark,
What I have always done is assemble the cage in the same room assuming there is room for all the components prior to putting it all together.
The room should be well lit and early in the day. You may want to wait until Saturday for more time.
