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.
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.
Barbara G. is concerned about her African grey’s lack of interest in bird toys:
Hi Mitch, I really enjoy your Sunday bird info.
My male Timneh suddenly has become frightened of his toys.
Even a piñata shredding toy.
A few months ago, I purchased a bag of beautiful handmade all-natural bird toys.
The following is in response to our feathered community member Patrick.
Hi Patrick B,
I have a 27-year old Senegal. I was reading your post and thought I would offer a few suggestions to you. First, as Mitch said, try clicker training. It is basically positive operant conditioning. Birds do not understand the word “no” and yelling at them will teach them how to scream. So please give it a try.
Jacqueline K. seeks information on a whole-home air purifier:
Hello, I trust your expertise and did read your blog on air purifiers.
I have 2 parakeets, 1 ringneck dove, and 3 finches.
We are looking at a whole-house air purifier that will get installed in the air duct.
It was recommended to get the RGF Reme Halo.
Is this going to be safe with my birds?
Jim G. inquires:
For many many years, we have covered our Greys cage at night.
Then about 10 years ago I met a woman who is a certified African Grey rescuer. She said ABSOLUTELY NOT!
That parrots of course originated in natural environments and had to be at all times able to detect danger.
Judy M. worries about:
Hi, Mitch,
The closest avian vet to me is 2 hours away, I worry about my bird being in his travel cage or carrier ( as I have both) for so long, the trip there, the trip home, the visit itself…..
Do you think it would be extremely stressful for Alex?
He has been to an exotics vet, who is only about 15 minutes from me, he was fine.
Eva W. relates:
I have an 8-year-old female Quaker parrot who is becoming more and more antisocial as she ages.
I have had her since she was a baby.
She was always very skeptical of new things and situations which is probably good.
But there was not a lot of curiosity in her behavior.
She never wanted to step up on my hand.
She bites me any chance she gets even though I am her chosen person. (more…)
Cheri S. asks:
I would like to try putting my 3 parakeets and cockatiels in the same cage.
What size cage should I use?
Also, what is a flight cage compared to a regular cage?
Hope you can help.
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.
