Short answer, “geography.”
In contrast to certain birds that embark on lengthy journeys, we do not think about our pet bird species in the wild engaging in long-distance migrations.
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Dear Catherine,
Omar and Milo are not playing with those wonderful toys.
I’m thinking that the breeder that turns the young budgies over to the animal shelter had probably never exposed them to toys before and they don’t know how to play.
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Susan M. related,
Our two rescued parakeets, who were found outdoors separately and given to a bird rescue, are not hand tame.
They enjoy being out of their flight cage and investigating in the one room I keep closed for them.
Recently they have eaten molding, on the back of an old mirror, and the other day molding around the glass on my antique china closet.
Dear Catherine,
Omar and Milo are not playing with those wonderful toys.
I’m thinking that the breeder that turns the young budgies over to the animal shelter had probably never exposed them to toys before and they don’t know how to play.
Just as the name implies, this is a series of quick and easy ways to help your birds stay happy and healthy around the clock.
This is a series of short but incisive ideas you can apply today bringing you closer to bird care nirvana.
The number of things necessary to provide foraging enrichment for your birds can be found in a series of quick and simple ideas.
Lisa N. writes:
Hi Catherine,
We are having a really difficult time with our Pineapple Conure.
We know he’s going through puberty but he has always been good with my husband now he bites all the time and won’t go in his cage.
When we try he just flies away and he has his times where he can be sweet but most of the time he’s a little hellion.
Jennnifer T. relates:
I’m a parent to 4 feathered friends, my eldest being a 26-year-old quaker who is way too smart for his own good.
I’ve been collecting old toys and have been recreating them into different toys hoping they may be interested.
Does anyone know of glue or other bonding material that is bird safe?
I’ve been using rope and twisties but could do more with glue.
Appreciate any feedback.
Michelle H. wants to know,
Does my Blue and Gold Macaw go thru the terrible twos?
She picks at my clothes, my blankets, and when I put her up at night she dumps her food on the floor.
Mitch, I am horrified at the answer you gave the woman who wrote to you asking what temperature is safe when taking her Parrot camping.
Your answer was very open-ended–too open to interpretation.
I have a very extensive science and medicine background so your answer horrified me because there are so many people of all ages with such differing temperature tolerances.
I have seen on more than 2 occasions people outside in weather in the 20s-30s Fahrenheit temperature range out and about without a jacket and in a thin shirt or top.
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.