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.
Cynthia expresses her frustration with the FeatherBrite birdcage lighting system:
I have the swag lights that require two bulbs.
I bought the 16 watts LED bulb and the UV blue bulb in September, and now they’re burned out.
I don’t even see the same bulbs as a set for sale on your site.
I have a Pagoda-style light that requires one bulb but those apparently aren’t sold for that style anymore.
I can’t keep buying lighting fixtures. Help!
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.
Barbara D. wonders:
I have 2 Blue Fronted Amazons.
I have a heated Thermo Perch in the cage but am concerned about the winter room temperature when I bring the birds out to the living room in their cage to be with us, their room is set for 68/69 but the living room is more like 66.
So I thought the Snuggle Up panel might be good to add to the perch.
They have not checked out the warm perch yet.
I have seen them on the heated perch in the winter before, this perch is second to lowest perch in their cage.
Should I raise the perch a bit higher?
Joan asks:
Hello. What size cage would you recommend for a Goffin Cockatoo?
Dear Joan
A Goffin can enjoy a small cage 22″ wide up to a huge cage 40″ wide or larger.
Coloration and silence.
Bird calls that can be repeated from bird to bird for miles are one signal.
Birds are noisy unless a predator is spotted, silence translates to a broadcast message of danger.