How Hard is Molting For an African Grey?
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How Hard is Molting For an African Grey?

Scott S. asks:

 

Hi – I actually have a birdie question.

 

We have a 2-year-old male Gray Cockatiel who has the worst case of “owie” feathers under his wings.

 

We can lift his wings and see a number of pin feathers that are causing some distress.

 

Question: what if anything can we do to help him out?

 

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What is a Good Quality Seed Mix to Feed 4 Species of Pet Birds?
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What is a Good Quality Seed Mix to Feed 4 Species of Pet Birds?

I’m looking for a good quality seed mix for my 4 birds

 

Darryl Z. asks:

 

Hi.

I’m looking for a good quality seed mix for my 4 birds – a CAG, a Yellow-Shouldered Amazon, a Meyers, and a Caique.

 

I’m currently using Vita Parrot by Sun Seed but it’s become really filthy over the years.

I actually, pick out the papaya because it’s so filthy and looks so gross, I don’t want my birds eating it.

 

So that’s where I’m coming from and I wonder if you could please recommend a few of your top mixes.

 

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Do Peanuts Create A Calcium Deficiency in Pet Birds?
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Do Peanuts Create A Calcium Deficiency in Pet Birds?

Bonnie D. wrote:

I have a question for you.

The reason for my switching to Hagen Alternative Formula was because it had no soy or corn.

But I noticed that it has peanuts in it.

I was always told by my vets that the greys shouldn’t have peanuts (or too many) because it decreased the calcium in their bones. 

What is your take on that?

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How Do I Cut and Care for My Pet Bird’s Feathers?
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How Do I Cut and Care for My Pet Bird’s Feathers?

I’ve combined several questions in this post, all related to feather care, you know those hundreds (thousands) of lighter than air floating things around your home, under the birdcage and on the floor.

Feathered factoid: small pet birds like budgies can have 4000 – 6000 feathers.

Larger parrots can have upwards of 8000 feathers (we count them coming out of the shop vac).

Waterbirds like ducks and swans have upwards of 10,000 feathers or more.

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Should I Switch From Harrisons Pellet Bird Food?
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Should I Switch From Harrisons Pellet Bird Food?

Victor V writes:

Hi, I hope you can help. I have been feeding my female Grey for years on Harrison’s Bird Foods High Potency Coarse.

Been getting the pellets from Amazon.

When we started this latest bag, she started just grinding the large pellets (not sure if she is eating them) and scattering them about the cage.

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Why is It So Critical to Know Different Pet Bird Species?
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Why is It So Critical to Know Different Pet Bird Species?

Why is it so important to understand the differences between bird species?

 

I’m not ashamed to say we get more deliveries from Amazon (like most Americans) then we care to talk about.

 

This week a new Amazon driver “Patrick” handed off an envelope then said “I’ve never been here before – this place looks cool.”

 

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Has Anyone ‘Housebroken’ Their Parrot?
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Has Anyone ‘Housebroken’ Their Parrot?

One of the answers from the big Q.

 

It has been done but I personally advise against it. It is unnatural for them to hold it, and if they become too well potty trained they may harm themselves if they think they can’t go at any given time.

 

My answer

 

Parrots poop about every 15 minutes on average.

 

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