Does My Birds Need Heated Perches and Warming Panels?
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Does My Birds Need Heated Perches and Warming Panels?

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?

 

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What Wattage Bulb Do I Need to Calm My Amazon?
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What Wattage Bulb Do I Need to Calm My Amazon?

Chuck Y. has a question about avian lighting:

Hi Mitch, my yellow-naped amazon can be very mean at times so I am going to get him a full spectrum light.

He is 32 years old and I miss being able to handle him, I could do anything with him and not get bitten.

I have heard the YNA does get this way as they get older but I think I want to try the light anyway.

I have a fixture so I just need to get a bulb.

I have heard 15 watts is ideal, what is your suggestion? Thank you for bringing this up in your birdie brunch.

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What are Your Thoughts on Using Lupron to Curb Egg Laying?
Veterinarian examining Alexandrine parakeet in clinic, closeup

What are Your Thoughts on Using Lupron to Curb Egg Laying?

Bonnie B. would like to know:

 

First I want to thank you for your very informative emails.

 

They are always filled with great information.

 

My question is what are your thoughts on Lupron and what effects of long term use.

 

I have a 30 yo female Umbrella Cockatoo that we’ve had for 11 years.

 

She laid an egg once or twice a year and then in 2015 after laying an egg she prolapsed on a Sunday.

 

Luckily we were able to get her into UC Davis.

 

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How Do I Rescue Someone Else’s Macaw?
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How Do I Rescue Someone Else’s Macaw?

Shelly A. wants to help another owner’s macaw

 

There is a greenhouse that changed hands a year ago, and they have a Macaw named Baby, in a chain link dog kennel type enclosure with one toy, no perches, no real interaction, and lives on parrot kibble like a stray dog. 

 

I’ve spoken with an employee, but Baby doesn’t have an owner, just a business bird that nobody really takes care of.

 

The employees do the best they can, I just recently moved into this area or I would have done something sooner.

 

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I Am Trying to Find Fluorescent Tube Lighting for My 2 Amazons
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I Am Trying to Find Fluorescent Tube Lighting for My 2 Amazons

Marsha Asks:

Hi there – I’m trying to find fluorescent tube lighting for my two Amazons, as I understand the compact bulbs don’t carry quite the same punch.

What few I’ve found with high CRI (93+) and 5000K (Kelvin) are only available in packages, etc., so I’m wondering if LEDs rated at the same level are as beneficial, since workshop lamps, etc, of that sort, are easily available and much more easily installed.

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I Am Conflicted About Artificial Lights for Birds ~ Help
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I Am Conflicted About Artificial Lights for Birds ~ Help

David K. is conflicted:

I am conflicted about what I read about artificial lights for birds.

I have cockatiels.

My avian vet says to be careful about such lighting which can damage a bird’s eyes (retina).

My vet has had first-hand experience with this.

I currently use ZooMed Avian sun lamps, overhead.

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Should Our Greys Birdcage Be Covered at Night?
African Gray Parrot sits on cage and sleeps. Playful and affectionate bird able to talk. loving and friendly social companion bird. stunning dusty-gray color and looks quite similar to a pigeon

Should Our Greys Birdcage Be Covered at Night?

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.

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