PsittaCages & Perches

14/12/2024

How Does My Parrot's Feathers Become Waterproof?
Did you know that at the base of a parrot’s tail, there is a special gland called the uropygial gland? This gland secretes an oily substance that the bird carefully spreads over its feathers, making them waterproof. It also helps protect against bacterial infections, as the oil contains substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
But that’s not all! The waterproofing of the feathers is also enhanced by a mechanical process. The arrangement of feather barbs, barbules, and their tiny hooks (that lock together tightly like a zipper) keeps water out. Additionally, the powder from powder down feathers helps protect the plumage from moisture.
Your parrot’s feathers are a marvel of nature, designed for both beauty and protection!

07/12/2024

🦜 Is Your Bird Losing Feathers? 🦜
Just like humans change their clothes, birds also need to replace their worn or damaged feathers. This process is called molting, and it's how old feathers are replaced with new ones (molting typically occurs in the spring).
The new feathers that grow in are called pin feathers (also known as blood feathers). During their growth, a blood vessel and nerve fill the hollow shaft, supplying the feather with nutrients. When the protective keratin coating is ready to be shed, the new feather emerges. If one of these blood-filled feathers breaks, it can bleed significantly.
Molting requires a lot of energy from your bird (some bird supplement brands offer vitamins to help them through this process). During this period, it's important to give your bird more time to rest—especially if you’re training them or practicing free flight—particularly in spring when the weather gets nice. Also, consider offering exotic fruits, which are richer in vitamins than regular fruits, to support their nutrition.

18/10/2024

How is My Parrot’s Plumage Composed?
Hello everyone! 🦜 Have you ever wondered how your parrot's plumage is structured? Bird feathers are incredibly diverse, and each type of feather plays a specific role. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of feathers your parrot has:
• Remiges: These are long flight feathers, divided into two categories: primary and secondary. They are crucial for flight.
• Rectrices: These are the long tail feathers that serve as a rudder, helping in steering.
• Coverts: These are shorter feathers that cover the base of the remiges and rectrices. Located under the wings and tail, they protect and strengthen the flight feathers.
• Contour Feathers: These are the body feathers that give your bird its overall appearance. They shape the bird's silhouette.
• Down Feathers: These feathers act as insulators, providing warmth. They are found in both chicks and adults.
• Powder Down Feathers: These feathers disintegrate as they grow, producing a white powder that the bird spreads over its plumage during preening. This type of down is common in cockatoos, cockatiels, and African greys and helps waterproof the plumage.
• Semiplumes: Found at the edges of the pterylae, these feathers also serve as insulators.
• Filoplumes: These feathers play a role in proprioception, helping the bird sense its body’s position.
• Bristles: These are feathers that resemble small hairs, found around the eyes and nostrils, and they serve a sensory function.
Understanding the different types of feathers helps you appreciate the complexity and beauty of your parrot's plumage. Each feather has a role in keeping your bird healthy, warm, and looking fabulous! Have any questions or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below!

16/10/2024

Potential Dangers to Parrots in a Household
As we've discussed, parrots are highly intelligent animals, and intelligence often means curiosity. For a parrot, its beak is like a child's hands, which unfortunately can lead to unintended troubles such as:
• Toxic Plants: Some plants are highly toxic to parrots and should be avoided entirely.
• Metal Toxicity: Metals like lead can be extremely harmful. For more information, check out this article on cage manufacturing: Link to Article.
• Chemical Exposure: Products used by humans such as detergents, medications, alcohol, and drugs should be kept away from parrots.
• Electrocution: Damaged electrical wires pose a severe risk.
• Kitchen Items: Particularly thin plastic items can break and become sharp objects.
• Accessible Chemicals: Aerosols, deodorants, glues, gases, and fumes (like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) should be kept out of reach.
Another concern is feather trimming. Some breeders, particularly of cockatoos and amazons, trim feathers from one wing to destabilize males during the breeding season, making them more aggressive. The goal is to give the female a chance to escape. Additionally, some breeders trim their companion birds' feathers to prevent escape, usually removing five feathers on the side of the body for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, these feathers are essential for aerodynamic stability in flight, and removing them can cause severe crashes.
Therefore, it's crucial to ensure your parrot’s safety and treat it with the same care as you would a small child.
What are the threats to parrots? # What is harmful to parrots? # What is the most toxic thing to birds? # What attacks a parrot?

18/09/2024

🦜 Do Parrots Adapt Easily to a Change of Owner? 🦜

Hey everyone! Parrots are fascinating creatures with intelligence comparable to a five-year-old child. They form deep bonds with their caretakers and need more than just food and water to thrive. Unlike smaller birds like finches or canaries, parrots need constant attention, mental stimulation, and interaction.

Bonding and Behavior:
Parrots often become very attached to their owners. When separated, they can show signs of distress like reduced appetite, decreased vocalization, and less interest in play. However, they usually perk up once their caretaker returns.

Stress and Adjustment:
A change of ownership can be particularly stressful for parrots. Some may start plucking their feathers or even refuse to eat after being sold or rehomed. It's crucial to allow them time to adjust to their new surroundings.

Patience is Key:
If you're a new parrot owner, give your feathered friend plenty of space and time to feel comfortable. Don’t rush interactions—let the bird come to you at its own pace.

Got any questions or tips? Drop them below! Let’s discuss how to make this transition smooth for your new companion. And feel free to share this post with fellow bird enthusiasts!

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18/09/2024

What Accessories Does My Parrot Need?
Hey everyone! Parrots are wonderful companions, and to ensure their happiness and health, it's essential to provide them with the right accessories. I’ve put together some key information to help you create the best environment for your feathered friend!
✓ Space Matters: First and foremost, your parrot needs ample space. A sufficiently large cage is crucial, and a perching stand is a great addition to provide extra space outside the cage.
✓ Perch Perfection: Invest in a sturdy perch on feet. The right perch helps keep your parrot's feet healthy and provides a comfortable place to rest.
✓ Toys & Entertainment: Parrots are natural destroyers, so they need a variety of toys to keep them engaged. Toys should be replaced regularly, but you can also get creative. Pine nuts can be a great, inexpensive alternative, or you can use a ball of newspaper with a treat hidden inside for interactive play.
✓ Fresh Food & Water: Always provide fresh food and clean water. A balanced diet is essential for your parrot’s health.
✓ Creative Play: Parrots can lose interest in a toy after a few days, so keep them entertained with new and rotating toys. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different ideas to keep them stimulated.
Got questions or comments? Drop them below! ⬇ Let’s chat about the best ways to keep our parrots happy and healthy. And don’t forget to share this post with fellow parrot enthusiasts!

07/09/2024

🌟 Big thanks to Nicky for sharing these amazing photos! 🌟

Check out her beautiful birds enjoying their new stainless steel perch! 🦜 Her green-cheeked conure and Quaker parrot look so happy and comfortable on it. 😊

Our perches are designed to provide a safe and durable space for your birds while ensuring their comfort and well-being. Thank you again, Nicky, for sharing these adorable photos!

Want to give your birds the best perch too? Order now and join our growing community of bird lovers. ❤️

📸 Have a photo of your birds enjoying one of our perches? Send it to us, and it could be featured on our page!

01/09/2024

How to Choose a Good Wooden Perch:

Hello everyone! 🦜 Ever wondered if the type and quality of a perch really matter? The answer is absolutely yes! The material and diameter of the perch are crucial for your bird's comfort and health. Here's what to consider when choosing a good perch:

Material Matters: The perch should be made of wood (but be cautious, as some types of wood can be toxic). Ensure the wood hasn’t been treated with pesticides. To sanitize it, disinfect with hot water and dry it in an oven at 80°C for 20 minutes.

Perfect Diameter: The ideal diameter of the perch allows your bird to fully grasp the circumference or at least three-quarters of it, ensuring a comfortable grip.

Avoid These Materials: Stay away from perches made of plastic, cement, or metal. These materials are unnatural and can be harmful to your bird's feet.

Aviary Setup: If you have a large aviary, place perches at different angles to encourage your parrot to move and exercise its muscles. This variety helps maintain their physical health.

Remember, your parrot’s well-being largely depends on the environment you provide. Choosing the right perches is essential for giving them a healthy and happy life! Got any questions or tips to share? Drop a comment below, and let's ensure our birds are living their best lives! ⌨

31/08/2024

Why You Should Get a Pre-Purchase Exam from a Veterinarian:
Hey everyone! Before bringing a new parrot into your home, it's crucial to ensure they’re healthy. A veterinary pre-purchase exam is essential to assess the general health of your feathered friend. But remember, this exam alone isn't enough—more in-depth tests are often necessary to catch any hidden issues.
Viral Villains: Parrots can be affected by various viral diseases like chlamydiosis (psittacosis), Newcastle Disease, Pacheco's Parrot Disease (PPD), Proventricular Dilation Disease (PDD), Reovirus, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), Papillomas, Polyomavirus, and Poxvirus. Viruses are microscopic, containing DNA or RNA, and are much smaller than a cell.
Bacterial Battles: Watch out for infectious bacterial diseases such as salmonellosis, Pasteurella multocida, and Mycobacterium (tuberculosis). Bacteria and fungi are more complex, with cytoplasm and mitochondria.
Fungal Foes: Two fungal diseases that can be particularly harmful to parrots are Aspergillosis and Macrorhabdus ornithogaster (also known as Megabacterium).
Pesky Parasites: Parasites like Ascaridia, Capillaria, tapeworms, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium can also be a concern.
Non-Infectious Issues: Don’t forget to look out for non-infectious problems like feather plucking, hemochromatosis, toxicosis, and egg-binding.
Testing Time: To check for these diseases, your veterinarian might conduct: • Blood tests • Gram staining of f***s and throat swabs • F***l analysis and culture
Let’s discuss how to ensure our parrots live long and healthy lives! And don’t forget to share this with fellow parrot enthusiasts! ⌨Got questions or concerns? Drop them below

28/08/2024

Should I Ask the Seller for a Health Guarantee?
Hey everyone! When it comes to buying a parrot, ensuring its health is paramount. Parrots are known for their ability to hide illness, a natural instinct to avoid appearing vulnerable. When they're unwell, they may eat less or stop eating altogether, which can lead to weight loss. To mask this, they puff up their feathers, giving the illusion of normal body volume. Consequently, a parrot might be sick without showing any obvious signs.
Here’s why asking for a health guarantee is a smart move:
• Health Guarantees: Requesting a health guarantee from the seller is a prudent step. This ensures that if your new parrot develops a serious, incurable disease shortly after purchase, you have some recourse.
• Health Certificates: Ask for a recent health certificate to confirm that the parrot has been examined by a vet and is in good health at the time of sale.
• Post-Purchase Care: Some sellers offer a limited-time guarantee. It’s understandable if they won’t accept returns beyond this period. To protect yourself, make an agreement with the seller and have the parrot checked by a reputable veterinarian soon after purchase.
• Veterinary Checks: Schedule a visit to a vet for comprehensive tests, including blood work to check for bacterial or viral infections and stool cultures to detect any abnormalities.
• Precautionary Measures: Always exercise caution when visiting bird fairs or pet stores. Change your clothes and shower before handling your parrot to minimize the risk of contamination.
Got questions or need advice on caring for your new feathered friend? Drop your comments below! 🦜 Let’s discuss how to ensure the best start for your parrot's health and well-being. And don’t forget to share this post with fellow bird enthusiasts! ⌨
How to check parrot health do you offer a bird comfort it ethical to have a bird to tell if a Parrot trusts you do you comfort a sick bird #

20/08/2024

🦜 Understanding Leg Bands on Your Parrot: What You Need to Know 🦜

Hey everyone! As a passionate parrot lover, I've come across a lot of questions about the bands on our feathered friends' legs. Let’s dive into what these bands are and why they matter!

✅ What’s a Leg Band?
Parrots bred in captivity often wear leg bands, which are placed on them when they’re still chicks in their nests. These bands typically contain crucial information like the parrot's birth year, the breeder’s unique serial number, and the country of origin.

✅ Captivity vs. Wild-Caught: Beware of Counterfeit Bands!
While a leg band usually means the parrot was born in captivity, be wary of certain traffickers. Unfortunately, some sellers place oversized bands on adult parrots to pass them off as captive-bred. For example, a Grey Parrot should have an 11 mm band as a chick, but traffickers might use a 14 mm band on an adult bird. It’s only a 3 mm difference—easy to miss, but it makes a huge difference in the parrot’s price.

✅ Microchipping: A Modern Alternative
With advances in technology, microchipping has become another popular method. A tiny chip, about the size of a grain of rice, can be implanted under your parrot’s skin. It holds all the vital information about the parrot and its owner and can be read using a special scanning device.

Got questions or concerns? Drop them in the comments below! Let’s make sure our parrots get the care and attention they deserve. And don’t forget to share this with fellow parrot enthusiasts! 🦜

17/08/2024

🦜 How to Determine the S*x of a Parrot 🦜

Hey everyone! 🐦 If you've ever wondered how to determine the s*x of your parrot, you're not alone. Parrots have internal s*xual organs, making it tricky to identify their s*x just by looking at them. In most species, males and females look identical in terms of plumage, so it's not as simple as with some other animals. But don’t worry, I’m here to share some tips on how you can find out!

✅ Endoscopy: This is one of the oldest methods for determining a parrot's s*x. It involves inserting a tiny camera into the parrot’s abdomen on the left side, under general anesthesia. My friend, who breeds parrots in South Africa, exclusively uses endoscopy for s*xing because it's more affordable there than DNA testing. The camera allows a direct view of the bird's ovaries or te**es, and it can also check if the s*xual organs have matured and detect any fungal infections—something DNA s*xing can’t do.

✅ DNA S*xing: Nowadays, DNA s*xing is much more common and has become quite affordable. Many labs offer discounts if you’re testing multiple birds, and some even include tests for common diseases along with s*xing. Male parrots have ZZ chromosomes, while females have ZW chromosomes. You can perform the test by collecting a few feathers, drops of blood, or even eggshells from chicks. Just be sure to handle the samples carefully to avoid contamination. The result from this PCR test is 99% reliable, giving you peace of mind.

✅ S*xual Dimorphism: For certain species, you can sometimes determine the s*x by physical traits. For example, in lovebirds, you can often tell by feeling the pelvis. A wide pelvis usually indicates a female, while a narrow one suggests a male. Indian Ringneck parakeets show a visible difference too—adult males have a ring around their necks, while females don’t. Derbyan parakeets are another example, with males having an orange beak and females a black one. These differences are examples of s*xual dimorphism, and experienced breeders often become skilled at telling the s*xes apart.

Got any questions or comments? Drop them below! Let’s chat about how to care for our feathered friends, and don’t forget to share this post with fellow bird lovers! ⌨

12/08/2024

Things to Know Before Buying a Parrot:
Hey everyone! Before you bring a parrot into your life, it’s crucial to consider both its health and temperament. These factors will greatly influence your experience with your new feathery friend. Here’s what to look out for:
✓ Health Check: Start by observing the parrot’s liveliness from a distance. Is it active, moving around, and climbing in its cage? Be sure to assess during the right time—typically, parrots are most active early in the morning and late afternoon, similar to their natural behaviors in the wild.
✓ Physical Signs: Look for clear, unblocked nostrils, and bright eyes. These are strong indicators of a healthy parrot. Also, be cautious of parrots that could be carriers of viral diseases like psittacosis. It’s a good idea to request a health certificate or ask for a guarantee that allows you to conduct tests before fully committing to the purchase.
✓ Temperament Check: Observe how the parrot behaves when you approach. Does it hide, or is it curious and attentive? From my experience, parrots that don’t flee and seem to listen when spoken to are often the best talkers and companions.
Got questions or concerns? Drop them below! ⬇Let’s chat about how to make the best choice when adding a parrot to your family. And don’t forget to share this post with fellow bird lovers!

12/08/2024

Things to Know Before Buying a Parrot
Hey everyone! 🦜 When it comes to bringing a parrot into your home, it's essential to make sure you're buying from a reputable breeder or pet store. Over the years, I've learned that not all places are created equal, and the environment where the bird is raised plays a huge role in its health and well-being. Here are some key points to consider:
✓ Cleanliness Matters: Always check the cleanliness of the environment. A dirty space often indicates poor care, and it significantly increases the risk of your new feathered friend coming home with illnesses or infections.
✓ Water Watch: Parrots can quickly dirty their water, so it's crucial to ensure it’s changed at least twice a day. If you notice dirty water in the cages, it's a red flag that the owner may not prioritize the health of their birds.
✓ Crowding Concerns: Take a close look at how many birds are housed together. Overcrowded cages can lead to stress, fights, and a higher chance of disease spreading among the birds.
✓ Quality of Diet: Observe what the birds are being fed. A healthy diet should include a mix of fruits, vegetables, and high-quality pellets. This is a good indicator of the care the birds are receiving.
✓ Social Media Caution: While you can find parrots through online ads, proceed with caution. Either ensure you have enough knowledge about bird care or bring along someone who does when checking out a potential new pet. Personally, I’ve been asked multiple times by friends and clients to help evaluate birds before they make a purchase.
Got questions or concerns? Drop them below! ⬇ Let’s talk about how to ensure you’re making the best choice for your future parrot. And don’t forget to share this post with anyone considering adding a feathered friend to their family!

10/08/2024

How Long Do Parrots Typically Live?

Parrots have a surprisingly long lifespan, often outliving our other domestic pets like dogs and cats (with the exception of tortoises, which can live over 100 years). This makes it important to consider carefully before buying a parrot, as it can be a lifelong commitment. I’ve met people who inherited parrots from their grandparents.

Parrot lifespans vary by species, with smaller parrots generally having shorter lifespans than larger ones. Here’s a list of species and their recorded lifespans:

• Red Lory: 24 years
• Rainbow Lorikeet: 16 years
• Palm Cockatoo: 56 years and 4 months
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo: 57 years
• Moluccan Cockatoo: 65 years
• Cockatiel: 35 years
• Blue and Gold Macaw: 39 years and 2 months
• Quaker Parrot: 22 years and 1 month
• Blue-fronted Amazon: 49 years
• Yellow-naped Amazon: 49 years
• African Grey: 49 years and 8 months
• Fischer’s Lovebird: 12 years

These details give an idea of how long a parrot can live and be part of our lives and families. Has your parrot surpassed this age?

09/08/2024

How to determinate the age of a parrot:
A parrot that is only a few months old and an adult parrot can be the same size, making it difficult for someone with little knowledge to distinguish between a young and an older bird. However, there are several clues that can help us determine the exact or approximate age of a parrot:
1. The closed band: A closed band is a continuous ring, meaning it was placed on the parrot when it was just a few days old. If you find a larger band than what should be used, or an open band (either closed with a screw or not sealed), it indicates that the band was placed when the parrot was older. This means that the information written on the band should be questioned.
2. The iris of certain species: For species like the African Grey, the Amazon, the budgerigar, or the Senegal parrot, the color of the iris changes with age. Young birds of these species have a dark iris, either black or dark grey, which becomes progressively lighter as they age. For example, the iris of African Greys, Senegal parrots, macaws, and budgerigars tends to turn yellow, while the iris of species like the Meyer’s parrot and Amazons turns orange.
3. The condition of the beak: A younger parrot has a beak that appears newer and cleaner compared to an older parrot. Over time, signs of wear appear, with scales visible as early as one year of age. In older parrots, the beak may sometimes grow beyond its normal size, requiring trimming by a professional to prevent difficulties in eating and subsequent digestive problems.

09/08/2024

Choosing Between a Male or Female Parrot:
Regarding the ability to talk, there is no significant difference between males and females. Additionally, most parrot species do not exhibit s*xual dimorphism, with the exception of the eclectus, which shows marked dimorphism. At one time, people even thought they were two different species. To distinguish males from females, two main methods are used: endoscopy and DNA s*xing. Nowadays, DNA s*xing is the most common method, as it only requires removing a few feathers and sending them to a laboratory to obtain results within a few days, sometimes even within a few hours.
Concerning the eclectus, it is worth mentioning that females tend to be more aggressive, while males are generally calmer and gentler. Female lovebirds can also become territorial and aggressive as they mature.
Many breeders find that females often have a preference for men and may even become jealous. Conversely, males can also develop an affinity for a woman and, in some cases, attack her husband out of jealousy.
It is also possible to note that females can lay eggs without the presence of a male. Therefore, it is not surprising to wake up one morning and find an egg at the bottom of the cage.
Some males of certain species, such as cockatoos, quakers, and amazons, can become very aggressive. I remember that my blue-fronted amazon, who was a great talker, bit my daughter's little finger when she approached the cage out of curiosity. Fortunately, he did not bite hard, but it was a clear warning. It is therefore crucial to think carefully before purchasing a parrot.

08/08/2024

Are there benefits to adopting a baby parrot that has been raised by its parents:
The first parrot species adopted by the Western world were those brought back by early explorers of America. When these explorers discovered the continent, they found that Native Americans had already domesticated parrots and used their feathers in their rituals and religious dances.
Regarding hand-rearing, which began in the 1970s with American breeders like Tony Silva, it is important to note that this type of home breeding has much older roots, dating back to the practices of Native Americans. They would take young parrots from their nests and feed them with chewed corn, which they would transfer directly to them from their mouths.
Today, hand-feeding is widely practiced, thanks to the emergence of ready-to-use formulas. Breeders increasingly seek sociable and quieter parrots. In terms of industrial breeding, breeders either let the eggs hatch and then take the chicks, or they place the eggs directly in incubators and manage the entire process until weaning. Experts recommend removing three clutches and allowing the fourth one to be raised by the parents, as consistently taking their eggs can discourage breeding.
There are several advantages to a chick being raised by its parents. They provide antibodies for better immunity, and the chicks grow up in a flock, learning the rules of hierarchy. In contrast, hand-raised parrots often struggle to view their breeders as anything other than a parent, and sometimes even as a partner when they reach maturity.