Parrot Consultant with Passion

31/08/2025

03/08/2025

🦜Is Your Parrot Brave? 💪🦜

Teach your Bird to be brave...

Change is hard - for people and parrots. In fact, parrots have a natural tendency to fear or avoid new things, a behaviour known as Neophobia.

In the wild, neophobia protects them. In our homes it can make life very challenging.
But what if your bird could learn to adapt rather than panic when life throws a curveball?

WHY TEACH YOUR PARROT TO BE BRAVE?

Here are just a few circumstances when adaptability matters :-
Vet Visits & Emergencies -- Getting in a carrier when time is of the essence, traveling in the car and ending up in a new environment.
Moving Houses -- Unfamiliar spaces, sounds and routines
Rehoming -- Learning to trust and bond with new caregivers, as well as adjust to a new environment.
Traveling -- Car or a plane, each have their challenges.
Toy Changes or Cage Rearrangements -- Even samll changes can feel threatening to some birds when they should be a source of enrichment.
Other Pets, Kids or Household Additions -- Adjusting to a new dynamic, erratic movements, new sounds, etc.

African greys are not inherently phobic, but they can develop phobic behaviors if not properly socialized and exposed to new experiences during their formative years. This lack of early exposure can lead to heightened fear and anxiety, manifesting as biting, screaming, or other defensive behaviors.
Here's a more detailed explanation:

Importance of Early Socialization:
African greys require consistent exposure to various people, places, and objects from a young age to develop confidence and adaptability. This "noun experience" (introducing new things regularly) helps them learn to cope with change and reduces the likelihood of developing phobias.

Captivity and Instincts:
Even birds bred in captivity retain some wild instincts. If these instincts are not properly channeled through socialization and environmental enrichment, they may exhibit negative behaviors like feather plucking or excessive vocalizations.

Intelligence and Sensitivity:
African greys are highly intelligent and sensitive birds, making them more susceptible to stress and fear if their needs are not met.

Consequences of Fear:
Fearful behaviors in African greys can include aggression (biting), excessive vocalizations (screaming), and self-mutilation (feather plucking).

Addressing Phobic Behavior:
While it's ideal to introduce new experiences early, it's not too late to help an older bird overcome fear through desensitization and positive reinforcement techniques. This involves gradually exposing the bird to the source of fear while rewarding calm behavior.
Individual Variation:
The level of fearfulness can vary among individual birds, and some may be more prone to developing phobias than others.

Always lots and lots and more lots of love and patience !!

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09/07/2025

🦜🪶 3 Reasons Your Bird’s Feathers Deserve a Closer Look 👀🦜

If you have one bird, you have probably found feathers in some interesting places around your home. They end up...EVERYWHERE.

Yet, how much do you really know about your bird's feathers?

Did you know that they can signal disease, stress and even environmental issues?

Here are 3 key reasons your bird's feathers deserve a closer look:-

1. Stress Bars

Stress bars are thin, horizontal lines that form across feathers, usually due to physical or emotional stress during feather growth - often tied to poor diet.

2. Dull or Ragged Feathers

Feathers that look worn, dry or frayed can point to low humidity, lack of bathing, lack of sunshine, nutritional deficiencies or even improper cage setup.
For beautiful, bright, hydrated feathers, you can use the all-natural Aloe Spray to bath your bird(s). Pair it with sunshine for even better results.

3. Intentional Feather Destruction

Some birds pull out the feather(s) completely (plucking) while other chew or snip the edges of their feathers causing them to look frayed or shredded (barbering) . Both are indicators that something is wrong.

However if this is a new behaviour, your bird may be ill, in pain, bored or stressed. there are lots of other factors that can also lead to feather destruction. Sometimes it's a combination of diet, enrichment and enviroment that needs a reset.

Start with a trip to your avian vet to rule out medical causes first. Then, start addressing environmental factors that could be leading to stress, boredom or even damage from things like smoking or low humidity.

Feathers don't lie. You'll be amazed at what they can tell you and how much you can help with simple changes.

04/07/2025

🦜🎆Do Birds Love Fireworks?💥🦜

While enjoyable for us to look at, fireworks can be terrifying and dangerous for our pets, especially birds.

Loud explosions and bright flashes can trigger intense fear, panic flights, injury or even heart attacks in birds.

Birds don't understand fireworks. Sudden noise and vibrations can cause them to fly into cage bars, pluck feathers or refuse to eat due to stress.

Birds, being prey animals, are particularly reactive to sudden sights and sounds, which can make this holiday particularly uncomfortable for them. There is no one right way to prepare your birds because each has its own level of tolerance to the unusual. It seems that birds who are acclimated to a busy household will fare better on this night or in any unsettling environment. And a bird whose trust you have worked to earn will more easily believe you when you tell them that everything is okay.

You can never say for sure how crazy your neighborhood is going to get on any particular year. The people next door may choose to throw a party with a fireworks display at dusk. I always try to be prepared for that possibility.The neighborhood here in Orlando has a lot of young families and it’s gets loud. Here are the things I do to prepare my flock:

Start the day with a bang:
From the moment I get the birds up in the morning and through the afternoon, I make it a high excitement day. I am boisterous and animated. If there is a TV or radio nearby, it goes on and stays on. I create lots of noise and play actively with them. The purpose of this is to make the day a noisy one so that the evening sounds will not appear as shocking in contrast.

Wear them out:
There are always lots of daytime outdoor activities that your bird will enjoying being a part of. This is a good time to break out the backpack or carrier for an outing and a good opportunity for socialization. Following this, I give them a nice bath. The point to all of this? I want an exhausted bird come sundown.

Load them up with food:
I make sure my birds are snacking all day long. I withhold favorite foods from the morning meal to serve off and on throughout the day. A bird’s energy level drops after they have eaten. While their bodies are busy digesting their food, they will quietly preen or nap. A full bird is a calm bird.

Put them to bed early:
I make sure my birds settled at least an hour before dusk. Make sure blinds are drawn or have cages covered if they are in view of a window where they might see fireworks. They will likely be very willing to go to sleep after such an active day. If your bird is not accustomed to being covered and states an objection, just cover the side facing the window. Very often, even at this early hour, the fireworks can already be heard off in the distance. I reassure them by dropping my energy levels down and telling them that all is well as I put them to bed.

If your bird is unable to sleep…:
Temporarily relocate the cage to an interior area of the house where the sound from outside will be more muffled. Leave a TV or radio on quietly in an adjacent room. Sometimes the bird will do better being in the same room you are in, and while I wouldn’t ordinarily recommend that this is how you handle fearfulness in your bird, this might be one exception. However, I would suggest that you keep the bird covered in its cage. I will caution you that frightened birds will bite and having a beak near your face when an explosion sounds off may not play out well for you.

Let your experienced birds show the way:
The established flock can help new members who who are unaccustomed to the chaos. Theo, my goffins cockatoo, came to live with me in February of 2008, when she was 22 years old. She was overly fearful of just about everything. We worked hard on this issue. When July rolled around that year, I was worried that she might not handle the fourth well. When one bird displays fear, it sets off the entire flock and I was gearing up for a troublesome night. I am pleased to say that instead of launching into a full scale panic attack, Theo looked to Linus, my umbrella cockatoo, for guidance. When he remained calm throughout the excitement, she followed suit. The night was peaceful, relatively speaking.

All of my birds do well on any day of possible fireworks. I am a very high energy person, constantly in motion, making frequent trips in and out of the bird room. I shout greetings to my birds from the different rooms in the house, just to touch base with them. I talk to them constantly. If I drop something, my birds recover from the surprise quickly. Mine is a loud, active household, and my birds have all benefited from that. They fully trust me and if my energy levels remain constant, so do theirs. This is something you can be working on throughout the year that will make other times, like the winter/summer holidays, less stressful for your bird.

Your bird looks to you for its comfort and security and with a little effort you can make this night much less scary. And, please, no matter how well adjusted your bird seems on this night, NEVER take him out to witness the fireworks. There is no way it will be a pleasant experience for a high-alert animal like a bird.

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04/07/2025

Does your bird's cage resemble a prison?

Most bird parents feel bad leaving their bird(s) in their cage all day. We call it "cage guilt". But, how does your bird feel about their cage? Is it in their room or is it their prison?

" A cage should be a safe retreat - not a punishment"

If you feel guilty about the time your bird spends in its cage, your focus should be on making your bird’s cage a more enriching space to live rather than “saving” the bird from being in there all day. It's about finding a balance and your bird enjoying time both in, and out, of their cage.

If your bird spends most of their time inside a cage with nothing to do, limited space to move, poor “furniture” options, and no choices to make… it might be time for a change.

Transform your bird’s environment into one filled with enrichment and opportunity.

Is it too small?
Your bird's cage should be a positive and FUN space for them - a place to play, eat, drink, preen and sleep... i.e. their home.🏡 If it's too small, work towards upgrading to a larger size as soon as you can.

Is it boring? 🥱
Add some natural toys and create some fun foraging activities. It's so satisfying watching them figure out a new puzzle 🧩 to get to a special treat or even their pellets.

For ideas on how to provide foraging opportunities, check out our FREE guide here.

Is it safe? 🛟
Make sure the cage your bird is in is made of bird-safe metals. Rust is toxic - repair or replace rusty cages. Is the bar spacing adequate for the species you have? Too large spacing can be a death trap for your bird. Are you providing natural perching? Dowel perches can have detrimental effects on your bird's overall foot health, so it is important that you have a variety of perching options for your parrot with varying diameters for their feet to exercise on. Choose natural perches helps do all of this at once as there are natural changes in diameter within the same perch..

Does it encourage and allow for movement? 🏃‍♀️‍➡️
Even if your bird's cage is large enough, you will still need to get creative with the layout to encourage movement and mental stimulation.

Let’s make their cage a place they want to go — not one they can’t wait to leave.

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16/05/2025

Winter care for your feathered friend.

As the winter months approach, it’s essential to pay special attention to the well-being of your beloved parrots. These beautiful creatures have unique needs that require extra care during the winter.

As the winter months approach, it’s essential to pay special attention to the well-being of your beloved parrots. These beautiful creatures have unique needs that require extra care during the colder seasons. By following a few guidelines, you can ensure that your feathered friends stay healthy and happy throughout the winter.



Adequate rest:

One fundamental aspect of parrot care is providing them with adequate rest. Just like humans, parrots need their sleep when the sun goes down. During the winter months, the days are shorter, and it’s crucial to create a conducive environment for their natural sleep patterns. Designate a quiet, dark room where your parrot can settle in for the night. Covering the cage with a lightweight, breathable cloth can help create a sense of darkness and security, mimicking their natural habitat. By ensuring they have an undisturbed rest, you’re helping them maintain their physical and mental well-being.



Increased food consumption:

In addition to creating a suitable sleep environment, it’s vital to meet their nutritional needs. During the winter, birds, including parrots, may naturally increase their food consumption. This is because their bodies need extra energy to stay warm in colder temperatures. As a responsible parrot owner, it’s important to provide them with a well-balanced diet to support their overall health. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-quality parrot pellet. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are crucial for their immune system and vitality. Additionally, you can offer treats, as these can be a great source of healthy fats for your feathered friend. Our snacks range from our Veggie Treats to Tropical Sensation are perfect for this.



Correct water temperature:

While ensuring a nutritious diet, it’s equally important to provide ample access to fresh water. Parrots, like all living creatures, require hydration for their bodily functions. In colder weather, the water may get chilled quickly, so it’s essential to regularly check and replace it with fresh, lukewarm water. Avoid using metal containers that can retain the cold, and opt for ceramic or plastic bowls that are easy to clean and maintain. If you use plastic bowls please make sure that they are good quality and that they don’t break easily as your feathered friend can swallow the plastic.



Hygienic Environment:

Maintaining a clean and hygienic living space for your parrot is crucial, especially during the winter when they spend more time indoors. Regularly clean their cage, including the bars, perches, and tray, to prevent the accumulation of droppings and potential bacteria. Replace the bedding material and wipe down the surfaces with a bird-safe disinfectant to ensure a healthy living environment. This practice reduces the risk of respiratory issues and keeps your parrot’s overall well-being in check.



More interaction:

Remember, parrots are social animals that thrive on interaction and attention from their human companions. The winter months can sometimes bring a sense of isolation, so it’s crucial to spend quality time with your parrot. Engage them in interactive play, teach them new tricks, or simply enjoy their company through gentle conversation. Your love and attention will create a positive and stimulating environment for your parrot, warding off any feelings of loneliness during the colder days.



Conclusion:

In conclusion, caring for your parrot during the winter months involves some additional considerations, but the rewards are immeasurable. By providing a quiet, dark room for sleep, ensuring a nutritious diet with ample food and water, maintaining a clean living space, and showering them with love and attention, you are safeguarding their health and happiness during the winter season. Cherish these delightful creatures and embrace the joys of being a responsible parrot owner all year round.

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04/02/2025

PERCHES

It is rare to see a bird lying down or sitting. For that reason, perches are very important. Birds use perches for standing, climbing, playing, rubbing, cleaning their beaks, chewing, and entertainment. In their natural environment, birds perch on branches of varying sizes.

Any and all parrot(s) should have multiple perches of varying diameters in order to keep their feet well exercised and in superb condition. Fixing perches at different points around the cage and changing their location frequently keeps your Parrot's cage an exciting place to be.

Traditionally perches were made from concrete and dowel wood perches, but now there is a lot more choice and you can buy your Parrot perches made from calcium, soft wood and even bee pollen.

The materials used are much kinder on your Parrot’s feet too, so perching is a much nicer experience for them.

Thankfully that has now changed and perches are now built using materials that are much kinder on a Parrot’s feet and make perching a nicer experience for them.

Before buying a perch for your Parrot you’ll need to establish what size of perch your Parrot is going to need. The larger your Parrot is, the bigger the perch they will need. Before buying a perch for your Parrot you’ll need to establish what size of perch your Parrot is going to need. The larger your Parrot is, the bigger the perch they will need.

Hibiscus and bottle brush branches are excellent and SAFE for your Parrot. From rope perches to sanded perches to wooden perches are available.

Shower and Window Perches :
Parrots love bathing and getting wet. Shower perches give your Parrot a sturdy grip as they enjoy the mist of a shower.

Window perches can be used all over your house. Hang them up all over your house and see how versatile they are.

The shower and window perches fasten securely onto smooth surfaces and discourage a Parrot from perching on objects they shouldn’t, like lamps and photo frames. Most Parrots love sitting on a perch, watching the world go by through the nearby window.

The more perching solutions your Parrot has the happier and fitter they’ll be. Have the right perching solution available for your Parrot at all times.

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08/12/2024

🦜🤝Christmas Holidays = Happy Bird & Happy Humans😆🦜

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we know how busy things can get—travel ✈️ plans, family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 gatherings, and all the 🎊 festive hustle and bustle!

Give your birds their favourite easy-to-solve toys, give them their favourite foods and do what you can to be calm, predictable and methodical around them. You won't fool your flock but you just might prevent yourself losing a finger.

Here are some ways to keep your parrot stress free during the holiday season:

Maintain routines: Keep feeding and hygiene routines the same.

Avoid making big changes to their diet.

Provide toys and activities: Give your parrot toys and interactive activities to keep them occupied.

Use a cage cover: A cage cover can help regulate light exposure, protect your parrot from guests and other pets, or give your parrot a "time-out" if they seem stressed.

Limit exposure to strangers: You can relocate your parrot's cage to limit their exposure to strangers.

Spend quality time together: Talk to your parrot and spend quality time with them.

Provide mental stimulation: Engage your parrot's natural instincts with toys, puzzles, and foraging activities.

Play soothing music: You can play soothing music or turn on the television to make your parrot feel safe.

Have a first aid kit: Make sure you have a first aid kit ready and veterinarian contact information where it is easy to find.

Stay calm: Your bird can sense your emotions, so try to remain calm.

Some signs of stress in birds include:

Feather picking
Aggression
Loss of appetite
Change in vocalization
Repetitive behavior

Wishing parronts and their birds a lovely Holiday Season and very best wishes for the New Year!!

Fear
Boredom

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25/11/2024

🦜🍇 Could Fruit Be Fueling Your Parrot’s Feather Plucking? 🦜

Q: Why do you guys say I shouldn’t give my bird fruit every day? I keep reading that we should feed fruit and vegetables.

I understand your confusion. It is always fruit and vegetables this... fruit and vegetables that. Whenever discussion is about diet and nutrition, it is difficult to find the word “vegetable” when it isn’t paired with the word “fruit”. Even though these words seem inseparably linked together, nutritionally speaking, comparing fruits and veggies is like comparing apples and…okra.

It is really all about the carbohydrates. Carbs are fuel. All foods contain carbs. We need them to power our energy sucking brains and give us the vigor to get through the day. Carbs are essential to our bodies, but they can cause problems in the diet, especially when given in excess.

“Simple” carbs, the kind found in fruit and other high sugar foods, are molecularity structured to travel easily and quickly into the blood stream. This explains the sugar rush we experience – it gives us a sudden jolt of “fuel”. It also causes a chemical process that takes place in the body that causes simple sugars to be stored as fat.

By comparison, vegetables are a “complex” carbs. Their structure provides a slower and more regulated entry into the blood stream that does not set off the chemical process that causes the body to want to store it as fat.

However, over-indulgence in any carbs can result in fat build up. This is why we advise limited servings of all grains and legumes (pulses) both of which are high in carbs. This is also why birdie bread should be used as a means to coax birds to a vegetable high diet and not as the main meal every day.

Vegetables are, without question, the best choice of produce to fuel your bird’s body. There is no denying that fruit has nutritional value, but fruit cultivated and engineered by man has become less nutritious and is higher in sugar than the wild fruit that grows without human intervention. The fruits that wild birds dine on are more valuable to their diet than the fruits we get in the supermarket.

When you pair vegetables with fruit in your bird’s food bowl, the vegetables will often take a back seat in preference to the better tasting fruit. This will eventually impact your bird’s health and body weight.

IMPORTANT NOTE – This DOES NOT apply to the nectar eating lories and lorikeets. They have evolved to have a different diet than the other parrot species.

Author Patty Jourgensen specializes in avian health, behavior and nutrition and has been working with and caring for rescue birds since 1987.
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