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Planning to Get a Parrot or Have One?

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Planning to Get a Parrot or Have One?

Advice for current or prospective parrot parents.

Parrots, especially African Grey parrots are popular pets, but unfortunately, many owners don’t realize the extreme level of care these highly intelligent, high-maintenance birds require.

The combination of their high intelligence and their long life expectancy makes them one of the highest maintenance pets on the planet. Adding inexperienced owners to the mix often results in a long list of behavioural problems, health concerns, and unhappiness for both the parrot and the owner. These animals can easily change homes 6-7 times in their lifetime. The number of surrendered and abandoned birds is sky-high worldwide. Through education and awareness, we want to help change that.

Although we do not support exotic and wild animals as pets, or keeping them in cages, many are captive and that is why it is important to make sure you are ready and realistic about owning a parrot. They are beautiful, adorable, and very smart, but they are also:

  • Noisy
  • Messy
  • Require expensive care
  • Need lots of time & energy
  • Demanding
  • Still needs grooming
  • Vet care is specialized
  • Destructive
  • Not ideal for kids
  • Become very old (60+)

“Parrots are commonly presented at veterinary clinics for feather-destructive behaviour, aggression, inappropriate noise making and/or excessive vocalization, and other behaviour problems — usually more so than for medical illnesses,” says avian veterinarian Dr. Anthony Pilny.

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Editor’s note: This article is a reprint from 2 June 2022.

Two absolute essentials for caring for parrots in captivity are access to an avian veterinarian and a minimum of 4 hours each day spent in human-bird interaction. Other fundamentals include a big monthly bird budget, a cage that is the right size, properly accessorized, and well-maintained, and a species-appropriate, healthy diet.

He suggests the following:

  • You need an avian vet.  Parrots aren’t chickens or small mammals. They have a unique physiology that exotic animal vets are well versed in navigating. Avian veterinarians are better equipped than general small animal vets to diagnose exotics, as well as to understand and interpret behaviour problems and recommend appropriate treatment, enrichment methods, and behaviour counseling.
  • Owners and potential owners of parrots need to be thoroughly educated by avian veterinarians and other knowledgeable sources about the parrots’ needs so they know what to expect and how to meet the birds’ requirements in captivity.
  • The high cognitive ability of parrots should be considered in their captive husbandry as a contributing factor to developing behaviour concerns. If you’re considering a parrot as a pet, you should be prepared to spend almost the same amount and quality of time with your bird as you would a highly interactive, bright, inquisitive pre-schooler.

FIVE MUST-HAVES FOR CARING FOR PARROTS

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  1. THE CAGE
  • An appropriately sized cage that is cozy (draft-free) and located in a safe, low-stress but social area. Your bird’s cage should be big enough for her to spread her wings and flap vigorously without contacting anything. It is even better when they can fly in their cage. Remember that birds fly more horizontally, so consider this when you buy a cage.
  • It should have a variety of natural branch perches (not dowels) and contain several shreddable toys, for example, balsa wood, woven mat toys, paper-stuffed toys, nontoxic enrichment “goodie bags,” and organic hemp rope toys for chewing. A huge variety of organic, all-natural, chemical-free toys is critical, as parrots’ mouths are used as a third hand so, an ongoing supply of safe, nontoxic instantly shreddable, as well as a few resilient or reusable chew toys, are a must.
  • He recommends replacing the disposable chews at least daily and rotating the more resilient toys at least twice a week, ideally daily. Always introduce new toys slowly, attaching them to the outside of the cage for a few days first, so your parrot can investigate at his own pace.
  • The cage should be cleaned daily with a nontoxic cleaner. His recommendation is diluted vinegar. The cage floor should be lined with newspaper that is discarded daily. All loose material (feathers, leftover feed, bird poop) should be carefully disposed of before disinfecting cage surfaces. Birds should be removed from the area during the disinfecting process to protect them from fumes.

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  1. DIET – Feed a high-quality diet of species-appropriate fresh foods including fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds, whole nuts, and sprouted grains. Organic, dye-free commercial pelleted food (not poor-quality sunflower seed mix, which is the equivalent of junk food for most exotic birds) can also be offered.
  2. BATHS – Parrots can get dusty, so regular bathing opportunities are important. Many parrots love baths; some will splash around in a tub of shallow water; others will join their owners in the shower and others enjoy a gentle spray from a plant mister. Use filtered water, free from heavy metals and contaminants, and consider adding a flower essence if your bird is stressed.
  3. MONEY – Beyond the initial expense of acquiring a parrot, owners should plan to spend a lot of money a month on wholesome fresh food, destructible toys, and other supplies. An emergency fund or pet medical aid is also crucial.
  4. TIME – Just because birds live in cages doesn’t mean they are easy pets to care for. You can’t just pop your parrot into his cage and ignore him except at feeding time. Be prepared to spend a great deal of time interacting with them. Potential owners of parrots should be ready, willing, and able to commit at least 4 hours per day to human-bird contact. This will disqualify many potential owners immediately.

Birds need chemical-free environments to be healthy. Consider the dangers or effects of:

  • Tap water
  • Home scenting products
  • Kitchen cookware
  • Fireplaces and smokers
  • Home cleaning products
  • Air purification

If you own a bird or want to learn, read more on various bird-related topics here.

Please think twice and again before committing and if you do…..ALWAYS ADOPT! We will fight not until cages are comfortable, but until they are empty!

REMEMBER THE AVIAN VET VISIT TO SECUNDA

It is in the best interests of your birds to be seen by an Avian vet as not all vets can treat birds correctly. Dr. Maryke will be visiting Secunda again on 17 September. She will be doing trims, vitamin injections, deworming, and surgical sexing of birds. Please WhatsApp Shy for more info and to book. 083 653 9755. Thank you VetCross Eendedam for hosting.

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WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: Animal 101 – The bulletin

The Domesticated Parrot

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The Domesticated Parrot

The Domesticated Dog

One factor around domestication is the ability to adapt to the environment. Wild animals do not have this capability, and this results in animals going extinct because they could not adapt to changing environment.

When we hear the word “domestication”, many of us will almost immediately think of dogs. Dogs are one of the best examples showing how domestication occurred through thousands and thousands of years, and how they have become an integrated part of our lives. Dogs have been designed to be family companions, working dogs, or guard dogs, because that is what we want. Dogs can easily adapt to their surroundings and people, because we have given them the capability to do so, and they will most probably be around for many years to come, as long as people give them the opportunity.

To me, it sometimes feels, that because we were so successful with domesticating dogs, we think we can achieve the same success with other animals. If you look throughout history, you will find information about humans keeping cats, birds, reptiles and other animals as pets. Yet, not many of these “pets” have been such a big success story to domestication: cats, albeit not being domesticated nearly as long as dogs, have also started to share their homes with humans, although they still have some of their “wild genetics”, like hunting, walking around etc, which could be a problem for owners.

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What about a parrot?

So, what about parrots? Where do they fall in on the spectrum? If someone asks me if a parrot is domesticated, I will immediately answer “no”. Because they aren’t. If that same person tells me, but my bird loves me and is part of my family, my answer will most probably be: your parrot is tame and has learned to accept what he must to be part of your “flock” to survive. Again, we, as people, decided we have a need for a parrot: be it as something beautiful to look at, to appreciate their intelligence, or just have a small living creature in our mists. Just because we decided to make them part of our lives, does not mean they are domesticated.

If you look at the history of parrots, many of the parrots we have in our homes today, are one, maybe two generations removed from their wild families. What does that mean? This means they have not yet been domesticated enough through generations to curb their wild instincts: their parents or even grandparents were most probably poached in their natural habitat, brought into human civilisation, and we made the decision to either sell this parrot as a companion, or breed with him/her, to sell their offspring as companions. Just because we removed them from the wild, does not mean their instincts, genetics or behaviour have all of a sudden been “domesticated”.

Reality check:

Parrots can be tamed, but they are still wild animals. Just because they are tame does not mean they will not stop from screaming, biting, destroying, flying, causing chaos or even taking part in self-destructive behaviour, such as feather plucking. Parrots have the biological urge to scavenge, fly, and find a mate: they cannot shut off their natural instincts to fit in with human needs. We, as the caregiver and companion owner, must be able to adapt to their ways and give them the best opportunity to express their natural behaviours in a safe and acceptable manner, yet still be realistic about the fact that they are wild.

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Before making a decision to adopt a parrot, ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Can I handle the mess, because my parrot needs to forage and find the best food for himself?
  2. Can I handle the screams, because parrots are naturally vocal, loud, call to their flockmates, and tend to be more vocal at dawn and dusk?
  3. Can I accept the responsibility to provide my parrot with a lot of enrichment, love and opportunities to express his natural behaviours?
  4. Can I accept the fact that my parrot will go through hormonal changes, because that is how their bodies are genetically wired, and I might be at the receiving end of the bites, screams and mating behaviour?
  5. Can I accept that my parrot has limited expressive capabilities and might bite, attack, scream or fly away if they get frustrated, excited, scared or angry?
  6. Can I accept that my parrot might still feel frustrated and under-stimulated, and might start engaging in problem behaviours, even if I did everything I could to keep him happy?
  7. Can I accept that this is a long-term commitment and that my parrot might outlive me and my family?
  8. Can I accept the fact that my home will never be the same and that this living creature will give me mountains of happiness and joy?

These are the reasons why not every family is suited for a parrot and the parrot life. Having a parrot is difficult, but we chose them and love them, and we have to stay committed to them.

Written by: Lizelle Chapman – Director (DiptCABT, COAPE MHERA qualified & MISAP, Diploma in Parrot Behaviour)

Source: Cheeky Beaks

Hormonal behaviour in captive parrots

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Hormonal behaviour in captive parrots

A large percentage of birds in our network portray signs of hormonal behaviour. In the wild, hormonal behaviour may be triggered by factors that change with the seasons, such as extended hours of sunlight, higher food abundance, or warmer weather. While seasonal procreation is natural for parrots, constantly comfortable conditions in the household setting may contribute towards year-round hormonal behaviour in some parrots, while others remain affected only seasonally.

While parrots are capable of reading birdy body language, this understanding does not come as naturally in humans and must either be observed or learned. We love to anthropomorphize our pets and this is a huge mistake in parrot ownership. Misunderstanding your bird’s body language can lead to issues such as screaming, biting, fear, aggression, and hormonal behaviour. Many of these lead to the surrender or rehoming of the bird.

What does hormonal behaviour look like?

Hormonal behaviours can look different across species, so we encourage you to do your own research on the species you have in your home so you are best able to identify these behaviours and avoid any long lasting issues with your bird. The attached videos are good examples of some of the most common behaviours listed below.

Common signs of hormonal behaviour include:

  • Regurgitation on people/objects, or for other birds
  • Masturbation
  • Territorial issues
  • Wing dipping/flapping
  • Tail fanning
  • Panting
  • Nesting
  • Egg laying
  • Aggression
  • Feather plucking on legs and chest

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Why shouldn’t I encourage this behaviour?

In the wild, parrots engage in allopreening with a friend or mate. While head scratches are common, birds seldom get touched on their bodies unless there is intention of mating. Petting/touching on the back, under the wings and near the vent are mating signals in birds and can lead to sexual frustration in your feathered friend. Encouraging a bonded/mated relationship with your bird can cause your bird to become territorial over you or pluck its feathers, lead to seemingly unprovoked biting habits or screaming when you are out of sight and also increase the chances of egg binding in females. Feather plucking is a major concern in parrot ownership. Many times it is exacerbated by unaware owners unknowingly encouraging hormonal behaviours/failing to determine the underlying causes of the plucking in time (although this is only one of the many reasons a bird may pluck).

How can I prevent this and what can I do to help if it does happen?

There is no cookie-cutter solution to fix every situation. Most of the listed behaviours can also be a cause for medical concern so it is important to discuss any changes in behaviour/concerns you may have with your avian veterinarian. In some cases, medical intervention may be required in the form of a hormonal implant/injection should there be an underlying cause for the overactive hormonal behaviours.

If you have a young bird then set it up for success from the start. In the wild, young birds are fed and preened by their parents until they are mature enough to take care of their own survival. Encourage independence and foraging behaviours in young birds. Focus on enriching your bird’s life through target training and activities which engage their minds, rather than solely cuddling them. Do not touch your bird in a repetitive manner other than on their heads. Assisting them with their pin feathers is a great way to bond as a flock member, rather than as a potential mate. Avoid having nesting sites or mirrors in the cage and ensure your bird gets a good 10-12 hours of undisturbed sleep per day.

This article does not serve to diagnose or treat hormonal behaviours in parrots. The purpose of this article is merely to educate unaware owners of the factors contributing towards hormonal behaviour and steps they could take to reduce this in their homes. Always consult with your veterinarian if you may suspect there is something wrong with your bird.

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The behaviours depicted in these videos are for educational purposes and were not encouraged by their owners. Thank you to everyone who allowed us to use this footage.

Written by: Giselle Diemer

Source: Cheeky Beaks Parrot Rescue

First Impressions- Tips For Adopting/Fostering A Rescue Parrot

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First Impressions- Tips For Adopting/Fostering A Rescue Parrot

Introducing a feathered friend to your home can be most exciting. Bear in mind however, that like us, birds come with baggage, trauma triggers, and oftentimes undesirable behaviour. Having the grit to work with that bird, through the good and the bad, can make all the difference in changing its life for the better. Animal behaviourist, Lizelle Britz-Chapman, has a few tips for those who decide to foster or adopt a rescue bird.

“Accept the bad, hope for the best”

Doing so will ensure that you will not set yourself up for a failure. If you think about a bird that has been abused, for example, then you already know it will not be an easy task. However, you may be surprised. Some birds adapt faster than others, meaning that its rehabilitation may not be so challenging after all but do be prepared for potentially long journey.

Getting to know your bird

Birds are perceptive enough to hide what they are feeling. This is understandable, as if they express stress or anxiety in the wild, they make for easy prey. In that case, take what you observe with a pinch of salt. Your bird may appear relaxed, but this may not be the case. Give your parrot around 5 days to properly ascertain how it responds to you.

 
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How to settle in your parrot

Before you bring your parrot home, ensure that you have everything set up. A week before the bird arrives, make sure that the cage is in place, if possible. Ensure that food and water are in place just before you place the bird inside. This means that you can avoid sticking your hands in the cage within the first 12 to 24 hours. Setting a precedent of respect for your bird’s space can make all the difference – especially if it has been abused or neglected in the past.

You do not need to ignore your bird, however. Talk to it, put on a radio or TV for some ambient noise that may soothe the parrot and allow it to adjust to the normal, if not softer, sounds of your home.

Toys

People are usually so excited to adopt their birds that they hang every toy they’ve bought up in the cage – and it’s the worst thing you can do, as it is extremely overwhelming. Have one or two toys that aren’t extremely bright in the cage to begin with. Getting a parrot used to engaging with toys is part of the rehabilitation process. Parrots should be able to entertain themselves and not always be dependent on human interaction.

Make sure that they have space to move around and up and down as they like. Depending on the bird that you have, different types of toys are more suitable. Larger birds will need larger wooden toys as their large beaks can destroy toys more easily. Smaller birds can enjoy toys with popsicle sticks, smaller wooden blocks, and paper for example. Foraging is important for all parrots and can be introduced slowly while they learn how to forage.

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In the same way that there are different big cats, there are also different parrots. There are “old world parrots,” such as African Greys, Macaws and Amazons, and “new world parrots,” such as cockatoos and those that live in close proximity to humans. Old world parrots are typically scavenging birds. They enjoy being on the ground, gnawing on things, tearing them apart. Let this guide your decision to provide toys that they can chew such as wood or scavenger boxes. As your bird acclimatizes, you can begin to add more toys.

New school parrots are natural problem solvers. They require things that they can pick at, forage and solve.

A common mistake among fosters is overwhelming the parrot on the first day or week. We recommend leaving cleaning to once the bird has settled and is calm. Cleaning the cage on the first day can overwhelm the bird and lengthen the recovery process. This doesn’t apply to a situation where the cage is a so severe that it is a risk for the human or bird’s health.

Diet

Many rescue birds have been deprived of a healthy diet, and some forced to survive only on seeds or nuts. The first thing Lizelle wants people to remember is that it can take months to get a bird on a proper diet. There are also birds that will never be 100% converted. If you aware of a history of an only-seed diet, don’t pull out the seeds immediately, as the bird will not eat. In that case, seeds and a portion of pellets mixed together may do the trick. Additionally, you can add in a food that has a nice smell to it, such as pineapple or apple, something tangy. Sprouted seeds are also a healthier version of seeds that can help parrots’ transition to eating healthier foods. Other ideas to help transition a parrot include making a veggie mash and hiding the seeds in it and offering the vegetables in different ways (chopped fine or given in larger chunks, cooked or raw).

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Give it time and be persistent. As the parrots becomes accustomed to being in your home, you can introduce more foods. Remember that variety is crucial. There are also many calming teas (such as chamomile) that you can add in the water if need be.

Biting

All bird owners share this burden. Biting is, to some degree, inevitable, no matter how friendly your bird is. Parrots bite for various reasons – such as fear, nervousness, or simply desiring more attention from you. Luckily, there are some techniques to avoid those nasty bites.

When it comes to this, it is important to know that your bird won’t bite without cause. An attention seeking bite is the worst kind, as it has developed into a routine and the parrot actually has to learn some manners.

Nervousness and fear can be worked with, using target training and positive reinforcement, during which the bird will build a bond with you.

In her experience, Lizelle advises those to deal with biting birds by placing them on the ground immediately after the incident. A bird on the ground is vulnerable, it will then understand that if it bites, it is not high up anymore, nor protected.

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A parrot will give you a sign before it bites, either puffing up its feathers, diluting its pupils or even hissing. If you respond to a bird that is puffing itself up by walking away, you are communicating with it, and subsequently that bird will learn that it doesn’t need to bite you.

You can also work on your relationship by respecting its boundaries, especially if the bird is not happy to be handled, in the following ways:

  • Give the bird space
  • Give it treats through the bars
  • Talk to it

With a bird that is biting for attention, you may have to get someone in to come and start training the bird. There is no quick fix for that, and it may be a behaviour that might remain. You can have a perfectly trained bird, and it may still bite.

They are unpredictable, but you will learn how to read that bird as you go along.

Lizelle warns bird owners to not put birds back in their cages when they bite. If you do, they will learn that biting and the cage share a negative connection, in terms of space. Birds will be unwilling to return to their cages after some time. It needs to be their safe space.

Give them a few seconds after you put them on the floor, while keeping an eye on them, of course. See what they want to do, if they come to you, it means that they consider you a safe place.

Touch and handling

Pointing fingers are very intimidating for a bird. It is overwhelming. Similarly, hand games are a no-go if you want to keep your fingers intact. Rather get a ball with a bell, and roll it around with your bird. Your hands are there for handling, and to work with the bird.

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People also need to be extremely careful about where they touch their bird. Never touch your bird on its backs or wings. When you scratch their back, stomachs, wings and tails, you are actually enticing a mating behaviour – which leads to bad behaviour, biting, and frustration. Touching the head and the feet is safe in terms of working on a bond with your bird.

Avoid trauma triggers

Avoid quick movements. In the wild, this means they are in danger. Don’t surprise your bird by walk up to it from behind, for example. Make sure they can see you coming, or talk to them before you reach them.

Pay attention to the story that comes with the bird. If your bird is aggressive towards men, or people with specific hair colours, you will need to keep this in mind to avoid inciting further trauma. You will need to pin point these triggers, which is why is the first few days are so crucial. Carefully observe their body language.

Be prepared for noise

Bird owners will know all about loud noises. Screaming can go on for hours. This is why the method works as an attention seeking behaviour. People will get frustrated, neighbours may complain, so in most cases, one will relent and go and fetch the bird.

The bird will, therefore, understand that it can manipulate you in this way. If you find this to be the case, the best tactic is to divert its attention. Give it something to do as spoken about by the topic of toys. Parrots love noises and colours. Putting on a children’s movie, or something with movement is a great way to entertain your parrot. Once your bird is calm, you can go and fetch it.

In the beginning, it is hard. Try to ignore the behaviour as best you can. Sometimes the bird may just be having a tantrum. People tend to forget that parrots have the mentality of toddlers, and do not have the capability to understand when they are in a time out, for example.

Therefore, you must communicate accordingly, and let go of the notion that you can reason with your bird in simple ways.

Written by: Fern Bamber

Source: Cheeky Beaks

The Importance of Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea for Your Pet Bird’s Ongoing Health

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The Importance of Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea for Your Pet Bird’s Ongoing Health

When it comes to the well-being of your feathered friends, providing a balanced and nutritious diet is only part of the equation. Birds, much like humans, require a holistic approach to their health to truly thrive. This includes boosting their immune system, maintaining a healthy digestive tract, and ensuring they are properly hydrated. Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea is specially formulated to meet these needs. Combining the natural benefits of rooibos and green tea extracts with a probiotic and essential vitamins, our Parrot Tea offers a unique, easily-dissolved supplement for your bird’s daily hydration and overall health.

Immune System Support

A robust immune system is crucial for birds to fend off diseases and recover more quickly from illnesses. One of the key components of Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea is its blend of green tea and rooibos extracts. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants, which play a significant role in boosting your bird’s immune system. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and enhancing overall health. By providing your bird with these powerful antioxidants regularly, you can help ensure they stay healthy and resilient against common avian ailments.

Digestive Health

Maintaining a healthy digestive tract is essential for your bird’s overall well-being. The probiotic in our Parrot Tea is a vital ingredient in achieving this. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your bird’s gut flora. This balance is crucial for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. A healthy digestive system not only ensures better nutrient uptake but also helps prevent common digestive issues like diarrhea and bloating. By regularly incorporating Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea into your bird’s diet, you can support a healthy digestive tract, ensuring your bird stays comfortable and happy.

Hydration and Nutrient Intake

Proper hydration is fundamental to your bird’s health, and Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea dissolves easily into their drinking water, making it a convenient way to ensure your bird is well-hydrated. Birds can sometimes be fussy about their food, but by adding this tea to their water, you can effortlessly enhance their nutrient intake. The dextrose in the tea acts as an energy booster, helping your bird stay active and vibrant throughout the day. This combination of hydration and nutrition is especially important during periods of stress, illness, or molting, when your bird’s needs may be higher.

Comprehensive Vitamin Supplementation

Our Parrot Tea is fortified with essential vitamins that support various bodily functions. These vitamins are crucial for maintaining healthy feathers, strong bones, and overall vitality. For example, Vitamin A supports vision and immune function, while Vitamin D3 aids in calcium absorption and bone health. Regular supplementation with these vitamins helps in filling any nutritional gaps in your bird’s diet, promoting a long, healthy life. This comprehensive approach to vitamin supplementation ensures your bird receives the nutrients they need to thrive.

Feeding Guide

For optimal results, add 5 grams (approximately one teaspoon) of Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea to 250ml of drinking water every second day. You can also add a slice of lemon to the water, which your parrot will love to play with and nibble on, enhancing their tea time experience.

Natural and Safe

Safety is paramount when it comes to what you feed your pet, and Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea is made from natural extracts, ensuring it is safe for your pet bird. Unlike some artificial supplements, our tea provides a gentle, natural way to enhance your bird’s health without the risk of harmful side effects. The use of high-quality, natural ingredients means you can trust that you are providing your bird with the best possible care.

Making Tea Time Special

Why not make tea time a special bonding moment with your parrot? When you enjoy your tea, prepare a cup of Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea for your bird. This shared experience can become a delightful ritual, strengthening your bond and ensuring your bird receives their daily dose of health-boosting nutrients.

Conclusion

Incorporating Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea into your bird’s daily routine is a simple yet powerful way to support their overall health. With its blend of green tea and rooibos extracts, probiotics, dextrose, and essential vitamins, our Parrot Tea offers a comprehensive solution to boost your bird’s immunity, promote digestive health, ensure proper hydration, and provide vital nutrients. By making Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea a staple in your pet bird’s diet, you are taking a proactive step towards ensuring they lead a happy, healthy life. Invest in your bird’s health today with Nature’s Nest Parrot Tea and watch them flourish.

Source: Nature’s Nest

The Perfect Perch: Choosing the Right Cage Size for Your Feathered Friends

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The Perfect Perch: Choosing the Right Cage Size for Your Feathered Friends

Welcome to the colorful and chirping world of pet birds and parrots! As a bird owner or a prospective one, you’ve likely pondered over the best ways to provide a comfortable and stimulating environment for your feathered friends. One of the most crucial aspects of bird care is selecting the right cage – it’s not just a space for your birds to dwell in, but their sanctuary and playground too. In this post, we’ll explore the essential considerations for choosing the correct cage size for your pet birds and parrots, ensuring their health, happiness, and longevity.

  1. 1. Understanding Space Requirements
    • Birds are not mere ornaments; they are intelligent, active, and social creatures that need space to live, play, and exercise. The size of the cage significantly impacts their quality of life. As a general rule, the cage should be large enough for your bird to comfortably spread its wings, hop around, and have a variety of perches at different levels and orientations.
    • Parrots, being highly intelligent and active, require more space than smaller bird species. They need room for toys, swings, and perhaps even a companion. A cage for a parrot should be spacious enough for them to fly short distances, as this promotes healthy exercise and mental stimulation.
  2. Size Guidelines by Species – Every bird species has its unique requirements:
    • Small Birds (Budgies, Canaries, Finches): For these tiny flyers, a cage measuring at least 45x45x45 cm is recommended. However, more space is always better, especially if you’re housing multiple birds or if the cage is their primary living space.
    • Medium Birds (Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Small Parakeets): These birds are more active and benefit from cages that are at least 60x60x60 cm. They enjoy flying horizontally, so a wider cage is preferred over a taller one.
    • Large Birds (African Greys, Amazons, Eclectus): These species require substantial space. A minimum cage size of 90x60x120 cm is suggested. Large parrots benefit from cages that allow them to climb and explore different levels.
    • Extra-Large Birds (Macaws, Large Cockatoos): The largest of pet birds, these species need cages that are a minimum of 90x120x150 cm. They require sturdy construction and ample space to accommodate their powerful beaks and large tails.
  3. Factors to Consider
    • Bar Spacing: Ensure the bar spacing of the cage is appropriate for your bird’s size. Too wide, and your bird might try to escape or get stuck; too narrow, and it can restrict visibility and interaction.
    • Shape and Orientation: Birds prefer living spaces that are wider than they are tall, as this mimics their natural flying patterns. While round cages might seem aesthetically pleasing, they are not recommended as birds can feel insecure without corners.
    • Material and Durability: Stainless steel iron cages are durable and safe choices. Beware of toxic materials, coatings or poorly galvanized cages that birds can ingest by chewing.
    • Ease of Cleaning: Look for cages with features that make cleaning less of a chore. Removable trays, swivel feeders, and doors that allow easy access to the interior are beneficial.
  4. Beyond the Cage: The Importance of Out-of-Cage Time
    • Remember, a cage, no matter how spacious or enriching, is no substitute for the freedom and interaction that birds need. Daily out-of-cage time in a bird-proofed room is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. It’s an opportunity for exercise, exploration, and bonding with you.
  5. Conclusion
    • Choosing the right cage for your pet bird or parrot is a fundamental step in ensuring their happiness and health. While the guidelines above offer a starting point, remember that bigger is generally better when it comes to your bird’s living space. Invest in a high-quality cage, enrich it with toys and perches, and supplement cage life with plenty of interaction and free-flight time. With the right environment, your feathered friends will thrive, bringing joy, color, and song into your home.

Source: Nature’s Nest

How to catch a stray parrot and what to do once they’re caught

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How to catch a stray parrot and what to do once they’re caught

So you’re sitting on your stoep and suddenly you see a bright flash of color out of the corner of your eye, you look over and there you see it, a parrot in your garden. You know you should catch it, surely it’s somebody’s missing baby, but how?

You might have heard “If you want to catch a bird, spray them with a hosepipe because they won’t be able to fly away” this is honestly one of the worst things that you could do. If you spray them in weather where it’s cooler outside and they are still able to fly away, you might have just signed their death warrant because they will most likely succumb to the cold overnight.

Instead what you should do is try to get a net, a fitted sheet or a laundry basket (anything you can use to catch the bird without harming them) to catch the bird in. This way you can get hold of the bird and get them to safety because there are many predators who can do serious harm to pet parrots who are not street smart such as cats, dogs, birds of prey and the list goes on.

Once you have them in your care there are many things that need to be done:

Firstly you need to check if they have any visible injuries. If this is the case you need to take them to the vet IMMEDIATELY because birds hide their illnesses very well due to being prey animals. While they are at the vet they can also scan for a chip because some people have their birds chipped. They also need to go to a vet even if they are not visibly ill.

After this, you need to register them as found on www.ParrotAlert.com which is an international community for finding lost birds. When creating your ParrotAlert it is recommended to not give too many identifying factors such as words spoken, ring number, etc because this will be used by you to ensure that someone who contacts you is in fact the owner. This ParrotAlert poster can then be shared with vets, pet shops, newspapers, grocery stores, social media, and community groups in order to find their owner.

If someone contacts you thinking that the bird might be theirs, you can try to get positive identification through them telling you some specific information about the bird. If there are none you can try having the person come visit the bird because you can often tell if they are the owner by way of the bird showing that they know the person through making sounds, going to them, etc.

You also need to alert your local SPCA of the fact that you have found the parrot because it is illegal to not share this information with them.

If you are unable to keep the parrot safely or need assistance with sharing the information about the found parrot you are more than welcome to contact us because we have a widespread network of approved foster homes where they can go into long-term foster care until their owners are found. We do not adopt out these birds under any circumstances so even if the owner comes to us a year later they will still be able to get back their bird.

Source: Cheeky Beaks

Tips for preventing and dealing with fly away parrots

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Tips for preventing and dealing with fly away parrots

How to avoid losing your bird

  • Legal identification such as leg bands (not recommended to be put on older birds) and microchips.
  • Desensitization to the outdoors will make them less flighty.
  • Is your bird fully flighted? (Clipped birds can still fly but have less control).
  • Is your bird recall trained? (Do they fly back to you on command?)
  • Is your household careful about opening doors and windows to prevent escapes?

Tips to remember if your bird goes missing

  • Have someone stay at the location where you last saw your bird. Birds will often find their way back to this location.
  • Try to remain in vocal contact with your bird. It’s easier for you and your bird to know where the other is this way.
  • If you cannot hear your bird bring another flock member outside to encourage flock calling.
  • Try to keep a line of sight to your bird at all times so you know where to look if they land.
  • Most pet birds are not the best flyers and therefore don’t get very far. They are usually found in neighboring gardens.

Steps to take when your bird goes missing

  • Report your bird as missing on www.parrotalert.com.
  • Look in your neighbours gardens (more often than not pet birds do not go very far.
  • Put their cage outside with their favorite food in it (if they are the only bird in that cage).
  • Post the ParrotAlert poster online and locally (social media, vet practices, grocery stores, and pet shops).
  • Approach the media to print your poster in their papers.

Tips for creating your poster

  • Use www.parrotalert.com. They do a lot of sharing on the owner’s behalf and it’s a recognizable format.
  • Offer a reward. This usually gets people involved who would ordinarily not get involved.
  • Make your phone number prominent but easy to remove once your bird is found.
  • Ask for ANY sighting to be reported. It will allow you to track your parrot’s path.
  • When asked for a location give a general location and not your home address.
  • Use photos of YOUR bird and not one from Google.
  • Don’t include identification information such as ring number or things your bird says. This will allow you to prove ownership and will prevent scammers from telling you they have your bird.

Source: Cheeky Beaks

The Importance of Using a Professional For Parrot Grooming

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The Importance of Using a Professional For Parrot Grooming

Why you should have your bird clipped by a professional:

Wing clipping is a very personal decision that each Parront (parrot parent) should take for themselves. There are pros and cons to either. If you do plan on having your birds clipped you need to ensure that it is either done by an avian vet or someone who was trained by an avian vet to clip wings because there are many things that can go wrong if it were done by someone without the necessary qualifications.

Firstly, if you clip your own birds’ wings you can cause emotional trauma to your bird because of them connecting you to that bad experience they’ve had of being caught and having their wings clipped. You also can’t learn how to clip wings from the internet because it’s so difficult to see which feathers need to be clipped.

If someone unqualified clips your birds there are a bunch of things that could go wrong. One of these is cutting the wings too short which can cause damage to the wings or lead to the feathers not regrowing properly after a molt. This is especially difficult when you would like your bird to be able to fly again eventually when your circumstances are better. Another issue that can come up is that the wings can be clipped incorrectly which will lead to the parrot falling instead of gliding and getting hurt.

Another thing that could happen is the emotional impact that it can have on your bird who has been flighted all their life. Imagine being able to go anywhere you want, anytime you want and then suddenly being told you can’t go there unless you have a chaperone. That’s exactly what happens with clipped parrots. They’re able to fly from Point A to Point B for most of their life and then suddenly they have to rely on a human to come and move them. This can also in some cases lead to a start of excessive vocalisations because the parrot is trying to get your attention to move around.

Another issue that arises when someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing is, is when young birds are clipped too soon. It’s recommended to only clip birds once they are able to fly properly because fledging is an important stage in any parrot’s life. Being able to fly before being clipped also helps a lot should your parrot ever fly away due to being caught by a gust of wind because they will know how to fly and while they can’t fly far they can at least land safely instead of crashing when they land and getting hurt.

If you must clip your birds, please be careful and mindful and take into account all the different pros and cons. While avian vets are more expensive at least you know they are qualified and able to do their job properly.

Source: Cheeky Beaks

Why buying a bird from a pet shop or breeder is not the same as rescuing it

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Why buying a bird from a pet shop or breeder is not the same as rescuing it.

While it is very admirable to want to give a bird from a pet shop or breeder who is disabled or has been there for a while a better life there are a lot of things to consider before buying the bird.

Firstly, if you buy the disabled bird, you are telling the pet shop or breeder that someone will buy them which will lead to them breeding more birds and selling more birds with deformities and disabilities. Unfortunately, there are only so many birds that you can financially afford to buy and are physically able to care for.

Secondly, if you go in and buy the older bird from a pet shop they will have that bird replaced with a new younger bird by the end of the week and then you have just put another bird in the exact same position as the one you decided to buy. Buying from a pet shop also tells the pet shop owner that there is a demand for more birds and they will go buy more birds which leads to breeders breeding more and eventually there will not he enough demand for them and you’ll have another older bird waiting for someone to “rescue” it in the pet shop.

Finally, by supporting the pet trade you are telling breeders that there is a demand for more birds which leads to more breeders with more birds who won’t be able to find a home as well as more breeders who will breed irresponsibly because they’ll get more birds that way.

This does not mean that all breeders are horrible. There are ethical breeders, they exist and can be wonderful people, but that doesn’t make the trade right. It’s the trade that turns sentient beings into commodities so that babies are churned out for profit, and end up as young birds back at a pet shop, maybe being sold multiple times as uneducated owners ‘surrender’ (sell) them again and again because ‘they are worth money’, or finder keepers mentality of other folks who find a stray bird and keep it because ‘it’s valuable’. Or birds sold when families’ circumstances change.

Here are some of the stories of birds who have crossed our paths who passed away or have lifelong problems due to the irresponsibility of their breeders:

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Hopefully reading this article has shown you some of the realities of breeders that should not be supported at all but have been supported by people trying to give those birds a better life. All these owners had to make the difficult decision of whether it was worth supporting the breeder to give the bird a better life and if you decide to do the same hopefully knowing some of the terrible things birds endure will help you make this very difficult decision.

Hopefully reading this article has shown you some of the realities of breeders that should not be supported at all but have been supported by people trying to give those birds a better life. All these owners had to make the difficult decision of whether it was worth supporting the breeder to give the bird a better life and if you decide to do the same hopefully knowing some of the terrible things birds endure will help you make this very difficult decision.

Written by: Klaas Kingma

Source: Cheeky Beaks