AboutRev. Dr. S.August Abbott Expertise Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides.
Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition
I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care.
No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication.
Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.
Experience Certified Avian Specialist.
For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.
Organizations 4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more
Publications Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.
Education/Credentials Doctorate, Ordained Minister
Question QUESTION: My question is that I was wandering if it would still be harmfull to my cockateils if I put bay leaves just a few at the bottom of their cage in the part that you take out and clean. I know that if the leaves get eaten my bird could get very sick? Is it safe for me to do that?
ANSWER: Bay leaves are fine - so is parsley, mint and other greens. If you're trying to use Bay leaves to prevent pests though - chances are it won't work.
It's a common myth, right along with lemon juice or citrus peels, and a collection of other things
www.4AnimalCare.org
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QUESTION: Can you give me a list herbs that might work to prevent pest. (ex: cockroaches, nats ect.)?????
Answer I wish I could. And there are going to be a HUGE number of websites, magazine articles and friends of friends who will insist that something works, but chances are that if anything "works", it's just that the pests have run their course and left or died out anyway.
Cockroaches would be one of the few animals to survive a nuclear blast. A handful of Bay leaves or bucket of lemon won't bother them much.
I personally can't stand ants - have tried EVERYTHING - and still, they persist. I expect they'll be right there with the cockroaches populating the planet after humans have seen their last days.
What does work? It's as simple as a spray bottle with some cleaner in it. These pests come for a meal - anything that appears to be food for them. Little crumbs, decaying fruit, even the dead skin cells that make up the 'dust' in our homes.
I may not be the most meticulous cleaner on earth, but I've found that keeping the entry points wiped down every day using plain white vinegar and water (1/2 and 1/2) - as well as cleaning up the big and obvious stuff like food - really does it.
For little flying bugs like fruit flys, gnats, etc. - put a piece of banana in a tall glass. Cover the glass with plastic wrap and poke a hole with your finger into the middle. Leave the glass in the room where you've had the problem, but away from where you (or your pets) actually are. This is 'bait' to draw the pests away from you
Every few days empty it out and wash it out. There should be a ton of dead fruit flys and gnats in there. Start it over again if you need to.
