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| Subject | Date Asked |
| Our Baby Eclectus | 2/8/2012 |
| Q: My partner Kris and I brought home our baby Eclectus parrot last Friday night from her breeders. She ... A: --- Hands are a common fear of caged birds. A hand entering their cage can sometimes launch them ... | |
| Cockatiel that bites! | 2/8/2012 |
| Q: I have read everything I can find and have followed everyone's advice but my Cockatiel keeps biting. ... A: -- Time to hit the re-set button! Check my step by step guideline out here ... | |
| African Grey Parrot | 2/7/2012 |
| Q: I have a 15yr old or there abouts african grey and until today i thought it was male but she laid an ... A: -- Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course ... | |
| my conure | 1/30/2012 |
| Q: how can you tell if your bird is sick my bird has been closing her eyes alot don't know how old she ... A: - A sick, injured, diseased or even dying bird will quite often look exactly like a perfectly ... | |
| crazy biteing green cheek conure | 1/26/2012 |
| Q: he came for an abusive home. which is awful. he is very mean and dose not like anyone near his cage ... A: -- Nearly all of the birds that come to my rescue were abused, neglected or both. I've been able to ... | |
| egg found in cage | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: We have a Quaker Parrot and a Sun Conure Parrot they about a year old they have been together most ... A: -- If the birds (or even one of them) is tending to the egg, let them keep it. It will help curb ... | |
| Please Help | 1/24/2012 |
| Q: We bought our african grey parrot approximately 1 year ago, he was hand reared and tame when we ... A: -- There is a possibility this is the result of breathing in bird dander, dried droppings, etc.. ... | |
| African Ring-neck | 1/22/2012 |
| Q: Piccolo is 7 yrs. He began talking at 2 yrs. many words and sentences. His speech has slowed in the ... A: - This isn't as strange as it might sound. I've seen it happen in many different psittacines. I ... | |
| My cockatiel doesn't trust me | 1/22/2012 |
| Q: I have a cockatiel who is about two years old. When I got her she was really sweet and she came out ... A: --- When dealing with a bird that has been well cared for, encouraging more out of cage time is ... | |
| pink eye | 1/22/2012 |
| Q: I have 2 macaws and a cockatoo...I also have pink eye which has now spread to both eyes, my Dr is ... A: -- Pink eye is viral, often with a bacterial component (side effect). It's a virus exclusive to ... | |
| Eclectus parrot | 1/21/2012 |
| Q: I have a 5year old male Eclectus parrot and he has been acting really funny lately. He does have a ... A: -- This isn't as 'funny' as you think. It's relatively typical of a sexually mature bird. While he ... | |
| Talking Parrots | 1/17/2012 |
| Q: I am looking into buying a talking parrot. I would like to know which species(and gender?) are the ... A: --- Each bird of each species has their own personality. I've met some pretty aggressive, cranky ... | |
| Cockatiel tail feathers not growing | 1/16/2012 |
| Q: I have a pearl cockatiel hen named Willow. She was born March 13th 2008 and I've had her since ... A: -- This is something you must start with a vet with. Let me tell you why: When feathers change, ... | |
| My electus parrot | 1/15/2012 |
| Q: I have a 2 and a half month old electus and lately when I am am hand feeding him he is always taing ... A: You are seeing him regurgitate. This can be his attempt to bond with you, but at this young age I ... | |
| aggressive pacific parrotlet | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: recently I was given an all blue pacific parrotlet. for the past year or so the bird was in a room ... A: -- The bird is what's called 'cage bound' at this point. While being caged isn't ideal and not ... | |
| Grey upchucking | 1/9/2012 |
| Q: Have had no previous issues with my "Danny" an African Grey, but she started vomiting some (a ... A: -- She's not vomiting. What you're describing is 'regurgitating'. First things first: STOP ... | |
| nippy lovebird | 1/8/2012 |
| Q: I got my little lovie about 2 months ago and he is currently around 7 months old. For the most part ... A: --You're right, the information out there is too much and too inconsistent. It's easy for people to ... | |
| blue and gold macaw/fell off perch and her foot is balled up | 1/5/2012 |
| Q: my female blue and gold macaw fell off her perch last night and now she is having trouble with ... A: -- Let's start with how many years she's been with you. Then, what is the base diet? What this ... | |
| My first parrot | 1/3/2012 |
| Q: I'm 18 years old got about 900 quid saved in my bank and have always wanted a parrot since my nanny ... A: -- Each bird of each species has their own personality. I've met some pretty aggressive, cranky ... | |
| emphysema | 1/1/2012 |
| Q: I was diagnosed Dec 21-2011 with emphysema and a 5 mm nodule in my left lung. At the same time I was ... A: - I also have systemic Lupus and surprisingly, an allergy to birds; however, this does not keep me ... | |
| behavior | 12/28/2011 |
| Q: Sydney, my Alexandrine Parakeet, has started displaying funny behavior and not so funny behavior. ... A: --You're it! The companion that is. You're sharing mating behaviors. He doesn't need company and ... | |
| Conure throwing up under wing | 12/27/2011 |
| Q: My 3 year old golden capped conure, Sammi, has been throwing up or regurgitating under his wing for ... A: -- Hi Amanda. Where in CA are you? I'm here in the Sacramento area and would like Sammi to be seen ... | |
| Wild Peach Cheek Love Bird | 12/27/2011 |
| Q: I just moved and find that I have wild love birds that frequent my backyard bird feeder. One bird ... A: -- An injury as you describe is not likely to repair on its own. It's also very possibly not ... | |
| african grey broody | 12/26/2011 |
| Q: i have a african grey that in the past 3 wks has laid 2 eggs , how do i deal with with and what do i ... A: -- You're not the only one! I've got a macaw that just won't quit with her broody behavior right ... | |
| Parrot does not speak | 12/26/2011 |
| Q: I have brought an Indian parrot about 4 days ago.But he has not uttered a single noise or word.What ... A: --When a human gets a bird for conversation and the bird doesn't speak, believe me, it's not the ... | |
| The peony parrot fight! | 12/26/2011 |
| Q: I got two peony parrot from my friend, and they are sibling, their relationship were always very ... A: -- Unlike humans brother and sister; brother and brother; sister and sister or even parent and ... | |
| sulfur crested cockatoo | 12/25/2011 |
| Q: I have a male cockatoo at home and he is not young yet not old. I am thinking of owning 1 or 2 more ... A: -- Good question! Best that you asked first before something awful happened. No, they cannot ... | |
| Love Bird | 12/23/2011 |
| Q: I read somewhere that Love Birds need Heat lamps or some kind of special light if they can not get ... A: -- Good question and it's actually sort of correct. --- Many bird owners are surprised to learn ... | |
| Time for my parrot | 12/23/2011 |
| Q: I am priya, staying in chennai. I am a working lady and staying alone. I afraid to leave my parrot ... A: ---A lot of people need to work or leave for other reasons for several hours during the day. When ... | |
| Princess Parrot | 12/21/2011 |
| Q: i have a male princess parrot, i have had him for nearly a year i love him to pieces and he loves me ... A: --Don't give up. These birds are a lifetime project, not something that has a fixed amount of time ... | |
| how to tame a baby bird out of the cage? n what r harmful plants? | 12/20/2011 |
| Q: I got 2 baby parrots..they r the size of sparrows..the guy said they were 2months old.. I got them ... A: --- When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let ... | |
| Budgie and his biting | 12/20/2011 |
| Q: why is he still mourning after nearly a year? he is eating and drinking obviously but how can i get ... A: -- I'm very sorry for your loss and certainly your little one there misses their partner; however, ... | |
| Biting aggression from neglected male parrotlet | 12/19/2011 |
| Q: Rev.Dr. Abbott, I'd like to thank you in advance for being available in a forum like this for bird ... A: -- First and most importantly Tracie, the thing that matters here is that YOU are willing to hit ... | |
| I think my mexican conure has fleas | 12/16/2011 |
| Q: I just got my mexican conure less than two months ago and she is always very itchy and I thought it ... A: --The good news is that birds don't typically get fleas, especially a conure that's in a home. The ... | |
| Parrotlet aggression | 12/15/2011 |
| Q: I have two parrotlets (both female around 1 year old). One is very passive (green) the other ... A: -- Separate them immediately. -- Sometimes these things happen and we never really find out ... | |
| identifying a bird by band number | 12/12/2011 |
| Q: Abbott, I have found a cockatiel with an NCS band on its leg. However, in looking online, I cannot ... A: -- Not nearly as easy as it should be, but one day we hope to see a clear database -- My first move ... | |
| macaw | 12/12/2011 |
| Q: I have a blue and gold macaw can I turn my furnace down at night and during day while at work to ... A: -- That's fine. I just recently rehomed a rescue that was living outside with nighttime temps at ... | |
| Cockatiel Labored Breathing | 12/10/2011 |
| Q: I have a cockatiel that is 19 years old, recently I have noticed he has had pooped on the feathers ... A: -- Whenever you notice respiratory symptoms in a bird there is never a 'wait and see' policy. By ... | |
| Sun Conure and Quaker Parrot | 12/8/2011 |
| Q: I own a Sun Conure (appox. 3-4 years old) whom we just discovered is female.She shares a cage with ... A: -- Although the eggs won't be fertile, any two birds can seem to 'breed'. Yes, leave the eggs ... | |
| Conure and rope perches | 12/8/2011 |
| Q: I adopted a nanday conure from a friend about 5 months ago. She is around 7 years old. I believe she ... A: -- Probably by the time you read this she'll have been on the perch. It's perfectly natural for a ... | |
| introducing african greys | 12/6/2011 |
| Q: I have had my African grey for 27 years, she is somewhat hand tame but not totally. We recently ... A: --These are exceptionally intelligent birds. TALK to them. Don't underestimate the power of ... | |
| runny nose inmy blue and gold macaw | 12/6/2011 |
| Q: i was sittin with my blue and gold macaw tonight shes 7 years old in good health but i noticed her ... A: -- Don't worry about this, but yes, watch it. Our blue & gold macaw (Sadie) has this condition ... | |
| Feeding | 12/5/2011 |
| Q: I have a 2 year old Too and he likes to take food from my mouth, I guess its a bird thing. My ... A: -- EXCELLENT question! Yes, it has caused countless, serious and sometimes fatal infections TO THE ... | |
| Lovebirds fighting | 12/5/2011 |
| Q: I acquired two masked lovebirds 2 weeks ago (they had just been weaned at that point)and they have ... A: -- "Lovebirds" is quite the misnomer isn't it? They are actually pretty aggressive birds and it's ... | |
| feed for coktail birds | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: i have seen your answer regarding the feed for the breading cocktails . you have mentioned it shall ... A: -- You can actually see all the recommended foods and how to convert seed eaters (if you have a ... | |
| Weak Sun Conure | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: I have a 17 year old female conure named Skyla. She laid 2 eggs about a week ago and she did the ... A: -- Symptoms like this require URGENT veterinary intervention. If she's part of your family and you ... | |
| african grey bird | 11/29/2011 |
| Q: i have a 2and a half yr old african grey who is tret as part of the family normally very lively and ... A: -- AG's are very long lived birds and absolutely require at least twice a year 'check ups' since ... | |
| Possible Lovebird Respiratory Problem | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: I have a one year old female lovebird named mango. Last night as soon as she fell asleep she began ... A: -- Let's not think anything of what you saw in the nare - chances are it's supposed to be the way ... | |
| how old is my ringneck??? | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: I got a white but now going blue-grey indian ringneck from the pet shop. the lady said shes about 3 ... A: -- There are really just two extremes generally noticeable in the age of most birds: The very ... | |
| Discoloured Beak | 11/28/2011 |
| Q: today I noticed that my cockatiel has a reddish discolouration on the bottom of his beak. His ... A: -- It is never the wrong thing to do (taking a bird to a vet) and since they need once or twice a ... | |
| scar tissue under wings | 11/22/2011 |
| Q: Abbott I've come for your advice again. My 2 tiels were in a molt in the spring and both chewed on ... A: -- It would take a lot of damage to produce scar tissue. I think you might be seeing "Wing Web ... | |
| Lower beak problem with my African Grey | 11/22/2011 |
| Q: He has also lost his feathers just behind his lower beak. He is eating and drinking just fine ... A: -- You're right, this isn't usually a stress issue. On the other hand, the more likely causes are ... | |
| Senegal biting and bullying | 11/21/2011 |
| Q: I have a 11 month old male Senegal. He constantly wants to bite me and attacks my green cheek ... A: -- You're right about needing to maintain 'trimmed' wings (we don't say 'clipped' anymore because of ... | |
| help | 11/20/2011 |
| Q: my parakeet has fatty liver. hes a male and maybe about two years old, and has been fat and had it ... A: -- Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) is usually the result of a predominantly seed diet. ... | |
| behavioral changes | 11/17/2011 |
| Q: We just adopted a baby African grey about 6 months ago. he is now about 1.5 years old. He has ... A: -- I'm glad you're asking about this rather than just reacting to him. Birds go through a stage ... | |
| Black Headed Ciaque | 11/16/2011 |
| Q: My bird is about 2 years old. I just recently noticed some thick hard white things sticking out of ... A: -- I must agree that your first inclination to bring this bird to a vet is the right thing to do, ... | |
| african grey breeding pair | 11/13/2011 |
| Q: I have CCTV camera and i watch each pair to see what they do and i saw how they mated some of pair ... A: -- Birds, like humans, aren't always capable of making babies. Like some human couples, they may ... | |
| Male Cockatiel | 11/12/2011 |
| Q: I once asked you question when our cockatiel was guarding my son's foot after a toe operation. This ... A: -- I'm sorry for the delay, but apparently there's been a problem with my receiving notices about ... | |
| How to tell the age of the Goffin Cockatoo | 11/11/2011 |
| Q: My bird was found in the snow about 10 years ago. I would love to know the age of this bird. Is ... A: -- To DNA sex it's truly civilized these days. A vet or other professional clips a toenail just ... | |
| Lay eggs parrot | 11/11/2011 |
| Q: I would just like to ask how many eggs does a parrot lay and how many days in between does it lay ... A: -- It depends on the type of parrot. Typically, the smaller the species, the more eggs; although ... | |
| How to tell the age of the Goffin Cockatoo | 11/10/2011 |
| Q: My bird was found in the snow about 10 years ago. I would love to know the age of this bird. Is ... A: --I'm afraid not. It would be a great idea though right? We can tell when a bird is very young by ... | |
| 6 week old Ringneck - Not eating | 11/10/2011 |
| Q: Good day, I have a 6 week old ringneck. Since yesterday he has not been eating like he would ... A: -- You're getting regular gram weights right? Those are your best guidelines as to whether the bird ... | |
| Sun Conure | 11/10/2011 |
| Q: Okay, so my Sun Conure, Skittles, is making an odd whimpering noise as if imitating the noise my dog ... A: -- How does a bird act when they are in pain? Put a bird in pain next to a bird not in pain and you ... | |
| Re: Health of a Blue & Gold McCaw | 11/8/2011 |
| Q: I have had a Blue & Gold McCaw now for almost 30 years and the last couple of months she has been ... A: -- Eeek! No vitamin in the water. Toss it. Never buy it again. They are complete scams and wastes ... | |
| New bird | 11/6/2011 |
| Q: my family has just adopted a mini macah from a friend. We are wondering about some of his behaviors. ... A: -- I'm sorry for the delay, my email notifications didn't work right. --- You can see everything ... | |
| Re: Health of a Blue & Gold McCaw | 11/5/2011 |
| Q: I have had a Blue & Gold McCaw now for almost 30 years and the last couple of months she has been ... A: -- Feather plucking is nearly always associated with a nutritional complication. You're doing a ... | |
| rosy bourks | 11/4/2011 |
| Q: my avairy is 10'x4'x6'h this avary is inside how many pair rosy ? what other birds and how many i ... A: -- Instead of me guessing how big the birds are, you take a look at them yourself and use this ... | |
| parakeet eggs | 11/3/2011 |
| Q: my parakeet keeps having eggs and i dont have a nesting box for her, she just lays them on the ... A: -- You are right to be concerned. Egg laying not only depletes calcium stores nutritionally, but ... | |
| my sun conure is laying eggs | 11/3/2011 |
| Q: My 8 year old sun conure is laying eggs. She laid a few before, but this time she is laying like 1 ... A: ---When a bird lays she’s got a very increased risk for egg binding or Dystocia, both potentially ... | |
| galah behaviour | 11/2/2011 |
| Q: I RECENTLY BOUGHT A TAME HAND REARED GALAH HE IS 7 MTHS OLD...HE SEEMS HAPPY TO SIT ON HIS PERCH ... A: -- Here's a good, complete guideline for bird care and answers to every question you might have: ... | |
| hatching of egg | 10/29/2011 |
| Q: my question is dat in hw many days american parrot's egg hatch n tell me some care abt these eggs A: -- I really don't know what sort of bird you have and that is important in order to know the ... | |
| Sun Conure Unsteady on his feet | 10/28/2011 |
| Q: I have a 3 year old Sun that in all other respects is normal, flight, appearance and activity ... A: -- What you're describing is quite often associated with hypovitaminosis A. If your bird is on a ... | |
| king parrots | 10/28/2011 |
| Q: She laid 4 eggs last year but he wasnt mature enough so will they reproduce this season seeing as he ... A: -- Candling eggs http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/research/parrot/d/d.htm This should help you ... | |
| bird beak and ear lump | 10/26/2011 |
| Q: I recently lost my Green Cheek Conure for 24 hours - after a lot of searching and distributing ... A: -- We must always be very careful about using mammalian characteristics to evaluate an avian's ... | |
| A few questions about my quaker. | 10/25/2011 |
| Q: I've had Mojo, a green quaker, for about 6 years now. First off, there seems to be a bit of gender ... A: -- I'm going to be equally long winded as I try to address many issues in your questions: First: ... | |
| baby budgies | 10/22/2011 |
| Q: I have 2 new baby budgies (6 more eggs); current baby budgies are 7days and 5days old. I'd like to ... A: --- Pulling a chick for hand feeding should be done only about 2 weeks before they’ll wean (which ... | |
| Sulfur Crested cockatoo nails | 10/17/2011 |
| Q: A brief explanation - I took Wheatis from a horrible home, the poor thing had no perch, was fed ... A: -- Please do NOT take your bird to this vet (who insists you towel train him first). This screams ... | |
| Sulfur Crested cockatoo nails | 10/15/2011 |
| Q: A brief explanation - I took Wheatis from a horrible home, the poor thing had no perch, was fed ... A: Even what you're describing is rather traumatic so it's doubtful if a 'stranger' (aka: vet) would be ... | |
| Green Cheek Conure | 10/15/2011 |
| Q: My green cheek conure really bites and screams when I am not around. I tried different methods like ... A: -- Chances are you didn't keep up the behavior modification techniques long enough. Just the fact ... | |
| full spectrum light question | 10/13/2011 |
| Q: I'm using a 50 watt day blue incan descent light on my conures which emits full- spectrum light ... A: --- There is more information about using fluorescent lighting, UV and UV-B here: ... | |
| Sick Macaw | 10/11/2011 |
| Q: My macaw is around 25yrs old. We've had him for 5yrs and yesterday we noticed his eyes were red and ... A: -- It's true that macaws have a higher instance of allergic reactions than most, if not all other ... | |
| nanday conure biting | 10/10/2011 |
| Q: we just adopt a nanday a week ago he seems very nice but my daughter likes to hold him and he bite ... A: -- It never seems to fail, but within a week or even up to about a month after a new bird settles ... | |
| parakeet in cold house with cat | 10/7/2011 |
| Q: I have a bird-adoring boy, an indoor-outdoor cat with a serious hunting streak, and a house that is ... A: -- Sometimes we have to accept that we can't have everything we want. And sometimes we have to ... | |
| possible nest buiding | 10/4/2011 |
| Q: I have had my Blue & Gold for 10 years. Recently he (im not really sure if he's a he) Has taken an ... A: -- Knowing the sex is so important that the first thing I have done when I bring a bird in to ... | |
| Bird | 10/4/2011 |
| Q: I have a parkeet and was putting it in its cage and pulled its tail feathers out and it has been ... A: -- If the bleeding has stopped you can expect the bird to be ok, but there's a serious issue of how ... | |
| bird | 9/29/2011 |
| Q: I have an orange-winged amazon parrot how do i tell if it is a boy or a girl? A: -- This type of amazon is monomorphic. This means there is no clear visual difference between male ... | |
| african grey | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: What ia an african greys beak made of? A: -- Birds' beaks are made of the same thing their feathers are made of, keratin. Amazing how one ... | |
| Galah Behaviour | 9/25/2011 |
| Q: Last weekend we bought a Galah at a bird auction. We have no history of the bird ie age, previous ... A: - It's best to discourage, but not with 'discipline'. One cannot 'discipline' a bird and anyone who ... | |
| Galah Behaviour | 9/24/2011 |
| Q: Last weekend we bought a Galah at a bird auction. We have no history of the bird ie age, previous ... A: -- I'm glad you 'rescued' this bird. Unfortunately, a large number of birds sold at venues such as ... | |
| Biting African Grey | 9/24/2011 |
| Q: I have an african grey, he is about 11months. He insists on biting every one in the house even me. I ... A: -- You can fix this. I have a complete guide right here http://www.4animalcare.org/birds Go to ... | |
| How to be friendly with an untamed cockatiel | 9/22/2011 |
| Q: I got a two month old normal grey cockatiel about a week back, which is not hand fed and untamed. I ... A: -- If you go here http://www.4animalcare.org/birds -- you'll find step by step instructions under ... | |
| parrot flying into walls | 9/16/2011 |
| Q: I recently bought a bourke parrot and I took her out of the cage for the first time today. She kept ... A: -- You need to get her off the seeds. Despite what the pet store or product manufacturer implies, ... | |
| traveling with young lovebird | 9/15/2011 |
| Q: my daughter was given a 4 month old lovebird. our family will be going on vacation for a week. we ... A: --- A bird shouldn't ever be left alone. It's hugely stressful and can lead to illnesses in no ... | |
| sun conure | 9/15/2011 |
| Q: i bought a mature sun conure from a pet shop that had been sexed as a male as a mate for my younger ... A: -- Take him out of her cage. You can't just put two birds together like this. They are not cats ... | |
| How to rescue an injured parrot? | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: I am a pet lover, I had taken care of love birds before, but that were bought from the pet shops. ... A: -- Good, responsible and educated rescuers know that WE don't treat a bird in this condition. Ever. ... | |
| Blue and Gold Macaw Allergies | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: Hey I have a Blue and Gold Macaw named Gonzi. He is 8 years old and since last November I have been ... A: -- OK, wait. Vets are putting this bird on medication for allergies? No fungal or bacterial ... | |
| sick parrot | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: what causes swelling under the chins/beak of parrots?it resembles a water sack an looks like a ... A: --- You need a vet. FAST. This could be an air sac leak, infection or tumor and the only way to ... | |
| biting conure | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: my name is Luis and heres my problem. i just bought a conure from petco and they told me that he was ... A: -- Go here http://www.4animalcare.org/birds and look at the 'biting' section. It's a good idea ... | |
| parakeet | 9/11/2011 |
| Q: I have a parakeet that laid eggs about a month ago. At first she did not sit on them,and now she ... A: -- If there is no male of the same species in the same cage then the eggs are not fertile. You ... | |
| 2 six month old parakeets | 9/11/2011 |
| Q: I have two six month old parakeets... I have had them for 4 weeks now. They are very scared of me, ... A: --- One big problem is having them both in the same cage. Why would they shun each others' company ... | |
| What is lubby my male love bird doing? | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a question about my male love bird and who he is bonding with. I recently got these love bird ... A: --The initial problem of the bird cuddling up and displaying mating behavior toward any inanimate ... | |
| bird questions | 9/8/2011 |
| Q: I just recently bought a Jenday conure. She seems to sneeze alot. her nostrils are always dry and ... A: --There are quite a few possible causes of sneezing with a bird. --- Rhinitis (inflammation of the ... | |
| Parrot bedtime issue | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: Abbott, I have a 3-year-old Meyers parrot that is generally well behaved EXCEPT when it comes time ... A: -- Thanks for the additional info. Here's the thing, by allowing him to sleep outside of the cage a ... | |
| African Grey | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: Charlie my african grey age 17 months has never really taken to my husband, he either ignored hubby ... A: --- It never seems to fail, but within a week or even up to several months after a new bird settles ... | |
| Psittacosis - Parrot Fever | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: I fear I may have a buildup of bird droppings in the chimney of my home (I blocked off the chimey ... A: -- I would opt for the "chimney sweep" services provided in most locations by professionals. ... | |
| Parrot bedtime issue | 9/6/2011 |
| Q: Abbott, I have a 3-year-old Meyers parrot that is generally well behaved EXCEPT when it comes time ... A: -- Given that the two permanent rescues in my care (macaws) run, laughing all the way, to their ... | |
| conure rubbing chin? | 9/2/2011 |
| Q: I am pet sitting a conure for the first time, and the owners don't know the sex...it took about a ... A: -- Everything you're describing is mating behavior; probably a male, but it's very important to know ... | |
| new macaw not eating well | 9/1/2011 |
| Q: I just purchased a year old blue and gold macaw from a local pet store named Zazu. He is a playful ... A: -- You mentioned your macaw is making droppings and that means its eating. I'd like to see you ... | |
| African Grey's eyes | 8/31/2011 |
| Q: My 9 year old Grey appears to have something wrong with his eyes. He is keeping them closed more ... A: -- Grey’s have a tendency to develop what can only be described as allergic reactions. This can ... | |
| African Gray Parrot | 8/31/2011 |
| Q: I have an African Gray Parrot who has been plucking feathers. his legs are completely bare and he ... A: ---There may be Folliculitis which is an infection at the base of feathers. Folliculitis could be ... | |
| Feces | 8/29/2011 |
| Q: My mom was given an African Grey and a Double Yellow Headed Parrot when a friend of a friend who ... A: --- Diarrhea is often actually Polyuria. True diarrhea is when the feces part of the droppings are ... | |
| i dont know what this bird is doing? | 8/29/2011 |
| Q: I have a blue and gold macaw and when I put her on the bed she rubs her head down on the pillow and ... A: -- A bird that bobs its head up and down in a sort of pumping motion, beak open and then a ... | |
| Female Eclectus Behavior | 8/28/2011 |
| Q: I have a female Eclectus, hatched on 4/21/09. I've had her since she was just a baby- hand fed her, ... A: --- Birds don’t actually go into a ‘heat’, but they sure do engage in some similar behaviors once ... | |
| Psittacosis - Parrot Fever | 8/27/2011 |
| Q: I fear I may have a buildup of bird droppings in the chimney of my home (I blocked off the chimey ... A: -- The very young, the elderly and anyone with impaired immune systems are at higher risk, but this ... | |
| Problem Parrot | 8/26/2011 |
| Q: Such a relief to see that here are some good resources on the net regarding parrots. We have an ... A: -- Grey's are probably THE most intelligent of all psittacines. They are believed to be sentient ... | |
| My Quaker starting to attack/bite | 8/23/2011 |
| Q: I have a question about Handfeeding a baby conure. I just bought a baby sun conure, is about a month ... A: -- It's fine to keep birds in a community flock, but I don't recommend that any hook billed birds be ... | |
| 1. Can I teach a 2 Years Old african grey to talk? | 8/23/2011 |
| Q: 1. Can I teach a 2 Years Old african grey to talk? I bought him when he was 2 Years old, I have him ... A: --Since these birds live to be in their 60-70's, a 2 year old is just a 2 year old. Like a 2 year ... | |
| cockatiels | 8/21/2011 |
| Q: can my two mated pairs of cockatiels be housed in the same large cage? A: --Four 'tiels (mated pairs) would require no less than approx. 8' tall and 4' wide cage. They ... | |
| parrot with car sickness | 8/20/2011 |
| Q: I have a black headed caique, not quite 2 years old who has travelled well in the car for many trips ... A: -- I'm not quite sure your bird actually 'vomited' as opposed to 'regurgitated' Vomiting is often ... | |
| Should I remove my cockatoo's egg? | 8/16/2011 |
| Q: My cockatoo laid an egg about a week ago. She sitting on this unfertilized egg. She's not eating as ... A: --I'd remove the seed before the egg. I know that has to sound odd, but a bird that has taken to ... | |
| B&G laid egg with blood | 8/15/2011 |
| Q: My 8 year B&G (5 birds in flock, all female) laid two eggs, 4 days apart. Both eggs broke from the ... A: -- It sounds like your hen had a bit of a problem with her 2nd egg. Macaws typically lay ... | |
| parrot question | 8/13/2011 |
| Q: I just purchased a yellow crowned(I think)amazon parrot from a previous owner. He has kind of a egg ... A: --- With birds like parakeets/budgies and other smaller to medium sized parrots, especially those ... | |
| Love bird nesting behaviors (no mate) | 8/12/2011 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I have a lovebird that is about 1.5 years old. A little over a month ago she ... A: 1. No. Do not give her back her old eggs. If you want to preserve them, blow them out. Using a ... | |
| Parrot behavior | 8/12/2011 |
| Q: I have an almost 5 year old African Grey who has always been very easy to handle. We had a wonderful ... A: --- Parrots love our company, despite how it may seem otherwise. Their biting is quite often just a ... | |
| african grey | 8/12/2011 |
| Q: I have had an african grey for 20yrs. (I got her when she was a baby so she is 20) At 18 she laid ... A: -- Seeds could lead to ALL of this, but the promising part is that with a healthy diet from here on ... | |
| Love bird nesting behaviors (no mate) | 8/11/2011 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I have a lovebird that is about 1.5 years old. A little over a month ago she ... A: - As you've learned, sometimes the hen is going to lay no matter what. 1. You've already noted all ... | |
| Lovebird Itching | 8/10/2011 |
| Q: I have a male lovebird who is about 3yrs old. Lately he's been making loud shreaking sounds and ... A: --Please THROW THAT SPRAY AWAY and never, ever bring anything like that into your home again. ... | |
| african grey | 8/10/2011 |
| Q: I have had an african grey for 20yrs. (I got her when she was a baby so she is 20) At 18 she laid ... A: -- With these labs there are two things that come to mind: A muscular trauma of some kind (injury, ... | |
| my parrot attacks my mum | 8/9/2011 |
| Q: Need some help my mayers parrot has attacked my mum three times and has taken chuncks out of my mum. ... A: --- "He puffs his body up and opens his mouth wide". THAT is the warning. He's making himself ... | |
| Blue & Gold | 8/7/2011 |
| Q: I have a Blue & Gold, she is over 23 years old. She is very healthy but has since I first met her ... A: -- There are quite a few possible causes of sneezing with a bird. --- Rhinitis (inflammation of ... | |
| conure oozing slime | 8/5/2011 |
| Q: i have a greencheeked conure she is 3 years old and is oozing slime from her beak pleas help A: -- This is something that cannot be handled at home unless you're a physician with access to a ... | |
| Aggressive Behavior | 8/5/2011 |
| Q: I have two female parakeets. They have shared the same cage for about four years. Just recently I ... A: -- I'm going to guess the cage is too small. What previously held two sweet companions is now close ... | |
| Parrot taiming | 8/4/2011 |
| Q: About a weak ago I got a 6 month old asiatic parrot. He is very aggressive, bites every time we try ... A: --No problem! In fact, I have a step by step for you that works in just a matter of days right ... | |
| suddenly biting hand tamed parrotlette | 8/4/2011 |
| Q: I have a male parrotlette which I’ve had for 2.5 years. He was hand tamed when I bought him as a ... A: -- Please don't give up. I had a young girl, about 20, start volunteering for my rescue about 5 ... | |
| 10 yr old Timneh African Grey | 8/3/2011 |
| Q: We recently adopted a 10 yr old Timneh African Grey named Cinco. We know little of his background ... A: -- Thank you for adopting this bird and trying so hard! Since his average lifespan should be in the ... | |
| african grey | 8/2/2011 |
| Q: I have had an african grey for 20yrs. (I got her when she was a baby so she is 20) At 18 she laid ... A: --"You" do not tell if she's blind unless you've spent 6 to 10 years studying veterinary sciences ... | |
| Parrot ingested bleach | 7/29/2011 |
| Q: I'm looking after my neighbors animals for a couple days and they have an African Grey Parrot. I ... A: - Believe it or not, this happens more than you think! Since it wasn't a great deal of chlorine and ... | |
| possible respiratory infection in african grey | 7/28/2011 |
| Q: My 6 year old african grey has had bacterial respiratory infection in the past . his avian vet is on ... A: -- Grey’s have a tendency to develop what can only be described as allergic reactions. --- ... | |
| suddenly biting hand tamed parrotlette | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a male parrotlette which I’ve had for 2.5 years. He was hand tamed when I bought him as a ... A: -- OK, follow me on this and please be patient, it WILL make sense: --- Though many parrots ... | |
| suddenly biting hand tamed parrotlette | 7/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a male parrotlette which I’ve had for 2.5 years. He was hand tamed when I bought him as a ... A: -- Think back to the very first time this happened - what was going on? Did you try to take him out ... | |
| Hi | 7/25/2011 |
| Q: I have a rose ringed parakeet(the green one). He is a talking bird. The problem is that last week we ... A: -- Almost every single disease, illness and even injury will present with these exact same symptoms. ... | |
| Parrot won't eat | 7/24/2011 |
| Q: I have a young, male Indian ringneck parakeet of whom I have had for about one month now.. When I ... A: -- Two questions: Why haven't you taken him to a vet? You do know that ALL birds need to have a ... | |
| band on cockatiel | 7/24/2011 |
| Q: We found a cockatiel recently that has a red band on its leg, with some letters and numbers. We'd ... A: Here are some examples that might help get you started: CAM828 A band like this would denote ... | |
| IRN 'Jailbreak' behaviour | 7/23/2011 |
| Q: I have had a 4mth old male Indian Ringneck for about a week now. He's an aviary chick with no line ... A: -- I'm going to bet that when he starts this jailbreaking behavior you do something about it, ... | |
| Indian Ringneck has lost his tail feathers... | 7/22/2011 |
| Q: our pet Indian Ringneck has lost his tail feathers courtesy of our dog who we never thought would ... A: -- I'm not very worried about the tailfeathers. Chances are good that they'll be back inside of 3 ... | |
| Indian Ring Neck | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: he used to be super friendly and we had a cyclone scare so he was travelling around in a small cage ... A: -- At least you realize your reaction wasn't right. Now it's time to start all over and make up for ... | |
| cockatiels screaming while I sleep | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: I work rotating shifts at work. sometimes I work early morning, sometimes late at night. ... A: --It isn't unusual for birds to want to wake up a flock member they feel is sleeping at an ... | |
| Macaw | 7/19/2011 |
| Q: My macaw is nearly 6 months old now. She has been weaned for a month, is happy, energetic and vey ... A: -- http://www.4animalcare.org/birds is the best place for overall care options AND feeding guide. ... | |
| Nanday Conure losing larger feathers | 7/19/2011 |
| Q: I noticed one morning that in the bottom of my nanday conure's cage were five feathers that were ... A: -- As long as you're not seeing actual bald or totally bare spots I believe you're seeing a normal ... | |
| African Grey Poisoning | 7/17/2011 |
| Q: I have a 13 month old African Grey named Skye. 2 and a half weeks ago we had our couches ... A: --The most heartbreaking stories are those like yours. Smart, well meaning owners given bad advice ... | |
| Traumatised Moustache Parakeet | 7/15/2011 |
| Q: I have recently inherited a male moustache parakeet. I only found out after about 6 months that ... A: -- I work with traumatized and abused birds all the time. Go here for step by step options to make ... | |
| Ring Neck Parakeet | 7/14/2011 |
| Q: We have a ringneck parakeet (Oscar) who is now 24 years old. He has an open cage and spends much of ... A: -- Depending on Oscar's overall diet over the many years you've loved him, he could be suffering ... | |
| riddex | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: can i use riddexpest repellent aid (as seen on tv) if i have cockatail and quaker birds in the ... A: -- I wouldn't. Two reasons: It really doesn't work and the sound pitch it makes MAY be heard by ... | |
| orang wing amazon parrot claws | 7/11/2011 |
| Q: Please could you tell me if an orange wing amazon parrot claws need to be cut? The bird is 1 year ... A: -- Yes. However, before attempting to do this yourself, have it done professionally to begin with ... | |
| African Grey | 7/8/2011 |
| Q: I have a 3 year old african grey that ive had for almost a year.. ive been trying to gain his trust ... A: -- You need to start all over again. There's a step by step guide I've created right here ... | |
| loss of grip | 7/5/2011 |
| Q: my little parrotlet zooky has been happy alday out in the sun,being his noisy usual self. but a ... A: -- You'll probably be surprised to hear this, but the vet is right! Whoever told you to feed this ... | |
| african grey sick? | 7/4/2011 |
| Q: my african grey that i have had over 10yrs is not talking the past 2 days nor eating much...watery ... A: -- Stop the antibiotic. You're describing a fungal infection and giving him exactly what will make ... | |
| green cheek conure's death | 7/3/2011 |
| Q: my bird Paco started laying eggs at age 10, 1 yr. ago, only bird, so they were infertile. She ... A: -- The last thing you need to do is heave the burden of guilt upon yourself during this time of ... | |
| Baby Indian ringneck | 7/3/2011 |
| Q: I recently bought an Indian ringneck of which I am hand feeding and have been doing so for about one ... A: -- Don't time your interaction, enjoy it. It's fine to have that bird out and with you most of the ... | |
| Virus | 7/1/2011 |
| Q: I just recently had my lovebird tested for the airborne feather virus that is highly contagious to ... A: --- Feather follicle examination and biopsy, as well as blood chemistry (PCR analysis) should ... | |
| Is this normal? | 6/29/2011 |
| Q: I have a baby lovebird she is 2 months old and I was wondering. I am still weaning her off her baby ... A: -- Yes. Babies spend a lot of time just eating and sleeping, but there should be more exploring ... | |
| Lutino cockatiel -sexing & talking | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a 6mth old handraised lutino cockatiel, given it is completely yellow with orange cheeks I ... A: -- With hopefully 18 more years ahead of you and Albie, don't you think you should be more patient? ... | |
| Biting | 6/25/2011 |
| Q: I have had my sun conure phoenix for 6 months now and her biting hasn't been terrible except lately ... A: -- The best and quickest guideline to make this stop and renew your relationship, or in this case, ... | |
| buying macaw eggs | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: Can I have contact no. and address of the seller who sells macaw eggs and what are the payment terms ... A: -- In all of my years as an avian expert I have never known any of these eggs to actually be ... | |
| My conures talking | 6/21/2011 |
| Q: My Green Cheek Conure turned 2 years old in March and he is still not talking, I know Conures don't ... A: -- He might not be talking, but he's been a wonderful listener right? -- When it comes to ... | |
| Preparing a CAG for a new baby and bonding issues | 6/21/2011 |
| Q: I have a CAG, Petrie, hatched 11/11/2009, who is well bonded with myself and my husband. She is VERY ... A: -- Let me go over the basics with you first - probably most of which you already know. You seem ... | |
| Blood feathers | 6/20/2011 |
| Q: i have a question my 9mo old Indian Ringneck has a problem where she has had a quite a few blood ... A: -- Blood feathers are not only normal, but healthy. What we don't want to see is a blood feather ... | |
| Conure Behavior | 6/19/2011 |
| Q: My conure seems to hate my husband. When he walks in to the room my bird screams the high pitched ... A: -- Yes, you can! You can turn this problem screamer into a pleasant bird if your husband is willing ... | |
| Quaker Behavior | 6/19/2011 |
| Q: My pet Quaker keeps scratching at and around his beak with his claws at the pinkish skin under and ... A: -- ALL birds should have regular check ups no less than once a year, preferably twice. -- All ... | |
| blood clots | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: I recently found my 5 year old blue and gold macaw dead.I had a vet do a autopsy and he said the ... A: -- Yeah, I suspected the worms, that's why I asked about indoor or outdoor aviary. It's extremely ... | |
| Lovebird is ill | 6/16/2011 |
| Q: My lovebird is 2 1/2 years old. She is my only bird, but has laid several clutches of eggs already. ... A: -- STOP the otc antibiotic and report that irresponsible and highly unqualified vet to authorities ... | |
| Parrot | 6/15/2011 |
| Q: Our parrot has been having a bad cold and cough for the past few days. She has also not been eating ... A: -- Here's a surprising fact: Birds don't just catch a cold and then fare well with kitchen cures. ... | |
| blood clots | 6/14/2011 |
| Q: I recently found my 5 year old blue and gold macaw dead.I had a vet do a autopsy and he said the ... A: -- I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I know how devastating this must be for you. Just from what ... | |
| galvanized cage for African Grey | 6/14/2011 |
| Q: sMy Grey is a little over 2 yrs. old. He eats and stays in a galvanized cage (18 years old). Is it ... A: -- I appreciate the opportunity to hopefully start putting an end to the myth about the vinegar ... | |
| introducing 2 different species of hen parrots | 6/14/2011 |
| Q: Rev S August Abbott: I live in Australia and I have recently adopted an Australian White Corella ... A: --Ahh, you see, I'm not a big fan of birds interacting with each other physically with the exception ... | |
| Help me find my sick cockatiel!! | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: Last night my pet cockatiel was acting very sick. She's somewhere between 7-10 years old, so we ... A: -- By the time a bird is noticeably ill, chances are that the problem has been brewing for some ... | |
| Love bird and princess parrot | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: my sister has a peach faced love bird who we had had for around about 8 months now but everytime you ... A: -- She isn't getting any better because you're using mammal techniques on a bird. She's terrified! ... | |
| Help | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: hey, i have had two budgies for a long long time but since the rescent tradgedy of one of them dying ... A: -- This bird is intelligent and more aware than most people think. He'll need time to mourn the ... | |
| Please help me! | 6/13/2011 |
| Q: hey, i recently cut my princess parrot tail feathers because they were all broken and yuck but now ... A: -- There's nothing you can do to make them grow faster. Hopefully you'll never do this again, ... | |
| 3 queries about Alexandrine Parrots | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: Dr. S.August Abbott , I have the below 3 queries about Alexandrine Parrots: Question One: At what ... A: -- The only question I can help with definitively is the last one. I have a step by step ... | |
| I'm getting my bird back after nearly 7 years | 6/12/2011 |
| Q: Will she remember me? I had her for 10 years when I lost my home and gave her to a friend of my ... A: -- There's a very good chance she'll have some memory of you, although probably less of the ... | |
| Baby Parrot.. | 6/11/2011 |
| Q: I have a baby parrot alexandrine of approx 4 months. Infact he is feeding by hand, During his ... A: -- If you are seeing droppings that look normal, the bird is eating. You should be getting regular ... | |
| Male solmon island eclectus | 6/10/2011 |
| Q: I am terrified , my male eclectus jumped off of a cage aprox 6ft high about 6 months ago, I tripped ... A: -- Yes, scrambled eggs are fine and including the shells is good too (wash shells before hand to be ... | |
| Male solmon island eclectus | 6/10/2011 |
| Q: I am terrified , my male eclectus jumped off of a cage aprox 6ft high about 6 months ago, I tripped ... A: --- Sometimes a tumor on the kidney will not appear on the outside of the body, but other symptoms ... | |
| Female Eclectus | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a female who is nearly 3 years old. Late last year, she started toe tapping and wing ... A: -- Wait, before going back to this vet, is the vet an actual avian vet? Do they typically see only ... | |
| african grey | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: . i recently got a 4 week old african grey everything is going fine hes really bonding with me but ... A: -- He's just a baby. In nature he wouldn't be sleeping alone at this age, he'd still be with his ... | |
| Birds and Bees (Literally not figuratively) | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: I have (or had) 2 conure parrots. One, Bindie Sue is definitely a boy (DNA tested - AFTER we named ... A: -- I'd be more concerned that somehow she ended up outside the cage. If the bar spacing is too ... | |
| moluccan | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: A friend of ours is looking to rehome an adult moluccan and asked if we would consider taking it for ... A: -- I think you should say 'yes'. Yesterday. Get this bird out of there now. First, the fact that ... | |
| Baby Indian ringneck | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: I recently put a deposit on a 2 month ol female ringneck, breeder said she would be ready in about 3 ... A: -- Perfect question! I've got every bit of info you'll need about how to ease her into your life ... | |
| Birds and Bees (Literally not figuratively) | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: I have (or had) 2 conure parrots. One, Bindie Sue is definitely a boy (DNA tested - AFTER we named ... A: - Short answer: No. It is highly unlikely and improbable that a bee either stung your bird (this one ... | |
| Suitable heating appliance | 6/5/2011 |
| Q: Winter is fast approaching and we are sourcing a heater to keep our home warm but it must be ... A: -- I would confirm that most of all there is no presence of polyetrafluoroethylene (teflon) or any ... | |
| Princess Parrot behaviour | 6/5/2011 |
| Q: S.August Abbott, Just over a year ago I bought a approx 10 week old handraised princess parrot, and ... A: -- There's a vicious circle happening here. The more you put him back in the cage and limit your ... | |
| my parakeets | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: my name is Kendale. my first question is!!!!!!!!!!! what type of nest should i use when ... A: -- Before you undertake breeding any bird for the first time, let me try to play devil’s advocate ... | |
| ringneck | 6/2/2011 |
| Q: as if it is itching. The he takes his claw and scratches the bottom of her mouth.. this happens ... A: --It's possible this is a molt and yes, birds' beaks molt. You should be providing a cuttlefish ... | |
| Nanday Conure throat surgery | 6/2/2011 |
| Q: I have a Nanday Conure whom I adore but his voice is tearing apart the family. He loves me and I ... A: -- He is already missing his vocal chords. Birds don't have them. --- Birds have vocal folds in a ... | |
| Parrot unable to fly | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: I bought a pair of love birds-small parrots 7 months ago since then we were giving them ... A: -- If you use the feeding options outlined here you should see a big result in about 3 months and ... | |
| Macaw entertainment | 6/1/2011 |
| Q: my boss has a macaw that has, out of boredom, developed a very bad and expensive habit of scratching ... A: -- Macaws and most other parrots, being incredibly intelligent and sentient, need challenges. I've ... | |
| Parrot Training | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: I have a Myers parrot that is roughly two years old (maybe three, I can't remember) and have been ... A: -- It's hard to say what they are, but since there are none now, they aren't causing any harm or ... | |
| Sun Conure BABY | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: he is now 5 weeks old - my partner and i have been hand feeding it from about 3 weeks of age we got ... A: --- Even the most experienced professional caregivers work with veterinarians during the baby rehab. ... | |
| 9 month old quaker parrot | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: yesterday my quaker parrot lost his tail feathers to a dog. he is obviously scared and when i try to ... A: -- The bird is traumatized and rightly so. A dog is going to do what a dog does, no matter how ... | |
| moustache parakeet eggs | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a female mustache parakeet. She is sitting on 3 eggs that she lay on the bottom of the cage. ... A: -- Clean the cage and try replacing the eggs. Be as discreet as possible, don't upset her too much. ... | |
| 20 year old Conure laying infertile eggs | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: My peach front conure is 20 years old this year, yes 20! She was hand fed by me and has never had a ... A: -- About 28 to 32 days before a bird abandons their eggs. The plucking underneath is often to ... | |
| Handfeeding baby conure | 5/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a question about Handfeeding a baby conure. I just bought a baby sun conure, is about a month ... A: -- Good question! I often moisten the pellets with plain water or a bit of all natural, organic ... | |
| Vomiting citron cockatoo | 5/29/2011 |
| Q: I have a 24 year old citron cockatoo that just vomited the contents of her crop on me. The food was ... A: --A bird that bobs its head up and down in a sort of pumping motion, beak open and then a purposeful ... | |
| Orange Wing Amazon | 5/29/2011 |
| Q: My Orange wing likes to dance with my son. But I am wondering if it is a mating dance. My son puts ... A: -- The bird is bonding and imitating. However, birds do begin to win mates by showing how ... | |
| 20 year old Conure laying infertile eggs | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: My peach front conure is 20 years old this year, yes 20! She was hand fed by me and has never had a ... A: -- There's no reason to take them. Leave them until she abandons them. Better yet, with slight of ... | |
| my conure's sneezing | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: I have a Nanday conure, Martha, that I rescued from a shelter 4 or 5 years ago. Martha and I are ... A: -- Wow, what a rescue. For both of you! Though not terribly common, it's not impossible for your ... | |
| senegal parrot and wood perch | 5/27/2011 |
| Q: I just recently took in a 15 year old Senegal from a coworker. He is really sweet and at the 5th day ... A: -- Please no grabbing. Think of it this way: You just don't feel like being touched sometimes ... | |
| Macaws together in aviary | 5/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a Scarlett, blue&gold and a Catalina macaw in a outside aviary during summer and heated bird ... A: --Yes, keeping each bird separate is your best option unless you can provide an environment (aviary, ... | |
| senegal parrot and wood perch | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: I just recently took in a 15 year old Senegal from a coworker. He is really sweet and at the 5th day ... A: -- You're right, various perches are necessary. Chances are that the bird had a frightening ... | |
| Baby Parrot | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: My first question,he weighs 357 grams is that a good weight ? Next is i was told to give him 35cc ... A: --- Pulling a chick for hand feeding should be done only about 2 weeks before they’ll wean (which ... | |
| My parrotlet wont relax? | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: i have a male parrotlet(Mikey), and he's about 1 year old. currently his wings aren't clipped. we ... A: --- When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let ... | |
| Parrot beak | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: I just received a Quaker Parrot yesterday. It's beak is dry and cracked looking, but not peeling or ... A: -- Chances are what you're seeing is normal molt. It's that time of year. Just be sure your bird ... | |
| Ringneck baby | 5/23/2011 |
| Q: Sir, i have one indian ringneck baby maybe about 1.5 or 2 months old, i dont know the exact age as i ... A: -- The bird is likely suffering from malnutrition. You are feeding it human food when it's not ... | |
| Traveling with Black Headed Caique | 5/22/2011 |
| Q: I plan on traveling by car from Buffalo, NY to Southwest Florida for two months next winter. I will ... A: -- The best cage option is the one that fits comfortably in the car with the seat belt, including ... | |
| Lovebird Cannot Walk | 5/21/2011 |
| Q: I have 2 lovebirds that recently breeded. In fact, the baby lovebird is now 1 month old. However, ... A: -- Try this: Offer ½ spoon of all natural, organic baby food (squash, yams, sweet potatoes, mixed ... | |
| Feeding baby blue n gold macaw | 5/21/2011 |
| Q: I have a 3 wk old blue n gold macaw and I wanted to no how many cc's should he b eating . Also when ... A: -- Why has the baby been pulled this early? This is a very, very dangerous procedure for someone ... | |
| african grey | 5/21/2011 |
| Q: I have a african grey parrot who is 19 years old. Five months ago he developed a small egg shaped ... A: -- I'm not sure what you expect over the internet. Even if a vet or other professional were to ... | |
| Lovebird Diet | 5/20/2011 |
| Q: Good Evening, I am since today the owner of a new lovebird aged 8 weeks - a lutino. I would like to ... A: -- Seed has become completely unnecessary with our companion birds. Quite honestly, even in the ... | |
| aspiration | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: what are the chances of aspiration in adult cockatiels. what are the symptoms. And what treatment is ... A: -- A vet should first hold a stethoscope to the bird at multiple sites and listen for rales, ... | |
| aspiration | 5/18/2011 |
| Q: what are the chances of aspiration in adult cockatiels. what are the symptoms. And what treatment is ... A: -- It depends on what is being done and how. If administering medicine too quickly or with the ... | |
| Cockatiels in threes? | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: I have a young pearl cockatiel, and I want to get him a companion, however there are TWO that I am ... A: -- Multiple birds need housing that you may not be prepared to provide. 3 'tiels would require at ... | |
| Blue & Gold Macaw | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: I am trying to adopt "Bentley bird" from a friend who can no longer keep him. She's had him for 7 ... A: --There are no 'bad' birds, just misunderstandings. You might find it surprising to learn that ... | |
| SC GCC | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: can 2 bonded female conures (Sun conure and green cheek) be in the same cage as a single male Sun ... A: --- Unless you have an aviary that's at least 6' tall and at least that wide and deep, with ... | |
| Handfeeding baby conure | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: I have a question about Handfeeding a baby conure. I just bought a baby sun conure, is about a month ... A: -- The one thing I recommend when it comes to devoted owners who truly love their birds, is to trust ... | |
| indian ringneck vision | 5/11/2011 |
| Q: please tell me can Indian ring neck see colours?????????? A: -- Birds can see more colors than we can. They see the ultraviolet light in full spectrum, which is ... | |
| Yogurt for sick parrot??? | 5/11/2011 |
| Q: I have a B&G macaw, an African Grey, and a budgie. All three developed foul smelling droppings ... A: --As just about every professional will tell you (or should tell you), birds don't die nearly as ... | |
| sun conure egg laying | 5/11/2011 |
| Q: I have a pair of sun conures and one egg has appeared. It has been several days. They have about a ... A: --Excellent questions! And when it comes to egg bound, if you even suspect it you need to get her ... | |
| Weird Green Cheek Conure | 5/11/2011 |
| Q: I recently bought a Green Cheek Conure Parrot and have had him only a week. He is very very very ... A: --1) He's tired and self soothing, OR he's sick and cold. If this happens a lot or he seems to be ... | |
| refusing to eat. | 5/10/2011 |
| Q: my baby macaw (morgan)came home last week at 11 wks of age. morgan was born on 2/14/11.everything ... A: -- You haven't mentioned what kind of macaw. Also, are you doing regular weights with a gram scale? ... | |
| stargazing? | 5/10/2011 |
| Q: I have a one year old parakeet who is disable with splayed legs. She is such a wonderful smart bird. ... A: -- Gosh, I'm so sorry for this little bird. If the breeder caught the splay leg early enough and ... | |
| Help in handfeeding 3 weeks old Alexandrine | 5/9/2011 |
| Q: i have adopted a couple Alexandrine who lay eggs every year since i have them but only this year ... A: --- When chicks die at several weeks old after seemingly feeding and growing normally it’s not ... | |
| Blue Mask Love Birds behaviour. | 5/9/2011 |
| Q: I bought blue masked love birds around 4 weeks earlier. Since they have been moved to their new ... A: --- Before you undertake breeding any bird for the first time, let me try to play devil’s advocate ... | |
| Congo African Grey | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: I just bought my African grey in April she is 3 monthes old and still weening but I noticed that ... A: -- It sounds like she just hasn't learned to perch yet. You have a very intelligent species of ... | |
| Amazon losing feathers | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: My amazon is 19 years old and has laid 7 eggs since Nov/Dec. Most recently she laid 2. She wasn't ... A: -- Hi Barbara, I'm sorry you're feeling so stressed over this, but I totally understand. At 19 yrs ... | |
| Parakeet | 5/7/2011 |
| Q: I recently bought a Budgie parakeet. I'm not positive how old she is but based on coloring I have ... A: -- You may be seeing what is referred to "Wing Web Dermatitis". You'll want to keep the area ... | |
| ringneck parrot is losing her feathers | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: our parrot is losing her feather on her head, wings, tail, and every where else she has toys many of ... A: -- At this time of year you could be seeing a regular, major molt. Those 'quills' you see ... | |
| my macaw sneezing | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: My macaw sneezies alot what can i do at home for him i have no money for a vet need help at home he ... A: -- Actually, if this is a blue and gold macaw what you're seeing is pretty common. Our blue & ... | |
| 14 yo b&g macaw pushing head into my stomach | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: I've had my macaw since he was a hatchling. I call him a he but have never had him sexed so he could ... A: -- He/she was "digging" - which is a nesting behavior and they will often do this to the point of ... | |
| ripping things out | 5/4/2011 |
| Q: In October my family was given a scarlet macaw that an owner did not want. we got him toys and ... A: -- You are very smart and obviously determined to follow this through. Nice job and on behalf of ... | |
| rosa bourkes | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: you recently responded via email Hello! The expert can't answer your question. Following is the ... A: -- On this end I can't see your previous question to me - so the question came through as someone ... | |
| Recently acquired rehomed severe | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: Dr. Abbott, I picked up an 11 year old severe that I am adopting (my sister in law took the Amazon ... A: -- It's true about severe's preferring just one bond, but with regular work and socialization they ... | |
| my sun conure is acting funny | 5/1/2011 |
| Q: My sun conure began acting funny yesterday and this morning. She is still eating and drinking, ... A: By the time a bird is noticeably ill, chances are that the problem has been brewing for some time. ... | |
| Lovebird | 4/30/2011 |
| Q: I have a 10 week old lovebird that I hand raised, and just lately he's been biting me. He's playing, ... A: -- Parrots love our company, despite how it may seem otherwise. The biting might overly enthusiastic ... | |
| Rescued African Grey | 4/29/2011 |
| Q: My wife and I rescued an African Grey from a pet store about 2 weeks ago. We noticed that he seemed ... A: -- Oh how wonderful to hear from a responsible, intelligent and patient home such as yours. What a ... | |
| ripping things out | 4/29/2011 |
| Q: In October my family was given a scarlet macaw that an owner did not want. we got him toys and ... A: -- I'm glad you rescued this beauty. You're very lucky that he's not a problem in the way of biting ... | |
| macaws and laying eggs | 4/28/2011 |
| Q: I have done some reading on birds being egg bound and am concerned because I plan on getting a ... A: -- I can answer that question with one word: chickens. Every day, the eggs we buy by the dozen in ... | |
| Bird Sneezing and runny nose | 4/25/2011 |
| Q: I have a blue and gold macaw. We have moved our 19 birds to the screened in back porch. Now our blue ... A: -- Eeek! No, no, no! There are quite a few possible causes of sneezing with a bird. --- Most ... | |
| indian ringneck | 4/25/2011 |
| Q: Is a boy as I have just notice he has blood in the bottom on his cage and it looks like a blood clot ... A: Birds don’t actually go into a ‘heat’, but they sure do engage in some similar behaviors once ... | |
| I need tasteless vitamins for my Red Lored Amazon | 4/25/2011 |
| Q: I purchased Nekton S vitamins for my Red Lored Amazon Parrot. I had been using them everyday on his ... A: -- Don't you think it would be a far better choice to have your beloved companion get their ... | |
| Parrotlets bad feathers and female weakness and curved toes | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: My female and male parrotlets, approximately 3 years, have ongoing loss of feathers--female most ... A: If your birds are hookbilled (parrots), no grit. No, no, no grit. It's not an opinion, it's ... | |
| Baby Conures two weeks old | 4/22/2011 |
| Q: My Conure had two babies about two weeks ago and she has been taking good care of them up until this ... A: -- Often, this behavior is because the mom feels threatened. Have you been looking in on them too ... | |
| Cockatiel Problems | 4/21/2011 |
| Q: S.August Abbott, My cockatiel Blaze, laid a egg and was being very protective and its only been 2 ... A: -- If the hen is ignoring her egg, the male should be taking care of it. If you don't have a proper ... | |
| Bird fight | 4/21/2011 |
| Q: . i initially had 2 love birds , one day one of them flew away so we got another one. Now theses two ... A: -- You need to tell the pet shop to check this other bird for disease. Lovebirds don't just die ... | |
| Bird fight | 4/20/2011 |
| Q: . i initially had 2 love birds , one day one of them flew away so we got another one. Now theses two ... A: -- Medication that YOU can take? Ask your doctor. As for medicating birds for acting like they're ... | |
| Umbrella Cockatoo feather plucking | 4/20/2011 |
| Q: I have a female umbrella cockatoo that is about 2.5 yrs old. She was hand fed on Zupreem and then ... A: -- It sounds like you are doing a fine job already with your bird, so please relax. The Zupreem ... | |
| rescued a 21 yr old bare eyed cockatoo | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: Rico is a bare eyed cockatoo I rescued from an animal hoarder. Rico we quess is around 21yr. He is a ... A: --Bless your heart for taking in this sweet bird and being so unconditional. You are doing the ... | |
| Separating bonded parrots | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: An aquaintance of mine must re-home her parrots. one is a double yellow headed amazon, the other a ... A: -- This is a truly difficult situation. No matter how you do this, the birds are going to be ... | |
| Parrotlets bad feathers and female weakness and curved toes | 4/18/2011 |
| Q: My female and male parrotlets, approximately 3 years, have ongoing loss of feathers--female most ... A: -- These symptoms are nearly always associated with nutritional deficiency and although it's obvious ... | |
| Diet | 4/17/2011 |
| Q: I read things all over the Internet. One question is always on my mind, and it is what kind of ... A: -- Good question! And oh heaven no, never avocado! What you have to watch out for when you go to ... | |
| Aggressive Parrot | 4/16/2011 |
| Q: When she sees or hears children she becomes very aggressive and i was wondering why she does this? ... A: --- Children (especially younger ones), have higher pitches in their voices and tend toward jerky ... | |
| Amazon parrot broken wing | 4/16/2011 |
| Q: my husband and I recenty rescued a 5 month old yellow crowned amazon parrot from the hands of ... A: --- First and most importantly, do not use internet or pet store ANYTHING when it comes to ... | |
| Indian ringneck parrot | 4/16/2011 |
| Q: I recently got a male Indian Ringneck parrot, and I was just wondering he is 3 years old can he be ... A: -- These two birds are very, very similar in temperament and personality. What matters the most ... | |
| Indian ringneck parrot | 4/15/2011 |
| Q: I recently got a male Indian Ringneck parrot, and I was just wondering he is 3 years old can he be ... A: -- Even birds that have been poorly treated for 20-30 and more years are willing to give humans ... | |
| I have two Indian Ringneck Parrots from the same clutch.. | 4/14/2011 |
| Q: They are just barely four months, so it's not quite a worry yet, but; If they end up being male and ... A: -- You're very right that it's far too early to be a concern (mating); however, you have more to ... | |
| Extremely Aggressive Caique | 4/11/2011 |
| Q: I have a black headed caique, Teddy, whom I have had for about 2 years. He was 6 years old when I ... A: --- What you're describing is called "fear aggression" and it's not at all uncommon in ALL birds, ... | |
| Rosa Bourke Parakeets | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: Dr I bought a pair of Rosa Bourkes yesterday from an auction(as seen). On getting home my hen is ... A: --- I believe you're seeing an inner ear infection. When the middle ear, cranial bones or ... | |
| My Parrots Feathers Are Falling. | 4/9/2011 |
| Q: I have 9 year old male Indian ring neck parrot.From last six months its feathers are falling.Most ... A: --- There are quite a few possible causes for what you're seeing and in more than 90% of all ... | |
| Peach-faced Lovebird | 4/8/2011 |
| Q: My lovebird has suddenly (last week or so) started to bite and tends to stay in her tent bed alot ... A: --- I think you're seeing territorial and mating associated behavior. Bear with me here: --- ... | |
| Baby African Grey | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: I recently asked you about my baby African grey regarding her not being weaned. She also reefuses to ... A: -- I can appreciate you wanting her to have a lot of freedom, but you're starting out with too much. ... | |
| African Grey Injury | 4/7/2011 |
| Q: My mom has a 10 yr old african grey, 2 days ago he escaped from his cage and attempted to take ... A: -- It is very possible that he will recover. Sometimes there's an inflammation internally, perhaps ... | |
| Alexandrine | 4/6/2011 |
| Q: I have an alexandrine parrot of 2 years. I found that behind her neck & also her face & chest is ... A: -- I have no idea why these meds would be recommended for air sac problems, but if this vet sees ... | |
| baby peach face | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: for the last 2 weeks i have been hand raising a baby peach face. yesterday he seemed a bit different ... A: --- Chicks that fail to thrive usually die in their first few days of hatching. There may be a ... | |
| rescued a 21 yr old bare eyed cockatoo | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: My husband & I rescued Rico from a garage,minimal attention & food. He appears in good feather I ... A: -- Yes! You're on the right track and I'm quite happy to hear that not only has this incredibly ... | |
| my parrot | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: just yesterday i got a parrot from one of my relatives and we want him to be free in the house with ... A: -- Well, once you get him back into his cage consider it a valuable lesson learned and let's start ... | |
| naked bird | 4/5/2011 |
| Q: I too have a lovebird who has a naked neck and a naked spot on his shoulder with no feathers. It is ... A: --Let's start at the most serious part of this: STOP using those mite sprays! They are absolutely ... | |
| Cockatiel bones making a crunching noise? | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: I have 2 teils, brother and sister bought from a reputable breeder at 3 months - they are now 8 ... A: --What? This guy says that because the birds are healthy they don't need a vet? He is a disgrace ... | |
| Parrot sitting on infertile eggs | 4/4/2011 |
| Q: My 17 year old African grey has been laying infertile eggs once a year for the past 3 years. She has ... A: -- Do it one at a time. It usually works. One on one day; another on the next day, etc.. -- I've ... | |
| " Weaning African Grey Baby " | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: I recently purchased an African grey and she ( Suki ) is 6 months old. I brought her home and she ... A: --- When it’s time to wean a bird it’s a stressful event, often for both the bird and the human. ... | |
| stressed cockatoo | 4/1/2011 |
| Q: I have a one year old male sulphur crested cockatoo that seems to bee losing his feathers due to ... A: -- First, NO sunflower seeds. NO peanuts (just in case you're giving them too) and NO seeds for his ... | |
| Parrots age/food. | 3/30/2011 |
| Q: Good morning, Doctor, We have bought a parrot three weeks ago, I would like to know how can we ... A: -- Peanuts and sunflower seeds are common, very inexpensive foods that are well liked by parrots so ... | |
| cockatiel age? | 3/29/2011 |
| Q: She moulted before I got her and she has been Raising her tail and lowering her head trying to get ... A: -- She's probably at least a year old, perhaps slightly more. It isn't unheard of for pet stores to ... | |
| Getting her out | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: I recently got a Rosa Bourke Parrot and I was wondering how to get her out of the cage When I put my ... A: -- First, you need to establish trust. Open the door and offer treats, toys or just pleasant ... | |
| left claw | 3/25/2011 |
| Q: my quaker parrot pickle injured her left claw about 3 yrs ago. since then, she now will take the ... A: - I don't think an Xray would show anything and the pain meds are prudent. Keep them up. I'm very ... | |
| watery eyes | 3/24/2011 |
| Q: my parrot has had watery eyes for the past 2 weeks is there anything i can do for her? A: Eye redness, swelling, discharge are on the list of signs of illness in our companion birds (look ... | |
| Parrots age/food. | 3/17/2011 |
| Q: Good morning, Doctor, We have bought a parrot three weeks ago, I would like to know how can we ... A: -- How soon the eyes open may vary among different species of parrot, but since these are all pretty ... | |
| Bowel movement | 3/14/2011 |
| Q: Just weaning a African Gray. No more hand feeding. Stoped 3/11. he is on pellets anf fruit and ... A: -- If colored pellets, the droppings may have bright solids (the center part that looks like thick ... | |
| sneezing blue and gold | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: S.August Abbott we have a 2 year old blue and gold ,the last 2 months he sneezes every couople af ... A: -- You've done the right thing in taking the bird to the vet and ruling infection out. As long ... | |
| Baby Sun Conure Parrot | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: My baby bird was born on January 24 2011. We have two small dogs in the house that are very curious. ... A: -- I believe that for their confidence and emotional security, all birds should learn to fly. ... | |
| Cockatiel bones making a crunching noise? | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: I have 2 teils, brother and sister bought from a reputable breeder at 3 months - they are now 8 ... A: -- I'm so sorry to hear about the vet doing a terrible and such traumatic job on these birds, but ... | |
| Indian Ringneck Parrot | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: I have a 1 year male Indian Ringneck, I have noticed within the last month that there is something ... A: -- I can only go over a few possibilities for you here, but he really needs to be seen quickly ok? ... | |
| macaw diet breeding | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: i have got back in breeding macaws.i did it from 1963 to1989.i never had blank eggs.i do know almost ... A: -- The quality pellet base is excellent, but you don't need to complicate things with various ... | |
| My African Grey seems traumatized | 3/9/2011 |
| Q: I have an African Grey parrot for two and a half years now and his name is Mithu. Recently he had an ... A: -- No matter what, don't give up. Yes, he's very intelligent and probably upset at all this, so ... | |
| cockatoo | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: i have a male umbrella, he's about 24 years old. for about the past year he has been chewing on his ... A: -- A vet put a collar on him without finding out the underlying causation? Time to get a new vet, ... | |
| weiro | 3/8/2011 |
| Q: My daughters weiro flew out of the house today and we have no sightings of her. Will she be able to ... A: Now we know why keeping their wings clipped is essential. All it takes is one little mistake, ... | |
| Cockatoo | 3/7/2011 |
| Q: Just got this cockatoo and was wondering what is the ideal room temperature would be to keep him ... A: -- Pretty much what's comfortable for you is fine for the bird. Preferably no colder than about 65 ... | |
| Pairing of Blue and Golds for Breeding | 3/6/2011 |
| Q: I have two males and a female blue and gold macaw. I am in an area that has an interest in larger ... A: --- Breeding these birds is actually highly frowned upon these days. They live to be in their 60's ... | |
| Follow Up of my question on African Grey baby | 3/5/2011 |
| Q: I ran out of follow ups that are allowed. Do you feel that a truly hand fed African Grey baby right ... A: -- Waste of money. Stick to a quality pellet formula for a base diet, plenty of fresh foods and a ... | |
| Re; Conure beaks | 3/5/2011 |
| Q: We bought a green cheek conure four months ago, I have noticed he does not use his cuttle bone. I am ... A: -- This one is easy: Not all birds care for their cuttlefish bone, so also install a mineral block. ... | |
| Concerned About Amazon Bowel Movements | 3/4/2011 |
| Q: I noticed my 12 yr old Blue Front Amazon (Coco) straining while going potty. I looked underneath him ... A: -- So far, everything this vet has done is right and prudent. I think what you're seeing is ... | |
| introducing a new bird to an established bird | 3/3/2011 |
| Q: We have a 3 year old sun conure that we got as a baby and believe its a female. We recently just ... A: -- If you have a multiple number of parrots, whether a budgie/parakeet or big macaw, I strongly ... | |
| rosella parrot | 3/2/2011 |
| Q: i have a one year old rosella who was ill on monday and the vet said he was regurgitating his food. ... A: == There are all sorts of reasons your bird might be suffering like this. Just some ... | |
| egg laying | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: n.a paper as being male.With in the last two days he has been very strange and this morning we ... A: -- Quite a surprise isn't it? In a small number of cases, the DNA results are wrong. Usually it ... | |
| parrotlet scared | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: my blue pacific parrotlet has been with me for 2 weeks and is still terrified of me. I ... A: -- When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let them ... | |
| Follow Up of my question on African Grey baby | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: I ran out of follow ups that are allowed. Do you feel that a truly hand fed African Grey baby right ... A: -- Yes. After a scary trip the bird will react solely on instincts. Most often that will be ... | |
| Shipping a 10 week old African Grey baby via airplane cargo for 4-5 hours | 3/1/2011 |
| Q: I'd like to know whether it's safe for a 10 week old African Grey baby to be transported via ... A: -- Yes, that would be a very good option. Plus daily fresh foods as outline on the site ... | |
| Shipping a 10 week old African Grey baby via airplane cargo for 4-5 hours | 2/28/2011 |
| Q: I'd like to know whether it's safe for a 10 week old African Grey baby to be transported via ... A: -- You need to be sure the vet is avian experienced. Be sure to check it out first and always, ... | |
| Shipping a 10 week old African Grey baby via airplane cargo for 4-5 hours | 2/28/2011 |
| Q: I'd like to know whether it's safe for a 10 week old African Grey baby to be transported via ... A: -- It is not a good idea to ship any bird that is not fully weaned and secure in feeding itself. ... | |
| green cheeked conurs | 2/27/2011 |
| Q: i have pair of green cheeked conures they have been bought up together , but recently the make has ... A: If the cage is too small this would cause stress and frustration that might result in this behavior. ... | |
| Parrotlet question | 2/27/2011 |
| Q: if not how much is it to fly him to england.thanks very much. A: -- There are likely lengthy quarantine periods for birds from the US to England. A bond won't be ... | |
| jenday conure question | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: Hey I have a jenday conure, which i been having for the last two years... well i dont really know ... A: --- To specifically answer your q's: Sexing must be done via DNA with these birds and it really ... | |
| red lored amazon, possibly getting a second bird | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a red lored amazon, about 10 years old, have had since he was a baby. He's a wonderful pet, ... A: ---With patience and the proper introduction you should do ok. Just allow that the new bird will ... | |
| Cocktails Breeding & Nesting. | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I have a pair of cocktails right now and they have 5 chicks. Only 2 have come out of the pot/nest ... A: -- If you're going to breed it's essential to get them off seeds. Seeds end up depleting their ... | |
| Cocktails Breeding & Nesting. | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: I have a pair of cocktails right now and they have 5 chicks. Only 2 have come out of the pot/nest ... A: -- If you truly love your birds please don't encourage them to breed anymore. Do your best to ... | |
| African grey | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: Got a 6 month old African grey, who we've had no problems with until today, noticed that his ... A: -- One of the best ways to gauge a bird's health is monitoring droppings. One of the top danger ... | |
| Birds foot | 2/7/2011 |
| Q: My son rolled on our bird who was hiding under a pillow..she is 7 month old Parotlet. She is ... A: -- Where I am, a full exam is $40. Xrays extra. Yes, Xrays are absolutely necessary. Even though ... | |
| Spider Bites? | 2/4/2011 |
| Q: My friend recently lost 2 birds suddenly and unexpectedly, a Cockatiel and an African Grey, both ... A: -- Perhaps they were fed a predominantly seed diet? That would explain it. The birds who seem ... | |
| egg yolk peritonitis | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: i have a 2 yr old cockaiel. she laid 11 eggs the 1st yr n 9 eggs the 2nd yr. rt now this yr she has ... A: -- You would likely have seen symptoms of peritonitis at this point and a little stumble isn't apt ... | |
| 30 yr old african grey needs rehoming | 2/3/2011 |
| Q: I have come across a 30 year old African Grey who was brought into a pet shop in Johannesburg, South ... A: These are long lived birds and you might expect him to reach 60-65 years old; however, though he'll ... | |
| my parrot | 2/2/2011 |
| Q: 3 year ago wash my parrot with cloth washing powder after these in one month his all feather is go ... A: -- Using washing powder on your bird should not be done, but I believe you know that now. As for ... | |
| AFRICAN GREY PARROTS | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: I HAVE 2 AFRICAN GREYS THEY HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR ABOUT 4YRS... MY FEMALE JUST STARTED LAYING EGGS ... A: --- I'm going to post way more info than you asked for here, but there's a reason, so keep reading: ... | |
| African Grey laying unfertilized eggs | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: About three weeks ago my Grey has laid a total of 4 eggs within a few days of each other. She sits ... A: When a bird lays she’s got a very increased risk for egg binding or Dystocia, both potentially life ... | |
| question | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: I just bought a redneck male parrot which is nearly one year old. Now the thing which disturbs me ... A: -- There's a need for so much info here that you'd be better served by looking at this page where ... | |
| cockatoo with bloody stools | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: I am living in Thailand and our bird vet is gone. My two year old sulfer crested cockatoo is having ... A: -- I'm truly sorry, but no, there are absolutely no medications you can use to treat something you ... | |
| parrot problem | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: I have a question about our parrot. It is an african gray parrot. She laid an egg a week ago now. ... A: --- Is the egg in there? Did you take the egg away? Did she abandon the egg? Go here ... | |
| african grey | 1/28/2011 |
| Q: i have an african grey who was born in april 2010. he is usually very 'chatty' and quite loud! ... A: -- It appears that now is as good a time as any to have your regular vet visit right? ALL birds ... | |
| mollucan cockatoo | 1/27/2011 |
| Q: My mollucan cockatoo is 7 yrs old. I've had him since he was one. He had many surgeries prior to ... A: -- Chances are, as you suspect, you created this behavior by reacting to it. However, before I'd ... | |
| Parrotlet eating seeds | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: I have a parakeet and a parrotlet. They have become really close, and the parrotlet often does what ... A: --- A diet consisting mostly of pelleted food supplemented with fresh fruits, vegetables, grains ... | |
| Depression in Senegal Parrot | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: Our Senegal Parrot is 16 years old and when we travel we have always placed him with the same ... A: -- I have to commend you on monitoring his weight like you are. Excellent! Not everyone realizes ... | |
| Quaker Parrot | 1/24/2011 |
| Q: I just lost my quaker parrot. He was only about 1 1/2 years old. I got up this morning and took his ... A: I am so very sorry for your loss. You must be heartbroken. The thing about birds is that they ... | |
| African Grey | 1/24/2011 |
| Q: I have a dilema, and woundering if you can offer some advice. Due to unforseen reasons it is likly ... A: -- How about a friend or neighbor stopping by and sitting there watching t.v. for 1/2 hour or so ... | |
| My conure laid a couple of eggs | 1/23/2011 |
| Q: My conure laid a couple of eggs and my mom and I are not sure what to do. We have a male parakeet ... A: --- Before I go any further, this bird needs vet intervention right now. When you get back you can ... | |
| Why are dryers deadly to birds? | 1/22/2011 |
| Q: what do hair dryers, blow dryers, candles, toasters, and air fresheners have in common that could ... A: -- Many modern hair dryers have teflon coated components in order to make them last longer. In ... | |
| Red Bellied Parrot | 1/20/2011 |
| Q: I have a few questions for you with regards to a Red Bellied Parrot I'm getting ready to purchase. ... A: -- Pet stores like this are the reason so many of us want bird sales completely discontinued. This ... | |
| Aggressive Sun Conure | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: I picked her (or him?) up in a pet shop in upstate NY, and later got two dogs. After I got dogs, I ... A: -- You have good instincts and are probably right that the biting is a method of control. When she ... | |
| lovebird surgery | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: I need some advise, one of my lovebirds, I use a towel in her case as a cover so she goes in the ... A: -- I understand what you're asking about the skin discoloration after injury and returning to ... | |
| Over Excitedly Regurgitaion | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: I got a Macaw about 8 months ago, the Vet had me switch her to pellets from seeds... I am her 5th ... A: -- OK, let's take this one thing at a time. You don't have to change everything at once. She ... | |
| Over Excitedly Regurgitaion | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: I got a Macaw about 8 months ago, the Vet had me switch her to pellets from seeds... I am her 5th ... A: --I commend you for asking about this and not wanting to give your precious macaw drugs. Was this ... | |
| Eating | 1/17/2011 |
| Q: I have been babysitting my friends Scarlett Maccaw for about six years. She still adores him. On ... A: -- Is the bird still making droppings? What do they look like? Still drinking? It's very ... | |
| Weiro | 1/17/2011 |
| Q: Can you help. My male Weiro appox 2 yrs old is plucking at it's feathers. It chews itself bald ... A: -- First and most importantly: Stop spraying that junk and throw it away. Let's put those ... | |
| African Grey-Bacterial Infection?? | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: My African Grey Nikki is almost 18. She became 'quiet' and her droppings looked too 'wet' to me, so ... A: -- When it comes to birds, the biggest problem is that one symptom might be for multiple possible ... | |
| Parrotlet Problem | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: Abbott, We have a young pet parrotlet. She is now between 11-12 months. We absolutely adore her and ... A: -- You're really doing everything you can. Now it's a matter of time. Of course I'd prefer a test ... | |
| African Grey-Bacterial Infection?? | 1/15/2011 |
| Q: My African Grey Nikki is almost 18. She became 'quiet' and her droppings looked too 'wet' to me, so ... A: -- The first thing I'd be sure of is the diagnosis. Here are a couple other top things to look ... | |
| Goffin cockatoo biting | 1/14/2011 |
| Q: We just adopted a male Goffins Cockatoo from a rescue. He really likes my husband. I have a female ... A: Hands are a common fear of caged birds. A hand entering their cage can sometimes launch them into a ... | |
| Is it her first molt or should I be concerned? | 1/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a 4 1/2 month old sun conure. I have been a bit worried due to a rather sudden onset of what ... A: -- If you really want to do this right, and I believe you do, here's what's next: Every single ... | |
| Janday Conure sneezing | 1/13/2011 |
| Q: my Janday conure "Max" has been sneezing continuously for about 10 mins.His beak seems to be wet and ... A: -- At this time it is absolutely necessary to take him to a vet. He has a respiratory infection ... | |
| "shy" behavior of senegal parrot | 1/12/2011 |
| Q: My sennie is nearly three and a half years old and has been living with me since he (she? - I'm not ... A: -- Psittacines DO get embarrassed. These are very intelligent, sentient birds and they exhibit an ... | |
| sun conure loses mate | 1/11/2011 |
| Q: I adopted two sun conures from the spca about three years ago i suspect they were young because they ... A: -- This is a very good question. Let me pose one to you: If you lost your own husband, wife, ... | |
| My parrott | 1/10/2011 |
| Q: I have a African grey parrot which I have had for 10 years, that whistled and talked regularly. ... A: -- Birds do not stop behaving normally 'for no reason'. He's sick. Very sick. At this point there ... | |
| Green Cheek Conure w bugs | 1/10/2011 |
| Q: My daughter has a Green Cheek Conure who we have just discovered has some type of bug infestation. ... A: -- This IS strange. Fruit flies aren't a problem for birds. They're just annoying, but harmless. ... | |
| Caique | 1/9/2011 |
| Q: "Hi, I have a cauique and he is a great bird. just one or two things. number one he screams ... A: -- I think the problem is that his cage is in your room. -- I'm going to bet that you get up at ... | |
| Parrotlet Problem | 1/8/2011 |
| Q: Abbott, We have a young pet parrotlet. She is now between 11-12 months. We absolutely adore her and ... A: You saved her life! I suspected the calcium deficiency. I suspect she's a big seed eater right? ... | |
| Superb Parrot | 1/8/2011 |
| Q: My partner and I have recently been given our stepmum's male superb parrot and a hand-reared male ... A: -- How would you feel if one day someone showed up at your door, pushed their way into your home and ... | |
| pet female single pigeon bloody stool | 1/6/2011 |
| Q: I am wondering why my pet pigeon is bleeding from her opening. It is mixed with poop and there ... A: -- I hope this gets to you in time. We aren't a live site and questions aren't always monitored ... | |
| Parrotlet Problem | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: Abbott, We have a young pet parrotlet. She is now between 11-12 months. We absolutely adore her and ... A: -- Jonathan, I commend you and Caroline on having sharp instincts and smart insights. You're right ... | |
| Can these species of parrots live together ? | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: I have ordered a 8ft by 4ft by 4ft cage to serve as a small aviary. I currently have one male indian ... A: A popular question I get is whether or not two birds can share the same cage. Often the ... | |
| Restricted toe on macaw | 1/3/2011 |
| Q: My 24 week old green wing macaw as a problem with a toe. She was born with three toes farward an one ... A: -- Unfortunately, anyone can be a breeder. Sadly, lack of education in the animal field often leads ... | |
| re | 1/2/2011 |
| Q: i have a tame sun conure yesterday i brought a new jendy coure the new bird is so scared and does ... A: ---When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let them ... | |
| Male and Female Sunconure behavior | 12/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a very sweet male sunconure for 10 years. The snuggles, hand fed apples twice a day by my ... A: -- How long did it take you to fall in love or get married ? Birds as intelligent as these birds ... | |
| Plucking African Gray | 12/29/2010 |
| Q: My African Gray belonged to a couple who had gotten a divorce. She was attached to the wife, but the ... A: -- This is heartbreaking! Grays are probably the top ranked of all psittacines when it comes to ... | |
| Quaker Bird | 12/28/2010 |
| Q: Hey there I just bought a Quaker bird that is about 4 to 5 months old and they hand fed the bird but ... A: -- Right now. It's easy to 'teach' a bird the basics. All you have to do is say what you're doing ... | |
| conure laying eggs | 12/28/2010 |
| Q: My mother has a Sunburst Conure and though she was a boy until she laid an egg yesterday. Her ... A: -- Obviously, first things first: You must absolutely have a vet that knows birds or it's as ... | |
| Quaker Bird | 12/28/2010 |
| Q: Hey there I just bought a Quaker bird that is about 4 to 5 months old and they hand fed the bird but ... A: -- Oh yes, your bird should be weaned. --- When it’s time to wean a bird it’s a stressful event, ... | |
| handleing bonded greenwings | 12/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a 7 year old male greenwing I bought at birth, I rescued a 7 year old female greenwing one ... A: -- If these birds are sharing a cage it's a huge mistake, which is pretty obvious by now. If not ... | |
| Strange sound from green cheek conure | 12/26/2010 |
| Q: I wonder if you can help me. I have what's been termed a "fancy" green cheek conure. A small version ... A: --- It sounds like she's figured out how to push your buttons with that awful noise. I find that ... | |
| Full Spectrum Lighting | 12/24/2010 |
| Q: I would like to purchase a full spectrum lighting lamp for my conure. Our home hardly gets any ... A: -- It should be fine. Keep an eye out for the "electronic ballast" versions though. They may be a ... | |
| meal details | 12/23/2010 |
| Q: how many times in a day I should give food to my parakeet and what should be the duration between ... A: --If this is an unweaned bird, feed whenever the crop is empty and the bird is calling for food. ... | |
| melanoma cancer | 12/22/2010 |
| Q: My bird Kiwi was diagnosed with melanoma cancer after a removal of a tumor on his right cheek and a ... A: --- Melanoma is very rare with birds. Have you consulted a specialist on this? Perhaps taken him ... | |
| Green cheek conure sudden vicious face bites | 12/21/2010 |
| Q: My green cheek conure Coconut has been with me since he was a few months old. He is now 6 years old. ... A: -- This is very, very common and you can fix it if you're determined and patient, ok? It's easy ... | |
| Feeding a 14 week old African Grey Parrot | 12/20/2010 |
| Q: Good day Dr, I'm hoping you can help me, as i have asked numerous amounts of people on this subject ... A: -- This is easy! Get a scale. I strongly feel that every bird sold, no matter in which venue, ... | |
| Alexandrines | 12/19/2010 |
| Q: . I have a female Alexandrine approximately 1 year old.. I wonder if there would be a problem if I ... A: As long as you have the right size space, a pair like this should be fine. Also, very important is ... | |
| Alexandrine Parakeet | 12/18/2010 |
| Q: We inherited a alexandrine parakeet at 8 weeks old, not sure on the sex of the bird. The reason we ... A: -- Because there are so many parts to your question it would be best if you just go to this ... | |
| Full Spectrum Lighting | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: I would like to purchase a full spectrum lighting lamp for my conure. Our home hardly gets any ... A: -- Thank you for not believing "clerks" at pet stores. As authoritative as they sound, I've never ... | |
| Parakeets | 12/14/2010 |
| Q: My parakeet has a bump on her or his right wing!!! It maybe a tumor! Tweeter cannot fly! Tweet ... A: -- If your child had a possible tumor would you be looking for a kitchen cure? Really? -- After ... | |
| budgies | 12/12/2010 |
| Q: hey i really need your help can u plzz tell me im my budgie is a male or a female i got her/him a ... A: -- You really can't tell sex until a budgie is about 9-12 months old. Also, you should wait until ... | |
| red nares | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a Blue Crown Conure we just took in she was really sick took her to vet and she was on ... A: -- I like hearing about the separate room and air filter, which indicates you know what you're doing ... | |
| Parrot trama | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: My home was broken into, and my Orange winged Amazon parrot, (Tootie)was uncovered, taken out of her ... A: -- You're very lucky that Tootie was recovered. You're also right that she's traumatized. It's ... | |
| 7 month old Macaw | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: On November 27, 2010 I got a beautiful 7 month old Macaw (still on morning and evening feedings). ... A: -- Congratulations on your new addition. My concern is that you use the word "obedient" when it ... | |
| Aspergillosis | 12/9/2010 |
| Q: Abbott, I wrote to you a few months ago asking about my Indian Ringnecked Parakeet. At the time he ... A: -- Did we review diet? -- I don't blame you in not wanting to return to this vet, or any vet, ... | |
| Nanday Conure | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: I have a nanday conure which we adopted in 1997 or so. I believe we are this 3rd owner. About 2 ... A: -- I am a bird rescue & rehab. It's very hard for me to say that it's ever "too late" ! -- We ... | |
| Macaw egg binding - again | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: Our 18 year old macaw has recently experienced her first egg binding as this was the first time she ... A: -- I'm dealing with another macaw that has spent her entire life without laying, similar to yours. ... | |
| Macaw egg binding - again | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: Our 18 year old macaw has recently experienced her first egg binding as this was the first time she ... A: -- Get some heat going too. Preferably very moist heat (steam). Since moving her into the ... | |
| Macaw egg binding - again | 12/8/2010 |
| Q: Our 18 year old macaw has recently experienced her first egg binding as this was the first time she ... A: -- You're right to be concerned and I'll do my best to work together with you to make this better. ... | |
| Nanday Conure | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a nanday conure which we adopted in 1997 or so. I believe we are this 3rd owner. About 2 ... A: -- Wait! None of these things are necessarily unchangeable. The feather plucking is most often ... | |
| new untamed indian ringneck parrot | 12/7/2010 |
| Q: i have recently bought an Indian ringneck parrot, she is 6 months old. I originally went into the ... A: -- Let's imagine that we meet one of the greatest geniuses of the entire world, but they come from ... | |
| African Grey - Perch | 12/5/2010 |
| Q: I'm sorry to ask this question, however, I have not found any answers elsewhere. My question is as ... A: -- One of the best places I've found for bird supplies is http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com I'm not ... | |
| Green Cheek Conure | 12/4/2010 |
| Q: I have a green cheek that is one year old. Lately he has been having loose droppings a couple times ... A: -- Despite what we might hear on the news (which tends to leave out a lot of facts) viruses are not ... | |
| Unexpected bird death | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: No hurry with your answer. I am so heartbroken my 15 yr old cockatiel died unexpectedly today. I ... A: -- Well, yes I do need to answer you. There is no reason for you to feel alone in this. I also ... | |
| Baby Galah | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: he is very tame and have began training him with a clicker and target stick. The only problem im ... A: -- He's very, very young. I understand you wanting to train him, but at this age he doesn't know a ... | |
| Severe Macaw | 11/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a Severe Macaw by the name of sid. He is a very happy bird and is very loud and excited. I ... A: --- I suspect you're hearing bonding and possibly mating noises. As for the puffing of that area, ... | |
| Unexpected bird death | 11/29/2010 |
| Q: No hurry with your answer. I am so heartbroken my 15 yr old cockatiel died unexpectedly today. I ... A: -- You obviously take very good care of your family, both fur and feathers. I know how much this ... | |
| Unexpected bird death | 11/28/2010 |
| Q: No hurry with your answer. I am so heartbroken my 15 yr old cockatiel died unexpectedly today. I ... A: --- I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. 15 years old for a 'tiel is an old age you know? They ... | |
| Heat source | 11/27/2010 |
| Q: I have a 250 watt infared heat lamp available to a pair of scarlet mccaws in an 8x8x8 cage. Will ... A: --- I prefer electric space heaters as back up heat sources for bird rooms; however, it’s vital to ... | |
| IRNs with Lovebird or cockatiel | 11/26/2010 |
| Q: I've recently bought two IRNs and a lovebird, i already have a pair of cockatiels now want to keep ... A: --- A popular question I get is whether or not two or more birds can share the same cage. Often ... | |
| Lovebird lost her companion | 11/24/2010 |
| Q: I had a breeding pair of loves and came home 2 days ago to the male with a broken neck. I have no ... A: -- I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I have to advise you against getting a companion for a variety ... | |
| How to stop a macaw from being very agressive and biting me very hard ? | 11/22/2010 |
| Q: fifteen year old female mqcaw that at first did well with me. Then hours later she decided she was ... A: --- I go through this a LOT I approach our new additions (usually abused birds entering ... | |
| lovebird | 11/21/2010 |
| Q: One of my lovebirds has a beak problem the lower beak seems to be rotting away from either side ,the ... A: ---Most birds will maintain the shape and health of their beaks by rubbing them on appropriate ... | |
| how to take care of abandoned newly hatched african lovebird | 11/21/2010 |
| Q: Pls anyone, my lovebirds have a newly hatched chick, it was purposely put out of its box n fell. ... A: ---Pulling a chick for hand feeding should be done only about 2 weeks before they’ll wean (which ... | |
| Baby Parrotlets | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a breeding pair that are not tame. She has laid 5 eggs in a nesting box and they seem to be ... A: -- Good question! Start once their eyes open. Make sure your hands are scrubbed clean so you ... | |
| weiro laying eggs | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a 14 month old weiro that we assume to be female by the colour and markings. Out of ... A: ---Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course ... | |
| Amazon with horrible feet condition | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: I recently rescued a Red-Headed Amazon who they claim is about 20 yrs old. The bird had been moved ... A: -- First suggestion is to get a new vet -- Next, let's start this bird's life all over again. The ... | |
| princess parrot | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: what do we do ? what happens? do we take them away? are they fertilized?are they rotting ? please ... A: --- A bird shouldn't lay more than about 4 to 6 eggs a YEAR. When a bird lays she’s got a very ... | |
| Behavioural change in Senegal Parrot | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: My daughter (Megz - 13) has a Senegal Parrot (Ozzie - 2yrs 2mths. Ozzie has always displayed the ... A: -- The "honeymoon" is over. For the first few days or weeks after something like your move, the ... | |
| galah cockatoo | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: WE have just bought a tame galah cockatoo. this is our first tame bird. we do have other birds. he ... A: -- No wing 'cutting' or 'clipping', it's called wing 'trimming' and it should allow the bird to ... | |
| pet macaw breeding! | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: I keep large parrots for many years. I currently keep 10 year old male of blue and yellow macaw,11 ... A: -- Birds don't breed like cats or dogs. They actually have to get to know each other and bond. If ... | |
| Oliver my congo african frey | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: Oliver is 4 years old in Jan. 2011, he never wants to go to bed, he bites me if my husband comes ... A: -- It sounds like your bird is exercising some dominance these days. Though he reached sexual ... | |
| regurgitating jenday conure | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: Conure regurgitates when giving him attention, he will 'cuddle & coo', start a bobbing head motion, ... A: -- Sedatives for a bird? No. Even in controlled environments such as surgical scenes, anesthetics ... | |
| neurological and balance problem in ringneck parrot | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: I own a ringneck parrot, Pickles. She is approximately 5 yrs. old. In the last year she has been ... A: To screen for several genetic diseases or other problems, as well as knowing for sure what sex your ... | |
| neurological and balance problem in ringneck parrot | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: I own a ringneck parrot, Pickles. She is approximately 5 yrs. old. In the last year she has been ... A: --- Sometimes a tumor on the kidney will not appear on the outside of the body, but other symptoms ... | |
| Love birds | 11/14/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering what I need to do to prevent spay legs on my baby love birds and what I can do to ... A: -- Avoiding splay legs often depends on the comfort of the parent and the substrate of the nest. ... | |
| Taming Ringneck | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: ) Background Info: I have had an untamed indian ringneck for a few months now & im not sure how ... A: -- I find much more cooperation and better results with positive reinforcement rather than "no", ... | |
| African Grey Congo question | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a beautiful, healthy 6 year old female African Grey Congo. Her cage is in our main living ... A: -- What do you do when she does this? Stop doing it. -- Most birds love feeling they're in ... | |
| Sammy the parrot | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: I am caring for an 8 year old African grey parrot his owner could not keep him. She said he was very ... A: -- Sammy's owner was obvious afraid of him and it showed. AG's are very intelligent birds (perhaps ... | |
| 19yr old African Grey | 11/10/2010 |
| Q: I am babysitting a 19yr old african grey parrot. his owner is very ill and can't keep up with him. ... A: --Parrots love our company, despite how it may seem otherwise. Their biting is quite often just a ... | |
| sick cockatoo | 11/9/2010 |
| Q: my cockatoo is a female and quite old all of a sudden she has started wheazing what can i do to help ... A: --- Respiratory problems are a high alert situation. Even I wouldn't attempt to treat one of my ... | |
| senegal hand feeding | 11/8/2010 |
| Q: it seems to bounce back once its had a good bit of probiotic. the problem is from its last vomit it ... A: There may be a malabsorptive problem where the chicks eat well enough, but the nutrition isn’t ... | |
| Bird for sale!!!! | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a blue and gold McCaw Parrot & i am about to have a baby.. I am asking $1000 for him.. Please ... A: -- As a rescue org we don't purchase birds, but when circumstances warrant it, we will take the bird ... | |
| Parakeets | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: Hi i have a avairy full of cockatiels wondering if i could put my indain ring-necked parakeet ... A: If we’re talking about an outdoor aviary with natural standards such as real tree branches, dirt ... | |
| my lovebird is plucking like crazy | 11/3/2010 |
| Q: I just recently took in a pair of lovebirds. The male, Kiwi, had been plucking but it wasn't ... A: -- First, please stop using that spray. Chances are it's making things worse. Second, millet ... | |
| Bird is having trouble perching | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: Our bird is having alot of trouble, she cant perch for very long, has trouble with her balance, hard ... A: -- I think with someone as determined as you are there is more hope than ever. I wouldn't use the ... | |
| Cockatiel confusion | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 male cockatiels. My husband got them for me from a (clueless) friend at work that was ... A: -- First, THANK YOU for your efforts. Next, I commend you for getting them onto pellets and ceasing ... | |
| Bird is having trouble perching | 11/1/2010 |
| Q: Our bird is having alot of trouble, she cant perch for very long, has trouble with her balance, hard ... A: --As unusual as it may sound, when a bird loses its balance, it is usually the result of an internal ... | |
| 3yr old Indian Ringneck Update | 10/31/2010 |
| Q: I wrote to you about a month ago regarding taming my shy parrot. I am writing to you now to thank ... A: I am not only happy to hear every word of your progress, but you've given me tremendous joy in ... | |
| 4 week old white ringneck | 10/31/2010 |
| Q: I just bought a 4 week old white ringneck how much should i feed him i feed him with a ... A: At this age he should be weaning You can supplement his feedings twice a day (morning and just ... | |
| cockatiel sleeping more than usual | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: i have a single lutino female cockatiel. since the past 3 to 4 days she has been less active n ... A: -- The moment a human senses something is wrong with their feathered companion, they need to trust ... | |
| paralyzed lovebird | 10/28/2010 |
| Q: I had 2 female lovebirds for 3 years,and 2 weeks ago they both started to vomit in the morning.I ... A: -- As unusual as it may sound, when a bird loses control of their feet, grasping ability or ... | |
| Yellow Naped Amazon behavior | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: I have a 7 1/2 year old Yellow Naped Amazon that I have had for about 3 months. I am married with ... A: -- Who birds bond with and why is a mystery the bird will never tell. Does it help to know that ... | |
| White Bellied Caique Behavior | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a one year old, female WBC. She has had a wonderful relationship with me, my wife, and our ... A: -- By getting her way, for whatever reason, you've handed over your authority to the bird and now ... | |
| baby parrotlets | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: I have 3 baby parrotlets i pulled from nestbox about 2 weeks old ,yesterday when i gave 2pm feeding ... A: --Pulling a chick for hand feeding should be done only about 2 weeks before they’ll wean (which ... | |
| Ringneck Parakeet | 10/25/2010 |
| Q: Actually i just received a ringneck parakeet still baby i must say. I am feeding it with syringue ... A: -- If this were my bird I'd have the genetic screening done right now. You can see more about ... | |
| help me with my quaker | 10/25/2010 |
| Q: i got my quaker at a pet shop i go to he is 5 years old the women had to give him up i felt sorry ... A: -- One of the mistakes we often make is to consider a bird a pet like a dog or cat. Birds don't ... | |
| Impressing or Intimidating? | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a male Sun Conure, about one year old. He acts normal around me and everyone else that comes ... A: -- These behaviors can be BOTH. It's how he ends up following through that matters. Since you're ... | |
| why does my tame handfed baby budgie bite me and strikes me sometimes ? | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: I recently bought a hand raised baby budgie a few weeks to a month ago. It was really sweet and ... A: - The "breeder" who told you to be more aggressive should not be breeding birds and certainly should ... | |
| injured foot and wing | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: i have a 15 year old nanday counure who had a bad foot when i got her. yesterday i went to unwrap ... A: -- There's no way around this, the bird absolutely needs a REAL bird vet. There's no reason for any ... | |
| Quaker Parrot | 10/22/2010 |
| Q: My quaker parrot is having these episodes where both feet would go limp and her toes will curl. ... A: --As unusual as it may sound, when a bird loses control of their feet, grasping ability or balance, ... | |
| blue and gold macaw behavior | 10/21/2010 |
| Q: I brought my friends blue and gold macaw to stay with us, he has a strange habit of hanging by his ... A: -- This is often done just to exercise. Imagine having those magnificent wings and such a ... | |
| Cold? | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: I think my green cheek conure might have a cold. She keeps sneezing and she seems to be doing it ... A: ---There are quite a few possible causes of sneezing with a bird, but having a 'cold' like we do or ... | |
| lovebird eye | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: she had trouble opening it this morning. and if it sounds like pink eye what should my course of ... A: -- Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) may lead to respiratory problems in birds which present ... | |
| Alexandrine Parrot | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: My new Alexandrine is very noisy. Being a Parrot, I knew he would make noise, but I dont think that ... A: -- Yes, it may be because this is still a juvenile hoping to convince you to continue feeding him, ... | |
| Behavioral problems | 10/17/2010 |
| Q: so i have a cockatiel and he scream non stop every time i leave the room. i also have a caique and ... A: One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their parrots is thinking of them like a ... | |
| amazon parrot | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: We recently acquired a 25 year old amazon parrot. Its original owner died 5 years ago. The people ... A: -- First of all, God bless you for taking in this wonderful, beautiful and highly intelligent bird. ... | |
| draughts on parrots | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: they say draughts are deadly but in the wild in a gusty cold spell how can a bird get away from a ... A: All aviaries need a shelter area. For some it's nest boxes, for others it's a barrier wall alee ... | |
| Wing clipping | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: I have been investigating and researching on avian care before I purchase a african grey. I have ... A: --- An excellent discussion about why wing trims are ok for your bird’s emotional and mental ... | |
| Conure Parrot question (2) | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: 1. I have 2 conure parrots. One is really sweet and loves to be held and petted, one is very mean. ... A: #1. This is a complex issue and you can see a detailed step by step option here: ... | |
| nibbling on foot | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a BCC who is 4 years old. I'm not sure if "he" is a he or she ... but I refer to Meisha as ... A: -- The behavior you describe could very well be a habit, partly because you're giving it attention, ... | |
| peachface breeding | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: my peachfaces have bred for the first time. There are two babies and a third egg which has not ... A: -- If the hen isn't tending to the egg, sitting on it or seeming to be interested it's probably ... | |
| ring necked parrakeets | 10/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a mating pair of yellow indian ring necks, who have previously had one chick. The female ... A: - Let's look at it this way: If your child ate ice cream and candy at breakfast, lunch and dinner, ... | |
| ring necked parrakeets | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a mating pair of yellow indian ring necks, who have previously had one chick. The female ... A: --Vitamin A deficiency, often found in a seed only diet, may contribute to the eggs not incubating ... | |
| Baby Macaws nails | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: I am a new owner of a 1 month old macaw...He appears to be a "military macaw" but the breeder i ... A: --As the owner of a bird (macaw) hatched with two deformed feet, though surgically corrected they ... | |
| My Sun Conure Bites | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a sun conure that is a female. She is only about 7 months old. She continues to bite people ... A: Parrots love our company, despite how it may seem otherwise. Their biting is quite often actually ... | |
| Timneh has a bulge in his throat | 10/8/2010 |
| Q: I just bought a 4 month old timneh African grey. I've had him for 3 weeks now, and i just noticed a ... A: -- If you're seeing this bulge at the bird's right side it's likely his crop. At this age the crop ... | |
| painful feather? | 10/6/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2 year old cockatiel hen. The past few days she has been plucking her feathers on her ... A: -- It sounds to me that the feather should be removed, but before you do this, be prepared to seek ... | |
| Cockatiel Weaning | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: My daughter brought home a baby cockatiel that required handfeeding with formula and syringe. She ... A: -- Oh my goodness! You must have a natural instinct for birds because given what you've been told ... | |
| unhappy Senegal :( | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: I adopted my 3-year-old Senegal from my brother’s friend, who unfortunately, keeps buying pets, ... A: --Tell your brother's friend to stop his nonsense, grow up or spend his money on Beanie Babies from ... | |
| Nesting | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: I have another question regarding my 2 and half year old green cheeked conure, we bought him ... A: -- I'd be curious to know how the pet store sexed him. Was it done with a DNA/genetic evaluation ... | |
| Taming 3yr old ringneck | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I bought a 3 yr old ringneck parrot back in February from a family who didn't really handle him or ... A: --It can take a while for a bird to 'blossom' and develop personality, just like it does with ... | |
| Lovebirds | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: One of our two lovebirds grabs the wires of the cage with its claws and flaps its wings. It appears ... A: --I've seen what you're describing in many birds, not just lovebirds, BUT you can't expect to go the ... | |
| indian ringneck ? | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: i have a indian ringneck bird one is male which is green and the other is female which is yellow ... A: -- I think you'll be able to find answers to all the important questions here: ... | |
| Ringneck Parrot | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: My name is Zandri I have recently bought a Ringneck parrot from our local pet store. At first the ... A: -- You've had him a week now? Taking him back to the store for weaning would probably be very ... | |
| Macaw contaigen to human | 10/2/2010 |
| Q: I let my bird take seeds from my lips. I recently came down with Pneumonia. My wife believes my ... A: --There really aren't many zoonotic diseases (infections shared between avians and humans or other ... | |
| Petie bites | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I just bought a 5 month parrotlet. Hi name is Petie. I suspect he has never been handled other than ... A: Hands are a common fear of caged birds. A hand entering their cage can sometimes launch them into a ... | |
| Yellow Naped Amazon behavior | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: Usually my yellow naped amazon is pretty well behaved.His cage is next to a doorway between our ... A: You're right, this may be acting out because you were just walking by and not interacting. ... | |
| alexanderine gender | 9/25/2010 |
| Q: i have a pair of alexandrine parrot.they are 30 months old. i'm sure he is a male because his ... A: --It can take up to three years for the band to be clearly identified. In some of today's ... | |
| Adult Cocateil | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: I recently received a 3 year old female cocateil for my daughter from a friend. The first few days ... A: -- Initially I'd suspect she's "broody", wanting to nest and brood, which birds do even without a ... | |
| Feather loss | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: My grey female indian ringneck is currently sitting on 3 eggs and has been for 2 weeks. I noticed ... A: -- Let's hope it's the mate doing it, otherwise: When feather loss is noticed at the top of the ... | |
| parrot | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: I Have just Brought A Monk Parrot He Is six months old how long should I leave him in his cage ... A: When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let them ... | |
| Sun Conure bites males | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: We got our Sun Conure 2 years ago. He was 2 at the time. The previous owner got him as a baby from ... A: -- This is a long answer, but it's all pretty important stuff so feel free to print it out ... | |
| My baby peach-face died | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: I am so devastated as my fiance found my little bubba, Kipper dead in his cage this morning. We ... A: - I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I truly understand how hard this is for you. To help me be ... | |
| Budgie losing feathers around uropygial gland | 9/21/2010 |
| Q: Abbott, Thank you so much for your time! I have a 10.5 year old budgie who has been slowly losing ... A: -- There has rarely been a case so clearly defined as this one, which is good news for you right? ... | |
| Macaw behavior | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: Why does my 1 yr old Military Macaw chew his feet and ankles? A: -- It depends. How long has this been going on and is he doing it to the point of any injury, ... | |
| ID Birds | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: My uncle served in Panama in 1941 and we have this picture showing birds resting on his hands. ... A: -- It's very hard to tell from such a small photo, but it looks like he's got a couple of blue ... | |
| Conure acting, strange... | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 sun conures... a male and a female... bonded but not mating. They're both about 10 years ... A: Your conure is what is called "broody" - and as you know, it's quite unpleasant for everyone around ... | |
| friendly parrots | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: Abbott, I would like to have a parrot as a pet. What type of parrot has a friendly character? When ... A: -- This is like asking "how do I have a perfectly behaved child?" and "which child is better, a boy ... | |
| Healthy, dies suddenly at 5? | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: I am completely brokenhearted and and am grasping at answers as to how my Merlin, 5 yr old Cag I ... A: -- I'm deeply sorry for your loss and I truly understand your heartbreak. It's more like a 50-60 ... | |
| can i give my parrot chole(chana) called in hindi | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: can give chana(chole) to my parrot A: Chickpeas are fine, but there is some question about curry for a bird. Whenever there's any doubt, ... | |
| beak | 9/17/2010 |
| Q: hi i have a 12 week old African gray and he is grinding his beak its like he is shivering but its ... A: --Probably nothing to worry about. When a bird is content, calm and feeling safe, they will ... | |
| conures | 9/16/2010 |
| Q: for about a week or so now my green cheek conures when covered for the night make noise almost like ... A: - It very well may be breeding, but it may also be fighting. I would put them in separate ... | |
| plucking | 9/14/2010 |
| Q: hi ya i have a baby African gray i was just wondering he id pulling his theathers not pulling them ... A: You have one of the smartest birds known! These birds are considered self-aware, like a human ... | |
| parrotlet homing instinct | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: The beautiful male parrotlet I've had for 4 years removed the clothes pin holding his cage door shut ... A: -- All it takes is once in an entire lifetime. Now we know why keeping their wings clipped is ... | |
| 20 year old African Grey | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: We recently (5 days ago on September 6) adopted a 20 year old African Grey (named Gimmie). She ... A: -- Be prepared to have her change those loyalties any day now. It's not uncommon for a newly ... | |
| 20 year old African Grey | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: We recently (5 days ago on September 6) adopted a 20 year old African Grey (named Gimmie). She ... A: -- It's only been a few days! She doesn't dislike you (I promise) she doesn't know you. OK, ... | |
| B&G Baby Losing weight | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: . i m heaving baby blue and gold macaw she is now 5 months old i m heaving her from last 3 months i ... A: ---As the chick gets older and begins eating a bit on their own, many owners like to supplement ... | |
| possible causes of constant moulting on head | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a 7.5 year old parakeet. He has been constantly moulting now since May, mostly on his head. ... A: -- Thanks for taking him for a hands on exam. Just to be clear, I understand that he isn't plucking ... | |
| indian ringneck | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: I am thinking about buying an 8 month old indian ringneck who was hand fed and now isn't even hand ... A: -- Absolutely! I've rehabbed birds well over 10, 15 and 25 years old. The one thing about a bird ... | |
| possible causes of constant moulting on head | 9/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a 7.5 year old parakeet. He has been constantly moulting now since May, mostly on his head. ... A: --- I don't know of a single bird that likes visiting a vet and have never met the human being who ... | |
| painted cage... | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: I was told at the paint store that Krylon H2O paint wouod be nfine for a bird cage..It's low on ... A: -- I appreciate your caution and encourage it; however, in this case you shouldn't have to worry. ... | |
| amazon dry skin and heavy molting | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 lilac crown am.They have always had gorgeous feathers and coloring.We live in phx. They get ... A: -- What do you mean by 'groomed monthly' ? -- Also, what proportion of pellets to seeds and do the ... | |
| baby b&g | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: I recentlly got a 14week old macaw. I have had him for two weeks now. Lat week (his first week ... A: It never seems to fail, but within a week or even up to about a month after a new bird settles in, ... | |
| red nares and face | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: My Scarlet Macaw has red cheeks like he is blushing and his nares turn red too. It has kind of been ... A: -- Macaws blush. As long as you're seeing it return to normal in a matter of minutes, chances are ... | |
| Parrotlet | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a Parrotlet 3 or so days ago and brought it home and it has been doing well with eating ... A: -- Let's fix this right away. It should take less than a week for you to see results if you really ... | |
| hahns macaw | 9/8/2010 |
| Q: about 5 months ago i puchased a 18month old hahns macaw who ive renamed jonesy as he did not respond ... A: -- I'm very happy you saved this poor bird! It sounds like he's bonded very closely to you. -- ... | |
| Phobic African grey | 9/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a timneh African grey that is 1 1/2. I have had him since he was approximately 16 weeks ... A: -- The good news is that this is still a very young bird. All you have to do is start over. He ... | |
| African Grey Laying Eggs | 9/6/2010 |
| Q: I have an rescue congo african grey parrott that is 18 years old. She is my baby, I looked in her ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| Amazon parrot | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: I have an 8 month old amazon parrot. I would like to know about a medicine called vita complex B, it ... A: -- You are already an exceptional owner in that you're not willing to give your companion just ... | |
| love bird | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: we have a small female love bird. age unknown. she has laid many eggs over the last two years and ... A: --- When a bird goes broody, they can be very difficult to deal with. Sitting tight on their ... | |
| African Grey Parrot unusually inactive | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: our parrot was in a good mood since the day we got him, moving about, eating, etc. suddenly the next ... A: -- How old is your bird ? How long have you had him? Are you positive it's a male? Whatever ... | |
| determining sex of yellow double head | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: My parrot was hatched May 21, 2000. Recently this year Sunny has been sitting on the swinging perch ... A: -- I wish I could say this action you're describing meant one thing or the other, but both male and ... | |
| Galah Cockatoo Air Sac Rupture | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: I have been having my 2 year old female Galah treated by vets for an ongoing air sac rupture (since ... A: The most usual measures are being done already. Some cases benefit by surgical repair. In all ... | |
| what i can do | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: I bought 20 days ago african grey parrot 5 months old. She was coming in airplane. She don´t eat ... A: When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. You don't want to end ... | |
| Parrotlet finger training | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: i just bought a 5 month old parrotlet from a pet store (not a breeder)a week ago. we're pretty sure ... A: -- You're closer than you think! You are doing many right things so stay patient and calm. ... | |
| Rainbow Lorikeet | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: My lorikeet seem to have injured his feet. He doesn't close them and is not moving anymore. it ... A: ---- As unusual as it may sound, when a bird loses control of their feet, grasping ability or ... | |
| parakeet | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: i bought a 4 month old parakeet 2 1/2weeks. She was already trained to stsay on finger by staff. ... A: -- She's very young and suffered severe stress in a short period of time. Think about it: Taken ... | |
| baby african grey | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: i have just purchased a baby african grey parrot, and i cant find any information about my question. ... A: --Yes, this is perfectly normal bird anatomy. Many first time owners think there's a "hole" there ... | |
| screaming alexandrine parakeet | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: I received your e mail, but I can't retreive your answer, when I click on the website, it does ... A: -- Try copying and pasting this into the address bar http://www.4animalcare.org/birds If ... | |
| Senegal Parrot - Ear issue | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: I just got a Senegal, "Poe" from a rescue shelter about a week ago. A few days into having him I ... A: Discharge from the ear is absolutely grounds for a hands on examination. The crusting might just ... | |
| my bird wont shut up! | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: every time we practically move it screams! and i think i am going deaf. is there any other options ... A: -- Yep, there are other options, but you have to be willing to change everything you're doing. ... | |
| african grey sick | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: im hoping u can help.i have a african grey 2 years old have owned him since he was 3 months old, but ... A: --By the time a bird is noticeably ill, chances are that the problem has been brewing for some time. ... | |
| Diet | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: I have lovebirds and I was wondering, what kind of fruits and vegetables can they eat? I was just ... A: ---- It’s generally recommended that most of today’s companion birds have a predominantly pelleted ... | |
| sick blue front amazon | 8/22/2010 |
| Q: he is lethargic, constant wetness around the anal opening, feces is liquid solid lime green, his ... A: By the time a bird is noticeably ill, chances are that the problem has been brewing for some time. ... | |
| my parrort | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: yes, my parrort is a a big part of my family.I love him and i am really attached to him but the ... A: I completely understand what you're going through. Sadly it's happening everywhere and with all ... | |
| sun conours and yellow crown amazon | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: ok here goes....i have a yellow crown amazon and im planning to get a sun conour can they live in ... A: -- No, these are different species and cannot breed Also, they should not share the same cage. If ... | |
| baytil injectable | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: i have taken my bird to a vet and he has given me baytril to give to my bird for his infection in ... A: - You can ask as much as you want. I'm happy to help, although obviously what I can do is limited. ... | |
| Indian ringneck - feather plucking | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: I have an Indian ringneck parrot (Nick-Nack) that continually plucks her chest feathers and won't ... A: -- Please stop all the additives! All that junk is very likely causing her health problems you'd ... | |
| baytil injectable | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: i have taken my bird to a vet and he has given me baytril to give to my bird for his infection in ... A: -- I'm going to go over a lot of different things here, some of which you already know, obviously. ... | |
| baytil injectable | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: i have taken my bird to a vet and he has given me baytril to give to my bird for his infection in ... A: -- Help me understand more clearly what's going on ok? Is he head pumping and then delivering ... | |
| Scared parrotlets | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: My older brother hit the family parrotlets and now there afraid of hand how do I fix it A: --Sadly, many of the birds I deal with are previously abused birds. With patience, kindness and ... | |
| Nelson | 8/14/2010 |
| Q: More things about Nelson that I don't think I mentioned. He seems to fluff up a lot His vent is ... A: Doreen, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I have not seen such valiant efforts put forth by many ... | |
| Seriously ill Amazon | 8/13/2010 |
| Q: I have a Panamanian Amazon I've had for 38 years. She is like my second child!!! About 3 months ... A: -- This broke my heart over and over to read. I know what it is to love a bird this much and I ... | |
| Young cockatiel seems underweight, 'runt' comes to mind | 8/13/2010 |
| Q: Well, our family rescued a pair of male cockatiels in January of this year, partly as a gift for our ... A: -- It's not unusual for females to be larger than males and you may also be right about early hand ... | |
| African Grey | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I have an 8 year old female AG that I got last year..we are very close.She makes all kinds of sounds ... A: -- You have a beautiful bird! Do you know if she talked before you got her? Tell me a little more ... | |
| biting | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: well for the last 3 weeks his behavior has changed dramatically when he was about 4 months he ... A: -- I describe those 'mumbles' as uh oh, the bird's speaking in tongues! What you're describing ... | |
| IRN q | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: how do i know he has mites A: These little spider-like pests can be found on any avian species. They spread through body ... | |
| A Little Bird I took from my cat | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: sorry i don't know the breed of the bird i have so i just clicked on parrots... i hope you can help ... A: When a bird, wild or pet, is attacked by a feline, the injury is often the least of the worries. ... | |
| My Blue Crown Conure, nose area | 8/11/2010 |
| Q: My Conure Samson is 23 years old, his beak is becoming very dry and on his right side nose hole has ... A: --- There are a few different things this might be: If the bird has a nutritional ... | |
| why did my budgies kill each other??? | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: I had 5 young male budgies for 2 months i got up one morning and uncover them and the all fought ... A: -- I'm terribly sorry for your loss. I can tell you're upset over this and it's understandable. ... | |
| indian ring parrort spitting/ chokking on foof | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: i have a 2-3 year old Indian ring neck. Lately he has been acting very strange. He follows everyone, ... A: -- I just now received this and hopefully your little guy is sleeping comfortably. Still, for ... | |
| my conures | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: green cheek to be exact and they werent hand raised so they are not letting me touch them or hold ... A: -- If they're sharing the same cage you may have quite a job ahead of you Separate cages is far ... | |
| Peached Faced Lovebird Mating Signs and Care | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering how to tell if you have a female and a male Lovebird and I have seen them trading ... A: I beg you to not let them mate. Only well experienced owners should allow breeding. Both birds ... | |
| African grey parrot | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: i have just bought an african grey he is 6yrs old since coming into our home he has been more ur ... A: -- This is not at all unusual. He's learning you - he's hoping to learn that this new home isn't ... | |
| blackhooded conure | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: recently had this parrot show up on balcony.after not finding owner i took it in. I have bought it ... A: --- A lot of people think that the cuttlebone or mineral block should be used daily, but the truth ... | |
| taming 2 yr.old African gray | 8/4/2010 |
| Q: We recently were givin a 2 yr.old african gray .The couple that had him pruchased him from a ... A: - I wish people would realize that getting rid of a bird like this just because it's inconvenient ... | |
| Weaning bluefronted amazon | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I have been handfeeding my amazon baby since 7/1/2010 when I picked her up from the breeder at 5 ... A: -- I know, I know - if I heard me back before I really became an (educated) expert, I would have ... | |
| Severe macaw egg passing | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: my severe macaw laid an egg a few weeks ago, due to her not having a companion i know it is not ... A: --- Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course ... | |
| Weaning bluefronted amazon | 8/1/2010 |
| Q: I have been handfeeding my amazon baby since 7/1/2010 when I picked her up from the breeder at 5 ... A: -- She's a baby right? So put a pillow or baby blanket in the cage for her. I prefer to bring ... | |
| Nelson | 8/1/2010 |
| Q: More things about Nelson that I don't think I mentioned. He seems to fluff up a lot His vent is ... A: -- Don't stop trying when it comes to new foods. It took me over a year, offering carrots every ... | |
| Bird loss....bonded pair | 7/30/2010 |
| Q: I had two sun conures and they have been together for about two years. One got sick and died today ... A: Companionships between birds are very strong and often last a lifetime. This doesn’t mean a bird ... | |
| feed for my bird | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: 3 cockatiels an tow parakeets an i was woundering what kind of food would be good to feed to all of ... A: -- I already answered the food question As for safe wood and plants & trees: SAFE PLANTS ... | |
| feed for my bird | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: 3 cockatiels an tow parakeets an i was woundering what kind of food would be good to feed to all of ... A: It’s generally recommended that most of today’s companion birds have a predominantly pelleted diet. ... | |
| Michael | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: First Nelson - the vinegar in the water seemed to work!! It's still a little runny but much better. ... A: -- I know you didn't kill him. You were trying to do the right thing and it really was the right ... | |
| Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Behaviour | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: I live in a Sydney (Australia) high-rise and am visited daily by numerous Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. ... A: I understand they're wild - and totally envy that you get to enjoy these beauties like this. The ... | |
| Blue&gold macaw | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: I just noticed my macaw had a tenderness around his nostrils...they are a little pink&inflamed.... ... A: -- I would be suspicious about that home too. Nice observations. I can guide you through step ... | |
| Michael | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: First Nelson - the vinegar in the water seemed to work!! It's still a little runny but much better. ... A: Oh Doreen, I'm so, so sorry for the loss of little Michael. You were doing what you were supposed ... | |
| Blue&gold macaw | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: I just noticed my macaw had a tenderness around his nostrils...they are a little pink&inflamed.... ... A: -- Is this area crusty or just red? Do you notice discharge from the nares? If so, is it clear or ... | |
| vet visit | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: Abbott! You asked me to follow up with you and let you know what my vet said about Milo my military ... A: --- Chrissy, report this to the CDC (center for disease control) and check back with your vet to be ... | |
| Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Behaviour | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: I live in a Sydney (Australia) high-rise and am visited daily by numerous Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. ... A: These birds are exceptionally smart - you can figure the knocking is absolutely learned. Rather, ... | |
| rhinitis | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: I have a black cap conure and I think he has rhinitis. What is the best way to treat this? He isn't ... A: --- One respiratory problem is, in fact, Rhinitis (inflammation of the nares/nostrils). There ... | |
| Sick Cockatiel Nelson | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: Abbott, I"am back again and heres the story. Blood work for Nelson was supposed to be back last ... A: --- The quick answer about any threat to the cat is "probably not". It would be very unusual. If ... | |
| Separation anxiety in baby Quaker Parrot | 7/23/2010 |
| Q: I recently bought a weaned seven week old QP baby. However when I took her home she stopped eating, ... A: -- I'd give her another week or two, but ask the breeder to house her separately from her sibling. ... | |
| Amazon Parrot diagnosed W/ Enterococcus | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: My Yellow Naped Amazon, Oscar, was diagnosed with Stomatitis three weeks ago. At the Exam, the Avian ... A: -- The med course you've outlined is top notch, which indicates a knowledgeable and well informed ... | |
| Sick Cockatiel Nelson | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: Abbott, I"am back again and heres the story. Blood work for Nelson was supposed to be back last ... A: -- I'm not sure where I am in the questions, so check back and let me know the birds are doing ok? ... | |
| lovebird | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: I just got a female lovebird. She is a rescue bird so had been abused, she is also missing the claws ... A: -- The most important thing you need to arm yourself with is patience. Look at it this way, if you ... | |
| birds | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: i have a pair of Lovebirds, who have four babies almost ready to leave the nest, in one aviary. And ... A: -- She would prefer to remain with her chosen mate, and he would prefer to stay with her. ... | |
| takein care o blind parrot | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: i have just got a segal parrot and he is blind we love him we need to know what we need to do for ... A: -- Blind birds can actually live a happy and comfortable life. The most important thing is that ... | |
| Bird Talk | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I noticed that my African Grey doesnt talk when there is someone near her. First I thought it was ... A: -- Sometimes it's nothing more complicated than the bird is 'shy'. Just like some people are ... | |
| Sick Cockatiel Nelson | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: Abbott, I"am back again and heres the story. Blood work for Nelson was supposed to be back last ... A: -- Doreen, I will absolutely try! I believe you're safe from psittacosis given that the test came ... | |
| Redness around the eyes | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: My parrot is 4 months old , I have placed my parrot in its cage for the 1st time on Saturday the ... A: -- I'm glad you added that information about taking her out often. I know it makes ME feel better ... | |
| vet visit | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: Abbott! You asked me to follow up with you and let you know what my vet said about Milo my military ... A: --- Thank you for the follow up. I have never seen or heard of ants biting a bird like this or ... | |
| Redness around the eyes | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: My parrot is 4 months old , I have placed my parrot in its cage for the 1st time on Saturday the ... A: -- What kind of parrot is this? Poor little bird - she's scared of what she doesn't know. Can ... | |
| nutrition for egg layers | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: In one of your articles you mentioned that egg layers need overall higher calcium and nutrition but ... A: -- Sunflower seeds tend to lead to a condition called fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) and ... | |
| My parrot only likes adult males | 7/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a question about our Parrot, Charo. She is a Amazon Blue Front that is somewhere between 25 ... A: -- Why would you stop 'trust' techniques? Were you giving this bird a time limit that it failed to ... | |
| flying accident | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: just a few minutes ago our oldest Cockatiel baby named Huey experienced his firs flight and it ... A: -- Splay leg can effect one leg so don't rule it out -- Find an avian vet near you ... | |
| sun conure | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: How can I tell the sex of my sun conure with out the dna testing? A: -- Surgical sexing can be done by the vet which gives on the spot results, but the procedure holds ... | |
| Parrot Behaviour | 7/18/2010 |
| Q: I have an African Grey parrot. She is such a pleasure in the house. It is like she understands what ... A: -- Thanks for the additional information. It's well worth mentioning that if you ever have a need ... | |
| Pahadi parrot | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: I have a Pahadi parrot of 1.5 years, which i have bought a week ago. I want to know when does a ... A: When it comes to teaching a bird to talk, it’s important to start with a bird that actually has this ... | |
| Parrot Behaviour | 7/17/2010 |
| Q: I have an African Grey parrot. She is such a pleasure in the house. It is like she understands what ... A: Chances are she's bored. Once a month switch the inside of the cage around. Move perches, bowls, ... | |
| Parrot Behavior | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: I work in a shop and the owner has her parrots there for the customers to see. There are two and the ... A: --- It sounds like they're trying to interact with you on a happy birdy level and are being curious ... | |
| tame indian ringneck | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: we got a question about our new pet. 2 days ago we bought an indian ringneck (female)from private ... A: There are a lot of factors involved in successful taming of a bird (of the pet variety). I’ve ... | |
| Why does my bird hate me | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: I have a Dusky Conure for 18 years. He had always liked me but not most men. He loves woman. The new ... A: -- Molting, for some birds, is on the verge of being painful. It's at least "uncomfortable", so ... | |
| Meyer's parrot; "taming" and cage mates | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: I got a Meyer's parrot as a gift some months back. I dont know the sex or age, nor do I know if it ... A: There are a lot of factors involved in successful taming of a bird (of the pet variety). I’ve ... | |
| Parrot Behavior | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: I work in a shop and the owner has her parrots there for the customers to see. There are two and the ... A: -- It really depends on the context of the action. When they do this are you standing nearby or ... | |
| baby cockatiels | 7/14/2010 |
| Q: its Desi again. Our 3 cockatiel babies are doing good, but there are a few things that i would like ... A: -- The leg issue sounds like splay leg and at this point it might be permanent, but you know I have ... | |
| sneezing | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: she started sneezing a few days ago ,i read on the computer that they love taking showers so i give ... A: There are quite a few possible causes of sneezing with a bird. Rhinitis (inflammation of the ... | |
| caging birds together | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: I am wondering if I can cage 2 love birds with 2 cockatiel? The cage is large. A: A popular question I get is whether or not two birds can share the same cage. Often the ... | |
| macaw chewing low zinc | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: I work at an animal collection and have a macaw that chews his feathers he has had bloods tested and ... A: Yes. Any zinc is too much zinc. Levels over 2 ppm are positive for zinc toxicity ... | |
| macaw has bites on face? | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased a military macaw (about 6 0r 7 days ago) He/she has scissor beak and could not ... A: but it's people like you who are the hope. The more and more owners that realize the intelligent, ... | |
| extreme feather loss | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a pair of lovebirds who are constantly laying eggs. THe male started losing feathers from its ... A: -- Sometimes it's the female doing the plucking out of frustration, nutritional depletion, low ... | |
| The sick tiel owner again | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: Doreen your new best friend!!! Thank you so much for your quick answers because I'm really worried ... A: -- My own follow up here: No, do not put anything on the featherless area. If he'll tolerate it, ... | |
| The sick tiel owner again | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: Doreen your new best friend!!! Thank you so much for your quick answers because I'm really worried ... A: -- Doreen, don't let your mind get ahead of you The lack of balance and grasping problem with the ... | |
| macaw has bites on face? | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased a military macaw (about 6 0r 7 days ago) He/she has scissor beak and could not ... A: -- Sorry about misunderstanding the sunflower part. As for pox, it's a virus and all it takes is a ... | |
| The sick tiel owner again | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: Doreen your new best friend!!! Thank you so much for your quick answers because I'm really worried ... A: -- Ahh! I'm glad you sent a pic of Nelson. He's a lutino mutation, possibly hybrid, it's anyone's ... | |
| macaw has bites on face? | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased a military macaw (about 6 0r 7 days ago) He/she has scissor beak and could not ... A: -- Not likely mites, but since the pet store was not well informed to begin with and feeding seeds, ... | |
| extreme feather loss | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: I have a pair of lovebirds who are constantly laying eggs. THe male started losing feathers from its ... A: *** Nutritional problems are really the number 1 reason for feather plucking in the vast majority of ... | |
| Cockatiel feathers | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: very sweet bird from a pet shop (have bought birds there before all have been healthy) and was told ... A: Good, I'm glad there's no misunderstanding. It's hard to read a 'tone' online isn't it? I'm ... | |
| African Gray parrot | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: Hai,very recently I bought a African gray parrot of just 4 months + , I heard from many people ... A: -- Am I understanding that you already bought this bird even though you knew about the attention ... | |
| moustache parrot teisha | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: she is 9 months old now and continues to have temper problems.She will bit you once and then come ... A: -- No, it's not so much the character of the breed, it's the nature of the bird. She's still ... | |
| macaw biting | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: our female blue %26 gold macaw was hand fed from hatching and we completed the weaning. she was 3 ... A: -- This isn't at all unusual. Even my most successful rescue, a loving, sweet female macaw (also a ... | |
| Sudden growth on Hyacinth Macaw head | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: We have a Hyacinth Macaw, male, approximately 34 years old. We have had him for 26 years. In the ... A: -- I'm going to attach a pic of a skull here so you'll understand why I'm not thinking sinus ... | |
| Cockatiel feathers | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: very sweet bird from a pet shop (have bought birds there before all have been healthy) and was told ... A: -- I don't want you to think I'm saying you don't keep the cage clean, honestly, this can happen in ... | |
| Macaw's overgrown beak | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: I have an older Scarlet Macaw that we rescued 2 years ago that has a very thick, overgrown beak. He ... A: - i'm sorry for the delay in getting to this. I'm glad you've got this fellow on a better ... | |
| Cockatiel feathers | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: very sweet bird from a pet shop (have bought birds there before all have been healthy) and was told ... A: -- I wish I could fix this for you, but looking for a cure online is even worse than seeing a vet ... | |
| three male cockatiels | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: I have had 2 male cockatiels for some time, both healthy and happy. 6 months ago I was given ... A: I'm not sure how large "large" is, but for 3 'tiels you need a cage about 4 x 6' They are very ... | |
| Sudden growth on Hyacinth Macaw head | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: We have a Hyacinth Macaw, male, approximately 34 years old. We have had him for 26 years. In the ... A: -- has he been with you all of these years or is he new to your home? -- What are you feeding ... | |
| Lovebird is terrified of me | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: I recently (just over a week ago) brought home a hand fed baby peach faced lovebird. I bought a big ... A: -- I'm actually happy to hear you use the word "terrified" of you rather than "hates" you, so this ... | |
| green cheek conure | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: I am thinking of getting a green cheek conure. I was always one for planning ahead and I am wonder ... A: -- Oh I have the perfect place for you to see. Check out what's involved in bird care and what you ... | |
| wing clipping | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: I have just adopted, from a local animal rescue centre,a stray Indian Ringneck who has had one wing ... A: -- Although wing TRIMS are a good idea and keep many birds home and happy, some people get carried ... | |
| senegal parrot | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: i think she is a female by looking up on the internet. she took to me when she was young but lately ... A: - There are step by step options to take care of biting (and even screaming) here ... | |
| Sick | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a 3 year old Cockatiel and we have recently noticed that his eyes look infected, he is ... A: Cockatiels are not just known to feed on grown plants, but are also ground grazers. That means ... | |
| "LOU" our Front Amazon | 7/3/2010 |
| Q: Lou is a 10 week old Blue Front. We have had him 4 weeks. He's been eating warm formula, sleeping, ... A: -- Surprisingly, monkey balls or monkey biscuits are ONLY for monkeys. It's an old feeding option ... | |
| Green Conure | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a 5/6 week old baby conure - the breeder made it all sound so easy and it was only until ... A: ------- The first and most important thing is to get a gram scale and do daily weights in order to ... | |
| Cockatiels | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: I have a couple of cockatiels who are untame. I would like to initially have their wings clipped to ... A: --- Toweling isn't a bad thing if done right. The trick to it is to not come at the bird from ... | |
| Bird Dominance | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: Dr. August, We have two birds that we keep in the same cage. One is a mustached parakeet, and the ... A: -- It's not that unusual. Birds tend to perch 'high' - as high as they possibly can. The parakeet ... | |
| Lovebird feather plucking | 7/1/2010 |
| Q: I have a peach faced lovebird which is 3 years old. She has been plucking her feathers for over 2 ... A: -- You might be very surprised to learn that most indoor birds never have a problem with mites OR ... | |
| Why does my bird hate me | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: I have a Dusky Conure for 18 years. He had always liked me but not most men. He loves woman. The new ... A: -- Thank you for the further information. Yes, you should take the toy away AND you should change ... | |
| New Love bird and possible broken beak | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a love bird a few days ago. It is about 3 months old and is adapting pretty well. ... A: http://www.4animalcare.org/Birds.html Copy and paste this website into your address bar and it ... | |
| parrot | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: my parrot has stopped talking and spends most of its time sleeping or on the bottom of his cage. ... A: Find an avian vet near you http://aav.org/vet-lookup http://www.parrotpro.com/avlist.php ... | |
| parrots | 6/29/2010 |
| Q: This is Anusha from India-Chennai.I have a new Indian female parrot-4 months old.we have her in a ... A: -- First mistake is having the cage above your eye level. -- Next error is a cage that is too ... | |
| Will African Grey Timneh & Congo mate. | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: This sounds like a stupid question but I have a Timneh African Grey female and have the chance to ... A: -- it's very wise of you to not want to encourage either mating or hybridization. When it comes ... | |
| Diet | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: I have two parakeets and a cockatiel housed in the same cage. They are all under a year old and ... A: -- Good job! I sincerely mean that. The vet visit shows that you're responsible and caring. I'm ... | |
| LoveBird training problem | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: I had my lovebird for 3 weeks. he is an adult and had no interact with human before... I had tamed ... A: -- Birds are prey animals. Humans are predators. Birds, by their very instinct, know this the ... | |
| nanday & sun conures help | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: i have a 6yr old female nanday coure i got 2 years ago from a friends daughter. His daughter had 5 ... A: -- I'm not fond of using blood feathers for samples since if done wrong it can cause uncontrolled ... | |
| New Love bird and possible broken beak | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a love bird a few days ago. It is about 3 months old and is adapting pretty well. ... A: - The bottom beak is not supposed to be pointy, only the top beak. The bottom beak is supposed to ... | |
| Cockatiel warts? | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: I work in an animal shelter that mainly handles dogs and cats and am fostering a stray cockatiel. ... A: --- It sounds like you nailed it with your suspicions of what this is. Psittacine papillomas ... | |
| abused cockatoo | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: I have adopted an abused cockatoo. He is four years old, or so they told me. He was kept in a very ... A: --- God bless you a million times over for not only stepping in and taking this bird, but being ... | |
| need help regarding my indian ringneck | 6/26/2010 |
| Q: my male Indian ring neck is 3 years old, and he has some greyish black feathers on his back -4 or ... A: -- Rather than stress bars it sounds like overall nutritional deficiency causing pigment loss. ... | |
| Why does my bird hate me | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a Dusky Conure for 18 years. He had always liked me but not most men. He loves woman. The new ... A: -- He doesn't hate you. Birds cannot hate, they can only 'fear' and this can sometimes look like ... | |
| Baby Sun Conure Behaviour Change | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a 3 month old Sun Conure (Ziggy) that I bought from pet shop. I am not sure of the gender but ... A: -- Most of what you're describing is typical 'baby bird' behavior. Especially the flapping. It's ... | |
| New Love bird and sleep tent | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a love bird a few days ago. It is about 3 months old and is adapting pretty well. ... A: If you use a professional product sold in most pet stores and monitor it daily for loose fibers, ... | |
| ringneck | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: When will my Ringneck start speaking. He is currently approx 9 months old. Thank You A: When it comes to teaching a bird to talk, it’s important to start with a bird that actually has this ... | |
| peeling of sun conures beak | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: lately ive been finding peeling under my 5 year old sun conures beak. I dont know whats wrong, is it ... A: First, stay calm. I have a feeling you're seeing a normal molt. Sometimes it can look pretty ... | |
| Orange Wing Amazon | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: I have a question I've had my orange wing amazon for about 1yr now yesterday I went and purchased ... A: Birds are far more intelligent than we give them credit for. To us, a bird is a bird. To them, ... | |
| Inheriting a Macaw?! | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: I just found out today that my father's cousin has decided to leave me his Blue and Gold Macaw in ... A: -- That's right, no seeds. Macaws natural diet consists of greens, fruits and nuts with the ... | |
| Amazon Yellow Nape | 6/22/2010 |
| Q: My husband came home five weeks ago with an abused/neglected (not sure which) yellow nape, approx. ... A: -- First, let's stop the coprophagia (ingestion of their own poop) which can be very serious, very ... | |
| Inheriting a Macaw?! | 6/21/2010 |
| Q: I just found out today that my father's cousin has decided to leave me his Blue and Gold Macaw in ... A: -- Thank you for asking this question. It's a great idea to learn all you can about this bird ... | |
| green cheek conure | 6/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a 5 yr old conure. she has pulled out her feathers under her neck since winter time. they ... A: --- If your mom, dad, husband, brother, sister or child had this happen to them what would you do? ... | |
| my blue and gold macaw 11 months old | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: i cam home today and let my macaw out as she flapped to her perch i had blood come on me so got her ... A: When a relatively new feather is broken or injured it can bleed. Since they’re hollow, they act ... | |
| cockatiel babies | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: my cockatiels have been laying eggs for a while now. they are a mated pair. Monday, and yesterday ... A: Chicks that fail to thrive usually die in their first few days of hatching. There may be a ... | |
| my parrot is sick | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: i have a baby parrot i have no idea how old it is but it just started getting its feeders about a ... A: --- STOP feeding bread and milk. Your little bird might look like he's eating, but he's starving ... | |
| periquitos | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: quew puedo hacer si mordieron a mi periquito en la patita y lo mordio una rata A: Una mordedura de rata se va a necesitar tratamiento profesional. Muchas enfermedades son posibles, ... | |
| parakeet with gas | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: a quaker parakeet landed in my backyard and was lively for two days and now is sickly weak and ... A: -- No. ACV is helpful if a bird has a slight fungal infection in early stages. That's it. ... | |
| 10 day old baby lovebird | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a 10 day old baby lovebird. The mother wouldn't take the eggs so I hatched them out. my ... A: Using a light can cause damage to his eyes; you're better off with a heating panel made ... | |
| 10 day old baby lovebird | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a 10 day old baby lovebird. The mother wouldn't take the eggs so I hatched them out. my ... A: For a makeshift brooder: Use a small box lined with soft clothes like tee shirts. Use a thick, ... | |
| Lorikeet behavior | 6/6/2010 |
| Q: I have had a rainbow lorikeet for a about a year now. He/she is an adult. We have just got a ... A: -- You have good instincts. Putting another bird in with one that has been happily single is like ... | |
| Indian Ringneck | 6/6/2010 |
| Q: I have a baby Indian ringneck whose about 7weeks old. I had him only for 1 week. He is still being ... A: -- Smart bird! No, no, no on millet. It's a bad habit to start at this age and should be reserved ... | |
| Alexandrine Parakeets | 6/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a Alexandrine Parakeets about 3 Month old & one of my frnd. have his sibling & he has started ... A: -- Though an extremely young age, what you describe is development of colors indicating that the ... | |
| How to remove fear of my parrots ? | 6/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a pair of Indian Ring Necks (Male+Female). They are been with me for last 3 months. But they ... A: -- As long as you keep them both in a single cage they have less incentive to want to bond to you. ... | |
| senegal parrot biting | 6/2/2010 |
| Q: I just rescued an eleven year old senegal parrot, two weeks ago. He will step up but when i go to ... A: -- Put him in and get your hand out really, really fast! ;) The truth is, sometimes even the ... | |
| Blue and Gold baby | 6/1/2010 |
| Q: I have a baby blue and gold macaw, he is almost 3 months. He has done great, but the past few days ... A: --- There is one fact often proved and never able to take back: The stress of a vet visit rarely ... | |
| cockatiel shanking head | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: I am tring to teach my tiels how to say pretty bird. for some rason everytime they hear ceartain ... A: - The head shaking is believed to be an acknowledgment of registering a sound or word, so yes, ... | |
| neck scratching | 5/29/2010 |
| Q: Further to a recent question, my African Grey also scratches the back of his neck all the time and ... A: -- It sounds like he's undergoing a major molt which is pretty common both at this time of year and ... | |
| my bird is so stobborn i cant teach her!!!!!!!!! | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: i have a cockatiel thatis so stubborn,i teached her how to step on my finger and yet she wont listen ... A: -- What have you learned from her? Have you been listening? Are you cooperating? I'm really not ... | |
| Budgerigar anal itching | 5/28/2010 |
| Q: We have a young (undetermined age but perhaps two years old) female rescue budgie with unknown ... A: -- Mites on indoor, well kept birds in regularly cleaned cages are extremely rare. Never, ever use ... | |
| parrot | 5/27/2010 |
| Q: can my African grey & green Cheek conjure be let out there cages at same time A: Excellent question! The answer really depends on whether or not the birds are flight intact. If ... | |
| My baby indian ringneck has running nose and snizzy | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott, Hello there Sir.Good day..I was thankful that i accidentally search this ... A: There are quite a few possible causes of sneezing with a bird. Rhinitis (inflammation of the ... | |
| Mixing speices | 5/26/2010 |
| Q: She was trying to befriend my cockatiels, so I bought an 8yr old congo. They are female, are free ... A: -- There are some pretty good 'games' to play with your birds on the floor to help burn some of ... | |
| Cockatiel | 5/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a male cockatiel about 8 years old. He has been acting different lately, where he is more ... A: Uropygial Gland problems are common as the result of vitamin A deficiency (largely seed diets). ... | |
| B&G Macaw losing feathers | 5/25/2010 |
| Q: Our blue and gold macaw, Aroura, is about 10 years old. She's always been extremely healthy, she ... A: --- If she's an indoor only bird and isn't exposed to any areas where other birds (wildlife) ... | |
| Heartbroken Conure | 5/25/2010 |
| Q: She took over looking after it after our mutual friend and the conure's Mommy died unexpectedly. ... A: -- The first I can tell you is that this vet isn't skilled enough in avian care to be seeing your ... | |
| Mixing speices | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: She was trying to befriend my cockatiels, so I bought an 8yr old congo. They are female, are free ... A: ---- If you have a multiple number of parrots, whether a budgie/parakeet or big macaw, I strongly ... | |
| Senegal & African Grey Feather issues | 5/24/2010 |
| Q: I have had these two birds for quite awhile, the senegal for 13 years and the grey for 7 years but ... A: -- Let me babble a bit and take from it what you will When it comes to meat, try offering chicken. ... | |
| Senegal & African Grey Feather issues | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: I have had these two birds for quite awhile, the senegal for 13 years and the grey for 7 years but ... A: --- The first thing I'd totally discontinue is the steak or any other mammal meat. Nutritional ... | |
| Love Bird | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: I have a lovie, he's about 2 years old and he won't trim his beak. Ive noticed it starting to turn ... A: Most birds will maintain the shape and health of their beaks by rubbing them on appropriate ... | |
| cockatiel "red" eye | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: my cockatiel is probably around 3 or 4 years of age, and recently i have noticed that on the bottom ... A: -- You have the right idea, but it's not uncommon for people to mistake what's called "saline ... | |
| BlueHeaded Pionus Beak | 5/22/2010 |
| Q: I've been out a couple hours. On returning, going to kiss my bird, I saw that the side, of his ... A: --- As long as it's not actively bleeding and the wound appears relatively superficial, I can ... | |
| parrotlett | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a young parrotlett (6 months or younger) who began laying eggs approx. a week ago. She ... A: -- If she's been on a predominantly seed diet, chances are high that this is contributing to it ... | |
| problem | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: I have a sweet cockatoo that I give at least 3-4 hrs of attention every evening when I get home from ... A: Foot & Leg Sores, Lameness is often the result of nutritional deficiencies, especially associated ... | |
| Alexandrine Parakeets Baby Care | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: Sir I live in Karachi Pakistan and now-a-days the temperature is about 30-35 F, is it reliable ... A: A home made brooder is really easy. Use a clear plastic storage bin, one of those about 6 to 8” ... | |
| mites | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: One of my pair, the male, often appears to be frantically trying to "get at" something under his ... A: ---- These little spider-like pests can be found on any avian species. They spread through body ... | |
| Blue fronted smells of pee | 5/18/2010 |
| Q: Rescued a Blue fronted Amazon parrot. Ernie is 8 and has been with us just over a week. Today I ... A: -- OK, let me address a couple of things here. First: Birds like this have a distinct scent to ... | |
| amazon parrot | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: what are the normal actions of a pregnant parrot? A: ----- While birds do have a uterus, it’s not like a mammal’s, the fertilized egg doesn’t implant ... | |
| milk | 5/17/2010 |
| Q: can african greys drink milk A: -- Absolutely no milk except soy milk (any kind except chocolate or coffee) Calcium Deficiency ... | |
| noisy macaw | 5/16/2010 |
| Q: I have a neighbor who owns a macaw and leaves the bird out on his deck every day, all day long. The ... A: -- I completely understand how you feel and what you're going through. You are tremendously open ... | |
| Cockatiel in heat | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: I'm a first time bird owner and a day ago my cockatiel went into "heat". I have one bird, but I ... A: -- I'm really glad to have the opportunity to address this. Someone has given you some very ... | |
| Love Bird | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: I have more answers who this question. "I have a Black Masked Love Bird. Her name is JoJo and I was ... A: One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their parrots is thinking of them like a ... | |
| Found Lovebird | 5/14/2010 |
| Q: I recently found and rescued a Lutino Peachfaced Lovebird. I am wondering if it is trainable? I ... A: When we bring a bird into our homes, no matter how old they are or what conditions they came from, ... | |
| 9 week B&G McCaw | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: We bought a Baby Blue and Gold Macaw last week. We had our Vet/Avian Vet look her over good. In a ... A: -- What a BEAUTIFUL baby this is! How lucky you are to have her and what a big job you have ahead ... | |
| Conure Care While Mom is Away | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: I have a six month old GCC. Next week I have to go out of state for a few days (possibly a week). I ... A: --- He absolutely will not forget you. Although he'll miss you, he'll adjust to the new environment ... | |
| Parrotlet Behavior Towards 'Mommy' | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: I have a parrotlet and he's about 3.5 months old. He's a smart little guy (aside from eating his own ... A: -- I have a marvelous macaw that is clearly bonded to me, that I dote over and indulge, but when I ... | |
| Love Bird | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a Black Masked Love Bird. Her name is JoJo and I was wondering why she keeps chirping. I have ... A: -- That's sort of like asking, "why is my fish swimming?". This is just what they do. I guess I'm ... | |
| Alexandrian parakeet troubles | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I have an Alexandrian parakeet. Her name is Alex and she's around 4 years old. I recently got her ... A: It never seems to fail, but within a week or even up to about a month after a new bird settles in, ... | |
| tail feathers | 5/10/2010 |
| Q: I have just got a timnith african gray who is about 3 to 5 yrs old.the people I got him from kept ... A: -- To answer your questions: Yes, his tail feathers may return. It depends on the amount of ... | |
| My cockatiel doesn't like me. | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: I just wanted to know what I can do to get my bird to like me. I want to hold him but he won't come ... A: I approach our new additions (usually abused birds entering rescue/rehab) an hour or so after ... | |
| USA parrot egg sellers | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: Just curious if they are legit,legal, and real sellers of parrot eggs in these United States of ... A: -- In all of my years and in all of my travels, both professional and otherwise, I have never known ... | |
| cockatiels | 5/8/2010 |
| Q: does the girl or the guy sit on the eggs? and are the red lines that show if it is fertilize, do ... A: They both sit on the eggs - and they are very protective of them. When it's time to candle the ... | |
| eye infection cockiteil | 5/8/2010 |
| Q: my cockiteil is 5 weeks old has a ring around the outside of eye I thought at first was food was ... A: You're doing a great job with the saline rinse. Here's another option: Boric acid solution may ... | |
| New to Sun Conures.. | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: I'm an amateur bird lover per se. I do own 3 small birds (lovebirds) and 3 cockatiels. I have had ... A: -- Let me give you the info and guideline I provide for all new foster homes joining my network ok? ... | |
| BCC Conure biting | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: I recently acquired a 5 year old BCC conure that was a pet prior to the current owner who used her ... A: Time outs are tricky as lessons - if they last longer than a couple of minutes the only thing you've ... | |
| difference between male and female | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: how can you tell the difference between a female and male indian ringneck parakeet? A: -- If they aren't quite three years old, the only way to sex them is with a DNA test, which I ... | |
| BCC Conure biting | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: I recently acquired a 5 year old BCC conure that was a pet prior to the current owner who used her ... A: It never seems to fail, but within a week or even up to about a month after a new bird settles in, ... | |
| ring neck parrot | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: my bird is pickind his feathers is this molting and how long does this last?hes picking all of his ... A: ----- Birds going through a molting season may look ragged and have what appear to be bald spots, ... | |
| Double Yellow Headed Amazon Scratching | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: Me and my family recently purchased a double yellow headed amazon parrot named Sassy. she is a ... A: -- It sounds like your companion is, like most other birds at this time of year, in a molt. That ... | |
| Parakeet behavior question | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: My parakeet has developed an unusual bahavior of repeatedly picking on her cage bars or similar ... A: -- This one is easy: She likes it. She is getting some positive feedback either in the sound, the ... | |
| Pionus Death and Stress | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: My wife and I are going through a divorce. We had two pionus parrots. The oldest, 16-17 yo, was ... A: John, I'm truly sorry for both of your losses: Your marriage and your feathered companion. No ... | |
| mothering a sun conure | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: I am purchasing a sun conure from the local bird store. I have been hand feeding it about 5 times a ... A: -- That's an interesting tale about hand feeding and then rejecting you. Completely untrue. Even ... | |
| perfect food to my parrot | 4/28/2010 |
| Q: thank you A: So much information is flooding the net these days about what to feed a companion bird, whether a ... | |
| Cockatoo Help | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: my husband and I were looking into adopting a cockatoo that someone is getting rid of. she is a 3 yr ... A: Here's a huge surprise: Birds don't know what sex we are any more than we know what sex they are. ... | |
| Lovebird beak problem | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: She has always done very well and has been mostly health with only a few respiratory problems that ... A: Nutritional issues accounts for up to 90% of problems similar to what you're describing. -- You ... | |
| BITING | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: WE HAVE A PAIR OF CONURES MALE AND FEMALE. RECENTLY THE MALE HAS BEEN SUDDENLY AGGRESIVE TO US. HE ... A: -- You're absolutely right that what you are seeing is likely mating aggression. Males can be ... | |
| Trust | 4/26/2010 |
| Q: I recently bought a 4 month old Indian ringneck. He won't let us touch him. He gets very stiff and ... A: -- The "blinking game" ? I swear, just when I think all of these whacky techniques are over with, ... | |
| how can i get my new 1 and a half year old senegal parrot to stop biting | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: i bought a senegal off my friend yesterday who is one and a half years old and i have noticed that ... A: - The most difficult part of getting him over the biting is to show no reaction on your own part. ... | |
| how can i get my new 1 and a half year old senegal parrot to stop biting | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: i bought a senegal off my friend yesterday who is one and a half years old and i have noticed that ... A: The first and most important suggestion I have is to get him off your shoulder. For a bird, this ... | |
| Is my African grey parrot sick? | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: My african grey parrot is usually very lively, talkative and noisy. For the past 2 days, i have ... A: By the time a bird is noticeably ill, chances are that the problem has been brewing for some time. ... | |
| fuel oil | 4/24/2010 |
| Q: we are moving to a house that uses fuel oil heat. we have noticed a petro smell whenever we go in ... A: -- EXCELLENT question! You have every reason to be concerned. There are two things to do ... | |
| Sun Conure Behavior Change | 4/23/2010 |
| Q: We have only had our Sun Conure for about 2 months. He (I actually have no idea if Jack is male or ... A: It never seems to fail, but within a week or even up to a few months after a new bird settles in, ... | |
| Sun Conure - Will he mellow out? | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: My Sun Conure is going on 7 months old. He is cute, curious and hyper. He will bite on cords, ... A: -- I wish I could tell you that with time he'll level off, but it could take 20 years before you'll ... | |
| paperwork question | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: I purchased a Macaw about 6 weeks ago, I was just wondering if I should have received any paperwork ... A: Not necessarily. What your bird should have is a closed band on one of the legs with numbers and ... | |
| bitting, how to get out of cage | 4/22/2010 |
| Q: I recently bought a parrotlet. We have had him for about a month now. He is not very friendly. Every ... A: When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let them ... | |
| How to stop a parrotlet from eating his own droppings? | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: I have a young Pacific Parrotlet (approaching 3 months) and he’s got a nasty habit of eating his own ... A: --- I wouldn't mix the seed with the pellets since he's probably picking the seed out and leaving ... | |
| How to stop a parrotlet from eating his own droppings? | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a young Pacific Parrotlet (approaching 3 months) and he’s got a nasty habit of eating his own ... A: Coprophagia in birds isn't very common, but when it IS seen, it's usually caged birds on seed ... | |
| sun conure | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a sun canuer she is three years old I got her when she was 2 month old as long I remember her ... A: If your companion has convinced you to feed him a predominantly seed diet over the years and most ... | |
| Stargazing? | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I have had a quaker parrot named Lola since December. Lola was a rescue and came to me with a lot ... A: -- Here's the good news: I don't think Lola is stargazing. Stargazing is something that doesn't ... | |
| constaint screaming/ walking female Greenwing looking for a nest | 4/17/2010 |
| Q: firstly,I've never read better advice than you give on the web. I have a flock of four parrots, a ... A: ---- Here's the usual guideline: When your bird screams and you react, even if you're red in the ... | |
| best time to sleap | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: I work three pm to twelve am. What is the best time for a cocatiel to sleep A: - It doesn't matter so much what time, just that they have 12-14 hours straight "nighttime" ... | |
| constaint screaming/ walking female Greenwing looking for a nest | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: firstly,I've never read better advice than you give on the web. I have a flock of four parrots, a ... A: -- Take me through a regular day in their lives. Start with how they get up in the morning, when ... | |
| parrot has escaped | 4/16/2010 |
| Q: I put my Hahn's macaw on my shoulder this afternoon and brought him outside in the balcony. I was ... A: -- I understand completely how awful you feel. There's a good chance you'll have him back though, ... | |
| Budgie training | 4/15/2010 |
| Q: I have recently bought a budgie from a good pet shop. I got him on 30.01.10 and he was just about 4 ... A: -- You're doing a very good job. The only thing you need now is patience. Keep doing what you're ... | |
| bulging crop on my 9yr old gw macaw | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: I recently adopted a GW Macaw (male) that is 9 yrs old. He was raised very well, and had to be ... A: It does happen. His crop is probably more elastic than most other adults. This is one of those ... | |
| Preparing for relocation to new owners | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: I am going to have to give my severe mini macaw, Morgan, to new owners because I will be moving to a ... A: -- I think it's wonderful that you want to go the extra mile like this. It's very caring. It's ... | |
| attacking | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: My 18 month old mustache parrot flies across the room, crawls up to my shoulder and attacks my ... A: If what you normally do is put him into his cage, then it's quite possible this is why he's doing ... | |
| attacking | 4/13/2010 |
| Q: My 18 month old mustache parrot flies across the room, crawls up to my shoulder and attacks my ... A: --- It's probably more to do with the reaction it's getting than the ear itself. Birds do things ... | |
| Double Yellow Headed Amazon | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: We bought (we say rescued) a Double Yellow Headed Amazon 3 days ago. When we saw her, we could NOT ... A: **** I sincerely apologize that you felt I wasn't polite in my answers to you and follow ups. ... | |
| Double Yellow Headed Amazon | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: We bought (we say rescued) a Double Yellow Headed Amazon 3 days ago. When we saw her, we could NOT ... A: -- God bless you for doing this. Not everyone is up for the work and the requirement of patience. ... | |
| I need help with my birds | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: my name is Jacky. I own an African Grey Congo, a Sulfer Crested Cockatoo, and a Jenday Conure. All 3 ... A: -- Hello Jacky, I also lived in Albany, NY for several years back in the early 1990's. You might ... | |
| Parrot driving us to despair!! | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: I have an African Grey he is 9 yrs old, he has a very large cage with toys and ropes etc. He has ... A: First, let's start putting him to bed at 7:00 to 7:30 p.m.. Yes, it's quite possible he's not ... | |
| Blue and gold macaw | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a blue and gold macaw, he is 12 years old. At first he was my baby and when I fell pregnant ... A: I commend you for making such an effort with Meeco already. I am truly sorry for the loss of your ... | |
| Quakers mating? | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a green 10 yr. old male & a blue 9 mo. old female, at least we think that's their sexes. My ... A: -- Here's the surprising part: Some females don't ever in their lives lay an egg; others can't seem ... | |
| Need some help! | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: my name is wesley and I have a BIG question for you. I just recently got a budgie and my mother left ... A: --- When a bird, wild or pet, is attacked by a feline, the injury is often the least of the ... | |
| macaw has eggs | 4/8/2010 |
| Q: My macaw named Buddy has laid 3 eggs I know for sure they are infertile, no male. Do I take them ... A: -- I'm glad to hear this follow up, even though it's not what we'd both like to have, at least Buddy ... | |
| Parrot driving us to despair!! | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: I have an African Grey he is 9 yrs old, he has a very large cage with toys and ropes etc. He has ... A: --- You've got one of the most intelligent of all psittacines and with this intelligence you can be ... | |
| 5 Year Old Macaw | 4/6/2010 |
| Q: I just brought home a 5 year old macaw (approx 1 week) that picked me immediately. Although she is ... A: -- 5 years old is way beyond the hand feeding stage, but if you mean sharing healthy, fresh foods ... | |
| help me | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: it is only eating form my han but i am not able to do anything else. plaese help me ...what i can do ... A: When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let them ... | |
| Trauma and treats | 4/5/2010 |
| Q: So I have two questions. The first one is simple. Every Easter I use the the holiday as an excuse to ... A: -- I'm glad to work with you Megan. You sound like a very caring and incredibly patient owner, ... | |
| sick parrot | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: My Alexandrian Parrot has a big chip coming off his beak it also looks as if it is peeling back I'm ... A: How old is your bird? Can you see through the beak? Is this a hole? Does your bird have ... | |
| Lovebird Question | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: I am technically "babysitting" a lovebird for a while. (long while) I've had this male for approx. ... A: I'm glad you asked! It's a very old and steadfast myth about lovebirds needing a mate. It's also ... | |
| egg laying | 4/3/2010 |
| Q: my moustache parakeet has laid an egg and it is fertile as i have held it to a light and have seen ... A: I hope you have a successful hatching, but with just one parent I'm not sure. It takes two for the ... | |
| Plucking Or Molting? | 4/2/2010 |
| Q: I'd really appreciate some advise on my TAG, Buddy. The pet shop told me that Buddy was around 2 ... A: -- This is molting season; however, birds actually molt year 'round when it comes to smaller ... | |
| Salt | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: I gave my Indian ringneck a small peice of potato chip, not realising that salt is harmful. What ... A: -- She should be ok. Offer her some fruits, melons, water or even some juice like natural apple, ... | |
| ortho home defense max & parrots | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: i purchased the above and did not find any information on the bottle or on the msds sheets regarding ... A: Do not spray this product around any living things you care about, such as children, dogs, cats, ... | |
| how to stop d alexandrian parrot bite | 3/24/2010 |
| Q: i bght an 2 mnths old alexandrian parrot,im vry happy with it bt sumtyms ven i hand feed him he cmes ... A: Parrots love our company, despite how it may seem otherwise. Their biting is quite often just a show ... | |
| ? | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: My parrot only eats the peanuts and sunflower seeds from her bird food. what can i do or try to get ... A: -- Yes, feeding mostly pellets appropriate for her species, plus fresh foods is the ideal diet for ... | |
| parrots diet? | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: My parrot only eats the peanuts and sunflower seeds from her bird food. what can i do or try to get ... A: The two worst things you can feed a parrot are peanuts and sunflower seeds. No kidding. So much ... | |
| left something out | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: I Just asked a question about my military macaw throwing up her food. i forgot to tell u she eats ... A: -- Thanks for the additional info. If she's re engaging it (eating it) it's not vomitus; it's ... | |
| macaw vomitting? | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a military macaw for about 2 weeks now. i recently noticed she has been throwing up her food ... A: --- What you're describing is regurgitation and it sounds very much like a bonding or mating ... | |
| rainbow lori refuses to bathe | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a rainbow Lori that is about 1+ year old. I have only had it since February and it is my ... A: -- Don't force your bird to bathe. Here's what you must remind yourself: This bird is still ... | |
| HELP! I am at my wits end with my newly re-homed 12 year old Grey | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: I have a 12 year old Grey that I adopted in November 2009. He wouldnt really allow me to handle him ... A: --- Even though it's flattering, it's not easy to deal with a bird that's decided you need to be ... | |
| senegal eggs | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: it is now 31 days since my senegal laid its 1st egg and then she laid every 3 days till she had 4 , ... A: -- Yes, chances are they are not fertile and won't hatch. Still, leave them a little longer until ... | |
| nanday conure behavior | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: slowly moves head %26 body around, also fluffs up while doing this .she does not bite during this ... A: It sounds like bonding or courting behavior. Moving the head around, probably side to side so you ... | |
| parrot ? | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: i just got a military macaw few days ago. she has a swing in her cage but always sleeps hanging on ... A: If she's only been with you a few days, then yes, she's probably still very nervous --- You have ... | |
| African Grey, 9 month old, female | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: "Ms Tish" over just the last 3 days has developed a very strong odor of onions coming from her mouth ... A: It's always a joy to find an owner who truly loves their feathered companion. Let's see if we can ... | |
| Parrotlet diarrhea | 3/13/2010 |
| Q: my parrotlet is 6 months old and she is a female. She is alone in her cage and she is based on a ... A: --- You're right about this being a "symptom". We can't treat a symptom properly until we know ... | |
| AFRICAN GREY | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: ..he doesnt eat alot during the day and sleeps alot during the day?? is it because of weaning?i feed ... A: ----- There are various types of what are called African Grey parrots and all of them are known are ... | |
| pepper the paciffic parrotlet | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: what could be the problem for that? she eats fine and is fine when im in the room but when i go to ... A: When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let them ... | |
| macaw has eggs | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: My macaw named Buddy has laid 3 eggs I know for sure they are infertile, no male. Do I take them ... A: -- I don't blame you for both wanting to curb this and hoping to keep the bond between you. You ... | |
| EGGS | 3/8/2010 |
| Q: My Cockatiel laid a egg what should i do? A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| severe mini vomiting or regurgitating | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: My severe mini, Morgan, has suddenly vomited several times just now. This has never happened ... A: A bird that bobs its head up and down in a sort of pumping motion, beak open and then a purposeful ... | |
| My bird is a year old and making werd noises | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: my alexandrine has turned a year old and is making werd noises I don't know what to do, I give her ... A: One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their parrots is thinking of them like a ... | |
| Indian Ringneck tail cut and very skiddish | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: I rescued a male and female pair, unfortunately their tails were cut off and they are very very ... A: -- Depending on the extent of the tail cutting, as long as the 'root' of the feathers hasn't been ... | |
| Dont know where to start? | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: So I have had my 2 sun conures for about a year now. I never really got to liking them but now I am. ... A: we may have to start with them like they’re brand new. Before we get going though you need to ... | |
| Senegal Parrots | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 male Senegal Parrots - is it possible for them to live together in one (large) cage? Many ... A: If we’re talking about an outdoor aviary with natural standards such as real tree branches, dirt ... | |
| My two pet cockatiels | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: i just bought two cockatiel from a guy who hand reared them. when i went to pick them up the where ... A: -- Let's start all over with them. When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and ... | |
| Blue & Gold Macaw | 3/5/2010 |
| Q: Our Blue and Gold is about 10 years old. We have noticed that he is pink around his eyes in the ... A: Red in the face - when flustered or stressed, even just when really excited - macaws “blush”! ... | |
| Blue & Gold Macaw | 3/4/2010 |
| Q: Our Blue and Gold is about 10 years old. We have noticed that he is pink around his eyes in the ... A: -- When you notice this is the bird playing, flapping, flying or doing other strenuous activities? ... | |
| runny bowels in macaw | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: my macaw dips everything he eats in his water bowl as well as his toys and now his bowels are runny ... A: -- What you're probably seeing is a condition called "polyuria". It's never a stand alone problem, ... | |
| African Grey | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: ) I have a 5 year old African grey with a problem that I don't know a solution for...When she was ... A: --- Don't forget to keep following up and check out the options at www.4AnimalCare.org when it ... | |
| New Indian ringneck | 3/3/2010 |
| Q: we recently bought a Indian ringneck and she is tame and doesnt bite but she goes for my hand and ... A: When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let them ... | |
| Sun Conure egg laying | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: We have a 17 year old Sun Conure who laid her first egg at the age of 14. she has no mate, nor am I ... A: --- Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of ... | |
| Female Indian ringneck parrot normal egg laying cycle | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: My female Indian ring neck parrot is now about 5 years old. She laid around 4 eggs since one week ... A: That's a bit of a big clutch, did you remove the eggs as she laid? If so, it explains it. To ... | |
| My new lovebird is a biter | 2/27/2010 |
| Q: I recently got a female 3 month old hand fed violet masked lovebird from a breeder. She is very cage ... A: -- OK, let's try this: Hands are a common fear of caged birds. A hand entering their cage can ... | |
| Lovebird Behaviour | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a female lovebird aged just over 2 years. About 2 months ago she layed an egg. She has never ... A: -- As you mentioned, egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male ... | |
| My indian ringneck | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: We have had our indian ringneck for a week now ,he is 4.5 months old . We have been given different ... A: -- Hands are a common fear of caged birds. A hand entering their cage can sometimes launch them ... | |
| parrolet biting | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: I have had a parrolet for a year now. He has been a great pet until recently. Lately he flies on my ... A: -- Let's start with getting him off the shoulder and below your eye level. This gives you the ... | |
| GCC reguritating when handled | 2/23/2010 |
| Q: I have a male green cheek conure. He is almost four months old. He tries to regurgitate when he gets ... A: -- This isn't at all unusual and you're right to want to stop it. Eventually he'll start producing ... | |
| sun conure | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: could you tell me why my male sun conure as started attacking my female sun conure he just keeps ... A: Give me more of an idea of what happens before this starts. How old are they and how long have ... | |
| Flaky Cere | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: Abbot, I'm hoping maybe you can give me some info/advise. We have had our budgie Fry for about two ... A: i'm glad you've pursued this - he's a very lucky bird. There is no way anyone can make a diagnosis ... | |
| How to tame a "wild" Congo African Grey | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: Dr.S. August Abbott, I went to a store to order a baby CAG for us, but when my husband and I saw ... A: There isn't a lot of room here for me to explain, but if you go to www.4AnimalCare.org ... | |
| peachfront conure toenail | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: i purchased a peachfront conure and he was missing his front right toenail and the back one is ... A: -- This is beyond being able to be treated at home, but I understand you wanting to try. One of my ... | |
| How to tame a "wild" Congo African Grey | 2/19/2010 |
| Q: Dr.S. August Abbott, I went to a store to order a baby CAG for us, but when my husband and I saw ... A: I'm very happy to hear about this rescue and that you are taking such time with this lucky bird. ... | |
| Malting Weiro | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I have a 5 month old weiro who seems to have recently started malting a lot. There are no obvious ... A: Birds going through a molting season may look ragged and have what appear to be bald spots, but if ... | |
| Question about Parrot tail feathers | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: Within the last week I've noticed that my 6 yr. old double yellow headed Amazon parrot's tail ... A: Sometimes we see feather discoloration as a result of oils transferred from owners’ hands, or even ... | |
| Cockatiels and parrots | 2/17/2010 |
| Q: Are parrot and cockatiels behavior similar? Like, cockatiels hiss, and sometimes get scared at night ... A: -- Here's something that surprises a lot of bird owners: Cockatiels ARE parrots. So are ... | |
| my birds odd behavior | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: i recently rescued a few birds but my cockatoo in perticullar has bonded to me and me only but ... A: --- You're right, it sure could be a mating behavior. Males tend to rub forward against a perch ... | |
| Lost beak | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: I have a young female parakeet who lost half of her upper beak, horizontaly, due to an attack from ... A: -- I have to be honest, some of these cases don't turn out well, but I've also seen quite a few ... | |
| Senegal Parrot | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: I have a 15 month old Senegal Parrot who has plucked her feathers in the area of her anal opening. ... A: ---- Thank goodness you posted a question. Your bird needs to see a vet FAST. The cloaca ... | |
| Death of Grey parrot Jannie | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: Today when I got home I found the male Grey dead in the nest box and the female also inside the nest ... A: --- I'm deeply sorry for your loss. There are a few things to keep in mind here, with the most ... | |
| eclectus tumor | 2/13/2010 |
| Q: I have an 15 yo female grand eclectus with a large mass in her abdomen. She has had several ... A: -- I'm truly sorry for the aggravation and pain you're going through while trying to do the right ... | |
| Too dependant? | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: I keep getting told by my mom that my meyer's parrot, Trinity, is too dependent on me. My little ... A: I know what this feels like from both sides. It's nearly impossible to say 'no' to that little ... | |
| Sun conure laying unfertilised eggs | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: I have a sun conure and have had her for 12 years now. During the last 12 months she has started ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| African grey parrot | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: I want to know how long does it take for an African grey and timney grey to lay the first egg after ... A: After the male and female mate, the yolk is actually a sort of bed that holds a single ovum cell ... | |
| blue ring neck | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: do these birds have a period when they lose feathers ? A: No. Birds have no menstrual cycles whatsoever. If your bird is bleeding it's an urgent care ... | |
| Wound in my alexandrine parrot | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: My parrot is just 2 months old. In the tail area, it tries to pluck a feather but blood comes , If I ... A: Please stop using home remedies such as the powder and oil you've been applying. First, they ... | |
| new sun conure | 2/6/2010 |
| Q: About 8 days ago, my mom adopted a sun conure from petco. When we were in the store, the conure was ... A: --- When we bring a bird into our homes, no matter how old they are or what conditions they came ... | |
| My two (supposedly) female green cheek conures. | 2/5/2010 |
| Q: I have a confusing story. I thought I had a male green cheek and later bought him an apparently ... A: It's really not that unusual for two birds of the same sex to perform mating rituals, including ... | |
| baby alexandrine parrot | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: What is the foods name which has to be fed to the parrot? What type of food should be fed to the ... A: It’s generally recommended that most of today’s companion birds have a predominantly pelleted diet. ... | |
| Parrot digestive system | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: My African Gray parrot suddenly was not able to release his faeces. It was stuck until I helped ... A: There are many underlying causes to what can only be described as ‘constipation’ in our feathered ... | |
| 18 1/2 year old male PIonus Parrot all of a sudden biting me | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: I have rasied this parrot from 7 weeks old. He has always completely been crazy about me. He can ... A: -- I can't blame you even a little bit - of course it's not a pleasant development and when it ... | |
| Parrotlet is terrified | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: All right so here is my question. I have a hand raised parrotlet who is under a year who is ... A: Hands are a common fear of caged birds. A hand entering their cage can sometimes launch them into a ... | |
| my bird | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: my pet quaker parrot is losing feathers around his neck and we went to the pet store and asked and ... A: Please get rid of the thing on his cage right away. Not only could this be causing what you're ... | |
| weaning congo grey | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: my grey is 18wks old and still notfully weaned.she wont eat anything unless its really soft and warm ... A: ---- When it’s time to wean a bird it’s a stressful event, often for both the bird and the human. ... | |
| Yellow-Naped Amazon diet | 1/31/2010 |
| Q: I have recently rescued a 4 year old beautiful yellow naped amazon and I have researched what I need ... A: So much information is flooding the net these days about what to feed a companion bird, whether a ... | |
| Questions re a 24 day old Cockatiel | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: my question is this: My cockatiel pair produced a clutch of 4, but only one hatched. I waited ... A: Laying in odd positions is not abnormal for little ones like this. Strength in their feet and legs ... | |
| Introducing New Macaw - Rescued | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: My wife was walking yesterday in Florida and heard someone saying hello. It took a few minutes for ... A: -- Have you done due diligence to find this bird's original owner? Someone must be heartsick ... | |
| Cockatiel eye issue | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: I noticed today my cockatiel was acting strangely. She does not want to go anywhere near her cage ... A: What a beautiful girl! You have done a fantastic job in noticing this problem early. She's lucky ... | |
| Cage Placement | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: I have read in several articles that my parrot's cage should not be placed in my bedroom. My ... A: I keep my two in-house permanent residents in my bedroom at night and then bring them out every day. ... | |
| Cockatiel Behavior! | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: Dr. S.August Abbott, Hello, I have a few questions about my two cockatiels they are about two ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| Questions re a 24 day old Cockatiel | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: my question is this: My cockatiel pair produced a clutch of 4, but only one hatched. I waited ... A: I'm no spring chicken. I've arrived at 'nuts' a long time ago ;) The higher than normal liquid ... | |
| My 2 Cockatiels Hate Us! | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: Dr. Abbott, we recently purchased 2 cockatiels, around 2 months ago. At first they let us train ... A: Jasmine, you're very smart and very right that little brother is making taming much harder and ... | |
| can birds eat himan food? | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: can a african grey parrot eat human food like we do? A: -- Not only can they, but they should! The important thing is to be sure it's healthy foods. So ... | |
| Parrotlet Question | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: I recently adopted a 2 year old parrotlet. The background behind the parrotlet is unknown. The ... A: When we bring a bird into our homes, no matter how old they are or what conditions they came from, ... | |
| Safe foods for birds and play gyms | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: So I have two questions. I'll keep both short and to the point. One snack I love are the Real Fruit ... A: --- All natural, real fruit gummies? Take one and cut into about 4 pieces to give throughout the day ... | |
| ill thrift in macaw | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: I have a young macaw that has good feathers but poor beak condition and very little muscle over her ... A: Let me go over a few things you can try. Are you getting regular gram weights? Has a DNA ... | |
| my parrot is making a "clicking" noise when it breathes | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: ok to start off i have a Red-lored amazon parrot. I do not know the age or the sex of the parrot ... A: There is a type of mite that a wide range of birds may be infected with, called Air Sac Mites. ... | |
| Questions re a 24 day old Cockatiel | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: my question is this: My cockatiel pair produced a clutch of 4, but only one hatched. I waited ... A: -- It's not so much a matter of "how much" as what works for you and your individual bird. If ... | |
| BLUE & GOLD MACAW LAYING EGGS | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: I HAVE A MALE AND FEMALE AGED 16 AND 14 RESPECTIVELY-A FEW DAYS AGO THE FEMALE LAID HER FIRST ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| my african ringneck parakeet | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: hey my parakeet is about 3 - 4 months old, since im a big animal lover i cant stand 2 see him in his ... A: Parrots love our company, despite how it may seem otherwise. Their biting is quite often just a show ... | |
| My sulphur crested cockatoo is losing feathers help! | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: they said he was around 4 months old, i've had him for around 1 year and 2months. And around a month ... A: The injection cost would depend on what's actually found. For the most part, if really mites, ... | |
| My sulphur crested cockatoo is losing feathers help! | 1/24/2010 |
| Q: they said he was around 4 months old, i've had him for around 1 year and 2months. And around a month ... A: -- If you do nothing else, right now and most importantly, THROW THAT SPRAY AWAY! Hundreds of birds ... | |
| indian ringnecks and lovebirds in same aviary | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: I've got a pair of indian ringnecks in an aviary and would like to add a pair of lovebirds for ... A: The aviary needs to be at least twice as big as it is, otherwise there will very likely be ... | |
| How to tame my 2 Sun Conures? | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 sun conures. They are totally bonded with each other. I had them for a year or so and never ... A: You're already thinking along the right line when it comes to keeping them separated in order to ... | |
| conure behavior | 1/22/2010 |
| Q: we've had our blue crowned conure for 22 years - when he was given to us we were told he was 2 years ... A: I'm truly glad you asked this question. What you're seeing is something not typically associated ... | |
| quaker | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: We just noticed that our quaker is spitting up?vomiting a white gritty substance A: A bird that bobs its head up and down in a sort of pumping motion, beak open and then a purposeful ... | |
| fearful cockatoo | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: I adopted a 12 year old umbrella cockatoo for my mom a few months ago. He is healthy and full ... A: Taking your time and letting the bird learn you, adjust to their surroundings and ease into sharing ... | |
| Cockatoo Discipline | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: We have just become the owners of a 24 year old cockatoo, Nikki. We have had her for about a month. ... A: It never seems to fail, but within a week or even up to about a month after a new bird settles ... | |
| cockatiel trouble | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: i bought a cockatiel one year ago i got him everything he needed to be happy. four months and he is ... A: -- The problem in the very beginning could have been addressed rather easily with a few steps; ... | |
| green cheek conure | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: My bird is one and is supposedly a male. He likes to lift up his tail feathers and try to push his ... A: -- I'm not sure it's a male and from the sound of it, you have some doubts too don't you? Males ... | |
| African Grey | 1/14/2010 |
| Q: I'm happy to tell you that "Galilio" found his treat dish today and had his first apple. I'm trying ... A: 'Toys' should be shredable like soft woods, paper, etc. and noise making toys. He'll still need ... | |
| my 18 year old double yellow headed parrot | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: I saved Bubba from a home that he was being abused. He loves me and but can't stand my husband and ... A: --- Let's try starting over and I'll bet it makes a big difference. You might want to ... | |
| sun conures eggs | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: we rescued two sun conures a year ago. We were told they were both females. Last thursday we found ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| My macaw's beak | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: The lower part of my son's macaws beak does not line up with the top of his beak, it goes to the ... A: It's hard to know without a hands on examination, but what you're describing is a condition called ... | |
| My macaw's beak | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: The lower part of my son's macaws beak does not line up with the top of his beak, it goes to the ... A: When did this start? Do you know of any injury or reason behind it? Is this your only bird? ... | |
| My ringnecks rub their beak with the cage and they scratch themselves too much | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: I recently purchased 2 indian ringnecks both are 5 months old,and they sometimes start to rub their ... A: There was a delay in receiving your follow up and I've just now seen it. Now is a very good ... | |
| Cockatiel | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: Hey, my cockatiel is about 3 years old and we have had him for 2. He has never really been ... A: No doubt his first wing trim will be somewhat upsetting for him, but once it's done it's easy to ... | |
| Baby McCaw | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: my baby Macaw is now 9 weeks old, the whites around his beak periodically go quite a pink color, ... A: Yes, it's perfectly normal for a macaw to "blush". When they're excited, engaged, learning ... | |
| Rock Pebbler | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: My girlfriend and her bird moved in at the end of November. As soon as they moved in, Chili, the ... A: I'm really very glad you're caring enough to ask about what's going on. It means a lot to this ... | |
| my gray doesn't like me | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: we bought an African gray yesterday. We think he is about 3-4 years old. He had been somewhat ... A: This is really very, very early in the relationship to decide he doesn't like you. Keep in mind ... | |
| African Grey | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: Well - I met the African Grey on Friday and was in total shock. He came home with me immediately. ... A: It's so sad to hear about birds in horrific condition like this, but thank God for you. Let's ... | |
| pair of hens- both laying | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: we bought a pair from breeder in march 2009 and at the time we were assured they were a true pair. ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course ... | |
| Cockatiel | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: Hey, my cockatiel is about 3 years old and we have had him for 2. He has never really been ... A: The cage can wait, but keep trying. It'll be a very important part of his life in a time of need. ... | |
| Troubled Parrotlet | 1/9/2010 |
| Q: I've adopted a two year old parrotlet. Its past life is unknown. The bird, for the most part is a ... A: The 'stick method' . Many years ago I met a fellow rescue worker who was expounding on the ... | |
| cockatiels | 1/8/2010 |
| Q: Can albino cockatiel see as well as cockatiel with black eyes? A: Some research suggests that albinos in any animal are a bit more sensitive to light and have ... | |
| Addendum to George | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: just an addendum as I hope you use any emails to you as research. I had to towel George as the ... A: It's very nice to hear it. I've had the same experience multiple times with one of the birds I ... | |
| George | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: I just brought George home from Seattle on a plane. With the security heightened I had to towel him ... A: Be very careful about using hair dryers. A lot of newer ones have non-stick or Teflon type ... | |
| LENGTH OF SUN CONURE EGG LAYING | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: Good Wednesday morning ... My sun conure is sixteen and I'm wondering at what age may she stop ... A: When a bird lays she’s got a very increased risk for egg binding or Dystocia, both potentially life ... | |
| Cockatiel | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: Hey, my cockatiel is about 3 years old and we have had him for 2. He has never really been ... A: Let's start all over as if he's brand new ok? I know this might sound silly and you'll be tempted ... | |
| breeder female parrotlet | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I was just given a solid green parrotlet from the feed store where I purchase my dogs' food. The ... A: Yes, you can work with this bird and chances are you'll be able to handle her. You never know, ... | |
| parrot hiding | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: We have an 8 year old Sun Conure who have lately taken to hiding under the newspapers in the bottom ... A: You're right, this is mating behavior - it's called being "broody" When a bird goes broody, they ... | |
| sun conure questions | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: remember me? I asked a few days ago about nutrition and behavior for our recently adopted 2yr sun ... A: Sorry - sometimes I distract myself and lose my place. When you want your bird to step-up ... | |
| african grey | 1/4/2010 |
| Q: By accident I came accross an old african grey someone wants to let go of. The bird is old and a ... A: It sounds like this was supposed to happen - and this bird coming to you is where he needs to be to ... | |
| African Grey | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: I just purchased a 9 year old African Grey Male and it seems to have an unknown history, it's ... A: Since this bird has another half century (50 years) or more of life to live, 9 years old is pretty ... | |
| sun conure questions | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: remember me? I asked a few days ago about nutrition and behavior for our recently adopted 2yr sun ... A: I’ll try every type of pellet out there, whether fruity or plain, spicy or a combination – just be ... | |
| My african gery | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: I have had my Grey for about 20 years and lately he/she seem to be losing his/her balance on the ... A: Calcium Deficiency Disorder is rather common in African Grey’s. It’s not that they need more ... | |
| max my mccaw | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: i have a large garden center in suusex england and i started off having my own amazon which is in ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| strange behavior | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I have 2 Sun Conures 4 months apart and they get along quite well. Today for the first time ever ... A: Good observations. It's quite possible you're seeing some submissive behaviors (age doesn't matter ... | |
| Lovebird breeding | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: I wrote: I have a couple of peach face lovebirds about 16 months old. They are from the same ... A: Take a look here to see our girls www.4AnimalCare.org On the bird page you'll see how we keep ... | |
| Cold weather and Parrots | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: We have Amazon Parrots Which we keep in a bird aviary located on our back porch . On cold nights we ... A: For rainforest birds like this, yes, I'd supplement the heat. I wouldn't want it to be lower than ... | |
| Baby Bird Formula | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: I had a concern about the baby bird formula. Although it's a good way to help your baby bird grow I ... A: The professional formula is well developed and contains everything a bird needs. BUT, sometimes a ... | |
| sun conure | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: My husband and I rescued an approximate 2 yr old sun conure 2 weeks ago. the first day in 1/2 we ... A: Since you had to give her the seeds to begin with, try simply removing them. While you're doing ... | |
| blue and gold macaw | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: my macaw is sweet its a she im spending a lot of time with her what can i try about the screaming ... A: One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their parrots is thinking of them like a ... | |
| Mccaw health | 1/1/2010 |
| Q: My blue and gold mccaw is about seven months old and I have had her/him for about a month. ... A: When it comes to macaws, or really - any birds - it's far better to be safe than sorry don't you ... | |
| sun conure | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I rescued an approximate 2 yr old sun conure 2 weeks ago. the first day in 1/2 we ... A: Why are you adding seeds? Stick to the pellets. Please take a look here for the right diet and ... | |
| Parrotlet Aggression | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a 5 year old pacific parrotlet who has recently become a major problem for my roommate. ... A: Birds are rarely 'angry', but often 'afraid'. Since they act out with the two top tools in their ... | |
| New Lovebird problems...please help! | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: Aloha from warm and sunny Hawaii! We got our son a Lovebird for Christmas...from the pet store, ... A: Everyone take a deep breath and let's look at this from her point of view ok? Even though a pet ... | |
| recent rescued double yellow head amazon | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: Just today I received a neglected bird. She (we have been told she's female) sat in a cockatiel ... A: Let me briefly get to your questions first before I forget them: 1. DNA/genetic testing and yet, ... | |
| Screaming | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: My tiel screams dramatically every time i leave the room. and my sister recently had a baby and it ... A: You have quite a few things working for you here: First, a male can be taught to use words rather ... | |
| Screaming | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: My tiel screams dramatically every time i leave the room. and my sister recently had a baby and it ... A: Is this is a male or female 'tiel? How old is it? How long have you had it? Does it talk at ... | |
| baby macaw | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: I'm handfeeding a new born blue and gold macaw as of today it is 5 days old. Its my first macaw ... A: The heat lamp might not be the best idea for a bird this young. I'd prefer you use a heating pad ... | |
| Bird mating issues | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2 year old male jenday conure who has chosen me for his mate. By doing this, he is ... A: Let me first go over the mating behavior ok? Once they are ‘mature’, you shouldn’t be ... | |
| Ringworm | 12/27/2009 |
| Q: I have a Macaw that lives at a sanctuary. I have wanted to bring her home over the holidays but ... A: It's "possible", but not probable. Just take precautions until you're cleared up: Wash hands ... | |
| Taming two birds? | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: Hey, I have two sun conures (don't think species matters as much though) Well I got them about a ... A: If you put them back together they're going to re-bond with each other again and not be very ... | |
| Baby quaker parrot questions | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: I have a young Quaker parrot (just weaned approx 8-9 weeks old, I think). I've only had her for a ... A: What you're seeing is not at all unusual. She's very young and this is a very important time of her ... | |
| Taming two birds? | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: Hey, I have two sun conures (don't think species matters as much though) Well I got them about a ... A: You've got the right idea in thinking separating them will help. Two birds together, no matter ... | |
| Aviary size for Indian Ringnecks | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a 8ft by 4ft aviary (approx 2.4m long x 1.2m wide) is this large enough for IRNs? I've also ... A: What you're reading is probably right on both counts. It is not advisable to house multiple pairs ... | |
| parrotlets parrots loss use of legs | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: help i have a parrotlet parrot she is about one and she has been doing great untill now she cant use ... A: Sometimes a tumor on the kidney will not appear on the outside of the body, but other symptoms such ... | |
| Plucking African Gray - Not What You Might Think... | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: I went to my boss' house and he has a wonderful African Gray... who is bald. She has lots and lots ... A: She's probably not thrilled with her nakedness either ;) Feather loss is one of the most ... | |
| Amazon kicking | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: We adopted a 12 year old blue fronted Amazon 6 months ago. He immediately bonded with me but tries ... A: I love to hear about a bird so beautiful and healthy - in my business (rescue, rehab) sometimes ... | |
| Amazon kicking | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: We adopted a 12 year old blue fronted Amazon 6 months ago. He immediately bonded with me but tries ... A: Has it been DNA sexed to know for sure it's a male? When was his last vet check up? What do you ... | |
| Sun conure biting | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: My partner and I bought a 3 year old sun conure from a couple who had taken him off the hands of a ... A: These poor little darlings don't know what's going on and they don't know how to communicate that ... | |
| How and What to feed 3 days ringneck paarkeet | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: I have just purchased 2 babies of Alexandrian parakeet which i think 3 or 4 days old. I stay in ... A: Offer ½ spoon of all natural, organic baby food (squash, yams, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables) ... | |
| budgies | 12/20/2009 |
| Q: how many days budgies takes to laying egg after mating? Thank you. A: After the male and female mate, the yolk is actually a sort of bed that holds a single ovum cell ... | |
| Blue Head Pionus Screaming behavior | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: Our Blue Head Pionus is almost 6 years old. Generally, beautiful, sweet and well behaved. We go ... A: One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their parrots is thinking of them like a ... | |
| eggs | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: My jenday conure laid an egg last night we thought she was a boy; how long do we leave the egg in ... A: I'm glad you're asking this question. It's a sign of responsible ownership that you care Egg ... | |
| How do i teach my 4 month old greenwinged macaw not to bite | 12/18/2009 |
| Q: I am the proud owner/friend of a 4 month old macaw.He is a very nice boy but sometimes he want to ... A: Congratulations on your new addition and for being so patient and kind. Parrots love our ... | |
| mix breeding | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: i have a female eastern Rosella about 2 years old and i have a male cockatiel i think he is the same ... A: It would certainly make an interesting looking bird, but two different species cannot produce ... | |
| budgie doesnt know how to mate? | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: :) I have 3 budgies. 2 males and 1 female. Ive had the males for 4 years now from a breeder. They ... A: These are very smart birds and like people, we all know by instinct "how to" mate, but if we just ... | |
| alexandrine breeding | 12/16/2009 |
| Q: sir i have a 1 pair of alexandrine parakeet,they are 20 months old,please tell me when(age)they are ... A: Ideally you should wait until the male has his neck ring fully matured at about 3 yrs old. The ... | |
| Cockatiels | 12/15/2009 |
| Q: Have you ever noticed cockatiels that seem to know when there is something wrong with a human? My ... A: You did the right thing in getting his wings attended to; however, the place did the wrong thing in ... | |
| squealing | 12/10/2009 |
| Q: I need some help? I own a 5yr old female Indian ringneck parakeet, named tiper. She has been the ... A: Tiper is getting her way by doing what she does, so why should she change? Part of her being the ... | |
| african grey and attachment | 12/9/2009 |
| Q: i have an african grey bird and he is around six months. he seems to be only attached to two members ... A: We can't change the nature of the animal, but we can modify the behavior if we’re patient. Birds ... | |
| cockatiel bites and he wont eat anything that is not seeds | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: i need help with my cockatiel. i got him during summer and he was not used to people.he always used ... A: It’s not easy for some birds to make the conversion, but quite often that’s because their owner is ... | |
| Feeding amounts for green cheek conures | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: I am currently raising 2 Green Cheek Conures. They are close to 6 weeks old. They were taken from ... A: It's actually a lot easier than you think when it comes to hand feeding. First and most ... | |
| male parakeet anger | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: my boyfriend recently got a 5 yr old male parakeet from a friend who could no longer keep him. it ... A: Don't give up on Jimmy - what you're seeing is perfectly normal. It’s not unusual for some birds ... | |
| african grey mating behaviour | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: The first time I saw the behaviour I thought he was choking or had some thing stuck in his throat. ... A: Males tend to rub forward (tail down and tucked under or to the side) against a perch or object, ... | |
| Murderously jealous African Grey and flock dynamics | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: I am in desperate need of advice about what to do with my 10 year old rescue Timneh Grey. He is ... A: What matters most is that you caught this before your grey caught your 'tiel and did something that ... | |
| Cockatiels "6th sense" | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: Have you ever noticed cockatiels that seem to know when there is something wrong with a human? My ... A: "There are more things in heaven and earth Horatio than are dreamt of in your philosophy" ... | |
| Sun conur & other small parrots | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a sun conure and ringneck parakeet housed in the same cage together. They have been together ... A: This can get complicated: First of all though, interspecies production of a fertile egg won't ... | |
| Our severe macaw, Mickey | 11/30/2009 |
| Q: Recently our severe macaw, Mickey has begun to bite more frequently. We got him from a local pet ... A: You're right that this is likely due to acting out over a change in routine. Even though it seemed ... | |
| please help my parrots tail feathers are falling out | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: I have a parrot i believe it is a double breasted yellow headed amazon parrot i dont quite know ... A: I'm very glad you've asked about those drops rather than just using them. These products, along ... | |
| Splay-legged lovebirds | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: My lovebirds unexpectedly laid 5 eggs during October. They all hatched 2 days apart in November, ... A: Splayed Leg/Dislocated hip details can be found here: www.cagenbird.com/splayed_leg.htm and ... | |
| concure | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: My bird ive had 3 days he is 5 months old when ever i put my hand in the cage he goes nuts and i sit ... A: You're doing a good job already - it's just a matter of taking it a few steps further. Keep in mind ... | |
| Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot Healthy Diet | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: I have been looking online for a decent list of healthy and unhealthy/toxic foods for parrots but ... A: This kind of bird isn't suggested around children under the age of 12 to 14 years old. I'd prefer ... | |
| Green Cheek Conure behavior changes | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: My husband & I have a 9 year old green cheeked conure who has undergone some behvior changes ... A: Oh no kidding - I originally lived in a small town just outside of Saratoga and before Lk. George. ... | |
| Green Cheek Conure behavior changes | 11/21/2009 |
| Q: My husband & I have a 9 year old green cheeked conure who has undergone some behvior changes ... A: There are a couple of things that keep popping up in your description of your vet's comments that ... | |
| Green Cheek Conure behavior changes | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: My husband & I have a 9 year old green cheeked conure who has undergone some behvior changes ... A: Don't you wish the vet found something? It's so much easier to have a problem diagnosed - a ... | |
| Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot Healthy Diet | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: I have been looking online for a decent list of healthy and unhealthy/toxic foods for parrots but ... A: I welcome the opportunity to give both you and your doctor the proper information about birds ... | |
| Alexandrine 6 weeks old bites | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: Hey, I recently got an Alexandrine for Christmas (early Xmas Pressie) from a breeder my mother ... A: Don't worry about so many questions. I'd rather you ask right away than have things progress and ... | |
| Female Congo African Grey laying egg | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: Our female Congo African Grey laid an egg this morning. She is 18 years old and has never done this ... A: Leaving the egg(s) is the right answer. Feel free to print this out and share it with that vet so ... | |
| blue and gold Macaw | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: Our Macaw We have had over 20 years has been sitting on eggs for a few months, they are gone now(not ... A: Let me go over a few things here and hopefully we can work together in your lovely macaw's care. ... | |
| indian ring neck | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: i would like to know which are the best ways to care and train my new pet your advice will be ... A: When a bird is new to a home you have to be very patient and very careful. It's easy to let them ... | |
| Congo African Gray problems | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: i recently go a 4 month old Congo African Gray, we have had him for about 2 weeks now and have been ... A: Toweling is something we do when we're trying to subdue a difficult bird in a difficult situation. ... | |
| 3yo alexandrine | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: My 3yo alexandrine seems to constantly malt, he has a short time where his feathers are beautiful ... A: Nutritional issues accounts for up to 90% of feather problems according to some published ... | |
| Cockatoo | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: What time should i put my cockatoo to bed? He gets up between 6am and 7am.. A: Establishing a separate "sleep cage" is a good idea. A smaller cage with just the basics: A soft ... | |
| Blue & Gold wing feather | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: My Blue %26 Gold has a wing feather coming in that is all yellow (Instead of blue on top and yellow ... A: It's possible that this is a one time only thing and that come his next molt it will be normal ... | |
| quakers | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: i have a 2 year old female blue quaker the bird shakes and wobbles when she walks in the cage can ... A: It's very difficult to know for sure what's going on without a hands on exam, so let me go over ... | |
| sunflower seeds | 11/15/2009 |
| Q: are raw sunflower seeds grown in the yard safe for a conure, no pesticides were used at all. A: You might be surprised to learn that sunflower seeds overall are not good for birds. I don't allow ... | |
| indian ringnecks | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: Ive had my imdian ringneck for about a month now. chaos is about 8 months old. hi is not tame. i am ... A: Probably not. If humans can comfortably survive the indoor temp, he can too. However, I'd prefer ... | |
| mustached | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: Can I take a Mustached baby out the nest and handfeed it A: If this is a wild bird, hatched to wild parents and in a natural nest, no. It's illegal for a ... | |
| diet change | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: My 3 month baby macaw takes cerelac(hand feeding) in the morning and evening.but in mid day I give ... A: When it’s time to wean a bird it’s a stressful event, often for both the bird and the human. ... | |
| I want to set free my mom lovebirds | 11/14/2009 |
| Q: my name is Teresa. My mom was recently given a couple of lovebirds. They used to belong to a good ... A: I used to feel the same way and think the same thing, so I truly understand. Here's what you need ... | |
| rescue congo african grey parrot | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: I just got a CAG...It was a rescue bird, she has no foot band, I don't think she is tame. Is it ... A: I will certainly give it my very best effort as I'm positive you will. When I bring a bird into ... | |
| maccaw has broblem in leg nerve | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: well my 3 month baby macaw fallen last week hardly on left leg so she couldn't walk properly I take ... A: The good news is that he didn't find a break or fracture. Birds are incredible when it comes to ... | |
| My 2.5 Year Old Congo African Grey Loves Men and Not Me | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: Two weeks ago, I purchased an African Grey thought to be a female although there has been no DNA ... A: Yes, absolutely your sweet songs count! Keep it up. You have wonderful instincts and I think you ... | |
| parrot laying eggs | 11/13/2009 |
| Q: Our parrot is constantly laying eggs and wont stop. Plus she doesn't have a male partner. We try ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| My 2.5 Year Old Congo African Grey Loves Men and Not Me | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: Two weeks ago, I purchased an African Grey thought to be a female although there has been no DNA ... A: This sort of rejection is heartbreaking isn't it? Sometimes, our reaction to their rejection is ... | |
| Mustache Parakeet weaning and biting. | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know what is the correct age to wean these parakeets at. My bird is 11 weeks now. ... A: When it’s time to wean a bird it’s a stressful event, often for both the bird and the human. ... | |
| african grey parrot | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: We are considering adopting an 18 y/o African grey. how often does it need vet care and does it ... A: A lot of people need to work or leave for other reasons for several hours during the day. When you ... | |
| live in neighbours! | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: I have two ring neck parrots in the same cage, and have just adopted an unwanted adult lovie. Can i ... A: The top reasons for not doing this is because cages are rarely big enough for more than two. Each ... | |
| Solid Foods | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: Our African Grey is 10 weeks old. We are feeding him Handrear Gold stage 2 with great success. We ... A: I wouldn't introduce seeds until he's weaned onto pellets. As for nuts, go ahead and enjoy! Start ... | |
| african grey parrot | 11/11/2009 |
| Q: We are considering adopting an 18 y/o African grey. how often does it need vet care and does it ... A: Let me give you too much information rather than too little ok? As for vitamin shots? ... | |
| My 4 month old Indian Ringneck bits and wont let go! Please help! | 11/10/2009 |
| Q: I just got my Ringneck Parakeet a few weeks ago, he has been hand fed, very tame, loves to be pet, ... A: The first thing I'd suggest is providing a "sleep cage" . It doesn't have to be a big cage, just ... | |
| Weaning Baby Cockatoo | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: I have recently bought a goffins cockatoo she is 3 months on the 15th of this month. I got her and ... A: When it’s time to wean a bird it’s a stressful event, often for both the bird and the human. ... | |
| pet parrot | 11/9/2009 |
| Q: worried that our parrot has eye infection.It is a bank holiday where I am and was checking internet ... A: We can approach this from the two most likely angles of concern: Nutrition and sleep. So much ... | |
| skin irritation in african grey | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: my african grey parrot keeps scratching the back of its neck and its losing its feathers in that ... A: How old is the bird? Male, female? When did this start? Are you seeing bald spots or any sores ... | |
| African grey ill | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: My African grey smokie is 29years old she has developed this weasing and rasping noise when she is ... A: There is a type of mite that a wide range of birds may be infected with, called Air Sac Mites. ... | |
| my parrot | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: she was raised at home from time she was born 3 years ago. I got her about 6months ago an was ... A: I am an advocate of covering, but I take it a step further with a sleep cage. A typical day in ... | |
| live bug found in African Grey poo?! | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: This morning, I took our 6 month old male BnG and 11 month old female Grey out of their cage, put ... A: Where are the birds kept? Indoors only or allowed outside? How old are they and how long have ... | |
| compatible birds | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a conure sun parrot and budgie, will they be okay together in the same cage, I have pushed ... A: A popular question I get is whether or not two birds can share the same cage. Often the ... | |
| painted conure | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a 4 mth old painted conure and recently have noticed a foul odor mainly about the rectal ... A: Whenever there's an odor noticeable from either end of your bird - it absolutely must be evaluated ... | |
| Severe macaw | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a four and a half month old severe macaw. She is wonderful. Yesterday she started shaking ... A: Is this head bobbing and then the delivery of regurgitated, partially digested food or are you ... | |
| tiel hen plucking | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: she is picking all of the feathers under her wings. she isn't picking til blood, but she is picking ... A: No, honestly, it shouldn't cost that much. Let's start with one step at a time though ok? Have ... | |
| tiel hen plucking | 11/5/2009 |
| Q: she is picking all of the feathers under her wings. she isn't picking til blood, but she is picking ... A: What you're describing is wing web dermatitis and you're probably right that it was brought on by ... | |
| regarding runny nose in grey | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: his nose constantly runs most days some days it doesnt could you sugest anything that will help him ... A: Our blue & gold macaw (Sadie) has this condition flare up twice a year during high pollen counts. ... | |
| Meyers Parrot | 11/4/2009 |
| Q: I brought a Meyers parrot just over a week ago, he is 2-3 yrs old and close rung.He was well looked ... A: I'll bet you can do this yourself and I'm going to give you a step by step to show you how The ... | |
| My Senegal Parot | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: He seems to try and connect with me like letting me scratch his head and beak while he hangs on the ... A: What a cute name! I'm very glad you're not hurling him. Let's see if we can fix this The first ... | |
| Meyers parrot keeps laying eggs | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: She has always successfully layed eggs. And always just one She is approx 12-15 yrs old. Last week ... A: OK, you're right - this is something we need to stop in order to preserve her health. It sounds ... | |
| biting parrot | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: i have just got a amazon green parrot which is 7 years old i have had it a week it is biting and ... A: It's never too late and with a bird that will live into it's 40's or even older, 7 years old is just ... | |
| ringneck parrot | 11/2/2009 |
| Q: there. please can you advise at what age will my baby ringneck be able to feed him/herself. it is ... A: It's just about time for your little one to wean When it’s time to wean a bird it’s a stressful ... | |
| Alexandrines | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a 6 week and 9 week old alex. 6 weeks is a female amd 9 weeks is a male. they are not related ... A: It won't matter what sex combination you have as long as you keep them separate. And it's quite ... | |
| Seizure in Blue and Gold Macaw | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: My 11 y/o Blue and Gold Macaw has seizure type episodes when she is given a shower. She always loved ... A: I commend you for the exceptional care you're giving this bird and wish more owners were this ... | |
| Discolored Congo African Grey Eye | 10/31/2009 |
| Q: Good evening Rev. Dr. Abbott. I have a concern about the color of my Congo African Grey's left eye. ... A: This doesn't look like an emergency right now and as long as you don't see it getting worse or any ... | |
| africa gray | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: can u make toys from everyday things we would normally throw away an can i give my parrot human ... A: First and foremost, do not give any bird any human vitamin. Birds are far better off getting all of ... | |
| Seizure in Blue and Gold Macaw | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: My 11 y/o Blue and Gold Macaw has seizure type episodes when she is given a shower. She always loved ... A: This had to scare the life out of you! Tell me more about what the vets did in the way of ... | |
| Weak positive result for Chlamydiosis | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: If my parrot (Pionus) tested "weak positive" for Chlamydiosis/psittacosis is he contagious? He ... A: Quite often the bird doesn’t show noticeable symptoms, which can be very dangerous since this is a ... | |
| feather plucking | 10/30/2009 |
| Q: i just bought a breeding pair cockatiel, female lutino keeps plucking her self, is there any help, ... A: One of the most common causes of self plucking like this is nutritional insufficiencies, which is ... | |
| OW Amazons | 10/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a bonded, proven pair of OW Amazons who have gave us 2 viable clutches in the past 3 ... A: One of the most common questions I receive, “How do I separate birds that have been sharing a cage ... | |
| rescue bird | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: As a reasonably experienced parrot keeper i recently aquired a rescued Amazon. His age is generally ... A: Alas, the honeymoon is over. It's surprising to me that you haven't seen this before. I see it in ... | |
| stressed out lovebird | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: I usually take my lovebird in the bathroom when I take a shower because when I am home he doesn't ... A: It sounds like some water might have gotten into his nares. You did the right thing in keeping him ... | |
| Rosella Females Together? | 10/26/2009 |
| Q: Can I put two young female Rosellas (One is Golden Manteled and the other one is Scarlet Chested) ... A: The enclosure would have to be large enough for both of them to fully extend their wings at the same ... | |
| galah sneezing | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: I inherited a galah from my father who passed nearly 2 years back, he was outside in an aviary ... A: This is probably a simple allergy - he might even be allergic to his own dander. On the other hand ... | |
| taming a ring neck | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: i have a green ring neck, he is really scared and very aggressive always attacking to bite and is ... A: The first thing I'd suggest is providing a "sleep cage" . It doesn't have to be a big cage, just ... | |
| Bathing | 10/24/2009 |
| Q: We just got a 14 year old Harlequin macaw. I would like to know how often they need a bath? She is ... A: Keeping your bird happy, healthy and clean is pretty easy. Most importantly is always make sure ... | |
| moluccan behavior | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: I have an umbrella cockatoo, i recently got a moluccan cockatoo, the cage didn't come with a bottom ... A: This is normal behavior, but it should be discouraged because it could lead to egg laying. Egg ... | |
| eggs | 10/23/2009 |
| Q: what is considered excessive egg laying? i have a blue and gold macaw that has laid 4-6 eggs each ... A: It's best that all egg laying be prevented. You're doing the right thing in leaving her eggs there ... | |
| My sneezing,squatting blue and gold macaw | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: Last wk every now and then she or he not sexed blue & gold started sneezing it isn't often but a few ... A: First, B&G's are very prone to allergies and this is one of the highest allergen times of the year. ... | |
| Green Cheeked Conure biting | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: We have a Green Cheeked Conure which we bought from a pet shop he was hand raised and is ... A: It sounds like this conure has assumed the role of dominant bird over your daughter, a very common ... | |
| Parrot bathing | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: My 2yo severe macaw will not take a bath. He/she grooms constantly but will not get in or play with ... A: You can have this done yourself if you're confident enough to clip a toenail just short enough to ... | |
| Parrot bathing | 10/18/2009 |
| Q: My 2yo severe macaw will not take a bath. He/she grooms constantly but will not get in or play with ... A: I know that Severe's bites can be, well, SEVERE. They are the pitbull of the bird world. I am ... | |
| Gender confusion | 10/17/2009 |
| Q: I am starting to wonder if my female myers parrot is actually a male. The petstore that she is a she ... A: This so-called "bird person" has done little more than prove beyond any doubt that they are no more ... | |
| Ringneck diet | 10/16/2009 |
| Q: I have 2 Indian Ringneck birds aged 6 weeks. I bought them a week and a half ago. I have been ... A: It's about time to start weaning and from what you describe, you're doing well. When it’s time to ... | |
| Sick Parakeet | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: I recently took my Parakeet to the Vet and really didn't get any answers for him. It would seem once ... A: What you're seeing when you don't see your bird's symptoms consistently is a hard-wired instinct ... | |
| Bourke Laid an Egg | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: My first and only pet bird, a cheery sweet female Bourke, came into my life as a happy gift, but ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| Blue and Gold Macaw | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: I have a baby Blue and Gold Macaw. Does it's crop get larger or smaller as it gets closer to being ... A: As the bird gets older, the crop becomes less elastic and of less capacity. The formula should be ... | |
| Bird allergy? | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: We have an african grey parrot he is 8 yrs old. My husband always seems to be full of cold, it is ... A: Just like some people are allergic to cats or dogs, allergies to birds exist too. Allergic ... | |
| Fatty cysts | 10/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a 14 years old pied cockatiel. About a year ago she developed a growth near her sebaceous ... A: Uropygial Gland problems are also not uncommon as the result of vitamin A deficiency (largely seed ... | |
| bite force parrot | 10/3/2009 |
| Q: what's is bite force macaw parrot? merci beaucoup A: It depends on the macaw, but for a general idea, a green wing, scarlet and others in this size range ... | |
| Loss of Parrot | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: We recently purchased a turquoise conure that passed away after a week of having her. We had gotten ... A: I am truly sorry for your loss and I understand the pain of not knowing what happened or how. ... | |
| love birds | 10/2/2009 |
| Q: Is there a way to teach my love birds how to talk. If there is could you please tell me how? ... A: When it comes to teaching a bird to talk, it’s important to start with a bird that actually has this ... | |
| can 3 love birds live together? | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a male love bird living on his own. His mate was killed in a tragic accident. He has coped ... A: The best solution to multiple birds like this is separate cages. It's not really that difficult - ... | |
| Amazon-Rubbing Off Feathers | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a 25 y.o. Yellow-nape Amazon who is rubbing off her chest feathers. She is not plucking, but ... A: You're not making this easy at all are you? I can understand your frustration though - 90% of these ... | |
| eclectus parrot | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: my eclectus parrots facees seem to be a little watery & runny. Otherwise he seems healthy bright & ... A: Diarrhea is often actually Polyuria. True diarrhea is when the feces part of the droppings are not ... | |
| Male Cockatiel breeding behaviour | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: My pet cockatiel is 6 and for the past few weeks and possibly months, we have noticed a nesting ... A: It sounds like you're doing all the right things. As tedious as it might seem, a vet visit to get ... | |
| baby african grey | 9/27/2009 |
| Q: i have an 18 week old african grey i have had him for five weeks. he seems to have an affectionate ... A: What a sweet and wonderful bond you have. And how very nice of you to want to be sure he's social. ... | |
| Choking ?? | 9/26/2009 |
| Q: I have a Goffins Cockatoo that has been excellent. I have progressed extremely well since he has ... A: Having Bernie in your life may make more of a difference than you imagine. This I know from first ... | |
| Scared Cockatiel | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a cockatiel that was given to me by a pet store a few months ago (not purchased, given). The ... A: While we can't save every bird that needs it, for the one at a time we do save, it means everything ... | |
| blue/gold macaw molting | 9/24/2009 |
| Q: We have a wonderful well behaved blue/gold macaw and we've had him for 2 years. A couple of days ... A: It's as strange as it gets, but I've noticed that many B&G macaws are 'drama queens'. One ... | |
| Lovebird can't fly | 9/23/2009 |
| Q: She only makes the attempt occasionally now and always winds up on the floor. Though she can guide ... A: I can't tell you how glad I am to hear she's been on predominantly pellets. This reduces her ... | |
| Sun Conure keeps laying eggs | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: My female Sun Conure keeps laying clusters 4-5 eggs. This eggs are not going to hatch since she is ... A: I'm glad you asked about the vitamins. If it's in her water, it's not recommended. In fact, if ... | |
| Lovebird holding wing up | 9/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a 6-month old Peachface Lutino lovebird in the middle of her first molt. Today I noticed ... A: What you're describing doesn't sound related to her food change; however, it could be the result of ... | |
| Parrotlet baby not growing and still naked? | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: I am very experienced with raising Avians of all sizes and species, even wild one's. But the ... A: I appreciate your kind words - and next time someone mentions 'mother nature taking its course', ... | |
| female african congo grey parrot egg laying | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: I recently adopted a 10 year old grey and the vet sent blood for a DNA test which has not come back ... A: Well, we know one thing for sure, the DNA will indicate you've got a hen (girl), so congratulations. ... | |
| Parrotlet baby not growing and still naked? | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: I am very experienced with raising Avians of all sizes and species, even wild one's. But the ... A: I have to enthusiastically commend you on both your efforts and comprehensive description of what's ... | |
| Hey | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: Hey, From the bird food i have, its all messy and on the ground. And there are like bugs/moths ... A: It isn't a good idea to house a 'third wheel' like this if a pair becomes a mating couple. Not ... | |
| African Grey | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: I have never seen my African Grey "Goofy" poop brown. I gave him some new treats yesterday but ... A: Human companions to birds need to learn what’s normal for their bird. When the bird is healthy, ... | |
| Sun Conure keeps laying eggs | 9/20/2009 |
| Q: My female Sun Conure keeps laying clusters 4-5 eggs. This eggs are not going to hatch since she is ... A: I'm sure whoever said this about her being 'happy' meant well. Perhaps you should share this info ... | |
| senegal courting owner | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: You responded to a question by Greg about his Senegal's behavior (holding wings low, soft chirping ... A: Overall, general 'mating' behavior may seem similar right up until the bird uses a tool to ... | |
| Seed & nut mix | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: my 5 month old African grey was handfed by me, I was told not to force my bird to stop the porridge ... A: You can try to ease her off the seeds by sprouting them just a bit before feeding. I’ll try ... | |
| Bugs | 9/19/2009 |
| Q: Hey, From the bird food i have, its all messy and on the ground. And there are like bugs/moths ... A: These 'seed moths' are pretty common and while generally harmless, the webs and mold that might also ... | |
| Preparing to bring my baby sun home | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I am the new owner of a baby Sun conure that is still being weaned/ handfed once a day at the pet ... A: I wouldn't recommend the baked potato unless it's sweet potato or yams; the oatmeal is something ... | |
| African Grey Parrot | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: I'm adopting a 4yr old African Grey. It's previous owner passed away. I realize that this parrot ... A: The cage would do well as a 'sleep cage' or if your bird is out most of the time; otherwise, a ... | |
| African Grey | 9/17/2009 |
| Q: We have an African Grey which has been with us for 5 years. He is settled and happy. We have been ... A: They should be fine - but be careful to keep them separate. Probably the most difficult thing to do ... | |
| Hand-feeding 3 month old baby Macaw (2) | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: and, firstly, the picture of him on a high perch was when he flew there after arriving !, he ... A: I can appreciate the video stressing that prolonged 'diarrhea' may be life threatening, but the ... | |
| I think my bird is sick | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: I noticed about two or three weeks ago that my female Eclectus' droppings were unusually dark in ... A: Sorry it took so long, but it seems no one was in the same place at the same time The advice from ... | |
| Cockatiel | 9/13/2009 |
| Q: ! My name is Joanne today I became the proud owner of a one yr old hand raised cockatiel only im a ... A: Congratulations on being a new birdy mommy! You're right that this baby might just have been ... | |
| quaker parrot weight loss | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: I have a 23 year old Quaker parrot, since she was an egg.I have to have her beak correctivly trimmed ... A: You might be surprised to learn that while with people, bread can pack on the weight, but with birds ... | |
| Amazon Parrot showed no signs of being so sick | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: He passed away while we were away on vacation (only 10 years old). He suddenly started throwing up ... A: From your description of the color of the droppings, the vomiting and so on, this is very liver ... | |
| 15 yr old macaw | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: My 15 yr old blue and gold macaw has been with me since 4 months old. I have always referred to the ... A: First, it would be very wise to have the DNA test to determine he or she. It's not just a matter ... | |
| I think my bird is sick | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: I noticed about two or three weeks ago that my female Eclectus' droppings were unusually dark in ... A: I have to admire your involvement and knowledge. I nearly used 'reject' on this because I am not ... | |
| Need help | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: i am in a predicament, I have a 2 year old Sun Conure parot, and my parents are staying with us, my ... A: Oh Jean, this is certainly a tough one. I probably wouldn't sell him. That doesn't mean to keep ... | |
| correcting a bad habit | 9/10/2009 |
| Q: we have a Senegal parrot that we love dearly but she chews on ears and glasses how do we correct ... A: It's not actually a bad habit of hers, it's what you feel is an undesired behavior. The difference ... | |
| Halloween costume and a bird | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: For Halloween this year I plan on going as a pirate so I can have my little birdie on my shoulder (a ... A: The 'heart attack' story is a very old wives tale. What probably happened in those times before ... | |
| Parrot bedtime difficulties | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: I'm a new owner of an adopted 1-year-old Meyers parrot, Tunie, who has been with me two weeks. Tunie ... A: I just love your commitment to doing this right. The first change I'd make is to his access to a ... | |
| Hand-feeding 3 month old baby Macaw | 9/8/2009 |
| Q: Our three month old baby Macaw arrived in our home yesterday. The breeder brought him and,with him, ... A: OK, this type of macaw will not usually wean until 5-6 months, but given his demeanor it's ... | |
| Alexandrine Parrot runny nose | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1yr old Alexandrine Parrot who appears to have a runny nose. I noticed this yesterday ... A: If this were a macaw I'd suspect that the bird had allergies, which is relatively common in macaws ... | |
| Lovebird holding wing up | 9/5/2009 |
| Q: I have a 6-month old Peachface Lutino lovebird in the middle of her first molt. Today I noticed ... A: You're right that during a major molt time of year, like now, a bird can be especially sensitive. ... | |
| Cockatoo | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: I have an umbrella cockatoo, Bulu (snowflake in Indonesian) who has had a problem with evacuating ... A: This is what's called Cloacal prolapse - and the good news is that it can very often be corrected. ... | |
| Cockatiel Egg First Timer | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: My female cockatiel laid her first egg and I saw the signs prior that she had bigger poops and was ... A: Good question and I'm glad you asked. Yes, these two are terribly young to be doing this and the ... | |
| parrots and pregnancy | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: Dr.S.August Abbot, we have a 4 year old african grey parrot. my wife and I have decided to have a ... A: I have strong doubts that a bird caused the complications you've described. Perhaps that ... | |
| African Grey Parrott | 9/1/2009 |
| Q: We have a Congo African grey parrot, she is 32 yrs. old. She has been plucking her feathers for some ... A: The short answer to your question about the wood from your trees is "maybe". If the tree is disease ... | |
| loss of feathers | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a pearl cockatiel. Lately I have noticed feather loss from under his one wing and a few small ... A: Good instincts Lucille - I think you're right about the nutritional aspect, but let me go over a few ... | |
| Depression | 8/31/2009 |
| Q: I had two male pacific parrotlets. They were housed in seperate cages but were let out together and ... A: As a matter of fact, yes, I've heard of this happening quite a bit. In a way, it IS related to your ... | |
| Cockatiel Skin Problem | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: I've had a Latino Cockatiel for four years now and for about the past two years he's been getting ... A: When a self-plucking psittacine has cause enough damage to result in what’s referred to as ‘wing web ... | |
| Cockateil | 8/30/2009 |
| Q: A few days ago i went to petsmart (petstore) to buy a cockatiel but the workers told us that their ... A: Nonsense! Go get the cockatiel! You stand a chance of contracting some diseases or infections from ... | |
| Parrots & Flea Control Dogs & Cats | 8/29/2009 |
| Q: I have an Eclectus parrot, 2 dogs and 5 cats in the house. I currently use Frontline Plus on the ... A: Excellent question! If you really want to use something on the carpets just get a box of Borax in ... | |
| stunted BNG | 8/28/2009 |
| Q: My baby BNG is stunted..he weighs only 136 grams at 7 weeks old.We have taken him to 2 different ... A: Well at least you know which vets to avoid at all costs! Have you had a DNA/genetic profile done ... | |
| Conure Biting | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: I have a three year old Green Cheek Conure that I got a couple of weeks ago. For the first week he ... A: What seems like sudden acts of aggression by many birds isn’t necessarily unusual and you can ... | |
| sulphur crested cockatoo | 8/27/2009 |
| Q: his beak has began to grow really fast for some reason. i took him to the vet and got his beak ... A: When a bird’s beak begins overgrowing after years of appearing normal, it’s usually a nutritional ... | |
| parrots | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: iv just got a 18mth old not tame hahn,s macaw can i put it with a amazon not yet met A: A popular question I get is whether or not two birds can share the same cage. Often the ... | |
| Keeping African Greys Together | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: I have just bought two African grey parrots who are four months old and are siblings. There is one ... A: This is a very good question and you have some excellent insights. I agree, birds should not, for ... | |
| parrotlet | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: I was recently given a bird that I have identified on your site as a male parrotlet. He is so much ... A: Epsom salt for a bird - no. Just plain 'no', ok? When it comes to everything else you're doing ... | |
| My Parakeet | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: I have a female that my mom had and she did have male but the male pasted away a year ago. She has ... A: I'm afraid these eggs are not going to hatch. She would have to had mating contact with a male in ... | |
| kiwi my pet quaker | 8/25/2009 |
| Q: i had been giving kiwi his bath and noticed that on the top of his head he had some hard almost pin ... A: You've described this perfectly, "pin feathers" is what they're called. These are hard, plastic ... | |
| New scarlet-chested parakeet | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I just had a little scarlet-chested parakeet (from what I have seen in photos I think this is what ... A: Great question! Yes, a cage of its own in the company of your other birds is ideal and no, it ... | |
| Blind African Grey | 8/24/2009 |
| Q: I have a blind African Grey whom is 25yrs old and NOT hand tame. I am interested on ideas of hand ... A: Do you know what caused the blindness? Does he have any sight whatsoever? How long have you had ... | |
| grunting blue & gold macaw | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: My husband and I have a female blue and gold macaw who is almost 10 years old. About 6 months ago ... A: Let me start by saying it's never a bad idea to see your vet for a hands on exam and good check up. ... | |
| My New Lovebird | 8/23/2009 |
| Q: Well my first lovebird i guess was sick he had pink stuff coming out of his nostrils and was ... A: You're right, it sounds like a very sick lovebird that you lost; however, it might have also been ... | |
| cross breeding | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: i have an female african grey parrot i want to make a cross breeding with cockatoo is it possible if ... A: This sounds like a very interesting combination, but unfortunately they cannot cross breed. Two ... | |
| shredded paper | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: i have just aquired a baby quaker and was wondering if i shread paper in the bottom of the cage ... A: Layers of flat paper is really best until the baby can perch. Then, start with a perch low and ... | |
| putting a macaw outside | 8/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a macaw that is 4 years old and he was a rescue bird I have had him for a year and he is ... A: What kind of macaw? When you respond, make the question "private" and tell me where in Texas you ... | |
| Cockatoo | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: This may sound strange but can Cockatoo's get hemorrhoids? I noticed something the other night in ... A: Perfect description. Cloacal prolapse is when the inside of the bird pushes out. In some cases ... | |
| alexandrine female parrot | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: we purchased an alexandrine parrot about 6 months ago.(the seller said she was 1year old at this ... A: Linda, you really love your birds and you're doing a great job at keeping them in separate cages ... | |
| sick Blue Front Amazon | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: My blue front amazon parrot was fine in the morning. When I got home from work she was trying to ... A: Yes, you need to stop letting the petting go below the shoulder or upper back area. You can still ... | |
| Meyers parrot | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: I am adopting a 1-year-old Meyers parrot from his/her first owner, who says she is too busy with ... A: I have all new rescues that I take in checked within two weeks. Of course I have a vet that makes ... | |
| sick Blue Front Amazon | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: My blue front amazon parrot was fine in the morning. When I got home from work she was trying to ... A: The reason it's important to know a bird's sex is because females are always going to be prone to ... | |
| Meyers parrot | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: I am adopting a 1-year-old Meyers parrot from his/her first owner, who says she is too busy with ... A: What a wonderful owner you already are! Preparation like this speaks volumes about you. When we ... | |
| macaw and feather loss | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: I have a 6 year old blue and gold macaw, I have just recently noticed more feather loss from his ... A: At this time of year here in the U.S. birds are going through what is called a "major molt". The ... | |
| Baby Cockatoo | 8/18/2009 |
| Q: My boyfriend and I have a 4 month old baby cockatoo who, we believe, is regurgitating food. She has ... A: When it comes to a larger, longer lived psittacine like this - regular vet visits are absolutely ... | |
| Parrots beak | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: My parrots beak has grown at least half an inch and i was wondering if that reflects on his diet. if ... A: Very good question When a bird’s beak begins overgrowing after years of appearing normal, it’s ... | |
| Sun conure agression | 8/16/2009 |
| Q: In the last month, 'he' has become aggressive with our other bird, a Timneh Grey. The Timneh is not ... A: What seems like sudden acts of aggression by many birds isn’t necessarily unusual and you can ... | |
| regurgiting food on my hand | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: I adopted an Alexandrian in May of this year. I was told by the pet store the bird was 7 mos to a ... A: It's so difficult to know if pet stores are being honest. All we ever have to go on is their ... | |
| how do i make my indian ringneck stop being scared of me and gain trust with him | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: okay i bought my indian ringneck from my friend about 3-4 months ago with a eastern rosella and they ... A: Let's make a couple of modifications for a while ok? 1st, wing trimming (not clipping, not ... | |
| Catching a wild one. | 8/15/2009 |
| Q: About 2 weeks ago my mom and her friend caught a love bird. I believe it is very young because the ... A: When it comes to indoor cages though, other than with canaries, finches and other ‘straight beaked’ ... | |
| Biting lovebird | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I got my baby lovebird,about 4 months old, about a week ago. He didn't bite when I first got him. ... A: What you're describing isn't at all unusual. There's often a 'honeymoon' period when a bird first ... | |
| Can I put a baby Africal Gray with my 22 year old super friendly Blue fronted Amazon? | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I am getting a baby African Gray sent to me next Thursday, and have a 22 year old Blue Fronted ... A: Great question. When it comes to psittacines (parrots) like this, I really wouldn't share a cage. ... | |
| African Gray Mating | 8/13/2009 |
| Q: My question is this: my gray is 13 years of age and is a hand fed bird. He's showing signs of ... A: How nice of you to be so understanding of your boy. While it sounds like a good idea, it can ... | |
| I think my quaker is sick :( | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: Abbott, I have 2 quaker parrots that are about 2 years old. A couple months ago one of them started ... A: What you're describing is more along the lines of ringworm infection, a type of fungus rather than ... | |
| Parakeet taming | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a parakeet about one year old and don't know how to tame it. I've read so much on the ... A: There are a lot of factors involved in successful taming of a bird (of the pet variety). I’ve ... | |
| baby birds | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: do birds have colostrum like mammals do in their first feedings? A: Depends on what type of bird. Pigeons/doves have what's called "crop milk" for their newly hatched ... | |
| Parrot eyesight | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking at my green wing mackaw right now and his eyes look so similar to ours. Do parrots see ... A: They see more than we can even imagine. They see waves of light that are invisible to the human ... | |
| 8 month old alexandrine | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: I bought him one week ago and I am a bit concerned that he will be too old to teach. I have 2 young ... A: Just like our children take years to learn to talk - and we all continue to learn new words and ... | |
| Amazon Grey Parrot | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: We had a 9 year old amazon grey male parrot given to us with nothing really told to us about him ... A: Deana, for a better guide complete with pics and info you haven't even asked about yet, check this ... | |
| allergies | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: my sister has a white crested parrot and it`s seem as if my mom has alergy symptoms when she is near ... A: Yes, it's very possible for your mom to be allergic. Allergic alveolitis is a problem bird ... | |
| ? | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: My alexandrine parrots have lay one egg, she may of lay more by now i'm not sure. How long are the ... A: Approximately 28 days for incubation It's not true that a bird will kill babies or destroy eggs ... | |
| word pronunciation & bird behavior | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: Greetings: I have looked everywhere with no luck, could you please give me the correct ... A: Say it out loud: Pwah SEF uhl us What you're describing with your severe is absolutely common ... | |
| tail feathers being lost | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: .. i have an eclectus ( female ) and two sun conours.. The oldest sun conour ( ruby) 's tail ... A: At this time of year many birds are moulting. Birds going through a molting season may look ... | |
| cockateil eggs and care taking | 8/8/2009 |
| Q: i just got 2 cockateils two weeks ago and she laid one egg last week but she is trying to eat it, id ... A: Before you undertake breeding any bird for the first time, let me try to play devil’s advocate with ... | |
| Green Cheek introduced to my old sun conure... | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: I just got a Green Cheek Conure, he's only 8 months old. I have a 2 year old sun conure which I have ... A: You seem to be doing all the right things. Keep following your own instincts. A new bird needs ... | |
| food | 8/7/2009 |
| Q: What foods are not good to feed my sun conure. A friend of mine gave me the bird after i baby sat ... A: There's a whole page that addresses all of this and has pics too ... | |
| parrots phantom pregnancy | 8/6/2009 |
| Q: i am not sure what i should be doing if anything. the bird seems fine in herself but is spending a ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| african greys | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: ok so my grandparents found a wild african grey in there yard and gave it to me he is banded and was ... A: If he's banded he's not really 'wild', chances are he's lost. I would expect that you've done ... | |
| moving my indian ringnecks while on holiday | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: i am going away for a week and was thinking of moving my 2 Indian ringnecks to my father in laws for ... A: Give your father-in-law a description of their routine, make sure they have their own familiar food ... | |
| pet parrot | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: till he cannot able to eat anything with holding in his hand.i hand feed him twice a day.he likes ... A: This is just a matter of being creative and persistent. I have a lot of ideas, tips and some fun ... | |
| Quil pulling | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: Greetings, I know grays are notorious for feather chewing, however, my 10 year old gray has now ... A: Feather loss is one of the most frustrating things a bird companion faces. Sometimes we can spend ... | |
| Weaning hand reared Macaw | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: We got our Macaw at the age of 14 weeks and have had her for 2 weeks. We were told to feed her once ... A: Today one of my clients lost their bird because they delayed getting help for 7 days. Don't take ... | |
| My cockatiel is making a static sound | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: we have been trying to teach the bid some works and whistling to him. Every once in a while we can ... A: It's a pretty common attention getting sound left over from when he was a baby. If your bird is ... | |
| abnormal droppings | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: My African Grey is 5 years old and is acting completely normal except that today I noticed that his ... A: When the bird is healthy, acting fine and eating a well balanced diet, there’s a general look to the ... | |
| bonding blue and gold macaws | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: I currently have a 2 1/2 yr old male blue and gold macaw who i have had for a year. He is a very ... A: When a new bird is brought into an established flock environment, even if it’s just you and one ... | |
| Bird training | 8/1/2009 |
| Q: I got a cockatiel a week or so a go. I know he is young and i am pretty sure he is male. The pet ... A: Birds need to make the decision to be 'cuddled' on their own. They aren't thrilled to have this ... | |
| Paper!? | 7/31/2009 |
| Q: Abbott I have a pet cockatiel about 4 years old. Whenever he is around paper, like a magazine or ... A: When it comes to cockatiels it's not at all unusual to find them more interested in shredding ... | |
| Can birds get dog fleas...? | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: , My partner and I have 2 Chihuahua's (Draco and Luscius), and a Pionus Parrot (Kiri). We recently ... A: The "possibility" exists that a flea might find an opportunity to take a bite of a parrot, but the ... | |
| Question about my Cockatiel | 7/30/2009 |
| Q: I have a cockatiel named "Chippy" she is 9 years old. I got her when she was really young and ... A: A few things went in the wrong direction with Chippy - and we can work on setting things back on ... | |
| parakeets. | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: i have 3 parakeets. i've asked Google million of times, how can i build the trust bond with my ... A: I approach our new additions (usually abused birds entering rescue/rehab) an hour or so after ... | |
| Growth on Neck | 7/29/2009 |
| Q: I have an Orange Winged Amazon. He is 23 years old. It appears the he has a growth of some kind... ... A: It sounds like you're seeing a lipoma Lipomas are usually benign growths that can appear ... | |
| bowel movement | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: my cockatoo has watery poop with a little light brown in it A: Diarrhea is often actually Polyuria. True diarrhea is when the feces part of the droppings are not ... | |
| indian ring neck biting | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: we have an indian ring neck that is very attached to my wife and squawks every time she leaves the ... A: Let me go over a few things for you to consider and help you better match up some behaviors with ... | |
| parakeet problems | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: I have two parakeets, one young white & blue female and the other is a yellow male. I bought the ... A: This might be easier than you think I’m a big advocate of separate cages for multiple birds with ... | |
| Beak shedding | 7/26/2009 |
| Q: My blue and Gold Macaw seems to be shedding her beak. Is this normal? A: Most birds will maintain the shape and health of their beaks by rubbing them on appropriate ... | |
| Aggressive to other bird | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: I have two male parrotlets that stay in separate cages. When we are home they come out and are very ... A: You've been doing all the right things in keeping these birds in separate cages. The problem is ... | |
| kakariki | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: l recently purchased a 2yr old male and have noticed he has a bald ring around one of his eyes, have ... A: I hit the wrong button - sorry There are several kinds of mites (and lice) that may infect our ... | |
| Going on holiday | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: I am going on holiday for a week, and have arranged for a relative to come and change his water, ... A: I would make sure someone comes by twice a day - and that he has something interesting going on for ... | |
| companion for a cockatiel | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I have a three and a half month old male cockatiel. I really want to get him another bird (that is ... A: I'm happy to follow up as much as you'd like. I appreciate someone trying to do the right things ... | |
| Am I being scammed by a vet? | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: I have 2 conure parrots, (Jenday and Sun) Big Boid, my girl, is 11 years old, and Bindi Sue, my boy, ... A: I cannot comment on the qualifications of this vet ok? What I can say is that I've "NEVER" heard of ... | |
| companion for a cockatiel | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I have a three and a half month old male cockatiel. I really want to get him another bird (that is ... A: I can appreciate that you don't want to allow them to share a cage. That's a very good decision ... | |
| Quacker Parrots | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I baught my Quacker Parrot almost 4 years ago and was told that it was a male and it was done by ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course eggs ... | |
| my 2 galahs :) | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: ) i bought 5 days ago two galahs, a female and male :) the previous owner said that they are only 1 ... A: When we bring a bird into our homes, no matter how old they are or what conditions they came from, ... | |
| Parrot dieseses | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: I was the one that asked you about the blue macaw. I cleaned his cage today because I just got him ... A: OK, the first step here really should be a vet visit to rule out infection or disease, BUT you also ... | |
| Macaw sitting, shredding on cage floor | 7/19/2009 |
| Q: About two weeks ago my 13-year-old Blue & Gold female began sitting in the bottom of her cage, tail ... A: She's being 'broody' - nesting - preparing to lay eggs and it's not a good thing. Egg laying is ... | |
| Keeping a Parrotlet | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: My wife and I are planning to buy a parrotlet as a present for someone. I would like to know if it ... A: Psittacines (parrotlets and all other 'hook-billed' birds) not only become cage bound, but can ... | |
| Senegal Plucks Feathers During Winter Only | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: We have owned a Senegal parrot for eight years that is truly a member of our family. This is not ... A: We often have to remind ourselves to think Ockham's Razor. This is the principle proposed by ... | |
| Parrot dieseses | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I was the one that asked you about the blue macaw. I cleaned his cage today because I just got him ... A: Most feather problems, including losses, can be traced to nutritional issues. When feather loss ... | |
| Parrotlets fighting | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: We have 2 male parrotlets that we bought from a breeder 2 yrs ago that assured us would be fine ... A: I don’t think hook bills (parrots) should share cages. That's the simple and direct answer. When ... | |
| Indian Ringneck Behavior | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: I have an Indian Ringneck, Lutino male. I adopted him and two conures all together. The three birds ... A: When it comes to many birds, especially parrots, communicating a wealth of information to each other ... | |
| blue mccaw | 7/16/2009 |
| Q: I was given a blue mccaw but I am concern because she does not have feathers at all in her chest. ... A: This is one of the most commonly self-plucked areas; fortunately, it's not around the neck or top ... | |
| need help with my orange winged amazon.. | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: I bought an orange winged amazon like 2 months ago and im having some problems with him.He is 1 year ... A: He needs a lot of intellectual challenges and input or you're sure to see behavioral issues, health ... | |
| need help with my orange winged amazon.. | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: I bought an orange winged amazon like 2 months ago and im having some problems with him.He is 1 year ... A: Don't give up just yet. Two months is still relatively early. Give me an idea of what a normal ... | |
| Sun Conure Not Wanting Veggies | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2 1/2month sun conure,I just got him from a breeder two days ago. The Breeder gave him a ... A: Most children, if they had their way, would have nothing but ice cream and candy, fast food junk and ... | |
| Sun conure bonded to cage | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I recently adopted a one year old sun conure, and he is displaying behavior that I am not sure how ... A: First, you need to establish trust - and consistency will help do that. Open the door and offer ... | |
| quaker parrot | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: My quaker is 1 year old and has a rough and layered looking beak. Is there a special color and or ... A: From what you're describing this is a normal molt - why not take a look here and see if it looks ... | |
| Cockatiel seizures | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I took my cockatiel to the vet after he started having seizures. He had blood tests and hehad low ... A: Yes, yu can offer your 'tiel a regular spoon of cottage cheese, yogurt or even a Tums (I'd limit it ... | |
| 4 month old eclectus female poor eater | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know what is best food to feed. Currently, I am feeding zupreem,roudy bush, ... A: When it’s time to wean a bird it’s a stressful event, often for both the bird and the human. it ... | |
| eye swollen shut and puffy | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: this is an interesting site. One of our white doves has an eye swollen shut and pinkish in color the ... A: Eye redness, swelling, discharge are on the list of signs of illness in our companion birds (look ... | |
| Bird Behavior | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: Dr. Abbott, What type of bird could I care for in my one room studio apartment that wouldn't ... A: One of my favorite first birds is a cockatiel, but they are anything but quiet. Conures can be ... | |
| Budgie - Outlasted 2 partners | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I have had my blue budgie for almost 2 years. After the first year, I found her friend dead on the ... A: I can appreciate how much you love this bird. You're right to not go ahead with an addition - but ... | |
| adopted grey...won't step up...biting..afraid of hands | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I just adopted a congo african grey 4 years old. I can tell he is sweet and wants companionship but ... A: Be forewarned - people calling themselves bird “behavioralists” (or “behaviorists”) must also be ... | |
| introducing a new bird | 6/28/2009 |
| Q: I've had a Senegal Parrot for almost 2 years and he's really part of my family. and recently, I've ... A: When a new bird is brought into an established flock environment, even if it’s just you and one ... | |
| Talking Parrots | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: Which is the most intelligent parrots species, which can talk & understand what it is speaking & it ... A: My specialty is macaws - and I'm afraid you'll be terribly disappointed in their speaking ability. ... | |
| Polly makes me laugh. | 6/27/2009 |
| Q: I just want to give you an update on Polly who is talking away right now on my shoulder. She says ... A: It's so nice to learn that you have Polly in honor of your dear Charlie and such a commemorative to ... | |
| rosella and eclectus parrots | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: I have had a female eclectus for over a year, she is very friendly and sociable, however i have just ... A: I don’t think hook bills (parrots) should share cages. The top reasons for this being that ... | |
| feather picking | 6/24/2009 |
| Q: I don't see a special category for macaws, so I hope you can help me. My severe mini, Morgan, ... A: Feather loss is one of the most frustrating things a bird companion faces. Sometimes we can spend ... | |
| Indian Ringneck Parakeet Feather Loss | 6/22/2009 |
| Q: I have had my pet Indian Ringneck Parakeet for about four or five years now. I was very close with ... A: Let's try a few little modifications in your schedule ok? It might even be easier on you. ... | |
| Sitting on perch | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: I recently inherited a 2 1/2 year old goffin cockatoo, she is the friendliest of birds. The problem ... A: Keep putting her back. Be silent about it, other than perhaps a firm "no" or "not yet" - you don't ... | |
| Curious !!!!!! | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: My question is that I was wandering if it would still be harmfull to my cockateils if I put bay ... A: I wish I could. And there are going to be a HUGE number of websites, magazine articles and friends ... | |
| Curious !!!!!! | 6/21/2009 |
| Q: My question is that I was wandering if it would still be harmfull to my cockateils if I put bay ... A: Bay leaves are fine - so is parsley, mint and other greens. If you're trying to use Bay leaves to ... | |
| african grey | 6/20/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2yr. old African Grey and he is awesome and we all love him.I just have one question.He is ... A: Would it help to learn that you're not the only one with a bird like this? Sort of like that ... | |
| Conure biting | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: We adopted a 7yr old Sun Conure last year. He's quite taken with me but was still being good with ... A: Well, lesson learned right? I can't imagine it being easier on any owner of a home that's been ... | |
| lovebirds | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: August, I have a pair of lovebirds-male and female housed in same cage. They are mating and she is ... A: When a bird lays she’s got a very increased risk for egg binding or Dystocia, both potentially life ... | |
| Diet | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: I have a pacific parrotlet that only eats (maintenance Roudybush)so, the avian told me give her this ... A: Roudybush is an excellent, complete pelleted diet - you are right, no further vitamins should be ... | |
| RINGNECK PARROT | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: My parrot started vomitting so i took it immediatley to the vet. I just want to know is he going to ... A: Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds are good choices. Be sure they are NOT raw, but roasted to help be ... | |
| Yellow Head Amazon is making strange sounds | 6/18/2009 |
| Q: Our Parrot, Shrek has started sitting in his/her food dish on and off maybe a couple times a day ... A: Birds don’t actually go into a ‘heat’, but they sure do engage in some similar behaviors once ... | |
| Indian Parrot | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: i have a few more questions to ask. 1) My Indian Parrot sneezes almost 10 times a day. Is it normal? ... A: Another possibility is infection of the air sacs (air sacculitis). Symptoms for this includes ... | |
| Taking care of baby Indian Parakeet | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: I wanted to know if i humans can be at a risk of getting any infection from birds. I own an Indian ... A: Your bird stands more of a chance for infection from you than you do from the bird. And what's ... | |
| African Grey Congo | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: I have nearly 9 month old african grey congo his beak has grown and he has a layer that is not even ... A: Yes, beaks "molt", but I'm not sure if that's what you're seeing. Take a look here to see a pic of ... | |
| How can I get my bird to like me | 6/16/2009 |
| Q: I just got a cockateil bird from a friend 3 days a go. I have been holding it alot since I've had ... A: Taking your time and letting the bird learn you, adjust to their surroundings and ease into sharing ... | |
| peach face | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: i read a question that Chris had submitted and the peach face was laying eggs a lot then i went to ... A: Egg laying is something that every female bird can do without benefit of male birds. Of course ... | |
| Pinching Sun Conure | 6/15/2009 |
| Q: My sun conure, Spot, is 3 months old and over the past week has started pinching. He spends a good ... A: In order to teach them that it’s not acceptable for us to be pinched or nipped at, when Spot goes ... | |
| food choice | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: Is this (ahttp://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=5059+5911+5976&pcatid=5976) ... A: It wouldn't be the best. We should actually avoid sunflower seeds completely since they are high ... | |
| New birds??? | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: So tomorrow I'm getting 2 sun conures And I have 2 questions 1. If they are friendly and hand ... A: Once birds pair up and begin sexual maturity, then mating, they become far less friendly to their ... | |
| Consquenses of feedin a all seed diet | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: what are the consquences of feeding a bird on a all sed diet (cockateil) ANSWER: Fatty liver ... A: That part of your question must have somehow gotten dropped - it's not there. Egg binding is ... | |
| Consquenses of feedin a all seed diet | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: what are the consquences of feeding a bird on a all sed diet (cockateil) A: Fatty liver disease is something that is often seen in a bird on a seed only or predominantly seed ... | |
| RINGNECK PARROT - CROP INFECTION | 6/12/2009 |
| Q: My parrot started vomitting so i took it immediatley to the vet. I just want to know is he going to ... A: A head bobbing motion with delivery of a glob of food is regurgitation rather than vomiting, which ... | |
| my bird | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: Why does he pull his feathers out? Thr people i got him from told me he has been doing it for 13 ... A: Feather loss is one of the most frustrating things a bird companion faces. Sometimes we can spend ... | |
| African Grey | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: I have an8 yr old Grey purchased a week ago. The seller said the bird cant fly. However, it flies ... A: You're doing a very good job and feeding quite well so keep it up. Being consistent might change ... | |
| RINGNECK PARROT - CROP INFECTION | 6/11/2009 |
| Q: My parrot started vomitting so i took it immediatley to the vet. I just want to know is he going to ... A: Your question just got to me - tell me more about what you're seeing when he vomits. Is this a ... | |
| why is jade acting like this... | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: last christmas, my mom adopted a cockatoo for me from a family who couldn't keep him/her any more. i ... A: You're doing a very good job with the fresh foods, but it's very important to get this bird off the ... | |
| Indian Ringneck screeching | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: I've recently been given a youngish Indian Ringneck that was found in a friend's garden. He (we ... A: You're on the right track with ignoring him. The worst thing you can do to a bird is deny them ... | |
| My parrot looks like its sick | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: My parrot looks like its sick. Its feathers from its leg are falling off. It has no feathers covered ... A: By the time a bird is noticeably ill, chances are that the problem has been brewing for some ... | |
| Birds with the lowest dander | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: Just wondering what the list would be of birds with the lowest dander? I have searched the internet ... A: Very low or 'no' dander birds that I deal with in my rescue and consults are 1. Toucans. They ... | |
| frightened cockatoo | 6/8/2009 |
| Q: ollie is a 2 year old sulphur cockatoo we had him for a few months then we had to leave the state ... A: This very smart bird is confused and unsure about who to trust or what to believe in now. It ... | |
| cockatiel seizures | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: My cockatiel has had a couple of seizures in the past couple of months. This isn't everyday, but I ... A: You could expose your bird to full spectrum yourself. Either via sunlight through an unfiltered ... | |
| Zinc | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: How big a problem is zinc? How can you tell if bird toys contain zinc? Is it something bird owners ... A: I would have to believe that minor, one time only exposures - depending on the form of ingestion, ... | |
| cockatiel seizures | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: My cockatiel has had a couple of seizures in the past couple of months. This isn't everyday, but I ... A: There are "converting" suggestions at this link www.4AnimalCare.org (look at the bird tab) - it's ... | |
| Zinc | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: How big a problem is zinc? How can you tell if bird toys contain zinc? Is it something bird owners ... A: Zinc Toxicity (also, lead, iron and copper are not good for birds) ... | |
| cockatiel seizures | 6/7/2009 |
| Q: My cockatiel has had a couple of seizures in the past couple of months. This isn't everyday, but I ... A: Moulting wouldn't contribute to seizures, but whatever is causing the seizures might contribute to ... | |
| sick cockateils | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: I have two cockatiels. One was a gift (from a pet shop) was supposed to be a male turned out to be a ... A: I'm sorry you're going through such a difficult time. You're doing a very good job with their care ... | |
| Menstrual cycle | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a green cheek conure and i would just like to know if they suffer from menstrual cycles just ... A: No, avians do not have menstrual cycles. If there's ever a show of blood from their vent it ... | |
| ALEXANDRIAN PARROT | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: I have an Alexandrian Parrot, and so does my sister, and I am minding her bird at the moment and it ... A: Getting screaming under control isn't as difficult as you might imagine. What we need to address is ... | |
| Eclectus Diet | 6/6/2009 |
| Q: I am having a really hard time getting a clear answer on what my male eclectus parrot's diet should ... A: Pellets should make up more of the diet than seeds and fresh foods are essential. The one ... | |
| Toxic food/plants | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: , Dr. Abbott: I have the pleasure of owning a 2yo Severe Macaw named Adagio.My question to you is, ... A: You caught me online ;) OK, when it comes to safe woods for the cage or environment, fruit trees ... | |
| Toxic food/plants | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: , Dr. Abbott: I have the pleasure of owning a 2yo Severe Macaw named Adagio.My question to you is, ... A: Chaste tree is similar to lilac. Lilac for use for branches/perches is considered safe The ... | |
| hand feeding and weaning amazon babies | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: i just recently took 2 amazon babies. 1 double yellow head and a yellow nape amazon. the lady who ... A: You can try offering them pellets soaked in all natural, organic apple juice or plain warm water ... | |
| my African gray | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: She is not here noisy self ,she is just sitting with here hard under here wing .when ,I talk to her ... A: By the time a bird is noticeably ill, chances are that the problem has been brewing for some time. ... | |
| Sick African Grey | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: i have an African Grey 15 months old and lately he's looking very bad.I've notice that his left foot ... A: Stop the antibiotic and throw it away - it's absolutely useless and can be doing more harm than good ... | |
| African Grey-Timneh death | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: My groomer towel my AGT that was eight years old. He had groomed her many times. I hold, he does. ... A: I'm so sincerely sorry for your loss and I don't blame you for wanting more answers than doubt. ... | |
| My new Sun Conure | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: I adopted a 5-6 yr old Sun Conure named Dutchie. I was told he neede some socialization that the ... A: It is not unusual to find a newly rehomed bird acting as nice as can be for the first few days, ... | |
| Alexandrine Parrot | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: This is Hiten here. I had got 2 baby parrots from a person who had not kept them in a good ... A: Here is a very good resource to help identify your birds' sex, but in some cases only a DNA ... | |
| Lovebird's Foot/Toes Not Opening | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: I have a baby lovebird that is just over 8 weeks old (by about a day) and it's one foot hasn't ... A: As a matter of fact, one of my permanent residents is a macaw that hatched this way with both feet. ... | |
| Alexandrian parrot talks when gets angry | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: I have recenty got a Alexandrian green ring neck long tailed parrot. The shop keeper has cliped his ... A: What a beautiful photo - this is a very lucky bird. Even though it might seem like he's angry, ... | |
| screaming blue, gold Mc caw | 6/2/2009 |
| Q: I recently got a blue gold mccaw and she screams. I put her in the front room where she will get ... A: When your bird screams and you react, even if you're red in the face, yelling and flailing your arms ... | |
| lesser sulpher cockatoo afraid of me | 6/1/2009 |
| Q: I tried to clip the one feather of my cockatoo, and now she if afraid of me. I was her favorite in ... A: Because you care enough to even notice this, it shouldn't be too difficult to fix Start as if ... | |
| Hormonal U2 | 5/31/2009 |
| Q: I have an 8 month pregnant young girl staying with me. My 14 year old female U2 has began attacking ... A: This is a common question. Chances are the 'too is reacting more to the change in routine, ... | |
| lovebird | 5/31/2009 |
| Q: I have a single lovebird and in his cage i recently got him a fuzzy bed to sleep in, and for a while ... A: It's more likely he LOVES the hut so much that it's triggering mating behavior. He's regurgitating ... | |
| bitting bird | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: I have 1 1/2 year old Alexanderine Parrot who is still biting us. I have 2 children and aged 7 and 4 ... A: Dealing with a bitey bird who is also aggressive isn't one of the easiest things to live with. ... | |
| Aggressive hen 'tiel | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a 6 year old female cockatiel and a 1 year old female cockatiel They share a cage and have ... A: That sure does explain the territorial behavior doesn't it? OK, leave the egg with her until she ... | |
| Lovebirds | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: Our lovebird is almost 2 years old.Lately he/she has been getting into the habit of humping our ... A: What you're describing is mating behavior Males tend to rub forward against a perch or object, ... | |
| Aggressive hen 'tiel | 5/27/2009 |
| Q: I have a 6 year old female cockatiel and a 1 year old female cockatiel They share a cage and have ... A: You've just described rather typical territorial behavior. Willow has become sexually mature and ... | |
| my african grey ate aluminum | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: During our recent traveling, our African grey ate portions of the aluminum tray we were using to put ... A: Depending on when the bird ate it, a relatively simple procedure might be used to remove the ... | |
| Sore eye of African Grey | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I have recently adopted a timhen african grey. He had been on a seed-only diet for most of his life ... A: The very first thing every bird that comes to me has done is a DNA profile. To screen for several ... | |
| respiratory disease | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: im a vet in nairobi,kenya.i recently attended to a case where the patient was an african grey ... A: Did you determine the underlying cause (viral, bacterial, fungal)? How long was the bird ... | |
| My parakeet and her chewing habits. | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1 year old parakeet named Tessa. I am her favorite person in the family. She seems to be ... A: Tessa is doing what she's programmed to do. All psittacines (parrots) chew. It not only keeps ... | |
| male macaw? | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: We have a military/ blue and gold macaw that was supposed to be a 12 year old male that laid three ... A: Good eye! Yes, Simon is a Catalina macaw, the result of a blue & gold with a scarlet. It's ... | |
| An update on Polly. | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: I'm sorry for going quiet on you. I was busy and away on a college trip to Blackpool but I am back ... A: That 'somebody at college' needs more than book studies if they're going to make it in this world. ... | |
| senegal parrot | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: i have just bought a senegal parrot from a pet shop. i don't know where to put him in a room. i was ... A: Unfortunately many pet shops should keep their opinions about bird care to themselves. Not all ... | |
| Bourke's and finches | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: I have recently brought home a pretty little bourke's parakeet. She shared her cage with her sister ... A: If you continue interacting with her the way you are, you won't need to add to her company as you'll ... | |
| goffin too | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: MY GOFFIN HAS BEEN WITH ME FOR ABOUT 4 MONTHS NOW AND SHE HAS BEEN GETTING SWEETER BY THE DAY.... ... A: Relax - chances are that this is normal as part of the big molt happening right now. Birds, in ... | |
| cockatiel band leg | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: we've just recently acquired a cockatiel, of whom the owner claimed it to be the age of 2 and a ... A: No, the bands are a mystery to many people, including other breeders, but chances are pretty good ... | |
| disease from bird | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: My friend allows her bird to eat,drink and sleep with her.Also she has the bird on her shoulder all ... A: The bird is more at risk than she is. It's not suggested that this sort of thing is done because ... | |
| African Gray - she is 3 years old - biting question | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: My daughter and son in (ages 26 and 24) law have a 3 year old African Gray -Liberty since she first ... A: Birds don't perceive our hormones any more than we can perceive theirs, but yes, there are other ... | |
| African Grey Congo doessnt Talk | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I got an African Grey Congo about two months ago. It is about one and a half to two years old. ... A: Birds are individuals, just like people. Some people are very outgoing and chatty (like movie ... | |
| male macaw? | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: We have a military/ blue and gold macaw that was supposed to be a 12 year old male that laid three ... A: Congratulations on having a girl. It is possible for females to live an entire, 60+ year lifetime ... | |
| extreme behavior change with only me. | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I love our bird and am the only one who used to hold it in my lap,take it in the car visit the pet ... A: It was probably the same kind of BAM! to your bird. No kidding. There is usually something that ... | |
| African Grey Parrot | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: I have recently been given a 10 year old African grey parrot but I am concerned about it's health. ... A: The short answer is "yes" see a vet better experienced with birds than the one you saw. And keep ... | |
| Peachface Parrot | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: I am trying to find out why my peachface picks out the feathers on his/her shoulders. They even look ... A: Feather loss is one of the most frustrating things a bird companion faces. Sometimes we can spend ... | |
| dove with worm | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: I have some pet doves they are kept indoors only and yet one of the pood a roundworm, can I treat ... A: You are right, with birds kept indoors and regularly cleaned cages, Endoparasites are relatively ... | |
| nanday conure Parrot sick??? | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: my parrot has been making this weird wheezing noise,and shaking his head and he has been keeping his ... A: There is a type of mite that a wide range of birds may be infected with, called Air Sac Mites. ... | |
| yellow headed amazon | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: I have had my bird for three years.I think its about four years old lately it has developed grey ... A: Feather Discoloration presenting in what looks like a horizontal line across an area of the body or ... | |
| sick conure | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: i have a pet white-eyed conure. She is about to be 2 years old in July but all of a sudden can not ... A: As unusual as it may sound, when a bird loses control of their feet, grasping ability or balance, ... | |
| Blue and Yellow macaw changing color? | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: Abbott, About a year ago I adopted a blue and yellow macaw called Lara. I took her in because I ... A: I know this will be difficult, but it will help a great deal: Can you take a pic ? Is she ... | |
| Cockatoo blood test results | 5/15/2009 |
| Q: My sexed female lesser sulfer crested cockatoo was brought into a vet that cared for birds as I had ... A: Metal toxicity (lead, zinc being most commonly found). Quick links, cage bars, even professionally ... | |
| spraying with hose | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: My Indian Ringneck (Micola) does not like to take bath's but he does love to be sprayed with the ... A: When your bird doesn't want to be sprayed he'll stop moving a lot, keep his head down, wings tucked ... | |
| Another Tail Feather Question | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: I found a Tucuman Amazon parrot on Craigs List yesterday. He is a really nice bird. He calls ... A: I have to agree that I'd be skeptic about the prediction that the feathers are permanently gone. ... | |
| A parrotlet nesting all the time | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: My 3 1/2 year odl female parrotlet keeps nesting all the time. I had to take her to the vet to have ... A: Whether the bird is laying or not, make sure you provide fresh cuttlebone to females at all times to ... | |
| pin fathers, age and amazons | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: do parrots have pin feathers through all their life or mostly within a young age ? i can't seem to ... A: Looks like a blue front Yes, pin feathers occur in all parrots and happen for life. A couple ... | |
| hurt cockateils foot | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: my quaker managed to get at my cockateil(the quaker is a houdini) and bit him on his toe through ... A: Carefully rinse the wound with simple saline solution (like you rinse or moisten contact lenses ... | |
| Indian ring neck | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: We just brought a new member to our family home. A Young Indian ring neck. It was weaned off a ... A: Congratulations on your new addition! And good for you in recognizing that the longer it ... | |
| Parrotlet egg laying | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: Our young (almost 2 years old) Parrottlet has laid an egg. We didn't plan to breed her and suspect ... A: Leave the eggs until she stops sitting. Of course if you notice any breaks or cracks - or they ... | |
| Feeding baby lovebirds | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: I am hand rearing 3 baby lovebirds due to the mother escaping from the aviary. I do not have any ... A: Carefully place the baby (chick) on a towel and gently cup your hand around the body for support. ... | |
| conure abnormal behaviour | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: he has got on with my partner really well but all of a sudden he has started to attack him and on a ... A: When the bird bites, it’s getting feedback that it likes and that's why they continue. It might ... | |
| Indian Ringneck stopped eating and bites me now! | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: A week back I got an Indian Ringnech Parakeet from one of the petshops here. I don't know how old it ... A: The first thing I'd suggest is providing a "sleep cage" . It doesn't have to be a big cage, just ... | |
| Parrot-male or female? | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: Is this parrot a male or female and how would i know the difference? Do they need something to chew ... A: I believe this is a 'great billed parrot' also known as a Moluccan or Island parrot. It's very ... | |
| my budgie died | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: My name is Danielle. I had a female budgie called Charlie. One day in May 2007 I had to rush her to ... A: Be sure to get Polly started on a healthy pellet diet rather than let her have mostly seeds - and ... | |
| Hello | 5/9/2009 |
| Q: i am really glad i'm able to ask my question to an expert for free! : ) i have an african grey ... A: My family, on my father's side, is Lebanese and Syrian, although having left many years ago. I'm ... | |
| my budgie died | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: My name is Danielle. I had a female budgie called Charlie. One day in May 2007 I had to rush her to ... A: I believe that Charlie is with you, but in spirit. That she's very much alive, but on the other ... | |
| my budgie died | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: My name is Danielle. I had a female budgie called Charlie. One day in May 2007 I had to rush her to ... A: Danielle, I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I have also suffered losses similar and though many years ... | |
| Cockatiel about 14 years old | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: My cockatiel has had an eye infection in the right eye for over a month- the eye is swollen and ... A: Try the boric acid solution in the formula I outlined earlier and continue on the antibiotics for ... | |
| fixing Sun conure behavior issues | 5/7/2009 |
| Q: My sun conure attacks anyone in my room besides myself, i have had her for eight years and when i ... A: Establishing a routine is very helpful. Birds like this really appreciate a 'habit'. In fact, her ... | |
| Cockatiel about 14 years old | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: My cockatiel has had an eye infection in the right eye for over a month- the eye is swollen and ... A: I don't blame you for being concerned. Anesthesia for a bird is always dangerous Where are you ... | |
| pets | 5/6/2009 |
| Q: how do i raise an indian ring necked parrot coz there is'nt any feeding formula available in india A: A temporary feeding formula for unweaned birds, that can be used for just a few days: (Human) baby ... | |
| Cockatiel Behaviour | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: My cockatiel has started rubbing his tail on his perch. I noticed it about 5 months ago. I'm not ... A: Birds don’t actually go into a ‘heat’, but they sure do engage in some similar behaviors once ... | |
| Recently Rehomed Senegal Behavior | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: Good day Dr. Abbott, A week ago my wife and I acquired a four year old Senegal Parrot from its ... A: Congratulations on your new companion and thank you for wanting to do this right. I trust that ... | |
| Scarlet Macaw Female | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: My scarlet is about 15 years old. I have had her about 1-1/2 years. Today May 2, she started ... A: I am most staunchly against adding anything to a bird's water with very few exceptions. Natural ... | |
| tiel question | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I just got a cockatiel about one month ago. Today I noticed that she had really red nostrils. I ... A: possible problem is Rhinitis (inflammation of the nares/nostrils). There is nasal discharge involved ... | |
| quakerparrot | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: I own a 32+yr old quaker parrot. he fell off his perch and has injured his foot. He can still ... A: That's quite a good age for a Quaker. You're doing the right things so far with removing his ... | |
| Baby Parot formular | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me what I should feed a baby parot about 3 weeks old. I read somewhere that they ... A: Professional formula is available at most pet stores and should be mixed according to directions ... | |
| 29 year old african grey | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: our bird is sounding normal, but is acting funny. One eye is squint shut and he shudders at times ... A: By the time a bird is noticeably ill, chances are that the problem has been brewing for some time. ... | |
| cockatiel sleeping more | 5/2/2009 |
| Q: i have a lutino female cockatiel. Actually it is very hot here (104 degree F). and during afternoon ... A: Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) may lead to respiratory problems in birds which present as ... | |
| Scarlet Macaw Female | 5/2/2009 |
| Q: My scarlet is about 15 years old. I have had her about 1-1/2 years. Today May 2, she started ... A: Regurgitating can also be a symptom of crop infection or other problems, but generally it’s a threat ... | |
| african grey | 5/2/2009 |
| Q: I accidently cut two of my parrots nails a bit to much and they started to bleed it scarred me to ... A: Hopefully it has stopped already. If not, immediate medical attention is suggested since these ... | |
| cockatiel sleeping more | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: i have a lutino female cockatiel. Actually it is very hot here (104 degree F). and during afternoon ... A: Cockatiels are well adapted to high and low temp extremes since they originated in desert areas of ... | |
| sneezing sun conure | 5/1/2009 |
| Q: my bird is about 9-10 weeks old and sneezes on few times a day. she eats all the time. her poop is ... A: It could be a reaction to a foreign object, which may be as common as dust or dander, even their ... | |
| African Grey | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: My african grey has a problem and was just wondering what it could be. As she sits and breathes she ... A: There is a type of mite that a wide range of birds may be infected with, called Air Sac Mites. ... | |
| LOVE BIRD EGGS | 4/30/2009 |
| Q: they were all very help ful. My peach face love birds laid first egg on 5th of March (total five ... A: If the parents have been attending to the eggs and they're in a nest box, weather shouldn't be a ... | |
| LOVE BIRD EGGS | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: they were all very help ful. My peach face love birds laid first egg on 5th of March (total five ... A: If the eggs were laid in early March and are not hatched at this point in time, they are not going ... | |
| swollen eye | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: i have 2 male budgies one of them has his upper eyelid of the right eye swollen , and slightly ... A: Very good question! Yes, keeping two birds together, whether they are the same species or even ... | |
| At what age baby alexandrine starts eating on its own | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: I have a 6 weeks old baby alexandrine and his Wings and chest are now almost fully covered with ... A: Your bird should be starting to wean by now. Tube feeding is something that should only be reserved ... | |
| Parrot Behaviour | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I wondered if you could help me atall. A few years ago, we rescued a Senegal parrot that was found ... A: There are a lot of factors involved in successful taming of a bird and even though you found this ... | |
| spoiled african grey | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: i have a 11 month old African grey, i had him since he was 10 weeks old (2.5 months) he's very ... A: The best part of this is that your grey is still very, very young. Given they have a life ... | |
| Parakeets and cold | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: How can you tell if a Parakeet is cold? because my house right now is around 65degrees and I'm ... A: 65 isn't really too low Keep her out of drafts though and it would be best to layer a doubled ... | |
| Sun Bites | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: I just adopted a Sun three years old from a male and I am female he said he thinks the bird is ... A: We don't want to hurt the male's feelings, but the bird can't tell what we are anymore than we can ... | |