What do I Need For My Bird?
There are some Very Important Items that You will need to Pick up if you are going to own a Bird and some to stay away from. We offer a wellness packet with each bird that explains more in detail, but here is the list that we recommend everyone have before they bring their baby or adult bird home.
- A scale that weighs in grams, normally called a kitchen scale. A great tool to keeping track of your new babies weight. Weight them once a week and keep a record for your vet. If you notice a sudden drop of weight. Weigh again the next couple days. See if it continues, if it does take your bird right away to the vet.
- Styptic powder is something that is a must have. If your bird breaks a blood feather it is something that will stop the bleeding and can save your birds life. You can call Chatter beaks to help 24/7 we offer assistance for free or your nearest vet will also take care of blood feathers.
- Food: We tell people this, do not buy Kaytee, Hartz, Walmart, Meijer, or bulk bin food. These foods have been recalled so many times that we feel they are untrustworthy. (everyone has their own opinion) We recommend Higgins, Sunseed,Tops, Harrisons, Roudyboush, Zupreem, Tropican. What we feed is Vita Higgins cockatiel or parrot seed mixed with vita California blend parrot and Tropican Cockatiel or parrot food pellets through Chewy.com. We use laefaeber treats. Veggies and fruits and millet spray which needs to be offered for the first 6 months of a baby birds life then can become a treat.
- https://www.chewy.com/hari-tropimix-enrichment-cockatiels/dp/169436
- https://www.chewy.com/hari-tropimix-enrichment-large-parrot/dp/169443
- https://www.chewy.com/higgins-vita-seed-cockatiel-bird-food/dp/166368
- https://www.chewy.com/higgins-vita-seed-bird-food-parrots/dp/152977
- https://www.chewy.com/higgins-vita-seed-california-blend/dp/152983
- Vitamins: IF you give your birds a well balanced diet there is no need for vitamin drops. Some of the vitamins can be dangerous in large quantities. If you do decided to go with them Prime, and Gold are the best.
- Cuttlebones Some birds will use them some will not but basically they are calcium. If you do not want to use them, give your bird scrambled eggs with the shell in instead or buy them eggo and mix it in their food. Both have the same effect. AFRICAN GREYS NEED CALCIUM.
- Sprouting is good, just remember please do it right or it can kill your bird.
- Remember the dos and don'ts of feeding birds. IF you don't know ASK someone before feeding your bird.
- Your cage should be relatively rust free and big enough for the size bird you have. Also, you should have enough toys for your bird. 3 to 4 is plenty.
- Watch toys made from China, a lot of time their paint has lead in it.
- Please remember to switch things around for your bird so that they do not get bored. IT is important to do this at least twice a month recommended once a week.
- Having cement and sand perches is fine but please limit the use to ONE at a time in the cage due to the wear and tear on the feet. yes they are good for toes but can damage the pads on the feet if they use that perch too often.
- If you are weening your bird, we suggest using the same formula that we do. This is Pretty Bird Formula. We use this as it has never been recalled. Others are Higgins Intune, Harrison (DO NOT USE KAYTEE EXACT due to the amount of recalls)
Some Do's And Don'ts
1. Teflon is an absolute no. It will kill your bird do not use it. Remember it is in a LOT of products check everything
2. Air fryers can NOT be used around your birds unless they are completely Teflon free and even then be careful (I recommend them as a no)
3. Incense, Free breeze, air soles, plugin smells, and anything that is shot into the air can not be used. Remember when you get new furniture that if it is sprayed your bird needs to be in another room for a while.
4. CANDLES ARE FINE AS LONG AS THEY DO NOT HAVE LEAD AT THE END OF THE WICK. Most don’t anymore. Just be smart, don't put it right near your bird.
5. Wax melts are fine too as long they are not in the same room or super close to your bird.
6. Do NOT use the self- cleaning feature on your oven it will kill your bird
7. There are safe and not safe plants it is important to look these up same as woods if you are going to use outside perches for your bird
8. If you use an air purifier, do not use the ionizer, this can and will hurt your bird.
9.. There will be links and pictures of safe and not safe foods below, peanuts are fine as long as they are human grade which means that we can eat them and they are not wild bird food peanuts. Do not use those.
2. Air fryers can NOT be used around your birds unless they are completely Teflon free and even then be careful (I recommend them as a no)
3. Incense, Free breeze, air soles, plugin smells, and anything that is shot into the air can not be used. Remember when you get new furniture that if it is sprayed your bird needs to be in another room for a while.
4. CANDLES ARE FINE AS LONG AS THEY DO NOT HAVE LEAD AT THE END OF THE WICK. Most don’t anymore. Just be smart, don't put it right near your bird.
5. Wax melts are fine too as long they are not in the same room or super close to your bird.
6. Do NOT use the self- cleaning feature on your oven it will kill your bird
7. There are safe and not safe plants it is important to look these up same as woods if you are going to use outside perches for your bird
8. If you use an air purifier, do not use the ionizer, this can and will hurt your bird.
9.. There will be links and pictures of safe and not safe foods below, peanuts are fine as long as they are human grade which means that we can eat them and they are not wild bird food peanuts. Do not use those.
What Bird Is Right For You?
Take a look at the information and see what fits your lifestyle, take time to do research, ask questions, and visit people that own them. NEVER jump into something without taking the time to make sure it is right for you and your family. It is not fair to the bird. They have feelings and it will hurt them in the end. They need to know stability and that the first family is their last. To often birds are passed around to multiple homes. Avoid this by seeing what is right for your family. Birds are amazing animals, best friends, and loving to no end. They will challenge at some point, but they are like children, always. They need love and nurturing.
Remember, no matter what bird, if you want the bird to be friendly and not to breed only one is needed per cage. It is a myth that two birds are needed as a pair because they will bond together and not to you. ONLY one is needed to bond to you and your family. You can own multiple birds, that's not the problem its per cage if you want them tame. Also, NO mirrors. They will bond to the mirror as if it is another bird. It will cause aggression problems.
Remember, no matter what bird, if you want the bird to be friendly and not to breed only one is needed per cage. It is a myth that two birds are needed as a pair because they will bond together and not to you. ONLY one is needed to bond to you and your family. You can own multiple birds, that's not the problem its per cage if you want them tame. Also, NO mirrors. They will bond to the mirror as if it is another bird. It will cause aggression problems.
Parrotlets: One of the Smallest Parrots in the World
Budgies- Mostly known As Parakeets
Budgies are originally from Australia and are known to travel in groups of hundreds. They thrive on seeds in the wild. Budgies sex can be determined by their cere or the "patch" above their nose. If blue it is male, if tan or brown it is female. (some exceptions) Domestic budgies live around 5 to 8 years however can live longer than 15 years if well cared for. They come in the most colors of any other bird. Budgies are very playful and energetic so they need a cage and play area to accommodate this. They need toys, and a cage big enough to play in. They are better kept as a single bird as they bond with you unless you are going to be gone a lot then they budgie will need a friend since they are a group bird. These birds have an amazing ability to learn to talk and can pick up many words. They will be playful, and loving.
As to the saying, they make awesome first birds, this is not true. Budgies make great birds for anyone willing to put in the time, and attention that they require. They are not for sitting in a cage and watching, they deserve better than that. Yes, there are exceptions buying flights and having groups for this is fine. However, one is never ok to leave and keep alone. They become depressed and upset. It is essential to think before buying a bird of their feelings. |
Quaker Parrots: One of Top 10 Best Talkers
Amazon Parrots
Amazons are very intelligent birds and excellent talkers. The most popular kinds are yellow nape, yellow-headed, orange-winged, and blue-fronted amazons. They can mimic human speech, sounds, and vocalizations. They are funny, playful, and have powerful feet. Amazons live for 50 or more years in captivity. Well trained Amazons can be the most loyal companion parrots.
Then there is the important side of Amazons people need to understand. Even the most well trained, loyal Amazon can be aggressive, especially during breeding season. Training is essential with Amazons and most have their favorite people or person if not socialized properly. Unless worked with and given proper toys and attention they will become aggressive. Children need to be very careful. Their bites are strong and they bite and grind. They can become jealous of the affection toward a child and turn on the child. Please be aware this kind of bird is generally NOT recommended as a first bird or a child's bird. Would generally be considered an advanced level bird to own. |
Macaws
Macaws are majestic and intelligent animals. They are what people describe often as their "dream bird" Please consider the following before making that commitment!
Macaws are from South America and range in size from the smallest being a Hahn's macaw (one of the mini macaws) to the largest being a Hyacinth Macaw. There are also Hybrids, which are two species put together (example in picture) to make something else. Camelot, (pictured) Harlequins, Catalinas, and more are examples. They live on average for around 60 years which is something people need to consider. They have a loud vocalization, heard for miles. Many macaws have large beaks capable of cracking large nuts and seeds for their diet. They need daily exercise and a huge cage to live in; including toys, perches, and other enrichment items. They are also an expensive bird as they need a varied diet and many fresh foods. Macaws can be great companions, loyal, loving, and trustworthy if trained and respected by their owner. They take a lot of time everyday. Macaws do go through sexual maturity and can become more aggressive during this time. It is important to remember that in order to gain their respect you have to respect them. Generally, they are considered for the experienced bird owner and for someone that does not have young children that will stick their fingers in the cage as this will lead to disaster. With that being said, proper training, orientation into family life and time being spent instead of being for show will give a wonderful life long companion. |
Cockatoos
If you think these birds are the cute, cuddly, birds everyone does they are not for you. There is much more to a cockatoo. They are one of the most difficult birds to train, understand, and require years of patience and love. To often are they put in rescues, thrown out of their homes, and tossed aside. Please read and consider before deciding to take on one of these beautiful, yet difficult birds.
There are many different types of cockatoos, ranging in size from 12 inches to around 27 inches. They can live from 40 years to over 80 depending on the species and care. Cockatoos all come from Australia. Some of the species include the Moluccan, Umbrella, Sulfur Crested, Citron, Major Mitchell, Goffin, and more. They are one of the dustiest birds so if you have allergies, they are not the bird for you. They create a huge amount of dust. Cockatoos are very lively and affectionate. They love to cuddle. They will seek affection from their owner at all times. Here is the problem. If raised from a baby, the baby is cuddled, paid attention all the time, snuggled, then one day slowly you start to get busy. The bird still wants and expects that attention. Cockatoos are notorious for craving human attention. This is when their ear piercing screams will start. The owner gets frustrated. The cockatoo then starts to act out. Bites, Destroys when it is out. It is using negative behavior to seek more attention. Soon the owner is so upset he or she rehomes the cockatoo. The cockatoo now is upset that he misses his owner and was uprooted to another home for the cycle to start over. This happens a lot unfortunately. We want to say with a cockatoo it is important to give the baby as much attention as you will its whole life. Give him his own time in the cage to play. Give yourself you time. It is important. The owner will find that the behavior will be very good. Yes, biting will happen, hormones will still play into it, but you will be much happier with the results. They are a great bird and give affection like no other. They are rewarding, and friends for life. You have to understand them that's what is important. |
Lovebirds
Fischers Lovebirds: They are native to Africa and live 15 to 20 years old. Fischers are one of the smaller lovebirds and of the eye-ring lovebird species. Most people would agree that compared to peachface lovebirds, fischers are quieter, more playful, and tend to be more of the clownish personality.
Fischers are a great bird for those starting out as they train easily, and are very loving and playful. They do bite if not socialized properly as any bird. Their noise is considered low compared to other birds and generally they are low maintence birds. Lovebirds love wood and chew toys. |
Peachface Lovebirds: They are native to Africa and live 20 years or more. Peachfaces are considered to be the most popular lovebirds. Other than the parakeets, they contain the most variety of colors available. They are fun and easy to train for most people. They make amazing first pets for children and families.
They are vocal, although not loud compared to other birds. They need to be socialized and are not known to talk. It is rare for a lovebird to talk. They are known for learning tricks. Peachfaces love to play, snuggle, and enjoy time out of their cage. Most love just hanging out with their family. |
Blackmasked Lovebirds: They are native to Africa and live on average 15 years. They are a part of the eye ring species of lovebirds. Blackmasked tend to be one of the most loyal of the lovebirds often showing aggression and not knowing their size to those not of their family.
They are vocal but not considered loud compared to other birds. Lovebirds do not learn to talk generally, but rather can learn to do tricks. Blackmasked love to play, and are toy lovers. They get into everything. Babies are the best and when well socialized are great pets. One is always better than two as they bond to the family and not to each other a myth commonly told in pet stores. Make great pets for kids if they are taught to respect the bird and train the bird how to behave. |
Eclectus Parrots
The Eclectus is know for being one of the only sexually dimorphic parrots. That means that you can tell the sex of them by their color. The green colored is the male and the red/purple sometimes blue depending on subspecies of Eclectus is the female. They inhabit the Solomon Islands and surrounding areas. There are Solomon Island Eclectus, Vos Eclectus and several others. The average Eclectus life span is 30 years however they do have the potential to live longer. Eclectus are very playful and have amazing talking abilities. They can learn to mimic noises and pick up many words. They can be loud when they want to be but are not known for screaming. Eclectus also are not known to be cuddly birds. They will however except petting and sit with you. The males tend to be quieter and the females can become very moody when in breeder season. Many people consider Eclectus to be dull and not playful. What they are seeing is their reaction to stress. They do not react well to stressful or new situations until they are use to the area, people, or environment. Then they are just as playful as other birds.
Eclectus need a special diet as well. They do NOT eat many seeds in the wild and are prone to fatty liver disease. You need to add some fresh and/or dehydrated orange, red, yellow and green vegetables, legumes and some fruit, again preferably organic. Any chemicals or artificial coloring makes their kidneys work hard to filter it all out. Our avian vet says, "Eclectus do very well on Harrisons and Roundy Bush Pellots as 65-70% of their diet and 30-35% fresh vegetables and other healthy treats. They should have lots of fresh vegetables. Please look up Eclectus Safe Foods (http://www.parrot-and-conure-world.com/eclectus-parrot.html). |
Conures
There are many different types of conures, all living in Central and South America. The sun conure (pictured to left), pandagonian conure (pictured below, left), green cheek conure (very popular good first bird below right), crimson belly and more. The average conure lives around 25 years or longer depending on the type of care they are given. Conures are not known to be great talkers, only picking up a word or two. They are great at learning tricks and very playful. They are bold, active, and clownish. A conure is very affectionate with its owners but can be nippy with people it does not know. This can be worked out with training which is very important with ALL conures.
Bathing is also a must with conures. Most love water and will take baths on their own. The conure, according to research done by experts needs 12 hours of sleep. The species will act better, train better, and get what they need in this type of environment. They are a bird that has no limit to energy, and are always wanting to play. |
Lories and Lorikeets
Lories and Lorikeets are found in the South Pacific and Australia. Although many consider them to be the same, there are distinct differences between the two kinds. The tails: Lorikeets have longer tapering tails and Lories have short, rounded or square tails. The size: Lories tend to be bigger than lorikeets. Plumage: Most lories are red with patches of yellow, purple, and green. Most lorikeets are green with patches of red and yellow. There are some exceptions to this rule. (beauty of birds)
These parrots are honeyeaters or brush tongue parrots. They eat nectar and pollen out of flowers and scrape fruits to get the sweet juices. They also have a different beak structure long narrow top with point that allows them to get hard to reach seeds. Their very specific dietary requirements sets them apart from other parrot species. Their mostly "liquid" diet makes them messy to keep in homes unless accommodations have been put into place to allow for easy clean-up. This is something to consider before owning this type of bird. Lorikeets as pets: Small Australian Lorikeets make great pets, they are energetic, playful and friendly. They form a strong bond with their owner. These make great pets for condos, apartments due to their quiet nature. HOWEVER, remember they are messy. They do not talk like the larger lorikeets. Males make the best pets. The larger lorikeets make excellent pets as they are intelligent, playful and energetic. Remember they do have the dietary requirements. The larger lorikeets can be very vocal and need constant obedience training. With hard work they can mimic sounds, and people very well. Lories as pets: They make great pets due to their intelligence, clownish personality, affectionate, curious, will wrap themselves up in blankets to sleep, playful, and overall and wonderful bird. They are very messy however and can be very loud. They are demanding and require daily showers and cleaning. They need large cages and A LOT of daily out of cage time. |
African Greys
African Greys are highly intelligent birds. They are commonly know as one of the best talkers of the bird world. They can mimic sounds, voices, and have a very large vocabulary. A study was done and the Congo African Grey asked the first existential question not actually taught by its human companion, Irene Pepperburg. Greys live on average 50 to 70 years. That being said there are two types of African greys, Congos and Timnehs.
Greys are not cuddly generally, they are independent birds. They like to interact with their family but on their own terms. Congo African Greys are native to Central Africa, and are 12 to 14 inches long. They have a grey body and bright red tail. Congo African Grey Parrots are talented talkers and begin talking between 12 and 18 months old. African Grey Parrots are flock birds and need interaction and stimulation to develop into their full potential. (http://www.african-grey-parrot.com/Congo-African-Grey.aspx) Timneh African Greys are native to western coastal regions of Guinea, Ghana and the Ivory Coast of Africa. They are around 10 inches and a charcoal grey in color. They have a maroon colored tail. Timneh African Grey Parrots begin to talk at approximately 6 months to a year. It is believed that they talk sooner than Congo African Greys because Timneh African Grey Parrots mature quicker. Something to note, Timneh Greys, can not mimic as well as Congos. Some people believe the Timneh African Grey Parrot is the calmer and more flexible of the subspecies. Feather plucking does not seem to be an issue with these little guys as it is with CAGs. The Timneh African Grey is more apt to continue playing with their toys and talking when other people besides family are around. (http://www.african-grey-parrot.com/Timneh-African-Grey.aspx) |
Caiques
They are known for being clowns of the parrot world. They will hop, skip, jump and do just about anything they can to be funny. Often mischievous (obviously trying to be funny LOL) The caique is either a black-headed or white-bellied with some subspecies. Owners will often comment on their weight for their size, as they are only 9 to 10 inches. The caique will challenge anything, it is known for picking fights with other bird species, however often friends with its own kind. The Clowns love to hop around and crawl all over you. They LOVE toys. it is essential to keep them well stocked on entertainment. They are not known as good talkers, but some can learn to speak a few words. Their noise level is moderate. Nothing like the fluffy whites (cockatoos). They are native to south America.
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