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BIRD QUESTIONS FOR REPHUS --
Rephus --
I have a 7 month old macaw which I have had since December. The past
couple of weeks. His feathers are falling out. I think I can see new
growth, however I am not certain if this is normal. Could you please
advise me on this matter?? Also, his face turns red on different
occasions what is the meaning behind this. It likes he's blushing.
Any Help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teasha
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Your young macaw is likely going through his first molt. Watch carefully to make sure new feathers do come in. They will soon, and you can help your pet bird by gently removing the keratin coverings of the feathers he can't reach with his beak. Many (probably all) parrots "blush" when they are upset or perturbed over something. With their bare facial patches, this phenomenon is more noticeable on macaws. It's perfectly normal.
Rephus --
I have a sun conure who's about a year old. He does not "talk", he has his
little and big noises, yet no words. I know that they aren't big talkers,
but can't they say a few phrases? Any tips to get him to talk. Also, how
often should I bathe him?
-- Stephanie
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Sun conures can learn to say a few words, but they are definitely not one of the more prolific speakers of the parrot family. The entire conure clan, indeed, is not well known for its speaking ability. Yet conures make up for this slight deficiency with tremendously engaging personalities and (especially in the case of the Sun) great beauty. Suns love to bathe (once they get the hang of it) and should be offered a bath at least once a week. Suns are indigenous to the Amazon basin of South American where they are drenched at least once per day on average.
Rephus -- I have three birds, a ringneck parakeet, Sam, a lovebird, Cheeto-pie and a Timneh Grey, Rascal. Because (like all birds) they like to throw their food, and we live in Arkansas, we get horrible roach infestations. I clean the cages quite often (usually no less frequently than every other day) but I still end up periodically having to relocate the bird-things and "bomb" the house... is there anything (such as botanicals) that can prevent this from happening? I really worry bringing them back after bombing the house that they will get ill.... It hasn't happened so far, but I worry... Pease help... I love these guys, and I want to do what's best for them.
-- Laura Nelson
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Laura, yes be extremely careful when "bombing" for insects. Your birds are very sensitive to these chemicals and could be overcome very quickly if reintroduced to the house too soon after such a bombing. To be entirely safe, I would recommend that the house thoroughly air out for two days afterwards before bringing the birds back in. Maybe you could leave them with a friend or relative in the meanwhile. I don't know of any "botanical" that will keep roaches down. Perhaps some of our visitors might know of something... that would also be safe around the birds. It sounds as if you are staying on top of cleaning as best you can... and there is little you can do to train the birds to be tidier. Certain cages can be outfitted with "skirts" that help contain dropped or thrown food. Consider that as a possible option. Having lived for awhile in the South, I know you can never totally eliminate roaches; you just have to live with them and keep them somewhat in check.
Rephus --
I have Quaker Parakeets and
Budgerigars. I feel comfortable that I have learned sound information
regarding their nutritional requirements. But, I have found very little
reference regarding the requirements for water. It seems to me like water
quality should be almost of equal importance to the birds well being as is
the quality of food. But, rarely do I ever find anything that has any
concrete guidelines or suggestions for improving the quality of water or if
it is even necessary to improve upon it. I realize that water quality
varies from location to location but, is there any research documented as to
what water supply is better over another. I have been considering a reverse
osmosis filter system for my home and my avian vet thinks I am being a bit
too radical in my ideas of care for my birds. I have also, considered the
"Brita" type filter or one from "PUR". He feels that the tap water is
sufficient for the normal avian requirements. Who is right? Am I right to
question this or is he? What types of problems could develop for my birds
if my water supply is not adequate? I know that the nitrate levels can
fluctuate from day to day in the water supply, I know that water supplies
can be cross contaminated from outside sources. I am beginning to learn
about Giardia and how hard it is to remove it from the water supply. But I
don't know if I am making more of an issue of the water quality level than I
should be. Can you help? What if a bird has an auto immune problem? (mine
don't, but just wondering). Also, I make yeast bread on a regular basis and my birds begin to smell the
aroma and go wild for it. I had been feeding them pieces of it
occassionally until I remembered that yeast continues to grow for up to a
day after it has been baked - I think. Should I NOT be giving them this
fresh bread on the same day that it is baked? I have stopped this practice
until I hear an answer from you.
-- Sharon Coughlin
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Sharon, you are correct to at least question the water quality that you and your birds may be ingesting from your home tap. Call your local water department and request a complete chemical analysis of the water they provide. When you receive the analysis you can scrutinize the details and see if anything jumps out as being potentially harmful. Most urban water supplies are "safe" though not particularly "pure". Many water departments add chemicals to the water (principally chlorine to kill bacteria). Filters such as you describe can help remove these chemicals, which could be even more beneficial to your birds than you, yourself. What's not OK is any water that is not fresh. Pet birds' water supply should be changed daily or more often and kept in clean containers. As to fresh-baked bread... of course, you can feed this to your birds. I'm sure it's a great treat.
Rephus -- I have a one and half year old Congo Gray that I brought home at two
months old. About three months ago he started screaming. I'm worried
because I have been told that this is an unusual for African Greys to
do. He continues to do this almost continuously. He eats a varied diet
of fruit and veggies and seed. He is in a large cage to romp in during
the day and is out at night when I get home. My daily routine hasn't
changed since I brought him/her home. I've tried new toys but nothing
seems to help. I also have a Blue Front Amazon in the same room with the
gray and would hope that this might provide some entertainment for him.
Any suggestions on this problem?
-- Kerri Hansen
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Take your bird to a qualified avian veterinarian for a full checkup. If we can rule out any physical problem, then we must assume that the situation involves simple unhappiness and/or boredom. No parrot screams continuously just for the sake of it. Both excessive screaming and feather-plucking are their ways of telling us, "I'm not happy." So then we have to find a way to alleviate or moderate this condition. Lots of human-made toys are good. But the magic toy is a fresh tree branch (leaves on if possible). Make sure this is safe wood (see PetStation's Danger to Pet Birds) and untreated with chemicals or insecticides. Good choices are elm, maple, apple, birch, aspen, alder. Avoid oak, peach, plum. Parrots generally don't show much interest in evergreen branches such as pine, fir, etc. It is so simple, yet so many birds never are allowed the sheer joy of ripping into fresh branches. Every pet bird should be given this treat once a week or more often. See how this works... it probably will work wonders. It is unlikely that a sedate Amazon is going to provide much "entertainment" for a Grey. You don't say how far apart they are placed within this same room. If you want them to bond, you will need to place their cages virtually side by side... just far enough apart that one of them can't grab the other's toe through the bars. Of course, you must consider that being close to the Amazon could be the last thing the Grey wants... so watch this situation carefully. I think it is good that you are placing your birds in close proximity, however. Parrots are flock birds and they need companionship of one sort or another. Something else to consider: are the birds close to a window they can look out of. I strongly believe that parrot-type birds do best when they can watch what is happening outside during the day when their keepers are away. Be careful not to place them in a spot where direct sunlight could overheat them. Since this is a relatively young bird and you have had it for such a short time, I suspect that it is simply screaming for attention from you. Quite often, people get a new bird and shower it with love and attention... then as the novelty subsides, they begin to spend less and less time with the bird. The bird, of course, is used to more attention and doesn't understand or enjoy this comparative lack of attention. Birds, especially parrots, are extremely intelligent, sensitive creatures. We must continually take this into account in determining how they are going to spend their time. Be creative. Provide lots of fun, nutritious foods, and never forget the "magic toy".
Rephus --
We are considering buying either a conure or an Indian ringneck
parakeet. How would one compare one with the other in regard to
personality? Intelligence? Suitability as a pet?
Also, within the various conures (jenday, sunday, nanday, etc.), are
there many differences in personality, or are the differences primarily
coloration?
-- Roger Spencer
REPHUS SPEAKS -- I will catch some flak for this but I consider conures to be general superior pets than Indian ringnecks. To be sure there are some very sweet, adorable ringnecks as pets. And surely they are one of the most beautiful of all parrots... perfectly configured. They also are significantly quieter than the typical conure. Yet normally ringnecks need a great deal of human interaction to become and remain tame and friendly. Conures on the other hand more readily adapt to human companionship and will stay tame even without constant handling. That said, of course, there are individuals that never tame down and remain flighty or nippy. Of the conure species commonly available as pets, all make wonderful members of the household... provided they receive the proper amounts of love and attention in return. My personal favorites are the Patagonian, Sun, Blue-crowned, Jenday, Dusky and Gold-capped... but there are many other species as well that might be more perfect for you. Visit a breeder and allow a baby to select you.
Rephus -- Recently one of my two lovebirds (caged together) died in the
middle of the night. I had the remaining bird's blood taken by my vet last
weekend for a CBC test to determine his or her condition (to at least
eliminate certain health problems which can be detected via blood). Upon
receipt of a good bill of health for the remaining bird (named "Teetsy"), I
plan to acquire a playmate for him/her. I'm getting conflicting information
about whether or not it matters that the new playmate be of the same type
(i.e., peach-faced versus lutino, etc). Do you have some thoughts on this
issue?
-- Terry Lauziere, McLean, Virginia
REPHUS SPEAKS -- It would be best to obtain the same species of lovebird as your remaining bird. If Teetsy is a peach-faced then get another peach-faced. "Lutino" is not a species, but rather a color phase. Though matching the coloration of Teetsy would be most appropriate, really any of the many color varieties of peach-faced, including lutino, would be an appropriate partner for Teetsy. What you definitely do not want to do is pair up a peach-faced with a black or blue-masked or other species of lovebird. The peach-faced species is generally larger and more aggressive than the other species of lovebirds. Also, it is critically important that you quarantine any new lovebird for a minimum of a month after acquisition, and have a full health checkup done by a qualified avian vet during that period. Lovebirds are quite prone to illness and disease and you don't want to risk the new bird infecting Teetsy. When you receive the all-clear sign from the vet, you will need to introduce the birds slowly and carefully. It's a great idea to get Teetsy a new partner, but he/she may not take to the new bird immediately. Place their cages side by side for awhile until they begin to show signs of bonding.
Rephus -- I have a Citron Cockatoo, 5 yrs. old in good health and generally
well-adjusted. The bird, "Elliot" lives with a Sun Conure, gets plenty of
food, vitamins and love. Problem - Elliot has begun destroying his comb/crest. He rubs his food and
toys through the crest as well as pulling it into his mouth and eating it. He
looks like a ratty mess !! Any suggestions ?? Do they have artificial "hair-pieces" for birds ?? If Elliot
keeps going he will have nothing left to identify him as "crested" !!
-- Jeanette Tralies, no home town given
REPHUS SPEAKS -- I don't believe there is any such thing as a hair-piece for birds, so we need to figure out why Elliot is acting this way. One or more of the following conditions is probably at work here: Elliot is not happy, does not have enough diversions, is coming into a frustrating sexual maturity, and/or is not healthy. Even though he may seem healthy, sometimes birds mask serious problems, so I would recommend a complete lab workup by an avian vet to rule out the latter possibility. Also, take a look at his daily regimen and environment. Does he really have enough toys and natural diversions (branches, fruits, nuts and veggies) to fully occupy his attention? Is his cage large enough to allow boisterous play? Does he get out of his cage often and long enough? Is the Sun Conure driving him nuts? If none of these possibilities seems to be the case, then it could well be a case of sexual frustration. If so, redouble your efforts to provide Elliot with lots of other diversions, and simply wait out this "phase" in your cockatoo's life. His now-ratty crest will grow back in fine form.
Rephus-- My niece just purchased a Fischer's Lovebird, and although I have experience feeding large hookbills, I have no suggestions for the lovebird. Do you have any ideas?
-- Michael Gold, Mountlake Terrace, WA, USA
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Michael, the care and feeding of lovebirds is not much different from that of larger parrots. Lovebirds are "psitticines"... parrots... they are just among the smaller members of the family. Like all parrots they need a balanced and varied diet which includes fruits and vegetables, along with seeds. Unfortunately, like budgies and cockatiels, lovebirds are prone to become "seed-heads"... disdaining any other form of food. But persevere, continuing to offer fresh, soft foods. Several excellent commercial pellet foods are available which are made specifically for lovebirds. Millet is a good "low-fat" seed for them.
Rephus -- I have a two-year-old Double Yellow Amazon. Kiwi eats a pelleted diet
supplemented with rice, pasta, beans, fruits, vegetables and nutraberries.
Kiwi has a playgym made by Parrot Tower and sleeps in a King's cage. Kiwi
also has plenty of toys and eats wood toys like a woodchuck. About two
months ago she went in for her yearly check up. She had blood drawn and
tests run. Everything was found within normal ranges for her species. I
have seen many birds molt... yet I have never seen Kiwi molt. Within the last
two weeks I have found several feathers including the shaft. I am concerned
is this her molt? I do not see any new feathers or quills coming in. Or
could she be plucking her feathers? She receives two showers a week in
the summer and one in the winter. I have never had her DNA tested so we are
not sure of her sex. Is it normal for a bird to not molt for two
years? She was born in August so I passed the first year off on her being a
baby. However I am becoming concerned. Also she has a white beak and black
or grey toe nails... while other Double Yellows have white toenails. Is this
normal?
-- Baydoun , home town not given
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Well, I've never seen a parrot with a white beak or white toenails... so I'm assuming that your color descriptions are not completely accurate. A Double Yellow-head's beak should be horn colored... sort of a golden-brown, though it will vary from bird to bird, and also change colors at various times. You don't say how much yellow has come in on the head yet. It's possible that your bird is a hybrid, with some other Amazon blood mixed in. But maybe not; individual birds are just sometimes quite different from the standard. As for the molt... yes, it would certainly be strange if a parrot didn't molt in the first two years. Many parrots shed feathers year round, though they do shed more at certain times. And when they shed a feather, it does come out shaft and all... and it may be a while before a new one comes in. Have you noticed more yellow feathers coming in upon the crown and nape? This is a good sign of new feathers. If Kiwi is an "only bird" she will probably need a little help scrimping off the keratin cover that feathers are protected by as they come out, especially around the head area that she can't reach. It doesn't sound like there is a serious problem here. Keep watching and see if little feathers start popping out all over. One more thing... do have her/him DNA sexed. It's an inexpensive process and knowing a patient's sex can be of help to vets. Besides, don't you want to know?
Rephus -- Are toucans commercially available, and do they make good pets? Also,
is feather plucking physically harmful, or just cosmetically ugly?
-- Ian Kerfoot, home town not given
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Yes, both toucans and toucanets are commercially available, and they range in price from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 depending on species. They can make good pets if they are acquired very young and handled often and diligently. Typically, however, they don't bond quite as rapidly and well to humans as many parrot species do. The smaller toucanets seem to be more flighty. The toucan family does not present the chewing problem that parrots do, however, they can be messy fellows, requiring a soft fruit diet primarily (which they love to throw). I would definitely not recommend any species of the toucan family as a beginner's bird. As to feather-plucking, most of the time it is not harmful, though chronic plucking can eventually permanently damage or destroy the feather follicles, which will lead to deformed feathers growing back or no feathers at all. Feather-plucking is sometimes a symptom of some other physical malady, however, such as an incomplete diet... and/or plain boredom... both of which can lead to lowered resistance to disease.
Rephus -- I have recently acquired two lovebirds and four parakeets. The lovebirds have been successfully weaned from seed food to pellets... the parakeets are in the weaning process now. I give all six birds a treat each evening (either oat groats or spray millet) which they seem to attack with fervor. Is a treat each evening a good habit to ensure that pellet food is consumed enough to provide the best possible nutrition for my feathered friends?
-- T.L., home town not given
REPHUS SPEAKS -- Lovebirds and budgies (along with cockatiels) are among the most difficult of pet parrot-type birds to successfully transition to more than a seed-only diet. Congratulations if you have your lovebirds started on pellets. That's a good start. Yes, groats and millet are good supplemental foods that are low in fat and relatively nutritious. Giving these out each evening is probably OK. But be sure to try to introduce fresh fruits and veggies to their daily fare as well. It will be difficult to get these stubborn little "seed-heads" to try them, but persevere and hopefully they will eventually come around to a more varied and healthier diet. Pellets, even though they are supposed to be nutritionally complete, should be supplemented by other food types, especially fresh fruits and vegetables.
Rephus -- My Sun Conure's favorite food, believe it or not, is chicken bones. Is this natural? Is it safe for him to chew on them? Should I consider him a cannibal?
-- H.L., Spokane, WA
REPHUS SPEAKS -- No, it is not unusual at all for parrot-type birds to relish chicken bones. Parrots are not really meat eaters, but they love bone marrow... which is very healthful for them. Tiny slivers of bone are potentially dangerous if swallowed. To be absolutely safe, most avian vets discourage giving birds any type of bone. But when it is your bird's very favorite food my personal opinion is that it can be done. For smaller birds, split chicken leg bones lengthwise so the bird can get to the marrow without having to do as much bone-crunching. I give chicken leg bones to my macaw with no problems whatsoever. Be sure the chicken was thoroughly cooked, and that the bones haven't been sitting around for hours... otherwise the bone marrow could contain bacteria. Do be very careful if you also have dogs or cats around because if they were to get ahold of these slivers it could quickly be bad news. No, you should not consider a parrot that eats parts of some other type of bird any more of a cannibal than a human that eats some other type of mammal (i.e. beef, pork, lamb, etc.).
Rephus -- I have a one-year-old Blue-fronted Amazon who is very bonded to me. I thought it would be great for him to have a partner to keep him company while I am at work, so I brought home a Spectacled Amazon over a month ago. So far the Blue-front just hates him, attacking him every chance he gets. What's going on here?
-- M.S., Union City, NJ
REPHUS SPEAKS -- You have inadvertently created a love triangle. Your Blue-front probably did not want or need a "partner" as you suggest, because you are its partner. It now regards this new bird as an interloper in its territory and a threat to its relationship with you. The new bird, meanwhile, doesn't know what to think, and certainly did not cause this situation. It will take some time and effort -- perhaps a lot of both -- before things begin to slowly settle in. You will have to be very protective of the Spectacled, yet also reassure the Blue-front that it is not being replaced in your affections. This is all easier said than done... but hopefully persistence will pay off.
Rephus -- I have never owned a parrot before, and am looking to acquire one. I started off looking at cockatiels and conures, but now I am intrigued by the Eclectus parrot. Is this a good species for a first-timer like me? And if so, should I get a male or a female?
-- O.F., Orlando, FL
REPHUS SPEAKS-- You've made a big jump in price range there from cockatiels to Eclectus. I, too, am a big fan of Eclectus. Not only are they hardly known by the general public, I believe their pet potential is highly underrated even by many parrot people. But would they make a good first parrot? That depends on how willing and able you are going to be with your new pet. Like most of the larger parrots, Eckers will demand much of you, but my feeling is that a hand-fed Eclectus youngster would be a better choice for a first-timer than a Grey, an Amazon, a large Macaw, or perhaps even some Cockatoos. As for male or female, I think both can make very excellent pets as long as they are acquired quite young and handled with a great deal of loving care. The female, of course, is virtually unrivaled in beauty, but some Eckers breeders claim that males may be a bit more out-going and steady.
Rephus-- Why do many parrots pull their feathers out?
--T.D., Conroe, TX
REPHUS SPEAKS--I'll probably catch flack for this, but I really do believe that the two primary reasons for plucking are 1) sheer boredom, and 2) a potential diet deficiency. Just about every time I've come across a plucked parrot, I also see an environment that contains few stimulating activity opportunities, particularly things to chew on. Parrots are extremely intelligent creatures, and they just go a little stir-crazy sitting in a cage all day with nothing to do... so they start pulling out feathers. Most parrots are incessant chewers and it is our duty to see to it that they always have plenty of things to absolutely annihilate. Extremely hardwood perches (such as manzanita) should never be the only wood inside a cage. By the same token, indestructible toys are fine as part of their playtime stash but parrots should also have toys which safely disintegrate as they methodically chew away. Clean, untreated fruit tree branches are highly prized by most parrots for munching. Parrots are also very social creatures, and it is very unnatural for them to be alone most of the time. This situation, too, should be addressed by the caring keeper, especially one whose bird is plucking. Finally, if a parrot seems to have plenty to keep it distracted, consult an avian vet to run some lab tests to determine if there might be a nutritional deficiency prompting this behavior.
Rephus--Do you believe that birds came from dinosaurs? I do not. I believe that God made all creatures just as they are.
--P.R., Tulsa, OK
REPHUS SPEAKS--Uh, oh... what's the old saying about politics and religion. Well, never let it be said that Rephus won't weigh in on any subject. I believe that it is possible that birds evolved from certain types of dinosaurs. Scientific evidence seems to be pointing strongly in that direction. If such is the case, I for one think it is amazing and wonderful. It seems to me that the more we humans discover of the workings of the Universe, the more we must be in awe of the infinitely great power that crafted this complex and elegant reality. Aside from the creation of the unbelievably vast Universe itself, the process of evolution is perhaps the most stunning, magical, mystical miracle of all... even though it's a miracle that happens all around us. Don't frogs "evolve" from fish (tadpoles); don't butterflies "evolve" from caterpillars; don't we "evolve" from a single cell? I don't put anything beyond the capability of the Supreme Being. If our beloved birds are the direct descendants of dinosaurs, I say we owe those ancient reptilian flying machines our appreciation and respect, and eternal gratitude and love to the One that allowed it to happen.
THANKS FOR VISITING ASK REPHUS
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