Heckled By ParrotsBlue Sky WritingFalconryRebecca K. O'Connor

Examining, Surviving and Loving life with Parrots

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Category Archives: Birdie Basics

Dear Paris,

I realize that you have already chosen a new BFF and I was never possibly going to be a contender anyway. But Girlfriend, you have GOT to call me. That parrot isn’t a plaything.  I know you were smitten by Joey McFarland’s parrot, Smokey.  And I understand that meeting an amazing grey parrot makes you [...]

Singing in the Rain

Several days of thunderstorms have caused my bird’s waterbowls to be suspiciously empty the last few days. I suspect there’s been massive bathing parties while I’m at work, so I’ve left bathpans at the bottoms of their cages…not that they’re being used…  Apparently, there’s something irresistable about bathing in the drinking water. Even the grey, [...]

Five Things to Introduce to a New Parrot

So you’ve done it. Despite all of the reasons I have given you to never ever get a parrot, you’re a lunatic and decided you couldn’t live without one. So what now? My number one most favorite piece of advice is simple…have fun! Don’t over stress, don’t be too hard on yourself, don’t freak out [...]

Better Ideas for a Clean Smelling House

Knowing that birds are sensitive to heavily scented candles and air freshener doesn’t mean your house needs to smell bad. There are several ways to keep you house smelling clean and fresh. 1. Keep it clean. Clean cages don’t stink. So make sure you change out bowls and papers daily and thoroughly scrub parrot and [...]

Hand Shy

One of the most common problems with parrots that come from previous homes is a fear of hands. I don’t have any studies to verify this, but it has been suggested that the old idea that “all parrot MUST step up” has done much to create a whole generation of captive bred parrots that are skittish [...]

Parrot offered to settle lawsuit

Here’s a really great reason to have your parrot microchipped: Colicheski contends Lytell has her parrot, Tequila, who flew away about three years ago. Lytell said she has cared for a parrot she named Lucky since it was found dehydrated and scared in May 2006 and she is not about to give it up. “He’s [...]

This Parrot Hates Me! Now what?

So you’ve brought home a foster parrot or an adoptee that would rather peel off a piece of your flesh than get a scratch on the head. So what do you do? Aggresive beaks are not only nerve-wracking, but they are a little hard on your ego. “I’m a nice person. I love this parrot. [...]

How Many Birds is too Many?

In Phelan, California a family that runs an exotic animal rescue is going to be featured in Extreme Home Makeover. Apparently the producers thought the family deserved a shiny new home. Perhaps they do, but according one article: “The expenses have meant the Almquists’ own home has taken a back seat, even as Joel Almquist [...]

Three Traveling Tips

A friend on Facebook noticed that I had just taken my traveling circus on a 7 hour drive and was wondering if I had any tips on the trip. Here are my top three: 1) Take a Day — Make a List It takes a full day of your routine to remember all of the things [...]

Have a Plan

A man is suing a prison for allegedly not allowing him to contact someone to care for his parrot upon his arrest. He claims that its the prison’s fault his scarlet macaw passed away. I suspect there is much more to this story, but it still makes me sad. Did no one know he was [...]