Jesse – African Grey Congo

Jesse is a sweet but nervous African Grey.  She is plucked on her body but we are hopeful that her feathers can return.  She loves to share dinner with us and is quite social.  More details to follow.  Jesse is a very fun bird but is nervous about stepping up.  She has quite a good vocabulary and is starting to let her feathers come back in.

Metro News Article about PASO

http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/Work/article/215597

Sam – Green Cheek Conure

Sam is a young green cheek conure whose owners just didn’t seem to understand him or his needs.  He seems quite sweet and social.  His feathers are in excellent condition.

Our Day at St Lawrence College

We were invited to speak to the Vet Assistant Class at St Lawrence College today on the rescue and parrot behaviour.  We would like to thank them for their donation. The gift basket was great as well as the display board.  We plan on using it for future events!   We look forward to attending again next year!

Spring Survival Guide

It seems that almost every parrot goes crazy in the spring.  They chew much more, get a lot louder, nippier, grumpier, and worst of all hormonal! 

My phone rings off the wall every year at this time by people who are either fed up or are panicked about their parrots behaviour this time of year.

It is all a natural reaction to spring.  Which is breeding season for most animals including parrots.

We need to provide for our pets and our own sanity to make it through the two months of raging hormones.

Here are a list of things that should help.

- Clip the birds wings.  If he is attacking and biting clipping the wings will stop 90% of your trouble as you will have to approach him in order to get bit.  It also helps to ease off some of the aggressive tendencies.

- Bring in lots of toys.  This should help keep your wood furniture and door moldings safe.  Parrots chew very heavily this time of the year.  By providing plenty of toys it should help to keep their little beaks busy and ease off on the furniture chewing.

- Keep them caged longer, if they are aggressive and grumpy, there is no reason to get your self injured.  Spend time with him by playing games through the bars of the cage.

- Get rid of hormone inducing toys.  Happy huts, fuzzy buddies, nesting materials etc

- Ignore the loud screaming.  I know it is a pain but it will end shortly.  You don’t want to acknowledge the screaming as it only leads to reinforcement.

- Keep petting to the top of the head.  If the parrot starts panting, stop all petting.

- If the parrot starts laying eggs, start a calcium supplement and get rid of hormone inducing toys.

- Some plucking can take place this time of year also.  Give plenty of baths and provide preening type toys.

If will take some patience and perseverance but it does get better………well that is until next spring!