Seed-eating birds utilize a unique process in order to digest their hard-shelled diets. Digestive enzymes cannot penetrate the seed shells (for doves and other species that swallow the shells) nor, in some cases, the inner seed covering (species that crack seeds before eating). To get around this, birds have evolved a muscular organ known as [...]

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Foot Ailments

Bumblefoot (swollen toe joints)

Bacterial infections (often Staphylococcus) take hold in small wounds on the feet (received from splinters, glass, frostbite, etc.) especially if droppings have been allowed to accumulate.
Prompt antibiotic treatment is necessary if surgery is to be avoided; if left untreated, gangrene will set [...]

As with all pets, a nutritious diet and proper environmental conditions are the most important factors in maintaining the health of captive birds. When health concerns do arise, you should seek veterinary assistance. The following information will help you to identify, avoid and treat (while awaiting a veterinarian’s advice) commonly encountered bird ailments. It is [...]

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Song Recognition
It seems that song recognition, on the other hand, is instinctive – female birds of all species tested respond (with an increased heart rate!) to the songs of males of the same species. Male birds of the same species, but living in different places, develop [...]

Overview
Have you ever wondered, upon hearing a pet canary or wild mockingbird sing, just how it is that birds acquire such complex abilities – are they born songsters, or must they learn? Well, scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have, and the zebra finch has provided some answers. In doing so, this [...]

Often, when we become familiar with a parrot species in captivity, we tend to lose sight of the fascinating details of its life in the wild. This is a mistake, although understandable, as only a few of us become fortunate enough to observe parrots in the wild.
The monk parrot, however, offers those of us living [...]

Over 80% of the world’s parrot species have some degree of red coloration, the intensity of which is only rarely found among other bird families. While most birds acquire their red coloration through carotenoids (naturally occurring compounds) ingested along with food, researchers at Arizona State University have shown that parrots utilize a previously unknown system.
Parrots [...]

This article is the second in a series designed to help you in choosing a pet parrot by providing background information on popular species. Please see Part I for an explanation of the nature of the information covered here.
Peruvian Grey-cheeked Parakeet, Brotogeris pyrrhopterus
At a mere 6 inches in length, this bird is an excellent choice [...]

Most bird fanciers are aware of the vigor with which many parrots use toys (or turn household items, jewelry, etc. into “toys”!). Providing opportunities for play and exploration is, in fact, vital to the health of these active, inquisitive birds. However, we sometimes tend to overlook other pet bird species in the matter of toys.
My [...]

Most commonly kept pet birds will spend the great majority of their time on a perch of some sort. The materials of which your pet’s perches are made, and the width of the perches, are vital considerations when outfitting a cage. Poor choices can rather quickly lead to painful foot injuries, arthritis and muscle atrophy.
The [...]