That Bird Blog » Bird diet

Introducing Estrildid Finches – the Waxbills, Munias, Nuns and Grass Finches

findiviglio — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:42:54 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Among the130+ species of the family Estrildidae we find popular cage birds and highly endangered species. Some, such as the gorgeously colored Gouldian Finch, are both - at once rare in the wild yet abundant in the pet trade. Waxbills and their relatives are often the first finches aviculturists obtain after having [...]

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Introducing Estrildid Finches – the Waxbills, Munias, Nuns and Grass Finches

Avian Nutritional Considerations: Finches, Toucans and Other Birds

findiviglio — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:52:36 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Today we’ll take a look at some of the finer points (as opposed to the basics) involved in feeding canaries, doves, budgerigars, toucans and related birds. Please see Part I and Part II of this article for information on African Gray and Amazon Parrots, Mynas and Macaws. Finches The perception of finches as [...]

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Avian Nutritional Considerations: Finches, Toucans and Other Birds

Finches – Sampling the Incredible Diversity of Species Available

findiviglio — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:16 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Finch enthusiasts are in the enviable position of being able to easily obtain a wide range of interesting, colorful and unusual species. Among no other group of cage birds do we find such a variety of captive-bred specimens. Although some are quite delicate, even those relatively new to the hobby can [...]

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Finches – Sampling the Incredible Diversity of Species Available

Keeping a Preventative and Emergency Health Care Kit for Birds

findiviglio — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:49:31 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In caring for birds at home and in zoos, I have found that having emergency care items on hand has often prevented minor mishaps from turning into disasters. Supplements that aid in preventative health care are also essential. Today I have assembled a list of products that parallel those used in public [...]

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Keeping a Preventative and Emergency Health Care Kit for Birds

Avian Nutritional Considerations: Amazon Parrots and Macaws

findiviglio — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:16:42 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Please see Part I of this article for information concerning hill mynas and African gray parrots. Today we’ll continue our overview of nutritional considerations particular to specific groups of birds. Amazon Parrots (Genus Amazona) Obesity Amazons gain weight easily, and seem prone to obesity. This is in part due to their fondness for sunflower [...]

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Avian Nutritional Considerations: Amazon Parrots and Macaws

Convincing Your Parrot to Accept Pellets – Lafeber Nutri-Berries

findiviglio — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:21:15 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. It’s now well-established that pellets designed for cockatiels, budgerigars, Amazons, cockatoos, macaws and other parrots represent one of the most effective means of providing these birds with a balanced diet. It is equally well-established that many of our feathered friends adamantly refuse to eat pellets, and easily thwart our best efforts [...]

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Convincing Your Parrot to Accept Pellets – Lafeber Nutri-Berries

Vitamin A Deficiency and Swollen Eyes in Parrots, Finches and other Cage Birds

thatpetblog — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:57:07 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Swollen eyes (Periorbital Abscess) are a frequently reported affliction of budgerigars, African gray, various Amazon and nearly all other parrots, but are also seen in canaries and other finches, mynas, toucans, bulbuls and a host of lesser-known pet species. In most cases, a Vitamin A deficiency is at the root of [...]

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Vitamin A Deficiency and Swollen Eyes in Parrots, Finches and other Cage Birds

Collecting and Using Live and Processed Insects for Finches and other Pet Birds – Part 2

findiviglio — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:58:12 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Please see Part I of this article for information on collecting insects for pet birds. Today we'll discuss breeding invertebrates at home, and take a look at some useful insect products. Please see the articles referenced below for further details on each of these topics. Raising Invertebrates In addition to being an interesting [...]

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Collecting and Using Live and Processed Insects for Finches and other Pet Birds – Part 2

Avian Nutritional Considerations: African Gray Parrots and Indian Hill Mynas

findiviglio — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:32:48 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Although much we know about feeding pet birds applies to a wide range of species, a great deal is specific to certain species, families or other groupings. Often, it is important to think in terms of specific bird - i.e. "Peter's twinspot" as opposed to "finch" - if we are to [...]

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Avian Nutritional Considerations: African Gray Parrots and Indian Hill Mynas

Collecting and Using Live and Processed Insects for Finches and other Pet Birds – Part 1

findiviglio — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:31:36 +0000

Insects, earthworms and other invertebrates form a surprisingly large part of the natural diets of many finches, and are essential foods for captive shama thrushes, white eyes and other popular softbills. Even zebra finches and other hardy species that fare well on seed-based diets benefit from insect nutrients. The provision of live insects is often [...]

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Collecting and Using Live and Processed Insects for Finches and other Pet Birds – Part 1