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This 'n That

Bits and pieces of information provided by DAS members to answer questions that may be asked by people who are newly owned by a bird. DAS members are welcome to add their suggestions, tips, hints and bits of interesting information.

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Some Useful Books for Pet Bird Owners

(some cost as little as $20 dollars each)

Guide To The Senegal Parrot and It’s Family By Mattie Sue Athan/Dianalee Deter Barron’s ISBN 0-7641-0332-6 (a basic must have)

Guide To A Well-Behaved Parrot By Mattie Sue Athan Barron’s ISBN 0-8120-4996-9

Guide To Companion Parrot Behavior By Mattee Sue Athan Barron’s ISBN0-7641-0688-0

Birds Off The Perch By Lachman, Grindol and Kocher Simon & Schuster New York ISBN 0-7432-2704-2

The Loving Care Of Pet Parrots By Rosemary Low ( I really like this one ) ISBN 0-88839-439-X

One book I have found useful, but scary is The Parrot In Health And Illness On Owner’s Guide By Bonnie Munroe Doane Howell Book House Macmillian Publishing Co ISBN 0-87605-826-8 It is approx. $60

The first 3 can be ordered from the pet store. They all can be ordered from Chapters,etc.

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Hints

... sharing some hints that have made life easier in the birdroom...

1) Consider having one species or family of birds. Over your time of keeping birds, this will save you hours of work. Think of the prep time in diet alone. Storage of different diets takes a lot of space.

2) Have uniform cages and dishes for easy interchanging.

3) If possible, have cages made for your height .If this isn’t practical, really think about cage design for your bird’s comfort and ease of service and cleaning for you. Sometimes a bargain isn’t a bargain.

4) My luxury is a dishwasher in my bird room. It’s wonderful! A friend had a total kitchen makeover and offered me her old dishwasher. It was in great shape. The only thing missing was the connection for the tap. It got lost in construction. It took 8 months to find one and get it up and running, but it’s been worth the wait. Mine’s a portable dishwasher and it works for my birdroom space. A source could be the Habitat For Humanity Restore, a scratch and dent sale or a friend. It’s certainly a time saver

5) Join a bird club. It’s been a great source of help, support and products for my life with my flock.

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10 commandments of bird care

1. My life is likely to last 10 or more years.

Any separation from you will be painful to me.

Remember that before you take me home.

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2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

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3. Place your trust in me — it's crucial to my well being.

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4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.

You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends.

I have only you.

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5. Talk to me sometimes.

Even if I don't understand your words,

I do understand your voice when it's speaking to me.

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6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.

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7. Remember before you hit me that I have a beak that could easily

crush the bones of your hand, but that I choose not to bite you.

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8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy,

ask yourself if something might be bothering me.

Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been in the cage too long.

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9. Take care of me when I get old; you too will get old.

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10. Go with me on the last journey.

Never say "I can't bear to watch it," or "Let it happen in my absence."

Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember that I love you.

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Elaine Manley’s Meyers Info

(most could be applied to other small parrot-type birds as well)

I recommend a 24-inch cube shaped cage. Mine were custom made for me and cost approx. $180 at the time they were made. They are on a base with four legs and casters on those legs.

There is a lip just above the casters and I have a piece of Melamine cut to fit to make a shelf for birdie stuff. The cage fits snuggly into another lip on the top of the base.

It has two wire handles to lift the cage from the base. The base is at my hipbone level for ease of cleaning the tray.

This cage will roll through most doors, because they are a standard 24 inches wide.

I prefer a regular door opening to the left or right to a drop down door. The door should be approx. 8”x8” for ease of training and stepping up out the cage. You need to be able to maneuver your hand freely. This is especially important as your parrot goes through aggressive periods.

If you live in an apartment your choice of cage will be more restricted.

You will have to consider how you will wash your cage. You can change perches and the tray, as they get messy. You can wipe the cage down, but once a year at least you should wash and dry the cage. One method I’ve heard of is the self-wash car wash. DON'T use high power wash. It could take the cage finish off the cage.

Place the cage in a corner out of direct sunlight. Birds are prey animals; they don’t like to be exposed on all sides.

I like to cover my birds at night. It keeps the draught of them and gives them a quiet, protected sleep area.

Toys should be rotated. Toys get destroyed .Be prepared to replace them. Frayed or broken toys are an accident waiting to happen. Beware of split rings. They are the type used on key rings. Remove them and use a stainless steel dog leash clip to attach the pieces. I came home one day to find one of my parrots hanging from a split ring. He’d got his beak caught when he was playing. You can also use vegetable dyed leather.

Place the cage beak and foot distance away from electrical wiring, wooden furniture/wood work, and Grandma’s precious antique wall hanging! Parrots chew anything.

No ceiling fans going when birdie is out. It’s like living with a toddler than never grows up.

Ask other parrot owners for advice and support about your cage choice. Remember this will be your bird’s home and haven. Make it a comfortable place.

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