Since we are beginning a most wonderful, exciting and stressful time of the year, it is important to remember your feathered pet is also included in this wonderful season. All stress is not negative...as in humans, positive stress brings about excitement and joy, while negative stress can cause illness and behavior changes...but are the changes in your bird health related,stress related or boredom related? Remember that in all cases, the best resource you have is your vet...don't try to diagnose illness yourself or use over the counter medications, seek medical advice.

Let's take a look at some of the basic behaviors that might indicate a problem with illness, stress or boredom:

ILLNESS

Parrots are quite hardy little creatures if given basic common sense care nutrition. Unfortunately, there are times when professional intervention is required. Whenever a customer calls one of us at The Bird Shoppe for advice, we always recommend a vet check for the following:

1. Changes due to more sleeping, less talking or singing and lethargy

2. Unexplained changes in droppings...smelly, runny, discoloration, etc.

3. Eye issues such as goopy, pasty eyes, cloudiness, increased blinking or squinting, rubbing and or discharge

4. Having difficulty with balance, change in the way he/she stands, droopy wings, remaining on the bottom of the cage

5. Bleeding, convulsion, vomiting...noticing seeds are not digested in droppings

6. Noisy breathing, 'tail bobbing', wheezing, panting, clicking or just general shortness of breath, sneezing or a snotty nose

And lastly, general changes in eating habits...too much or too little consumption of food or water, loss of weight and simply not looking the way he should.

Special Note: Watch kissing your little guy on the beak...not only can you get an unwanted face lift...you can transmit bacteria and cause illness.

STRESS

Birds need to feel safe and secure the same as we need security...It is impossible to remove all stress from your parrots life as it is yours...but if we can maintain some semblance of balance, we all can survive...Here are some stress 'triggers':

1. Lack of stimulation in the form of toys

2. Boredom

3. Loneliness or isolation...remember birds are flock creatures and need a family

4. Dirty feathers

5. Changeing the furniture or drapes

6. New baby? Children move back home? New significant other? Etc.

7. Sexual maturity

8. Sensing stress in the home

HOW DOES A BIRD SHOW STRESS TO OTHERS?

1. All of the sudden showing fear...some show fear by hiding in the corners of the cage or trying to 'run away' when approached ...some plaster their feathers real tight to their bodies to look as thin as possible...(makes me wish I had feathers instead of flab)

2. Growling, hissing, nail biting and panting...Cockatiels and Cockatoos hiss more than other species...African Greys like to growl

3. AND SCREAMING... good luck here, don't escalate this behavior by screaming back or throwing objects...remain calm and try to speak in a low, soft tone to de-escalate your feathered friend.

BOREDOM

Since your bird is extremely intelligent...even if you doubt this on a regular basis...they can become bored relatively easily. Here are some signs that could indicate boredom:

1. Chewing...whether it be his feathers or your remote control...this is a major sign of boredom...feather picking looks painful to the human eye,but it is very comforting to the bird...I equate this to 'sucking your thumb'.

2. Eating Habits...Overeating, especially in Amazons and Budgies...Refusing to eat, make sure there is no health issue here

3. Becoming fidgety or restless...pacing back and forth on the perch or some repetitious behavior

There are many safe, fun, stimluating toys to purchase, but don't underestimate your own creativity...sometimes some one-on-one playtime is exactly what is needed.

Well, that's how the cow ate the cabbage.

Enjoy this wonderful month and have a piece of pumpkin pie for me.

anne

1. Birds like and benefit from a variety of different foods....you can hide all kinds of good things in muffins, cornbread and breads.
2. Bamboo shoots are like ice berg lettuce and celery....little nutritional value and full of water.
3. Brussels sprouts can cause thyroid problems if fed too often.
4. Cauliflower is a good source of potassium.
5. Being 100% Italian I am thrilled with this one....GARLIC....has anti-tumor properties, contains 18 anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. It stimulates the immune system, kills parasites and is a natural antibiotic. It also helps to eliminate lead, zinc and other toxins.....mmmm the world's most perfect food! Bring on the pasta!
6. Spinach sometimes can bind calcium....Eclectus and African Greys are more prone to hypocalcemia than others.
7. With more than 350 different species of parrots, finding the right combination of foods for their diet is an overwhelming task....variety seems to be a major help.
8. Amazons and African Greys have a tendency to be a tad 'porky'....lower fat and lower protein help here. Amazons need to have a diet that includes squash, pumpkin, spinach and other foods with vitamin A.
9. Eclectus need a bit more vitamin A than some others.
10. Powder birds....greys, 'tiels,and 'toos need more calcium ....dark green leafy veggies, legumes, peas, kale etc. will address this.
11. These powder birds have loads of dust and should possibly be avoided by persons with allergies.
12. Mite Protectors need to be avoided....healthy well cared for feathered pets do not have mites. Fumes from some of the mite protectors can be harmful to your bird. If you suspect mites, go to your avian vet for treatment.