We’ve had articles on how to select a good avian vet. But what if you are interested in opening your home to an adopted bird? Do you know how to find a good avian rescue to adopt a feathered friend? As the popularity of birds as pets soars, so does the number of displaced birds each year.

If you are thinking of adopting an old bird, first stop and answer these questions.

- Why am I interested in adopting a bird?

- Do I have the funds to adopt a bird, provide adequate food, supplies, and potential vet care?

- Do I have room in my house for another bird?

- Do I have ample room in my house to quarantine a new bird?

- How will my other bird(s) react? Can I handle increased noise in my household?

- Do I have time to spend with another companion parrot?

If you said ‘yes’ to all of the above, then great! You are ready to seriously look into local rescue organizations to find that next perfect companion for you.

How To Begin The Search

At first, upon deciding to bring a new bird home, the venues for finding that companion can seem overwhelming. Craigslist, Kijjiijii, Hoobly, and your local classified papers are just the first place to turn, if you are interested in the private adoption of a parrot. Be careful when pursuing these venues, as there are many scams out there. These scams speak of birds at a ‘good price’ (usually in the range of $400 or less) and boast of the birds having paperwork, being up to date with their veterinary needs, and beg to take the bird into a good home. Most of these scams reveal that funds from you are needed in advance to ship the bird to you. If you come across such a listing; run, don’t walk, the other way!

Begin by calling your trusted avian vet. Because your vet deals with exotics on a regular basis, chances are they will know of a bird (or animal) currently seeking a new home. Contact them and inquire about any potential adoptees. If you vet doesn’t know of a bird that needs a home, chances they will shortly. Leave your contact information and request they contact you if they hear of a bird that needs a home.

The next step would be to research any avian rescues in your area. Donig a simple web query can point you in the right direction. Pick a rescue as close to you as possible, because many rescues require that the adopting family be within 100 miles or less of the organization’s home. If you find one (or more) rescues in your area, write them down. Call and enquire about the birds they currently have available, and ask questions about the organization itself. For example:

- How long have they been in operation?

- Are they a nonprofit organization? If no, are they currently applying for nonprofit status?

- What are their adoption qualifications?

- Would they be willing to let you tour the facility where the birds are housed?

- Do they have an avian veterinarian on staff, or on a consult basis, to care for the birds medical needs? What is the vets name? Is the vet certified to work with exotics?

There are many questions to ask. Use your discernment to select the questions you feel need to be asked. Insist on touring the facility (or foster home, in some cases) where the bird you are interested in is kept, so you can see the current conditions of the bird. Sadly, some organizations that parade as rescues are really nothing more then hoarding situations. Fortunately, this is not the norm, but is certainly something to be aware of.

Picking that ‘right’ bird

If you have found an organization you feel comfortable working with, the next step is to review the birds available. Organizations usually have handful (or more) of birds that are currently available for adoption. Examine the species and make a list of traits you want in your companion. Visit all the birds currently available. If you feel drawn to a specific bird, visit it multiple times. Does it have the traits you desire in a pet? If the answer is yes, then you can begin to move to the next step, the pre-adoption phase.

Most organizations require a home visit prior to agreeing to adopt out the bird. They want to insure the bird is going to an avian friendly home that can properly care for an exotic. Some organizations require more then one home visit; a home visit prior to the adoption, and one or more visits after the adoption process has started and the bird is in your residence. Depending on the organization, each adoption process will be handled differently. When adopting my birds, I was first required to foster them for a period of time before signing the adoption papers. After I signed, the papers were held for a period of time, after which they were sent to me as confirmation that the birds were legally mine. This was to ensure that the were a good fit in my household. If anything was to arise, I had a ‘grace period, so to speak, in which I could return the birds to the organization if I determined that it just would not work out.

Depending on the rescue, each can have varying degrees of requirements under which you must abide by to adopt a bird through them. These requirements can be anything from living within a certain driving distance from the organization, to being a cat free household, to having your household be teflon free. Some organizations are more strict in their requirements then others. Can you agree with the adoption requirements set forth by the rescue you have chosen?

If you have found a rescue organization you feel you can work with, congratulations! The number of displaced birds is growing each year, and secondhand birds need homes, too. We applaud your efforts in bringing an ‘older’ bird into your home.

Listed below are some resources to aid you in the search for your next companion.

http://mickaboo.org

http://thegabrielfoundation.org

http://phoenixlanding.org

http://parrotrescue.org

http://avianwelfare.org/organizations.htm

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

As bird owners, we take advantage of all the seasonal food we can get

our hands on (if not for our bird, but ourselves!) The winter months

are well known for pomegranets, cranberries, and other delightful

seasonal foodstuffs that commonly crowds the family kitchen table.

What comes to mind when you think of spring?

……

Thats what I thought. In the spring season, you are going to want to

examine your local vegetables. Fruits are more a summer item, as they

grow better in a warm and even climate. So if you are a veggie head,

the spring season is for you!

Some favorite spring foods around my house include:

Peas: these have a sweet flavor at their peak that is lost with age.

Fresh peas are the best, and a good source of Vitamin A

Strawberries: the exception to the fruit world. These delicious

berries peak in the spring months, and should be plump and a rich red

color when ripe. They are a great source of Vitamin C and potassium

Rhubarb: Rhubarb is a familiar filling in pies. It has a hidden

sweetness that is brought out when baked with sugar.

Asparagus: when shopping for this strange vegetable, look for spears

that are bright green and firm. Asparagus is a great source of

protein.

Watermelon: while normally associated with summer months, watermelon

peaks in the springtime. This classic favorite is also high in Vitmain

C and A, making it a great treat for your feathered pals

Zuccini: another classic, this vegetable is high in Thiamin, Niacin,

and Phsophorus, just to name a few.

Corn: best served as an enrichment activity and left on the cob, this

delicious treat is a fantastic source of natural fiber

Apricot: have a sweet, tangy flavor that can be irresistable. They are

rich in flavor, and not to mention Vitamin A!

Cherries: while us humans like cherries dipped in chocolate (yum!),

birds can enjoy these sweet treats right from the farmers market. Be

sure to pit cherries before serving.

Taking advantage of your local farmers market can yield a bounty of

seasonal fruits and vegetables that grow in your area. Not to mention,

the stuff you can get from a farmers market is more fresh then

anything from the grocery store! Local farms have also as of late been

going organic, so you can take advantage of fresh, organic foodstuffs

and supporting your community at the same time.

Happy shopping!

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

Lately there has been some debate going on as to whether or not parrots are in need of grit. This is a common question of concern to bird owners, as well as a source of disagreement. Understanding what grit is, the purpose, and the possible problems that could result from its use, can help you, the reader, make an educated decision on whether or not to offer it to your bird.

The Purpose of Grit

“Grit is used by birds to aid in digestion of seeds” is a sentence seen over and over again, in both outdated parrot care books, or other related texts. What this sentence fails to convey, is that grit is used by birds to aid in the digestion of whole, intact seeds. Birds digestive enzymes work amazingly well in digesting the inner portion of the seeds, but can have difficulty in breaking down the hull (which is the fibrous outer coating).  Grit, in the avian ventriculus, aids in grinding and wearing away the outer shell of the seeds, enabling the digestive enzymes to reach the nutrients within the inner portion of the seed.

What Exactly Is Grit?

The term grit is often loosely used and not entirely explained. There are two groups of substances that go by the name of grit- soluble and insoluble. Insoluble grit, as the type that is being discussed here, is composed of minute substances such as sandstones and other minerals often found in dirt and clays. Insoluble grit cannot be digested and will ermine in the body until expelled.

Soluble grit is organic, and can include crushes shells – often oyster shells- or cuttlebone. Since soluble grit is mostly calcium carbonate, it is easily digested by the acids found in the proventriculus and poses little danger of accumulating in the digestive system. However, while soluble grits can offer an alternative source of calcium, it does little in actually aiding the digestion of seeds.

Do Birds Really Require Grit?

In the United States, the general consensus seems to be a hearty ‘no’. The purpose of grit is to remove the outer coatings of whole seeds, so it seems reasonable to ascertain that only birds which consume seeds intact, such as doves, require grit in their diet. Birds such as parrots, and even finches and canaries, hull their seeds, therefore not needing the extra aid that grit would provide. In fact, some species of parrots have ridges on the inside portion of their upper beak that is believed to aid in the shelling of seeds. The seed is held in place by the ridges, while the lower beak is used to crack and remove the hull. Birds on a pelleted diet should also not require grit. In the US, the use of grit is generally discouraged, especially if offered freely, which may lead to obstructive gastritis. Although in Australia, grit is commonly given to pet birds, and few problems have been reported. As of the writing of this article, there is no explanation for these interesting geographical differences.

Potential Problems

If given freely, some birds may over-consume grit products, leading to a possibility of impaction. It is also recommended to check the contents of any commercially made and purchased grit mixtures, as some may contain charcoal. Charcoal can affect the absorption of vitamins, resulting in deficiencies.

In conclusion; the benefit of grit for parrots and softbills has not been positively demonstrated. Potential risks have been observed, as well as potential health benefits. If offered at all, we recommend offering it in moderation.

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

We’ve all been there, done that. Made an appointment with a vet that claims to see birds, only to find out that the only bird they ’see’ on a regular basis is the one that eats from the feeder outside their office window. How do you find a good vet in your area? Take the following questionaire and see if it can’t help you in your search.

1). Is the vet you are considering listed in the AAV -Association of Avian Veterinarians? You can check by heading over to www.aav.org (1 point)

2). Is this vet recommended by any local clubs or rescue organizations? (1 point)

3). Go visit the clinic. Is it clean? Does the staff seem friendly and knowledgable? Are there bird magazines or other tell-tale paraphernalia in the waiting area? (2 points)

4). Call other local vets and ask for a referral to a ‘bird’ vet. What names do you get? Do any of them suggest the prospect? (1 point)

5). Does the vet you are considering own a pet bird? (yes, 1 point) Do they breed birds? (if yes, add an additional point)

6). How many years has the potential vet been treating exotics?

1-3 years (1 point)

3-6 years (2 points)

6+ years (3 points)

Suggested Evaluation:

14 points or more: Is that the choir I hear singing? Book an appointment!

10-13 points: Probably a decent bird vet.

6-9 points: Worth a try, if this is one of the few in your area.

Less then 6 points: Is this the only vet you can find? Yikes! Be very careful.

Now that you’ve found a vet you want to try, lets go over some basics for the first visit.

The First Visit:

1) Are there any other birds waiting? Can you hear any other birds in the back?

2) Are there appropriate bird related items in the exam room? For example, towel, gram scale, perches, etc.

3) How does the vet handle your bird? Is he/she confident, and gentle? Pay close attention to how your bird reacts around the vet- their intuitive feelings are oftentimes better then ours. Does the vet talk to the bird? Does the vet ask the bird to step up instead of just grabbing it?

4) Be sure to ask questions! If the vet gets annoyed with your desire to understand as much as possible, be aware. Most vets automatically explain the process of what is happening (eg, “Now I am going to towel Pickles and palpate the breastbone”). Are your questions answered carefully and thoroughly?

5) Is the vet explicit about home care, and what to do with the bird once back at home. Does he/she provide any information about the best possible home setup for a sick bird, and offer any additional advice? If the vet is recommending measures such as handfeeding, giving medication, or other measures, can they explain the proper protocol for carrying out their instructions? Are they willing to show you how to best restrain your bird and give them oral medications?

6) If possible, consider paying the first bill with a credit card. That way, if anything is to go wrong, you’ll have someone ‘on your side’ with leverage- you can dispute the charges and the vet won’t get paid until or unless the card company is satisfied. The vet is more likely to try and satisfy you if they have not yet recieved payment.

Finding a good avian vet can be a long and often frustrating process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek recommendations, and interview any prospects before actually bringing your animal into the clinic. Once you find that gem of a vet, you’ll want to keep them for years to come!

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

Are you considering buying a water bottle for your bird, but don’t know what to look for? When buying a bottle for a parrot, you must consider the following:

- durability

- safety

- ease of use

- size

The size of the bottle is very important- consider the size of the bird, size of the beak, in comparison to the size of the bottle and spout. You don’t want to spend twenty or more dollars on a bottle that you later find out to be suited for a canary, when your bird is an amazon! You also want to consider what the bottle is made of. The cheaper alternatives are made of plastic in varying ranges of thickness. While plastic bottles may be OK for smaller birds, birds with larger beaks are more apt to do serious damage to the bottle. Look into the heavy duty glass bottles (that normally resemble old milk bottles) for birds larger then a budgie.

You also want to make sure that the spout is made of a bird safe material. Some of the cheaper bottles are plastic spouts, and something you do not want to risk is your bird being able to bite right through the spout and flooding its cage. Look for bottles that are outfitted with stainless steel spouts.

Is the bottle easy to use? Some bottles appear to be ok, but then the ball sticks or is hard to manipulate within the spout, restrcting water flow. Other bottles may be easy for the bird to use, but hard for the human to change out on a daily basis. Even though the water bottle holds more then your average water dish, you want to make sure to change out the water on a daily basis, so considering ease of use from the humans point of view is beneficial.

There are many brands of bottles to choose from, everything from Oasis brand water bottles, to Lixit. Lixit are the most popular brand, and for good reason. Their water bottles come outfitted with stainless steel trappings, and the bottles are heavy glass that will stand up to a lot of ‘beaking’. My birds each have a glass Lixit bottle and I am very pleased with them- they are easy to clean, stand up well to large beaks, and do not leak. Lixit also offers an interesting alternative to purchasing their bottle kits- they sell the bottle heads/spouts that fit in any standard size glass bottle (such as a snapple bottle), so that you can make your own waterbottles for a cheaper price.

Even if your bird has a water bottle as its source of water, also considering giving your bird the traditional bowl as well. Since many birds are natural ’soup makers’, giving them an outlet to dunk their food will prevent attempted ‘dunkings’ in the spout of the bottle. There are also some species that ‘backwash’ for sanitary reasons, like amazons, so having an open source of water like a bowl is important. I personally use both water bowls and dishes. I’ve found that my birds enjoy drinking out of the bottles, and will dunk their food in the bowls but then go to the bottle to actually drink from. Please remember to carry out the same sanitary precautions with a water bottle as you would a bowl.

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

Rescue VS Purchase VS Adoption

For some time now, there has been a debate going on about the true meaning behind these three common terms that we hear so often. “I rescued Fido from a pet store” is the general statement that leaves people shrugging their shoulders and asking, “come again?”. You hear the terms rescue, adoption, and purchase, used almost interchangeably these days. What do they really mean?

Rescue is defined as “to free or deliver from confinement, violence, danger, or evil.”  The term ‘rescue’ means to save a bird or other animal, from dire conditions that were hazardous to the animal and/or life threatening. Case in point:, Molly, from Parrot Hope Sanctuary. “Molly is a seven year-old green winged macaw. She was left behind in deplorable conditions, a mobile home that had been repossessed that the owners decided to trash on the way out, as they left their parrot behind. Molly went countless days with absolutely no food and water. Neighbors, who could hear Molly screaming, were unsure what to do to help. Finally, they made contact with Parrot Hope Sanctuary, who worked with local authorities to help rescue Molly. Molly was suffering from starvation and kidney failure due to malnutrition.”

Adoption is defined as “To take into one’s family through legal means and raise as one’s own child.” (substitute child for ‘bird’). When speaking of’ adopting a parrot, this normally refers to going through a rescue organization, choosing a bird, going through the necessary procedures, and filling out legal documents transferring the ownership of the bird from the organization to you. Adoption can also refer to the rehoming of a parrot via a private party. Adoptions normally include an ‘adoption fee’, which is a small fee that covers any medical treatment the bird has received while in temporary care, or reimbursement for food items and/or enrichment. The adoption fee should never exceed the original cost of the bird as a weaned baby. If one pays the ‘full price’ for an older parrot, this is to be considered as the ‘reselling’ of the animal, which is generally frowned upon.

Purchase is referred to when someone pays retail price for an animal from a pet store, or private individual (such as a breeder). When someone comments that they have “rescued” an animal from a pet store- it normally translates into what the animal lover community calls a pity buy. A pity buy is when a human sees an animal in conditions they deem as ‘unfit’ in a retail setting, and to take the animal away from those conditions, they purchase the animal. There can be legitimate cases of rescue from a store, but normally such actions are classified as adoption or purchase.

So the next time you hear someone say they ‘adopted Fluffy”, ask what that really means. If you are dealing with a behavioral problem, this can be crucial. Adoptions, purchases, and rescues all come from vastly different backgrounds, and pinning down the source of the birds previous living arrangements can help unlock any behavioral (or otherwise) difficulty the owner is encountering. And, as always, educate. Encourage people to use the proper terminology when referring to their animals past history.

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

We as bird owners are always in need of those ‘last minute’ supplies for our feathered friends. Not all shops cater to the needs of avians, however, and when we do find the occasional store that advertises as being ‘for the birds’ we sometimes find that the shop is… less then satisfactory. How to find a good store that you feel confident in buying from? When you enter a bird store, assess the general physical aspects of the store. Then carefully observe the way the employees relate to parrots and customers’ alike.

A Comfortable Ambience

Some of the best shops I have been in are the ones that exude friendliness, for both birds and customers. Many of these same stores have dedicated customers that come in just to visit, or even help socialize the baby birds from time to time. Some stores even encourage such an atmosphere, by placing chairs around the area, and bringing the birds out on stands to interact with the customers. On one them more occasion have I witnessed some of the regular customers enthusiastically helped a store ‘newbie’ make a toy selection, or recommend a certain brand of food. These are not only good social experiences for parrots and humans alike, but good learning experience for both parties as well. When I have a friend that is interested in getting into bird keeping, I take them on a field trip to my favorite local store where they can interact with the birds and gain knowledge from the staff.

The Store Environment

The physical environment of a good store is one that is clean, with good lighting, as well as comfortable temperature and humidity. Cleaning that is done as a part of the daily routine is essential. Do not expect a store to be immaculate at all times because, of course, birds are messy creatures. A good shop strives to stay on top of the stores condition on a regular basis. If you are worried about the cleanliness of the shop, visit several times a day, staggering your visits so you can observe the environment at different times. Do you see anyone cleaning? Are those hulls on the floor recent, or have they been there since two pm yesterday?

Avian Environments

A good representation of the store is to look at the birds cages. Are the cages clean, do the birds have access to fresh food and water? Do they have toys to play with, and a couple of perches? Are cages stacked upon on another in a haphazard manner in attempt to save room? (Quality manufactured stacking cages are acceptable). Another thing to examine is what kind of clientele the shop has. Does the shop just sell avian supplies, or do they offer boarding services, physically sell birds, or both? If the shop sells and boards birds, then make sure to note if the boarding birds and store birds are in a separate area. What about the babies that are still on a hand feeding regimen, where are they kept? It is a good practice for hand feeding babies to be away from traffic and not allowed to be handled by the public.

Educated Employees

One of the best things about a quality bird store, in my mind, is the staff. You can walk into the shop and get educated opinions and advice from the staff about a number of avian subjects. Bird owners, much like their birds, enjoy ‘flocking’ together (pardon the pun, couldn’t resist!) and sharing stories, joys, triumphs, and heartbreak with other bird owners. A knowledgeable store employee can assist with the purchase of items for your bird, recommend veterinary, grooming, or even boarding services. Not only is a knowledgeable store employee a benefit to the shop and customers, a well versed store employee is a benefit to the community. An employee that can educate customers on a regular basis is doing a good service and potentially improving the lives of many birds living at home. Unfortunately many people are still stuck with outdated avian information, and supplying them a source of new and updated information can increase the quality of their animals life.

Happy Shopping

If you are lucky enough to have several stores in your area, take time to visit them all and pick the one that best suits your needs. You will be investing a lot of time and money into the shop, with the purchase of bird, cage, or even just regular items such as enrichment and toys and you want to ensure your money is going towards a facility that you can support and recommend  to others.

If you are in need of pet bird supplies, from cages to cleaners, and have limited local resources consider shopping online at BirdCagePortal.com for quality products, convenience, secure shopping and caring customer service. 

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

I’ve decided to get a harness for one of my caiques, and have been researching the different types available. Having come upon a great deal of information, I thought I would share with you as well!

Feather Tether – the second most popular harness available, the Feather Tether comes in many colors and sizes. The feather tether comes in one piece, but you are required to snap pieces together once on the bird. Downsides to this model include: the make of the harness, it sits around the birds crop which can be unsafe, the D clip used on the harness is a bit heavy and sits on the birds chest, where he can easily access it to chew. Bird owners that have purchased the harness talk about it with mixed results. Some say that their bird uses it with no trouble, while others say their birds are afraid of it and they have not been able to use it successfully.

Aviator Harness – this harness is by far one of the most talked about harness. Manufactured by Steve Hartman, who strongly believes in full-flighted parrots, this harness was made to accomodate full-flighted parrots; that is, parrots that fly on a long lead. The harness is one piece, making it easy to put on your bird. In addition to the harness comes an instructional DVD, teaching how to properly acclimate your parrot to the harness and how to safely put the harness on. A suprising amount of owners report that they have tried previous versions of harnesses, particularly the Feather Tether, and have had no luck with them, but this harness their bird readily accepted. The Aviator harness does not use a snap clip with leash, like the Feather Tether, Bird Diaper, and Ortho Bird Harnesses do. Instead the leash is bungeed material, so that if a bird were to fall or fly, they would not get pulled back and hurt. Another positive note about this harness is that it is not made to sit around the birds crop, like other brands are. This is much safer for the bird.

Bird Diaper- unlike other smiliar products, this is actually not a harness at all. The Bird Diaper is made to keep your shoulder clean and your bird safe. Bird Diapers come in many different colors and sizes. Most bird owners report more trouble using the Bird Diaper, because it is more restrictive then a harness, and some birds do not do well with it. Owners who have Bird Diapers with birds that will accept them say they enjoy Bird Diapers and feel the Diapers are not too restrictive on their birds, but do not use the Diapers for an extended length of time.

Ortho Bird Harness – Harness made by Ortho Bird. This harness resembles another popular harness, the Feather Tether. One noted flaw in the design is that the Ortho Bird harness sits around the birds crop. It appears to have multiple clips, which could pose a problem when trying to put the harness on the bird. Little information is available about the harness, other then from suppliers. Manufacturers website is down, so no additional information is currently available. Unfortunately I could not tell much about this harness from the photo provided by suppliers, and could find no one that currently uses this harness.

Kaylor Bird Harness – only available at fredbird.com. Harness comes with woven tie rather then easy disconect clip. Said to have been around for fifteen years. Other then information on the site, little information was available about this harness elsewhere. One interesting thing that I was reading in regards to the Kaylor Collar, as it is called, is that the manufacturers of the harness claim it can be left on for days, without harming the bird or the birds feathers. I would not personally recommend anyone leaving a harness on their bird for any extended length of time, as there is always danger that the harness could get caught up in something, or rub and irritate skin and feathers. I could tell little about this harness from photos, and found no one currently using this model to interview.

When doing research on these harnesses, most claimed that the harness had been made in conjuction with an avian veterinarian. Unfortunately no information about the vet was available, so I was unable to interview the vet to find out more.

All of the above harnesses share two things in common: they are made out of sturdy, brightly colored nylon, and they may not accomodate small birds. The Feather Tether does not fit birds under 100 grams, as does the Ortho Bird Harness. The Kaylor Collar says it fits a bird as small as a cockatiel, but does not give a weight chart to go by. The Aviator Harness accomodates birds from 75 grams and up. Bird Diapers say they accomodate birds ranging from petite to colassal, but I was unable to find a weight chart to compare.

After doing this research, I have decided on an Aviator Harness for my caique. Previously we have tried a Feather Tether, and my bird was deathly afraid of it. We got to the point where it could be put on, but he can easily slip out of it, even after I exchanged it for a smaller size. Seeing as how the Aviator compares to others in safety and quality, that will be my choice for another harness attempt.

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

The concept of foraging and parrot enrichment has been a source of great interest and news in the avicultural community.

Pet bird owners are being taught the importance of providing daily enrichment for their pet birds, and studies are showing how beneficial the act of foraging can be for a caged bird. Do you know, in the wild, many birds will actively forage for 3-8 hours per day? In our homes, our birds are provided with all they need, including a big bowl of food and water. The guesswork is completely taken out of the equation. Convenient for us, bad for them. So what can we do about it?

While there are many good foraging and enrichment sources out there, one thing they fail to mention is this: how time consuming these activities can be for the human. some of the more involved enrichment activities can take time and planning to be able to implement and are not easily replicable once the bird has gotten through with it. Its not feasible for most working humans to be able to put their birds on a complete foraging system, much less consistently provide foraging enrichments on a daily basis.

So what is a bird owner to do?

The answer? Easier then it sounds- find simple foraging solutions that will entertain your bird, are easily replicable for you, and not put a strain on your budget.

Is this possible? Of course it is! The following are five simple, easy, and engaging foraging activates that fulfill those requirements.

1) Repeat after me.. a skewer is your best friend. Skewers such as the ones made available by Jungle Talk are stainless steel wonders of the avian world. Simple in design, easy on the budget yet they can be used so many different ways! String your birds fresh fruit and veggies on this skewer and hang in the cage.

You can even drill nuts and dried fruits to assemble on the skewer. Outside of any food preparation, this toy takes little to no time

at all and can be refilled to put in the cage another day.

2) The Hollee Roller by JW pet products is another fantastic must have toy. Not only is it durable and comes in multiple sizes for all size birds, but its lots of fun! You can put it on the cage floor stuffed with nuts and other goodies for the birds to  pounce on and chase after, or a quick link in one of the holes can turn it into a hanging toy. And the fun does not stop there.

If your bird is an advanced forager, you can wrap his food up in coffee filters, or bits of newspaper, and then insert that into the roller for added challenge. Another easy, cheap, and refillable toy that has many opportunities, and takes little time to prepare.

3)  Munch balls are the next greatest thing since sliced bread. Well, for the birds that is!

These balls are not only great for birds that love to shred, the colors are also visually appealing, and they are good for your budget!

These toys can be used to string up as a hanging toy, or as a single foot toy. What to do for foraging? Grab your birds favorite treat

- I recommend perhaps some bananas or cedar nuts  and stuff a couple pieces inside the ball. the birds will have a blast ripping through the whicker to get to the treat within.

4) Star Bird Holey Kamole … greatest thing since.. well.. you get the idea.

This toy is truly an inspiration. People are scratching their heads asking, ‘now why didn’t i think of this?’ well, we are glad that someone did! This toy is perfect to the medium to large size bird that is not afraid to do some serious foraging.

You can stuff this full of corn husks, shredded paper, cotton, whatever floats your boat. Then just stick some treats in and watch your birds work to get them out. This toy can be hung from the cage, set on the bottom as a foot toy, or even set on a perch!

This toy is perfect for stuffing fresh veggies, and dried foods in

5) Parrot Pinatas are also great for foraging. Premade, they cost a small amount, and can easily be stuffed

with your birds favorite dried food. They are great for birds that like color and shredding, and hold up well to medium and large size birds.

They are the perfect size, large enough to be a challenge for a medium size bird, yet not too small for the bigger beaks as well.

See? Foraging can be replicable and easy on both time and budget! Don’t be hesitant to start implementing foraging activities into your birds daily schedule. Foraging activities such as these take no more time then filling a food dish, but are much better for your birds health and well being.

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy

Join Us for National Bird Day

January 5, 2010

“Why National Bird Day?

• The beauty, songs, and flight of birds have long been sources of human inspiration.
• Today, nearly 12 percent of the world’s 9,800 bird species may face extinction within the next century, including nearly one-third of the world’s 330 parrot species.
• Birds are sentinel species whose plight serves as barometer of ecosystem health and alert system for detecting global environmental ills.
• Many of the world’s parrots and songbirds are threatened with extinction due to pressures from the illegal pet trade, disease, and habitat loss.
• Public awareness and education about the physical and behavioral needs of birds can go far in improving the welfare of the millions of birds kept in captivity.
• The survival and well-being of the world’s birds depends upon public education and support for conservation.

This is the reason for National Bird Day.”

The above is a snippet from the website nationalbirdday.com

National Bird Day takes a stance against owning parrots as pets, the pet trade in general and the many concerns with owning exotic creatures.  Some may or may not agree with the keeping of parrots in households as pets.  In fact, just the other day I commented to someone that I don’t like seeing animals in cages as a general rule. They looked at me kind of funny and asked me “well, then why do you have birds?”  I replied that while I disagree with animals in cages, it is out of my control to do anything beyond providing the best environment for these animals that have been placed in my care.  I don’t have control over parrots in the pet trade, and while I may disagree with it, isn’t it my duty to care for the ones that have already been the victims of human misinformation and ignorance?

For whatever reason you celebrate National Bird Day,  take a moment to celebrate that special feathered friend in your life.  Give your bird an extra scritch and treat, and realize that while you may not have control over what goes on in the pet trade, by educating and informing your community on bird care and donating to a worthy bird cause, you too can make a difference.

Written by Emily Gough of Caique Crazy