Macaw having an outdoor shower

Macaw parrot and Cobra mist stand

Pickles at "Downtown Summer Nights"

Pet Loss

No matter If you lose your pet due to death, having to put them down or placing the pet in a new home. The pain of loss can be great for both the human and the animal. Here is my story.

 I had to place Tangy my Molluccan Cockatoo in the care of someone other than me. I was attached to Tangy and expected her to be my upper elderly years bird. Tangy likes most everyone and would be happy sitting with her human receiving loves most of the day. I would have been able to have others help me with Tangy, unlike my other birds that need an experienced bird handler.

 I was Tangy's third owner.  Tangy's original owners had moved to Arizona from Washington state due to a job transfer, and decided it was best to leave Tangy in Washington. When the couple moved they didn't know where or when they would have a permanent spot to live.  I just by chance found out who the original owner was when I went to a bird club meeting in Tri-Cities. The people at the bird club recognized her.  I contacted Tangy's original owners in Arizona to let them know, I now had Tangy and would take good care of her. Tangy's original owners in were surprised that I had her. The second owner who gave me Tangy  was suppose to contact the original owner in Arizona, if things didn't work out. We did take good care of Tangy and had good times.

What comes with a Moluccan Cockatoo is a big personality and a big voice. It was the big voice my husband and daughters could no longer handle. I was told  Tangy had to go and she had to go now. It was November so I didn't think driving from Arizona up north to Washington was going to be an option. There were a few  bird club people I had met that I contacted about taking Tangy for a while, however they were not able to take her at the time. The second owner who gave Tangy to me was not able to take her due to health issues.

 The result of this re-homing experience. I sold her for two hundred dollars with cage, to a couple here in town who had been wanting a bird for the husband. The gal stated she had grown up with parrots. I could have given  the bird to them but I didn't. I gave the bird & cage to them cheap.  One year later the couple here in town decided Tangy was not a fit for them. Tangy started chasing the gals feet and biting her when they sat on the bed together.  How did I find out Tangy was not going to work out for them?  At times I'm a Craig's List surfer. I saw a Moluccan listed and the phone number matched the one we had on record, from selling Tangy to them. I called the couple up and asked to buy her back. I paid more to get her back, then what I had sold her for.  You may be wondering why we bought her back if she was too loud in the first place. Number one reason, we did not want her to get in the wrong hands. Number two reason to get her back. I felt a lot of guilt for not going the extra mile to get Tangy to Arizona with her original owners. I had taken a great deal of "heat" from the bird club members and the original owner of Tangy in Arizona, regarding selling her. I quit attending bird club as I was no longer comfortable going. I felt my hands were tied. My husband had said "Tangy has to go now".

After we bought Tangy back,  Tangy's original owner of 19 years stated, "we would like you to return Tangy to us if the time comes again, that you can no longer keep her".  I kept in contact with the couple in Arizona through e-mail, sent pictures of Tangy with our other  birds and gave a report of how Tangy was doing. After another two years the time came again (and I knew it would) that my husband said "it's time for Tangy to go to Arizona. We don't want to deal with the loudness any longer". I made the phone call the following day to Tangy's original owners. Carlton drove the two and a half days from Arizona to Washington to pick up Tangy. Carlton is retired now and a full time volunteer at the Oasis Parrot Sanctuary. I sobbed off and on for several days before Tangy was picked up by Carlton. The day she left we visited for a while and I kept my composure. Tangy did not remember Carlton and could tell something was up. I took Tangy to the car and put her in the travel cage.

A few weeks have passed and the tears still flow as I finish writing this. It's risky to share publicly on such a controversial  topic as re- homing pets.  Some people are extremely judgmental , however I'm taking the risk. Someone may be enlightened as I was  from my experience. In a way I was selfish to my family for keeping her. Even though Steve and Amber loved Tangy, they did not want to live with that amount of volume. The loudness was not constant but it was there. I know in my heart I did the right thing the second time I let her go. I gave her back to a family who loved her for 19 years and wanted that job back. Life evolves, circumstances change. Nothing is guaranteed to be forever, except death.

Our home is much quieter now. The two Macaws call back and forth at times but the volume is not as grand as the Moluccan Cockatoo. I'm glad I had the experience of living with Tangy the Moluccan, one of the loudest of the parrot groups for four years. I just remind myself, Tangy is one of the adaptable parrots who went back to a home with people to love & care for her. 

Clipping Flight Feathers or Not

Your able to go online & discover many writings about the subject of to clip wings, or to not clip wings. Many opinions are valid. The way I look at it is, we keep parrots as pets and those pets will most likely not be reintroduced into the wild. Do what works best for your parrot family to keep them safe & happy. I don't feel a bird has to fly to be truly happy, any more than a dog needs to run the neighborhood to be happy. If you don't live out in the boonies, I feel it's unsafe to allow your dog to run loose on his own.

I'm at the point once again of deciding who's wings I'm going to clip, and who I'm not going to clip. It usually depends on what my plans are going to be for each parrot. I have a patio with 4 cages and 3 play stands. I like to give my parrots as much freedom as possible. I leave the cage doors open and let them play on top. Many people may say "that's not safe". That  kind of reply is logical, however I know my birds and pay attention to what's happening around us. I would suggest making sure you know your birds, before allowing your parrots this type of activity.

Every year since I've had Nemo our 6 year old B&G Macaw, his wings have been clipped. Nemo is a strong parrot and could fly off if spooked. Tangy the Moluccan Cockatoo has most of her flight feathers, and most likely won't fly off. She has a bum foot and is a bit clumsy. She runs around fine on her cage, however Tangy has not shown a huge desire to fly off so far. Of course she could if she really wanted to. I guess it's a risk I sometimes take. When Tangy has her wings clipped she looks  ratty. Molly our Senegal  will be getting clipped soon. When we first acquired Molly my husband was not thinking, he walked outside with her on his shoulder. Something spooked her and off she few. Molly was gone for an over nighter and my husband felt horrible.

 Now my B&G Macaw who is 14 months old at this time of writing, will not be having his wings clipped.  I may want to learn how to free fly him in the next few months. You can always clip them later, but you most likely won't be gluing the feathers back on.  Another parrot  I will not be clipping flight feathers on is Nipper, the Ringneck Parakeet. Nipper was rescued from an abusive household. He cannot fly due to a broken wing. Yes, some humans are cruel to animals and this stuff really does happen.

 Baretta  our Citron/Bare eyed Cockatoo is a different story.  She is my shy non trusting bird who  allows only me to hold her. Almost all of Baretta's flight feathers are grown back. Being able to fly around the house and get to where I am, has brought Baretta out of her shell this winter. Still a nervous bird, but better. At this point she fly's to where I am and lands on my head. I then put up my hand so she can step up, and be put on my shoulder. That for Baretta  is fun, with a bonus of getting her exercise indoors. I was advised by someone who I believe to be a reliable source, to either clip the birds flight feathers, or don't clip. None of this, leave them flighted for the winter and clip in the spring. I needed to make up my mind.   The decision I have made is to leave Baretta's wings alone  and put  her in a cage for outdoor time.  Baretta has flown off 4 times, with her wings clipped. One time she flew off, it was an over nighter. Baretta  is light in body, has a good size wing span  and is an excellent flyer. Even when her wings have been  clipped, she has flown off.  When clipping a parrot fitting Baretta's description, I would clip the first 5-7 flight feathers  real short to help deter a parrot from flying off.

 I don't like hunting down a parrot. It is time consuming and you don't always get them back. I've just been lucky or, I really do look hard. I let my neighbors and everyone imaginable know I'm hunting for my parrot. I have my other parrots outside so they can be heard by the escaped parrot. I walk on foot  calling the birds name and listen. Get others to help look if they are willing, and don't give up. There are other things you can do if you cannot find your bird. A few examples are putting up flyers, posting an add on Craig's List or other advertising places. Call around to the Humane Society, pet stores, bird clubs, rescues and any other place you can think of.

 I take into consideration many different factors to decide what parrot I'm going to clip, and what parrot not to clip. I don't want large birds flying around "my house" as I don't think it's safe. I don't have a huge house with lots of open space. There you have it.  A post on Facebook about going to the park turned into my view of, to clip or not. Please note this is not a professional opinion. It's what works for me at this time.

My First Parrot a memoir

 

My eyes fell upon this magnificent green creature. She reminded me of a smooth miniature dinosaur. I did not dare touch her for I knew of the possible consequences. The room was spacious with minimal furniture and hardwood flooring. There was a dog and 2 cats roaming the room.  A grey rabbit in a cage close to the front door.  Off of the living room through two French glass doors, there were more cages with smaller birds on them.  I had come to see Kiki the six year old Yellow Napped Amazon. Not taking her eyes off me, Kiki walked about her  play stand slowly  while the owner and I discussed her likes, dislikes, diet and routine. I told the owner about my home, my husband, two girls and two dogs. We spent close to an hour sharing information back and forth. I told her I would go home to think about it and get back to her by the next day. Even if it was only for one hour I was going to leave and think about it. Mainly to call my Mother and see if she would loan me the five hundred dollars to purchase  Kiki. Full of excitement I said goodbye to Kiki and the owner. Off to call my Mom I went.



Kiki a Yellow Napped Amazon

 

I'm doing some writing with the subject being, my experiences with parrots. Keeping parrots has been a learning adventure for me. I have researched many parrot topics of what I knew nothing about. I now have opinions about issues, yet keep an open mind. There is always more to learn and different perspectives to contemplate. I 'm thinking the way a blog is set up (most recent first) may not be the best approach to writing a memoir. However, here is my first draft of a starting point.

PARROT CONFIDENTIAL a film

The talk in Parrot Town lately has been the film by Allison Argo "Parrot Confidential". This film aired November 13th on PBS, Nature.  For what it was "Parrot Confidential" was a nice film. Then again I like anything to do with parrots. I was disappointed in the lack of  content and accuracy, but  how much content can be fit into 1 hour of filming. "Parrot Confidential" only touched the tip of the iceberg as the saying goes. There would need to be a weekly episode about parrots for at least a year to touch the many aspects and plight of parrots. I believe the films main focus was to raise awareness of the abused parrot in general.

As with many topics in the world there are different points of view, perspective and opinions. The film created a lot of discussion amongst the parrot community. Many emotions were stimulated. Sadness, anger, frustration to name a few. I would preferred to have seen both sides of the spectrum. The small barren cage, the dirty cage and the large clean cage or aviary with lots of enrichment and toys.

Maybe this documentary was to discourage people from getting that cute, funny, talking parrot on display at the local pet store. By the way, not all parrots talk. If you think about it, how many people outside the parrot community really saw this film. I doubt the numbers are real high. I think you have to be a bird person or animal rights person for "Parrot Confidential"  one film, to have been a high priority on the to do list. I'm sure if there was enough interest and money a weekly show displaying the many aspects, perspectives and opinions could be aired. Do enough people in the world really care? Probably not.

My single most important piece of advise on getting a parrot. Research, read and talk to people who have or have had parrots first. Do this before you buy or take one into your home. Make sure the whole family is in agreement.. Spread the word so when that impulse buy pops into someone's head they may remember hearing "RESEARCH FIRST".

As I stated earlier, in my opinion (and we all have one) "Parrot Confidential" was a well put together film for what it was. A peek into the parrot world. The abuse part. You may view the 58 minute film at the link provided below.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/parrot-confidential/parrot-confidential/8496/

RAPTOR HOUSE

I had the pleasure of attending a flight demo at Yakima Co-op's Fall Event a few Saturdays ago. All the activities were nicely presented. The fishing pond was a large stand up pool and the fish looked like trout. I'm choosing to focus on Raptor House since my interest is primarily birds. Participants and activities at the fall event were...

• Cabelas                     kids fishing pond
• Cozy Critter Pony Rides
• Yakima Audubon
• Raptor House
• Yakima Valley Rabbit Breeder's
• KXDD live broadcast
• Meals on Wheels for Pets kick-off
• birdhouse painting
• face painting

Raptor House Rehabilitation Center is located in Selah, Washington. Their mission, to preserve the earth's biological diversity and secure the future of bird species in their natural environment. Shannon & Marsha Dalan do this through education and raptor rehabilitation. This center is a 501 (c)(3) organization that was established in 1998. There is no state or federal funding. The center is run on public donations & volunteers.

The raptors in the demo consisted of Blackjack a Harris Hawk who Marsha (in the red shirt) is holding. A Red Tail Hawk. The Red Tail Hawk is a little larger then the Harris Hawk. Timber the Great Horned Owl. A Burrowing Owl and last but not least, Merlot the American Kestrel.

Educational programs are done throughout the year. During the summer months the educational birds can be seen on the last Saturday of the month from 10am-3pm. There is a $6.00 entrance fee. Schools, clubs & other organizations may reserve a time to tour the facility. The raptors are also available to appear at fairs, banquets, weddings & birthday parties.

To learn more about Raptor House visit the website at  http://www.raptorhouse.org/

SEATTLE PARROT EXPO 2013

The Seattle Parrot expo 2013 was a huge success. Thanks so much to the one's who stepped up to the plate and took on the large task of researching, organizing and setting up this great event. There were several vendors and booths representing parrot education, rescues, sanctuaries and bird items to purchase. I extremely enjoyed walking around in a relaxed atmosphere looking at displays, watching the live parrot demos and networking with other parrot people. This part of the event was free to anyone who wished to drop by and check it out. A great event that is family friendly, see live parrots and learn about them.

 

I attended Dr. Susan Friedman's seminar "Living and Learning with Animals". A short course in applied  behavior analysis. This 2 day seminar cost $200.00. Included with the seminar was breakfast, lunch, snacks and you earned the Flight Club Foundation "Wings" pin. Susan Friedman's presentations are requested by organizations, business, clubs, zoos etc... I believe this seminar would be useful to most anyone since most of us to communicate. How do we get the positive behavior we are looking for from our pets, children, spouse or our co-workers? Susan Friedman presented the science of behavior by using examples to make it easier for us to relate to what she was trying to get across. The science of behavior can be complex. At times I had a confused look on my face until I listened harder. A well organized presentation in a casual setting. To learn more about Susan Friedman and her seminars visit http://www.behaviorworks.org/

 

The Seattle Parrot Expo raised enough money to provide 2 grants for Northwest Parrot Sanctuary applicants. The 2 sanctuaries chosen this year to receive the grants are

 

Zazu's House   http://zazushouse.org/

Macaw Rescue and Sanctuary   http://macawrescueandsanctuary.org/

 

Again, I'm so proud of the people who helped make this event happen. I do hope the Flight Club Foundation will have the people and resources to make the Seattle Parrot Expo a yearly event. It's a great place for parrot people to network and a fun outing for the family. If you want to learn more about parrots and see them live, this is the event for you. Here is the Flight Club foundation website for more detailed information about the Seattle Parrot Expo. http://www.flight-club-foundation.org/

 

Macaw Rescue & Sanctuary

Bob Dawson’s Macaw Rescue & Sanctuary was eye candy for the bird lover at a local level. Most of us don’t have the means to travel and see parrots in their natural habitat. Sure it’s great to see parrots in their natural habitat. The truth is, parrots are kept as pets. When the parrot owner can no longer keep them or the breeder is done with them, parrots need a safe place to go. Bob and his volunteer’s have taken on the responsibility of creating a rescue and  sanctuary. A task very few of us could or would take on.

I had the pleasure of attending an auction fundraiser. The goal was to raise funds to help operate the rescue. I feel it was nicely done. Freedom to walk the grounds on your own, good food, nice pamphlet with map and Debbie Goodrich of Parrot Ambassador’s made a outstanding auctioneer. I brought home two items I did not necessarily need, but I’m glad to have them. I ran into another bird person I knew from Yakima, met a few Facebook bird people in person and visited with a few other new people. It was a tremendous experience to see the rescue and not just hear about it.

Bird lover or not, I would suggest this event be put on your calendar of things to do for next August. I’m sure your entire family would enjoy roaming the wooded area, listening to the chatter of parrots while enjoying a picnic lunch with good company.  As Bob Dawson’s Macaw, Rescue & Sanctuary suggests “Help us help the birds”.

"BAGGAGE" a poem

I'm launching my revisit to blogging with a poem. Each time I recite this poem I get choked up. This poem is written by Phoebe Scott who goes by the pen name Evelyn Colbath.

 

Baggage (The Meaning of Rescue)

 

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,

All nicely tucked into my warm new bed,

I would like to open my baggage,

Least I forget,

There is so much to carry,

So much to forget.

 

Hmmm... Yes, there it is right on top,

Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,

And there by my perch hides Fear and Shame.

As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave,

I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.

I love them, the others, the ones who left me,

But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.

 

Will you add to my baggage?

Will you help me unpack?

Or will you just look at my things,

And take me right back?

Do you have the time to help me unpack?

To put away my baggage, to never repack?

I pray that you do - I am so tired you see,

But I do come with baggage,

Will you still want me?

 

 

By Evelyn Colbath   c1995 Baggage All rights reserved





Ideal Life Of A Parrot

Someone asked "what is an ideal life for a parrot". My reply is this. My perception of an ideal life for a parrot in captivity would be to have a human companion willing to go the extra mile. Have a schedule for the parrot yet be flexible. Give the parrot freedom yet keep them safe. Be provided with a quality diet & variety. To incorporate the parrot into your daily activities when possible. Have cages where the humans spend their time & keep the cages clean. Provide the parrot with quality interactive time with the human & feathered flock indoors and outdoors. Stimulate and challenge the parrots state of mind by providing a variety of perches, toys and training. Basically meet the parrots physical and emotional needs and them some on a daily basis. The human companion should learn as much as possible about their species & parrot behavior.

Pet Pantry Pet Store

		Pet Pantry VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Shelly Halma is the proprietor of Pet Pantry located on 16th & Summitview in Yakima, Washington. Pet Pantry specializes in Natural pet foods and specialty supplies. You will find reptiles & reptile feeders, tanks of fish, wonderful dog and cat accessories, rodent accessories, and things for your birds. As far as buying pets, this is a store you will want to visit often.  The type of pets available for sale and the products change from time to time. You will find different products then what Petco or Petsmart has to offer.
For the parrot enthusiast, Tanya is very helpful and full of information. She will do wing clips & nail trims for a small fee. As far as supplies for your feathered friend you will find pellets, seed, seed in bulk bins, toys, play stands and cages. If Shelly does not have it in stock she would be happy to order it for you. If you would like to contact Shelly or Tanya at Pet Pantry the number is 509-966-7300.
Pet Pantry moved to the new location fall of 2010. They now provide a self service pet wash area. I have not yet tried this service but anticipate it to be excellent.

Parrot Books Recommended Reading

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill By Mark Bittner

This touching & humble story is how one man found his life's calling amoung a flock of wild parrots who resided on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. The author became the local wild parrot expert and tourist attraction. During daily feedings he stood with parrots perched along both arms and surrounding him in the trees. He would take his last bit of money to buy food for the parrots. When a parrot was sick or injured he would take them into his home to care for them. I will say no more as I don't want to spoil the story. Thumbs up to this book and the documentary movie The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill to any bird lover.

Recommended Books

Alex & Me by Irene Pepperberg is a touching memoir and or personal narrative documenting her experiences working with Alex an African Grey parrot and her struggle to keep her research activities afloat. Irean Pepperberg is a research professor and a teacher of animal cognition. The book movingly combines scientific detail and statistical research to prove that some animals have cognitive ability. To demonstrate that birds are able to obtain language, communicate and problem-solve. That animals know more than we think.
In 1977 Irene asked a sales person at a pet store to choose her an African Grey parrot out of the ones they were selling. She was choosing an African Grey because of the clarity of their speech. It was fate and their relationship began. Over a 30 year period Alex and Irene changed the way science regarded avian intelligence. Irene Pepperberg included just enough scientific research in her book to give readers an idea of what was involved, to prove her experiments, yet it was not boring. Alex could count to six, identify colors, size, such as bigger and smaller, or same and different, identify materials and had a vocabulary of 150 words.
The night before he died his last words to Irene were “You be good. I love you.” Every time I read this or write it I end up with tears in my eyes. Alex is a celebrity, I found this book educational, touching and entertaining.

Severe Macaw

The Severe Macaw is one of the mini macaws. The five most common mini macaws are the Hahn's, Noble, Yellow Collar, Illiger's and  the Severe Macaw. The mini macaw's are native to Central and South America. Today I will be sharing about the Severe Macaw the largest of the mini macaws. The life expectancy of a well cared for bird is approximatly 30 years. The severe is green with bare white cheeks, fine dark feather lines circle the eyes. They have dark chestnut patches on their forehead and under their beaks. The crown of the head has a patch of iridescent blue feathers. They have red shoulders and a blue upper tail with red undersides. The severe measure approximately 18 to 19 inches in length. They have impressive speech abilities and most respond well to training. As with all parrots, it's hard to say who will have the extensive vocabularies and who will not.

With mini macaw's you have the personality of a large macaw in a smaller package. They are feisty little birds and want to do what the big macaws do. Most bond quickly and can  be very demanding of their owner as they do require as much attention as the large macaws, if not a bit more. Mini macaws tend to bond strongly with one person. The more you socialize the mini macaw and expose it to other people, the more likely it will accept handling by others.The mini macaw is a bit more cautious, nervous and less forgiving then the larger parrots.

The mini macaw may be more affordable than the large macaws due to the fact cages, play gyms and toys are smaller and cost less. They are not as hard on their toys as the larger parrots. Keep in mind they still need spacious accommodations and several perches and toys to provide plenty of mental stimulation.

Parakeets/Budgerigars

This small bird is called a Budgerigar or Parakeet. There country of orgin is Australia. In captivity thier life span is approximately 5-8 years but have been known to live longer depending on the individual birds health which is influences by the care provided, exercise and diet. Many captive parakeets die early due to improper nutrition and inadequate care provided by the owner.

 Parakeets come in a variety of colors and shades. The color of the cere (the fleshy part above the beak) is different between the sexes and changes as the bird gets older. A young bird has a pink cere, while the adult female has a brown cere. The adult male has a blue cere. The Parakeets trick and talking ability is low but some (most likely males) may learn to whistle, mimic sounds or speak a few words.

Parakeets are entertaining, active, playful and take up a small amount of space. They are not usually considered cuddly, but you can hold them close to you or have them perch on your finger. The best way to have a tame parakeet is to get a young one and not have it share a cage with another Parakeet. If you have two Parakeets in the same cage they will pay attention to each other and not you. If you don't wish to hold the bird much having a playmate is a great idea.

The Parakeets cage should be at least 18" x 18' and 24" high with metal bars spaced no greater then 1/2" apart. It's always best to provide the largest cage possible. Perches should be approximately 3/8" in diameter. A variety of sizes and types of perches is best to keep the birds feet healthy. Make sure the cage, food and water dishes are clean to prevent disease. To prevent boredom provide lots of toys.

Parakeets are one of the most common household pets. They are simple to care for, friendly and inexpensive. Even though Parakeets are small birds they are social creatures and still need your attention daily. Parakeets are often considered disposable pets since they are so inexpensive. They may become neglected once the novelty wears off. Many starve or die from dehydration because they are forgotten.

If a child is given a Parakeet as a pet please supervise the care given to the bird so as not to have an unfortunate accident or slow death.

Goffin Cockatoo

 

The Goffin Cockatoos native country is Indonesia, specifically the Tanimbar Islands. Their life span is approximately 40 years with good care. The size of the Goffin ranges  from 12-13 inches. The Goffins coloring is predominantly white with salmon/pink color between the beak and eyes. The underside of the wings and tail exhibit a yellow tinge. The beak is a greyish-white in color. Goffins have a crest that is much smaller then the other cockatoos. I consider the noise level for the Goffin to be medium. The Goffin Cockatoo is often confused with the Bare-eyed /cockatoo as they are similar in appearance.

Goffins are not known for their talking ability but may learn some words and mimic sounds. Their dancing ability more then makes up for any lack of vocabulary.Goffins are active with a carefree, inquisitive personality who like to climb, play and chew. They cab be aggressive one moment and gentle the next. They tend to be a nippy bird. In general the Goffin is a quiet bird, but don’t take it for granted. If not given enough attention they can be loud, noisy and make screeching ear piercing sounds.

The Goffin Cockatoo is not as destructive as the larger cockatoos, but still need supervision and to be provided with lots of toys and wood to destroy. Because the Goffin is so active the larger the cage the better,supplied with lots of perches and toys.

Because of their smaller size the Goffin may be a good choice for those who want a cockatoo but do not have adequate space for one of the large cockatoos. Be aware, they by no means need any less care or attention then the larger parrots. Many new bird owners are not truly aware of the time and money a parrot demands and pet birds are often passed from one owner to the next or given to shelters. I suggest spending some time around an active parrot before a purchase is made. It takes a certain personality and love for the bird to tolerate the noise and mess that goes along with parrot guardianship.

The Goffin cockatoo is endangered in the wild due to trapping and destruction of their native habitat. A good thing is they breed well in captivity.

Bare Eyed Cockatoo

Bare Eyed Cockatoos also known as Little Corellas or Short Billed Corellas are native to Austraila and New Guinea. They are a medium size bird between 14 - 16 inches. The adverage lifespan is up to 50 years. The coloring of the Bare Eyed is primarily white with touches of salmon-pink on their faces and a short white crest. They have a horn colored beak and a bare blue/grey patch around the eye. Like most of the white cockatoos there is a yellow wash beneath their wings and tail.

Bare Eyed Cockatoos are intelligent, inquisitive, playful and affectionate little clowns who love to show off. They are often overlooked due to their droll appearance. They don't fit the image most people envision when they think about Cockatoos.

Bare Eyed Cockatoos are not as destructive, loud or demanding as some of the other Cockatoos, but need just as much attention and stimulation. They can be a little nippy, especially if they don't get there own way or you are not their favorite person. They have amazing flying abilities. If clipping feathers, clip only the primary flight feathers and only enough so the bird will glide to the floor. They are a good bird for people who would like a cockatoo that is somewhat easier to care for then the larger species. A cockatoo in a smaller package.

Citron Cockatoo

The Citron cockatoo is a subspecies of the Lesser Sulfer Crested Cockatoo, native to Indonesia. Most Citrons are between 13-15 inches from beak to the tip of the tail feathers. The life span is up to 50 years in captivity. The color of the Citron Cockatoo is mostly white, with pale orange patches on their cheeks, pale yellow on the undersides of the wings and tail feathers, and a bright orange crest.  They have a dark grey beak and feet.
Citrons can make good pets. They are curious, friendly and sociable. Some say they are not as noisy as most cockatoos, but I beg to differ. They do make a honking sound like a trumpet when excited or alarmed. They have big personalities and love to play. The Citron Cockatoo is an extremely intelligent bird. They can be taught a variety of tricks and some human speech.
If considering owning this type of bird make sure that you have enough spare time to spend with it. They require a lot of attention in order to maintain good emotional health, and not develop behavior problems such as feather chewing or screaming.
Citron Cockatoos must be sold with a CITES certificate (Convention on International trade in Endangered Species) to prove that it was bread in captivity. They are classified as an endangered species due to illegal trapping and habitat loss.
The Cockatoo on the play stand perch is Kiwi my friends Citron. We bird sit him from time to time. The highest up Cockatoo is Baretta, our Citron/Bare-eyed Cockatoo. The one in the background is Tangi our Moluccan Cockatoo.

Mollucan Cockatoo

Mollucan Cockatoo’s are large parrots, up to approximately 20 inches. Their native region is Australia and the surrounding islands of Indonesia. The life expectancy of the Mollucan Cockatoo is estimated at 65 years give or take. The Mollucans talk and trick ability is considered moderate.

The Mollucan Cockatoo is very intelligent and known for solving puzzles and games. To keep these birds happy, they need at least one hour of play time each day. Without enough mental and physical stimulation Cockatoo’s may resort to destructive behaviors. Screaming and feather plucking would be typical negative behaviors. Cockatoo’s are probably one of the top parrots that are re-sold or put in parrot sanctuaries as adults. The owner gets worn out and tired of the Cockatoo’s demands. Plenty or research should be done before considering guardianship of a cockatoo. Evaluate your life style, make sure there is enough time to devote to the responsibility of caring for a Cockatoo.

The above picture is of Tangi my 21 year old Mollucan Cockatoo. I’m very fortunate that Tangi is sweet, enjoys most people and her loudness a few times a day is tolerable.

Blue and Gold Macaw

The Blue and Gold Macaw’s native region is South America. They are considered to be large parrots with a length of up to 33 inches. the life expectancy of the Blue and Gold Macaw is approximately 60 years average, up to 80 years.Their noise level is considered loud and the talk and trick ability is considered very good.
A Blue and gold enjoys plenty of attention. They are big birds and may at times play rough. They like to chew, so offer lots of toys to chew and destroy. Macaws need daily interaction to prevent them from developing biting and other negative behaviors. Provide your macaw with a pellet-based diet, vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts and whole grains. Macaws are very social and enjoy eating with the family. This is something you may have to learn to tolerate.
The picture above is Nemo my Blue and Gold Macaw. Nemo is a little over 2 years old.

Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot

The Yellow-Naped amazon Parrot is a medium size bird (up to 14 inches) Native to Central America along the Pacific coast from southern Mexico to northern Costa Rica. The life expectancy of the Amazon is approximately 50 years.

The Yellow Naped Amazon is considered to be one of the most desirable and popular of the amazon species, yet they are not the pet for everyone. Amazons can be great companions if given the proper care, guidance and commitment of your time. Learning and understanding the traits of the Amazon will make interacting with them more successful.

More so then some parrots, the Amazon must be handled properly as they tend to be aggressive, strong willed, stubborn and have powerful beaks. They will dominate the relationship if given the chance. Companion parrot owners may avoid bites by being aware of the parrot's body language and not pushing the bird if agitated. Signs an amazon may bite are eye-pinning, tail flaring and raising feathers on the nape of the neck. eye-pinning most likely occurs when the bird is excited or is signaling you to leave them alone. Know your Amazon so you may determine if they are excited or warning you "keep back and leave me be".

The Amazons are intelligent and the Yellow-Naped is considered to be one of the best talkers. Some develop quite the vocabulary, as well as singing and whistling. They have playful personalities and enjoy plenty of interaction. From playing games to sitting with there companion watching TV.

The natural diet of the Amazon parrot consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and greens. Amazon's tend to gain weight from a diet with too much fat.

The picture above is Kiki my 7 year old Yellow-Naped Amazon. At this time of year she definitely thinks I'm her mate. Kiki is obsessed with the bathroom. I think she likes the echo sound her voice makes. She chewed up two of the bathroom drawers, needless to say Kiki is no longer allowed in the bathroom. On occasion she does make it into the bathroom if the door is left open and it is a dangerous job getting her out. 

Education

Part of what Parrot Cottage represents, is sharing with the public educational and entertaining parrot performances. This is done in a loving and encouraging manner to provide the birds with human interaction, stimulation and enrichment. Teaching in turn helps eliminate negative behaviors and creates positive mental and physical health. Children and adults alike are fascinated by watching parrots. Who can walk by a talking parrot without turning their head.