What you can learn from parrots in the wild as a pet owner

I can relate to what Jim McKendry (bird behaviourist) says about getting out into the wild to see what real wild parrots do. I live in the bush with daily visits around my hut from parrots including Sulphur-crested and Black Cockatoos, Pink and Grey Galahs, Rainbow and other Lorikeets, King Parrots and more.

To watch their antics and the way they interact in the wild is so worth it in terms of helping you understand bird behaviour in parrots kept in captivity. One thing of importance that I have noticed is the lack of hostility between wild birds of different species. Because there is plenty of space and plenty of food and water to go around, they don't fight like parrots in captivity will often do if different species are put in the same cage. Here is a link to Jim's Parrot Behaviour & Enrichment Consultations page or you can click to send him an instant message with a bird question.

Nesting season approaching Some things to consider when breeding time is near for pet and aviary parrots

Pet and aviary parrots are just like all other living beings, when its breeding season behaviours change and not always for the better! Sometimes your tame Sun Conure or Green Cheek will give you a much too hard grip with her beak when nesting time approaches as will most other parrots. The bigger the beak the bigger this problem will be for you! My advice is to let them be. Keep hands out! The breeding pair will just want to protect their nest and have privacy. The link will lead you to articles with more informaton on bird care.