WindyCityParrot.com Blog

How to covert your bird to Hagen Pellets

2011-12-08T22:00:51Z

Complete, or formulated diets are "balanced" as the bird must eat the nutrients in the ratio intended. MIXED diets (seeds, fruits, and table foods) are much harder to balance, and require the time-consuming use of a supplement. SEED diets are invariably low in calcium and vitamin A and high in fat and phosphorous.

A simple and SAFE way to convert most pets to a better diet is to start by cleaning the cage each evening, and leaving ONLY Tropican in the feeders ( may sprinkle some on the floor or place a small dish on the floor as well). The following day (usually mid morning to start with), add some of the birds regular food on the top of the Tropican. Birds that like fruits and vegetables should have the dry Tropican sprinkled right in with favourite items such as oranges and fresh cut corn. Some birds will start on this moistened form more easily. Sprinkling seed kernel such as shelled sunflower on Tropican will also help some parrots get the idea (ie you don't have to take a shell off all foods!).

Every evening all of the remaining food is removed and fresh Tropican is placed. Seed may be added later on the following day. (As long as seed is provided sooner or later each day safety is maintained). Most birds are powerfully motivated to search for food each morning and sample Tropican within a few days. You can tell when your pet is eating the new food as the dropping will become a paler colour, and Tropican will usually be found in the water dish.

Once your pet is eating the Tropican well, keep seed OUT of the cage. Seed can still be given of course, but as a treat fed by hand. Feeding high water content items such as oranges, fresh corn, green peppers, spinach, broccoli, and berries will not unbalance the Tropican diet significantly as the majority of calories will still be taken in from Tropican.

Your bird is sure to enjoy an improvement in feather quality and overall health on such a modern diet. Just ask your pet retailer or avian veterinarian!

Louise Bauck BSc, DVM, MVSc.

Learn more about Hagen Bird Food

30" Divided Breeder Cage Now Available in White

2011-12-08T22:00:51Z

After several years of black only, the Prevue Pet F0630 30" Divided Breeder Cage is now available in white.

Bird Cage Dimensions:
30" L X 14" W X 18"H
Bar spacing 1/2" - Gauge: 13&16

Click for more info on Prevue Pet F0630 30" Divided Breeder Cages

© Copyright 2011 Windy City Parrot, Inc.

Review - Contemporary Style Bird Cage for Small Birds Gable by Marvelous

2011-12-08T22:00:49Z

Great Cage!, 6/5/2009

Reviewer: (Kemah, TX)

This cage was easy to assemble (just like in the video) which for me is saying a lot. It's a nice heavy duty well-made cage. I just have one Parrotlet in it and it certainly has room enough for more or a larger bird.

I bought the green/gray color and it's a great combination. Now my cage doesn't look ugly and out of place like the old one, it blends with my decor wonderfully. I will more than likely buy this brand again when I get my next parrot. I did have some problems with FedEx, but Catherine from Windy City did a great job of making sure they got my cage delivered to me.

Learn more about the Contemporary Style Bird Cage for Small Birds Gable by Marvelous

© Copyright 2011 Windy City Parrot, Inc.

Bird Cage Stand - 3 Tier Fits 30" Wide Cages Now Available in White

2011-12-08T22:00:49Z

Bird Cage Stand - 3 Tier Fits 30" Wide Cages Now Available in White - Click for info

© Copyright 2011 Windy City Parrot, Inc.

How to make big bird toys for big birds, really fast and cheap

2011-12-08T22:00:49Z

Making a Wingabago Bird Carrier - Bird Friendly

2011-12-08T22:00:48Z

Hi,
I purchased a wingabago for my blue fronted amazon from you a few months ago and haven't been able to use it since out trial test run. The air holes are much higher than her head and there is nothing for her to hold onto when she needs to balance herself in the car. She was flailing all over when we went over speed bumps or turned corners. Do you have any suggestions so I can utilize this cage?

Thank you,
Deb

Dear Deb

I admit I have not heard of these problems before but a possible solution would be a rope perch. It would give her a better grip.

http://www.windycityparrot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=19302221003&Category_Code=gift_ppl

A stainless steel door might help with ventilation if you feel she is not getting enough air flow for you.

http://www.windycityparrot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=19302221002&Category_Code=gift_ppl

25% Off Marvelous Birdf Cages Ends Friday 6/12/09

2011-12-08T22:00:48Z

25% Off ALL Marvelous Bird Cages - Coupon Code OLE
One coupon per order - No limit on Cage Purchases
Coupon only valid towards Marvelous Bird cages
Hurry Sale Ends - This Friday 6/12/09

Click here to see ALL 8 Styles of Marvelous Bird Cages

Contemporary Style Bird Cage for Small Birds Gable by Marvelous

Save 40% on Select Sandy Perch Parrot Stands & Bird Carriers

2011-12-08T22:00:43Z

Click to see all Sandy Perch Bird Stands Carriers - Save 40% on the ones below & more

© Copyright 2011 Windy City Parrot, Inc.

Bird Toys $1.99 Each - No Minimum - Stock Up While They Last

2011-12-08T22:00:41Z

Bird Toys $1.99 Each - No Minimum - Stock Up While They Last

Bird Product Review: Prevue Pet Cage Saver Scrub

2011-12-08T22:00:41Z

This item works pretty well. Has been holding up for a long time now. Would buy another.

Click for more info on Prevue Cage Saver Scrub

© Copyright 2011 Windy City Parrot, Inc.

Proper Size Parrotlet Cage

2011-12-08T22:00:41Z

Hello

I am thinking about getting this cage for the parrotlet I will soon bring home. However, I am concerned it might be too big, and the bird will be "lost" in it. Is it too big for a parrotlet? Wouldn't an 18x18, or 22 inch cage be sufficient? Also, is the roof of the gable cage a solid roof, or does it have the cage bars upon which the bird can climb? Would it be possible to attach twisty perches to the roof for the bird to play?

Thank you. I am new to parrotlets, and need help!

Anne

Hi Anne

Thanx for the email

A Parrotlet’s cage size is in fact a bit counter intuitive. Although a small bird, the smallest of all the parrots, a Parrotlet requires a larger cage then a comparable sized bird like a Budgie. The need for this space is because of their energy and acrobatics. 24” X 22” is actually where we start when we recommend Parrotlet cages. With Parrotlets, bigger is better when it comes to cage size as long as the bar spacing stays close to ½”.

Your bird won’t be “lost” but will thank you for the room to play around in.

The Gable Bird Cage by Marvelous does have bars on the roof so it would be possible to attach twisty perch to the roof area

Approx 14 yr old DYH in need of new home

2011-12-08T22:00:40Z

Guy is in need of a loving home due to his owner passing and other family members are relocating asap. I don't have a lot of details on Guy, just the following:

Guy's owner was referred to us by Dr. Mohan's office.
It has been over a year or more since he was vetted.
He is a seed bird.
Eats people food, as usual, pizza is his favorite.
He needs a wing and nail trim.
He was good with the son who passed, 21 yrs old and daughter, 18, but hates the father. Unfortunately, since his owners passing 6 months ago, Guy has not been out of his cage.
He has a large vocabulary but I don't know the specifics.
He will come with his cage.
Guy's rehoming fee is $200.00

If you may be interested in providing a home for Guy, you must fill out an adoption application and forward it to me. The applications are available on our site under FILES. I will review the applications and contact Guy's current owner. I do not have any further info on Guy at this time so please don't send me questions. If I get further information, I will post it on the site.

Thanks everyone!

Viki

This message was sent by Viki (vbullock@hotmail.com) from Central Ohio Friends of a Feather.
To learn more about Viki, visit his/her member profile
To unsubscribe or to update your mailing list settings, click here

© Copyright 2011 Windy City Parrot, Inc.

Which stand is better for my Quaker?

2011-12-08T22:00:40Z

I'm writing to inquire if you have access to a comparable perch for my Quaker, I love the looks of the stainless and it looks like it's very sturdy & well built but just to large for my baby. Maybe if you could tell me if the perch could be replaced with a smaller one. Thanks any ifo will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks again
Lynette

A Palisade may be better, but I put my white capped pionus on it, so it is fine...

Thank you,
JoAnne Stuckey
Ana Foriska
www.sandyperch.com
866-955-9585

Palisade by Sandy Perch Luxor by Sandy Perch
40% Off! 40% Off!

What's the best carrier for an adopted African Grey?

2011-12-08T22:00:39Z

We have a 15-yaer old African Grey that we have had for about a year. It used to belong

to our neighbors, who never took her anywhere with them.

We would like to try to take her in a travel carrier, and would also like to have one in the

event of emergency. We want her to be accustomed to travel.

Which type of carrier would you recommend? This bird is on the cautious side; for example,

she will only fly within a range in which she can see her home cage. I wondered about

the 'suitcase' style of carrier in which the bird doesn't have a clear view, and think that perhaps

it would be an enormous task to get her into one of those.

What do you think? Have you any tips on getting a bird into one of these devices?

Thanks.

Hi Laura

Thank you for contacting us

The ideal bird carrier for your needs is the fold-a-way #602

You can watch our video here

Another popular (but more ezxpensive) solution would be the Wingabago

The #602 Fold-a-Way Bird Carrier

Large Wingabago

Small Wingabago Bird Carriers Back in Stock

2011-12-08T22:00:39Z

After more than two years, the small Wingabago pet bird carrier is back in stock. Ships free.

Click for more info on the Small Wingabago Bird Carrier

© Copyright 2011 Windy City Parrot, Inc.

Can a I put 15 - 20 budgies in one outdoor aviary?

2011-12-08T22:00:39Z

Generally speaking, Budgies will breed better in a colony than simply a single (male/female) pair.

A big problem with placing a number of mixed sex budgies in a single cage is the issue of fighting.

Colony breeders will do better in a colony than just 2 budgies but not all birds are allowed to breed in a colony.

Generally one or two pairs will most likely become a "dominant pair" not allowing others to breed. Thus you can lose control of colors you might be seeking.

One male will service many females in a single cage but one female in a cage with many males will end up "exhausted" (for lack of a better term) or even injured.

Females not allowed to breed in this scenario will simply drop their eggs to the bottom of the cage. Introduction of additional calcium (cuttle bone) is highly recommended

Also the noise will be much greater than having the same amount of birds in individual cages and any bond between you and any of the birds is unlikely.

If you decide you want to raise "aviary budgies" I would suggest two cages housing each of the sexes with a third designated breeding cage big enough for one or two pairs of budgies.

Outdoor Aviary

Proper Mix in Hagen Tropimix Bird Food

2011-12-08T22:00:38Z

Learn more about Hagen Tropimix Bird food

I have been getting Tropimix Large Parrot, or Tropimix Low fat Bean Mix in the 20 lb bag for a few years. The last couple of bags seem to have more smashed corn (for the low fat) and seed (for the large parrot) in it than fruit and nuts. I liked this brand because it used to have so much fruit and nuts. My lastest bag has almost no fruit, nuts, or sticks. Instead is mostly black and white seeds. Have you noticed this at all?

Karen

Dear Karen

Your message to Windy City Parrot regarding your last purchase of our Tropimix Large Parrot & Tropimix Low-Fat Bean Mix was forwarded to me. First, let me start off by saying Thank you for being a loyal HARI Approved Bird Food Customer. We really appreciate your long time support! Secondly, we want to address your concerns over your recent purchases of our product.

Our Tropimix products should have a 25% by volume ratio of Dehydrated Fruits & Vegetables, 25% by volume of appropriate Tropican morsels, 25% by volume Nuts & Legumes (Low-Fat should not include the Nuts nor should it have any oil seeds), the remaining 25% should consist of the smaller seeds, corn (pieces, flaked, and whole).

While I don’t need to verify your purchase in the way of a merchant receipt, I would like for our Quality Control team to investigate the product. They do keep a first, middle, and end sample of each lot of Tropimix in reserve. So, if you can supply me with the article number, lot number & expiration date from the label, I will be able to get them started. And, I will arrange for product replacement for you. We do want to ensure your total satisfaction and I hope we can continue to count on your support and loyalty of our HARI Approved Bird Food products like Tropimix. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the toll free number listed below.

Sincerely,

Melanie Allen
Avian Product SpecialistRolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.
305 Forbes Blvd.
Mansfield, MA 02048

Toll Free: 888 BY HAGEN (888-294-2436)
Fax: 813-929-0058

http://www.hagen.com
http://www.hagen.com/hari

Video - Rescue Cockatoo Earns Keep at Taco Bell

2011-12-08T22:00:38Z

Taco Bell made a generous donation to Bird Lovers Only Rescue on behalf of Snowball. Through donations made on behalf of Snowball, the birds at the sanctuary receive quality vet care, food, toys, and other supplies. If you enjoy the commercial, please consider visiting us at our main web site www.birdloversonly.org to receive Snowball tshirts, DVDs, and other items in return for donations.

Please also visit Taco Bell's main web site to see more of Snowball and their new Fruitista drinks. www.TacoBell.com

The birds at Bird Lovers Only Rescue thank you for your support!

Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc.

A 501(c)3 Not For Profit Bird Rescue and Sanctuary

Home of SNOWBALL the dancing cockatoo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7IZmRnAo6s&feature=related

Irena Schulz, Founder & President

219-322-0037

Dyer, IN 46311

www.birdloversonly.org

www.birdloversonly.blogspot.com

Summer electric fans can be bad for your bird

2011-12-08T22:00:38Z

We all want our pets to be comfortable in the summer. An economical way to cool you and your bird is to arrange a fan to blow air over your bird's cage. Great for dogs but the problem is that you'll be constantly disrupting their complex feather system.

When feathers are "ruffled" a birds first inclination is to preen (clean) and try to keep the feathers in place which can lead to over preening and possibly feather destruction and/or self mutilation.

If possible use indirect airflow to avoid this problem.

Attn Kids - Project Perry - The Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary

2011-12-08T22:00:38Z

Rowan Tree posted an announcement to the cause Project Perry - The Central Virginia Parrot Sanctuary.

----------------
Hello everyone,

Thanks for being part of our cause! We have an exciting fundraiser going on this month, & I invite you all to check it out.

"Lucky is an educational children’s book that gently awakens children to the plight of captive birds and birds captured in the wild. Based on a true story, Lucky tells the story of a parrot who is captured in the wild and eventually regains his freedom with the help of a young Indonesian boy."

**During the month of July, all proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Sanctuary!!!

If you have a child in your life or know someone who does, please consider getting the book for them! Or for yourself!!!
Lastly, please consider passing this info. along to everyone you know and ask them to do the same. Use your message boards, social networking sites, etc... to help spread the word!**

Thanks so much! The parrots could really use your support this summer!