WindyCityParrot.com Blog

Looking to find a home for my weaned cockatiel babies Chicago IL

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:19:00 GMT

Looking to find a home for my weaned cockatiel babies. The picture of three is Mom, the pied back, dad the solid back, and Uncle Gray, the grey bird, Uh ha ha. I have three more yellow chicks who should be ready in about 10 weeks, also hand fed. If interested call 312.636.6059.

More info on our Facebook page

Higgins Snack Attack Fruit & Veggie for Large Parrots

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:37:00 GMT

I was wondering if Higgins Snack Attack Fruit and Veggie for Lg. Parrots has any pellets? It doesn’t list them in the ingredients but it looks like it from the picture. Thanks so much!!

Okay, I am checking out the label.

Ingredients: Raisins, Banana Chips, Papaya, Pineapple, Sunflower, Safflower, Roasted Soybeans, Carrot Flakes, Coconut Chips, Hemp seed, Horse Oats, Apples, Potato Dices, Apricots, Oat Groats, Pumpkin Seed, Broccoli, Fried Green Peas, Dates, Strawberries, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Corn, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Stabilized Soybean Oil, Wheat Middings. Plus vitamins and natural additives for preservation.

Feeding Instructions: Feed one Teaspoon per bird per day in a separate treat cup.

I did find the ingredients did change from what we originally had on the website, but I have fixed that too.

Now you wanted to know about pellets in it. I DO see some small rounded cubes about a 1/3" in size that likely contain the corn, wheat, soybean meal.

Thank you for letting us know the listing needed to be updated.

Learn more about Higgins Snack Attack Fruit and Veggie for Lg. Parrots

Bird Travel Carrier on Casters - Back in Stock

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:17:00 GMT

Would this be suitable, in size, for a green wing macaw? For traveling, of course, not for living in:}

Hi Bj

Thank you for your comment on http://blog.windycityparrot.com

The #612 carrier should be big enough for a Greenwing – But - because I’ve seen Greenwings with over all length differences from 4 - 6 inches, it’s best to measure you bird while perched. Macaws will maintain somewhat of a “hockey stick profile” so you can assume tail feathers will be resting on the grate for extended periods of time.

Although we have customers with several large birds who migrate to Florida (from Chicago) in a large SUV every winter. Their Greenwing hangs by his feet, upside down 1500 miles there and 1500 miles back.

Great for people with pets on the go. Many people have purchased this travel cage for evacuation preparation

Use it

At work
Boarding
Motor homes
Travel trailers
Medical emergencies

Dimensions 31" W X 19D" X 29"H - Interior Height 22"
Bar Slot Spacing 1-1/8" x 5" (measured between bars)

Learn more about this bird travel carrier on casters

Blowing Air - Over Preening - Feather Plucking

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:51:00 GMT

My 2-1/2 year old grey just began pulling feathers and has cleared his chest, upper back and shoulders in 2 nights. Nothing has changed in the environment and he gets ample family time twice a day.
What can we do?

You may find this helpful

www.windycityparrot.com/page/windycityparrot/winter

Mitch, You may have hit on something. We have a large Honeywell air purifier that runs 24/7. It usually is at one end of the room and near our Moluccan as he has by far the most dander to collect.

I have found it moved when my daughter vacuums the room and, I dont know this for sure, but she may have had it blow on the grey.
Thanks again
Hope you are well
Dave

Help - Why is My Bird so Messy? We have answers

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:38:00 GMT

SimplyEverything for Exotic Birds

We get calls and emails all the time with people asking "why is my bird so messy?" . It's important to understand the "mess" on your kitchen floor is really meant to be the forest floor.

Birds are meant to sow seeds and spread them throughout their natural habitat. One of the best examples I have are small ponds in the middle of nowhere. You'll be driving on a summer day and see fisherman with fishing lines in a small body of water.

Have you ever asked yourself where are the fish coming from? Bird Poop - that's where. Birds will eat fish or fish eggs in a "mature" pond or lake , fly elsewhere & deposit the undigested fish eggs in another perhaps smaller body of water. Fish will hatch from these eggs and so it goes.

Because of their high metabolism, parrots generally poop every 15 minutes. Combine that with husks from bird seed, feather molt and dander - well I don't have to tell you. Yes birds are messy - we can help.

Here's a some things you can do to reduce bird cage clean up chores.

Place a sheet of newspaper on top the floor grate as well as under it in the tray - Less grate cleaning.
Place food bowls on the news paper (on the grate) not in the food dish holders - Seeds go into the tray not the floor
Fill food dishes 1/4 - 1/3 full - Birds will become less selective and dump less
Lose the metal seed guards - Less metal to clean
Introduce some pellets and fresh or frozen vegetables then reduce seed usage
Use a hand held steam cleaner to clean the cage
Place an office chair mat under the cage to help protect you home's floor

Of course at-the-end-of-the day you still do have to clean so here's some great stuff to help you through your journey with your birds.



Poop Off Parrot Cage Cleaner	Protects From Mites & Lice	Traps Use for Flour Moth	Disinfectant & Sanitizer


Scraper Scrubber Perch Cleaner	Mesh Skirt Seed Catcher	No-Mess Bird Feeder	Cage Cleaner and Deodorizer

All Cage Cleaning Supplies





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Found Amazon Parrot Chicago Area

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:43:00 GMT

We are currently entertaining an Orange Wing Amazon parrot found in the Chicago area. We will keep the bird at the Windy City Parrot Birdie Boutique for two weeks. If not claimed we will return the bird to the individual who found him/her.

Please contact us at 312-492-9673 or info@windycityparrot.com if this is your bird. We will ask for identification & proof of ownership.

Medium Size Parrot Metal Playstand Back in Stock

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:32:00 GMT

31" wide x 21" deep Overall height 60"
Ring diameter 16"

Great for These size birds & These size birds
3 Ladders
2 Stainless Steel Cups
Slide Out Plastic Tray
Slide Out Bottom Grille

Learn more about the Metal Parrot Play Stand - HQ Model A

Review - Tabletop Bird Stand by Mango Pet - Made in the USA

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:57:00 GMT

Tabletop Bird Stand by Mango Pet - Made in the USA

Rating:

This playstand is not as ornate as the other tabletop playstand I bought, but it is much better quality. The stand itself is solid and the perch is roughed out and more natural than the many that are smoothed and slick. The only complaint I would have if either one of my parrots was a bowl flinger is that there are no guards to keep them from pulling the bowls out and the bowls are hard plastic instead of crocks. Very portable and solid. The catch tray is plastic and makes it a little lighter than it would be otherwise which I like.

Learn more about the Tabletop Bird Stand by Mango Pet

Star Bird Climbing Net for Different Size Birds Part 2

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:36:00 GMT

I'm seriously hesitating here, I'm not sure what size climbing net i should get for a blue & gold macaw, should i get the large long measuring Large Long: 4' x 8' - 1" Rope - 7" x 7" spaces or medium long measuring Med Long: 3' x 6' - 3/4" Rope - 6" x 6" spaces ( please note this net will also be used for my smaller birds such as cockatiels and lories.

Thanks Rakan

The StarBird Get a Grip net if used for a macaw MUST be either the LARGE Long, LARGE Short or LARGE Mini.

You cannot take a risk with your Macaw getting stuck in one of the smaller squares. The larger squares are a must. The size depends on the room you have available to you. The nets all end up seeming larger than expected.

Learn more about StarBird climbing nets.

How to Buy a Bird Cage

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:03:00 GMT

SimplyEverything for Exotic Birds

At the face of it, bird cages are simple structures, generally square, having varying styles of tops & bottoms. But with more than 350 species of birds and parrots, matching a bird to a proper cage can be a daunting task.

We're here to help you make the right decision, not only for your bird but for your home. You'll find some links just below that provide answers to the most common questions. Still have questions? Email us for a personalized answer.

Bird Cage Buying Knowledgebase

Proper bar spacing Paint or Powder Coat? Bird Cage Placement	Bird Cage Selection What's Powder Coating? What's Wrought Iron?	Bird Cage FAQs Restoring a older bird cage More articles


All Prevue Cages Here

20”Lx20”Dx57”H 5/8 ” B.S.	41”Lx28”Dx72”H 1” B.S.	30"Wx22"Dx63"H 3/4" B.S.	Divided Stackable

All A & E Cages Here

Table Top Great for Greys	40"Wx30"Dx72"H 1/2" B.S.	Flight Cage Double Stack	Indoor Aviary Pitched Roof

All HQ Bird Cages Here

Indoor Aviary 32"x21"	Scroll Top 22X17 Small Birds	Play Stand w/toy Hook Ring	Divided Double Wide 64"x21"

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Proper Size Bird Bungee & Climbing Net

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:46:00 GMT

Click for info on this
rope bungee for birds

Click for info on this
climbing net for birds

I wanted to ask if i could use XL products meant for large parrots such as Rope Coil Bungee - Natural Sisal Twister and others for my other small parrots like my cockatiel? because i wanna buy one for all.

Thanks - Rakan

Dear Raken

You can always get larger for smaller birds with bungees, but don't go smaller than the largest bird can use (hold onto, sit on comfortably).

If you have only small birds like cockatiels, the XL would be overkill. I would not go any large than the large size.

So just to get this clear, If i order large products such as bungees and the big climbing net i can use them for both my cockatiels and macaws?

I'm planning on making one fun room for me and my birds (big and small), and before i buy anything i'd always like to be 100% sure.

Thanks
Rakan

Yes, this will apply for ropes and nets, but not for most toys.

The largest hole nets should be used for your macaws, using one with smaller holes could allow your macaws to get stuck going through one of the smaller ones.

African Grey - Needs Rehome - Owner health Issues - Indiana

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:04:00 GMT

Fred has had to retire because of health issues with his kidney failure and we have to give up our house here in Lafayette since we will be living off of my paycheck alone until he can hopefully get SS Disability this fall.

We will not be able to keep our beloved African Grey of 11 years (no room in a 5th wheel) and are looking for a good home for him. I have written to a couple in Indy that expressed interest in owning a parrot, but as of yet have not heard back from them.

We are asking $850 but the price is negotiable since we do want him to go to a good home. His vocabulary is amazing and he is a wonderful parrot. With him we are including his large cage, toys, dishes and food that we have left and also a play gym/stand, and also a Traveling Cage.

Thought maybe you guys might know of someone who is looking for such a sweet bird. Am going to have to advertise him on Craig's List and other online sights, so if you know of someone please give them our #'s or email us back very soon, trying to tie things up back here on this end to get ready for the move.

Fred cell 765-337-4876 Vickie cell 765-491-5083 We live in Lafayette, IN

Canary that got the cat

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:39:00 GMT

Found at cybersalt

HQ Divided Breeder Cages Back in Stock

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:53:00 GMT

Thinking about breeding canaries, finches or budgies? The HQ 10420 can fit the bill. The picture below is what one Windy City Parrot customer's breeding room looks like.

Learn more about HQ 10420 Divided Breeding Bird Cages

What Killer Whales Teach Us about Our Birds & Parrots

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:59:00 GMT

Late night channel surfing and news junkie that I am I tune in Anderson Cooper 360 last night and he began an interview with Richard O'Barry. If your an old guy like me you may remember the show Flipper. Richard was the Dolphin trainer on the show.

He was brought on AC 360 to talk about the recent death of a trainer at Sea World in Orlando, Florida by a killer whale.

After some back-and-forth, Anderson asked O'Barry why he thought the whale attacked. Without hesitation O'Barry said "habitat dictates behavior." He went on the explain that if you visit the snake habitat at most zoos, you'll find at the very least, some rocks the snakes can crawl under. A tree or bush they may crawl up.

Yet these mammoth but beautiful creatures live in large "concrete boxes" filled with water. Yes these high functioning whales & dolphins live with absolutely no way of seeking privacy (safety), or mental stimulation. Big concrete boxes filled with water!

We answer lots of behavior questions at Windy City Parrot. To help with problems we need to ask lots of questions. One of the first questions is, "how many toys are in the cage?" And most people are surprised that we ask this question.

But it resolves to the statement "habitat dictates behavior." Your large parrot - African Grey, Greenwing Macaw, Moluccan Cockatoo - has the mental capacity of a functioning 2 or 3 year old child.

So when we hear "oh he has 2 or 3 toys" or "there's a ladder and a bell in the cage," you can imagine our frustration. I mean no one would ever think of locking a child in a cage for 12 hours a day - let alone with just a ladder and a bell to entertain.

Toys in bird's cage are like the leaves of tree that bird would be living in if it were in the wild. The toys offer entertainment to avoid boredom. Birds will use certain toys to preen so they don't over preen them selves. Fill the top third of your cage with 10 or 15 toys and your bird has places to hide behind, thus feeling more secure.

So the next time your bird lunges, is reluctant to come out of the cage or show signs of self mutilation (feather plucking) remember Richard O'Barry's words - "habitat dictates behavior"

Here's a video Richard O'Barry produced
It's about the slaughtering of dolphins
It is not for the faint-of-heart

Shop for Bird & Parrot Supplies Now

Seeking Hahns Macaw & Bird Cage

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:41:00 GMT

Hi,

I am inquiring to see if you might have available Hahns Macaw. If not do you know a breeder in the area I could contact??

I live in St. Charles. Also, looking for pricing on a medium size cage with a play top. I did see one on your website, but I would like to pick it up myself on Saturday, or maybe even tomorrow. Are the cages you show online, what is actually in your store??

Thank you

Julie - Abitua Plumbing, Inc.

Hi Julie

We do not have any livestock – here are some resources to help you find birds

Ollie's Parrot Perch Rescue

Center for Avian Rehab Rescue

Illinois breeders

In stock cages meeting your specs

Prevue Pet Dome Top Bird Cage Coco

Prevue Pet Play Top Parrot Cage Green or White

Have some others that may interest you as well

Here till 4:00 on Friday

Closed Saturdays but I could meet you here between 1 – 4 if we set up an appointment.

My Parrot is Smarter than Your Researcher

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:26:00 GMT

Rick

I agree with you that too, but Aviculture, is still in its infancy. Even now.

Dogs and cats have been domesticated for 100's of years. Birds?

I used to save ALL my old bird magazine, bird breeder and more I have forgotten their names, they were in black & white (my ex tossed them one day). Some were well over 30 years old. Well much of the info was just wrong. But we knew nothing else.

Like "toweling" a bird to tame it. SOOOOO, wrong, it only traumatized the birds even more. I did that twice 25 years ago with a large cockatoo and gave up, it was not working.

Things we were told 10 years ago are now mostly wrong too and stuff from 5 years ago is suspect.

You figure the long life span of birds and the numerous varieties screw up even the most diligent researchers. (like when ZOO 's would put two green Eclectus together and two red ones together and wonder why there were no matings.

You figure that it can take 2 to 3 researchers career span for ONE bird, whereas dogs and cats, only one.

We are learning every day.

Catherine Tobsing
President
Windy City Parrot Birdie Boutique
906 N. Western Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60622
312.492.9673 ext 102
312.492.9674 Fax

A Simple Way to See if Your Bird or Parrot is Ill - Thoughts from an Avian Vet

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:43:00 GMT

It's important to remember that many parrots have lived through three generations of scientists, biologists and researchers. The point is we still have a lot to learn. So we get an email the other day from Rick Savitt, CEO of Prevue Pet

"One way to tell if a parrot is healthy is to observe them while sleeping. A healthy parrot, no matter the size or species, sleeps on one foot. If you find your parrot sleeping on two feet and puffed up, then it is probably ill and should be taken to a vet. Check several times because parrots may nap on two feet, but their sound sleep is done on only one foot. Even large birds like Flamingos and Egrets sleep on one foot".

BUT - he (Rick) isn't sure of the accuracy of the statement. We'll we're pretty intrigued by this because if true, every bird owner would now have a low tech but accurate way to determine if their bird is in ill health.

So we ran it by our (personal) favorite avian vet Dr. Byron J.S. de la Navarre, D.V.M. Before we give you his answer to this question, we want you to see his credentials - here goes: Past-President, Association of Reptilian & Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) - Past-President, Chicago Veterinary Medical Association {CVMA} - Illinois State Liaison, Association of Avian Veterinarians [AAV] - Co-Director, Midwest Exotic Seminars (MEPS) - Secretary: Chicago Veterinary Emergency Services (CVES) - Chairperson, Chicago Herpetologic Society's [CHS] - Conservation & Research Committee Member, Member Services Committee (AVMA).

Dr. de la Navarre's response is:

This is not true all the time - indeed certain birds often sleep on one foot - esp. wild birds. It is primarily an adaptation for thermo-regulation = to keep warm. That is why they are also often observed "fluffed". However, a bird that is sleeping more than usual, always perched on both feet +/- unstable on it's perch, and is fluffed / puffed may indeed be demonstrating signs of illness.

So, one should be careful not to misinterpret these signs. If in doubt, always best to contact your avian Veterinarian and discuss the signs / symptoms with them to determine the best course of action.

We know all too well that birds, pets or otherwise, are experts at hiding any / all signs of illness and if missed can result in a serious medical condition establishing itself.

Regarding sleeping & perching in captivity - it is not always the case that our birds will sleep perched on one foot or the other - so luckily you do not have to spend endless hours in the middle of the night bleary eyed watching to see if your birds are sleeping on one leg/foot or not, probably at the same time keeping them awake if not 'panicked as to why you are watching them ?'.

Our pet birds will at times sleep on one leg/foot, often preferring one leg over the other - but also at times they will sleep using both, as I have notice countless times with our flock.

Any other questions, concerns or comments please feel free to contact us anytime - hope all goes well - all our best to you & Mitch & the Gang @ Windy City - keep up the great work - take care - Byron & Tracy de la Navarre

Animal House of Chicago, Complete Veterinary Care, Inc.
2752 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. 60625
tel. # (773) 878 - 8002, FAX # 773 * 878 * 0546
www.AnimalHouseOfChicago.com

Will My Bird Tear Off His Flight Suit?

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:57:00 GMT

Do you know if people have problems with their birds tearing up their flight suits; or pulling them off of themselves? If so do you know how to avoid it?

Thanks again, James

The leash will fit the Jumbo just fine.

The Flight Suit is not meant to be left on the bird unattended.

Once the suit is on the bird, you may need to distract it with a treat, a walk around your home for a bit then take the suit off and reward your bird again, this may need to be repeated a few times before the bird realizes it is not a permanent outfit, then it it would for sure try to remove it.

Once it realizes it gets to go more places or be with you longer while wearing it, there will be less fretting about it.

Birds are not used to having to wear anything.

Learn more about flight suits for birds here

Diet Bird Food for Overweight Birds from Roudybush

info@windycityparrot.com (Mitch Rezman - General Manager) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:37:00 GMT

The diameter of the pellets are: Mini 3/32”, Small 5/32”, Medium ¼”, and Large is ½”

Feed to adult birds that are not laying eggs or feeding chicks and that have a tendency to be overweight. Mix 1/3 Breeder with 2/3 Low-Fat Maintenance for chronic egg-layers and birds with a tendency to develop hypocalcemia (such as African Greys). Do not give other vitamin or mineral supplements. Fresh fruit and vegetable treats may be given as a minor part of the diet.

The Low-Fat Diet is intended for obese birds. In general, a bird can be considered obese if it is 15% over its expected weight for that species. To be sure, you can always seek the advice of your avian veterinarian.

Click here for ingredients