Barb's Birds!

Avian Surgery

2012-01-15T17:51:00.000-08:00

Avian Surgery: To Cut is to Cure

Radiosurgical units, lasers, microsurgery techniques, extremely safe anesthesia, surgical magnification: yes, avian surgery has come a long way! When I first joined the Association of Avian Veterinarians back in 1981, many surgical procedures were often discussed as a last-ditch procedure for pets, or for wild birds destined for re-release (and thus, needing near-perfect repairs of injuries).

Just about the only commonly performed avian surgery twenty years ago was surgical sexing. Many pet owners and breeders relied on this procedure, utilizing rigid endoscopic equipment, to accurately identify the sex of a bird. Surgical sexing was usually performed under general anesthesia, either provided as an anesthetic gas mixed with oxygen, or as a combination of injectable medications (labeled for use in dogs and cats, usually!) Since those early days of avian surgery, there have been many wonderful advances that make the procedures extremely safe and precise, improving the quality of life for many avian patients!

Surgical Sexing

Surgical sexing used to be the single most common surgical procedure performed. Let's look at the initial uses of the fiber-optics endoscope and its use in sexing birds, and then follow where avian medicine has soared from there.

Prior to surgical sexing, most avian vets recommended fasting the bird for a period of time to prevent regurgitation during anesthesia. A physical exam would be performed on each bird prior to the procedure. Once a bird was anesthetized (and we'll go into that later), an area on the left side near the hip and thighbone (femur) would be prepped for sterile surgery. The feathers would be plucked, the area scrubbed with surgical soap, a sterile drape would be placed over the site and a small incision was then made through the skin. A hemostat or blunt probe would be forced through the muscles, and a sterile tube would then be slipped into the hole. This hollow sleeve then provided access into the body cavity of a bird. Usually an air sac would need to be punctured to provide the best visual exam. A bright, cool light source was connected to a rigid fiber-optics endoscope (usually designed for human joint surgery), and this sterile telescope would then fit into the hollow sleeve already in place. This would allow the surgeon to visually identify the single ovary of a parrot, found on the left side only, or the internal testicle on the left side. Parrots do have two testicles, both right and left. So, surgical sexing was performed on the left side, since the solitary ovary is normally found on that side. In many cases, by careful manipulation of the scope, both testicles could be identified, which would aid in confirming sexual identification.

While the avian surgeon was looking for the gonad (ovary or testicle), it was possible to evaluate the bird for potential problems, such as an enlarged liver or spleen, cloudy air sacs, abscesses or scar tissue. It was possible to swab a lesion for bacterial or fungal culture, and for the very brave surgeon, an organ (liver, kidney or spleen) might be biopsied for microscopic evaluation and testing. There were, however, limitations with surgical sexing. An inexperienced surgeon might misidentify the sex of the bird. Cloudy air sacs or an enlarged proventriculus (stomach) could obscure the area where the gonad was located, making sexual identification very difficult, or impossible on occasion. If an enlarged organ was seen, that did not constitute a diagnosis in itself. Often, additional testing, such as blood counts, blood chemistries and serology would also be necessary to provide an accurate diagnosis.

Because the ovary and testicles change, often dramatically, between breeding season and other times of the year, surgical sexing could often discern if the gonad was "active" or not. This was often helpful information if the exact age of a bird was not known (for example, if it was an imported bird with no history or medical information provided). But visual examination of the ovary or testicle could not tell if the bird had successfully bred before; the information was limited to telling if the gonad was active or not at the time of examination. Occasionally, areas of the ovary could indicate that the bird had ovulated previously.

Once the ovary or testicle was identified, the surgeon would apply a tattoo using sterile ink injected into the wing web of the appropriate wing to permanently identify the sex of the bird. Since females (of parrot species) usually only possess an ovary on the left side, the left wing web was tattooed to identify hens. Since males have testicles, left and right, they were tattooed under the right wing. (As an aid to help us remember, we were told that "males are always right" so tattoo the male under right wing!) Since there were so many female vets interested in avian medicine, we would just smile and smugly let the guys think they had something over on us! Ha!

After the tattoo was applied, the incision may have been closed with one suture, or a drop of a medical grade super-glue would be used. The muscles that were perforated during the procedure would not be sutured, since they would slide back into normal position once the bird was standing. Once the surgeon finished, the bird was usually wrapped up in a towel to sleep off the anesthetic agent. With gas, the bird would usually wake up faster than if had been given injectable anesthetic.

Anesthesia

When I began doing surgery on birds, the best inhalation anesthetic available was halothane. This gas was being used on humans, and was quickly adopted for use in small animals and birds. One of the biggest advances in avian surgery was the introduction of isoflurane. This gas, while very expensive when compared with halothane, was much safer for birds. With both injectable anesthetics (most often ketamine, combined with other drugs, such as Valium or xylazine) and halothane, there was always the very real risk of anesthetic death, usually from an idiosyncratic reaction to a drug, heart problems, respiratory depression or an inadvertent overdose. Problems with halothane included depression of the cardiac and respiratory systems, potential liver damage and heart contraction rhythm problems. Isoflurane (which, like halothane, comes in a liquid) is carefully poured into a precise machine called a vaporizer that controls the amount gas emitted with a dial. The vaporizer is connected to an oxygen source. The gas is delivered through a tube that is connected to a facemask or endotracheal tube (which is placed in the bird's windpipe or air sac).

Isoflurane is the preferred inhalation anesthetic agent for birds. It offers very rapid induction of anesthesia and rapid recovery, and it causes less depression of cardiac output than other agents, it causes fewer problems with heart rhythm problems and it is less toxic to the liver than halothane. A newer gas anesthetic agent, called sevoflurane (Ultane^TM, Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Illinois), may eventually supercede isoflurane as the gas anesthetic agent of choice for avian anesthesia. While isoflurane already offers rapid induction and recovery, and precise adjustment of anesthetic depth during surgery, sevoflurane offers even more rapid recovery after prolonged surgery. However, an avian surgeon must purchase a new, specially calibrated vaporizer in order to begin utilizing sevoflurane.

When some people think about gas anesthetic agents, they think about those used a long time ago, and often glamorized in old movies, agents like chloroform or ether. Ether is very volatile and flammable, and a spark in the surgical suite could result in serious fire! It was very difficult to control the amount of chloroform being administered, so as safer anesthetic agents were developed, drugs like ether and chloroform were no longer used.

In this day and age, there is no reason for an anesthetic agent to be delivered via cotton ball soaked in anesthesia. All of the commonly used gas anesthetic agents require a precise anesthetic vaporizer to safely and accurately deliver the correct anesthetic dose.

Anesthesia is not an all-or-none process. Anesthesia is provided to a bird to ensure that the bird will feel no pain during the procedure and to provide the degree of muscle relaxation necessary to perform the procedure, yet, the goal is to keep the bird at the lightest plane of anesthesia possible. For example, if the bird flinches when feathers are plucked from the surgical site, it is probably not deeply enough asleep for most surgical procedures. With all anesthetic agents, there is a range of depth, and if a bird is anesthetized too deeply, it may develop cardiac problems, and the centers in the brain for breathing may become depressed, resulting in cessation of breathing. This is why a bird must be closely monitored during anesthesia and surgery.

Air Sac Tubes

Since birds have air sacs, the respiratory system is different than that of any other type of animals that veterinarians encounter. Hopefully, prior to performing surgery on a bird, a vet will take additional training in avian medicine and surgery in order to become more proficient. There are many organizations that provide excellent continuing education in avian medicine. If a bird needs to have surgery performed on the beak, or in the mouth area, instead of placing the breathing tube into the windpipe (correctly called the trachea), a tube can be placed into an air sac through a hole made in the bird elsewhere on the body. The oxygen and anesthetic gas can then be administered through the air sac, keeping the beak and mouth free of tubes in order to safely perform surgery there! How cool is that?

An air sac tube can also be placed when a bird is having difficulty breathing due to an obstruction in the trachea or related areas. For example, if a seed is inhaled into the windpipe, it may prevent the air from passing in and out of the bird. If the owner can get the bird to an avian vet immediately, the vet can place an air sac tube, which will usually relieve the breathing difficulty like magic! Air sac tubes can also save a bird that has a fungal lesion in the upper portion of the respiratory tract that is partially preventing normal breathing, for example. Air sac tubes cannot be left in place permanently, but they are useful to aid breathing until the problem can be resolved.

Why Not Local Anesthesia?

A bird requiring surgery will usually receive general anesthesia. There are several reasons for this. Many local anesthetic agents, such as lidocaine (usually erroneously called novocaine by lay people) that can numb an area, are toxic at doses that provide numbness! Lidocaine must be precisely dosed, and even so, the dose necessary to provide local anesthesia is greater than the toxic dose, in most cases (in small birds). It can be used in tame, large birds, if necessary. Another problem with using a local anesthetic agent is because restraining a bird awake is often very stressful. Signs of overdose with lidocaine may include excitement initially, seizures, depression, respiratory arrest, cardiovascular collapse and death.

Before Your Bird Has Surgery

Usually prior to surgery (unless it is an emergency procedure), a bird will be given a complete physical examination, including accurate weighing with a gram scale. Often blood work will be performed, including a complete blood count and chemistry panel. Radiographs may be taken. Additional testing for specific diseases may be performed. Cultures may be taken. A gram's stain of the choanal slit and cloaca may be examined. A comprehensive fecal examination may be performed, as well. On occasion, ultrasound may also be utilized prior to surgery. If there is fluid in the coelom (body cavity), a tap, cytology, and culturing may be done.

While a bird is anesthetized, it will receive anesthetic monitoring, usually by a trained veterinary technician, supervised by the vet performing the surgery. Most birds will be intubated (a tube will be inserted into the trachea, or air sac, as we have just learned!) The tube is placed in the glottis, an opening at the base of the tongue. On occasion, especially for short procedures, just a mask will be used to deliver anesthesia.

Many vets now use sterile, clear drapes to cover the bird prior to surgery (available from Veterinary Specialty Products, Boca Raton, FL 33481, phone 561-362-7340), instead of the usual blue or green cloth drapes that we see used in human and dog and cat surgeries. The reason for this is to be better able to observe the bird during the procedure.

The heart rate and rhythm may be monitored with an ECG capable of registering high heart rates, and the monitor should have a freeze function for interpretation. An esophageal stethoscope may be slid into the esophagus of a bird, which is attached to a monitor and amplifier that allows the surgical team to listen to breathing sounds and the heart sounds. An ultrasonic Doppler flow apparatus may be attached to an area over the wing artery of a bird, allowing the surgeon to listen to an audible signal of arterial blood flow.

The bird will usually be placed on some sort of thermal support device. This might be a water mattress that contains warm water circulated by a special pump, or it might be something as simple as a heating pad (although heating pads, even set on low, are capable of causing burns if the bird is not carefully monitored). Special thermal support tables have been developed for use during surgery to keep small patients warm (also available from VSP). Some practices employ a remote-sensing constant readout thermometer that can be placed into the cloaca of a bird during surgery to monitor its body temperature.

The cardiovascular system should be supported during most invasive procedures. This is most often accomplished by placing a catheter in a vein or by placing a catheter into the center of a bone (this is called an intraosseous catheter). Both methods can be hooked up to a bag of intravenous fluids, so that fluid can be dripped into the bird's blood vessels, to replace any fluids lost and to keep the blood pressure up. Unfortunately, it is difficult to measure the blood pressure accurately, especially in very small birds, so this procedure is not usually performed.

While the surgeon will try to prevent blood loss by maintaining absolute hemostasis through meticulous surgery and through the use of specialized surgical equipment, excessive hemorrhage is often a cause of death in the rare case where blood loss cannot be controlled adequately. A blood transfusion may be lifesaving during and after surgery, in some cases. Small birds may benefit from the administration of some intravenous dextrose during surgery to prevent low blood sugar. While blood loss is always a concern during surgery, it is not true that small birds, such as the budgerigar, will die after the loss of one drop of blood! Just to give you an idea, a healthy cockatiel that weighs 100 grams can have 1 whole cc (milliliter) of blood drawn for testing, and a budgie weighing 35 grams can withstand having about .35 milliliters of blood drawn for testing. Ask your avian vet to demonstrate amounts to you sometime, and you'll feel a lot better about potential emergencies involving blood loss.

It is often difficult for the surgical team to effectively monitor the adequacy of ventilation (in essence, the amount of air going into and out of the bird's respiratory system). Blood gasses and the pH of the blood can be monitored, but this is usually performed only in university situations and in large facilities with the equipment to perform these specialized tests.

In spite of closely monitoring the bird during surgery, occasionally mishaps may occur. If a bird stops breathing, the team will usually turn off the gas anesthesia, and supply the bird with pure oxygen. The lungs and air sacs may be inflated by using a special bag to force air into the lungs. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may be performed, as well. If it not possible to place a tube into the windpipe of a very small bird, flapping the wings seems to provide movement of some air into and out of the bird, and may help blood return to the heart. This method can resuscitate some small birds. If the bird goes into full arrest, the same drugs (with the exception of the use of lidocaine in almost all cases, for reasons already discussed) that are used in humans and other species of animals can be used to attempt resuscitation.

Recovery

After surgery, any necessary bandaging will be performed. Once all procedures are completed, the bird should be kept in a warm, quiet area to recover. Most avian clinics possess an avian intensive care unit that provides warmth, humidity and has the capability to supply oxygen, as well. Often, at this time the bird may be given an injection of a pain medication to assist in pain control once it wakes up. Once the bird is beginning to awaken, the tube will be removed from the windpipe. The catheter supplying fluids may or may not be removed. Once the bird is standing, it may be a bit unsteady on its feet for a few minutes, then it will begin looking around, and perhaps preening its feathers. It may examine its incision, but in my experience, a bird rarely tries to remove sutures.

Specialized Surgical Equipment

Most avian vets have invested a considerable amount of time, money and energy into becoming avian veterinarians. In addition to requiring a vaporizer for isoflurane or sevoflurane, avian vets usually must purchase special equipment for surgery. Due to the small size of most avian patients (compared with dogs and cats), most vets have been trained to use very precise (and pricey!) instruments developed for use in ocular (eye) surgery. These instruments are quite delicate, and may often need to be replaced or refurbished.

Courses have been offered for years on microsurgical techniques, often taught by famous avian vets like Dr. Gregory Harrison, a pioneer in avian microsurgery. One thing that always made me smile about Dr. Harrison's surgery classes, was that one requirement for taking his course (usually offered first thing in the morning, no less), was that the veterinarians taking the class were not allowed to consume coffee or any substances containing caffeine prior to the lessons. The reason for that is because caffeine can make the hands jittery, which is completely unacceptable when working under a surgical microscope. (However, many of my esteemed colleagues also are very jittery without their morning java jolt!) There are courses that teach the use of the operating microscope, which you have probably seen one of the doctors use on the popular television show, Chicago Hope. When the surgeons on Chicago Hope are peering through an operating microscope, they are usually performing delicate neurosurgery on the brain and not doing delicate surgery on the oviduct of a budgie.

Many hospitals cannot afford an operating microscope, so many avian vets have purchased special magnification loupes in order to better visualize the surgical site. While not essential to perform avian surgery, some sort of magnification is very helpful. Another very useful item is a bright, focused light source to illuminate the surgical field.

We have already discussed clear surgical drapes, which are very helpful in monitoring a bird during surgery. Other specialized equipment, while useful for avian surgery, isn't required. For example, a radiosurgical unit is very helpful. It uses focused radiowaves to cut tissues or coagulate bleeding tissue very quickly and safely. The main purpose for using a radiosurgical unit is to prevent blood loss, and to reduce anesthetic and surgical time, both of which are extremely important during avian surgery. This is quite different than an electrocautery machine that, while able to control bleeding, causes quite a bit of tissue damage in the process, which does not occur when a radiosurgical unit is employed. The radiosurgical unit (the one most commonly used by avian vets is made by Ellman International Corporation) causes very little lateral issue damage (usually just a few cells worth!) Electrocautery units actually burn tissue which can retard healing, and should not be routinely used during avian surgery.

One of the most exciting advances in avian surgery is the availability of several new types of lasers. This equipment can also decrease surgical and anesthetic time, as well as preventing blood loss. Of course, avian vets would require advanced training in the use of this equipment, as well. One of the only limitations to using lasers in avian medicine in the high cost of purchasing or leasing a unit.

Most avian vets own some sort of endoscopy equipment. Way back, when surgical sexing was routinely performed, avian vets would sometimes utilize an otoscope, which is a hand-held device with a light source and a series of plastic cones of varying sizes, for performing surgical sexing. Otoscopes are designed to examine the ear canals of dogs and cats, and while they provided passable visualization of the insides of a bird, light and magnification were less than optimal. While surgical sexing is still occasionally performed, it has been largely replaced by other sexing methods, such as DNA blood sexing and chromosome analysis. However, endoscopy has developed into a very useful field to diagnose and treat many avian diseases.

Many different types of endoscopic equipment are now available to avian vets, and most, while designed initially for use in human medicine, have been adapted to avian medicine. This equipment now provides cool light, magnification, and excellent visibility of the internal organs of avian patients. Scopes are available in very small diameters, allowing an avian vet to perform endoscopy on even the smallest of avian patients. The light is transmitted from a light source through flexible glass fibers, and then to a telescope. The scope usually has an oblique end to it, which allows the avian vet to visualize a larger area inside the bird. Many modifications to endoscopic equipment have been made, and now it is possible to biopsy the liver, kidney or other internal organ with attachments to the telescope. Now, what the avian endoscopist sees, an owner can see, as well, if the scope is connected to a video monitor. This is also an excellent teaching tool for aspiring avian endoscopists. There are several excellent avian endoscopy courses offered all over the world, and they range from basic introductory courses to advanced techniques. Two very good friends of mine, Dr. Michael Murray and Dr. Michael Taylor, often teach wonderful endoscopy courses that are very useful to avian practitioners. They are not only excellent teachers, but they are very amusing entertainers!

If Your Bird Requires Surgery

If your avian veterinarian has recommended surgery for your bird, it is your duty to become an advocate for your bird prior to signing the consent forms. Of course, if it is an emergency that has brought you to the vet, there may be no time to research the situation, and you should allow the avian vet to proceed posthaste!

You have every right to question your avian vet prior to the surgical event. Some of the questions that you should ask are these:

What type of anesthetic agents do you routinely use to anesthetize birds?
Do you routinely intubate birds for surgery?
What do you use to keep a bird warm during surgery?
What type of monitoring equipment do you employ during surgery?
Will my bird receive fluids during the procedure?
Should I fast my bird prior to surgery? If so, for how long?
How many times have you performed this procedure?
What type of surgical equipment do you have for birds?
Do you routinely use pain medication after performing painful procedures?
Do you have an avian intensive care unit for surgical recovery?
Who monitors the birds after surgery?
Can my bird receive a blood transfusion, if necessary?
When might my bird go home after surgery?
Will there be sutures or surgical apparatus that needs to be removed after surgery?
Would it be in my bird's best interest to be referred?

Your avian vet should not feel threatened by your questions, and in most cases, should be proud to detail any advanced training he or she has had, and he or she should take the time to show you the avian surgical suite and equipment.

If your avian vet has limited experience, but is willing to try the procedure, and you are comfortable with this, using a local avian vet may be the best way to go. However, if there is a chance that the surgical procedure may be very complicated, it might be best to be referred to a university or Board Certified Avian Specialist. You and your avian vet will be best able to make this decision together.

If you feel that your bird would benefit from a second opinion, it is courteous to ask your current vet for a referral to a vet he or she respects, for a second opinion. In most cases, your vet will be happy to send along all of the pertinent information, radiographs, ultrasound results and lab work for the second opinion vet to review. If the second vet concurs with the first, you should return to the first vet for the procedure. If you want to seek a second opinion without first consulting your current vet, it is likely that your first vet will find out anyway, since a competent vet will prefer to examine all of the lab data and information in order to make an educated opinion, and so will need to contact the first vet anyway. This is different than being referred to another hospital that the first vet feels would best be able to handle the procedure.

Specific Surgeries

So, what are the most common surgeries performed today? By far, endoscopy to examine or biopsy an organ is commonly and routinely performed by many avian vets today. The crop may be biopsied by conventional surgery to try to diagnose Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD).

Hens with reproductive problems may also require surgery. If a hen is egg-bound and cannot pass a retained egg, she may require a cesarean section. It is possible to "spay" a hen to prevent excessive, life-threatening egg laying, or to remove a damaged oviduct. This is a different procedure than the one commonly performed on cats and dogs to prevent reproduction. In birds, a portion of the oviduct is removed to prevent egg laying, but the ovary is usually left in place, due to its location near a very large artery. On occasion, a hen may release an egg yolk into her body cavity instead of into the oviduct, and this may require surgery to drain accumulated liquids. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, performing a partial salpingectomy/hysterectomy (spay) is a safe procedure that can be very beneficial to a hen that lays excessive eggs. There is no problem in leaving the ovary in place, since it is the oviduct that adds the white, membranes and shell to the egg.

Fractures of a wing bone or leg bone may require surgery. In small birds, splinting may be all that is required to repair the injury, but in some cases, broken bones may need to be pinned or stabilized by the use of external fixators. Rarely, a limb or toe may require amputation, if it is very infected or has lost blood supply or nerve supply. On occasion, the jaw of a bird may be broken, and this can be surgically repaired.

Crop burns still occur today, unfortunately. These occur when an owner feeds formula that is too hot (usually heated in a microwave, which can create hot-spots in the food). Initially these cases should be managed medically, with appropriate antibiotics, antifungals, fluids and other support care, until all the burned tissue has died and created a scab (usually 5 to 10 days). If surgery is performed too soon, the wound is likely to break apart and re-open. Once a fistula (a hole created when the scab falls off) is obvious, it is time to perform surgery.

Surgery may be performed to remove a foreign body from the gastrointestinal tract of a bird. Many curious birds have plucked an earring right from the ear of their human, and swallowed it! Depending on the location of the earring, it may be retrieved using endoscopy or surgery. Rarely, a feeding tube may be swallowed when a bird is being hand-fed, and this needs to be retrieved.

Feather cysts may need to be surgically removed. These are most commonly found on canaries and parrotlets. As birds age, they may develop lumps and bumps, many of which are fatty tumors, called lipomas or xanthomas. These are usually easily removed surgically. Lipomas are most often seen on obese Amazons, budgies and Rose Breasted cockatoos. Occasionally, cancerous tumors can form, and these may require surgery, based on their location. Parrots with internal papillomas are more likely to develop cancer of the bile duct or pancreas.

Aspergillosis, a fungal infection, can cause granulomas (walled off lumpy masses) inside air sacs, and these are best surgically removed, if possible.

Beak surgeries are commonly performed to correct scissors beak, mandibular prognathism and injuries. In addition to the commonly utilized avian equipment, dental acrylics are usually employed in correction surgery.

Eye surgeries are often performed to remove abscesses. The sinuses may need to be surgically cleared of abscess material. Rarely, an eye may need to be enucleated (removed) for a variety of reasons. An endoscope can be used to examine the choanal slit, cloaca, ears or other areas.

Recently, some avian surgeons have been castrating (removing the testicles) of male cockatoos with chronic problems with prolapsing cloacas. This may help prevent future cloacal problems, and may help with severe behavioral problems associated with hormonal stimulation. Studies are ongoing in regards to the effectiveness of this treatment.

Papillomas, which are wart-like growths that can occur anywhere in the GI tract, can be surgically removed, if they are causing problems. However, these lesions may spontaneously resolve on their own, only to return at another time.

Some cockatoos, especially Moluccans, and other species of parrots, including the quaker parakeet, may mutilate their skin, especially over the keel and crop areas, requiring extensive surgery to correct the defects. Surgery may include sliding grafts, other types of plastic surgery or debridement, a technique to remove dead or infected tissue. Extensive bandaging may be necessary to encourage healing.

Of course, there are many other types of surgical procedures. These are just some of the more commonly performed surgeries. There are new advances and techniques being devised almost daily to save bird's lives and to improve the quality of their lives.

Before and After Surgery

If your bird is about to undergo surgery, I feel that it is very important that you maintain a positive attitude, especially around your bird. Birds are very sensitive creatures and they will pick up on your emotions if you are upset, unhappy or anxious.

If you have concerns about the upcoming surgery, it is important to discuss those issues with your avian vet and family. If you are worried about the financial aspects of the surgery, please discuss this with your avian vet beforehand. Avian surgery is often expensive, but keep in mind that avian vets usually have invested a tremendous amount of time and money in advanced training and specialized equipment.

Once surgery has been performed, see if your vet will allow visitation, should your bird need to be hospitalized for some time after the procedure. Make sure and bring your bird's favorite treats (double check with your vet prior to offering any food items, just in case). Most birds will recover much more quickly if allowed some time to visit with their favorite humans.

Collars to prevent a bird from picking at sutures may be necessary, or the bird may have a bandage. Some sutures will dissolve, others will need to be removed after surgery (usually 5-10 days). Bone pins may need to be surgically removed weeks after surgery and this may require another anesthetic. In some cases, tissue glue may have been used to close incisions, and this will not need to be removed by the vet.

Once you take your bird home following surgery, be sure that you understand all of your vet's instructions. In the excitement of picking up your buddy after surgery, it is easy to forget details concerning home care post-op. If medication must be administered, be sure that you are very clear about the dose, time intervals and drug storage. Not all avian meds need be refrigerated. It is probably best to minimize handling your bird, at least for the first few days after surgery. Make sure your bird is getting enough rest.

If your vet schedules rechecks, make sure that you go in for all follow up exams. This can be a critical part of your bird's care, so don't neglect those rechecks. Rarely, the surgery may not go as planned, and it may be necessary to have a second surgery. In some cases, a tumor may recur after successful surgery. Lipomas may pop up in the same location as the one removed, or they may occur in other areas. In addition to surgery, dietary modification may help prevent lipomas from developing.

The Future of Avian Surgery

As avian medicine advances, we will be better able to care for pet and aviary birds. While many avian vets in practice are developing new and better ways to perform surgery, we must remember that many advances are developed or improved upon in veterinary colleges and universities. All of this takes money, so if you are a member of a bird club or other avian organization, consider working to generate funds that can be donated to invaluable avian research. All contributions can help develop a new technique that just might someday save your bird's life!

Avian surgery, while often a frightening thought to a bird owner, can be very safe and it may offer your pet a new lease on life. Become an educated owner, and you'll have less to fear should your bird require surgery, for we fear what we do not understand!

Chili your so content!

2012-01-12T12:46:00.000-08:00

2012-01-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Birds and long toe nails! Vet's hate them! I know! My vets call them talon's! I just read a post on Facebook of a fellow bird lover that was using a dremmel today to trim toe nails. I have one! But I don't use it. I would like to mention since I share so many pictures of my birds that I do keep there toe nails long. Basically just take tips off because they are sharp. Being I have aviary birds and use them nails to help grip perches when they fly to them I keep them long. I do believe nature intended for them to be that way. Now when you look at my pictures and see them "long nails" you might think about it differently.

Desi joins his pal's in the big aviary! aviary

2012-01-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

What's "UP" Phil?

2012-01-10T09:21:00.001-08:00

2012-01-10T09:13:00.001-08:00

Phil

2012-01-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everybirdie! My name is Phil! Barb got me back in 2007 from the birdfarm in horrible condition. Mutilated wings, no tail. She took time to train me with small approximations learning flight and recall training.She has shared somewhere on this blog my story. Recently though got alot of pictures while training that we haven't seen since 2007. Lost in files from a few years ago. Soon she will be sharing them!

Right now she wants to share these pictures that were in 2009 and are much like today! 2012! We say that because the above picture is what I, Phil do every morning! Barb was going through pictures and video in her notebook and thought these look like a typical day for me! First of all Barb opens of the birdroom door in morning. Of course I am free in there with my Bud George! If I want to join Barb in kitchen I have to do it myself. So I do! Actually I fly this hallway and make right turn into birdroom many times just for the fun of it! Earning treats before breakfast by coming to Barbs hand when asked. Sometimes that is directly from the birdroom. Barb loves that! I so like it when she is happy!

She fixes breakfast and I have to fly back to birdroom in order to get my breakfast! No problem, I like it! Sometimes Ronnie galah and I race from the kitchen down hallway to birdroom to get our breakfast!

We have trained and ate our breakfast. Full and happy! Barb says you can go out and play with the other birds out in the aviary now. Take a bath in the sun with your buds! Fly, forage, play! That's what we do all day! Dusk is coming around and time to come in. So hungry for that wonderful dinner Barb makes I think I better land on the hand and get in carrier to go inside. And do! In my birdroom with my pal's Daphne, George, Ronnie!

Today is a new day and Barb is just about done typing this for you all to see a small portion of my life! It's 7:30 a.m. and time to open up the birdroom door for me! Hang out with Barb and the other birds!

Happy 2012!

While learning flight!

2011-12-29T08:30:00.000-08:00

Tofu enjoys the aviary!

2011-12-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

Day of the dead galah from Zazzle.com

2011-10-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Day of the dead galah from Zazzle.com

The boys bathing in there smaller aviary

2011-10-27T07:02:00.001-07:00

MVI_8729, originally uploaded by Bebopbarbi1.

Every morning the boys fly in aviary having fun!

2011-10-10T10:04:00.001-07:00

Peaches a few years ago!

2011-10-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Phil taking a bath loves to make noises and laughs it feels so good!

2011-10-06T06:56:00.001-07:00

Phil taking a bath loves to make noises and laughs it feels so good!, originally uploaded by Bebopbarbi1.

Fred delivers Pepsi!

2011-08-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

My girls Daphne ducorps, Ronnie galah, and Peaches moluccan in big aviary

2011-08-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

2011-08-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

2011-08-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

2011-08-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

My sweet girl Daphne ducorps flying in the aviary. Isn't she beautiful!

I have so much to share with Daphne the past few months. But haven't. I will share briefly that her flight and recall training paid off when she got out twos day and one night out. It will be shared soon about everything we did and got her back. How she flew the skies, me watching and playing with the wind in front of me for several hours. At dusk she then knew to come home the second day. Soon! With pictures! As you all know I am a true believer in training your birds flight and recall training.

Daphne has also been trained lots of tricks, targeting also of course with positive training. Everyday she does something crazy I want to share.

Today I thought I would share how she loves the bathrooms! In different ways she responds to me calling her, or just plain wants to play! One way is after I feed all the birds I usually go to take my shower in my bedroom. Most the time in house she is in kitchen, family room with me. All I have to do is be in hallway and say "shower!". Walk into my bedroom at other end of house and she is there ready to go into shower with me. Not to take a shower, but hang out while I do. Obviously that is her treat to come to shower with me, because she gets no treat.

We have also created a fun game for her to go into other bathroom so much she flies in there constantly to shower curtain to play. It's the mirror! When I walk in there she will fly to my head hoping that I will put her close enough to mirror to play with herself! Attack it! She won't do it unless I am right next to it. Such fun she will do over and over again everytime we go to that bathroom! No treat....If I don't want her to fly to bathroom without me I just close door. It's a riot watching her fly and do a 360!

She knows how to fly!!!!!

Desi took a bath with Phil and George in big aviary

2011-04-02T10:47:00.001-07:00

IMG_1086_edited-1, originally uploaded by Bebopbarbi1.

I have a series of photos of all my green guys bathing in big aviary!

Untitled

2011-04-02T10:36:00.001-07:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Bebopbarbi1.

The boys flying during a beautiful sunset!

2011-02-26T09:04:00.000-08:00

We all know how I love my birds, pictures and video's! I am not much a writer. Takes to much time and I just don't have it! I am always trying to learn the settings on my camera's for light and movement (flying). I have two new programs for sharing videos that I am trying to learn. Photoshop elements and Lightroom 2 I work together alot and see tutorials each day or go to professional photographers websites to see what they do. I get great ideas! Today silhouettes!

I only have so much time in morning and after birds go to bed. I try to read about a 100 emails a day from groups. Converse and share with my friends on Facebook too. I am always just doing what my heart tells me at the moment to share. Or God. I feel I have a purpose here and that is sharing what I do. No matter how crazy I look! If one person see's what beauty I see each day and look at what I am doing and change the life of a bird and it's future then I have done my purpose! Tofu told me to write this :0). He said if he only had been raised differently then maybe? But that is a really deep subject! So back to fun and photo's! Why I don't like to write so much and enjoy sharing my pictures!

We have been having some pretty cool sunsets here and I have been taking alot of photos at beach, my backyard and some of the boys! I just couldn't get color in them and then thought "why?". I like the silhouettes that I have seen. So instead I you are going to see just "silhouettes" of the boys in aviary with a beautiful sunset behind them flying to me of course! Hope you enjoy!

George look at those feet!

2011-02-17T07:23:00.001-08:00

_-172, originally uploaded by Bebopbarbi1.

George has been doing lots of flying these days in house and aviary. I try and get photos. As am trying to learn how to take best pictures in the horrible lighting of the aviary without using sheets or flash in middle of afternoon. This picture was very dark.

Now "testing" flickr when sending photos to my blog. I can send four at a time using picasa. Looks like one so far with flickr. So here he goes flying to my blog! See you there!

George and me with the boys enjoying the view!

2011-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Playing with LR and PS this morning I found a older photo of me and George (2009) when the poor guy was tailess because of Phil :(. He never did get to learn to fly properly because of it. He now is flying these days and were working together again! Anyhow the background was my wall to my house. Ech! So I grabbed the boys and Wow I learned a new way of playing with my photos! Fun morning! Now to feed the critters and put out for the day!

The boys love the 10ft eucalyptus in aviary!

2011-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

Lajolla 2008!

2011-02-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

Tofu and Fred go to the aviary!

2011-02-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

I have alot of photos of this day with Tofu and Fred and will be adding more as they get processed with PS and LR. Never no what I will learn next! Today's photos!

The Rake!

2011-02-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

The boys bathing!

2011-01-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

Eclectus LOVE them Palm Nuts!

2010-12-29T07:56:00.000-08:00

A day in the aviary!

2010-12-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

George, Phil, Ronnie and Daphne miss the big aviary!

2010-12-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

To be home and have the birds out in the big aviary! I have been on the move lately with alot of family matters. It is hard for me to be gone one day as the cleaning and chores get put off till I can get to them. For several days I had to rush to get on road. They get their time out flying, playing, and me cleaning but very quickly compared to what they are use too. Finally yesterday I got to put George, Phil, Ronnie and Daphne into big aviary for the whole day! It's not easy moving around alot of birds and getting them back in. Have to have a full day! Included in this time is of course recall training. And bathing!

George and Phil LOVE being outside!
How I know is they get quite verbal and fly! George has been flying in aviary! Not anything like the other birds. He NEEDS to work on his landings from a distance. We took out alot of the middle perches a few months ago so birds can just perch at either end and middle open for the crazy fliers that like to fly fast! Of course that is the galahs! Daphne too! Daphne flies probably the fastest when she gets going! Phil flies but never glides. Always flapping his wings. My point is they need their flying time to get better at their skills. Which lately has not been as much as I like to give them. So yesterday these
four really had a great day!
Although they miss the big aviary it's not like they are caged up while I am gone. Charlie is great about helping me out! Some birds he can take to big aviary and they do go! The boys Gus, Gilly and Gabe get it morning and dusk. While Chili gets it all day! Such willing birds to get into their carriers and move for Charlie it is a pleasure for him! But Charlie is not me and doesn't do near the moving around of birds that I do while here. I move the moluccans Tofu and Peaches onto birdgym for the day. Then I can share their aviaries with the other birds depending upon WHO is going to go in big aviary for the day. I have repeatedly said some of my birds don't get along well with eachother. So like today I make a decision based on friendships and how long I have. Today I have another whole day! The moluccan's are already out on birdgym. In a minute I will pack up boys and they will get aviary. Now who will get it after the boys today? To be continued!

Gus, Gilly, and Gabe bathing!

2010-11-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

2010-10-08T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Top Ten Bird Killers

2010-10-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Top Ten Bird Killers
Although we all like to think that we always have our bird's best interests at heart, it is impossible to foresee every single household danger that our avian friends can get into. But it is wise to be aware of the most common dangers to our pet birds, so that we can avoid those situations. And, of course, it is an excellent idea to have a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand at all times, in the event that a mishap does occur. Be sure to discuss emergency plans with your avian vet and have a list of emergency phone numbers available.
Many birds die before their time as a result of mistakes made by their owners, either unintentionally or through ignorance. Learn about the top ten reasons birds die, and just perhaps, this information may save some birds' lives.
1. Water
Deprivation of water can also have fatal results. The most common reason for this happening is due to a water bottle malfunctioning. If the delivery tube's ball sticks, or if a bird stuffs an object into the tube, effectively blocking it, a bird will be deprived of water. If an owner doesn't check that all water bottles are working every day, or if it is not noticed that the water level in the bottle is not going down, it may be days before an owner recognizes a problem. Rarely, the unthinkable happens and a bird's water bowl may go unfilled for days, or the bird may empty the bowl, which goes unnoticed, resulting in fatal dehydration. Most birds will die if water is withheld for three days, unless lots of moisture-laden foods are fed.
I recently treated a peach-faced lovebird that was severely dehydrated due to a malfunctioning water bottle. The owner had changed the water two days previously, and hadn't noticed a problem until she saw her lovebird wobbling on the perch, eyes closed. She rushed him to my practice, when she had discovered that the water bottle wasn't working, and with treatment and good support care, he survived. I have also dealt with several aviaries that used a water delivery system, and one or a series of waterers malfunctioned or were turned off, resulting in the death of birds. Water, whether in a bottle or bowl, should be checked daily.
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2. Unclipped Wings
If a bird is to be allowed freedom outside of its cage, its wings should be properly clipped. This means that it can glide gracefully to the ground. If the wings are not clipped correctly, or if several primary wing feathers have grown back unbeknownst to the owner, an alarmed bird may end up flying erratically around the house, or worse, launching itself to the top of a tree! Some avian vets actually have a name for birds that have had run-ins with ceiling fans (shredded tweet!) If a bird is frightened, it may mistake a window or mirror for open spaces, and end up with a concussion. Contrary to popular belief, birds RARELY break their necks with such an injury. In all my years of practice, I have only seen two birds with compression fractures in neck vertebrae as a result of flying into an object. They can, and do, however, develop concussions, bleeding inside the brain, fractures, lacerations, ruptured air sacs and other serious, potentially deadly injuries, however.
I can't tell you the number of times that a client has told me that their bird, although flighted, never flies, yet they are calling to inform me that it has just flown away! The perils outdoors are too numerous to list.
Birds indoors have flown into pots of boiling water, open commodes, windows, mirrors, fondue pots and an active fireplace, to name just a few of the household hazards that I have seen.
3. Toxic Fumes
Non-stick cookware and other household items possessing a non-stick surface made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can be toxic to birds. If overheated (temperatures over 530 degrees F), the gas released is extremely dangerous to birds and can result in death. However, even with normal usage, some fumes may also be released, so non-stick cookware, drip pans, irons, ironing board covers and heat-lamps with a PTFE coating should not be used around birds.
Passive inhalation of cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke can cause chronic eye problems, skin irritation and respiratory disease. Birds that live in homes with smokes may develop coughing, sneezing, sinusitis and conjunctivitis, which may resolve spontaneously, if the bird is moved to a location free of smoke. Some birds exposed to chronic second-hand smoke will develop secondary bacterial infections, as well, which can prove fatal.
Many common disinfectants and household cleaning agents release fumes that can be toxic or fatal to birds. Chlorine bleach, phenols and ammonia can all have dangerous vapors that can cause irritation, toxicosis and even death.
Common household aerosol products, such as perfume, deodorant and hairspray, can cause respiratory problems in birds. They may cause severe inflammation and difficulty breathing, and after large or direct exposure, death can occur. Any pump spray or aerosol using a propellant can be dangerous to birds, and these should not be used around birds.
Natural gas leaks can cause sudden death in birds. Any type of heater, used improperly or with inadequate ventilation can be deadly to birds. Carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas, can also be fatal to birds. Anyone with pet birds should have a working carbon monoxide monitoring device in the home, preferably in the room where the birds are kept. Second-hand smoke from marijuana can also cause severe depression and regurgitation. Burning foods, overheated cooking oils and smoke from a fire can cause fatal inhalations.
4. Trauma
A bird with properly clipped wings may develop the "cute" habit of climbing down off of its cage to seek out favorite family members. A bird walking on the floor, especially a small one, may be easily injured by people who don't see it. Little Bad Boy, a green female budgerigar patient of mine, was one of the lucky ones; she survived being stepped on by her owner. She did suffer a broken pelvis and internal injuries that resulted in her requiring surgery. Another client with a beloved pet Quaker parakeet is still grieving over his death; her little bird was accidentally closed in a sliding glass door, and he died instantly. He was following his owner out the door when she slid the door shut behind her, not knowing that he was right behind her.
I have dealt with the deaths of many birds that had been stepped on, closed in doors, vacuumed up and one even was squashed when it was playing under a bandana on a desk! The owner (a student) had come home and tossed her textbooks onto her desk, instantly killing her parrotlet. Birds have been squished by recliners and fold-out beds and have also been killed by owners sitting on them when they have crawled under cushions. Little birds have been killed by computer printers, after climbing into the cartridge area. Larger birds have been electrocuted by chewing through electric cords. One sun conure that was playing in a pile of clothing in the laundry basket was drowned when its owner dumped the clothes into the washing machine, closed the lid, and "washed" the bird with the dirty clothes. An Amazon parrot that is a patient of mine climbed into the open dryer and the unsuspecting owner closed the door and turned on the dryer. Fortunately, the dryer was only set on "fluff" and the bird was only briefly tumbled when the owner realized what had happened. If the heat had been on, the bird might have died or suffered serious injury. Birds have also hopped off owners' shoulders and into open refrigerators and freezers.
5. Other Animals
Birds should never be left unsupervised outside of the cage, especially if other animals, including other birds, share the same house. Even if a pet dog or cat has acted completely trustworthy around a pet bird, it should not be trusted. Many birds have died as a result of another housepet either "playing" too exuberantly with a bird, or from the pet biting or stepping on the pet bird.
For example, a client of mine had recently purchased a young military macaw, Kelly. Their medium-sized dog had been introduced to the new baby, and it had reacted with interest, trying to lick and sniff the bird. They hadn't even owned Kelly for one week when, left unattended for just a moment to answer the phone, the dog bit through the bird's beak, causing severe bleeding and injury to the still soft beak. Luckily, Kelly survived the bite, and with time, the beak has regrown and now appears quite normal, but the owners spent many anguished hours, not to mention a lot of money, working with me to keep the beak tissue infection-free, as it healed.
Birds may also injure each other. Lovebirds are notorious for nipping the toes of birds housed in neighboring cages. Toes are the most commonly injured body part, and bleeding may be serious, and even fatal. Especially with the onset of puberty, birds that previously got along together, may begin fighting, with fatal results.
Any animal bite should be considered extremely serious, possibly life-threatening. The bacteria found in the saliva and the mouth of a mammal can cause fatal septicemia (infection in the bloodstream) of a bird in very short order. Cat bites should be considered the most dangerous, as the Pasteurella bacteria commonly found in the feline mouth, are extremely hazardous to birds. Even a simple puncture by a tooth can result in a fatal infection. Scratches from claws are also extremely dangerous, as the risk of infection is very real.
6. Toxic Food or Plants
There are several foods that are very toxic to birds. Chocolate is digested in a different way by birds, and the metabolite, theobromide, is very toxic to them. Baker's chocolate and dark chocolate are the most toxic, and milk chocolate, although less toxic, is still a forbidden food for birds. Caffeine is also metabolized differently in birds, which also results in toxic compounds. There is some data that indicates that some varieties of avocado are toxic to birds, with perhaps the skin and pit being the most dangerous parts. Although unlikely to kill a bird, to be on the safe side, avocado should not be fed to birds. Onions can cause a fatal hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats, but since birds' red blood cells have a nucleus, this may protect the cells from the severe injury that occurs in other species. However, until this topic is studied, it is best to not feed onions to birds.
Some houseplants can be toxic, even fatal, to birds. Lists of potentially toxic plants have been published often in Bird Talk. Outdoor plants can also kill birds. I had a client with a pet cockatiel that died as a result of oleander toxicosis. Oleander is a beautiful flowering plant often used for landscaping in Florida where I live. Most Floridians can recognize this dangerous plant, however, newcomers to the Sunshine State may not know about it. This client, new to Florida, had placed some oleander branches in her cockatiel's cage, so that he could chew on the leaves and bark. When she next checked on her pet, he was already dead! It is very important that owners be able to identify dangerous plants that may be found in their bird's environment.
7. Hand-Feeding Mistakes
There is no doubt in my mind that many a baby bird has expired as a result of hand-feeding mishaps. Unweaned baby birds should not be sold or given to inexperienced hand-feeders for this reason. It is not necessary for a baby bird to be hand-fed by the family purchasing it in order for it to become "bonded" to them. Budgies are routinely tamed down as pets once they have fledged by the parents, and this can also occur with larger birds fed-out by the parents. Baby birds can also be hand-fed by the aviculturist, and be visited by the new owners to allow the babies to become accustomed to their new families. Weaned birds can be sold to owners, and they will settle in with their new families in no time. So, there is no reason for a baby to be fed by an inexperienced owner.
There are many different things that can go wrong during the hand-rearing process, including feeding formula improperly (mixed incorrectly, stored incorrectly, fed at wrong temperature), delivering the food improperly (dirty utensils, forcing food into the baby resulting in aspiration pneumonia, injuring the mouth or crop with feeding equipment), poor husbandry techniques (keeping the baby at the incorrect temperature, not practicing good hygiene, indiscriminate use of antibiotics), just to mention just a few potential problems.
Most commonly, babies are kept at the incorrect temperature, or the food is fed at too low of a temperature, resulting in a slowed down gastrointestinal tract, which can be fatal, if not corrected in time. If the baby is forced to eat, it may struggle and end up inhaling the baby formula, resulting in aspiration pneumonia. If a large amount of food is inhaled, the baby will die immediately, but if a small amount of food ends up in the respiratory tract, the aspiration pneumonia may result in the baby suffering for days, trying desperately to breathe, before it dies.
Infection is common in hand-feeding babies that are not cared for properly. Bacterial infection, fungal infection and polyoma virus infection are the most common infectious diseases in baby birds, and all can prove fatal.
Hand-feeding is best left up to those with experience.
8. Owner-Caused Diseases
Although it is fun to take baby birds to bird shows, swap meets and club meetings, it is very dangerous for the babies. Infections can spread to baby birds, even through the air, even if the owner is diligent about not allowing any direct contact with the babies. Many diseases can prove fatal to babies, especially polyoma virus. Adult birds are also at risk from exposure to other birds from the same sources, as well as from trips to the pet store, as well. Having parties where owners bring their birds can also spread disease. Unfortunately, a bird can carry a disease, and be able to pass it to others without appearing ill. Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), chlamydiosis (psittacosis), Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) and pacheco's disease may all be spread by birds that MAY appear healthy in physical appearance. Giardia, a one-celled protozoal organism, can be spread by a bird ingesting food or water contaminated by the droppings of an infested bird. Remember that we don't even have tests for some of the diseases that birds can have! Deliberately exposing birds to other birds, even if they have been vet checked, is dangerous and should be avoided, or kept to an absolute minimum.
Many bird owners make a common mistake when adding a new pet to the family. Regardless of the origin of the bird, and any testing run on the new bird, it should be quarantined for at least one month, preferably two, before it is introduced into the home. There is very sound logic for this. If the bird is harboring an infectious agent, the stress of moving the bird to a new home may precipitate it breaking with signs of clinical illness. Not every person can afford to test a new bird for everything we have diagnostic lab exams for, so quarantine can often protect the family's established pet birds from the risk of disease. And conversely, a pet bird may have a sub-clinical infection that it could pass to the new bird, so quarantine also protects the newly acquired bird.
A client of mine had two pet birds, a cockatiel and a quaker. They bought a cherry-headed conure from a pet store, and noticed after about a month that it wasn't acting well. They had put the new bird in their bird room with their other two birds immediately upon bringing it home. The little conure tested positive for chlamydiosis, and because they did not quarantine the new bird, I ended up treating all three birds with injections (once a week) for almost two months. Follow-up testing showed that all three birds seemed over the infection. Then about four months later, they called me because the quaker wasn't acting well. When I inspected their bird room, there was a new green budgie in there! They told me that they had caught the budgie when it landed on the husband's shoulder outside their home. Instead of quarantining him, they once again put the new bird into the same room as their pets. I tested the budgie, and the tests showed that the budgie was shedding the chlamydial organism, as was the quaker! So, all the birds had to undergo treatment for chlamydiosis once again! Although none of the birds died, they had been quite ill. Testing and quarantining might have prevented this.
Owners must understand that it is dangerous for pet birds to have direct contact with their owner's mouths. We carry bacteria and fungi that can cause serious infection, or even death, in our birds. Birds should never be kissed with an open mouth, nor should birds be allowed any contact with the owner's teeth, tongue, lips or saliva.
9. Heat Exposure
Exotic birds, while from warm, tropical climates, cannot tolerate excessive heat. Children, dogs, cats, other pets and birds should never be left in a car during warmer weather, even with the windows partially lowered. Temperatures inside a car can rapidly reach lethal levels.
Heat can also kill birds in a more insidious way. An owner may place a cage outdoors in the shade in the morning, for fresh air, and as the sun slides across the sky during the day, the bird may end up in the direct sun by the afternoon. With no place to escape the sun, a bird may rapidly develop hyperthermia and die. An overheated bird will begin panting, and with panting, will also begin getting dehydrated. Most birds suffering from hyperthermia will try to get out of the sun, and may try to bathe to cool off, if possible. If the bird's body temperature rises high enough, it will seizure and die. Hyperthermia can also occur if a bird's cage is relocated by a window, with no shade to escape the sun. Hyperthermia can also occur in baby birds, if a brooder is set at too high of a temperature, or if the brooder malfunctions.
10. Sleeping With Birds
Birds should sleep in their cages. Birds that are allowed to sleep in bed with their owners are at serious risk for suffocation or life-threatening trauma. Even though an owner has slept with the pet bird for a while, there is always the chance that the bird will get lodged between the waterbed and frame, smothered under a pillow, or be rolled over on during sound sleep. It has happened all too often to allow such a risk. Although it is fun to read or watch television in bed or on the sofa with a pet bird, if there is a chance that you might doze off, it is time to return the bird to its cage.
Although we cannot foresee every possible accident or problem that can occur with our pet birds, by knowing the top ten bird killers, you can avoid the most common dangers.
Copyright © 2006 Margaret A. Wissman, D.V.M., D.A.B.V.P.All Rights ReservedExoticPetVet.netwww.exoticpetvet.net

Pinks in flight all at once!

2010-09-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Gus, Gilly, and "Goofy" Gabe! It's really not easy catching them all in flight together in aviary LOL!

aviary flighted

2010-09-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

Blueprints of the aviaries

2010-09-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

Just alittle reminder for those who are waiting on me. I have been working on sharing my aviaries and the blueprints. I have not forgotten, just been busy with other personal matters. Thanks!

Desi, Lucy and I had fun today!

2010-08-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

So we step out of his home/aviary and leave Lucy to walk down the long double door entry to get into big aviary! It's going to be a adventure for him!

That is CD galah greeting Desi. She just loves to squack, put up her crest and flair her tail meeting me or Desi. And if you listen she will be "purring" too.

Now in the big aviary is Chili! Chili always shows off being mean to other birds....and these days maybe could be. Don't know he doesn't get to be with other birds. He is alone in aviary ;). You can see Desi lean as in "hmmmmm don't know about this one?"

Chili is using his scare tactics on Desi that he tries on all birds and the dogs and cats! Desi doesn't look to worried LOL! Guess he knows there is wire between them?

Desi this one should work? You look like your smiling Desi. "Neaner, neaner!"

We made it to the big aviary!

The first thing Desi does is jump up on the bird hanger when I am calling him. I think he needed to explore it? He played up there for awhile before he finally came down. I really need to pursue sharing these with the bird comunity! The birds love them!

I wanted to see if Desi would listen and come to recall in a not so familar place. He did!

Enjoyed Susan Friedman and others!

2010-08-06T04:09:00.000-07:00

Sue Bendheim and Susan Friedman

Hillary Hankey and Adrianne Mock

Gretchen and Susan Hillard

Hillary Hankey and ? and Adrianne Mock

A boarding place in San Diego called "Freeflight"

I think I'll start a admission here because mine is better!

I have her LLP course and writings. I got a invitation recently and now get to meet and hear Susan Friedman!

It's been a few days since I went to San Diego to see and listen to Susan Friedman. Let me tell you the story. Conclusion I went! Sue Bendheim wrote me a message July 22, 2010 in my Facebook email wanting us to go together. I immediately responded with a "Yes!" A invitation is sent out to select people from San Diego Bird Breeders and I am one! I also accepted "attending". A few good friends are going to be there too and people I want to meet! Adrianne Mock and Hillary Hankey which I met a few years earlier and really like! I can meet Gretchen president of the San Diego Bird Breeders and so many more!

Invitation

SAN DIEGO BIRD BREEDERS IS EXTREMELY PROUD TO PRESENT... DR. SUSAN FRIEDMAN ON MONDAY, AUGUST 2 AT 6:00 PM!!! EVENT IS FREE! Since this promises to be a very big show with limited seating, all interested in attending must R.S.V.P. to reserve their seating through my e-mail at; gretchenhauser@gmail.com. DR. SUSAN FRIEDMAN will be speaking on her current work relating to parrot behavior called;..."PARROT-DO-TELL"DR. FRIEDMAN will discuss the six core principles of effective and humane behavior management: Power, Approximations, Reinforcement, Repetition, Observable Behavior, and Teaching Opportunities. These principles are relevant to working with all species of animals; and understanding each principle and arranging the environment to reflect them, affords animals the best possible chance of achieving behavioral health and sustaining lifelong relationships with their caregivers. Audience questions and participation will be absolutely encouraged throughout the lecture.I hope you can join us for this INCREDIBLE educational event!

So as days go on I really am worried about driving to San Diego and leaving the birds late afternoon till midnight. I also have Mondays that I go to Huntington Beach to make sure my Dad is allright after dyalysis. He is so weak these days my Mom cannot at 95 pounds do much of anything if he should fall again. He has fallen and recently in hallway right on his head. He refused help from neighbors and told Mom he will crawl back in room to bed. And he did! With this going on I just didn't feel good leaving to SD and not seeing how my parents were.

August 2nd I made the decision to go to Dad and Mom's and then maybe go to SD. I have a hour drive to Huntington Beach from Riverside Ca to see them and then another 2 hours to San Diego IF I should go. I arrive and Dad is weak. His eyes rolling back and falling to sleep while in chair in kitchen. His blood pressure looking good though. Mom and I talk of me going and conclusion is he is normal and he is far better then he has been. Figure he'll eat and sleep as usual. So I get ready and call Sue Bendheim and say "Let's go!" In meantime Mom gives my Dad a very small vitamin. She finally got him to put in mouth. Then he started coughing, choking, not breathing!!!!!!!! She runs behind his chair and tries to do himac. No can do! I did and he coughed and spit up that vitamin. He was not very happy with me. I didn't care! He was alive! Oh my do I leave in the next few minutes? Traffic is getting worse as late afternoon is approaching. After watching Dad and talking to Mom I decided to go! My nerves are really getting worked.

Now to meet Sue at South Coast Plaza at the parking lot by Bloomingdales off 405 freeway. Do I know where I am going? :). Sort of....with great directions I finally meet Sue in person for the first time! We are taking her car. A Chevy Tahoe! I wouldn't get in anything smaller and made it clear with Sue I have a phobia of little cars, fast lanes, and anybody else driving. Think my nerves are getting tested? I climb in car and were on our way. I must really want to see and hear Susan Friedman! It was a wonderful drive considering what I was afraid of. The time went by talking and laughing with Sue all the way!

We stopped by "Freeflight" on way and closed :(.

I am sure by now you would love to hear what Susan Friedman talked about :). She had handed out fliers and I just am going to share them by scanning. She did a wonderful presentation and I really enjoyed! You can enjoy these!

Hope you enjoyed!

2010-07-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

My day consist of moving birds around from one place to another. If Peaches and Tofu aren't using there aviaries then another bird or birds do! I just don't have enough aviaries for each bird. You see they don't all get along! Charlie built these cages for me and the boys. They worked so well when camping. Large and light! The boys each have there own and they are there sleeping cages. They get the big aviary twice a day, morning and dusk! In between that time there in a 6' flight all day together. Playing! Hauled just like this and then home all side by side. Then night, night!

HELP prevent parrot relinquishment... and win!

2010-06-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

From: Susan Clubb DVM
Dear Avian Enthusiast I am writing to you again on behalf of the Kaytee Avian Foundation (KAF). We are excited about the KAF Parrot Relinquishment Study (KPRS), a project of the Kaytee Avian Foundation. We appreciate your taking the time to take part and hope you will encourage others to do so as well.Our primary goal is to understand why companion parrots are relinquished and what we might be able to do to help these birds remain in their homes. Hopefully this information will help us to improve the quality of life and life expectancies of companion parrots and to enhance the bond between them and their caregivers.There is a widespread perception that the problem of parrot relinquishment is escalating. However without definitive data we cannot establish and document such a trend. All respondents will be provided a report on these findings and the results will be published and available to all interested parties.It will be very helpful to have your records available prior to starting the survey. These would include the numbers and species of parrots taken in by your organization within the last 12 months, the numbers and types rehomed, adopted or placed within the last 12 months and the numbers and types currently in your possession. Another part of the survey that is very important is the reasons for relinquishment. We are hoping to establish this information for each type of parrot as the reasons appear to differ greatly by group or species.
Due to the intensity of the survey and time commitment it requires you may start and save your entries at any point and return to it for completion.We encourage you to share (cross post) this survey with any appropriate entity whether it is a parrot welfare organization, rescue, sanctuary, rehabilitation, adoption/rehoming organization, foster home, or mainstream animal shelter. We also want to reach out to and include breeders, zoos, veterinarians and other concerned individuals who take in, or are asked to provide care for relinquished parrots.Upon submission of your survey your organization or the organization you are affiliated with will be entered in a sweepstakes in which 20 winners will receive Kaytee products, a $1500 retail value. Be sure to include your e-mail address and contact information for entry into the sweepstakes. We look forward to your participation and support. Please follow this link to access the survey. Parrot Relinquishment Survey http://www.surveymo nkey.com/ s/5JL2QZFSincerely,Susan Clubb DVM, Rainforest Clinic for Birds, Loxahatchee, FL and board member, Kaytee Avian Foundation

One day this last week!

2010-05-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

The collage I did with all the pictures! I learned something new last night....don't count on picasa to send ALL the pictures LOL! Hope you enjoy as much as I do!

I made a collage of these photo's in picasa. Here you get to see life one day with birds. Collage shared later! Daphne ducorps enjoying her grass cuttings in small aviary. Starion SB2 playing with me. And Peaches and Tofu in big aviary. The cutest, Daphne and Ronnie preening eachother! Budette's! With Peaches moluccan in background. Hope you enjoy!

George Great Bill is flying!

2010-05-26T07:30:00.001-07:00

George Great Bill!

George up above is in big aviary
chewing on a queen palm nut
from one of my queen palms.
Queen palm nuts happened to be
favored by all my birds, but imparticular George and Phil (philippine blue nape parrot) my
two tanyananthus from
Indonesia. Queen palm nuts are
available to me all year round. They are green most the year and around
August they will get orange.
My birds will get green but
favorite time is when orange! I
have available on my website

for purchase if interested.

Very rare photos you are seeing here!

George does not fly much.

He was incapable of flying for near

a year after I got him. I don't think he ever fledged although he did get parent raised and never clipped wings. He came to us Sept of 2007. And when he did during that time that little Phil pulled out ALL his tail feathers. Intimidated poor George so much that George is bossed around by little Phil, half his size!

What's funny though is that George can't stand to not have Phil around. They are buds!

Good news!

George has been flying in aviary! Perch to perch! It was always climbing on wire till the last few months. I see him learning again with confidents and enjoying. I didn't mention that when I first got him he learned recall training to my hand to about 15feet before it ended.

Here are some photos taken yesterday of George flying to my hand just a few feet. There is a wind going on out there in aviary. We worked of course flying into it. He did great! For queen palm nuts!

Photos are available for sale in larger resolution if any body is interested?

Is Peaches moluccan Freeflying outdoors?

2010-05-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Peaches my first recall trained bird!

Is she flying outdoors now?

Is she Free flying?

Free flying! The ultimate for me is to Free fly my birds or bird. Is Peaches outdoors now and not in aviary? These are not photoshopped. She has been trained for years recall, outdoors, flight training. Large enough to not be taken as bait (I hope). So do I risk flying her outside now?

No she is not freeflying outdoors!

She has yet to get more experience with flying in wind and up/down. As you can see though she is taking to the outdoors just fine. Now to work more on the skills.

A series of videos Avian Encounters I, II and III

2010-05-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

I think it's time I shared on my blog the series of videos that Christina Giordano and I have been sharing time and my birds for the last couple years! Christina came into my life on Facebook, and since then it has been a joy sharing with her friends and our birds.

It began with Avian Encounters I! She gathered friends from all over the world and made this first video of a series of three.

Avian Encounters II!

Barb's Birds and Aviary

And then after Avian Encounters II we worked together on a video just of my birds. I learned alot sharing pictures and video clips via internet. She did a beautiful job! Not only did she make this video out of the kindness of her heart. She mailed me a beautiful dvd with picture that you see of us with the birds in Lake Tahoe. Riding our bikes as the front cover with Phil and Daphne. Made this video in three different formats. I play in on my 52 " screen t.v. and enjoy alot! Although I do know how to make my own videos this has been a real treasure seeing them and Christina's creations!

Avian Encounters III! The Finale!

I realized yesterday I haven't shared with family and alot of internet friends what has been going on and these videos. Trying to share with them and going to Facebook and Dailymotion etc.. was getting confusing LOL. Some of my family are on Facebook and some aren't. Even the ones that are probably don't know what's going on. I do know that my brother and sister read my blog now. So here you go! It's exciting Christina has decided to make Avian Encounters III The Finale! And has taken my Daphne ducorps and displayed her on a beautiful poster to share with the world! Here is the poster that is also being used as Christina's profile picture. I just LOVE it! Up above!

Now the exciting news! Another Avian Encounters video is in production! As you know that is Avian Encounters III the Finale!

Christina is now working on it with Flash and her AOF production crew!

Looking forward to August!

UPDATE

June 22, 2010

The "Official Event Page" for the World Premeir of Avian Encounters III - The Finale. Here you will find up to date information on the August 28th, 2010 premier to be held at Rookery Bay Sanctuary in Naples, Florida. http://www.facebook.com/bebopbarbi#!/pages/Avian-Encounters-III-Premier-Official-Event-Page/130732593619798?ref=ts

Parrot Nation is Patricia Sunds blog! Writer for Birdtalk Magazine and good friend of Christaina Giordano. Read the blog and watch the video...Christina talks of my Tofu moluccan a mutilator/plucker. Brought tears to my eyes!

http://parrotnation.com/2010/05/19/the-avian-encounters-video-trilogy/

I'll built a store on Zazzle for the Avian Encounter III The Finale! http://www.zazzle.com/bebopbarbi/gifts?cg=196587078319565994

Stay tuned! I am sure more to come!

Fred goes to aviary today

2010-05-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Fred bare-eyed cockatoo made it to the aviary today. Not often do I ask him. See that carrier behind him? Got right in it! One just like Starion's. OH! And while in aviary he visited Starion, from afar. She was fluffed! I don't think it would have worked today. So now he is back inside with me.

Starion is getting carrier trained

2010-05-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

Starion is getting carrier trained
Uploaded by Bebopbarbi. - Discover more animal videos.

Starion longbilled corella I have not had even a year. She was FULLY FLIGHTED when I got her in November. She now recalls, does tricks (Weeeeee! Hop, Hop! Gets Ball in flight, targets) and now is learning to enjoy getting in a carrier to go to aviary and on trips!

Having a aviary with no access to house I NEED for my birds to want to get into aviary HAPPILY. One thing about a flighted bird is if they want to fly away they can! Allthough I don't have that problem much. Lets just say when for instance Daphne ducorps wants to stay with Peaches moluccan I have to use my brains if she is not in the mood to leave her buddette. Food does not always work :).

Daphne and Ronnie even kinda argue about who is going to get in carrier (Veri Kennel) and hang out. Yep, they relax in there and at night sometimes sleep in it. As they are not caged in their birdroom. In beginning of the video I show Daphne and Ronnie having alittle spat for the carrier as Daphne won! That is the Veri Kennel.

Now I don't know what it is about a Veri Kennel with some of my birds, but there not getting in it. That be Peaches moluccan, Fred BE2, and Starion longbilled corella was having nothing to do with it. Charlie made me a carrier/cage for Fred when we went on trips in RV and it worked so well! Fred will get in it. Peaches will get in it. Now Starion will get in it. All HAPPILY! It's open and very light to carry. Starion started out with playing with plants in it and visiting me doing yard work before I put her in big aviary. I wanted to make sure she got back in it HAPPILY! All those little trips in backyard and playing with the plants and hanging out with me was a big treat! She gets in it on her own, of course with treats. Food (piece of nut) and plants!

She is a very nervous bird and alert to every sound outdoors. Helicopter and planes are scarey! Crows in neighborhood mean danger if their making sounds. Neighbors in yards she listens too. Alert calls from my birds. So now she is making it to the big aviary. We sit late afternoon and winds are strong! The roof of aviary with trees swishing across it. Little things landing on aviary. And of course all is moving! In the chari she is snuggled to me under my chin. Her choice! Her eyes looking up and at me like "what the hell is going on?" It took awhile to get to this point which was just last week. May 6, 2010

I am sharing this because taking her outdoors slowly has been months of trust and wanting to learn to get where I am today. Today she is now left alone in there and having fun! With four sparrows that snuck there way in today :).

Hope you enjoyed the video. I know the music is sad. I didn't watch the movie Joe. But I liked it so its there. Thanks for the compliment on the editing!

Clip wings for safety when WE can make it safe?

2010-04-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have read this so many times it really got to me this time! I was reading Dr Foster and Smiths and they have a article on clipping for the safety of your bird. Along side it is them selling the products you will need to clip properly.

Clipping wings is necessary for all of the more social birds that are out of the cage. Birds such as canaries and other finches that stay in the cage don't need their wings clipped. Birds have been known to fly into windows, into pots of boiling water or other food, into ceiling fans, etc. We need to take the responsibility to protect them and this responsibility includes clipping wings.

Birds have been known to fly into windows. Yes they have! Of course they will fly into window if they don't know what it is. No understanding of HOW to use there wings. It is up to you the bird protector to know what to do to keep your bird safe. If your bird doesn't know how to use his/her wings then teach it. But first of all you can start out with showing your bird the windows. Yes! Tap on them, let there beak touch. There smart they understand something is there. Put stickers on the windows is what some do. I prefer closing my curtains when a bird is learning flight. Then begin with recall training. First walk to hand for treat. Then a jump/fly. Then up and down etc...... Till the flying skills are there. Then you can open your curtains. Then you will see what I see everyday! A bird that loves a perch at window and lands on it to look out!

into pots of boiling water or other food This is so simple! Don't have your bird out when cooking or boiling water!

into ceiling fans, Don't turn on your fans when bird is out! So simple! There are other precautions that can be taken too. We made a wired fan cover in birdroom. Very simple design and a play area they love! We have other fans in family room. Yes sometimes do fly up to fan and play on it. Ronnie galah loves to sit on blade. The pully for the fan has been taped down so it can't unfortuately start up by a bird.

There are many things that are dangerous for a bird. Personally I think cats and dogs are the worse! I am always seeing pictures of birds that are placed with a dog or cat and people think it cute! I can vouch with all my flying birds if my dog or cat gets near them they fly away! So next time you see one of these photos or even videos think about the bird and choice? Mine have choices! And that can be so many with a flighted bird!

Example....Fly away from me, fly to me!

There is more I could add to this and peoples fears of having a flighted bird. The justifying of clipping etc....

This is not intended to judge anybody whether they clip or not. It is my intention to share my knowledge of fears that are out there that can be fixed in order to have a flighted bird.

Number one on my list would be double door entries into house and out. Or my precaution don't use front door when bird is out.

I have moluccans and there calls make the other birds nervous!

2010-04-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

You know this is something I seem to take for granted each day. When my birds get scared they fly to higher ground. Instinct! Dogs bark, they fly up! Hear crows fly up! Lawnmower fly up! This is always to the highest perch. I could describe more but going to tell my story for today.

Ronnie galah got put in aviary this morning with Phil PBN. Alot of birds get changed out in that aviary before noon. Lets see. They boys were in it from 8:00 till 10:00 a.m.. Then I decided today would be Ronnie and Phil. Then Chili after them. Ronnie and Phil were in there flying together happily. But Ronnie quit after awhile and was just sitting in her vari kennel. She really likes her carriers! She must of sat in that carrier 45 minutes before I brought her in. Brought in birdroom and she still happily stayed in it. In meantime I put Chili out. I then think I'll just bring her in family room with me in carrier and see what she does. Put her on kitchen table and she still is happily in carrier. So I go get Tofu M2 out of shower. He is now out here with Ronnie and me and being quite loud. Showing his crest and pronouncing he is alive! Boy did she fly fast and high out of that carrier. She just perched there till he stopped. Birds go on alert around here with the other sounds of birds. Particularly Fred BE2 who is like the watchbird of the backyard. Always fly up and listen. But Tofu when he goes off there is a fear I can see.

Ronnie is now picking at my sores on my arm. I very seldom go sleeveless these days, one reason why!

Tofu and Peaches

2010-04-08T09:01:00.001-07:00

Tofu and Peaches, originally uploaded by Bebopbarbi1.

I just love this photo of Tofu and Peaches! They are friends for a few minutes a day then they have enough of eachother! Tofu prefers me and Charlie and playing to anything else in this world! Peaches likes hanging out with Daphne ducorps now. But after she has said "hello" to Tofu. There seems to be a need with her to have contact with him a few minutes a day. So lately I have been giving to her. Tofu seems to have to be out of his home during day. So I have been giving that to him! Additionaly a bath with me each morning now. He gets a good mist! He has really done a job on himself in the plucking department. Peaches if she doesn't see him will pluck. So there you have it! Always changing and hoping for the best!

Happy Birthday Chili!

2010-04-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Chili!

Today is Chili's 4th birthday! April 1st 2010! April Fools Day!

Thank you Pam! We love you! Chili has been living a really good life!

Today he spent the day having fun in his favorite spot the Big aviary! Chili has flourished since we got him. He was such a wonderful character from the day we got him. As time is going on he just keeps on growing and showing me a new personality everyday! I feel like I am talking to a human sometimes with the way he talks back to me. Starting from morning and waking up with me he begins with "Hi there!" Later as time goes by he plays laughing and giggling and coughing. What ever makes him happy. Till he sees me then says "Chili aviary". Of course he gets his aviary today! It's his birthday!!!!!!

It's like this everyday!

We went out and played! Of course the minute he gets out there he wants to just play with me and do all his tricks. Always a "Weeeeeeee!" with wings spread out. Then a few "Yaba Daba Doos!" the "whine" " "yes" with the head and sound and "no" with shaking head. A point to the aviary swing and he is off and moving! Swinging and flying crazy! Telling the world he loves his aviary!

He loves his life!

Happy Birthday Chili!

It must of been a stormy afternoon that day!

2010-03-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

The boys Gus, Gilly and Gabe doing some calls in the aviary to me on 02/20/2010 on a stormy day! I liked the pictures so much that I decided a collage would be nice. We do this everyday! It's so much fun!

All about learning about flight training

2010-03-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Angela Herschel gave this wonderful information to a person on a yahoo list that were both on. She may have a grey that may stop picking/plucking if it grows out its wings. But where do you find the information to learn HOW to live with a flighted parrot and train it when it doesn't know how to fly? Angela shares alot here! I asked her permission to post....

Here is vital information right here at hand...( like reading feather
body language etc.) .... take as long as you want , relax and little by
little you will have read everything ....and remember enjoy this great
journey with your parrot.
What we want is to get as many people educated and spread the word .
Training and Behavior
You want to learn and make an even better life for you bird (s).
It is important to note that nothing is better than aerobic flight for the
health of a true born athlete that is your bird.
Here is gathered some of the best information for you to save and study to
help start on
the right path ( sure wish someone had helped me long ago when I first
Starting!).
Please first read everything and join these web sites for only then can
better begin to understand and under NO circumstances ever chase after your
bird , this is trust destroying and makes you act like a predator so NEVER
chase and capture your bird...just take you time and enjoy this journey
you begin.
First here is an absolutely heartwarming story of teaching Carly she
does have wings;
http://www.likambo. com/training/ Carly_Gets_ Her_Wings_ GoodBird_ Sp08.pdf
Gay Noeth's , wonderful web site is filled with great
Information on bringing home and living with flighted companions.
http://www.onafrica nwings.com/ GettingANewBird. htm
You know there are many who have large aviaries for their birds this helps
get them used to the outdoors and the garden area around your home. If
they have not ever learned to fly outside and are older birds it is much
harder than starting out with a baby just weaned . But if you get them an
aviary and they learn to fly in it and or in your home that would be really
safer and wonderful too. Otherwise you have to be very sure you understand
how to train for free flight.
I would recommend you to train BEFORE a scheduled feeding . Start feeding
AM and PM meals ( if you don't already ) . ...you don't want food in
front of them 24/7 . Use a tiny special treat like hulled sunflower seeds
etc. and if a tiny bird cut even that into smaller pieces. This is how we
feed in Kambali Bebas ( Return to Freedom) at the rehab center on Seram Island
in Indonesia and how they feed at the Gabriel Foundation in the USA.
Here is information about the crop you will really find interesting from
Shauna Roberts ;
http://www.thegabri elfoundation. org/HTML/ crop.htm
For all about parrot nutrition and diet there is nothing to compare with
Feedingfeathers:
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/feedingfea thers
Here are some writings of the famous Dr. Susan Friedman, who is someone
who has literally changed my life;
http://www.thegabri elfoundation. org/friedman. html
To begin to learn and teach some of your birds "how" to learn please
be sure and join these wonderful training lists.
Clickbirds :
_http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Click_
(http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Clickbirds) birds

And be sure and subscribe to Barbara Heidenreich' s state of the art
cutting edge best of all training and behavior magazine
GoodBird:
http://www.goodbird inc.com/
Enjoy Barbara Heidenreich' s and other great trainers writings that they
have wonderfully wanted to share for everyone about training ;
http://goodbirdinc. blogspot. com/
Here is the training terminology that Barbara put together so that others
can understand better:
http://www.goodbird inc.com/help- terminology. html
Here is how to read feather body language:
http://www.wingedwi sdom.com/ ww15eii.htm
Another wonderful opportunity to get to read actually read "papers" from
fabulous well known pro trainers and learn so much from them is to join ;
IAATE, the International Association of Avian Trainers :
http://www.iaate. org/
NEI (Natural Encounters ) wonderful workshops for the Expert trainer and
or Companion Parrot caregiver teaching hands on how to train using
positive reinforcement .
http://www.naturale ncounters. com/
For any and all information on building an aviary:
Naturalbird
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/naturalbir d
http://naturalbird. com/faq/
When you make your aviary be sure to garden plant it with lots of natural
cover so your bird can have privacy and not feel "exposed" just like wild
birds can have with natural branch leaf cover .
Remember it is a false sense of security and not really safe to have a
bird outside that is clipped because if the bird gets startled/spooked it
can and will fly and fly far enough to get lost and have a terrible and often
tragic disadvantage because it never learned how to fly correctly .
Everyone should teach their bird to come for safety . Your bird will have a
much better chance if it is flighted and trained for recall than if it is
clipped and untrained.
Here is a wonderful article by Gay Noeth that explain everything .
www.onafricanwings. com/clipping. htm
Also for behavior problems be sure and join Dr. Susan Friedman's list
ParrotBAS (behavior analysis solutions )
http://tech. groups.yahoo. com/group/ ParrotBAS/
And meanwhile while you are on ParrotBAS since there is a long waiting
list so be sure and sign up for the on line ( life changing class ) , LLP
( Learning and Living with Parrots ) :
www.behaviorworks. org
Here are some of the writings of the great trainer Sid Price ;
http://avianambassa dors.com/ BirdTraining/
Here is a wonderful resource web site by Linda (Raz ) Razmussen and shows
how she trains:
http://www.likambo. com/training
Here is a list of training resources that Raz put together to make it
very easy.
http://likambo. com/flyblog/ ?page_id= 30
Animal Education Foundation:
Using the most recent, evidence-based information available, AEF provides
education and training resources to caregivers, with particular emphasis on
behavior and enrichment solutions, and support to animal welfare,
conservation, and research programs.
http://www.animaled ucationfoundatio n.org/
Lastly here are some essays I wrote about how I trained my older never
fledged Blue and Gold to fly and using generizations ( OK he still fly's
like a duck but .... sheesh! ) And about trust teaching in a scared bird ,
screaming and more).
Please note that training is training all is the same whether you will
be flying in a large building, enclosure, or your house, training is always
the same. .... And for health and mind and just plain fun ,getting your
older bird who is a true natural born athlete to fly .... Remember even
if flying will never be outdoors but in your home is .....Nothing short of
fantastic ! Nothing you do will give you greater satisfaction than to
see the first time your bird launches itself off your arm!
It always kind of saddens me when I know a parrot is alone without
another of it's species.You know with my rainforest travels it always amazed
me how you do not hear much screaming at all , and I have been to the
rainforests of Tambopata in Peru and to Bali and Seram and the other islands
of Indonesia.
Parrots only scream for a reason and seldom if that ...but excessive
screaming a lot in captivity means something is wrong. One thing you notice in
the wild is that you never see a parrot alone. For example Macaws stay in
pairs, when you see a group of them ( it is deceiving ) what you are
seeing is really more of a meeting place, like all going to the same
grocery store, make no mistake they are not flock birds ( and you can pick out
the pairs among a " group " and almost " see " their invisible bubble
around each pair). But conures are another story and are always seen flying
in flocks and are true flock birds. To have a parrot alone is just not
natural and can instinctively can create abandonment anxiety issues...like
excessive screaming.
But be very careful that you respond to only that sound ( or anything
other than the screaming ..lol!) you choose and NEVER EVER EVER to
screaming
and now listen carefully this is more important than anything
.....you must watch out that you stop doing what is called Intermittent
reinforcement ( yep , that is the magic secret to slot machines on humans!)
it creates a powerful behavior that is hard to stop.
In other words if you are being very good for a while and all of a sudden
you blow it and respond just once to the screaming you have created an
even harder behavior to stop. Watch kids they are great at this .....they
know if they have that tantrum enough times ...." poof" ...sooner or
latter their leaned history tells them that Mum is eventually going to give in.
So it is easy to teach your bird that screaming is a waist of time ...the
hard part is going to be you taking a big breath and following the rules.
(wonder if parrots in deaf homes scream a lot ?)
So take a big breath and read everything and... Remember patience
patience and more patience.
Enjoy this great journey you are about to begin teaching your older
bird..... To fly .
Flight Training with Approximations and Generalization
Besides an aviary finding a large building or buildings
(School, gym, church etc) would be a great help.
What you want is lots of very different locations ...parrots are great at
generalizing and
You want to fully generalize their different behaviors of flying back to
you on recall
..Every where they don't know and in as many different locations as much
as you can.
As you know being outside is a whole Brave New World . ..And you want them
to get
Used to as many sights and loud strange sounds as possible...FIRST before
you take them outside.
Always be sure and start with small approximations (steps),and add other
Skills like flying down etc. as you progress . Then introduce a lot of new
things (stimulus) and be sure and start with small Approximations .
Different Stimulus can be so many things ..... Like all kinds of loud noises,
children , people that are strangers lots of different locations etc.
It is important to be sure that every time you move to a new location
you start all over again from the beginning using small approximations and
then add more behaviors and more and more different stimuli as you
progress.
Ultimately the more different surroundings, and the more different
stimuli you can
come up with and still get reliable 100% recalls then the better your
chances that the behavior has been generalized for all the many different
surroundings and different noises and all those different things that can and
do happen in the great outdoors .
So remember the more different surroundings, and the more different
stimuli that you can train in and still get great recalls in , the faster
the approximations will start to get ....with each and every new changes
you add.
With training it is always best to work on this generalization training
indoors first such as first using your home and then progress to a large
building and then other large different buildings each new to the bird and
then in a large outdoors flight aviary so that the bird will get used to what
it feels like outside with that great big blue sky over them ...if at
all possible and there for not be such a shock.
Move slowly …training always thinking of their safety and how ready
they are for the next step while teaching flight training. Of course this
can be for birds that will never be flown outdoors as well.
Even birds that are clipped should learn recall training for their safety
. You can start training just by walking to you for a special treat …
.what you want them to learn is what recall means. After all unfortunately
accidents can and do happen and if a clipped bird get outdoors and the wind
and adrenaline hit they can fly and be lost and to be out there clipped is a
handicap … one thing a full flighted bird does not have to deal with.
Teaching A 14 year Old Blue & Gold Macaw, Taz .... To Fly.
The first thing I did was start feeding Taz scheduled nutritious
feedings in the AM and PM . I began training him just before his 2nd late
afternoon meal. This helped me a lot by getting him to be much more interested
and motivated in me. When I started doing this I thought about myself and
how ...come around dinner time I sure can start to show great interest
and motivation!
Just by longer having food constantly in a bowl in front of Taz , 24/7
made a big difference. I came to realize that by having food in front of
him all day long all the time
that he was just NOT interested and bored with any of the treats I
tried for training ....just like I would be !
I learned that having food available all the time was what was causing the
lack of interest in training ! Also I noticed an even added bonus
because Taz eats so much healthier now since he eats everything in his bowl
and no longer eats only what he likes...and no longer leaving the rest
of his food or throwing his food over the floor. ( another dead give
away for me that I sure was overfeeding him and that he was bored with his
food ).
At a seminar in Los Angeles that Barbara Heidenreich gave ...she said to
weigh the food in their bowl and then weigh the same bowl again after the
bird ate all he wanted to see how much the bird actually ate. By doing
this it showed me see how much ( or how little!) Taz actually ate and
helped me learn to adjust the amounts for his next feedings. What stuck
in my mind was Barbara telling the story of a client with an underweight
cockatoo
that actually gained weight with scheduled feedings by making food once
again interesting.
After starting at the very beginning by first just asking Taz to walk to
me to the day I will never forget when I finally said to Taz , "fly to
me" and he all of a sudden literally exploded into the air and took his
first flight to me... ha-ha ..I still don't know who was more shocked and
happy ...Taz or me
Teaching Trust ( aka : was Taming )
It is really important to understand what is going on while teaching
trust and how to stop from doing more harm all the while wining his trust in
you.
Remember, Behavior has Function.... the parrot "gets" or "escapes"
something by doing the behavior. Please don't fall into the dominance camp
....allow your bird to have a say and do not force anything on him ....
To help your bird’s fears it would be wise to approach without looking
directly
at him/her and stop moving at that point that your bird shows fear by body

(feather) language and mark it and next time you approach your bird just
before that mark
where he starts showing that fear and stop and always back away a few
steps ....and slowly day to day inch closer BEFORE any signs of your bird's
concern and stop ...only when he/she stays calm can you move closer .
..until however long it takes till you are allowed finally close.
No sneaky behaviors that means no stealing a scratch on the head ( no
matter how tempting) without his/her "permission" . You have no choice in

servicing the cage and you might want to give your bird a special
verbal cue that
will alert him/her to know ahead of time that you are going to be changing
bowls
etc. in the cage.... just letting your bird knows always your intentions
always
before will help him/her to know what is to be expected and happening
around him/her
.
Allow your bird to learn to trust at its own speed and that you this
large
human can be trusted and won't push or force . Your bird will learn
he/she can add
more and more trust to his/her bank about humans .....and keep less and
less
in the bank of what the past has taught him about humans ...
It is very important how you react to this behavior and that you do NOT
"push" .. if you try and force you will end up with more of a problem ...as
you will be teaching your bird how to bite harder and HARDER until you back
off and he will have learned which bite is best to use that gets you to
back off .
Here is a functional analysis [FA] you can try out yourself have fun
with this as you brainstorm . Take some paper and jot down the abbreviations
on paper ( hint: always fill in the B slot first )
1. Background: Where was your parrot before this behavior happens[BG]
2. Antecedent: What happens seconds before the actual behavior happens
[A]
3. Behavior: What is the behavior (verb) the bird actually does [B]
4. Consequence: What does the bird gain or get away from by doing the
behavior [C]
( note: a consequence is something that you get from doing something
....that can be either bad or good, if my husband brings me flowers the
consequences for him are GREAT..lol !)
5. Probable future behavior is ? [PFB]
Here is my essay on screaming:
The best plan for screaming is DRI ( differential reinforcement for
Incompatible
behavior) ....this works much faster than straight out extinction
...which means
ignore screaming and do nothing else...and watch all the humans loose it
almost 98% of
the time ...especially because they give in at least once ( or twice or
let's face it many
times!!!) and thus create what is called ( IR ) intermittent
reinforcement. ...think of gambling ....aka slot machines! But by ignoring
ALL the screaming and only coming ONLY to the alternate agreed
sound...the screaming will stop by default and the bird will use the alternate
sound because THAT is the sound that WORKS (the alternate sound can be
whistling, singing talking, whatever you can live with, etc.)! Remember always
that , "Behavior has Function ". If the screaming's purpose no longer
serves
a function it will extinguish ..."poof"!
But be warned ...EVERYONE in the household must be in on the "plan
"...for if just
once someone blows it and gives in ...then you have a set back
....remember
think of the slot-machines? ....the bird will become a gambler and it will
take
even longer to make the plan work ( and it will not stop at all and
actually
get worse if someone in the house keeps giving in (again this is called ,
IR ( intermittent reinforcement) . The beauty of DRA is that the bird
almost all of the time never escalates to the horrible (everything
they've got
left to throw at you! ) screaming called the monster "extinction burst"
.
The screaming let's face it ,is for attention ...the alternate sound
serves the very same purpose ( so there is no void left ) and does gets
attention ...and the screaming will no longer work and not get attention ...BUT
the bird will know that the alternate sound DOES get attention and works
...
Well as we say ...BEHAVIOR HAS FUNCTION ..they being parrots are super
smart
....guess which ones they will realize works and which one they will
realize
is a waste of time ....and thus fade out...?
If the screaming continues then that means the bird is getting
reinforcement for the screaming somehow ...someone is giving in and
keeping the screaming worthwhile and thus functional .....find them fast
...and talk some sense into them ( an idea might be to give them special sound
ear muffs, inexpensive at a hardware store )and all will be well again !
And if they still sabotage all your efforts

Although my birds don't "Freefly" I can still dream!

2010-03-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

I have always dreamed and still do of my birds flying freely in the blue sky!

It will probably never happen even with all their training. Unless there is a remarkably safe place out there it will isn't going to happpen. So, in the meantime I can dream and see the blue sky while they are flying outdoors! Fred Bare-eyed cockatoo and Daphne Ducorps racing to come to me!

My birds love eucalyptus!

2010-03-10T06:27:00.000-08:00

Living here in Southern California I and my birds are very blessed with eucalyptus! It's everywhere! I also have four different variety of trees on my property. Supplying us constantly with branches, chew sticks, leaves, buds and flowering buds. Here in the picture is small buds. But some varieties have very large buds and larger leaves. The blue gum is the favorite! In order to get that one I have to go further then my yard.

When I first started using eucalyptus there was worry about it being toxic on many lists! I had friends from Australia that changed my mind. I have been using now for a few years!

Here you see Desi and Lucy my Soloman Island eclectus enjoying there eucalyptus.

I have several birds, some Australian. They take to it like there back home where eucalyptus is from! I love supply fresh but it does last for days. The smell is wonderful as I go into birdroom or aviaries and step on the dried leaves. Such a aroma!

I have a few pairs of galahs and learned this year how they take the leaves of the eucalyptus and line there nestboxes with it. It gives them a purpose and so natural watching them build there home one leaf at a time! Gotta love nature!

There has been alot of talk on a yahoo group I am on about toys! I find for my birds the best toys are from nature! A rose, jackaranda bud or flower, asperagus, nasturium, palm fronds and of course eucalyptus!

I remember telling someone that I hold a very high regard for that I pick plants for my birds and how they enjoy so much! I can't believe the response I got back from her. She said she didn't have time to go pick flowers for her birds. How sad!

Would your birds like some?

I am working on selling to people who can't get it.

Were celebrating Starion's 3 years since her hatchday!

2010-03-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

Fallen Leaf Lake

2010-03-01T05:35:00.001-08:00

lake tahoe, originally uploaded by Bebopbarbi1.

Here I sit with Ronnie at Fallen Leaf Lake, A favorite vacation spot. We camp here, hike, and kayak. Beautiful!

Teaching a bird harness and how I feel about it

2010-02-27T08:13:00.001-08:00

Harness training is not just put a harness on a take your bird outdoors. It is a series of classes, experiences, trust, comfort, and knowing your bird. What I mean by "classes" is your bird is being schooled. Like a child going to kindergarten to graduation. I have six birds that I have had aviator harness on. I will begin with Tofu my older male moluccan. Tofu has been acclimated to outdoors and traveling for a long time. Near 13 years with me. He loves going outside! Has no fears of anything. I have no worries of him being flighted and flying away because he continues to clip himself "barbering". Probably a good thing he can't fly. Although I am really into the teaching a bird to fly when they first get their wings and recall training. Why I say this? He snapped the line of the harness within days of getting it.

All the birds that I have that I have put aviator harness's on are Tofu M2, Peaches M2, Phil PBN, Chili SB2, Daphne D2 and Ronnie RB2. How many successes with the harness? Depends upon what you think is success.

I already wrote about Tofu and "Yes" I would use it on him to get him outside IF I needed to restrain him from flight or keep him in one place. But I don't have that problem so no need for it.

Peaches M2.....Now this is when I say you "must" know your bird. Peaches has been acclimated to outdoors, traveling, people, birds, dogs, and traveling cages. About ten years. I can put the harness on her. But take her outside of her safe zone? She likes being with the other birds and under cover. That sky out there just intimidates her. She doesn't even care for the big aviary. Now this one does have her wings and has been trained flight and recall. She could snap it and get caught in a tree. I have opted with her to stick with carrier.

Then there is Phil PBN. A few years ago I started teaching him recall and flight before he got wings. Also taking him outside to the aviary and travel in the carrier to get used to different enviroments, slowly introducing the aviator harness like they say to do. Finally one day I put it on him. I thought he was going to have a heart attack. He was soooooo scared! I didn't try again for awhile. And then went on vacation and thought it would be nice to take him out. So I tried again. He acted the same way scared. I never did again....

Daphne D2 has been a hit with the aviator harness! When I bought her from a breeder we made arrangements for her to learn to come to a spoon when being fed. Early recall training. So from the time she was fledging Daphne was taking "classes". She is now 3 years old. I can take her anyplace on a harness. She is recall trained, knows how to fly very well from learning in the aviary and natural envorment. She knows hawks, crows, dogs, people and fear to fly up now. And does it very quickly! She got trained for more then two years on harness. Hasn't seen it in awhile. Would I still use it on her? Well, that would be up to her? As she learned to give herself to me willingly and knows what it's all about. As she ages I have found she makes choices what she wants and doesn't. We has alot of good times because of that harness. I never would have put long leash on it though. I think they are dangerous.

Ronnie RB2....I didn't get her as a baby. I got her with no history except "saying" she was 9 months old. Ronnie was clipped when I got her. She and I became buds very quickly! That was over two years ago. As she grew out clip she learned flight and recall. She was amazing! She learned enviroment outside in aviary. All the above I mentioned with Daphne. She also had times where she traveled with me for her "classes". I would take her to the beach by herself and take for walks on harness. She did so well! Accepted really good! We traveled and went so many places. One place was Lake Tahoe. We had gone for a walk with her and Daphne. And she spooked! Just took off my shoulder and flew fast out. Of course she bounced back and then on ground. She was scared. But of what? I never saw or heard anything. From that day on Ronnie would not accept harness. But would jump gladly into adventure carrier! I respected that and have never asked her again. That was last year.

Chili SB2 is my last one to try and teach harness. He was nervous when I first got him. Growing out a clip and learning flight and recall at two years old. He was not good with enviroment and liking it. He had a horrible fear of everything! Crows, wind, dogs, and the lawnmower! But I sure was trying just like with the others. Just slow! I had him in the aviator harness once and that was last year. I took him outside in yard and he did well till he spooked. I played hell taking that harness off of him.

In the last year while his wings have grown out and getting use to enviroment I have to say those fears that he once had are gone!!!! Because he has flight now?

I have not pursued the harness in awhile because I do have my aviary. And while in there with my birds I see their natural reactions to all that is around them. Flying high and fast when they see and hear threats is very important to them. Now if they were in harness would they be able to do that? NO.

But on another note! I have three young male galahs learning everyday! Summer is coming! It's time for more "classes". Hmmm will I teach them?

Peaches and Daphne! Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

Updating my blog is not easy! I have gone through pictures to show somewhat Daphne and Peaches day. From morning till dusk! This is about there relationship and it growing. Also a effort for Peaches to stop plucking. She has stopped on her shoulders. Peaches is very hungry in morning, 7:30. Before the other birds come out. I have been feeding her and Tofu much earlier, but still when birds come out she likes to eat with them too. I have Peaches, Daphne, Ronnie, Starion and sometimes Phil joins us :). We have fun!
Our morning routine all having breakfast together!

Starion and Phil are doing the flying!

Daphne doing some calls before breakfast or for breakfast!

And some tricks! This one is "Weeeeee!"

This here is our morning routine before they hang out in the aviaries outside the window with access to house. We eat, excercise and enjoy mornings till about 9:30 a.m. Then without me asking the two girls to go out they go through window and just relax and sit together!
Here they sit for a long time enjoying sun and the view!

Happy Valentine's Day! I haven't shared Daphne and Peaches and there relationship in awhile! Last year I was so hoping for them to become friends and hopefully just hang out and preen eachother. My wish has come true! There were some times Daphne looked like she was going to get it from Peaches. Peaches furiously chasing her in her home aviary. But now Peaches will sit with Daphne pretty much all day and ask to be preened. Of course Daphne always paying attention to body language. My hopes are that Daphne will help Peaches become herself again and stop plucking. She's doing great! She did just go through a very hard molt for this time of year. Peaches probably had a pile of feathers say 30 in a matter of a few days. Scarey! When you have a plucker. I have been taking photos and thought I'll share a few today. Mainly because my focus was on making a portrait of the two of them for my Facebook profile. So think I'll find some photos and share my two girls!

The boys Gus, Gilly and Gabe in training!

2010-02-13T18:31:00.000-08:00

Awh the beauty of birds and aviary! My three boys a playing with me! I got some great photo's!

Seasonal Portraits

2010-02-10T14:35:00.001-08:00

Today I try to go into business with my friend Susie. Together we are working on special Seasonl Portraits. Susie with the artistic talents paints these with her special one of a kind fonts! I place photo's in the middle using Photoshop. Custom made to your pet, loved one, or anything you like! I have started a website with a paypal account. If you would like to contact me to get your own custom portrait please send me a email. ATT Seasonal Portrait to bebopbarbi@sbcglobal.net.
How it works? You send me photo as attachment. I then copy to my computer and use layers to create your own design! Then when done you recieve your own personal portrait!

My webpage with prices and paypal http://www.barbsbirdparadiseandaviaries.com/index.html

Ricky Martin and CD cough, purr and squeal!

2010-02-08T16:43:00.000-08:00

Make sure you turn up your speakers to hear CD "purr! like a cat. Ricky does it too. But not today :(. I had promised that I would share Ricky and CD and these few video's I made to Susie and her group. I have so much to share on just these two! So stay tuned on my blog! Lot's more to come!

A day with me and the birds!

2010-01-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking alot how to share my days with birds and the WORK involved too! The other day I took alot of pictures of my day. Typical one. It is a commitment that I have dedicated my life too and keeps me extremely busy!

I really have a schedule that I like to keep. I have so many hours in the day and use them. With that I like to go to bed early. 9:00 p.m. has become my norm because I LOVE my rest. If I don't get my rest I get cranky! I know the birds are going to start at 8:00 a.m. so that I hopefully get my eight hours and my so treasured quiet time in morning with coffee starting at 5:00 a.m. That gives me a couple hours of learning photoshop, working with my new website, reading emails etc.....I call it my free schooling without travel LOL! I have alot of plans for the future and got to learn!

First light which is about 6:30 Peaches comes in from outside aviary through window. She loves to just sit and preen. At that time I close window when she comes in and open Tofu to the hole aviary. He then does what he wants in area. About 7:30 Peaches sometimes will climb down and join me at computer and get some cuddle time. Not always, but these days with her mood she does alot.

8:00 hits and close computer. It's time for birds to come out and fly and play. Train too before breakfast. Sometimes we do some weighing before meals. I now have birdroom door open and Daphne, Ronnie, Starion, Phil and sometimes George out. Peaches is still out too! All the water bowls from RV's, aviaries 10 total outside have to be collected from night before. Then the ones in house. From three different rooms another 10 water bowls. Now these bowls need to be washed so I am in kitchen now and washing dishes, preparing food, and playing with birds! Preparing the food! I take out a frozen package premade from several days before and defrost. It is the main "mash diet". From the bowls I collected from dusk night before there dinners that were washed at 7:00 p.m. 10 I hope :) I then start filling bowls. I have them all laid out and cutting board and a tray so I can put bowls on to go outside. Peaches is always the hungriest and ready for food! The others dig in while making and get there bowls because they have done there tricks for treats by this time. I also do alot of cutting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't forget sprout in bowls! And the night before soaked pumkin and hulled sunflower. Who gets what? Awe! Bowls are set in specicate order. Galahs do not need sunflower! It's going on 9:00 or so and I start going outside with food for outside birds. I try to include there water bowls too! Once outside it's easier when opening and closing RV's, and three different aviaries. Now were getting on about 9:30 a.m. and Peaches hopefully has done her exercise on swing and birds flew enough and ate. I still have to give them there bowls in aviaries, birdroom. and there waters. I am getting tired writing this! Charlie is out in horse corral and wants to come in house. Well Ronnie can't be out with Charlie! By about 10:00 a.m. Ronnie, Phil and George are in birdroom eating good. Tofu has gone home or still in Peaches home but one way locked in away from girls. Peaches and Daphne go to outside home aviary. Close window. There outside! Then Starion! Oh Starion is so cute! We have to get a bunch of eucalytus for her to be content in her cage for day. She see's the bunch of eucalytus and me walking down hallway. Starion! She flies from kitchen to her birdroom then we play "roll over" on bed with a few pinenut treats. Very small treats! I then ask her to go in her home and she loves her eucalytus! They eat! Really eat for the next hour or so! But not done!!!!!

Depending upon what I am going to do for day!

If I am going to stay home. Which I usually do. I then get the boys Gus, Gilly and Gabe and put outside in small flight. There is preperation for small flight. Board on ground needs to be cleaned! So I go outside and clean then put down. Then give them some eucalytus in flight to enjoy! Go to RV and collect boys in there carrier. Yes all three go in carrier! Of course get them jazzed saying "aviary playtime!" They jump in carrier! And abosutely happy when arrive! I don't just leave! They climb all over me happily! They get no food or seeds as they have ate good! Eventually I leave and they go crazy!

It's about 10:15 and who's going out to big aviary? Chili and Ronnie are my normal choice as they get along great! Daphne is out with Peaches and Tofu these days and really good company for Peaches. Hopefully Daphne is my miracle worker with Peaches and her plucking! Seems to be helping and Daphne does somewhat preen Peaches and hang out with her.

Then Chili gets in his winabago. I carry him out! He is not always happy to get in it. Yep, try getting a flighted bird in carrier that doesn't care for it with "Posititive reenforcement". I wait! Then when go in avairy Chili doesn't want to get off me. We hang! Then Ronnie who usually jumps in adventure carrier to go outside! Now getting later. Those two Ronnie and Chili go crazy flying back and forth! Chili playing hard! He has fun!

Now do I want to get Phil and George from birdroom and put outside? I am tired! Yep beautiful day! So put Phil in carrier and take to Desi and Lucy's home. Then George! It's going on 11:00 but they still have till 2:30 or so OK!

I haven't even gotten to cleaning cages, aviaries, and birdroom yet! That is after there out!

I will share that later. I have dishes to wash now! 7:00 p.m.

Beauty and Bath!

2010-01-03T07:47:00.000-08:00

Peaches M2 taking a bath! She dances while bathing! A series of pictures I took February 2009. I think there all beautiful and show her beauty while bathing!

Gus, Gilly, and Gabe begin training!

2009-12-25T17:12:00.000-08:00

The boys Gus, Gilly, and Gabe are 7 months old and living in RV in quarantine. We begin training! My blogger is giving me problems. I am going to update soon!

It's been a year since we got Chili SB2! 12/ 14/2008-2009!

2009-12-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

The first picture is the last ones I have took before my camera broke. They all are in aviary from August - October. He has even gotten better at flying since! I have alot of video to go through. The photo under that collage is 12/24/2008 when he was taking a bath and spread his wings. Under that one is October his last photo in aviary. Beautiful! The rest are collages dating from June the beginning of his training in house (First flights!} and there on! I feel this guy enjoys flight so much it makes me cry with happiness! It's been one year as of Dec 14,2008 we got Chili! It's been quite a year watching him as he gains his wings, friendships with other birds, gets to have different adventures. He practically owns the big aviary! First thing in morning Chili will say "Hi" Then after that all I hear is "Chili go aviary!". One time on a video with George and him I know I hear him say to George "Chili's aviary!". He is a very smart bird that really does know "How" to tell me what he wants and doesn't want.

The video with all the fun sounds is Chili and Ronnie! Last video I took which was October. His flying style is much faster and more confident :)>

Chili bathing

2009-12-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

I have had Chili two months now! February 17th. Here he is taking a bath. Those wings spread and showing he has alot of wings and tail to grow out till he can start to learn how to fly!

Last four collages!

2009-12-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

More collages!

2009-12-21T07:21:00.000-08:00

Looks like I can only send four at a time!

Special moments this year on collages!

2009-12-21T07:17:00.000-08:00

Picasa has a wonderful option of making collages! I am doing my documenting of 2009 with my pictures using it! I have only just begun as this is December when we first got Chili SB2 going to February and showing the growing relationships of the birds as time goes on! Like Peaches M2 and Daphne ducorps learn to like eachother and preen and hang out this year!

Wild longbilled and shortbilled corellas

2009-12-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

It's really wonderful having great friends from Australia! Anne sent me these pictures from her backyard tree! Said they hung out in it most the day. What a treat! She said I could share the pictures. Enjoy! I am!

Ronnie goes in aviary with Gus, Gilly, and Gabe!

2009-12-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

Just put Ronnie in aviary with the boys for first time. Good thing she can fly great! They all were chasing in wind. Gabe imparticular! They do not have near the flying abilities she does. But were doing a great job! She was nervous and did awesome job of evading. When she finally could focus on me she got right on hand into carrier.

Today with Fred and Starion

2009-12-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Poor Starion just got chased franticaly by Fred! I thought to try working on there relationship because Fred is already out with me and Starion was by herself today. Ronnie is in Fred's aviary right joining the two pair while the boys Gus, Gilly, and Gabe have the big aviary to themselves today. Chili is adjacent to them so he can can better aquainted after there meeting the other day and Chili chasing down the boys to hurt them! Daphne is with Peaches doing a great job keeping her company! I gotta update them :). So Fred is with me and Starion I let fly out of bedroom into dining room like she always does. Fred chased her all over fast and mean!!!! His beak was open while flying! She eventually retreated back to her room and went right into her cage. Safety? She did this with Daphne and Chili too. Ronnie she hasn't had any problem with. The little green one that flies into kitchen when she is on perch use to really scare her! She is not a small girl! Fred half her size!

Old photos! Ronnie flying clipped May 2008

2009-12-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

I play with PS a little each day! Today I decided to play with color, lighting, hues, saturation to a older photo of Ronnie galah when she first started flying and clip growing out. She could fly very well!

I have a few more galahs to share!

2009-12-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Here I sit and finally going share a few more galahs! A few months ago I got my three boys and a few pairs of galahs. 7 of them! All flighted! I also got Starion longbilled corella around the same time.Flighted! Starion lived in house in a separate bedroom and all the galahs have been out in my RV. They had the full quarantine time, 90 days. I have been working with my avian vet :). During that time been working with them in RV to learn to like me, step up, come to me. Each one has there own personality! The three boys I absolutely fell in love with! So they didn't go to new homes. Even when they were up for sale only two people asked about them. One wanted a girl. Well three boys she is not going to get a girl from me :). Then one other that was a great potential home but believed in clipping. At that point I was near the three months and fell for them as a small flock. They really get along great! I have introduced them as mine now. But I haven't introduced the others. There are also two pair. One is CD and Ricky Martin. Then Billy and PG. CD and Ricky during this time have taken to coming to me and like me alot! Billy has also taken to me but only at step up and hanging out with me. PG is reluctant and refuses to step up but will accept treats. She does like me.

The last month I have been working the boys outside in aviary a few times. Doing great! I had CD and Ricky join the other day with the boys and still all was going great! Recall fantastic. After I tried the boys with Chili longbilled corella which didn't work out. Chili wanted to get them! Scared them pretty good! Poor Gus sat on my hand after I got Chili out and wouldn't move in shock for the longest time. Gus is the toughest! There was fear and I think Chili would have hurt them!

Today I decided to try something I have never done. Starion is a darling! So I put her out with all of them. Yep 7 galahs and Starion all in big aviary! I got lots of video! No pictures :(. It was quite a day! A good one. I found out who can be together and who doesn't want to be there. Like Ricky. Those young boys put fear into him and particularly Gabe chased him. They all three had a attitude about Ricky for some reason and left the others alone. Starion did not leave me when in aviary and Ricky fearing the boys came to me and just huddled on my shoulder for protection. Eventually I took Ricky out to small flight and watched all the others. CD had no problem coming to me and sharing me with Starion. Oh I got nipped! Billy cruzed and so did PG. We had a really full day! I learned alot today with 8 flighted birds in aviary and them being a flock somewhat. More coming later! I will be going into my pictures and videos the last few months and hopefully find some fun stuff before now :) and share.

A great article about galahs! And greys!

2009-11-10T05:03:00.000-08:00

A great article Amy my dear friend shared with me! I found it quite amazing! Love the Rosies!

http://www.africangreys.com/articles/greys/wildrose.htm

I tried getting the link to work. If it doesn't google it :).

Starion from 10/15 to 10/24 more coming!

2009-11-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

She has met George and Phil in birdroom. Once! This day all were out! I love her looks!
In background Daphne is on Charlie. So there was Daphne, Phil and George out at this time. Ronnie can't be out when Charlie is LOL! Yes, I do clean and sweep with broom in background too!

In the morning while I make the birds breakfast and before there breakfast I like to bring Starion out with Daphne once inawhile. Starion is horribly afraid of Daphne, because Daphne stalks her. Or if Starion gets on me or Charlie (where is she clingy and feels safe) Daphne says no way! It actually has been a good lesson for Starion to learn to be independent. She will then go to another perch or even the birdgym and entertain herself while Daphne stands guard relaxing with one foot up. Till of course Starion tries again! Not always will Daphne do this, but alot! I have had both of them on me and petting no problem. Just never know!

Phil the little green guy decide's to fly out from birdroom! Green and fast makes Starion nervous! Also at end of video she makes sounds like Daphne. Cool!

This is a place I put her during day to get use to Daphne and Peaches. Daphne and Peaches got there bathes and Starion is next! Of course when the sun is just right! Oh and she goes for it!

This is it! We have gotten to Oct 24th her bathing with the other beauties! My camera is broke. So no more pictures (sad!). I have video coming of her meeting Sir Chili and her first time in aviary! I still have my camcorder!

Our new aviary is being used!

2009-11-06T10:50:00.001-08:00

Our new aviary is in use! Isn't it gorgeous!

Fred freeflying on a white beach!

2009-10-23T08:05:00.000-07:00

I always said if I was going to freefly Fred is the one!!!!!

2009-10-21T07:07:00.001-07:00

Starion and her updates! Were moving on!

2009-10-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here is four days of hanging out with me and the other birds! The videos tell the story! Starion has been hanging out on my head alot! Hats are just a requirement to me with flying birds! She is not a light bird. Smart as the dickens though! Several times I have had her pull my hat back to comunicate with me. Daphne and Ronnie do the same thing! I just never realized how amazing it was till I caught on video.

She also goes outside everyday for hours getting use to the enviroment! Remember she will be in aviary soon! Can't have her freaking out now :).

Starion bathes with Chili and Ronnie!

2009-10-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

What a fun time! I am getting alittle behind on my updates with Starion. This day, 10/11/09 I rolled Starions cage out to the big aviary so she can meet Ronnie and Chili. They all hung out for a long time chewing on eucalyptus. Ronnie payed more attention to her! Then the afternoon sun was in the perfect position for bathes! Grab the hose and Starion dove right into it! Sorry really can't see her. Camera and hose is not easy. I think this was her best bath yet! It was fun watching Chili show off and both Chili and Ronnie doing there flying away then coming back. Usually that is Ronnie :).

Starion and Daphne are getting closer

2009-10-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

These are her first days coming out of quarantine other then the last post I did I her a few days ago. She is a flighted and very nervous bird. These are just small steps we are taking and I am sharing. So her eating in kitchen and being relaxed is great! Her staying in room instead of flying off to her safe room is awesome! Getting close to Daphne and neither one of them having hostility great! Fred BE2 and Chili SB2 should take lessons. Maybe cause Starion and Daphne are both female it is working.

Thursday morning with Starion was a joy to see! Last week I couldn't even get her hardly to leave her room. Now she is juking and flying and flying back and forth to her birdroom at end of hallway! Really! She is joining me in kitchen and then just takes off having fun! This happened about ten times. With all the her feeling confident I felt I could open curtain and did. Now Daphne and Peaches have just been watching her from a distance. Oh until the thursday when Daphne decided she would join us in kitchen. Daphne LOVES doing tricks for treats. So the contest was on between her and Starion. Starion knows how to do "Weeeeeeee!" now. I had them both doing it. Daphne was on my head, her safe spot.

Friday was kick back in the kitchen with me and feast! Sprouts in the baggy seem to be a favorite! Cockatoo beak likes to grab one and peel through. Asked to go to palm frond perch and she did it! Then asked to fly to me in birdgym room and she also did that. I had Daphne with me and at one time had both birds on me. Wonderful! They did very well! Daphne eventually left me and Starion stuck with me eyeing everything around her in the birdroom. She didn't do a fright fly :). Starion does lots of fright flies!

Saturday decided to move her safe perch from area in kitchen closer to me by computer. She has fear of my pink case somewhat and that perch was put right next to it. I did this while she did one of her flies, so when she got back she landed on it and we got her use to a new area. And use to my pink case. You see I had to get dressed and that has my makeup in it. I also had to blow dry hair. The other day that thing "round brush" made her spook! She got use to it too :)

Daphne decided she wanted to play with her hanging ball and do targeting. So we did! Starion is watching her land on the palm frond and of course get treats. I asked Starion to fly over to palm frond. She did!!!! She was nervous on it. She then went back to her safe perch. I asked her to fly to me in birdgym room. OMG! She did!!!! She then was taken around room to see it. Nervous, on my shoulder but doing very very well! Daphne makes like she will come to me and my hand. I asked and Daphne is on my hand and Starion on my shoulder. There is no aggression, just hanging out. I quickly take a self picture or three! I just couldn't believe they were both on me in such a short time!

George Great Bill is flying to me again!

2009-10-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

George is flying about 11ft!

In picture George Great Bill on left and little guy Phil philippine blue nape on right. They are in the new aviary! With my two eclectus Desi and Lucy.

I am so happy to see him back! It's been way to long since he has flown some distance to me. All because of Phil pulling out his tail! It's not all there yet but enough! I got one picture today and love it!

These are pictures of the all of them in aviary today! Phil my little one doing great flying to my hand!

Starion flew out of bedroom down hallway to my hand and more!

2009-10-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

Starion is here with me as I type this in the family room. She is getting aquainted again with the surroundings with curtains closed. She'll be in kitchen with me this morning while I make the bird breakfast. We will do some more calls before breakfast. I want her to enjoy herself and feel relaxed today.

Yesterday she amazed me! I had left her quarantine room and went down hallway. Called her and she came! She could not see me till she headed down hallway. Then I showed her several perches and put her on them and did a few calls throughout house. Long ones! She did great! Got a few pictures :).

Next will be aviary! She has been going outside on regular basis to get use to the enviroment. She does not like NOT having cover. Say has to be under porch or something on top of her cage. But still she didn't like that. So haven't pursued taking her out close to aviary. Today she will also get more outside time and looking at weather a bath if she desires.

Tofu and Peaches get to hang out with me in kitchen

2009-10-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have found with these two moving them around is working well and keeping them happy! So when I have to cook and do dishes they now have been participating alot! Tofu loves the greenhouse window while Peaches is on faucet for awhile. She likes it but also lets me know by asking please put me on perch (she puts her foot out). Tofu loves to eat.! Today cucumber! Did some fun hollaring! So after they eat and full and happy they relax one foot up! Then after that they did get some play time on floor! Peaches by the way is NOT plucking these days! That is a story I have to share!

Fred is always willing to come to me! My wild boy!

2009-10-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Fred is always ready for me! In house or out! Although he hasn't made it out to big aviary in awhile. Soon Chili and Fred will be out there together to see how that works!

Starion is moving on! Pictures are backwards

2009-10-05T18:51:00.001-07:00

Today 9/5/09 Starion is put to a new test. She has been in her quarantine room learning targeting, tricks, and of course recall with up and down. She's smart and a very quick learner. But she also is a very nervous bird! The slightest wrong movement and she is quickly flying off! As I walk out of room she calls "Don't go away" of course in her bird language. Today she flew to me and wasn't getting off. So I decided to test her. I walked out into hallway and she quickly flew back into room. A few times! Hmmmmm think I'll do some training. Starting from the bottom picture I will share what we did. I am going to replace these photos with a video telling the training process. In meantime enjoy!

She flew down hallway to my hand!

Lets start with short calls then move on at your pace Starion

Ok lets give it a try!

What? After what I just went through walking through it?

Ok Starion you ready to go down hallway to me?

Were not done yet! So I took the perch outside room and did some calls out to hallway and back in room. She did great!!!!!

Again she did it! And flew to my hand. She was scared! Heart beating very fast and breathing hard. We went back to room and yes she stayed with me We made it all the way to kitchen then she took off fright fly BUT turned and flew to my hand! Awesome!!!!!! Notice all curtains are closed so she wouldn't fly into window

Here we go down the hallway with no flyoff this time. She is trusting me!

I took these pictures to show how obviously nervous she was going out to the hallway with me. My flash wasn't working right

I called her to come to hand

Starion is playing on dresser and of course watching me as I come in

5 aviaries 2 birds in cages

2009-09-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

I was taking pictures and experimenting with photostitch. These are five pictures in one, panarama view. Although small. Below is starting from left Big aviary, then new aviary, on porch Starion in cage, Fred's home, Chili in cage, Tofu, and then Peaches home. All can be viewed from the chair in yard. And many other places. It's hard to share what a experience it is having birds outdoors within view all the time while gardening etc... I do try to share as best I can so others out there know what a joy it is and hopefully will do the same someday with there birds! I will add on to this page bigger pictures so it is easier to see.