Round Cages

Round cages were originally started on a tea tables and made out of walnut, and used as decoration, then used for canaries etc.  It wasn't until around 1853 an actual family started manufacturing them and selling bird cages.  In 1876 the world had its first bird cage trade show. 

Now you have to understand that back then, they hadn't started doing the science of aviculture, and even really paying attention to what made a parrot tick.  Most of the time, parrots and other birds were used as center pieces, and just decoration.  Can you imagine, just being thrown seeds and used a center piece.  I can only imagine how many parrots, and birds were angry, and hated their owners. 

The reason that I bring up round cages, is.... ROUND CAGES ARE BAD for birds.  Birds need to feel a sense of security, and corners, heights, for them to find their secure places.  A round cage does not give them a sense of going anywhere, and actually makes them incredibly anxious.  If any animal is anxious enough, for a long enough period of time, they become damaged, and have trust issues.  Not to mention agression, and constant need to escape. 

So, the bottom line is, stay away from round cages!!  

Listening to what you know... and believing it.

Now if you are like me, and you are constantly striving for information, you can get a bit overwhelmed.  There is so much "good" information our there in the world, and it takes some experience to decifer what is proven, and what is crap. 

I made the decision to check out who has the best reputations, as in, who's blog to follow, what sites to invest in, and what forums to read.  The problem with a forum, is there are alot of "opinions" but every now and then you will find one that has alot of great information, and you begin to trust these opinions.  Experience is the key to raising any animal in my opinion, and educating yourself is the formula for finding that very key.

I suggest that anyone that is new to aviculture read books, ask questions, and find a mentor.   A mentor will give you the insight, and show your their experiences, with which you can take or leave.  Or maybe even just tweek things up a bit, and make it your own.  Either way get to know do your research! 

join a club, read a magazine, and get to know people with your interest, that way you can have someone to bounce these ideas, and questions off of!!  Trust me, it's worth it!

The Parrot Problem Solver

I have to say that with the suggestion of Patricia Sund to read this... has changed my view on training and viewing companion parrots. 

I have to say that I come from the area of showing you are the "alpha" and "who's boss", and I have to admit that only 30% of my training ability is to look at what the parrot wants.  Reading this book has already shown me that it is important to show your parrot that they are part of the equation.  Their feelings need to be taken into consideration, just to get them to bond properly with you. 

I realized that agression is sometimes not the problem of the parrot, but of the action/reaction response due to the owner.  They sometimes feel cornered and have no other outlet, and they also have their need to be left alone... who doesn't have a bad day?

Reading this book, I have decided to retrain myself in my interaction with Dexter and Cooper, and start doing positive reinforcement training, and I have to say that Dexter is actually responding incredibly well with it.  Cooper on the other hand is getting a little bitey with his new found freedom, and is making small strides.  One day at a time! 

I recommend if you have not read this book yet... get it, it will literally make your parrot owning journey be inspired and get your knowledge cravings going.

Sunshine and Springtime

This time of year, when the leaves grow in, and flowers bloom, allergies blossom.... and the warmth of the quiet night after you put your birds to bed.  When I was growing up, it was when my mother had the chance to sit in the still, and just think.  It was so quiet, and that's when she came up with her brilliant ideas.  Sitting here tonight, I have had the dream of becoming a writer, and wanting to put my words out into the universe, so that people can maybe learn something from my experience.  So I have made the decision, to actively pursue it, along with the other things that I have on my plate.

Bird Talk Magazine is going to be the place to begin my journey.  I have wanted to be published in this magazine for the past twenty some (we don't need to do the exact math) years.  I will not stop until I have at least published an article with this particular publication. 

Now thinking of the exact thing to write is the dilema.  I want it to be relevant, and I want it to be personal enough to be relateable with other readers, and so that they can step into my shoes as I tell my story.  I thought about my history with Dexter and Cooper, and maybe striving to turn it into a series... the new parrot guy's journey.  But then again, that's what this blog is for.  For my readers to not only learn from my mistakes, but also be inspired to strive for new things, and challenges.  Let's not get too serious, let's also throw in the entertainement factor.  I hope that my blog is at least fun to read, and also informative.

I contacted a friend today, and she inspired me not to give up, and also put me on the right track for some publications to read.  Cooper is having some issues with biting right now, nothing to the point that I have to call 911, or grab a butterfly stitch, but none the less it's annoying. 

Lately my schedule has been a little erratic, and with the home improvements that have been going on, there have been some days where they are locked up in the bird room.  So I think he is reacting to that and the lack of "Q" time that we have had together.  I did order him a new living room perch, that is large, and I think that he will really enjoy.  Today was an indicator, and he got his morning Beanie Mix and Chop... and some extra treats, so he associates happy with the new space.  We will have to see how it goes. 

The new book that I ordered is about correcting parrot issues with agression, and explains the various types of agression, and why he may be acting out.