By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Just as people like to choose the foods they eat, birds prefer to pick their own food. By offering food with a variety of colors and shapes, eating becomes more appealing to your bird. The pellet conversion method “Birdie’s Choice” has proven successful for small birds, […]
“Birdie’s Choice” Conversion Method: Give Your Bird the Power Leggi tutto »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) There is a misconception among pet bird owners that because wild birds eat seeds, pet birds should. However, this is not the case. A wild bird’s lifestyle is completely different than your pet bird’s, and that must be taken into consideration for your pet bird’s best interest.
Facing the Facts: Companion Birds Don’t Need Seeds Leggi tutto »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Pets of all kinds can be great companions, giving their owners someone to talk to, cuddle and spend time with. For someone considering a new pet, a bird may not be the first thought, but there are many benefits to owning a bird. Along with their
Why Birds Make Great Pets Leggi tutto »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Converting your bird from an unhealthy, high-fat, all-seed diet to a nutritionally balanced and complete pelleted bird food diet can be stressful – not only for the bird, but also for you. Birds are creatures of habit who often prefer sticking to what they’re used to, rather than
“Slow and Steady” Bird Diet Conversion: Switching Foods At A Gradual Pace Leggi tutto »
What is in a bird food pellet? A pellet contains a balance of all the essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, that seeds lack and that your bird needs to stay healthy. Pellets also are lower in fat than seeds so that they are better for your bird’s liver and cardiovascular system. Why
What Is In a Bird Food Pellet? Leggi tutto »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Just like us, birds love to eat treats. Whether you are rewarding your bird for performing trained behaviors or just giving him a little extra love, a treat can help you both build strong bonds. There are a variety of different foods that can be given
How to Give Treats To Your Bird Leggi tutto »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) Birds are flock animals that are used to living in groups of dozens to hundreds, making them very social creatures. Their social and active nature makes it necessary for them to spend some time out of their cages every day. Many bird owners wonder how much
Are you spending enough time with your bird? Leggi tutto »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice) It would be great if you could simply offer your pet bird nutritionally complete pelleted food and immediately wean him off a high-fat, nutrient-poor seed diet. But most of the time, it doesn’t work that way. Many species of birds are stubborn and unwilling to try
“Tough Love” Conversion Method: Creating a Routine for Your Bird Leggi tutto »
The holidays are here, and it is celebration time, loaded with extra trimmings, decorations and merriment that surround our hearth and home. But, there are many challenges that we as bird owners need to keep in mind so that our feathered friends stay happy and safe. Consider these tips to keep your bird safe and
Keep Your Bird Safe This Holiday Season Leggi tutto »
By Dr. Laurie Hess, Dipl ABVP (Avian Practice) As social eaters, wild birds feed in flocks of hundreds to even thousands in the wild. Pet birds, too, like to share mealtime with their flock-mates – either other birds in the house or their human caretakers. Eating with feathered companions is a great way to socialize
Toxic Foods Your Bird Should Never Eat Leggi tutto »
