Author: Alison

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Green-cheeked Conures

Conures- loveable, loud, and curious! There are 2 main genus of conures: Aratinga and Pyrrhura, plus a few types that are their own genus: Nandays, Patagonians, and Golden conures to name a few.

One of the most popular conures kept are the Green cheeked conures, which belong to the Pyrrhura genus. Their smaller size, and generally quieter vocalizations are what make many bird owners initially drawn to these companion parrots. It is their intelligence, charm, and mischievous nature that makes us fall in love with them. Their average life span can range between 18 – 25 years with proper nutrition and exercise. It is recommended that their diet should include vegetables rich in vitamin K, and be slightly higher fat and lower in protein.

A standard green cheek has a black crown, with a grayish-white collar around the neck. The body is mostly green with a maroon blush on its belly as well as the tail. The primary wing feathers are vibrant blue, which is especially noticeable on an unclipped bird. There are a number of beautiful color mutations as well, from the pronounced red and yellow of the pineapple conure (a cinnamon variety of the yellow-sided mutation), to the teal and silvery gray of the turquoise conures.

These highly interactive little parrots can obtain a small vocabulary, learn tricks like waving, kisses, laying on their backs, and more with proper time and dedication. Their in-cage antics will also leave you laughing as they scoot around on their sides, wrestle with bells and jingle balls, and hang upside-down.

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Cooking with Non-Stick

For years, many concerns have been raised regarding the safety of non-stick cookware around birds. The coating contains polytetrafluroethelyne (PTFE) which is believed to degrade and release harmful fumes when overheated at temperatures around 525°F and above. By comparison, normal, attended, and well-ventilated usage may range between 250°F and 400°F. It is still always important to never let a pot boil dry or cook without contents, especially on high. Other surfaces that may be coated with PTFE include: space heaters, hair dryers, stain repellents, self cleaning ovens, and other non-stick coated appliances such as slow cookers, irons, etc. Other alternatives to non-stick cookware are stainless steel, copper, and glass. Keeping birds out of the kitchen and in a well ventilated area is always safest. This keeps them away from cookware and food fumes, very hot surfaces and liquids, and sharp objects.

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To Clip or not to Clip

It is highly debatable whether parrot owners should have their birds’ wings clipped or not. Is it risky to keep a bird flighted? Is it too stressful not being able to fly? As parrot owners the real matter is keeping your bird safe in its environment.

Flying is a remarkable ability of birds, and extremely advantageous to a life in the wild. It is a means of travel, escape, survival, and more. When kept in captivity and reduced spaces, is there still a benefit? Yes. Parrots that are allowed to fly in controlled outdoor spaces like aviaries, or in large rooms have increased lung function, strong muscles, better fitness, and balance.

But there are also drawbacks to having a full flight parrot. Parrots that become startled or are flying in unfamiliar spaces may get injured flying into walls, mirrors, and windows. In instances where a parrot is a pet with a large family, a family with small children, or one that has frequent guests, a bird that has been clipped is much safer. With so many people it can be hard to regulate open doors, open windows, loud noises, strangers, and more. One of the main causes of bird loss is from flying away, and once outside, it can be very difficult to recover them.

Clipping is also beneficial to new parrot owners that may have difficulty handling full flight parrots and are unaware of potential hazards. A regular grooming every 3 months is recommended. Very independent birds can even become dominant or territorial when they regain the ability to fly.

Every home situation will be different, which is why it is important to take a moment and think critically about what is safest for you and your feathered friend.

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Egg Info & Ideas

There are 3 main parts of an egg: the shell, the white, and the yolk. All parts can be enjoyed by birds and will meet some important nutritional needs as well. Crushed eggshell can be used as a source of calcium. The white and yolk is full of protein, amino acids, and vitamins D, E, K, B6 and 12, zinc, and other trace minerals.

While hard boiled eggs are just fine, try scrambled eggs; they are quick and most anything can be added to them. For fussy eaters, it’s an easy way to sneak in greens and vegetables like minced bell peppers, finely chopped greens, grated carrot, and tiny broccoli florets. It can also be used to incorporate powdered vitamins into the diet.

Depending on the amount of birds you are feeding, you may require 1 or more eggs and more ingredients. Keep in mind the more ingredients used or if they are large pieces, the egg may not keep everything held together. It is best to have all the ingredients prepared before you start cooking, and during this time let the pan warm up on medium heat. For variety, try pre-cooking the vegetables in the pan first if your bird likes soft foods rather than crunchy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs (here you can also crush in the eggshell). Pour the eggs into the pan with the ingredients of your choice and once the eggs start solidifying, use a spatula or wooden spoon to continuously fold over any cooked egg on the surface of the pan and move around the clear, raw liquid until thoroughly cooked. For safety, check your eggs for any shiny, wet areas, which may indicate it needs a few more minutes of mixing and cooking. Let cool and feed!