Beak grinding is a frequent bird behavior that most parrot owners experience at one time or another. This is a side-to-side movement of the top and bottom beak mandibles against each other. Most people hear this sound as they are putting their parrots to sleep for the night, or while the birds are quietly napping. If you haven’t heard it, parrots may be beak grinding once they are covered and the lights are off, after you have left the room. The purpose of beak grinding is debatable- whether it is to keep the beak in shape, or a subtle signal to other flock members. General consensus is that it is a relaxed and content behavior!
Chewy Granola Bites
This is a simple treat that birds will love and it’s easy to adapt to their specific tastes!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp oil (this example used 1 tbsp red palm oil and 1 tbsp vegetable oil.)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dry ingredients (this example used equal parts safflower seed, millet, Miracle Meal, chopped almonds, chopped raisins, and puffed rice cereal.) ***As long as the dry ingredient total a 1/2 cup, you can use shredded coconut, dried fruits, other healthy cereals, seeds and nuts, or even pellets.
Directions
1. In a medium sauce pan, combine the peanut butter, honey, and oil.
2. Stir over low heat until smooth and blended.
3. Remove from heat and add oats and dry ingredients.
4. Place mixture into a small loaf pan (9″ X 5″). You can let this cool slightly before the next step.
5. Using a layer of wax paper, firmly press the mixture into the pan.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for atleast 2 hours before cutting into small squares. Keep refrigerated.
Toxic Plants
Gardens are blooming and growing, and that means homes are being decorated with houseplants and flowers. These are beautiful additions to any room, but with pets it is important to make sure they are non-toxic varieties. Birds love to chew and tear up foliage, so it is important to make sure they don’t get into trouble. The following are some of the more popular and common plants that are not pet-safe; a more comprehensive list can be found on our FAQ section.
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Birds of Paradise
These attractive plants are popular in yards and gift floral arrangements.
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Bulb Flowers
These popular spring flowers include daffodils, amaryllis, hyacinth, and irises.
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Ferns
Not all ferns are dangerous, but with so many varieties it is better to err on the side of caution.
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Ivy Not all ivies are dangerous, but with so many varieties it is better to err on the side of caution. |
Lillies
Another popular holiday and bouquet flower, these and peace lillies should be avoided.
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Philodendrons
There are many types of philodendrons, all of which should be avoided.
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Poinsetta
As one of the most popular houseplants in the world, these are dangerous when ingested.
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Rhododendrons
There are many varieties of rhododendrons, like azaleas, which are toxic.
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Tomato Plant
Tomatoes are included because many people grow them in kitchen windows. The actual ripe tomato is okay, but stems and leaves are toxic.
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Birdy Bagels
Birdy bagels are a great, inexpensive toy that can be enjoyed by all kinds of birds! They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and can be used as foot toys, toy parts, swings, foraging material, or just to slide over the perches! These versatile toys are made of clean parchment paper and food-grade adhesive so they are non-toxic. Most birds love peeling the color from the outside, and then chewing and shredding the rest of the ring. Bird bagels also come in tubes and “caves” for birds that like to hide and play.