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Bare-eyed Cockatoos

One of the liveliest parrot species by far is the Bare-Eyed Cockatoo. Sometimes mistaken at a glance for a Goffin, these medium-sized
cockatoos are named after the bald ring around the eyes, and the featherless, puffy patch below their eyes.

Native to Australia, Bare-Eyeds have a bad reputation because they gather in huge flocks and forage in the farmer’s crops. This feeding behavior damages the plants and soil as they browse for seeds and grains.

As pets, Bare-Eyed cockatoos can be loving and comical to watch as they play and learn. Most are very mischievous and curious in nature, and enjoy manipulating items with their feet, like toys, food, and even cage locks! Besides these traits, like other cockatoos, they can be loud and gregarious, showing off frequently. Some have been known to have a decent ability to mimic and talk. When they aren’t playing or being acrobats, they do enjoy being affectionate and will solicit petting and cuddling.

These cockatoos can live up to 45-50 years or more, so it is important to have them well socialized. An abundance of toys and activities is also recommended to keep these energetic parrots happy and entertained.

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Males VS Females

Outwardly, most parrots will look the same whether they are male or female. The biggest exception being the Eclectus, where the males are green and red, and the females are red and purple. Other times, birds have to be a certain age before changes are apparent, like parakeet cere color, the rings of the aptly named Ringnecks, Red Bellied parrots, and more. The previous examples are fairly straight forward, but other species can be much more subtle, even impossible to determine visually. Stories are abound of cute little “Sam” laying eggs and ending up a “Samantha”.

How does one tell male from female?
DNA testing is considered the most common method, as well as the safest and least intrusive.

Does gender matter?
Knowing your birds’ gender is most important if you plan on breeding in order to find an appropriate mate. Knowing if a bird is a female can also help to determine if calcium should be supplemented if it happens to lay eggs. Sometimes, it’s just fun to know, or for naming purposes.

The better gender?
This topic is debatable. For some of the smaller birds, gender may matter: male canaries and male finches will be the singers. In parakeets and cockatiels, although females can learn, males are more likely to be capable of talking and whistling. In most parrots though, both males and females can learn to talk and mimic equally. As far as personality and “tameness”, that depends on the individual bird and how it is handled and trained.

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Bird Fruitcake

This delightful twist on a holiday fruitcake is simple and tasty. Bake in mini-muffin tins for convenient portions that can also be stored in the freezer for later.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 14.5 oz canned fruit cocktail (lite syrup or water packed)
  • 2 tbsp raisins
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground clove
  • 1/2 cup chopped unsalted nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, etc.)
  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut (fresh, sweetened, or unsweetened)

Directions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 F.
2. Open the can of fruit and strain the liquid. (This can be saved if you wish to soften the raisins.)
3. *Optional* To soften raisins, place them in a small pot with the fruit liquid (or plain water). Bring to a light boil and cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Spread the canned fruit pieces and raisins on a cutting board and chop finely.
5. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the softened butter with the egg.
6. Slowly add in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, mixing well.
7. Add in the cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, nuts, and shredded coconut. Stir until everything is combined.
8. Spray the mini-muffin tins with non-stick spray, or lightly grease them.
9. Fill with batter 3/4, and bake for about 25 minutes. (Longer times may be needed for regular muffins or small loaf sizes. Like other baked goods, insert a toothpick into the center and remove, if it comes out clean it should be fully cooked.)

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Holiday Safety Tips

There are many household items that are quintessential to the holidays, but we may not realize that they can be hazardous to the health of our pets.

Candy/Chocolate – Many baked goods and sweets for the holidays may contain chocolate, so it is important to keep a close eye on these platters and remind guests not to give your birds any “snacks” just incase!

Tinsel – Birds love shiny materials, but tinsel should be avoided as it can lead to digestive issues if ingested.

Fake Snow – This decorative item can be very toxic if ingested.

Holiday Plants – The most common holiday plants: mistletoe, poinsettia, and holly, can be toxic if chewed on or ingested by your bird.

Christmas trees – Some bird owners have let their parrots play in undecorated trees, but one must be cautious of sap, pesticides, and flame retardant sprays.

Ornaments – Some older ornaments may contain lead, and others are made of glass. Also, your bird will think they all look like fun toys to destroy!

Christmas lights – Some lights may get hot, or exposed wires may pose an electrocution hazard if chewed on.

Candles / Potpourri – Candles, scented oils and perfumes can irritate a bird’s respiratory system.