Promoting and Protecting the Welfare of Parrots

Have you ever wished you could potty train your parrot, but just didn’t quite know where to begin?  Here are some pointers to help you get started.   It’s not a good idea for health reasons to teach your bird to ‘hold it’ indefinitely, but it is certainly possible to get the behavior of ‘going’ on cue so that you can have some say as to when the parrot relieves himself when you’re spending time together.   That way, depending on the individual bird, you’ve got 15 minutes or so until you have to be concerned about it again.   

As with any training, the first thing is to make a plan.  First, pick a cue word or signal.  This cue will eventually let the parrot know when it’s a good time to relieve himself.  (At our house it’s “shazam.”)   The next step is to decide where will be the best location for this action.  I’ve found that having a specific area that’s only used for this purpose seems to work best; I like to use a sturdy-handled basket lined with layers of newspaper.  The handle serves as a perch, and the newspapers can be easily disposed of afterward.    (Be sure to habituate the bird to the basket before proceeding with potty training.)  What will the parrot’s reward/reinforcer be?  For this behavior, I usually use only verbal praise, but it might be a good idea to have a favored food treat ready, especially in the beginning.   

Learn to recognize your parrot’s body language just before he’s going to relieve himself.  Depending upon the individual, it can be quite clear:  moving the tail back and forth, squatting slightly, shifting weight, etc.   Just as the poop is released, say your chosen cue word.  If you use clicker training, quickly give a click; then offer positive reinforcement.  The goal is to eventually be able to cue the bird before the release occurs, rather than simultaneously as it happens; the bird just needs to make the connection between the cue and his action, which will probably happen relatively soon.  Hint:  I’ve found the easiest way to facilitate this mental connection for the parrot is to offer the cue when I know he needs to go…i.e. when first coming out of the cage in the morning.  I suggest trying to get your bird out of the cage before that first big dropping of the morning, setting him on the basket, and cueing as he releases.    These days, unless I happen to sleep in, our birds will actually hold the morning dropping until I bring them out to their baskets.  They seem to like the idea of keeping their cages clean almost as much as I do.  (Of course they won’t hesitate to go inside their cages if I’m late getting to them!)

With planning and patience, this form of parrot potty training is easily attainable.  One word of warning:  I was new to parrot training years ago when I first taught this behavior, and I made the mistake of going really overboard with the verbal praise I use as a reinforcer.  As a result, my sweet African grey thought for a while that she could get the praise anytime she pooped, and that made her want to go even more often!  I had to redirect my training a bit until she realized the importance is for her to go on my cue.  I’ve heard of other parrots who will only relieve themselves in the trained location, and this is certainly an example of taking the training way too far.  Remember:  parrots are evolved for flight, and it is nature’s intent that they’re not weighted down by waste. This training method is designed to help you get ahead of the behavior, not to postpone it.

Good luck to all, and may your clothes and sofas stay forever clean!

by Kris Porter
This post is reprinted from the Phoenix Landing Fall Newsletter.

I try to incorporate food items into toys to make them more interesting and it seems to me that I get more sustained activity if there is a bit of food hidden amongst the items strung on a toy. I have found that a rice cake will have great shredding appeal when added to toys. My favorite application is to top an empty clear plastic applesauce cup that has nuts, small pieces of vegetable and fruit inside with a rice cake. My parrots will eagerly shred through the rice cake to get at what is inside the applesauce cup.

I find my birds are more interested in shredding away the rice cake to get at what is under it than they are in eating the rice cake. But it is good to know that there are whole grain rice cakes available that are made with brown rice and no added salts or sugars.

Recently, in a quest to give my parrots something new and exciting to do; I found that ice cream cones make great additions to toys. They have the same appeal as the rice cakes and they add variety. I will make a small hole in the end of the ice cream cone or cup and string it on the toy (upside down).

Inside the ice cream cone I will put nuts and other treats and then cover the cone with an empty applesauce cup. Above and below those items are other toys like a crunch ball, whiffle ball, corn husks, plastic toy parts, etc.

I hope you have found these ideas helpful and that this article gives you inspiration to tweak your imagination and think of other ways to incorporate the rice cakes and ice cream cones into toys you make for your own birds.

Kris Porter is the author of the Parrot Enrichment Activity books and Parrot Enrichment.com.

Spend New Year’s Eve in one of the most spectacular places on the planet, and in the company of good friends who care about parrot conservation the way you do.

Visit the Tambopata Macaw Project with Dr. Brightsmith
Phoenix Landing is organizing a trip to the Tambopata area of Peru with Dr. Donald Brightsmith. This area has the highest concentrations of avian clay licks in the world and is an amazing opportunity to see macaws in the wild.

Dr. Brightsmith is the Director of the Tambopata Macaw Project, located in the unique rainforests of southeastern Peru. His research projects include nest activity data; the diets of macaw chicks; clay lick use and the consequences of consumption; ecology, conservation and diseases of psittacines; and the movements of Amazonian wildlife.

The Tambopata Macaw Project supports long-term research about the ecology and conservation of the nearly 20 species of macaws, parrots and parakeets that reside in the region. As in many areas, parrots are threatened by poaching and the clearing of forests.

In addition to time spent at the clay licks, hikes to key areas of parrot and wildlife activity, and special videos, Dr. Brightsmith will also give us special lectures about ongoing research projects such as the macaw nests, chicks research, and clay lick activity.

The cost of the trip is $1,650 (deposit due November 15), which does not include airfare from your point of departure to Lima, Peru and on to Puerto Maldonado (about $300), or hotel in Lima on 27 Dec. Some of you may decide to extend your time in Peru to see many other wonderful sites such as Machu Picchu.

This extraordinary trip is limited to 17 people, so reserve your spot today. For more details of this trip’s itinerary and how to reserve your spot, please see the Phoenix Landing newsletter (page 11).

Are your parrots as thrilled as mine are? Pomegranates are back! My walls, floor, and ceiling are sure to suffer, but it’s well worth it to see those beaks gleefully buried in the fleshy red seeds.

We all know our feathered friends need a varied, nutritious diet, and there’s no easier way to accomplish this than by offering whole foods in season.   Pomegranates are a perfect example.  They’re extremely rich in antioxidants, and parrots seem to relish them whole or simply halved.  I think the unusual texture and slightly pungent taste pique parrots’ curiosity.

We’re also lucky to have an abundance of pumpkins and squashes available this time of year.  The seeds of both are rich in essential omega 3 fatty acids, and the flesh is an excellent source of beta carotene.  Mini pumpkins make wonderful enrichment food items.  Just place a whole one on the cage floor, and watch your parrots go wild!  Or, take out a small slice to encourage parrots to chew and explore with their beaks.  Skewer the whole thing, and garnish with some leafy greens.  Grate raw pumpkin and combine it with fruit to make a special crispy autumn ambrosia.  Roast the seeds separately for a delicious, nutritious treat.     

Both pumpkin and squashes can be steamed or baked, but they’re often readily accepted in their most natural state:  raw and whole.  Like pomegranates, they’re only around for a limited time, so stock up now.  Your parrots will surely thank you!

Phoenix Landing’s 2009 Fall Newsletter (PDF) is now available. Like always The Phoenix Beakin’ is packed with information about parrot care, conservation and the birds we help.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• Information about our first facility (The Landing!)
• A special trip to the Tambopata Research Center in Peru with conservationist Don Brightsmith. Check the newsletter (Page 11) for details about this great opportunity.
• Another great article by Kris Porter on Parrot Enrichment and Foraging Ideas. This issue’s article is on using ice cream cones and rice cakes as parrot toys! (Page 8 )
• The latest adoption stats and specific donation items requested to help support Phoenix Landing’s work. (Page 2)
• “Waiting in the Wings” – Stories of adoptable birds looking for new homes. (Pages 6-7)
• “Happy Landings” – Success stories of recently placed birds. (Pages 16-17)
• Info on our November 7th Auction. If you have items to donate, please let us know what you’ll be bringing by sending an e-mail to phoenixlanding@earthlink.net.
• And much, much more!

In addition, if you live in one of our states of operation, we hope you will join us often for our upcoming events. Of special interest this fall:

• SAM WILLIAMS of PARROT WATCH: Life on the Wild Side!
  Saturday, November 7th
  Learn more about parrots in the wild from conservationist Sam Williams of Parrot Watch (Parrotwatch.org). Since every parrot still has a wild nature, we will enjoy some special videos and updates about ongoing research and conservation efforts. It is essential that those of us who love parrots do our part to protect parrots in the wild. This event will also include a special AUCTION to support the conservation efforts of Parrot Watch. If you have items to donate to the auction, please e-mail us at phoenixlanding@earthlink.net. We will also have a POTLUCK lunch between talks, a fun way to enjoy our day and each other’s company. Also, VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION day, with another free raffle to show our gratitude for your wonderful support this year!

• DR. SUSAN OROSZ PhD, DVM, Dipl ABVP& Dipl ECAMS:
  Holistic Approach to Avian Medicine, Part 1
  The Miracle of Flight and the Relationship to the Brain, Part 2
  Saturday, October 3rd
  Some very interesting topics with our extraordinary guest, Dr. Susan Orosz! “Dr. O” practices at the Bird and Exotic Pet Wellness Center in Toledo Ohio. She is board-certified in Avian Medicine through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Board certification demonstrates that the doctor practices the highest standard of care in the profession, and can be seen by the diplomate initials “Dipl ABVP (Avian).” She is one of only 7 avian veterinarians in the world who are board-certified both in the United States and in Europe.

  LUNCH: Since Dr. Orosz has kindly agreed to talk with us about several topics, we will have an extended program and take a break for lunch. Check the newsletter for details.

Download the full newsletter here.

Lauretta is a 40-year old male double yellow-headed Amazon.  Young!  He is a gentle bird, but very shy and hesitant in new situations.  However, Amazons are very clear about who they like and dislike, so we hope he’ll find HIS person soon.  He deserves to spend his next decades with the same affection that he is willing to give in return.

Lauretta is very overweight, with arthritis in his right knee.  Good news! He now greatly enjoys fresh sprouts, and is learning to eat other healthy foods like fruits, veggies, cooked “mash” dinner, and Nutriberries.  He needs a home with someone who is gentle and patient, and willing to learn about good avian nutrition so that he can continue to build better health.

He has lost some weight, but his right knee is still giving him some trouble. He is making good progress with clicker training and is learning to target.  We are also training him to step onto a handheld perch. But for some reason, he has decided that he no longer wants to interact in a positive way with his current foster family in Maryland, (and we know how strong an Amazon’s opinions are!). Lauretta is looking for a new foster, and eventually a new long-term home as well.  Could you be the one to bring joy to this beautiful boy’s life?

I’ve recently tried a product I think others might like as much as I do.  I’ve had a number of sweepers through the years, but there always seems to be something about each one that makes me return to my good old broom and dustpan.  Usually they take up a ton of room, they won’t pick up those tiny down feathers, or they’re a pain to empty.

However, the Swivel Sweeper G2 is vastly different and better than any I’ve seen or tried before.  Here are some of the things that make it really easy to use:

1. It’s very lightweight; no heavier than a broom.
2. The head swivels in every direction.  It easily rotates to reach between cages, alongside playgyms, etc.
3. With a push of a button, the handle bends to easily reach all the way under even large cages.  This is an especially useful function, and it’s what really inspired me to buy the product in the first place.
4. It picks up all the food particles, feathers, and shredded toy parts our greys can drop…and that’s A LOT!  It works equally well on the wood floors under their cages and the carpet under their foraging tree.  (The carpet is covered with mats and newspaper, but bits of their chewed toys always seem to find their way to my carpet.)  Special rollers on the ends allow it to work right up against a wall or in corners.
5. It’s truly one-touch emptying; there’s no getting your hands dirty at all.
6. It’s cordless and rechargeable, but the good thing is that the battery pack pops right off.  The charger needs an outlet, of course, but since the battery is detachable you can store the sweeper itself anywhere you’d store a broom.  It doesn’t need a plug in.  Also, the head of the sweeper has a magnet that attaches it vertically to the handle when not in use.  It literally takes up no more room than a broom.

I’ve had the product for a few days, and it has made keeping my floors clean a snap.  I really like anything that makes my life easier!   This won’t be a substitute for a vacuum, but it’s much easier to use than a vacuum for those several-times-a-day sweepings that seem so necessary when you have parrots.

Tony, Teri, Careigh and Ann spent part of the day at WLOS (the ABC affiliate in western North Carolina) taping segments for upcoming episodes of “Pet Pals.” We had several Phoenix Landing parrots on-hand to help get out our message about adoption and education.

Tony had just been given a supersized macaw painting by his friend Dennis. Tony brought it in to be our eye-catching backdrop. Denny also agreed to help us paint some beautiful rainforest scenery on the walls at the Landing!

Umbrella cockatoo Kiki had quite a conversation with Julie Wander, the anchor of Pet Pals. Kiki is recovering from surgery a few weeks ago for a prolapsed cloaca, and he’s doing great.

Mango (sun conure) and Kiwi (red lored Amazon) took a few flight laps around the area — the news station employees were enthralled. Nutmeg, a harlequin macaw, was a dignified star. Also joining us – umbrella cockatoo Missy and Roxie, a double yellow headed Amazon. A fun time was had by all!

You can find to the first PetPals episode at: http://www.wlos.com/newsroom/pet_pals/vid_236.shtml

The second segment of PetPals is available at: http://www.wlos.com/newsroom/pet_pals/vid_237.shtml

Elvis is a wild caught macaw – a gentle girl of unknown age. She is fighting cancer, but showing her resilience and determination to live a life of joy! We are also dedicated to making sure that she spends the rest of her life in the best of circumstances. Since macaws have long life spans, we hope she will be with us for years to come.

The best way for Elvis to take a bath is to put some water in the bath tub and let her take a dip. SHE LOVES IT, and it also helps to keep feathers on the vent area clean. This is very important given the location of her cancer. Here is a great photo of her playing in the bathtub with a bit of water.

Elvis is learning to play with toys and is a very good eater. Her favorites are corn and blueberries. She is very appreciative if you allow her to have dinner with you and treat her as part of the family.

About five years ago, a dear friend of ours abruptly decided to leave her comfortable life and career in ocean sciences to join the Peace Corps.  I was the first among her friends with whom she decided to share this earthshaking news.  She told me later that she felt I was the only person in her life open- minded enough to understand, and she didn’t want to hear from anybody who would try to talk her out of it.  Could I understand Marga’s yearning to explore the far corners of our beautiful planet, to get more from her own life by helping others less fortunate before her time runs out?  Absolutely.  But I could never lead such a life myself.  Marga’s thirst and courage evade me.

I don’t often hear from Marga these days.  Time and great distance tend to separate, even in this electronic age.  However, this morning I was overjoyed to discover my inbox full of Marga’s latest journal entries from her current assignment in the Indian Himalayas.  I eagerly read through her vivid descriptions of beautiful people, monkeys on rooftops, elephants blocking traffic, the splendor of the mountains, the peaceful joys of studying philosophy from a Buddhist monk, and markets packed with exquisite treasures.  When writing my reply to her, I had a sad fleeting thought that my life must seem so boring and mundane to my friend.

Then I was reminded of something that happened a few weeks ago.  It has stood out in my mind for some reason ever since.  The parrots and I were out for our morning walk when we encountered an ancient-seeming woman.  Her back was drawn over with age; deep wrinkles crossed her face; she walked with a twisted branch for a cane; and her eyes were covered with cataracts.  I think she was the oldest person I’ve ever seen.  Her garments suggested she has likely seen the wonders Marga describes, or at least others similar.  Pepper gave the gentle clucks she often uses as a greeting for someone particularly old or particularly young.  The old woman outstretched her gnarled finger to point to the greys.  A broad smile lit up her face, and she said “Beautiful.  They are beautiful.”  I never know how to reply when people say this about the birds.  Obviously the polite response seems to be to say “Thank you.”  But somehow this seems to imply that they are my possessions, acquired through some special prowess of my own; or that they are children who have turned out beautiful due to some genetic contribution of mine or my husband.  It doesn’t always seem to fit.  This time, I chose to return her smile, bow my head slightly, and reply “Yes, I think so too.”  Beauty and grace transcend age, race, and culture.  They are attributes appreciated by all who take the time to observe.

I listen to Pepper and Franco sweetly chattering to one another in a combination of English phrases and African Grey.  I peer into those wise yellow eyes that constantly study me, and it occurs to me that my life isn’t boring at all, far from it.  Nor is it without purpose.  I dare say that none of us privileged enough to share our lives with parrots have this problem.  After all, we do not even need to leave home to see someone who is exotic and special!  It is our chosen responsibility to care for and protect these extraordinary creatures, both in their natural wild realms and as our companions.  May we always treat them with the respect they deserve, remembering we are fortunate to have been given such a task.  I realize to many it would seem strange; but, to me, Phoenix Landing is my Peace Corps.