Parrot Stars Podcast

In this special episode, we're answering listener questions live. From parrot behavior and training tips to diet, health, enrichment, and what it's really like behind the scenes at Parrot Stars, no topic is off limits. Whether you're a first-time bird owner, a seasoned parrot veteran, or just curious about what it takes to care for exotic birds, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and a few fun stories from the flock. Have a question we didn't cover? Stay tuned for more Q&A episodes, and don't forget to send yours in!Send us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode, we'll dive into the world of parrot breeding and discuss what sets responsible breeders apart. Learn how we prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of every Parrot Stars baby through ethical breeding practices, expert care, and a strong focus on education. Join us for an inside look at how good breeding isn't just about producing birds—it's about raising healthy, safe, socialized parrots, and supporting the species as a whole.Send us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

There are plenty of claims and stereotypes about parrots floating around and many of them just aren't true! In our very first myth-busting episode, we had a great time tackling some of the most common misconceptions we hear at Parrot Stars. We covered a wide range of topics that impact your parrot's daily life, from training and diet to caging, behavior, and more! It's easy to take advice from social media at face value, but don't let misinformation guide the way you care for your feathered companion. Get the facts and make informed choices, your parrot will thank you!Send us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

We're diving into a critical and often controversial topic: parrot wing clipping (and why it's something you shouldn't do). While many people clip their bird's wings with the best of intentions, the reality is that this practice can lead to potentially serious physical and mental consequences, some of which may even seem unnoticeable. Based on our personal experiences, we'll share why allowing parrots to remain fully flighted is the best and most enriching choice you can make for your feathered companion. We invite you to step into your parrot's shoes and ask: what truly serves their best interests? Together, let's take a critical and thoughtful look at the care we provide for these beloved birds, by breaking bygone standards and improving the quality of life for Parrot's everywhere.Helpful links: Research report: Welfare Assessment of Flight-restrained Captive BirdsWing Trimming: Best practices and Welfare ImplicationsClipping and Trimming FAQ from Aviator HarnessSend us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode, sit down with Mike Rodgers—an amazing wildlife educator who works for the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center in Palm City, Florida. Conservation is a key piece of our business mission at Parrot Stars. And while we tend to focus our education and fundraising mostly on Parrots, we want to do what we can to support wildlife of all kinds. Listen in as we discuss conservation projects both large and small the TCWC manages, super cool animal facts, and the amazing journey of Rodgers himself. We hope you walk away from this episode with new ideas of how you yourself can support wildlife conservation, right in your backyard! Helpful links: Treasure Coast Wildlife CenterSend us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Thinking about taking that much needed vacation but don't know what to do about your Parrot while you're gone? Or maybe you've been wondering about whether to get a beak trim? There can be a lot of risks and hazards to consider when it comes to these topics. Learn how to keep your bird safe and healthy through proper grooming and appropriate boarding. Helpful links: Boarding at Parrot StarsGrooming at Parrot StarsSend us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode, we'll talk about all of the details that you need to consider before bringing home a bird. We all know birds are cute—but taking home a Parrot companion is a huge commitment. Our Parrot Stars philosophy is to always prioritize the bird's health, safety, and overall well being. That means sitting down with every prospective bird owner to guide them through the choosing process and talking through all of this critical information that is necessary to get started with the new baby bird.  Providing proper caging, perching, toys, and of course food are all the absolute essentials to get your bird off the best start. We never let our customers leave with a bird without showing us proof of adequate caging and perching. Whether you're planning to buy from us, or looking at a bird elsewhere, remember our non-negotiable standards for making sure you're ready to give your new bird a safe and happy home.Send us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode, we dive into the topic of parrot biology.  As biologists ourselves, this is our jam so prepare yourself as we cover Parrot geography, anatomy, physiology, intelligence, and more. Parrots are an absolutely fascinating group of birds with an abundance of unique characteristics. It's fun to just learn about them, however for all the Parrot owners listening out there, understanding parrot biology can really help you improve your bird's overall health and well-being. Send us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

To start off the much anticipated third season of our Parrot Stars Podcast, we wanted to give an overview of all the exciting things we have planned for the store in 2025! We are beyond excited to be starting our monthly educational classes, free to the public, to spread as much parrot information out there to anyone who will listen. Stay in touch on our website to see their dates and registration information! Of course we also give a little sneak peak of our summer festival which will be July 18, 19, and 20 of 2025. This year, we have also dedicated ourselves to further invest in overall parrot conservation, to highlight and support all of the amazing small organizations out there doing the work to keep these animals protected and thriving.Helpful resources:Parrot Stars Summer Festival 2025DONATE HERE to help save the Blue-throated MacawMore info on Nido Adoptivo by the Bird EndowmentSend us a textLearn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Join us for this episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast as we discuss some of our viewpoints and philosophies on both Animal Conservation and Parrot Conservation. At Parrot Stars, one of our main goals is to promote and impact Parrot Conservation as a whole, for the betterment and well-being of these amazing animals. As biologists, this is a huge topic we are especially passionate about, however we only just brush the surface of the overall issue. We understand these heavy topics can have many viewpoints but we hope to both educate and inspire in this conversation. Conservation starts at home and anyone can make a difference! Links: https://www.parrotstars.comhttps://www.oneearthconservation.org/https://www.parrots.org/https://www.audubon.org/our-work/cities-and-towns/lights-outhttps://www.chicago.gov/city/en/progs/env/lights_out_chicago.htmlSend us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

We continue to discuss Clicker Training in this next part of our Parrot Stars Podcast but also recap all the essential info for training in general! To cap off this initial saga of Positive Reinforcement Training, we wanted to lay it all out, point by point for ease of beginning this process. https://www.parrotstars.com/product-p/680286655424.htmSend us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode of the Parrot Stars podcast, we continue the training saga and finally introduce the Clicker! How to introduce it during training, How to properly use it, Why even use it, are all questions we'll address in our first Clicker Training episode. This little hand held tool can be the game changer that makes life bliss for both you and especially your bird, so join in and take your Parrot's training to the next level.https://www.parrotstars.com/product-p/680286655424.htmSend us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Ever wondered how you can work with parrots, even if you can't work with parrots? Sheryl Robinson is the epitome of a “Bird Lover”. She has spent her life sharing her love of parrots with the public. From her time spent at Lincoln Park Zoo, volunteering in Costa Rica, and eventually, helping us at Parrot Stars, Sheryl has had many different volunteer opportunities that have changed her life and perspective on parrots. Dive into an episode filled with laughter, incredible stories, and inspiring examples how volunteering with birds can make a positive impact in your life and the world around you!Here is the link if they want to go and purchase the AFA conference video package.Https://www.afabirds.tv/plans-pricingThe cost is $50 and is good for 1 year.Send us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

We continue our Positive Reinforcement saga, diving into the next steps you can take to further build your relationship with your companion Parrot. In Part 1 we talked about simply introducing yourself to your Parrot, but now in Part 2 we give you advice on actually getting your hands involved. Scary! Just kidding, it's not scary at all and we'll tell you why. We cannot stress enough how essential training your parrot is and quite frankly, it's not optional!Links:https://www.parrotstars.com/product-p/680286655424.htmSend us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Are you struggling to simply start training with your Parrot companion? Join us as we dive into the world of Parrot Training and discuss how it is essential to establish a training routine with your companion bird. We start our Positive Reinforcement Training saga off with the absolute basics so everyone in the Parrot community, whether you just took home a bird or have had one for longer than we've been alive, can feel included. Sometimes the beginning baby steps of Parrot training require almost no work at all, and we'll tell you why!   Links: https://www.parrotstars.com/product-p/680286655424.htmSend us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Happy Halloween and beware the Parrots that scare! In this bone chilling episode, we creep into the shadows of the gothic New Guinea mountain rainforests, where lurks the Parrot that makes Dracula himself lock the doors! With ghoulish screams in the night, these harbingers of death for figs are quite the eerie sight. Join us if you dare as we dive into the annals of the frighteningly mysterious Dracula Parrot! Dun Dun Dun.Links: https://www.parrotstars.comhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IUCN_Red_ListForshaw J. & Cooper W. (1977) “Parrots of the World”Send us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

In our previous episode, we dove into the actual natural history of biting behavior in Parrots, along with the first two main reasons why you could possibly experience a bite at home. We continue today discussing the third and fourth main reasons, along with strategies to prevent such biting behavior in the home. It's always important to remember parrots perceive things in much different ways than we do and a bite is never personal. Be kind to your parrot and it will be kind to you! Send us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Have you ever wondered exactly why your parrot is biting? In today's episode we describe how we can better understand our parrot's behavior. We talk about parrot evolution, domestication and their instinctual responses to stimuli. We then dive into the four main reasons a parrot may bite in captivity. We offer advice on how to change your perception and understanding of why you may be getting bit. We hope you enjoy Part 1 of our biting episodes. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we continue to deep dive into the four main reasons a parrot may bite.Send us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Join Alexis, Ashley, and Avery for the Season 1 Finale as they explore Parrot behavior and share tips on strengthening your bond with your feathered friend through kindness.Send us a textLearn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Join Alexis, Ashley, and Avery today for a recap of the 2024 Summer Festival.Parrot Stars extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, attended, and contributed to making this event a success.Send us a Text Message.Learn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Join Alexis, Ashley, and Avery in this episode as they discuss their educational background, their experiences, and fond memories they had as they discovered the world of Parrots.Send us a Text Message.Learn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Join Alexis, Ashley, and Avery in this second part as they discuss what it is like to be part of the Parrot Stars Family. From the early mornings, to bird care, education, grooming and customer care. Get to know their routines, and what it takes to make sure that every detail has been covered.Send us a Text Message.Learn more about us or shop online at parrotstars.com

Join Alexis, Ashley, and Avery in this first part as they discuss how it all started. From inception, to nutrition, conservation, and education. Get to know more about their daily endeavors, and what the future has in store for Parrot Stars. Send us a Text Message.www.ParrotStars.com

Join Alexis, Ashley, and Avery in this episode as they discuss how to proof your home so that it is risk free for your feathered friend. From building communication, to choosing appropriate cookware, cleaning methods, chemicals to avoid, and so much more... get to know what is safe and what might be life threatening to your existing or future parrots. Send us a Text Message.www.ParrotStars.com

For the third year in a row, the Parrot Wizard will be joining us for our Summer Festival, July 19th-21st, 2024! Listen in as we discuss his background in animal behavior, how he applies his training methods on a variety of parrot species, and our exciting plans for this year's Summer Festival! We've sent the Parrot Wizard THREE Parrot Stars babies. He will train them for the 30 days leading up to the festival. Follow their journeys on his YouTube channel: @All-ParrotsFollow on Instagram: @trainedparrotRead his bio here:Michael Sazhin, author of the Parrot Wizard's Guide to Well-Behaved Parrots, is coming to the Parrot Stars Summer Festival to share his passion for parrots through education. He has been featured on TV shows such as America's Got Talent, Steve Harvey, and the Late Show with David Letterman. Come to the Summer Festival to learn how you can experience a magical parrot experience with your bird with the help of the Parrot Wizard.Want to learn more? Join us for our Parrot Stars Summer Festival: July 19-21, 2024115 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004.See the full itinerary here:https://www.parrotstars.com/article-a/275.htmSend us a Text Message.www.ParrotStars.com

July 19th, 20th an 21st, 2024 we are hosting our 3rd annual Parrot Stars Summer Festival. The Summer Festival is our way of saying thank you to the incredible parrot community that supports our business all year round. Enjoy free admission to our educational seminars, interact with exotic animals, participate in our DIY classes and so much more! Save big on all your parrot's supplies because the entire store goes on sale during the festival . There will be raffles and give aways you do not want to miss. Traveling in from out of state? No worries, there are lots of hotels and restaurants very close to the store. See you all there!The 3-day festival will include:Summer Festival SaleRaffle TicketsExclusive Interactive Workshop with The Parrot WizardEducational Seminars by:Alexis Highland of Parrot StarsJulia Dettore of The Parrot UniversityDr. Robert D. Ness DVMThe Parrot WizardDIY parrot toy making class by our one and only Joyce!Fun for the whole familyMeet the Parrots of Parrot StarsIncredible Bats and their Huge variety of rare exotic animalsFractured Feathers - Birds of Prey. Hawks, Owls, and more…Melsense - Live MusicAni-mal's Design - Custom digital artwork of your pet(s) by Dahryon and EddieOf Feathers and Fur Portraiture - Tina's unique selection of art work and accessories.Face Painting for the KiddosGames, Crafts & Bounce HouseFood TrucksOur Vendors:A&E - Aria Birds Products - Aviator - Hagen Group - Lafeber Company - Ness Exotic Wellness Center - Prevue HendryxFor more up to date information, please visit www.parrotstars.comSend us a Text Message.www.ParrotStars.com

We dedicated this episode to outdoor safety with companion parrots, where we cover essential topics to ensure your feathered friends stay happy and healthy. We discuss choosing the right  carriers and harnesses for safe outdoor activities, emphasizing the importance of fresh water and hydration during outdoor excursions. As summer approaches, we share tips on managing heat exposure and ensuring comfort for your parrots. Exploring safety measures and the necessity of vigilant supervision rounds out our comprehensive guide to enjoying the outdoors with your avian companion responsively. Send us a Text Message.

Dive into the world of Parrot Nutrition! Explore ways of optimizing your companion Parrot's well being through dynamic and healthy food options. Discover how a well rounded diet can improve your Parrots daily lives.Send us a Text Message.