The Parrot Podcast

What happens when science, compassion, technology and a parrot come together? In this episode, we sit down with Jen, who took a groundbreaking approach to teaching birds how to communicate using tablets and touchscreens! Her birds are the first documented parrots that can READ AND WRITE!! We explore how to truly understand your bird's emotions, recognize signs of trauma, fear, and even pain, and how technology and trust-based training can create a bridge between species.Whether you're a bird parent, animal behaviour enthusiast, or just curious about how a parrot can use an iPad/tablet, this episode will leave you rethinking what's possible in animal communication!Keypoints:

Are cockatiels good pets? In this episode, we explore cockatiels as pets, how they compare to conures, and essential care tips. We chat with Ada about her flock and real-life experiences with her adorable cockatiels and canary!Keypoints:

In this episode, we dive into the essential tips every bird owner needs to know. From quick first-aid steps for emergencies to understanding the root causes of feather plucking, we cover it all with Dr. Octavio. Learn how to optimize your parrot's diet with the right balance and discover the importance of sunlight and probiotics for their well-being. Plus, we tackle common health concerns like overweight birds and the use of hormone implants. Tune in for expert advice and practical solutions to keep your parrot thriving from an avian vet!Key Points: Parrot first aid tipsParrot bleeding tipsProbiotics and Prebiotics for BirdsSunlight for birds - Why and how much?Cockatiels and night frights!How to tell if your bird is overweight?Parrot diet - seeds, pellets, vegetables, fruitParrot plucking and the root causeWhat do healthy feathers look like?Do x-rays have to be done with anesthesia?Hormone implants and Lupron - do they work? Are they good?Most common bacteria and infections in birds!Special Guests:

In this episode we fly into the world of birds with special needs, exploring the challenges and care requirements! From splay legs to blindness, we discuss various disabilities that affect birds and the compassionate care they require to live fulfilling lives. Jen also provides us with tips and advice on caring for senior birds, whose golden years often bring unique health concerns.We also talk with Jen about life as a bird artist who not only creates stunning birb art but also dedicates her life to rescuing and rehabilitating special-needs birds. Listen as she shares her journey of combining art and advocacy, bringing attention to these incredible creatures through her work while offering them the love and care they deserve.Whether you're a bird lover, an artist, or someone passionate about animal rescue, this episode will inspire you by the resilience of birds and the humans who care for them. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about creativity, compassion, and the beauty of all living beings.Key Points: 

In this episode, we take flight with the aviator harness for birds! We sit down with the CEO of The Parrot University to explore the story of how this innovative product came to be. Julias shares aviator harness options and guides us through choosing the perfect size for your feathered babies! Learn essential training techniques for getting your bird comfortable with the harness, and discover tips for safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures.

In this episode, I sit down to chat with Adele from Wildlife Unleashed, a passionate conservationist dedicated to creating safe havens for some of the most stunning birds, including Amazon parrots, macaws, Major Mitchell cockatoos, and red-tailed black cockatoos and many other animals! We discuss what it takes to run a sanctuary, free flight tips, flock enrichment, and more! Adele also shares insights on Australian wildlife and how their dedication is channelled through wildlife education programs aimed at inspiring and educating the public about the vital importance of conservation.Key Points:Journey to starting Wildlife UnleashedWhat it's like to have 19 parrots AND 88 ANIMALS!Macaws, Amazons, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos, Gang-gang Cockatoos and more!!Free flight tipsEnrichment and Large AviariesThe best and worst parts of starting a sanctuary Australian Wildlife

Looking for tips from an avian vet tips for healthy parrots? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Octavio to help you with health tips for your parrots! From understanding our parrot's complex needs to shocking bloodwork results and identifying signs of illness early on. Discover the differences between healthy and unhealthy poops, and gain invaluable tips to keep your feathered fids thriving! Key Points:

Want to know where to get the best parrot cages? & How to travel the world? In this episode, I share our recent updates and answer questions from a Q&A! I talk about where we got our Mia's cage and explore various options from different brands and places to help you find the best parrot cages! Learn about Parrot ID, including what it is and how it works. I also cover Bird-Friendly Airlines for domestic and international travel, discussing which allows your birds to fly in the cabin or cargo. Tune in for all this and more to keep your birds happy and healthy!

Join Julie and me as we dive into the behind-the-scenes of birds found in big chain pet stores, share bird hacks, and offer tips for keeping your fids happy and healthy! We'll also discuss crucial topics like the impact of heavy metals on your pets, the importance of regular vet visits, and so much more! Key Points:Stories from Working at Big Chain StoresDebunking Instagram Birb mythsBird HacksInterspecies Relationships: Cats & Birds!What do Black Feathers mean?Kale Crisps and Veggie HacksHousehold Dangers and Heavy Metal ToxicityArlo's Vet VisitMakeup and Skincare Around BirdsBlack Capped Conures Bird Cage Brands & Set Up TipsSpecial Guests:Julie, @arlobirb“So many pet owners out there or people who try to buy pets are not giving their pets a good life. I've seen it all…” - Julie.  Links:https://www.instagram.com/arlobirb/ Connect with us on Instagram @theparrotpodcast

In this episode, we chat with David, a professional parrot trainer, on how he and his partner Sophie manage a flock of eight! David shares their journey of caring for rescue birds, including one with a missing leg! Get insights into providing specialized care for disabled parrots and find out the hard truth about crimson-bellied conures!

In this episode, we dive into the cuteness of caiques! Join us as we explore the unique personalities of these lively parrots. From their playful antics to their affectionate nature, we chat about why caiques are so fun and what they are like as pets!But that's not all – we also lift the curtain on the fascinating life of a birbfluencer. Ever wondered what it's really like behind the Instagram reels and viral videos? Learn about the joys and challenges of sharing your life with a feathered friends on social media.Key Points:Caiques personalitiesCaique parrots as petsLala and Dobby's storyCaique bite forceHow loud are they?White bellied vs Black headed CaiquesWhat it's like being a birbfluencer!Funny facts about Lala and DobbySpecial Guests:Lala, Dobby and their Dad! @_lala_dobby_“Caiques are more energy full than most parrots, they always want to be the middle of your world”. - Ilkhan   Connect with us on Instagram @theparrotpodcast

Join us in this episode for some fun, tips and facts! We explore Jessa's diverse flock and each of their personalities. She has a flock of six with an Eclectus, Indian Ringneck, Budgie, Sun Conure, Cockatiel, and an African Grey. We chat about some of the research she's done and interesting tidbits about all these different species!Key Points:Having a diverse flockFrom a mom: Are parrots like kids?Small to Big Birds as Pets Budgies!Eclectus!Indian Ringnecks!Powder vs Non-Powder BirdsDo parrots dream?Why are parrots scared of random things?Tips before bringing home a new birdSpecial Guests:Jessa @jessalin000“I feel like with parrots it's endless research” - Jessa.   Connect with us on Instagram @theparrotpodcast

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of parrot nutrition, exploring their diverse dietary needs based on findings of scientific research on what parrots eat in the wild. Dr. Jason Crean shares what makes up a parrot's natural diet and the importance of replicating this diversity in captivity. We also explore the benefits of avian teas, which pellets are best, how to feed your birds and more!Key Points:Lorikeet DietToucan DietParrot DietPellets for ParrotsDiverse Foods for ParrotsWhy a Raw Food Diet is so ImportantCan behaviours improve with diet?Portion sizes to feedFats in a Parrot DietDebunking Myths on Toxic FoodsAvian TeasSpecial Guests:Dr Jason Crean @drjasoncrean biologist, educator and consultant who specializes in all species education.“They are surviving, but parrots are opportunistic, so they can eat all kinds of different things” - Dr. Jason Crean  Links:https://www.drcrean.com/drcrean-home https://biobirdblends.company.site/ https://www.theparrotshop.ca/search.asp?keyword=biodiversity Connect with us on Instagram @theparrotpodcast https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 

In this episode, we jump into the vibrant world of toucans, specifically aracari toucans! Join us as we chat with Maria about everything from their unique diet and care requirements to understanding their lifespan and the potential vet bills involved. We talk about their most known feature - their big beaks, what their bites are like, what they are like as pets, why their poops are worse than parrots and all the differences and similarities between parrots and toucans! Tune in for this fun toucan special!!Key Points:Toucan factsAracaris ToucansCan you have them as pets?Toucan lifespan and care requirementsHow do Toucans sleepHow do Toucans fly?Are toucans difficult pets?How different are they from Parrots?Are Toucans loud?What is their bite strength?Are Toucans easy to train?Special health concerns and VET BILLSToucan Beak Anatomy + Do they have talking abilities?How much do they cost!Special Guests:Maria & Chester @chester_the_toucan“Their diets are so specific, and it's so much fruit, and you can't make chop” - Maria“Honk honk” - Chester   Links:https://www.chesterthetoucan.com/ Connect with us on Instagram @theparrotpodcast https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 

Join us in this episode as we talk with Ada from Parrot Disaster and Parrot Planet Poland about avian care, navigating the complexities of trauma in birds, the behaviours of various species, and how their hormones can differ, too! Discover Ada's tips for foraging ideas to enrich your bird's environment and advice on setting up the perfect habitat in your home tailored to your bird species. Key Points:Dealing with Trauma in BirdAdopting ParrotsJardine and Pionus SpeciesAfrican GreysHealthy Parrot FoodsHealing a destroyed liver in ParrotsForaging Ideas How to Create a Parrot Paradise at HomeHormone Season for Different Species Understanding Parrot BehaviourSpecial Guests:Ada @parrot_disaster @masterofparrotdisaster“This is a bird; birds need to fly, birds need to forage, birds need to play… we need to consider that this is animal from the nature, not from our home, and this is wild creature.” - Ada  Links:https://www.instagram.com/parrot_disaster/https://parrotplanet.pl/ Connect with us on Instagram @theparrotpodcast https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/  

In this episode, we talk with the famous Parrot Wizard about the intricacies of ensuring your feathered friend's well-being, covering topics such as optimal sleep patterns, the importance of bird lamps, safe nail trimming techniques, and the benefits of harness training. Michael shares the unique characteristics and personalities of Senegal and Cape Parrots, as well as a comparison of having large versus small bird species. Key Points:Sleep for ParrotsBird Lamps - do they work? Are they beneficial?Importance of weighing birds!!Aviator Harness Training - the safest ways to take your birds outdoorsSunlight benefits, and how often should pet parrots get sunshine?Senegal and Cape ParrotsWhat is a beginner bird?Large vs Small ParrotsAnswering questions on nail trimmings, growing a flockHow to live in Harmony with your Bird!Special Guests:Michael @trainedparrot & @all-parrots on YouTube, aka The Parrot Wizard“As we improve their lifestyle and better tailor our home and our relationship with them, the nicer they are back to us as well” - Michael  Links:https://parrotwizard.com/ https://parrotwizard.com/Store/ Connect with us on Instagram @theparrotpodcast

Join us as we chat with Carlie, a bird mom to three macaws (blue and gold, military and scarlet) and an African grey. We discuss common challenges faced by parrot owners, including biting and plucking behaviours, offering insights and practical advice on understanding and addressing these issues. We'll also chat about parrot intelligence, uncovering the anatomy of their brains and the remarkable cognitive abilities that make them such intriguing companions. Carlie also shared the intricacies of winter care for parrots, ensuring their well-being in colder climates.Carlie, who works closely with the World Parrot Trust, also shares invaluable insights into the impact of the pet trade on wild parrot populations and the measures being taken to protect these magnificent birds.Key Points:Different Types of MacawsParrot Biting (the force and tips on dealing with it)African Grey'sPlucking in Parrots Wild Caught Parrots for the Pet TradeWorld Parrot Trust MissionParrot Intelligence and their Brains!Free FlightParrots in Winter - Can they be outside in the cold?Special Guests:Carlie @shelbythemacaw“They are complex, and we're still learning; we're still trying to understand what they need” - CarlieLinks:https://shelbythemacaw.co.uk/https://www.parrots.org/ Connect with us on Instagram @theparrotpodcast

Life with TWO Blue and Gold Macaws! The famous free-flighted macaws Mikey and Mia join us with their dad to talk about EVERYTHING MACAWS, from their size to the space they need, how loud they get, diet tips, and so much more! Find out how these macaws were rescued and whether this bird dad would release Mikey and Mia into the jungle if he knew they could survive. FIND OUT!!

In this episode, we dive deep into bird health and nutrition with Laura from Chi Chi Beeen!

In this episode, we chat with the first BIRD DAD on the show! His pineapple conure is Instagram famous for his dance moves and love of nutriberries! He shares all about pineapple conures, how he found Bean's favourite treats and the realities of Instagram bird stardom. We also discuss the importance of research before getting a parrot, from understanding their care needs to their communication, and we share valuable tips on how to build a bond with your feathered friend, including the common question of "How to hold your bird in your hand."Amidst the laughter and chirps, we also address the misinformation surrounding parrot care! Whether you're a bird lover or looking to be a parrot owner, this episode is packed with fun, knowledge, and a touch of Bean's dancing!

Join us this week with Marije as she shares life with her two Green Cheeks and her Pionus parrot. Discover how she created the ultimate parrot perch, makes her own nutriberries and how she provides awesome foraging opportunities for her birds. She has a unique bird room she created just for her birds and shares how she got into parrots. Marije shares her views of the bird trade, including some horrors she's experienced in the Netherlands. Find her on Instagram @yoshi_gcc

In this episode, we explore the topic of airline and road trip travel with Ana and her sun conure Papuż. We chat about the essential aspects of international and domestic bird travel. We talk about Ana's specific experience from Europe to North America with the requirements, paperwork, quarantine regulations, airlines, choosing the right travel carriers, and more! Buckle up for an informative podcast as we discuss the importance of diligent research and direct communication with the relevant authorities. Remember, the adventure of global bird travel is as diverse as the bird species themselves – each country has its own requirements so you need to do your research and connect with the appropriate authorities for the countries you plan to travel between and not base it off the information in this podcast alone.

Join us in this episode, where Mimi from Mimis Bird House and I chat about the vibrant personalities of sun conures and quakers! Mimi shares her tips on bonding with your bird, proactive measures to prevent sickness, the do's and don'ts for creating the perfect bird room, how hard a sun conure and quaker bites and more! This episode is jam-packed with valuable info on these birds and how to ensure a happy, healthy, and harmonious relationship with your feathered friends!

Join us in this festive Halloween episode, where BirdNerdSophie and I chat about pumpkins for parrots, fun Halloween ideas and activities for birds, and so much more! Discover how pumpkins and pumpkin seeds can be the ideal fall treat for our avian companions. Sophie also shares safety tips to guarantee a spooktacular yet safe Halloween for your parrots. Tune in for a chirpy, eerie, and informative episode!

Join us as we chat about avian companionship, from the challenges owners experience to wing clipping and everything in between, including the responsibilities of having birds as a college student. Alex from Green Wings and Things shares what it's like to work at a parrot rescue and what types of parrots show up the most. This episode offers insights, advice, and more on quakers, cockatoos and budgies!

In this episode, Alberta from the Cozy Beaks crew is back on the show, and we chat more about avian care as we explore the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment for your birds and the details of how to do so. Join us as we dive deep into the process of cleaning bird cages, perches, toys and how to use the avian safe F10 disinfectant. This episode provides valuable insights and tips to ensure your birds live in a healthy and clean environment!

In this episode, we chat with Courtney from Flock Talk, who has a lot of experience working with rescue birds, challenging parrot behaviours, enrichment and more! We explore the aspects of parrot first aid care and share Courtney's free first aid guide, ensuring you're prepared to handle unexpected situations with more confidence. Learn how to identify signs of illness or injury and the essential steps to take to provide immediate care. Discover creative, fun ways to stimulate your parrot's foraging instincts and keep them mentally engaged. Listen in on valuable insights into understanding and addressing aggressive behaviours effectively and how to design a bird room! Tune in and unlock the clawsome tips to a happy and healthy life with your birds!Flock Talk's First Aid Care Guide⛑️: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eK2-RTPvPoGY2znEZQMDoQpkpQu6bOpj/view?usp=sharingFlockTalk: https://www.instagram.com/flock.talks/ 

In this episode, I share our recent quick updates and discount codes for our parrot pals! Why is it important for parrots to fly and be able to use their wings? And what about free flight training? What about predators, and what are parrot predators? Can interspecies relationships exist between a parrot and a predator? I always get asked about dog and bird relationships, so I break it down in this episode! 

Join us in this episode with our guest BirdNerdSophie as we decode the meanings behind parrot sleeping positions, explore their natural behaviours in the wild, talk about high-value treats and what they are, discuss travel as a parront and pet sitters, and discuss the issues with some parrot establishments.

In this episode, our guest, Georgia, shares her expertise on aviator harness training for parrots, sharing tips on making outdoor adventures safe and enjoyable for you and your feathered friends! Get to know charming Archie, a superstar pineapple conure, who can talk!But that's not all – get ready to hear about the wild side of Tasmania! From snakes and spiders to adorable wallabies and beautiful flocks of wild parrots, Georgia shares her experiences as an Aussie!  

Owning a parrot is a rewarding experience, but it comes with unique responsibilities, especially if you work night shifts! In this episode, I explore the pros and cons of adopting a feathered companion while working unconventional hours, discussing the importance of establishing a healthy routine for your parrot's well-being. AND Did you know that punishment doesn't work with parrots?  I share why and the potential consequences of using punishment with our avian friends. We explore alternative methods to encourage good behaviour and build a strong bond with your parrot.❤️

Discover the role of air purifiers in maintaining good air quality and what we can do to maintain good air quality in our homes. Learn why birds have such sensitive respiratory systems and how to protect them. More on Air Purifiers: https://poodlesandparrots.com/blog/posts/clearing-the-air-for-parrot-health-the-benefits-of-air-purifiers DREO: https://www.dreo.com/collections/air-purifiersCOWAY: https://cowayairpurifiers.com/ 

In this episode, we chat with Alberta from The Cosy Cockatiels. We talk about our bird's personalities, the differences between birds and dogs, poop inspection adventures,  delicious bird salads, how to make your own seed mix and more! Alberta shares her journey of using a microscope to inspect her conure's poop when it had an unusual smell and what she did! Alberta also reveals her secrets to creating beautiful and nutritious salads for her five cockatiels and one conure, offering tips for a well-balanced diet that keeps her flock thriving. 

In this episode, we chat with Bird Nerd Sophie from Best Behaved Birds, a passionate bird lover, zookeeper and dedicated bird mom. She has 14 years of experience with birds and we talk about the differences between conures and cockatiels, how to introduce new birds to your flock, and so much more, with tons of helpful tips! Sophie shares her experiences and insights on rescuing birds, shedding light on the challenges and realities of providing a forever home for these intelligent birds. Tune in for a fun discussion from understanding the quirks of different bird species to navigating the intricacies of flock dynamics, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for bird enthusiasts of all feathers!

In this episode, Sophie joins us from Best Behaved Birds! She has over 14 years of experience in the avian world, and we get chatting about bird bonding and some claw-mazing tips on bonding two feathered friends. We also talk about egg-laying, including when it can happen and explore how to prevent unwanted egg-laying and discuss potential complications. So, get ready to soak up some friendly and happy vibes as we gain valuable insights from our knowledgeable guest, BirdNerdSophie. Consults with Sophie & David: https://bestbehavedbirds.com/ 

Get ready to dive into my world of conures! Join me as I answer common questions from the last two weeks, including what kind of conure Mia is,  find out what's in store for Mango and explore the reasons behind biting behaviour, and so much more. So, grab a cup of tea, relax, and tune in to learn a little more about conures!

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of pet parrots and uncover the reasons why they are a substantial responsibility. We explore the intricacies of raising baby birds, the role of reputable breeders, and the crucial process of weaning. This episode emphasizes the significance of thorough research and preparation before bringing a bird into your home. From the demanding care requirements to the long-term commitment, I am shedding light on the responsibility that comes with owning a pet parrot. Tune in to The Parrot Podcast for more tips!❤️

In this episode, we explore finger and hand biting among birds. Join me as we delve into this common behavioural issue many parronts experience and discover effective strategies to work through it. My conure hates when I get my nails done and always wants to attack my hands and fingers; I discuss practical tips and techniques that can help bird owners alleviate this biting behaviour and foster a harmonious relationship with their feathered friends. Two things I'd like to add are 1. I have already established a strong bond with my bird, and 2. if your bird tends to bite guests, make sure also tell your guests that!

In this episode, we'll be delving into the world of parrot parenting with a focus on the top three things I've learned as a parrot owner. From diet to sleep to enrichment, we'll cover it all in detail and give you valuable insights that can help you become a better parrot parent. Whether you're a new parrot owner or have been taking care of these beautiful birds, this episode is sure to provide you with some valuable information and tips on how to keep your feathered friend healthy and happy. Tune in to learn more!

Welcome to The Parrot Podcast! This podcast is for all things parrots! In this episode, we're going to dive into how I got started with learning about parrot care and what inspired me to share my knowledge with others. Whether you're a seasoned parrot owner or just considering bringing one into your home, this podcast is the perfect place to learn and connect with fellow parrot enthusiasts. So grab a perch and join us for some feathered fun and "Squawk Talk"!