Avian Anatomy

Skeletal System: “The avian skeleton is very unique, having been adapted for flight in most species. It is lightweight and delicate yet very strong. Most of the long bones are hollow to make them lighter…” Source (Read more by clicking the link!): Avian Anatomy Sarah’s Note: Okay, maybe I’m just a big anatomy geek, but I found most of this absolutely fascinating. Worth the read! Continue reading Avian Anatomy

“I only have you.” – True of all pets…

…But especially our parrots, many of whom live for dozens upon decades of years. “Treat my kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in the entire world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t cover me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends, and your fun. I only have you.“ Source: https://funtimebirdy.wordpress.com Continue reading “I only have you.” – True of all pets…

Grooming Helps Parrot Training: If at first you don’t succeed, redefine “success”!

…And then keep going until you match your initial definition! Hit a bit of a road block with Vi (extremely limited progress…) until today. I was headed to my local bird shop (Busy Beaks Bird Shop if you’re interested–I volunteer for them by maintaining their website) and decided to see if I could coax her into her travel cage for a trim, as her nails and … Continue reading Grooming Helps Parrot Training: If at first you don’t succeed, redefine “success”!

Step Up Training: One Full Step Up (The First Time!)

A leap of faith takes at LEAST the Holy Grail… of toast! More progress today! …But at what cost? I think this is a mistake that a lot of novice bird trainers (i.e. me) make–we don’t provide a reluctant feathered friend with enough incentive to take a biiiiiig leap of faith. Sure, Wa-Wa-Waddles adores toast… but even Indiana Jones wouldn’t make that leap of faith for … Continue reading Step Up Training: One Full Step Up (The First Time!)

Step Up Training, Consistent Foot/Wrist Contact: Slow and steady wins the race

We have foot-wrist contact! Consistently! Woohoo! Vi now knows exactly what she needs to do to get her tasty toast, and she did it several times–and she reminded me very clearly that it’s so important to continue going slowly with her. I tried to entice her with a big piece when she repeated the gesture five times in a row, attempting to persuade her to put two feet … Continue reading Step Up Training, Consistent Foot/Wrist Contact: Slow and steady wins the race

Step Up Progress: Lifting a Foot

Progress! Eeee! VI LIFTED HER FOOT TO STEP UP TODAY! I MADE MY GOAL! …The reason I am so excited about this is because I didn’t think I was actually making any progress; she was comfortable leaning against my wrist to take a chip from me, but refused, refused to even try to move her foot closer to my wrist. But today was the day of toast. … Continue reading Step Up Progress: Lifting a Foot