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Alyson's Pet Birds Blog

By Alyson Burgess, About.com Guide to Pet Birds

Funny Bird Friday: Kili the Senegal Parrot

Friday July 10, 2009
This week I'd like to introduce everyone to Kili, a female Senegal Parrot whose amazing trick videos are taking YouTube by storm.

From fetching to playing dead and everything in between, Kili's performance is sure to put a smile on your face. Check out Kili's tricks on YouTube and see for yourself!

Don't forget, I'm always accepting submissions for Funny Bird Friday! If you run across a funny bird video or image online, email me with a link at birds.guide@about.com. You might just see your pick featured here next week!

To learn more about Senegal Parrots like Kili, check see this handy information on keeping pet Senegal Parrots.

Signs Your Bird Needs a Parrot Behavior Consultant

Wednesday July 8, 2009
Once in a while, all parrots will misbehave. For many unfortunate owners, however, chronic behavior problems make their relationship with their parrots a miserable affair.

If an avian veterinarian has determined that there are no health concerns manifesting themselves as behavior issues, then a visit with a Parrot Behavior Consultant may be in order. To help discern whether or not your pet needs professional help, look over these tell-tale signs that your bird's behavior is out of control.

Plants Poisonous to Parrots

Monday July 6, 2009
Most people like plants and flowers, but people that own parrots and other pet birds must be careful which types of plants they allow around their homes. Some common plants are highly toxic to birds, and these poisonous plants should be cleared away from any area that pet birds are allowed access to.

Check out this list of Plants Poisonous to Parrots to learn about 10 common plant varieties that are known to be poisonous to birds. Identifying and removing any toxic plant species around your home are the first steps to making sure that your pet stays healthy and accident-free.

Independence Day Bird Safety Tips

Saturday July 4, 2009
On Independence Day, we celebrate with picnics, games, decorations, and of course, fireworks. While these traditions mean tons of fun for us, bird owners must take certain safety precautions to make sure that their feathered friends' 4th of July goes smoothly.

This year, make sure that your pet has the best Independence Day ever. Use these tips on July 4th Bird Safety to keep your pet bird safe and out of harms way once your Independence Day festivities begin:

Funny Bird Friday: Patriotic Parrot

Friday July 3, 2009
This week for Funny Bird Friday, I'd like to shine the spotlight on a patriotic parrot that's been entertaining people for years at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

In celebration of Independence Day, please enjoy this cute video of an Amazon Parrot singing "Yankee Doodle Dandy". This psittacine performer does a bang up job!

If you happen to run across a funny bird video or image online that you think would work for Funny Bird friday, don't forget to send me a link at birds.guide@about.com. You never know, your pick might be featured here next week!

Bird Travel Cages

Wednesday July 1, 2009
Planning a summer vacation with your favorite feathered friend? Choosing the proper travel carrier for your bird can be a daunting task. Not only must you keep your feathered friend's comfort in mind, you must also choose a travel cage that will accommodate your mode of transportation.

If you are in the market for a new travel cage or carrier for your bird, then check out this article on Choosing a Travel Cage for Your Bird before your buy. It will help you make sure that you get a carrier that fits all your needs.

Bird Treat Recipe: Fruity Parrot Pops

Monday June 29, 2009
Warm weather brings plenty of sunshine and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables for all to enjoy. Why not take advantage of the season and spoil your bird a bit with a few fresh, homemade treats?

This recipe for Fruity Parrot Pops is tasty, easy to make, and fun for your bird to eat. Best of all, they are high in vitamins and nutrients, and are a great way to make sure that your feathered friend has a balanced and varied diet.

10 Bird-Safe Houseplants

Sunday June 28, 2009
There's no doubt about it -- the quickest way to brighten up and refresh any room is to add a decorative houseplant. If you own pet birds, however, you must think twice before bringing just any old plant into your home.

While many plants are toxic to birds and other pets, there are plenty of lush and colorful varieties that are completely safe for your feathered friends.

Check out this list of popular houseplants that are safe for birds for some insight into the types of plants that are safe for bird owners to keep. You'll be surprised at the many exotic and unique looking plants that can grace your home without endangering your pet bird.

Funny Bird Friday: Nikki the Skateboarding Bird

Friday June 26, 2009
This week I'd like to feature a cute video that was sent in by Gordon Small of Bowling Green, KY. Gordon writes:
"I ran across this video of a cockatiel on a skateboard and thought that you might like it for Funny Bird Friday. I thought it was hilarious!"
I thought it was hilarious too, Gordon, and I'm sure other readers will feel the same way!

Check out the video of Nikki the Skateboarding Bird on YouTube. And remember, email me at birds.guide@about.com if you run across a funny bird video or image online that you think should be highlighted in next week's feature.

Scarlet Macaws as Pets

Wednesday June 24, 2009
Scarlet Macaws have been popular with bird owners for many years, and it's no wonder why -- they are beautiful, intelligent, and they make exceptional companions.

The Scarlet's striking plumage may be what draws many to the bird, but its personality is what keeps them coming back for more. Confident and friendly, Scarlets are usually eager to take on tasks such as learning tricks, and many even develop vocabularies of several words.

Find out more about Scarlet Macaws and keeping them as pets in this Scarlet Macaw Profile.

Tom Brakefield/Getty Images
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