BirdHobbyist.com Kara Glasgow Your first bird March 1, 2007 PHCoosmom: Our Guest tonight is Kara Glasgow speaking on Selecting and caring for your first bird Having a soft spot for all things feathered and seeing first hand experience of people looking into their first bird pet, Kara has worked hard in educating people in the needs of each species. Specializing in hand-fed, well socialized companion bird pets, and assisting in the occasional wild bird rescue, Kara is joining us this evening to discuss how to choose your first bird and how to care for it after you have it home. PHCoosmom: Thank you kara for coming. KLG: My pleasure! Thanks for the invite! PHCoosmom: To start, can you give us a bit of your history with birds? KLG: Well, I'm an animal nut & have had birds off & on (mostly on) throughout my entire life. KLG: Right now my fids are mostly lovebirds, and they're my specialty as far as breeding & hand feeding goes. I also love kingfishers (esp. kooks) & raptors. We operate an upscale retail store offering well-socialized handfed babies and focus mostly on smaller bird species. PHCoosmom: A person walks into your store and wants their very first bird ever. What do you recommend to start their journey? PHCoosmom: KLG: Most of the time they're not going to leave with a bird that day. We tend to load people up with homework first. Introduce them to various species, usually cockatiels, lovebirds, budgies, maybe a conure if they're strongly interested... but also show them finches, canaries, etc. in the event that a "people bird" isn't quite the right fit. KLG: We discuss caging, food, toys, health, safety, interaction, and most importantly WHAT TO EXPECT. As in, don't expect the bird to be something it's not - if it's handfed & socialized, you cannot leave it sitting in a cage all day bored to tears. JaimeMarie: What is the difference between a people bird and a not people bird (sorry I am new to the bird world). KLG: lol...maybe people bird isn't the best word to use. I'm speaking in terms of (especially) hand-fed smaller parrots, and larger ones as well, those that need interaction & social bonding. JaimeMarie: thank you KLG: When you take a bird that craves & thrives on interaction & stick it in a cage all day, behavior problems manifest. KLG: Other birds - i.e. finches, canaries, doves, etc do well in groups and don't need human interaction. You can also obtain plenty of hookbills that haven't been handfed, and will do fine with another bird. I just strongly believe that birds need some sort of companion, whether their keeper or another bird. Hope that clarifies a bit. :) JaimeMarie: Yes it does PHCoosmom: Just a quick comment. Even if the bird has been hand raised and socialized, sometimes they just want to be with birds and not humans. That is why it is important to work with a good seller or breeder. PHCoosmom: Kara, any comment on that? KLG: That is a very good point, and again comes down to not expecting the bird to be something it isn't. Birds are as individual as people, and each one has a different personality. Some are more social, some prefer a more "hands-off" approach. I think a big problem we run into is that prospective keepers read a care sheet or book, and expect their future bird to follow that "mold" exactly. KLG: or set of rules, so to speak, when you can't expect that of any animals. We try very hard to think outside the box in that regard. That's a big reason why we don't do a lot of VOLUME when it comes to birds - big "crank em out and home them" type stores seem to overlook individual personalities, and that can really make for a bad experience for both bird & human alike. PHCoosmom: Thank you Kara. Very good points. GA. fireladie: What species would you suggest for a person like me, that is requires a quite bird? (noise sensitivity, the ocassionaly loudness is okay, but something that is mostly quiet) I dont expect the bird to be silent, just not constantly loud. KLG: One of my all-time favorites is the English budgie. fireladie: hehe, anything bigger? KLG: green cheek conures aren't terribly loud (i.e. compared to suns, nandays, etc) and can be very sweet, personable birds. fireladie: I was thinking, from what I have heard, that pionus are generaly quiet, would you agree? KLG: I personally do not have a lot of experience with Pionus - but the few that I've met have been very sweet & reserved... they do seem shy compared to most. fireladie: Okay, thank you :) I fell in love with a little blue headed pionus. HoagiesMom_nr: I've been thinking about getting my first bird. What kind would you suggest (I'd like one that could talk) and where would you suggest I look for a healthy one? KLG: HoagiesMom - breeders are always a good place to start for nice socialized youngsters... HoagiesMom_nr: what price range also should I be prepared to spend and how do you find them? KLG: Heh...the sky's the limit! HoagiesMom_nr: LOL but my purse isn't PHCoosmom: LOL KLG: Birdhobbyist.com is a good starting point, also check with local bird clubs for references. KLG: LOL...very true. I try to budget myself on the birds but it isn't always easy. My birds eat better than I do! KLG: Hoagies - what species are you attracted to? HoagiesMom_nr: what are some good ones to consider for a first timer? HoagiesMom_nr: Parrots - would love one of the bigger birds but I doubt my purse would. KLG: Some of the smaller conures - green cheeks are one of my favorites, parrotlets can be nice little talkers but can also be fresh, attitude-wise... HoagiesMom_nr: LOL no respect huh? KLG: Hahn's macaws are another favorite for good talkers, but they do have macaw personality which isn't a bad thing, but if yo'ure not familiar with, can cause some issues. HoagiesMom_nr: What kind of price range do these start in? KLG: Hoagies - it varies from animal to animal, but you could pay $100 - $1000 depending on the species listed above. KLG: Hoagies - again, don't overlook English budgies for good talkers - we have a couple with IMPRESSIVE vocabularies! and they're very sweet & unassuming little birds. HoagiesMom_nr: I didn't realize they talked KLG: I think they're one of the most overlooked in terms of being a great first bird... HoagiesMom_nr: What kind of equipment should I plan on - besides the the bird cage of course? KLG: Please keep in mind that most of the species references I'm making are "as a general rule" - and with every rule, there are always exceptions. KLG: TOYS! Toys to the max! A busy bird is less likely to get into trouble! Quality foods, perches, cage cleaners & disinfectants, substrates. HoagiesMom_nr: What are substrates? KLG: i.e. what goes at the bottom of the bird's cage PHCoosmom: ! HoagiesMom_nr: sorry for my ignorance HoagiesMom_nr: oh like a gravel? KLG: don't apologize HoagiesMom_nr: I want to do my homework well KLG: I'm not a big fan of gravels, corncob bedding, etc because some birds will ingest it and become impacted. HoagiesMom_nr: are pet stores good or bad sources for birds? KLG: I use plain unprinted newspaper, but also have a grill separating bird from substrate. KLG: Hoagies, it depends on the store. I think any store should be able to demonstrate A) happy & healthy birds, B) what products they use to keep their birds happy & healthy, C) a variety of species & "what it takes" to keep each one HoagiesMom_nr: maybe visit several times and observe? KLG: absolutely! KLG: Do they breed and/or handraise their own babies? How does the staff interact with the birds? HoagiesMom_nr: thank you - sorry I have monopolized the chat PHTessie: your up, faust PHFaust: I hear a lot of times birds are advertised as hand fed. What exactly does that mean, and what is the opposite? Do the need the start or does it help in their temperment? KLG: I think doing your homework is the biggest essential prior to getting ANY animal. KLG: Faust, handfed means the keeper has been feeding the young bird formula, as opposed to the bird being parent-raised. Generally this acclimates the bird to people at a young age, and starts the interaction process early while the bird is still impressionable. Not every handfed bird is going to make a great pet (although most can) and not every parent-raised bird is going to be a handful to socialize. PHCoosmom: Be very careful of what you use around birds. A good seller/breeder will tell you what is safe and what is not. KLG: Sad but true... PHCoosmom: And sometimes the simplist cleaner such as vinegar is the best. fireladie: would a rescued bird not be a first good choice because of baggage, or would it be valuabale as a learning tool to deal with the problems? fireladie: rescue animals are usualy the first place I look to get an animal from... that is why I ask. KLG: Rescue can usually mean baggage KLG: If the animal has been screened by a knowledgeable keeper & is not a problem child then it may be a good fit, but don't go in expecting that. Surrended birds usually have been for a reason, fireladie: oh I wouldnt, its like any other rescue animal KLG: and that reason may not manifest until later on... PHCoosmom: Fire, a good rehomer will be there for you to help. Just like a good breeder. seller will be there. So shop around for them as well. fireladie: I found a great rescue group here that is why I want to rescue. KLG: that's awesome. spidermom_nr: My friend has a rescue bird and it constantly steals her keys, chews up her shoes and her phone cords. She is reluctant to cage it as it was abused when caged. She would like to know if there are any good methods you know of to help train the bird to curb these problems, other than hiding everything. KLG: We've rehomed some great birds, and it's very rewarding to see them in a better situation. KLG: I think diversion can be a very useful tool in modifying behavior. Kind of similar to a small child who wants to play with something they shouldn't. Tell them no & give them an alternative. PHCoosmom: Spider, it could help to know hat kind of bird as well. KLG: Caging isn't necessarily the answer, but I think keying in on what that particular bird likes may help come up with an alternative. spidermom_nr: a derbyan parrot KLG: ok... spidermom_nr: citron cockatoo too KLG: I haven't dealt with derbyans but the citron cockatoo - heh...again keying in on what the bird is attracted to - i.e. other than shoes, leather toys, preeny toys KLG: activities! PHCoosmom: Just a quick comment about too behavior. KLG: interaction...cockatoos tend to be very needy spidermom_nr: It's an older bird who was never taught to play w/ toys. KLG: coos -yes PHCoosmom: KLG is right about the interaction and distraction with them. But it is very important with too to set boundries and come up with a method of letting them know what is not acceptable. spidermom_nr: Where do you get cockatoo size preening toys? KLG: consistency is key PHCoosmom: I use Timeout on a t stand for my too, just a few minutes to let them get the "bad behavior out of their mind". PHCoosmom: Oh yes, Kara. Very much more important with a too. KLG: spidermom - I'm a huge fan of greenfeather birdsupply.com KLG: they have toys for EVERY size bird, from teeny to huge. spidermom_nr: tyvm all KLG: You must be consistent with a too, because they WILL test your boundries. KLG: We had a citron that bit me on the eyelid one day..just a nip, but absolutely unacceptable behavior, obviously. KLG: he was very clingy, and quickly learned that good behavior = more time playing, and less time in a quiet room. spidermom_nr: What do you recommend for a homeopathic remedy for a bird that has had a fracture leg? It healed fine but in bad weather it pains the bird, it's a son conyer and quaker. spidermom_nr: Yes, 2 different types of injuries. KLG: On that I'd recommend a discussion with a good qualified avian vet. spidermom_nr: one was bitten by another bird KLG: Sorry I can't be of more help there spidermom_nr: The other one was injured at pet store and my friend rescued PHCoosmom: First. If all sellers were like Kara seems to be, us rehomers would be out of business. Thank you Kara. KLG: Thanks Coosmom! ;) PHCoosmom: My question is, we often see folks come in who want to breed birds and buy birds with that in mind. Can you comment on the "financial rewards" of breeding if any? KLG: There are financial rewards? Whoa...I missed that part completely! PHCoosmom: LOL PHCoosmom: Thank you. KLG: It's a labor of love, period the end. I can't tell you how many birds I HAVEN'T sold because the person wasn't prepared...and I will eat ramen noodles sometimes while my birds have their fresh salads, pellets & pasta. KLG: The best part is when someone brings in their bird for a trim, or to pick out a new toy, or just to say hello, and I see a friendly, happy animal in a good situation. I don't care if they spent $2 or $2000. KLG: OK! sorry...got sappy there for a moment. spidermom_nr: What are the pros and cons of keeping only one lovebird vs a pair? Is it better to get a male or a female if you are only getting one? KLG: If you have a pair they will typically bond to each other, esp. if you house them together. If you house a female near a male, she will very likely lay infertile eggs, and may become aggressive upon reaching maturity. I think if you have them singly, either sex can be fine. One of my females has an impressive vocabulary for a lovebird - typically they don't speak at all. spidermom_nr: Is a female more likely to become egg bound if she is housed near a male and not allowed to mate than if she is housed alone? KLG: It's a possibility any time you have a reproductive female. I've seen female lovebirds that have never been near a male that still become egg bound. DonnaG: I have a parrotlet that is 7 months old and I've had him only 3 weeks. I can't seem to get him to come to me. What can I do? KLG: It comes with the territory of being female...(and we all know what a drag that can be sometimes!) KLG: ;) spidermom_nr: tyvm for the info tonite. i have learned alot and my friend is so grateful. ty KLG: Donna - consistent interaction. KLG: Will he allow you to handle him? KLG: spider - you're very welcome, and thanks for the questions...I'm saving tonights transcript to add to a list of Q&A's. DonnaG: Yes, he likes me, but has fun having me chase him to get him. KLG: Ah...so it's become a game of sorts...have you taught him to step up? DonnaG: Yes. He won't do it. KLG: Well, then he's learned he can get away with not doing it. KLG: How do you reprimand him when necessary? DonnaG: Yes, I reprimand him. It still doesn't get him to do it. He makes me grab him in his birdie tent. He is more willing to do things in the evening as opposed to the daytime. KLG: it sounds like some boundaries need to be established... spidermom_nr: How do you do that klg? KLG: Is "step up" something you work on when he's out of his cage? DonnaG: Yes, but he just tries to get away. KLG: spider - it depends on bird/keeper. My lovies know that "ah ah" means quit whatever you're doing. KLG: Donna - what have you tried for positive reinforcement? Do you have a treat or a toy that he keys in on? spidermom_nr: but if they do that and hear you say that, but dont stop and you have to chase them all over the place, how do they learn? DonnaG: He doesn't seem to accept things from my hand. KLG: spider - I think that when teaching something new, the option of "chasing all over the place" shouldn't be there. PHCoosmom: Donna, where do you work with him? DonnaG: I've tried working with him in my little half bath downstairs and in the living room. He gets away in both places. KLG: Is this only when you're asking him to step up, or just in general? DonnaG: Just in general. PHCoosmom: Donna, Keep trying but only work with him in small periods of time. Step up is one of the first things he needs to learn. KLG: LOL...think of it like talking to a guy...you've only got a couple of minutes before the attention span goes out the window, DonnaG: I seem to want him to learn everything at once. I need to be patient. PHTessie: meeheehee KLG: So focus on what you're trying to say & make it very clear within that couple of minutes! Then move on to something else until it's time to talk about it again. Firm gentle consistency over a longer period of time - i.e. a few minutes each day, instead of an hour at a time drilling the point home. DonnaG: How long? :) Just kidding. KLG: "gentle nagging" fireladie: lol KLG: Donna - till he gets it, for lack of a finer point. DonnaG: No, I don't take a long time. It seems like he's too smart! spidermom_nr: just like the guys...gentle nagging:) KLG: Yep! PHCoosmom: Folks, Time is up for our chat. Thank you Kara. I hope you will come back to our regular chats. You are full of wonderful information. fireladie: Thanks Kara spidermom_nr: ty kara..great info PHCoosmom: Hate to break this up, however, you can all stay and chat more if you wish. KLG: Thanks Coos - as are you! I appreciate your input tonight as well! PHFaust: Wanna share the website KLG: Sometimes I get tunnel vision with the species we work with & need to expand my horizons! PHTessie: Wish i could but i have to get back to my cats KLG: I have to go deal with rats & blood pythons now. KLG: Wheeeeeeee! PHCoosmom: Please DO Faust. What Kara does not know is she just went on my list of resources. LOL KLG: LOL!!! Thanks Coos! PHFaust: kara, what is the NERD address? KLG: www.newenglandreptile.com KLG: zoocreatures.com will be up shortly - PACKED with info! KLG: and pics of our resident bird brains! KLG: nite Tessie! PHFaust: Thanks as always darlin... See ya soon! PHCoosmom: Thank yoi all. |
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