Parrot Care

Insurance
Veterinary Pet Insurance: This is the only pet insurance company I have found that insures birds. This is the direct link to the avian insurance. If you know of another insurance company that provides for birds please contact me.
Life Insurance: Some time ago I came across a link to life insurance for birds but neglected to save the link. I will continue to look for it, but at this time I can not find it. If you know of a company that provides life insurance for birds please contact me.
Wills
Planning For The Care of Your Parrot When You No Longer Can: This is a very thorough article. It even has a table breaking down the "lump sum amount that would be needed at the time of your death to meet the monthly needs of your parrot over its remaining life expectancy."
Providing For Your Parrot or Parrot Collection (In The Event of Your Incapacity, Hospitalization or even Death): By R.J.McMillan, Wales, UK. This is information for the United Kingdom, but I think it holds some good information for those of us in other parts of the world also.

Toxins: Plants and household items can be deadly to your bird. I have listed several articles because each one has something to contribute. For your birds sake please look at each of the articles.

A few toxic foods: avocado, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, and rhubarb
Nonstick does not have to be overheated to kill: Please visit the Environmental Working Groups, Canaries in the Kitchen site for tons of information on nonstick coating killing birds without being overheated.
Fabric Protector: Any fabric protector can be deadly to your birds. So please use caution when purchasing carpet or furniture. And be aware that cleaning carpets or furniture with a steam cleaner can release the toxins from the fabric protector
Car Air Freshener: Betsy C. reported that her vet had told her that he had experienced 4 birds dying from being exposed to air fresheners in cars. You can also read about this threat at pine-scented items on BirdSafe.com.
Evaporative Cooler Pads: An e-mail was forwarded to me that was written by a woman whose quaker died after new evaporative cooler pads where installed. The instruction sheet said there would be an odor that would come off of the pads. The quaker died 6 hours after installation. Click here for a reference to a greencheek conure who died under the same circumstances.
Stain resistant and nonstick ANYTHING: There is a possibility of death if your bird is exposed to clothing, furniture, or anything that is stain resistant or nonstick (heated). Click here for reference to a parakeet that died when exposed to a stain protected sweater.
Carpet Fresh: Has been linked to the death of birds and the maker of Carpet Fresh has stated that it should not be used around birds although they do not feel that it warrants a warning label.Carpet Fresh at BirdSafe.com
Items that create odors: Just be careful of items that put off odors. Items as seemingly innocent as candles are deadly to parrots. Also, cleaning solutions can be deadly. These and other items are listed in the articles linked below.
Articles:
Important Information That May Save Your Parrot's Life: A list of items that are toxic and/or dangerous.

Animal Poison Control Center
Bird Safety Guide To Branches, Plants & Poisons: Lists plants and household items that can be hazardous to your birds health, as well as nontoxic plants that are safe for birds.
Gillian's Help Desk: Are pencils toxic? Find out here. Gillian lists items that are toxic and nontoxic and explains why they are or are not.
Household Dangers: Excellent article dealing with many items in and around your house (mulch, oven bags, etc.).
Household Items that Can Make Your Bird Sick: A quick rundown of some household items that can hurt your bird. Also check out their other links. This is a very informative site.
Toxic and Nontoxic Plants: A list of both toxic and nontoxic plants compiled by Alicia McWatters, Ph.D., C.N.C.
Toxic and Nontoxic Wood: Birdsafe.com
The Tasty and The Toxic: List of good fruits, veggies, and nuts, and those that are toxic.
Zinc Poisoning: Symptoms of zinc poisoning and a list of items that contain zinc.
CLEANING SAFELY: by Carolyn Swicegood gives information on cleaning your home and aviary using safe materials.
Parrot Parrot Alerts: List numerous safety hazards.
Catnip???. This link is to an alarming e-mail I received from a visitor to Cleo's Corner. Any knowledge you can give us on catnip and birds is greatly appreciate. I have searched for information on whether catnip is bad for birds. I found nothing on the Internet. Prior to the Blue Fronted Amazon's experience I had asked my vet for advice on catnip in cat toys. He told me that catnip in cat toys is not harmful to birds. He advised me to do all things in moderation concerning the birds and, as with all toys, even bird toys,check to see if they are safe. If you have information on whether or not catnip is harmful please e-mail me
[Nonstick Coating] is not just on pots and pans: [PTFE Nonstick coating] Fumes Kill Family's Pet Birds! by Mrs. Carol Shively. This article tells a heartrending story and gives warnings and information on being aware of [Nonstick coating] in household items such as space heaters, hairdryers, etc. NOTE: The words "Nonstick coating" are in parenthesis because I was warned by the company that holds the Name Brand on the nonstick coating that they would take legal action against me for having their name on my site. I'm sure everyone knows the name brand (starts with a T) as it is synonymous with nonstick coating. Also, 20-20 did a story on this name brand showing evidence that when over heated it kills birds and also gives people flu symptoms that last for three days. The company is aware of its affect on humans and birds. Click here for an alert on a page that doesn't seem to have the legal issue with using the brand name. Also, please note that it is not just the "T" name brand, other PTFE nonstick surfaces are also deadly.

Pesticides:
From Birdsafe.com and the Caique Mailing List, I have come across two 'pesticides' that, when used as directed, may be safe to use around parrots. Please read on these and use caution.
Camicide: Joe at BirdSafe.com cautions "there are two strengths, 50 and 200, and only the 50 should be used anywhere near birds. The draw back to Camicide 50 is there is no residual to it. So you spray, it dries, the ants and bugs can walk across the area."
Diatomaceous Earth: Howard Garret cautions "the wrong diatomaceous earth can harm you and your animals". Check out the link to find out what to look for when purchasing diatomaceous earth.

Safety Alerts: The following sites provide information on items that could pose a danger to parrots.

Key Rings: Do not use them to hand bird toys, etc. Birds can get their beaks caught in-between the sections of the ring.
Warnings To Keep Your Bird Safe
Top 10 Bird Killers
Parrot Parrot Alerts: List numerous safety hazards.
BirdSafe.com: List numerous safety hazards and tells the fids stories. You can also join their 'read only' mailing list, and receive alerts. I belong to this mailing list and it is a no hassle list. Joe is the only one who sends any post, and he only sends when an alert comes through. Fortunately for our fids he does not send out many alerts. But, it sure is nice to know right away when there is a potential danger out there.
Directions for joining the mailing list: Send the command "subscribe birdsafealerts" in the body of an e-mail to stlist@birdsafe.com
Caiques Are People Too: This site has pictures to accompany some toy hazzards and firsthand accounts of other dangers.
BIRD MARTS: The Single Greatest Threat to Avian Health in the New Millennium!: This article explains the biological dangers to your birds when you have attended a bird fare. "Years ago, concerned veterinarians and aviculturists began to notice a serious rise in sick and dead birds following many such events. Serious diseases such as Pacheco's, Polyoma, P.B.F.D., Chlamydia (Psittacosis), Wasting syndromes and more would suddenly appear from nowhere." The article explains the testing that was conducted to determine if there was a connection.

First Aid:

The Avian First Aid Kit by Sybil Erden and Carol Highfill: Read on the importance of a first aid kit and what you need to make your own.
For Fid's Sake: You can purchase a first aid kit.
Aloe for Bird Keepers: by Carolyn Swicegood. Good article on Aloe Vera. Just be aware that the skin of aloe vera is toxic. The good part is the inside.

Nail Trimming: In my experience using a rough perch has helped to keep Cleo's nails manageable. It is important that the perch be placed in front of food, water, or someplace the bird frequents but does not spend a great part of their day or night on. If it is a night perch or the favored spot to watch the world go by the prolonged contact with the perch could result in irritation and other problems for the feet.
Another suggestion made by a member of the Caique Mailing List is to increase the number of destructible wooden toys. Her caique had a problem with long nails and it was explained to her that gripping the toys as they were chewed helps wear the nail down.

Nail Trimming by Heather Kinzey: This article explains about the nail and gives directions and information on trimming.

Wing Clipping: There is controversy over whether or not a birds wings should be clipped. Below I have included two articles (pro and con) to help you decided what is best for your bird. In my own experience I have chosen to not clip. These are my reasons.

Feathers, Flight and Parrot Keeping: by Pamela Clark
Wing Clipping: Why, When, and How: by Carol Highfill

Feather Picking

The Featherpicking Web site: "This site is devoted to owners of birds that engage in feather-destructive behaviors such as chewing, plucking, barbering and pulling of feathers, and skin mutilation."
How To Manage Feather Picking in Caged and Aviary Birds: Very in-depth article.
Feather Picking in Pet Birds: An article from Veterinary Associates Stonefield.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus Questions and Answers: From the Centers for Disease Control Web site Be sure to check out the links on the left of the site for more information. For bird specific information click here.
Pennsylvania's West Nile Surveillance Program: Maps and information.
West Nile Virus and Your Parrot: What you should know about this outdoor danger by Carla Thornton: Article from ParrotChronicles.com
West Nile Virus-Pet Concerns: Article from the Columbia Animal Hospital.
Organic Mosquito Spray: Article on Garlic Barrier and Mosquito Barrier sprays. It is reported that these sprays work wonderfully at controlling mosquitos.

Lighting: I must say that I myself do not use any special lighting with my birds. I was told by a source that I trust, that as long as my fid's diet is sufficient the lighting should not be needed. I had read the following articles and decided I would not use full spectrum lighting. I offer the articles on Cleo's Corner because I feel knowledge is important in being a fid mommy/daddy. We must all gather as much information as we can and use that information to make the decisions we feel are best for our fids. I do not know if I have made the right decision or not. I ask that you do your research, talk to your vet, and ask trusted sources about any and all info provided on this site.

Using Full Spectrum Lighting With Birds by Patrick R. Thrush: This article explains the lighting needs of birds and gives information on the various lightbulbs that will provide the needed UV and that will not.
Birds and Lighting: Articles explaining the lighting needs of parrots.

Air Cleaners: Bird owners may suffer from allergies and look at using air cleaners as a method to reduce allergic reactions.

Residential Air Cleaning Devices: A Summary of Available Information: A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report on air cleaners.
Biological Contaminants: A US Environmental Protect Agency report on how to reduce biological contaminants (such as pet dander).
Will Air Cleaning Reduce Health Effect?: Other questions are answered as well.
Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners: An Assessment of Effectiveness and Health Consequences: A US Environmental Protection Agency report on ozone generators.
What is Ozone: An ozone generator company answers the questions 'What is ozone?" "How does it work?". If you visit this site be sure to read the EPA's report on ozone generators.
Ion Air Cleaners: Scroll down the page at this site to find information from the US Environmental Protect Agency on ion generators.