Posts
Thanks for all the information provided on your website. And, I have a question for you.Can you offer any advice about bringing a bird from Asia to Canada?
I've been living overseas with my pet bird for 10 years. We are currently living in Thailand and because of the bird flu scare, there are all sorts of restrictions. The USA as you probably know had stopped their quarrantines and banned all imports. I want to relocate to N. America and would love to bring my bird. "Ginger" is healthy but old - she's a 10 year old finch (house sparrow, actually). She has never come in contact with another animal or bird. Her entire life has been lived in quarantine.
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Deb
Dear Deb:
Thank you for your email.
First, you will need to contact Canada - their ministry of agriculture, their wild-life conservation department and possibly their contagious disease center. This is because Canada, like the US, does ban the import of wild-caught birds. In the US its called the Wild Bird Conservation Act and has nothing to do with disease control. Btw, the US does NOT outlaw the importing of ALL birds although it is severely restricted, it does allow some birds to be imported under certain conditions. This was in place years before H5N1 was discovered.
However, in 1997 when the first case of H5N1 surfaced, the US and Canada outlawed the import of birds from countries that have H5N1 as well as Exotic Newcastle disease. But that is the case for almost every Western nation.I'm not sure what Canada's status is for Thailand but it pretty much mirrors what the US does.
Next you will need to find out whether or not Canada allows the importation of that bird. It may be covered under its Migratory Bird Act, Endangered Species Act or possibly an invasive species act but I am not Canadian and not sure how their rules work.
Finally, I believe that Canada does allow in home quarantine however you will need CITES permits, export permits, import permits and testing at your own expense at minimum However all of this is subject to the laws and rules governing both import of birds and disease control.
Hope this helps!
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
Secretary, International Parrotlet Society
Hello,
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Pet Egg Laying Parrotlet
I have a female who is laying eggs altho there is no male in the cage with her. She looks sick and is breathing heavily. I've
taken the eggs out-she lays one at a time and when the egg is gone she comes to life again. What's going on and what can I do for her?
I thank you in advance for any info you can provide!!
Susan
Dear Susan:
Thank you for your email. While it is uncommon for single parrotlet hens to lay eggs, it does happen and it is almost always due to management problems.
First, pet parrotlets should not be exposed to more than 12 hours a day of daylight. This is what puts their breeding hormones into action and causes them to lay eggs. Think of chickens that lay eggs for the breakfast table. They are induced to lay eggs, without a male, just because their eyes are receiving more than 12 hours a day of daylight. I always recommend that pet parrotlets not be exposed to more than 12 hours a day of daylight – 10 is better. Cover the bird at 8 PM and uncover it at 8 AM. It does not matter if the bird is sleeping during that time, only that the amount of light exposure is less than 12.
Second, make sure this hen is getting lots of calcium. She is depleting her body of calcium when she lays an egg so make sure she has lot of cuttlebone (it is not used to ‘sharpen or reduce the beak but it is a rich source of calcium) plus foods that have lots of calcium like broccoli and leafy greens (not lettuce). You can also give her some cooked egg with the shell or even provide some powdered calcium a few times a week on her fresh foods.
Finally, DO NOT REMOVE THE EGGS. Sorry to type in caps but I can’t tell you how important that is. Nature has designed them to replace eggs that are lost and every time you take the egg away, her instinct drives her to lay another one to replace it. The best thing you can do is just leave her alone and let her brood the eggs. Don’t interrupt her cycle. She will sit on the eggs until her instinct instructs her not to any more. Mother Nature is truly amazing in what she has designed these birds to do for the last millennia and they do not need our help or our interference. In fact, removing the eggs, especially as she lays them will cause her tremendous stress as their must be a predator in the area and she can’t find a new nesting place plus the physical stress of laying more and more eggs, can eventually kill her. This can happen from her blood calcium levels falling to dangerous lows or by laying the eggs themselves and causing either a condition called ‘egg binding’ where she can no longer eliminate the egg from her body or, worse, a prolapsed uterus which is almost always fatal.
As for her behavior, she probably is going to be more moody, territorial, aggressive and nippy. I would not handle her unless she wants to be and please don’t discipline or try and correct her actions. She is doing what Nature designed her to do and it won’t do any good to try and mold her behavior into what you want. Just be patient, leave her alone and eventually she will get her hormonal cycle back into sync and she’ll abandon the eggs and hopefully, if you have changed the environment accordingly, stop laying.
Best of luck and I hope this helps!
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
Secretary, International Parrotlet Society
taken the eggs out-she lays one at a time and when the egg is gone she comes to life again. What's going on and what can I do for her?
I thank you in advance for any info you can provide!!
Susan
Dear Susan:
Thank you for your email. While it is uncommon for single parrotlet hens to lay eggs, it does happen and it is almost always due to management problems.
First, pet parrotlets should not be exposed to more than 12 hours a day of daylight. This is what puts their breeding hormones into action and causes them to lay eggs. Think of chickens that lay eggs for the breakfast table. They are induced to lay eggs, without a male, just because their eyes are receiving more than 12 hours a day of daylight. I always recommend that pet parrotlets not be exposed to more than 12 hours a day of daylight – 10 is better. Cover the bird at 8 PM and uncover it at 8 AM. It does not matter if the bird is sleeping during that time, only that the amount of light exposure is less than 12.
Second, make sure this hen is getting lots of calcium. She is depleting her body of calcium when she lays an egg so make sure she has lot of cuttlebone (it is not used to ‘sharpen or reduce the beak but it is a rich source of calcium) plus foods that have lots of calcium like broccoli and leafy greens (not lettuce). You can also give her some cooked egg with the shell or even provide some powdered calcium a few times a week on her fresh foods.
Finally, DO NOT REMOVE THE EGGS. Sorry to type in caps but I can’t tell you how important that is. Nature has designed them to replace eggs that are lost and every time you take the egg away, her instinct drives her to lay another one to replace it. The best thing you can do is just leave her alone and let her brood the eggs. Don’t interrupt her cycle. She will sit on the eggs until her instinct instructs her not to any more. Mother Nature is truly amazing in what she has designed these birds to do for the last millennia and they do not need our help or our interference. In fact, removing the eggs, especially as she lays them will cause her tremendous stress as their must be a predator in the area and she can’t find a new nesting place plus the physical stress of laying more and more eggs, can eventually kill her. This can happen from her blood calcium levels falling to dangerous lows or by laying the eggs themselves and causing either a condition called ‘egg binding’ where she can no longer eliminate the egg from her body or, worse, a prolapsed uterus which is almost always fatal.
As for her behavior, she probably is going to be more moody, territorial, aggressive and nippy. I would not handle her unless she wants to be and please don’t discipline or try and correct her actions. She is doing what Nature designed her to do and it won’t do any good to try and mold her behavior into what you want. Just be patient, leave her alone and eventually she will get her hormonal cycle back into sync and she’ll abandon the eggs and hopefully, if you have changed the environment accordingly, stop laying.
Best of luck and I hope this helps!
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
Secretary, International Parrotlet Society
Biting Parrotlet
Hi Sandee
Again I must say thank you so much for your web site and blog
Question....I just saw a recent email from Monica on your blog
She mentions the advice you gave her ..." several months ago about taming Toby "
...and she mentions " he doesn't bite anymore ".....could you let me know when
you helped her with taming advice.....the date or month of the blog Monica is
referring too...?......situational behaviors with my male pacific parrotlett the mighty small Odie
After two years from adoption approximately ,he drew blood on my finger
Never bit me that hard before....but knowing from you and others that Pacifics are
indeed quite aggressive and territorial ...still surprised and hurt...somewhat..
It was me who came at him too fast with my hand while he was sitting contentedly
with my wife .....going out that night and wanting to place him back in his cage....
where of course he didn't want to go....he's been more bitey around this issue of late
Total parrot normality....especially amazon parrot behavior similarities
I do get it and he's older and more male in actions....
So, reading your letter that Monica refers to would be appreciated
Let me know how to find it.....I know your academic and breeding chores and more
keep you busy so answer as you can
Greatly appreciated .....odies left foot healed well again and he's just great to have
as part of our family.....latest oration from Odie ....." do you need a poopy break "....then
he repeats the last part several times....likes the rhythm and words it seems
Thanks Sandee
Mark
Dear Mark:
Monica hired me as a consultant and I worked with her for 4-5 months. I did write about it my blogs but I really have no idea what dates. She also purchased my latest book so everything is out there but I really can't track it down. Especially these days. I am terribly busy dealing with the issues of my mother's estate so the information is out there and available or we could have some phone consultations if you wish.
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
Camaroonian Phrase
Again I must say thank you so much for your web site and blog
Question....I just saw a recent email from Monica on your blog
She mentions the advice you gave her ..." several months ago about taming Toby "
...and she mentions " he doesn't bite anymore ".....could you let me know when
you helped her with taming advice.....the date or month of the blog Monica is
referring too...?......situational behaviors with my male pacific parrotlett the mighty small Odie
After two years from adoption approximately ,he drew blood on my finger
Never bit me that hard before....but knowing from you and others that Pacifics are
indeed quite aggressive and territorial ...still surprised and hurt...somewhat..
It was me who came at him too fast with my hand while he was sitting contentedly
with my wife .....going out that night and wanting to place him back in his cage....
where of course he didn't want to go....he's been more bitey around this issue of late
Total parrot normality....especially amazon parrot behavior similarities
I do get it and he's older and more male in actions....
So, reading your letter that Monica refers to would be appreciated
Let me know how to find it.....I know your academic and breeding chores and more
keep you busy so answer as you can
Greatly appreciated .....odies left foot healed well again and he's just great to have
as part of our family.....latest oration from Odie ....." do you need a poopy break "....then
he repeats the last part several times....likes the rhythm and words it seems
Thanks Sandee
Mark
Dear Mark:
Monica hired me as a consultant and I worked with her for 4-5 months. I did write about it my blogs but I really have no idea what dates. She also purchased my latest book so everything is out there but I really can't track it down. Especially these days. I am terribly busy dealing with the issues of my mother's estate so the information is out there and available or we could have some phone consultations if you wish.
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
Camaroonian Phrase
Territorial Parrotlet
He is 10 months old and seems somewhat well adjusted to his home. I got him when he was 3 months old. The breeder said he was very sweet and hand raised. I am very patient with him, but he really does not seem all that tame to me. He has not moulted yet as far as I can tell. He is not talking at all. He chirps a great deal and has his noisy times during the day. He plays with his toys occasionaly but not nearly as much as I expected from all the research I have done. He does not seem to interested in playing.
Well, it took him at least 4 months before I could hold him. He still backs off when I try to have him step up to my hand, but will jump on my shoulder when he wants to. He lets me scratch his neck and head and really enjoys that.
My problem is that in the last 2 weeks he has begun "attacking" my hand when I am near the cage. This is when he is on top of the cage. He will come at me and bite, back off and do it again. I don't know what prompted this. He does it wherever he is and I come near him even when I am filling up his food. He is free to come and go in and out of his cage all day. I keep him on a schedule of uncovering him at 8 am and bed at 10 pm.
Any info or thoughts on why this is happening would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Karen:
Sounds like a completely normal parrotlet to me. He’s just being territorial over ‘his’ stuff. Also, he is getting way too many hours of daylight which is probably interfering with his hormones and/or creating a perpetual molt.I have written tons of blogs, articles and chapters in my book so you can look up that information for details but he needs to be taught to step up, you need to keep control over where he goes including the top of his cage, keep his wings clipped, lower the day light hours to 12 or less and make sure he is not in a position of dominance – which may mean keeping him off the cage top and keeping him off your shoulder. Just takes some patience and training but all parrotlets are aggressive and territorial and he is simply doing what all parrotlets do.
Best of luck!
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
Camaroonian Phrase
Well, it took him at least 4 months before I could hold him. He still backs off when I try to have him step up to my hand, but will jump on my shoulder when he wants to. He lets me scratch his neck and head and really enjoys that.
My problem is that in the last 2 weeks he has begun "attacking" my hand when I am near the cage. This is when he is on top of the cage. He will come at me and bite, back off and do it again. I don't know what prompted this. He does it wherever he is and I come near him even when I am filling up his food. He is free to come and go in and out of his cage all day. I keep him on a schedule of uncovering him at 8 am and bed at 10 pm.
Any info or thoughts on why this is happening would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Karen:
Sounds like a completely normal parrotlet to me. He’s just being territorial over ‘his’ stuff. Also, he is getting way too many hours of daylight which is probably interfering with his hormones and/or creating a perpetual molt.I have written tons of blogs, articles and chapters in my book so you can look up that information for details but he needs to be taught to step up, you need to keep control over where he goes including the top of his cage, keep his wings clipped, lower the day light hours to 12 or less and make sure he is not in a position of dominance – which may mean keeping him off the cage top and keeping him off your shoulder. Just takes some patience and training but all parrotlets are aggressive and territorial and he is simply doing what all parrotlets do.
Best of luck!
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
Camaroonian Phrase
Breeding Lifespan of Parrotlets
Sandee,
Can I ask a question. How old can Parrotletts get and still produce babies ?
Thanks.
Dear Kevin:
Usually, males have a longer breeding life than hens. It really depends on how the birds are managed especially with females. The younger they bred, the amount of clutches they had and the quality of the food, housing and rest periods are big determining factors with females but generally speaking they can last 4-8 years. I’ve had males continue to produce into their teens but generally its 7-10 years.
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
Camaroonian Phrase
Can I ask a question. How old can Parrotletts get and still produce babies ?
Thanks.
Dear Kevin:
Usually, males have a longer breeding life than hens. It really depends on how the birds are managed especially with females. The younger they bred, the amount of clutches they had and the quality of the food, housing and rest periods are big determining factors with females but generally speaking they can last 4-8 years. I’ve had males continue to produce into their teens but generally its 7-10 years.
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
Camaroonian Phrase
Vitamin D Requirements
Hi Sandee!
I had e-mailed you about my 4 month old parrotlet. She eats wholegrains, beans and lentils. Also sprouted seeds, and lots of veggies and some fruits in her diet. I provide her with Bee Pollen, spirulina and wheatgrass powder a couple times per week. I am also considering on giving free choice some dry lory powder for her. My question is, my parrotlet does not eat pellets, and only eats a bit of seed. I have heard of the importance of vitamin d3 in the diet. Should I be providing her with a supplement that contains vitamin d3. I don't want to be over supplementing her! Should I be supplementing? How much is too much? Does she need some vitamin D3? I do not provide artificial lighting for her. Hope you can explain the supplementation for her!
Thanks Sandee
Carol
Dear Carol:
For parrotlets that are breeding, the need for vitamin D is essential for the proper absorption of calcium in order to produce eggs. In pet birds, not so much. There is a lot of controversy over the efficiency of full spectrum lighting, however, it will not hurt your bird if you provided it so long as it isn’t too close to the cage. You can also feed cooked egg yolk a couple of times a week. This will provide both protein and vitamin D. Neither of these methods would be harmful since they are natural sources of vitamin D.
Hope this helps!
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
I had e-mailed you about my 4 month old parrotlet. She eats wholegrains, beans and lentils. Also sprouted seeds, and lots of veggies and some fruits in her diet. I provide her with Bee Pollen, spirulina and wheatgrass powder a couple times per week. I am also considering on giving free choice some dry lory powder for her. My question is, my parrotlet does not eat pellets, and only eats a bit of seed. I have heard of the importance of vitamin d3 in the diet. Should I be providing her with a supplement that contains vitamin d3. I don't want to be over supplementing her! Should I be supplementing? How much is too much? Does she need some vitamin D3? I do not provide artificial lighting for her. Hope you can explain the supplementation for her!
Thanks Sandee
Carol
Dear Carol:
For parrotlets that are breeding, the need for vitamin D is essential for the proper absorption of calcium in order to produce eggs. In pet birds, not so much. There is a lot of controversy over the efficiency of full spectrum lighting, however, it will not hurt your bird if you provided it so long as it isn’t too close to the cage. You can also feed cooked egg yolk a couple of times a week. This will provide both protein and vitamin D. Neither of these methods would be harmful since they are natural sources of vitamin D.
Hope this helps!
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Pet Sitter For Vacation
Hi Sandee,
I will be going on vacation soon for two weeks and wonder if it will be sufficient if I have a friend feed and give fresh water to my parrotlet every other day while I am gone? I plan to leave two full dishes of seed mix (one Volkman's and the other a mix of black oil sunflower seeds and oats groats which he loves.) Normally I add some fresh chopped veggies too, but I don't want it to go bad in-between feedings. I'll also leave some millet in the cage too.
I thought he would be less stressed and not exposed to other birds, if he
stays in his nice big cage at home.
Does this sound ok ?
Thanks!
Monica
Dear Monica:
Thank you for your email. You are doing exactly what I advise people to do. It is much more risky, stressful and not comfortable for the bird to be anywhere but at home. Its ok if he goes without fresh food for a little while but not good to expose him to a new environment. You are making the best decision in my opinion.
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, - the World's Largest and
Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
Camaroonian Phrase
Hi Sandee,
Thanks for your recommendations!
By the way, thanks to your expert advice on taming Toby several months ago, he is now a real sweetheart and NEVER bites anymore!! I am so happy!
Sincerely,
Monica
I will be going on vacation soon for two weeks and wonder if it will be sufficient if I have a friend feed and give fresh water to my parrotlet every other day while I am gone? I plan to leave two full dishes of seed mix (one Volkman's and the other a mix of black oil sunflower seeds and oats groats which he loves.) Normally I add some fresh chopped veggies too, but I don't want it to go bad in-between feedings. I'll also leave some millet in the cage too.
I thought he would be less stressed and not exposed to other birds, if he
stays in his nice big cage at home.
Does this sound ok ?
Thanks!
Monica
Dear Monica:
Thank you for your email. You are doing exactly what I advise people to do. It is much more risky, stressful and not comfortable for the bird to be anywhere but at home. Its ok if he goes without fresh food for a little while but not good to expose him to a new environment. You are making the best decision in my opinion.
Sincerely yours,
Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.
The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com
Join the International Parrotlet Society, - the World's Largest and
Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org
A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest.
Camaroonian Phrase
Hi Sandee,
Thanks for your recommendations!
By the way, thanks to your expert advice on taming Toby several months ago, he is now a real sweetheart and NEVER bites anymore!! I am so happy!
Sincerely,
Monica
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