I totally agree that bird keepers can be very toxic when it comes to the advice they give. Like you say it’s always important to do things in moderation and at the pace of your bird! ❤️
Tell me about it. I just posted in a group that I'm finally decided I'm going to get a parrotlet and somebody's like you need to get to because otherwise I'll get bored and I said no I don't I want to be able to train my bird and I'm don't work outside the house so the bird shouldn't be lonely and they are all like all right then don't take the advice from a parrotlet owner. And I was like I'm not asking you for advice on how to raise my bird. And why should I just believe some random person on a Facebook group I don't know you
I know, I have been trying to filter out all the bad advice. I have 2 Red crown's and live in Southern Ca. Both of them were brought to us by people who had no clue of how to handle or should never own such a delicate animal. I guess I can't complain their recovery has been for the most part been good they both step up and like head stratches. The older one constantly loves all the attention, could be the possible problem. I try to give them space and attention as they both want it. I spend several hours either sitting with them on my shoulder or hand feeding them on the perch.
It's a BIRD ROOM. Why do people think it's a bad thing to let them play in it without you? I can't keep my bird off the floor, and I really don't like him on it but since he's not on the floor a lot, I allow him to spend some time there. You've encouraged me to try to teach my bird foraging. I find your videos very inspirational. Thank you very much for continuing to provide content. I laughed when Newt ran away from MIa because you wanted to film him cuddling with her. It was like he was embarrassed. So funny. Thank you for the video! I really liked the part of vet care.
I think the thing that strikes me about your bird care is that you have carefully thought out your methods and have sound reasoning behind them. One size does not fit all. People want rules, and like to persecute others for not following those rules, yet they spend little time thinking about the reasoning behind those rules and whether or not it applies to their situation. Generally, a little critical thinking can go a long way. Thank you for the video, I find them very thoughtful and inspiring for my own situation.
I definitely have experience with bird people being very toxic, particularly if you're new or curious. It scared me away from looking into birds as a pet because i was convinced i had to be a completely perfect person if I wanted a bird. Years later i had to adopt aome ducks and found that caring for them, cleaning up after them and interacting with them was one of the most fullfilling things i've ever done. I came back to see what I could learn and how I could refresh my knowledge, only to be met immediately with hostility. There was a general air of other people deciding for me that I couldn't take care of a bird and I almost gave up again. Your videos, as well as Flying Fids and Elle and the Birds have really helped me get practical advice for how to actually care for birds instead of telling me I shouldn't have them. I started volunteering at a rescue and am planning to put my new information to use, so thank you very much!
I recently suffered a tragedy in my little flock. My GCC, budgie and parrotlet were allowed to be out together in one particular room. I was usually in there with them, but occasionally I would step out for a short time. My house is also quite small. Just as you describe, I never witnessed anything other than minor squabbles. They seemed like a happy little flock of three who could be trusted alone together for brief moments. I stepped into the kitchen for a while. When I returned, I found my little parrotlet's body. He had been attacked by the other two birds. I didn't hear anything. It happened quickly and quietly. I don't say this to judge you or anyone for how they behave with their birds. If I had any inkling that this would happen, I would never have allowed him to be out with the other two birds. I feel absolutely sick that I didn't protect him and keep him well. Thank you for the video. I also appreciate your perspective and advice.
Thank you for sharing🙏🏼 and so sorry to hear about your little parrotlet, that is so heartbreaking. Maybe you will get another one some day to fill the hole he left... Peace to you💜
Oh Jesus, I am so, so sorry. In that black hole abyss of grief and mourning I know you must be going through, I implore you to find a way to be kind to yourself. And when you are ready, please forgive yourself. You are not the villain. It's just nature. No matter what harsh words you say to yourself or all of the "what-ifs", as long as you loved your feathered companions all the way to the moon and back, and back again, your bird knew it was abundantly loved and cared for and wanted. That is a really important point. I will never forget about your comment.Take care. ❤️🐦❤️
Sorry this happened. The likely scenario is that the bold parrotlet bothered the Green Cheek and the Green cheek killed him (accidentally). I think your hypothesis unlikely that "He had been attacked by the other two birds" acting together to gang up on the parrotlet. Budgies, unless nesting are not likely to be able to fight a parrotlet in my opinion. My two Green Cheeks, brothers and raised together started fighting when out together like one sees with eagles on Wild Kingdom locking talons and falling down together...... Consequently, I am overly cautious.
@@treasuretrovel3816 Do you have a parrotlet and a budgie together? If not than I must completely disagree with you. I have two budgies and two parrotlets, and the budgies absolutely do gang up on the parrotlets and attack them if they can. Only one of my parrotlets fights back, but isn’t fast enough for it to be a fair fight. Parrotlets have an unearned reputation as being “vicious,” but it’s been my personal experience that budgies are so fast and a little bit lacking in sensitivity. Believe it or not, Parrotlets are extremely sensitive birds. I have to absolutely be right there hovering over them all when they’re all out together. I cannot leave the room with the one very docile parrotlet there with the budgies without me to put my hand between them. Luckily for me the two Parrotlets are extremely klingy and only leave being on me to go get a snack of some pellets. I thought I must have a very peculiar budgie that obsessively follows my one parrotlet around in particular, trying to wear him like a skin suit because budgies have such a sweet reputation. But the more and more I talk to other bird owners who have budgies with parrotlets, the more I’m realizing that budgies are usually the aggressors in these situations. I used to think the budgie was just playing too enthusiastically, but as I observe him waiting for me to flinch for even a second, I could absolutely see him attacking the one parrotlet until he died. I never ever ever ever leave them along together anymore. But since budgies have this reputation, I could see someone doing so and not realizing that budgies are extremely fast and relentless.
I’m so sorry this happened. How horrible. This is my biggest fear. It was recommended to me by the rescue where I got my first parrotlet from to get a budgie as his companion. Because (and I quote) “Budgies are fast enough to get away.” I love my budgie, but he’s definitely not just fast enough to get away. He’s fast enough to fly over and attack the parrotlets (I have 2 now) and then fly off without being scathed. He’s caused bruising on the parrotlets beak. And the parrotlet, contrary to their reputations, is very slow and docile. If I had to live my life over again I’d never take the advice of this person and I would just have gotten another parrotlet instead. But here we are, and now I find myself constantly covering my two parrotlets and I in order to avoid divebombing attacks from the budgie. I got him a companion budgie too, and now both birds have a companion of their species. I was shocked to find how unfriendly the little “sweet” budgie could be to other birds. My other parrotlet does open his beak and run towards the budgie on occasion in retaliation, but the one parrotlets only defense is to fly away and scream. I know it sounds like I’m a terrible bird owner, but this is just when they come near eachother. And I’m completely there to supervise when they’re all out together. Im just saying that I was also shocked to find out that budgies weren’t always sweet and gentle. I really am so sorry that this happened
Annual blood checks are a bread and butter income for vets so they are going to encourage owners to do it whether it is really necessary or not. When I was growing up we had a budgie that never got sick and never went to the vet and he lived for 18 years!
Love that your back! I love your videos and I've been following you for a long time. You inspire me to give my birds the best life I can provide for them and we are all so much happier for it. ❤️
I love this video! I don't get my birds' blood drawn, but we have budgies and cockatiels. They do get yearly exams and fecal tests though. I also make nearly all the toys they have and honestly they like those better than store bought! I also make their perches. I purchased a drill specifically to make things for the birds. And I also have a bird room where on occasion the birds are left unattended but the door is open and we can hear if anything goes wrong. At the end of the day you have to do what is right for you and your pets- as long as they are safe, healthy and thriving ❤
I hope you will do more videos. You are my go to bird information place. 🙂 You are so smart and sensible. You and your birds are adorable too. Thanks for everything!
Hi! Loved your video as always! I am a 1st time birder. Would you please consider doing a detailed video of how to transition to all foraging feeding? I saw you have a few toys I've never seen. I have a 1yo Galah, she has a walk in aviary we are not using yet, but it would be great to work toward total foraging as I work to get her into that aviary. I had planned to start from day 1 but having a bird was way more overwhelming than I expected! We have a good relationship and eating pretty healthy so I am ready to get started!
Thank you for sharing & awesome to see you back! I've learnt so much from your vids for my own new family member/ parrotlet:) By the way, those 2 definitely have secret cuddles going!
Ooff Ive been on the bad parront side of the equation from the beginning. I have two parrotlets. Both male, I got them at 2 months old together, and they have been together since (for 3 years now). I cannot separate them, they will scream and get very upset. They share a big ass cage that is meant to fit around 5+ budgies. But I also have a birdroom and its Bird proofed. So we let them out every day and they stay out even if we're not home. Theyre only locked in the cage at night, if theres visitors or if we're doing something that can scare them and they have to be put in for their safety. All the facebook groups were mad at me for the lifestyle I give my birds. Everyone, including you 😅, say not to have two parrotlets together but here in Germany thats not a belief shared in the bird community. When it comes to blood test and vet visits, the German vets dont agree on doing those unless absolutely necessary. The first time I went , I asked for a blood test and they said that its a lot of stress for how small they are and unnecessary unless theres signs of illness. The vet said my birds look happy and healthy and thats all that matters to me
Everyone will tell you to not have two parrotlets together, but it’s been my experience and observation that that belief started because parrotlets bond with one other person or bird, and so it’a a little bit harder to get them to bond with the person if they’re bonded with their partner. But it’s definitely not impossible. I believe that parrotlets have an unearned reputation as “bold,” but I have one parrotlet that literally runs and hides from other birds, and another one who only ever opens his beak to go towards other birds if he feels threatened. I now only ever keep them with eachother and not allow them to be alone with other species. My experience is now that parrotlets are great with other parrotlets. But not with other species. Which may be part of why their (unearned) reputation came from. But mine are lovers, not fighters. I also think some people think that they can get two adult parrotlets and throw them in the same cage together, which is never good, as they do tend to be cage territorial. Each of my tiny birds have their own large flight cage. I think if people stick two birds that didn’t grow up together in the same cage they find that those birds do fight.
I love what you have done for your birds!!! Most of mine will forage (even the Canary) but the Amazon flat out refuses. Haven't found her "thing" yet! LOL. Great video!
I definitely have! My main issue atm with that is just sort out the best way to hide/ protect wires. Otherwise it is something I’d eventually like to invest in
Hey Courtney! I have a similar set up as you. I have two cockatiels who almost always are flying around in the room when we are home, with my greencheeked conure, Newt (yes, I named him after your Newt). My parrotlet isn't allowed to anymore though because he's a jerk.
HEY Flock talk, I have a theory that birds are way more likely to use their toys for the sake of using them if they are anchored. I noticed that they chewed the windows and doors more than their toys and put 2 and 2 together. Can you please speak on this
Help: I have a 6 month female pacific parrotlet. Lately she started to bite on the neck whenever she’s on our shoulder. It doesn’t start right away but once she starts to nibble on the shirt, she gradually goes towards the skin and nibbles down. I would take her away and put her down, she flies back, and tries to nibble again. Idk if birds go thru teething or they bite the same thing.
Hello! Welcome back! I wanted to ask, my little Cockatiel, Banana is her name, she eats seeds from the tips of my fingers but still hisses when I come near her, how can I make her feel more comfortable with my presense? She takes millet and sun flower seeds well from me even if she still is unsure at times when taking them
Idk how long you've had it and I'm not an expert but try putting your hand outside the cage on the other side of her with seed an get closer inch by inch but if she's uncomfortable go an inch back
"when i'm feeling lazy..." she says, standing in THAT bird-room setup... lol xD "i don't feed them out of bowls anymore..." "WHAT? YOU DON'T FEED THEM???" lol... i hope everyone who watches this ACTUALLY LISTENS and you only get this kind of response as a joke xD seems like everything you've said is perfectly fine to me. too many trainers (bird and otherwise) are too concerned about being seen as THE expert, and how dare you challenge their perfect teaching. my take: if they think their teaching is perfect, then they've closed their minds and can't learn anything new. i'll try someone else thanks~ lmao "oh crap, she's filming us! break it up! can't let anyone SEEEEEE~" xD
That one is called the “buggin’ out puzzle feeder” it’s originally designed for cats! I’ve found it in PetSmart and pet valu before in the cat toy or cat food bowl section! I’m sure there’s online places you could find as well
I ordered this one online, it’s called the pioneer pet swan drinking fountain. You can usually find similar fountains in the dog/cat water bowl section in most pet stores
Hi, I've only now found you. How many birds do you have? I so wish i could have a bird room. I am buying an avery for the summer so my birds can have a good. I have 3, 2 tiels and a senegal, my sensgal hates my tiels, he would kill them grrr x
I was just wondering if you have an opinion on whether your parrotlet let needs a buddy or is good by themselves if you're home all the time. Somebody told me I need to have two parrotlets but it's easier to train if you have one. Looking to get one soon
Parrotlets, like all birds, are extremely social animals and require a flock. Absolutely get your bird a companion if you’re not home 100% of the time. Their little hearts break if they’re left alone all day.
Your bird care doesn’t seem that outrageous to me. Mine are also free to fly (in my living room) and I will leave them for a bit by themselves. We also don’t do annual blood tests. Vets (at least mine) are not comfortable taking blood from budgies for no particular reason. One of my budgies had her blood taken because she is not well and they actually put her under to take the blood. So not only is it dangerous from the blood letting point but also anaesthetic is not without its risks. I would love for mine to forage on the floor but with a carpet it probably is not very good idea. They still get fed from bowls because for the ill one I need to mix medicine with her food so it would be difficult to monitor who ate what. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you ☺️
The yellow one is the kaytee peek n pull forager which they don’t seem to make anymore The green one on the ground is the buggin’ out puzzle feeder by Nina ottosson which can be found in most chain pet stores! (It’s a cat puzzle feeder) The hanging sea grass/ wood block one I truthfully don’t remember. It either would’ve been featheredaddictions or mysafebirdstore for that one!
I was really worried at your intro. Referring to how the bird community can be a tad authoritarian. I've witnessed it but only when someone is TRULY caring for their bird improperly. EVERYTHING YOU MENTIONED is not only proper bird care, but a step above and beyond. I was expecting anything but what you were talking about. My initial thought was "Oh here we go, another advocate for poor bird care" and you're out here killing it! In my experience, the bird community gets a tad annoyed when cages are too small and the bird never leaves it, the toys are all plastic, theres only dowel perches, essentially no natural toys/perches, and they feed their birds only a seed diet. No pellets. No chop. No high quality food.. THOSE are horrible things people continue to do and advocate for and are now considered "controversial" and the bird community WILL NOT stand for it. That's when things get a little out of hand in some cases. People refusing to learn the PROPER ways to care for birds to avoid extreme hormones, feather plucking, liver disease, etc. So, whatever bird community you've come across that's called your level of care improper you need to get rid of. I highly doubt they're educated enough for all the bird nuances. And lastly, this is the most naturalistic way ive seen pet birds being kept and cared for and im sure they will have long happy lives. Good job.
-i leave birds open in the bird room without me. -i feed them off the floor -i make and reuse toys mostly -i donot change bath water everyday -1have not taken blood tests for my babies.
I let my birbs out in the house in the morning and put them in their cages at night. With my 3 small dogs. And i leave...sometimes for hours. Been that way for years and years. Come at me birbnazis!
Always makes me happy when I see your notification 🔔
Same!!
I totally agree that bird keepers can be very toxic when it comes to the advice they give. Like you say it’s always important to do things in moderation and at the pace of your bird! ❤️
Tell me about it. I just posted in a group that I'm finally decided I'm going to get a parrotlet and somebody's like you need to get to because otherwise I'll get bored and I said no I don't I want to be able to train my bird and I'm don't work outside the house so the bird shouldn't be lonely and they are all like all right then don't take the advice from a parrotlet owner. And I was like I'm not asking you for advice on how to raise my bird. And why should I just believe some random person on a Facebook group I don't know you
I know, I have been trying to filter out all the bad advice. I have 2 Red crown's and live in Southern Ca. Both of them were brought to us by people who had no clue of how to handle or should never own such a delicate animal. I guess I can't complain their recovery has been for the most part been good they both step up and like head stratches. The older one constantly loves all the attention, could be the possible problem. I try to give them space and attention as they both want it. I spend several hours either sitting with them on my shoulder or hand feeding them on the perch.
I love your channel because you're one of the few bird channels who isn't really dogmatic about everything
It's a BIRD ROOM. Why do people think it's a bad thing to let them play in it without you? I can't keep my bird off the floor, and I really don't like him on it but since he's not on the floor a lot, I allow him to spend some time there. You've encouraged me to try to teach my bird foraging. I find your videos very inspirational. Thank you very much for continuing to provide content. I laughed when Newt ran away from MIa because you wanted to film him cuddling with her. It was like he was embarrassed. So funny. Thank you for the video! I really liked the part of vet care.
I aspire to have your bird room, foraging strategies, toy rotation, and a flock that can get along so well!!
I think the thing that strikes me about your bird care is that you have carefully thought out your methods and have sound reasoning behind them. One size does not fit all. People want rules, and like to persecute others for not following those rules, yet they spend little time thinking about the reasoning behind those rules and whether or not it applies to their situation. Generally, a little critical thinking can go a long way. Thank you for the video, I find them very thoughtful and inspiring for my own situation.
I definitely have experience with bird people being very toxic, particularly if you're new or curious. It scared me away from looking into birds as a pet because i was convinced i had to be a completely perfect person if I wanted a bird.
Years later i had to adopt aome ducks and found that caring for them, cleaning up after them and interacting with them was one of the most fullfilling things i've ever done. I came back to see what I could learn and how I could refresh my knowledge, only to be met immediately with hostility. There was a general air of other people deciding for me that I couldn't take care of a bird and I almost gave up again.
Your videos, as well as Flying Fids and Elle and the Birds have really helped me get practical advice for how to actually care for birds instead of telling me I shouldn't have them.
I started volunteering at a rescue and am planning to put my new information to use, so thank you very much!
I recently suffered a tragedy in my little flock. My GCC, budgie and parrotlet were allowed to be out together in one particular room. I was usually in there with them, but occasionally I would step out for a short time. My house is also quite small. Just as you describe, I never witnessed anything other than minor squabbles. They seemed like a happy little flock of three who could be trusted alone together for brief moments. I stepped into the kitchen for a while. When I returned, I found my little parrotlet's body. He had been attacked by the other two birds. I didn't hear anything. It happened quickly and quietly. I don't say this to judge you or anyone for how they behave with their birds. If I had any inkling that this would happen, I would never have allowed him to be out with the other two birds. I feel absolutely sick that I didn't protect him and keep him well. Thank you for the video. I also appreciate your perspective and advice.
Thank you for sharing🙏🏼 and so sorry to hear about your little parrotlet, that is so heartbreaking. Maybe you will get another one some day to fill the hole he left... Peace to you💜
Oh Jesus, I am so, so sorry. In that black hole abyss of grief and mourning I know you must be going through, I implore you to find a way to be kind to yourself. And when you are ready, please forgive yourself. You are not the villain. It's just nature. No matter what harsh words you say to yourself or all of the "what-ifs", as long as you loved your feathered companions all the way to the moon and back, and back again, your bird knew it was abundantly loved and cared for and wanted. That is a really important point. I will never forget about your comment.Take care. ❤️🐦❤️
Sorry this happened. The likely scenario is that the bold parrotlet bothered the Green Cheek and the Green cheek killed him (accidentally). I think your hypothesis unlikely that "He had been attacked by the other two birds" acting together to gang up on the parrotlet. Budgies, unless nesting are not likely to be able to fight a parrotlet in my opinion. My two Green Cheeks, brothers and raised together started fighting when out together like one sees with eagles on Wild Kingdom locking talons and falling down together...... Consequently, I am overly cautious.
@@treasuretrovel3816 Do you have a parrotlet and a budgie together? If not than I must completely disagree with you. I have two budgies and two parrotlets, and the budgies absolutely do gang up on the parrotlets and attack them if they can. Only one of my parrotlets fights back, but isn’t fast enough for it to be a fair fight. Parrotlets have an unearned reputation as being “vicious,” but it’s been my personal experience that budgies are so fast and a little bit lacking in sensitivity. Believe it or not, Parrotlets are extremely sensitive birds. I have to absolutely be right there hovering over them all when they’re all out together. I cannot leave the room with the one very docile parrotlet there with the budgies without me to put my hand between them. Luckily for me the two Parrotlets are extremely klingy and only leave being on me to go get a snack of some pellets.
I thought I must have a very peculiar budgie that obsessively follows my one parrotlet around in particular, trying to wear him like a skin suit because budgies have such a sweet reputation. But the more and more I talk to other bird owners who have budgies with parrotlets, the more I’m realizing that budgies are usually the aggressors in these situations. I used to think the budgie was just playing too enthusiastically, but as I observe him waiting for me to flinch for even a second, I could absolutely see him attacking the one parrotlet until he died. I never ever ever ever leave them along together anymore. But since budgies have this reputation, I could see someone doing so and not realizing that budgies are extremely fast and relentless.
I’m so sorry this happened. How horrible. This is my biggest fear. It was recommended to me by the rescue where I got my first parrotlet from to get a budgie as his companion. Because (and I quote) “Budgies are fast enough to get away.” I love my budgie, but he’s definitely not just fast enough to get away. He’s fast enough to fly over and attack the parrotlets (I have 2 now) and then fly off without being scathed. He’s caused bruising on the parrotlets beak. And the parrotlet, contrary to their reputations, is very slow and docile. If I had to live my life over again I’d never take the advice of this person and I would just have gotten another parrotlet instead. But here we are, and now I find myself constantly covering my two parrotlets and I in order to avoid divebombing attacks from the budgie. I got him a companion budgie too, and now both birds have a companion of their species. I was shocked to find how unfriendly the little “sweet” budgie could be to other birds. My other parrotlet does open his beak and run towards the budgie on occasion in retaliation, but the one parrotlets only defense is to fly away and scream. I know it sounds like I’m a terrible bird owner, but this is just when they come near eachother. And I’m completely there to supervise when they’re all out together. Im just saying that I was also shocked to find out that budgies weren’t always sweet and gentle.
I really am so sorry that this happened
Annual blood checks are a bread and butter income for vets so they are going to encourage owners to do it whether it is really necessary or not. When I was growing up we had a budgie that never got sick and never went to the vet and he lived for 18 years!
The best bird advice anywhere on RUclips. Thanks, Courtney.
Love that your back! I love your videos and I've been following you for a long time. You inspire me to give my birds the best life I can provide for them and we are all so much happier for it. ❤️
Screw all the judgment. Do you! You’re an amazing bird mom.
My quaker loves that cat puzzle :)
Yay! I've missed your videos! Hope all is well, Courtney ♡
❤️ things are going well for us thank you!😊
I think I love you! You do a lot of things with your birds that I do. And transitioning them to foraging for all of their dry food is an amazing idea.
Hello again!
Thank you for you video.
I’ve never had routine blood work for my budgies, they’re too small! I wouldn’t stress about it and rely more on the physical exam from your vet.
I love this video!
I don't get my birds' blood drawn, but we have budgies and cockatiels. They do get yearly exams and fecal tests though. I also make nearly all the toys they have and honestly they like those better than store bought! I also make their perches. I purchased a drill specifically to make things for the birds. And I also have a bird room where on occasion the birds are left unattended but the door is open and we can hear if anything goes wrong. At the end of the day you have to do what is right for you and your pets- as long as they are safe, healthy and thriving ❤
We have the same toy parts drawer. This is such a great tip
I hope you will do more videos. You are my go to bird information place. 🙂 You are so smart and sensible. You and your birds are adorable too. Thanks for everything!
Yasss! A new post from Flock Talk! Always makes me so happy when you post.
So glad you are back. I love all your content! Hope all is fantastic in your life and happy holidays!
Hi! Loved your video as always! I am a 1st time birder. Would you please consider doing a detailed video of how to transition to all foraging feeding? I saw you have a few toys I've never seen. I have a 1yo Galah, she has a walk in aviary we are not using yet, but it would be great to work toward total foraging as I work to get her into that aviary. I had planned to start from day 1 but having a bird was way more overwhelming than I expected! We have a good relationship and eating pretty healthy so I am ready to get started!
Flock-talk is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing & awesome to see you back! I've learnt so much from your vids for my own new family member/ parrotlet:) By the way, those 2 definitely have secret cuddles going!
Finally you uploaded after a longgggg time, Yayy!
Glad to see you again! Love the shaved under, the use of the yada yada and seeing the cool little foraging toys were a fun part of my morning today.
❤️
I’m so happy to see you post again! My little guy and I have really missed you! 😁
Ooff Ive been on the bad parront side of the equation from the beginning. I have two parrotlets. Both male, I got them at 2 months old together, and they have been together since (for 3 years now). I cannot separate them, they will scream and get very upset. They share a big ass cage that is meant to fit around 5+ budgies. But I also have a birdroom and its Bird proofed. So we let them out every day and they stay out even if we're not home. Theyre only locked in the cage at night, if theres visitors or if we're doing something that can scare them and they have to be put in for their safety. All the facebook groups were mad at me for the lifestyle I give my birds. Everyone, including you 😅, say not to have two parrotlets together but here in Germany thats not a belief shared in the bird community. When it comes to blood test and vet visits, the German vets dont agree on doing those unless absolutely necessary. The first time I went , I asked for a blood test and they said that its a lot of stress for how small they are and unnecessary unless theres signs of illness. The vet said my birds look happy and healthy and thats all that matters to me
Fair enough 🤷♀️ as long as the birds are happy and healthy that’s all that should really matter! ❤️
Everyone will tell you to not have two parrotlets together, but it’s been my experience and observation that that belief started because parrotlets bond with one other person or bird, and so it’a a little bit harder to get them to bond with the person if they’re bonded with their partner. But it’s definitely not impossible. I believe that parrotlets have an unearned reputation as “bold,” but I have one parrotlet that literally runs and hides from other birds, and another one who only ever opens his beak to go towards other birds if he feels threatened. I now only ever keep them with eachother and not allow them to be alone with other species. My experience is now that parrotlets are great with other parrotlets. But not with other species. Which may be part of why their (unearned) reputation came from. But mine are lovers, not fighters.
I also think some people think that they can get two adult parrotlets and throw them in the same cage together, which is never good, as they do tend to be cage territorial. Each of my tiny birds have their own large flight cage. I think if people stick two birds that didn’t grow up together in the same cage they find that those birds do fight.
Yay, you're back again! I love your channel so much, and I loved this video too!
I love your videos. Please bring us more content :)
I love what you have done for your birds!!! Most of mine will forage (even the Canary) but the Amazon flat out refuses. Haven't found her "thing" yet! LOL. Great video!
I’m so happy to see a new video
Good to see you back! I missed your videos! Considering you don't supervise 100% of the time, have you ever considered a camera to watch them?
I definitely have! My main issue atm with that is just sort out the best way to hide/ protect wires. Otherwise it is something I’d eventually like to invest in
@@FlockTalk You can use a stainless steel hose/tube to hide the wires.
Hey Courtney! I have a similar set up as you. I have two cockatiels who almost always are flying around in the room when we are home, with my greencheeked conure, Newt (yes, I named him after your Newt). My parrotlet isn't allowed to anymore though because he's a jerk.
Love you videos
HEY Flock talk, I have a theory that birds are way more likely to use their toys for the sake of using them if they are anchored. I noticed that they chewed the windows and doors more than their toys and put 2 and 2 together. Can you please speak on this
Help: I have a 6 month female pacific parrotlet. Lately she started to bite on the neck whenever she’s on our shoulder. It doesn’t start right away but once she starts to nibble on the shirt, she gradually goes towards the skin and nibbles down. I would take her away and put her down, she flies back, and tries to nibble again. Idk if birds go thru teething or they bite the same thing.
I’ve noticed my parrotlets do this when they’re hormonal
❤️❤️👍
What actual *experienced* bird keeper constantly buys new toys!? Most birds rather play with the box.
Hello! Welcome back! I wanted to ask, my little Cockatiel, Banana is her name, she eats seeds from the tips of my fingers but still hisses when I come near her, how can I make her feel more comfortable with my presense? She takes millet and sun flower seeds well from me even if she still is unsure at times when taking them
Idk how long you've had it and I'm not an expert but try putting your hand outside the cage on the other side of her with seed an get closer inch by inch but if she's uncomfortable go an inch back
You can start like that and again I'm not an expert image have said it wrong
Thank you! And... where can I find that fountain???
It’s called the Swan Fountain by Pioneer Pet Products. I ordered it on Wish but there’s lots of online retailers for it!
@@FlockTalk thank you!!!
"when i'm feeling lazy..." she says, standing in THAT bird-room setup... lol xD
"i don't feed them out of bowls anymore..."
"WHAT? YOU DON'T FEED THEM???"
lol... i hope everyone who watches this ACTUALLY LISTENS and you only get this kind of response as a joke xD
seems like everything you've said is perfectly fine to me. too many trainers (bird and otherwise) are too concerned about being seen as THE expert, and how dare you challenge their perfect teaching. my take: if they think their teaching is perfect, then they've closed their minds and can't learn anything new. i'll try someone else thanks~
lmao "oh crap, she's filming us! break it up! can't let anyone SEEEEEE~" xD
Thanks for another amazing video! Do you know where to get the foraging toy at 5:00?
That one is called the “buggin’ out puzzle feeder” it’s originally designed for cats! I’ve found it in PetSmart and pet valu before in the cat toy or cat food bowl section! I’m sure there’s online places you could find as well
Hi FlockTalk, where did you get the at 4:40? The sliding drawer toy?
We're did you get that fountain looking for one like that
I ordered this one online, it’s called the pioneer pet swan drinking fountain. You can usually find similar fountains in the dog/cat water bowl section in most pet stores
@@FlockTalk thanks 😊
can you share what you do to give them their pellets without using just a bowl?
Hi, I've only now found you. How many birds do you have? I so wish i could have a bird room. I am buying an avery for the summer so my birds can have a good. I have 3, 2 tiels and a senegal, my sensgal hates my tiels, he would kill them grrr x
I was just wondering if you have an opinion on whether your parrotlet let needs a buddy or is good by themselves if you're home all the time. Somebody told me I need to have two parrotlets but it's easier to train if you have one. Looking to get one soon
they are good on their own!
Parrotlets, like all birds, are extremely social animals and require a flock. Absolutely get your bird a companion if you’re not home 100% of the time. Their little hearts break if they’re left alone all day.
What is that foraging toy newt was using? The green floor one with the wood leaves
It’s called the buggin out puzzle feeder by Nina Ottosson (supposed to be a cat puzzle feeder but works well for the birds!)
Let's go i ment to say
Your bird care doesn’t seem that outrageous to me. Mine are also free to fly (in my living room) and I will leave them for a bit by themselves.
We also don’t do annual blood tests. Vets (at least mine) are not comfortable taking blood from budgies for no particular reason. One of my budgies had her blood taken because she is not well and they actually put her under to take the blood. So not only is it dangerous from the blood letting point but also anaesthetic is not without its risks.
I would love for mine to forage on the floor but with a carpet it probably is not very good idea.
They still get fed from bowls because for the ill one I need to mix medicine with her food so it would be difficult to monitor who ate what.
I really enjoyed your video. Thank you ☺️
Hii there..
Where did you get those foraging toys?
The yellow one is the kaytee peek n pull forager which they don’t seem to make anymore
The green one on the ground is the buggin’ out puzzle feeder by Nina ottosson which can be found in most chain pet stores! (It’s a cat puzzle feeder)
The hanging sea grass/ wood block one I truthfully don’t remember. It either would’ve been featheredaddictions or mysafebirdstore for that one!
Let's gi
I was really worried at your intro. Referring to how the bird community can be a tad authoritarian. I've witnessed it but only when someone is TRULY caring for their bird improperly. EVERYTHING YOU MENTIONED is not only proper bird care, but a step above and beyond. I was expecting anything but what you were talking about. My initial thought was "Oh here we go, another advocate for poor bird care" and you're out here killing it!
In my experience, the bird community gets a tad annoyed when cages are too small and the bird never leaves it, the toys are all plastic, theres only dowel perches, essentially no natural toys/perches, and they feed their birds only a seed diet. No pellets. No chop. No high quality food.. THOSE are horrible things people continue to do and advocate for and are now considered "controversial" and the bird community WILL NOT stand for it. That's when things get a little out of hand in some cases. People refusing to learn the PROPER ways to care for birds to avoid extreme hormones, feather plucking, liver disease, etc.
So, whatever bird community you've come across that's called your level of care improper you need to get rid of. I highly doubt they're educated enough for all the bird nuances.
And lastly, this is the most naturalistic way ive seen pet birds being kept and cared for and im sure they will have long happy lives. Good job.
-i leave birds open in the bird room without me.
-i feed them off the floor
-i make and reuse toys mostly
-i donot change bath water everyday
-1have not taken blood tests for my babies.
I let my birbs out in the house in the morning and put them in their cages at night. With my 3 small dogs. And i leave...sometimes for hours. Been that way for years and years. Come at me birbnazis!
You have lost more weights....
Missed your videos!! I hope you will upload more often 🤩