Parrot Bay cares...........

We have a few IMPORTANT FACTS that we feel each and every parrot owner should practice. Below we have compiled a list of each and a few words of advice that will keep your parrot happy, healthy and a true companion to your entire family God willing.

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DISEASE - Try to stay away from others who have parrots that you're not familiar with. Many parrots carry disease and will NEVER show signs until its too late. Remember that pet shops have many different species of animals and they are from all over the country. This is how most diseases will be passed on from baby to baby. The diseases that parrots carry are passed through the air, carried on your clothes, shoes etc. This is one reason that we will NEVER go into a pet shop. Reptiles are GREAT carriers of diseases. We are not saying ALL pet shops in our country are diseased, I know of a few wonderful people that own, breed their own parrots and keep an  *A+ *  enviroment but believe me there aren't many out there. Feel free to email us and maybe we can recommend a few in your area. Read and research diseases in parrots before purchasing and have an Avian Vet chosen for you to take your pet to if needed.

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DIET - One of the worst things that you could do is to feed your parrot candy, soda and pizza. Sound strange....well when you feed only a seed diet that is exactly what your doing. Its just like giving a child candy, soda and pizza only. Sad but a fact, there are dangers giving a seed diet only. It causes vitamin deficency and premature death. The most popular saying is *I had my cockatiel for 11 years*. Cockatiel have a life span of up to 35 years, given the proper diet and care. Other species have life spans up to 80-100 years. A variety of vegetables, fruits, pellets, grains, SPROUTS and seed are most important. With each baby parrot that is sold from Parrot Bay Aviary, we provide a booklet that covers head to toe of that particular bird. From diet to cages. Please do your research on diet for the species that your considering purchasing. REMEMBER purchase your parrot foods from a supply house that carries *pet supplies only*, not a Walmart or *Shoprite* as they have food bagged that has been laying in warehouses for sometimes up to 3 years. Always buy from a bulk supplier.  They are listed in the phonebook and there is a great selection on the net.  The cost of shipping will be well worth it to keep your pet parrot free of exposing him to the chance of the disease that some pet shops have. These parrot mixes can be stored in your freezer until ready to use.

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CAGES - This is so very important to make sure you have the proper size cage for the species that you have chosen to purchase. When small cages are provided for parrots they become  unhappy and this causes stress. A parrot under stress will pluck its feathers, become ill, turn nasty and also scream. The pricing between cages will vary but its not a lot of cost compared to the health of your parrot. To keep a healthy and happy pet you must have the proper size cage. Also daily playtime out side of the cage is also important. Playstations are a favorite to your parrot also. TOYS - We recommend that you have two sets, 4 toys at least to each set. This way your pet every week can get a new set placed into the cage so washing and disinfecting the other will be easier. This way your parrot doesn't become bored and turn to playing with his own feathers. A bleach or nystatin wash is recommended to soak then wash & rinse. Also we feel that toys made of rope material are not a great idea. The reason being that many times the parrots get their toes nails stuck in the rope and they have been known to chew their own feet and toes off. However this is just our feelings about these products. Dangerous toys are becoming a very important issue lately. with all the new toys offered in the pet stores you must be very careful which ones you purchase. I will try my best to keep updates on the toys that have been dangerous to our pets on this page. There had been one that is available to the public now that is an acrylic twirley toy that you put MILLET in. many birds are gotten their feet caught in these so I would NOT suggest you use this at all. I will have more onthis soon. BATHING - Giving baths are one of a Parrots most enjoyable activity. A twice a week bath is recommended for an adult parrot. If your pet is younger then once a week is enough to start out with because you must make sure there are no drafts even when not bathing. Drafts KILL !!! Using a NEW CLEAN spray bottle is the best tool to bath the bird. Always fill the bottle with warm water not to give the bird a chill. Spraying over their head is the best method to create rain coming down as this is a natural event for them. NEVER add anything except clean warm water to the bottle, nothing will get your parrot cleaner then water and it is not healthy adding anything else to the water.

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