Recordings from previous online events

ALL Recordings from Previous Online Events

Missed an online event that was recorded? Or, perhaps you attended, but would like to watch it again! When recording is permissible by our speakers, we like to make them available to anyone interested.

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March 15, 2025: "Avian Ganglioneuritis Made More Understandable"
with Bob Dalhausen, DVM, MS

PDD (proventicular dilitation disease) has a new and better descriptive name - Avian Ganglioneuritis (AGN). AGN is often correlated with avian bornavirus - but not always! These are two distinct conditions that should be addressed independently. Gangliosides are the little proteins throughout a bird’s nervous system. These proteins are hidden within a nerve’s myelin sheath – something akin to foam insulation. This is the immune system’s way of protecting itself. But if something disrupts the nerve’s gangliosides, they become exposed outside of their protective sheath and the immune system is compromised. That is when the immune system goes on the attack and activates the disease known as Avian Ganglioneuritis. For some species it can affect the proventriculus and the GI tract; for other species it might cause seizures or neurological imbalances. This is why the term PDD is out-of-date based on what we now know. Many birds are AGN positive but never show symptoms. Some are symptomatic but manage fine on medications. It’s not thought to be contagious, but we should all be more informed about the diagnostics and treatments. This is an important discussion with Bob Dahlhausen, DVM. Dr. Dahlhausen owns Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics (VMD), the only U.S. lab with a patent to test for AGN. This is a complicated disease. We must continue to learn more about how to diagnose and manage it. Dr. Dahlhausen remains on the cutting edge of this important research! (IAABC CEUs approved).

February 8, 2025: "What the Heck Is Enrichment?"
with Debbie Foster CPBT-KA and CPBC

Does the whole idea of enrichment confuse you? Wondering if you're doing it right, wrong, or doing it at all? Debbie will walk us through various categories of enrichment and provide some outside-the-box activities and ideas to keep our birds busy. The right kind of enrichment can prevent boredom and enhance a bird's quality-of-life. A physically engaged bird is a healthier bird. Teaching our birds various active and enriched behaviors will help them to thrive in our homes. Debbie is a certified behavior consultant and professional bird trainer. IAABC CEUs approved.

January 11, 2025: "How Internal Biology Becomes External Behavior" with Dr. Amy Zhao

In this talk, Dr. Zhao explores the inner biological workings of the parrot reproductive and hormonal systems and discusses what they are, how they work, and how they cause the outward behaviors we view in our parrots. She also covers how these biological pathways inform our choices in caring for our parrots and how we can use this knowledge to solve health, wellness, and behavior problems in captivity and a home setting. IAABC CEUs approved.
Dr. Zhao is an animal scientist living in Boston with her small flock of budgies and Gandalf the cockatiel. She earned her B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University in May 2014 and continued to earn her PhD in Animal Science specializing in animal physiology and molecular and cell biology from Cornell University in July 2019. During her time at Cornell, she has worked with and taken classes in management and husbandry for many animal species including sheep, cattle, horses, birds of prey, and of course, parrots. She also spent 8 years as a teaching assistant for courses including Domestic Animal Biology, Animal Nutrition, Domestic Animal Behavior, and Comparative Animal Anatomy and Physiology. Dr. Amy Zhao also completed Dr. Susan Friedman’s Living and Learning with Animals course in 2022.

December 6, 2024: "The Many Parrots Project" with Dr. Lauryn Benedict, Karla Vilches Castaño, and Wynn Webster from the University of Northern Colorado

We know that our parrots have a unique capability to speak our language. Oftentimes it seems in perfect context, right? Parrots are one of the few groups of animals that can learn vocalizations throughout their lives. Why do they learn so well? What makes some birds better at vocal gymnastics than others? The Many Parrots Project is investigating these questions (and more) with the help of companion parrots and their humans. The project has data describing how over 1200 individual parrots mimic human speech and music. Join Dr. Lauryn Benedict, Karla Vilches Castaño, and Wynn Webster to hear what these data have revealed. The speakers will discuss patterns of vocal learning across a range of parrot species, including males and females of all ages. They will also talk about future projects asking questions about the accuracy of speech mimicry by different birds, and the large-scale evolutionary forces that might shape parrot repertoires. Finally, if you have a parrot that talks, whistles, or sings, they will tell you how you can contribute to the research! Visit https://www.manyparrots.org/ and help spread the word. IAABC CEUs approved.

November 9, 2024: "Are Mushrooms Medicinal?" with Cyndi Brown, DVM

Mushrooms have been known for their health benefits for centuries, and their use in modern medicine has been resurging. There is a wide variety of species, each with their own purposes and uses. Although there may be skepticism about their true benefits, let’s explore if they might also be beneficial for use with our parrots. Dr. Brown will take us through a review of the scientific evidence which supports functional mushrooms. She will also discuss Eastern and Western uses as treatment for various medical conditions, and the possible application of these for our birds. In the first hour or so, she tells us what a mushroom is and its important components. Then in the 2nd part, she gives us some examples of how birds might benefit from various kinds. Dr. Brown has been a Senior Avian and Exotics Veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in NYC for many years. She has also started an Avian and Exotics Department in Groton, CT. She has a special interest in complementary and alternative medicine!

October 19, 2024: "The Importance of Lab Work in Birds, What Does It All Mean?" with Brynn McCleery, DVM, ABVP (Avian)

Dr. McCleery heads the avian and exotics service at the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Red Bank, NJ. We all know that our birds deserve their own kind of doctor, a veterinarian that specializes in avian medicine. It’s so important that our birds see their doctor regularly, because as prey animals, they will not show us there is a problem until they are very ill or even terminal. And health is a major contributor to behavior - if we don't feel well, we don't act well. One tool that helps our avian veterinarians understand a bird’s state of health is lab work. These can test for some important things like kidney or liver disease, bacterial infections, yeast etc. Dr. McCleery previously served as an avian consultant to a diagnostic lab, so she is very familiar with the importance and interpretation of lab work! IAABC CEUs approved.

September 14, 2024: "Shaping Our Bird's Behavior" with with Wouter Stellaard, CPBC and CPBT-KA

Communicating with our birds requires us to be clear about what we are asking them to do and how we want them to behave. Most behaviors are not accomplished immediately, we need to break down a target behavior into smaller increments, it is a set-by-step process. Rewards along the way for each step help to build and strengthen the desired behavior. It’s always recommended that we teach our birds what TO DO, instead of trying to change what we don’t like. This is a more positive and lasting approach. Who better to talk about this topic with us than Wouter Stellaard, CPBC and CPBT-KA. He has been in the animal field for over 30 years, starting in the Netherlands. Formerly a senior trainer at Natural Encounters in FL where he worked with zoos and birds shows nationwide. He was also the Training Director at the Columbus, OH Zoo. Currently he’s the owner of Behavior 360, which focuses on Training the Trainers. He is also a founding member of the KUZO Group, which seeks to advance the connections and care for animals through innovative teaching. IAABC CEUs approved.

August 10, 2024: "Decreasing Screaming Behaviors, Cracking the Code" with Melanie Canatella, B.S., CPBT-KA

All parrots are loud, but there is a difference between natural vocalizations and unnatural ones. By understanding the reasons and factors that contribute to screaming behaviors, we are able to make modifications to our care, the environment, their diet, and how we interact with our birds to decrease screaming behaviors. Learn more about managing vocalizations and a method to better communicate with our parrot, and them with us. IAABC CEUs approved.

July 20,2024: "Naturalized Parrots, Is The Sky Really Falling?"
with Don Brightsmith, PhD

When enough parrots of the same species are introduced to each other in a non-native habitat, they will often breed and establish a new, stable population. These are referred to as naturalized parrots. Their populations can grow substantially, like the quakers or ringnecks across Europe, or the red-crowned Amazons in Texas and California. How does this affect the existing native plant and animal populations, ecology, conservation, or a potentially new “invasive” parrot species? Dr. Donald Brightsmith from Texas A&M University will join us to talk about the pros and cons of this growing important issue! IAABC CEUs approved.

May 18, 2024: "BEAKS: The Good, Bad, and Ugly"
with Bianca Murphy, DVM, ABVP (Avian Practice)

We can learn many things from the health of our bird’s beaks, both inside and out. Problems can be the result of misalignment, malocclusions, genetic defects, or even indications of disease. Dr. Murphy discusses what constitutes a healthy beak, problems that may occur, and how to prevent or treat those. Dr. Bianca Murphy is a practicing ABVP diplomate in avian practice. She is skilled in both medical and surgical interventions for a wide variety of avian species. Within her specialty, she focuses on advanced imaging techniques and microsurgery. Dr. Murphy is passionate about education and holds positions as an ABVP Mentor, Curriculum Developer with the AAV, and volunteers at veterinary schools to improve avian education. IAABC CEUs approved.

March 16, 2024: "Understanding Parrots, Cues from Nature" with Rosemary Low

Understanding a parrot's wild nature can make all the difference in their quality-of-life in our homes. Rosemary has 50 plus years of experience with intense observations of more than 200 parrot species, and she is the world's most prolific author on parrots. Many people throughout the world keep parrots in their homes, yet they know little about their wild relatives. She says "I want them to know, and care what is happening to them" because birds are sentient and highly intelligent creatures whose psychological needs are often neglected. During this talk, and in Rosemary's corresponding book (NOW available through our helpingparrots.com store!, click here), she weaves together the details of a parrot's life in the wild and relates those to what they need when kept in our homes. Approved for IAABC CEUs.

February 24, 2024: "Things That Break" with Currie Carothers, DVM

Sometimes accidents happen. What do we do if our birds fall, fly into a window, get stuck in something dangerous like chain or fabric, or skirmish with another animal? Maybe a bone breaks, a beak is severely damaged, or a toe is maimed. Dr. Carothers talks with us through these kinds of circumstances and what can happen during a trauma. And most importantly, she talks about what we should do to assess and solve a potential break. Dr. Carothers is a Associate Veterinarian at Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services in Fairfax, VA. Last year (2023)( she completed her two-year residency in avian practice through the ABVP. This event approved for IAABC CEUs.

January 20, 2024: "Parrot Cognition and Behavior" with Gabriella E. Smith and Leigh Ann Hartsfield

Gabriella discusses her research work with African greys, keas, Goffin's cockatoos, and other animal species. We know that parrots are intelligent, curious, and benefit from lots of mental and physical enrichment. Scientific studies, like the ones Gabriella is conducting continue to validate these parrot attributes. We hope this talk will inspire you to further acknowledge your bird's cognitive skills and provide them with more opportunities to learn and thrive. Gabriella studied contra-freeloading in African grey parrots and kea parrots while working on her masters degree with Dr. Irene Pepperberg. She is currently a PhD student at VetMedUni in Vienna, Austria and is studying the concept of curiosity in kea and Goffin’s cockatoos. VetMedUni is a leading European university in the fields of life sciences and animal health, offering various research and animal hospital programs to graduate students. Leigh Ann Hartsfield, author of Birds Beyond Words and co-author of several research papers with Dr. Pepperberg, joined us for the Q&A. We had a hearty discussion about some ongoing studies and our parrot's smart bird brains!This event approved for IAABC CEUs.

December 16, 2023: "Normal Avian Behavior with Leslie Sinn, CPDT-KA, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

Dr. Sinn is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist as well as a certified professional trainer. With a veterinary practice limited to behavior, she specializes in finding solutions for all types of behavioral issues and concerns in a variety of species. Understanding what is normal and abnormal behavior in our parrots can be very helpful in maintaining a healthy and positive relationship. Living in captivity can be a special challenge for some of our bird’s more instinctive drives. Dr. Sinn talked with us about abnormal behavior in 2021, and we are so pleased she joined us again to talk about normal parrot behavior! This event approved for IAABC CEUs.

November 16, 2023: "Nutritional Information and Cuisine" with Karmen Budai

Karmen is the author of several cookbooks for birds, starting with her wonderful 2018 book called A Parrot’s Fine Cuisine Cookbook and Nutritional Guide. She was inspired to help her own parrot, a cockatoo named Polly. Karmen discovered the value of organic raw foods, herbs, teas, sprouts, and holistic medicines. Given her first book’s success and her continued passion for health, she published two more very informative cookbooks. Karmen is very creative with recipes and ideas, and it’s often how we present food to our birds that can inspire them to eat the good stuff. We hope you will also be inspired to provide more variety and creativity in your bird’s diet as well. Karmen lives in the United Kingdom and is the founder of Polly’s Natural Parrot Boutique store where she sells some amazing avian herbal teas, flowers, and freeze dried food which is another way of helping to provide enrichment to all parrots and goes hand-in-hand with the message she’s eager to share with all parrot owners. This event approved for IAABC CEUs.

October 14, 2023: "What The Budgerigar Can Teach Us About Parrot Care" with Dr. Amy Zhao, The Budgie Academy

The budgerigar is one of the world's most popular parrots. These small grass parakeets have captivated the world for many decades and, as a result, are at the center of many studies looking into their biology, nutrition, reproduction, and behavior. These studies unlocked a world of knowledge about them--their opportunistic breeding behavior, how they regulate their reproductive hormones and egg laying, their unique nutritional needs, and more. While the budgie is certainly a unique species among the world of parrots, we see many of these themes popping up across many other parrot species in very similar ways. Our knowledge of the budgerigar provides with important insights into how we can best manage these other species where studies do not exist (yet). Dr. Zhao breaks down the most influential findings in budgerigar care and what they can tell us about caring for all of our parrot species. You can learn more about her work at The Budgie Academy. This even approved for IAABC CEUs.

July 29, 2023: "Understanding USDA Standards for Birds Under the Animal Welfare Act" with Anthony Pilny, DVM, ABVP (Avian)

Dr. Pilny is a staunch advocate for birds and their quality-of-life in captivity. He has long been devoted to parrot welfare and standards of care such as housing, nutrition, health, and behavior. There is a growing focus on welfare, and the recent inclusion of parrots under the Animal Welfare Act (at last!) has made this topic even more important and relevant. Welfare issues are complex with a wide variety of opinions amongst those who breed, sell, shelter, re-home, or simply live with parrots in their homes. Dr. Pilny is the Director of Education and Hospital Owner at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital. He is also co-chair of the Association of Avian Veterinarians Avian Welfare Committee. Approved for IAABC CEUs.

June 24, 2023: "Respiratory Diseases" with Brynn McCleery DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian Practice)

Birds have very efficient respiratory systems so they are particularly vulnerable to some diseases such as aspergillosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (macaw asthma), psittacosis, rhinoliths, Newcastle disease, cancer, and even avian flu. Dr. McCleery from the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ talks about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various respiratory illnesses. Approved for IAABC CEUs.

May 20, 2023: "Bird Behavior and Training: It's Not Magic, It's Science! with Adam Patterson CPBT-KA

Adam is the Wild Encounters Lead Keeper at Zoo Knoxville. He will talk about modifying behavior, taking the science and putting it into layman's terms so it's more digestible. He will use some examples of behavior problems that they deal with at Zoo Knoxville and how that relates to parrots in our homes. He knows how to make science fun and interesting, while we talk and learn more about behavior - which is often the key to success in all our relationships. This event approved for IAABC CEUs.

April 22, 2023: Feather Destructive Behavior with Richie Burdeaux, DVM, ABVP (Avian)

Many parrots in captivity exhibit feather destructive behavior, and it’s very frustrating for us because we don’t want to see them in pain or unhappy. Sometimes we can figure out the cause by providing better diets, more enrichment, addressing medical issues, or reducing unnecessary stress. Other times we are unable to diagnose the reasons and offer solutions, but we can still provide them with a healthy, enriched life and love them as they are. Dr. Burdeaux has a special interest in this topic, from minor destructive behavior to actual mutilation. He will walk us through some of the possible causes and solutions to this complex problem for so many birds. Approved for IAABC CEUs.

March 25, 2023: What Does a Wild Parrot Eat and Why? with José Antonio Dìaz Luque

Ever wondered what your parrot actually eats in the wild? Intriguing, right? Of course, wild birds lead a totally different life full of activity, exericise, predatory threats, and opportunities to chose their own companions and diets. However, we can learn a lot about our companion parrots and their potential needs by studying the diets and behavior of their wild counterparts. In some cases, maybe there are some beneficial correlations. José is the Executive Director | Endangered Conservation Consultancy. He has 14 years of experience in the field with a specialty interest in conservation and biodiversity. He has participated in or led 13 conservation and research programs in 8 countries, and collaborated on many research papers about wild parrot nutrition. José spent many years as a leader of several conservation efforts in Bolivia. He now works with the Macaw Recovery Network in central America as the Network Program Coordinator. This event approved for IAABC CEUs.

February 11, 2023: Wounds, Ouch! What To Do When our Bird Is Hurt" with Tammy Parker, DVM

When trauma occurs, sometimes a wound requires immediate care by a veterinary professional. Other lesions may be addressed safely with home care. We need to understand the difference not only to ensure our birds survive, but also to make sure a bird receives the correct and timely care it needs. Let’s talk with Dr. Parker from the Landrum Veterinary Hospital in SC about the variety of problems that can occur and how we should handle various situations safely.

January 28, 2023: "The Wonder Of Parrots" with Rosemary Low

Rosemary Low is the English author of more than 30 books on birds, published between 1969 and 2022. She has published more books on parrots than any other author, ever! She is the former Curator of Birds at Loro Parque, Tenerife, and Palmitos Park, Gran Canaria. Rosemary has a wealth of knowledge and spoke with us about the nature of parrots, their diets, plants, and other important parrot care topics. We were joined by Chris Shank from Cockatoo Downs and Susan Orosz, PhD, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), DECZM for the Q&A session.

December 10, 2022: "Raised Right and Flight For Life" with Chris Shank

What does it take for birds to have the best life possible in captivity? It starts when the egg is laid and the benefits for chicks raised naturally by their parents. Then, giving them the opportunity to fledge and learn flight at an early age provides long-term mental and physical benefits. And lastly, when possible, maintaining their feathers without clipping and even allowing safe flight. Exercise is a key to cardiovascular health for everyone, especially birds built for flying on a regular basis. Unfortunately, heart disease is now one of the most common reasons for death in captive parrots. So Chris will also discuss flight training tips for those who already have flighted birds or those who want to teach a new flyer!

November 5, 2022: "Necropsy: Why This Diagnostic Tool is So Invaluable and What We Can Learn " with Jessica Magnotti, DVM

Necropsy is a diagnostic exam that is performed on an animal after they have passed away. During a necropsy, the doctor can collect tissue samples and examine all of the organs to determine not only the cause of death, but what other underlying health issues may have been present. Birds notoriously hide illness and sometimes the only sign is sudden death. Although death is a difficult topic to think about, it is important to know what to do when your bird passes away.

September 14, 2022: "Raging Hormones... Or Not?" with Frank Rutowski, DVM

Very often undesired behaviors in birds are attributed to hormones. However, many times these behaviors have nothing to do with hormonal activity at all. We will discuss the signs of hormonal behavior in parrots, other causes for these behaviors, triggers of the hormones, testing, and things that can be done to minimize true hormonal behaviors in our pet birds.

July 23, 2022: Estate Planning for Pets with Peggy R. Hoyt , J.D., M.B.A., B.C.S.

Peggy chats with us about estate planning, things to consider and why it is important that we consider the future of our pets after we're gone. Peggy Hoyt is a Florida estate and elder law attorney, but her real passion is as an animal advocate. She helps her clients and listeners create estate plans for pets and their people. Peggy grew up in the world of animal welfare (her dad was John A. Hoyt, former President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States for 27 years). Peggy hosts a weekly "pawcast" called All My Children Wear Fur Coats for pet lovers and their furry kids.

May 14, 2022: Progressive Parrot Keeping with Pamela Clark, CPBC

A look at social media will convince you that behavior problems in parrots are both inevitable and typical. If you’re not convinced by that, spend a day with me consulting with clients. Why in the world should this be true? Because the information upon which we are basing our caregiving practices is outdated. It’s a mishmash of information published 20 years ago, information dispensed through the advertising of products, inaccurate behavior and care information from veterinarians, and the twist that social media has put on things over the years. To care for parrots in the most effective of ways, so that they have the very highest quality of life possible, we must accept the limiting factors that living with these creatures imposes. It is possible to create a life for parrots that prevents behavior problems from developing.

May 6, 2022: "Interior Design: Setting Up the Cage for ACTION" hosted by Lafeber Cares

Birds spend many hours in their cages, and often these cages are not very large, which can reduce the opportunity for exercise, enrichment, and action. Let's talk about how to set up a bird's environment, especially their cage, for fun and multiple activities -- to include ideas for perches, plants, cleaning, privacy, foraging, the outside of the cage, and adjoining play areas. There can never be enough for a parrot to do!

April 9, 2022: The Macaw Recovery Network

One in three parrots are threatened with extinction, but the Macaw Recovery Network’s teams are fighting so that they don't disappear from our skies. Involved since 2015, co-founder Sarah de Groot shares the efforts this nonprofit is undertaking to have become one of the leading parrot conservation organizations. Also joining the talk are César Sánchez, Bird Program Manager, and José Antonio Díaz Lugue, Network Program Coordinator. This is a great organization making a big difference for wild parrots!

January 19, 2022: Preparing Parrots for Multiple Homes and Parrot Problems Are Parrot Opportunities

This talk was presented by Natural Encounters as part of their NEI Tech Talks. Parrots are long-lived, and they are also adaptable and resilient. Adoption is essential for almost all birds, parakeets to macaws. So here are some ideas about how to help birds successfully transition to new situations, and just some general tips about behavior by Ari Bailey from NEI.

January 8, 2022: ECHO: The Parrots and People of Bonaire with Julianka Clarenda and Lauren Schmaltz

Echo’s focus is on restoring the endangered dry forest habitat and securing natural biodiversity on Bonaire through: nature conservation, awareness building, and monitoring programs The Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot (Amazona barbadensis) is used as a flagship species for promoting and striving towards achieving this vision.

December 5, 2021: "Bird Feet, The Forgotten Body Part" with Katherine Baine, DVM, DABVP

Bird feet are the forgotten body part in terms of anatomy, function, diseases, and care. Feet are an easily overlooked part of wellness exams and daily care at home; however, they are essential for normal function and can provide a glimpse into the overall health of the body. This talk will highlight the pertinent anatomy and function of the feet, associated diseases, and care. Dr. Baine practices at the Village Veterinary Medical Center in Knoxville, TN

November 13, 2021: "Abnormal Avian Behavior" with Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB

Dr. Sinn is a veterinarian and an animal lover as well as a certified professional trainer. With a veterinary practice limited to behavior, she specializes in finding solutions for all types of behavioral issues and concerns. Understanding what is normal and abnormal behavior in our parrots can be very helpful in maintaining a healthy and positive relationship.

October 2, 2021: "The Wild Parrots of Brooklyn" with Steve Baldwin

For many years, Steve Baldwin has been watching the entertaining antics and activities of the monk parakeets of Brooklyn, especially in Greenwood Cemetery. He gives a very detailed look at how the quakers came to New York, and their amazing ability to survive and thrive all year long.

July 11, 2021: Nourish to Flourish - Healthy Foods for Parrots with Ann Brooks

Good food will make all the difference to your bird’s health, both physically and mentally. Let’s talk about the variety of important fresh foods, dry foods and pellets, supplements, and presentation options you can use to ensure your bird actually eats what you work so hard to provide! We also discuss some of the health issues that result from poor diets.

February 27, 2021: "Bird Poop - Getting Down and Dirty" with Dr. Beth Rhyne

What can bird droppings tell us about their health? What are our avian veterinarians looking for when they do gram stains? Dr. Rhyne of Birdhouse Mobile Exotic Vet covers all you may have ever wanted to know (and more) about bird droppings! As a bonus, she also shares information about safe and effective cleaners and disinfectants, and how and when to use each.

She references this chart for the types of disinfectants that may be a useful resource for others as well: https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Disinfection/Assets/AntimicrobialSpectrumDisinfectants.pdf

January 24, 2021: The ABCs of Behavior, with Ann Brooks

Many times we think we know why a bird has done something, but usually we are just guessing, and often we are wrong.

Let's talk about the principles of behavior; how to increase the behaviors we want and decrease the ones we don't; and work through a series of common scenario examples together.

PDF handout: ABCs of Behavior handout

October 18, 2020: Avian enrichment: Easy DIY hacks - a collaborative presentation from Phoenix Landing Foundation and Companion Parrots Re-homed

Michelle Underhill, Phoenix Landing Foundation
Wendy Whitesides, Companion Parrots Re-homed

Give your parrots something to do and things to think about using some easy enrichment hacks! Make some simple toys using common household items, and tweak their setup in simple ways to add variety. Join Wendy from Companion Parrots Re-homed and Michelle from Phoenix Landing Foundation as they illustrate ways to create new toys, and update your bird's area, without breaking the bank.

October 10, 2020: "What if your parrot outlives you? Preparing for your parrot's future" with Gerry Beyer

Related article: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3708429

What will happen to your parrot if s/he outlives you? What is a pet trust and should you set one up? What other options are available to pet owners? Do you have a plan in place to provide for your bird’s care in case you and your family have an unexpected hospital stay, due to a vehicle accident, COVID, or another reason? Professor Beyer will discuss these topics and more in an informative and entertaining online talk. These are all important considerations for any parrot and pet owner, especially during this time of uncertainty.

Professor Beyer is nationally recognized as an expert in estate planning. He is a prolific writer, having written 25 books and hundreds of articles. He’s also a wonderful speaker!

September 20, 2020: "Avian emergencies: What to do, when, and why" with Currie Carothers, DVM

What do PTFE fumes actually do to a bird? Why are cat bites so dangerous? What actually are blood feathers and why do they bleed? Dr. Carothers from Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services discusses common household hazards, what is and isn’t an emergency, and why. She will also give us information on monitoring chronically ill birds, and assessing when they need to see a veterinarian immediately. Interested in setting up a first aid kit for your parrots? She’ll share tips for items to include in one as well.

Dr. Carothers is an Associate Veterinarian at Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services in Fairfax, VA

September 12, 2020: "Healthy Whole Foods for Your Birds" with Jason Crean, M.S. (Biology), EdD

Animal nutrition continues to evolve and we need to keep finding new ways to not only enrich our birds nutritionally, but also behaviorally. Though species-specific research, particularly that on avian diets, is lacking, it is no secret that the animals with which we live can thrive on diets that consist of a diversity of whole foods. This talk will discuss the concept of diversifying the preparation of whole foods, providing many ideas as to how to feed a whole food diet. Animals in the wild have access to countless food items and we can do our best to bring our birds from just surviving to thriving through increased dietary diversity and enrichment.

August 29, 2020: "Interior Design: Setting Up the Cage for ACTION" with Ann Brooks

May 2, 2020: "Did You Know? A Gathering of Parrot Care Information" with Ann Brooks

During our numerous events and conversations over the years, many interesting parrot care topics and facts have come up. We've gathered these together into a class that also covers some of the primary areas of health, enrichment, intelligence, nutrition, housing and safety. Join us for a discussion about some of the more intriguing aspects of parrots, and how we can strive to make their lives longer, healthier and happier.