The act of one bird grooming another bird, typically by using its beak to arrange the feathers, remove parasites, and apply oils from a gland located near the tail. Allopreening serves several functions, including strengthening social bonds among birds, aiding in feather maintenance where an individual cannot reach, and reducing parasite loads. This behavior is…
Archives: Glossary Terms
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis in parrots is a fungal disease caused by the Aspergillus species, common environmental molds that can be particularly harmful to birds. This condition is one of the most prevalent and serious diseases in captive and wild parrots, affecting their respiratory system. While it can target any bird, parrots are especially susceptible, possibly due to…
Avian Pox
Avian Pox in parrots is a viral disease caused by the Avipoxvirus, which affects various bird species, including many parrot species. The disease manifests in two primary forms: cutaneous (skin) and diphtheritic (wet), each presenting distinct symptoms. The cutaneous form, also known as “dry pox,” is characterized by wart-like lesions on unfeathered areas of the…
Avian Veterinarian
An avian veterinarian is a veterinary professional who specializes in the medical care and treatment of birds. These practitioners possess detailed knowledge of bird physiology, anatomy, and pathology, which is essential for diagnosing and treating avian-specific illnesses and conditions. Avian veterinarians are skilled in handling various bird species, ranging from common pet birds like parakeets,…
Blood Feathers
Blood feathers, also known as pin feathers, in parrots are new, growing feathers that contain a blood supply within their shaft. These feathers are crucial in the bird’s feather replacement process, known as molting. During their development, blood feathers have a dark appearance due to the presence of blood vessels that provide necessary nutrients for…
Clicker Training
Clicker training for parrots is a positive reinforcement technique that uses a distinct click sound to communicate precisely with the bird when it has performed a desired behavior. The clicker, a small handheld device, makes a consistent sound that is used to mark the exact moment a parrot does something correctly, followed immediately by a…
Egg Binding
Egg binding in parrots is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where a female bird is unable to pass an egg through her reproductive tract normally. This can occur due to various reasons, including malnutrition (particularly calcium deficiency), obesity, lack of exercise, oversized or malformed eggs, young age, stress, or underlying health issues. Symptoms of…
Feather Picking
Feather picking in parrots, also known as feather plucking, is a behavioral disorder commonly observed in captive birds, where a parrot repetitively plucks out its own feathers, leading to damage to feather follicles and sometimes resulting in areas of bare skin. This condition can affect any species of parrot and can range from mild, where…
Flight Feathers
Flight feathers in parrots refer to the long, strong, primary feathers located at the outer edge of each wing, along with the secondary feathers situated closer to the body on the wings. These feathers are crucial for flight, providing the necessary lift and thrust for a bird to become airborne, maneuver, and glide. In parrots,…
Foraging
Foraging, in the context of parrots, refers to the instinctive behavior of searching for and obtaining food, which is an essential part of their natural daily activities in the wild. This behavior involves exploring, manipulating, and sometimes solving problems to access food. In their natural habitat, foraging requires parrots to use a variety of skills,…