Recipes for Parrots

Parrot Chow

1. Add various foods to a large bowl, such as
frozen mixed vegetables, diced fresh carrots and broccoli,
jalapeno pepper pieces, flax seeds, frozen cranberries,
baked beans, steamed rice or pasta, unsweetened coconut,
etc.
2. Mix the batch and freeze in several single-portion
containers or plastic baggies lined with wax paper.
3. Thaw a portion the night before serving inside your refrigerator.

4. Serve with thawed bird bread (toasted) or pellets or other favorite parrot food.
You can add another ingredient or two before serving.

If your parrots are picky eaters, they may need to see a mix of foods placed out at least a few times weekly for a few weeks before they start to eat from a mix of healthy foods.
___________________________________( recipe provided by E Star )___

Quote: I hope you love birds too.
It is economical. It saves going to heaven. (Emily Dickinson)
________________________________________________________

Birdie Bread

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
In a large bowl add and mix well:
1 cup pellets, 1 cup whole wheat flour or corn meal, 2 tsp baking soda

2. Stir in 1 cup baked beans, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 cup dried cranberries
or raisins or favorite snack food. Mix well again.

3. Add 1 cup of a favorite food like brown rice or hulled sunflower seeds.
Mix well and add filtered water until mixture forms a batter.

4. Pour into pan lined with wax paper that is lightly greased with butter.

5. Turn oven temp down to 300 F and bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
Check to see if done every 5 minutes after this.
When done, slice into rectangles and let cool. Freeze in a container.

6. Take out portions as needed. They are easily heated in a toaster oven
along with a portion of Parrot Chow. Then let them cool before serving.
__________________________________ ( recipe provided by E Star )___

CAUTION:
If you want to rescue parrots, be cautious !
It may be best to check Petfinder website for parrots
or go to get a parrot at a rescue like Mickaboo !

Read this experience someone had to find out what can happen otherwise

	I've posted on Craigslist and Kijiji that I'm looking for an African Grey but don't have alot of "upfront" money to buy one -- just to give one a loving FOREVER home. Well, this morning I got my third scam offer from Nigeria. Someone sold a bird to a friend in Nigeria but this friend has decided that she doesn't have time for the bird so all I have to do is send the shipping cost (we didn't get down to figures because I didn't reply) and the bird would be mine. How sad that all these people have to do is cast a huge net and see if they can get 1 or 2 people to "buy" in to their scam. People like me lose trust every day. It's scary and sad.

INDEX of Topics

> Humor & Quotes

> Info Needed When BUYING or RESCUING a PARROT

> PARROT CARE SHEET

> Quilt of Holes (story from a lady in USA)

> LINKS for Animal Lovers, Arts & Crafts,
Ideas & Inspiration, Green Living, Health & Wellness
____________________


HUMOR & QUOTES . . .

"Do you like news from outer space? The Mars Rover has found evidence of water and salt. You know what this means? At one point Mars supported margaritas. (D Letterman)


BIBLE JOKES:

What kind of man was Boaz before he married?
Ruthless.

Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
Noah. He floated his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.

Who was the greatest female financier?
Pharaoh's daughter. She went to the river bank to draw out a little prophet.

What vehicles are in the Bible?
> Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury.
> David's Triumph was heard throughout the land.
> The Apostles were all in one Accord (Honda?)

Who was the most flagrant law-breaker?
Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.
__________________________________

Parrot owners, please read this . . .

Buying or Rescuing a Parrot ! Just a reminder for all of us, when we are buying
or even taking in a bird for free please get it in writing.
You might want to put in:
a) The date
b) Paid in full (if it is) if not, then what the terms are
c) The birds name d) Don't forget the signatures!
e) If a cage comes with, you could even mention that
Please feel free to add more ideas.
Hopefully each party understands what is expected then,
possibly saving much trouble later on. ______________________________ THOUGHTS 4 YOUR DAY ! > Do something for yourself today. Enjoy today and Smile ! > Do not underestimate the power of believing in yourself and in God ! > Blessings have a way of increasing as you count them ! > Choose to have a GOOD DAY ! _______________________________

Parrot Care Sheet

Here is information to keep as parrot records.
You can add or subtract from this as needed.
_____________________

PARROT CARE SHEET

Date:

Name:

Species: (Scientific Name):

Band #: [open/closed]

Specific physical characteristic for ID:

Microchip Number: Chip manufacturer:

With us Since:

Captive bred: [yes/no/unknown]

Breeder/ neonate diet fed:

Abundance weaned/ Fully fledged:

Imported: [yes/no/unknown] Country of origin:

Wild caught: [yes/no/unknown]

Hatch Date:

Sex:

Sexing Method: [DNA/Surgical/Dimosphism]

Known History:

Average Weight:

Tested for: Polyoma Virus ( ) Pacheco's Virus ( ) Psittacose Chlamydia ( ) PBFD ( )

Samples taken from:

Samples submitted by and to which Lab:

Vaccination: Polyoma ( ) Pacheco's ( ) (register records on reverse side)

Diet provided specify as much detail as possible (qty eaten, brands, frequency offered)

formulated diet: %

grain: %

fruits/veggies: %

cooked/mash: %

supplements (vit., minerals) dosage

other:

Favorite treat/food:

Does your parrot have a cage mate (if so, since when):

Do they breed:

Are there other birds in your home (number and species):

Primary cage dimensions:

Other cage/play gym:

Types of perches: [wooden/rope/natural branches/pedicure]

Natural branches, specify types of wood:

Are the perches varying dimensions:

Expose to natural sunlight: [yes/no]

Full-Spectrum lighting: [yes/no]

Hours of undisturbed sleep per night:

Hours of daytime nap:

Is the cage covered at night: [yes/no]

Does your bird get showered? [misted/bathed/frequency] :

Access outside of cage unsupervised: [yes/no]

Do you keep hazardous detergents/appliances/products in your home: [yes/no] specify:

Potentially toxic plants: [yes/no] specify: [species/description/location]

Are your family or parrot sitters aware of these potentially toxic and hazardous materials: [yes/no]

Medical history:

Has your bird ever been treated for anything (specify-affix relevent records):

Is your bird a known carrier: (specify)

Avian Vet:

Phone Number:

Adress:

Emergency services (holidays, nights): [yes/no]

Frenquency of check ups:

Languages understood:

Favorite phrases:

Biting (circumstances, frequency, with who):

Screaming (degree and frequency):

Feather damaging behaviors:

Fears/Phobias:

Hormonal behavior: (season/what to expect/detail)

Harness trained: [yes/no]

Daily Routines:

Favorite games:

Is this bird in danger from, or dangerous to, any other birds in the household:

Are flight feathers trimmed: (describe clip, how short, no. of feathers)

Behavior around children/ other animals (explain):

What else would you like to add:

Parrot Care Checklist

Use this as a guide for all you need to know about caring for avian companions. If there is something you are unsure about, do some research.

Safety:

Handling techniques

Supervision with children

Household toxins

Environmental plant toxins

Neighbors, Friends, Relatives

Emergency phone numbers

Strangers

Anti-theft safeguards

Identification & Records

Caging, perches, swings, gyms

Bird-proofing, cords, cabinets, etc.

Toys

Pets in House (cats, dogs, ferrets, etc.)

Secure living space

Exposure to other birds

Transportation

Outside Activities & Harness Training

Teflon & Nonstick pans and appliances

Candles & Scented plug in hazards

Temperature variations: heat | cold

Noise control

Nutrition:

Basic nutritional requirements

Planning

Preparation & cleaning of foods

Presentation of foods

People food/ dishes/ recipes

Storage

Enrichment

Food groups

Treats

Toxic foods

Pellets

Nuts

Behavior:

Socialization

Communication

Stages of development

Stimulation activities

Signs of overload

When NOT to handle a bird

Calming techniques

Types of bites

Behavioral corrections

Timeout

Pair bond & mate behavior

Fearful behavior

Aggression

Play behavior

Beaking vs. biting

Vocalization types & screaming

Interactions with family members

Depression

Types of attention

Time out of cage requirements

Protecting furniture from damage

Cleaning:

Cage & equipment

Toy rotation

Techniques for cleaning & disinfecting

Cleaning of dishes

Household cleaning

Safe cleaning solutions

Non-safe cleaning chemicals

Toys:

Appropriate toys

Appropriate toy materials

Safe and unsafe toys

Enrichment activities

Toy types & textures

Games/ Activities/ Playtime

Home made toys

Purchasing toys

Toy Hangers

Entanglement and choking hazards

Health:

Health maintenance

Avian illnesses, diseases, symptoms & treatments

Routine vet care

Emergency vet care

First aid & first aid kit

Weights

Normal appearance

Signs of illness

Administering medications

Handfeeding (in case of emergencies)

Nail trimming

Molting

Blood feathers & are you prepared?

Feather issues: barbing, plucking

Self mutilation

Bathing

Daily body inspection

Normal & Abnormal droppings

Foot care

Beak care

Normal behavior vs. ill behavior

Signs of Stress

Rapid Heartbeat Syndrome

Sleep requirements

Lighting requirements

Exercise requirements & exercise activities

Temperature requirements

Vomiting vs. regurgitation

Equipment:

Cages: sizes, types, coatings, manufacturers, etc.

Cages & equipment location

Stands

Play areas

Perches

Bathing perches & stands

Transport kennels & carriers

Harnesses

Tools

Storage bins & food, toys, supplies

Dishes, food cups, water containers

Resources:

Avian Veterianrians

Internet web sites

Journals & Magaznes

Clubs

eBooks, free online material

Seminars

Books

Be Happy ... God Loves YOU !

QUILT OF HOLES

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment,
I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us lay our lives like the squares of
a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us,
sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry
that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile,
I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was.
They were filled with giant holes. Each square was
labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult,
the challenges and temptations I was faced with
in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured,
which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares.
Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other
tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright
hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life
and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth
together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be
displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny
of truth. The others rose; each in turn,
holding up their tapestries. So filled their
lives had been. My angel looked upon me and
nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't
had all the earthly fortunes. I had loves in my life,
and laughter. But there had also been trials of
illness, and poverty, and false accusations that
took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start
over many times. I often struggled with the
temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the
strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many
nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and
guidance in my life. I had often been held up to
ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time
offering it up to the Father in hopes that
I would not melt within my skin beneath the
judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth.
My life was what it was, and I had to accept
it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares
of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp
filled the air. I gazed around at the others
who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me.
Light flooded the many holes,creating an image,
the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me,
with warmth and love in His eyes. He said,
"Every time you gave over your life to Me, it
became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you
stepped aside and let Me shine through, until
there was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn,
allowing Christ to shine through!

God determines who walks into your life......
it's up to you to decide who you let walk away,
who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.
When there is nothing left but God, that is when
you find out that God is all you need.

(this is from a Christian lady in the USA)

She requested this prayer for her friend
and others:

FATHER GOD, BLESS ALL MY FRIENDS IN
WHATEVER IT IS YOU KNOW THEY NEED TODAY!
MAY THEIR LIVES BE FULL OF YOUR PEACE,
PROSPERITY AND POWER AS THEY SEEK TO HAVE
A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU. AMEN.

Send this on to 5 other people, including
the one who sent it to you.
Within hours you will cause a multitude of
people to pray for other people.

Then sit back and watch the power of God
work in your life and theirs. :-)

I chose more than five...you can too!

PARROT PALS

This BLOG page is about helping your
PARROT live longer, healthier and happier!
(at the bottom are useful links)

Some of us look after senior parrots and realize their
bodies and organs eventually wear out, just like ours.
Symptoms of aging are similar across most species,
and we want to accomplish 2 things:
to prevent early aging and slow down aging in parrots.

Environmental Factors

Parrot lifespan is largely determined by diet and environment.
Owners who learn to care for their pet bird early on will be
providing the basis for a long and healthy life.

Stressors can reduce a pet's lifespan significantly. These include
poor diet, untreated disease and suboptimal environment.
Quaratantine for a new pet to prevent spread of a possible
disease to animals in the household is one effective strategy in
preventing disease transfer.
Finding out what foods are healthy for your parrots, and how
to vary their diets, is a good part of ensuring a happier and
healthier pet. Information is a key to disease prevention.

Health

Disease and pain are linked, but many parrots are on the
'be eaten' side of the food chain, so they hide or mask symptoms
of physical pain. Beacuse of this, owners must watch for subtle
clues to detect changes, including age-related changes.
An example is arthritis. Arthritis may become evident in a
shifting of body weight to one side or a reluctance to move.
In a situation of chronic pain, a parrot's spirit and immune
system become taxed and lifespan is usually shortened.

A well cared for parrot is most at ease in its own environment,
and developes routines and typical behaviors. When age-
related problems or difficulties happen as your parrots mature,
some small adjustments in your pet's environment can improve
their comfort.

Lifespans of Parrots

Parrot lifespans can range from about 8 years to over 80 years.
Some owners may need to worry about aging before their parrot!

A healthy, varied diet significantly improves lifespan and
helps prevent certain diseases from occuring such as diseases of
liver, kidneys and heart. Some diseases, like arteriosclerosis
can occur, just like in humans.

Second-hand cigarette smoke promotes respiratory diseases
in birds. Other signs of diseases and aging include cataracts,
arthritis and foot problems.

Prevention and a good diet are the main keys to prolonging a
bird's lifespan. This may include a wingclip to prevent your
parrot from flying into windows, mirrors or walls and the
associated trauma, or to prevent escape through a door.
Prevention also involves protection from mosquitos due to
WNV (West Nile Virus), vaccines where needed and
available, quarantine when first bringing your parrot home,
and preventing contact with dangerous substance in your
home such as ammonia fumes, fumes from heated teflon pans,
ingestion of toxic plants, etc.

Healthy Aging of Your Parrot

Your attention to physical and behavioral changes in your
parrot is important. Out of character behaviors or sudden
physical changes can indicate health or aging issues and
may indicate cognitive dysfunction (CD).

Changes to watch for include

• reduced mobility; difficulty walking, climbing, jumping
• less energy and playing less
  
• changes in sleep patterns; like sleeping more
  
• significant weight gain or loss; appetite changes
  
• increased irritability or change in behavior to owner
  
• abnormal vocalizations or longer periods of quietness
• confusion and loss of learned behaviors
  

Persistent unusual behaviors may require a physical and
neurological exam. Blood tests, analysis of poop, X-rays
and other tests may be needed to determine causes.

Many birds will remain healthy and live full, happy lives,
experiencing only minor signs of aging. They will be very aware
of their surroundings and owners over their lifespans, and
will experience fewer symptoms of losing mobility,
reduced immune system function, loss of muscle and bone mass,
slower metabolism, and loss of hearing, sight and smell.

Good LINKS for Parrot Owners

Parrot Message Boards where your questions are answered:

• Budgie Cafe ... http://members3.boardhost.com/seesthru/index.html?1106930491
  
• Parrot Perch ...http://members5.boardhost.com/ParrotPerch/
  

Webs with information about parrots:

• Birds n Ways ...http://www.birdsnways.com/index.htm
  
• Parrot House ...http://www.parrothouse.com/
  
• Lexicon of Parrots ... http://www.arndt-verlag.com/
• Pet Education: Birds ...http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1835&aid=2844
  

Parrots, bright and beautiful on pictures/posters:

• Parrot posters ...http://www.allposters.com/-st/Parrot-Art-Posters_c56638_.htm
  

Welcome to KAY'S BLOG !

In the future, this blog should include more information and
links for the categories below. Thank you for your patience.


1. Pets, Animal Welfare and Wildlife

• www.petloss.com ... good website for persons grieving the loss of a pet
  
• www.toppetsites.com ... place to find links for useful information for most types of pets
• www.audubon.org ... a place to learn about birds, birding, and bird science

2. Arts and Crafts

• www.art.com ... art, art styles and art subjects are featured here; lots of ideas to inspire your art
  
• www.usawallpaper.com ... click on the MURALS section, then select mural type (ie. nature murals)
• www.kaboose.com ... crafts, activities and recipes for children and parents
  

3. Inspiration, Ideas and Quotes

• www.inspirationpeak.com ... quotes, stories, poems, ideas, etc to inspire you and others
  
• www.exploratorium.edu ... science, activities, links to 10 cool sites ... excellent for teens
• www.audiotreasure.com ... download the Bible free ... audio form for computer or mp3 player
  

4. Green Living and Building

• www.ivillage.com/green ... the iGo Green site for info on green buys, foods, lifestyles

5. Health and Wellness

• www.webmd.com ... 'Better information. Better health.' is their logo ... lots of medical info here
• www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/medlineplus.html ... US National Library of Medicine offers one of the best Webs for medical information