How and Why to Switch Your Bird to a Pelleted Diet
Posted by Dr. Greg Burkett Diplomate, ABVP (Avian Practice) on 9/1/2026 to
Companion Birds
Have you ever wondered if you should convert your bird to a pelleted diet? Did you think you should, but did not know how? In this article, an avian veterinarian answers those questions in detail.
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Nutrients and their Deficiency Signs in Birds - Part 2
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 7/15/2026 to
Companion Birds
Have you ever considered adding a vitamin and mineral supplement for your birds? Is it really necessary? How would you know if your birds weren't getting enough? The answers to these questions and more can be discovered by reading here. Part 2 of a 2-part series.
Nutrients and their Deficiency Signs in Birds - Part 1
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 6/1/2026 to
Companion Birds
Have you ever considered adding a vitamin and mineral supplement for your birds? Is it really necessary? How would you know if your birds weren't getting enough? The answers to these questions and more can be discovered by reading here. Part 1 of a 2-part series.
Raleigh-Durham Caged Bird Society Bird Fair 2026
Posted by Birdie Beth Anne on 5/20/2026 to
Companion Birds
Cockatoo Creations will be exhibiting at this year's Raleigh-Durham Caged Bird Society Bird Fair! We plan to bring a selection of bird toys, totes, and handbags. We will have only one of each item at the bird fair, so you'll want to shop early to get the best selection!
Is My Bird Sick?
Posted by Dr. Greg Burkett Diplomate, ABVP (Avian Practice) on 4/15/2026 to
Companion Birds
Birds are very adept at hiding their signs of illness. In this article, an avian veterinarian tells you what you need to know to recognize when your bird is sick.
Lead Poisoning in Birds
Posted by Dr. Greg Burkett Diplomate, ABVP (Avian Practice) on 3/1/2026 to
Companion Birds
You are probably aware of the dangers of lead poisoning with children, but did you know it can kill your bird, too? An avian veterinarian tells you what you need to know about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of lead toxicosis in companion birds.
Water Bottles and Birds
Posted by Dr. Greg Burkett Diplomate, ABVP (Avian Practice) on 1/15/2026 to
Companion Birds
Birds can drink from a water bottle or an open dish. In this article, an avian veterinarian discusses which he feels is better and why.
What is Disinfecting and Why Should I Do It?
Posted by Dr. Greg Burkett Diplomate, ABVP (Avian Practice) on 12/1/2025 to
Companion Birds
Disinfection and routine sanitation are the cornerstones to a healthy pet bird. In this article, an avian veterinarian discusses the importance of this aspect of bird care.
Cleanliness: Perfection is the Enemy of Good
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 11/1/2025 to
Companion Birds
When you own birds, perfect cleanliness is next to impossible. Yet having a good, clean cage is essential to having a happy and healthy bird. This article shares a few tips and tricks I have discovered through the years.
Aging in Psittacines
Posted by Dr. Greg Burkett Diplomate, ABVP (Avian Practice) on 10/15/2025 to
Companion Birds
In this article, an avian veterinarian discusses aging in our beloved companions and some of the ways we can help our birds to enjoy full, rich loves in captivity.
Would You Be a Good Bird Parent Now?
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 9/15/2025 to
Companion Birds
You don't need to get dressed up in a top hat to be a good bird parent, but you do need a strong desire to share your life with a bird. Is now the right time in your life to add a bird? Read here to discover some of the things you should consider as you make this important decision.
How to Potty Train Birds
Posted by Dr. Greg Burkett Diplomate, ABVP (Avian Practice) on 9/2/2025 to
Companion Birds
Yes, you can potty train your bird! This insightful article written by an avian veterinarian will help you see how easy it is.
National Pet Bird Day: A Crazy Bird Owner's Loving Perspective
Posted by Birdie Beth Anne on 9/14/2023 to
Companion Birds
Many of you have heard me talk about Lely before. As the proud
owner of a delightful cockatoo named Lely, I am thrilled to celebrate National
Pet Bird Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the joy, companionship, and unique beauty that pet birds bring into our lives.
A Beautiful Amazon Parrot Tells His Amazing Story
Posted by Paco Parrot on 7/10/2023 to
Companion Birds
Paco, an Amazon parrot discusses the basics of Amazon parrot ownership. Read here to learn more about these amazing birds.
Reminder - Your Birds Don't Understand The Time Change
Posted by Birdie Beth Anne on 11/7/2021 to
Companion Birds
Reminder - Your Birds Don't Understand The Time Change
Secrets About Feathers
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 6/5/2021 to
Companion Birds
Think you know everything about feathers? Read here to discover some interesting things you probably never knew!
Unique and Fun Phonetic Alphabet for Aviculturists
Posted by Birdie Beth Anne on 3/27/2021 to
Companion Birds
Have you ever wondered what the Phonetic Alphabet would look like if you used only species names for our companion birds? Check out this fun version, designed with the aviculturist in mind.
3 Harmful Mistakes Bird Owners Make with their New Birds
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 2/20/2021 to
Companion Birds
Careful interactions during the first, formative weeks of ownership are a great way to enjoy your new bird without resulting in bad habits that can result in rehoming. Here are three common mistakes new bird owners make and how you can easily avoid them.
How Many Colorful Parakeets Can You Fit in a Cage?
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 2/13/2021 to
Companion Birds
The title of this column probably sounds like the start of a bad joke, but it is actually one of the more common questions I receive. This column will help you discover the answers to that and other common questions about parakeets.
Covid-19: 3 Surprising Ways Your Bird Might Be Suffering
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 2/6/2021 to
Companion Birds
Have you noticed a change in your bird's behavior since the start of the pandemic? This column will help you identify critical ways your bird might be suffering.
Easing Parrots into Their New Loving Home
Posted by Tim Quinlan on 1/9/2021 to
Companion Birds
Parrots and other pet birds require social interaction and mental stimulation. They will need a bird safe toys, exciting gyms and stands, and solid perches.
Maybe It's Time to Say Goodbye Now
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 11/15/2020 to
Companion Birds
Think your parrot will outlive you? Maybe not. This is the story of one cockatoo owner's decision about euthanasia.
Baby Parrots Don't Fit in Car Seats
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 11/7/2020 to
Companion Birds
So what’s a new bird parent to do to keep his baby bird safe? This article contains tips for bird-proofing your home to make it safe for a parrot.
Be Sure to Ask These Important Questions Before Adoption
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 10/17/2020 to
Companion Birds
A checklist of questions you need to ask before you adopt.
Promote Healthy Feathers With This Easy Essential Oil Spray
Posted by Beth Anne Quinlan, PhD Avian Sciences on 9/26/2020 to
Companion Birds
This is a special recipe to give your bird's feathers that amazing sheen you've seen on show birds and in magazines.
