THE LOVE BIRD IS OUR BIRD OF THE MONTH:

There are many, many colors of lovebirds, nine of which are natural species, native to Africa. The rest are color mutations effected by breeders. There is no difference in personality, just color.  They are a happy, cavorting little bird who would rather whistle and chatter than talk human, but; some do learn human language when there is only one.  The common misconception about companion lovebirds is that they love their humans and need to be kept in pairs.  Well, almost but; not quite.  If you have one lovebird, it will bond to you, its human companion.  If you have two, they bond to each other and can become quite scrappy and aggressive with people, because they love each other.  Unless you are planning to breed them, selecting one is the best scenario for these little cuddlers.  These little guys/gals live up to 15-25 years of age under well kept circumstances.  Their diet should consist of a good, smaller pellet, some seeds (Niger, silver millet-not millet spray, flax, and oats, as well as fresh fruits and veggies.   They are very susceptible to illness from drafts, so make sure they are far enough away from the chosen window that draft does not affect them.  Other than that, they are the most disease resistant bird on the planet.  Their cage should be about 30” x 30” x 18” with plenty of horizontal bars spaced no more than ½ inch.  They love room to romp, so the bigger the cage, the better.  They love TOYS, TOYS, TOYS, but; become bored rather quickly, so toys should be rotated every month or so to prevent boredom and Toy Bonding (another problem with keeping them bonded to their humans).  If you have or are planning to get a Lovebird companion, contact us and we will make sure that you have everything that your Lovey needs, from cage & accessories to toys and a cage cover.

RESCUE OF THE MONTH: 

FidoBird Avian Rescue, Adoption and Education,

Located in Poulsbo, Washington, is operated by Tracy Walsh and is 501(3)c, non-profit.  By choosing a gift of a toy, cage, cage cover or cage accessories from us at www.birdcagesgalore.com to help the ones in need at her rescue.  Remember, when you donate to a 501(3)c Rescue, the rescue will give you a non-profit tax donation receipt for your gift.

Follow Up From Last Months Newsflash:

More about anti-bird legislation:  Last month we told you about the legislation in Pennsylvania that would ban Nanday Conures.  Thanks to the AFA and the presence of, and letters from, companion bird owners, that legislation has been DEFEATED!!  Another, similar bill, banning ALL companion birds, was introduced in Missouri and readily squashed by AFA and public outcry.  Everybirdie is going to have to keep their ear to the ground and their eyes on upcoming bills in their state’s legislature, because it sure seems like those organizations opposed to private ownership of companion birds, will test some, if not all of the other 48 states.  I understand that British Columbia, Canada is processing similar legislation too.  Our Canadian Friends should keep their eyes open for such movements as well.  With the world in such a tangled web of war, inflation and joblessness, it is a sad testimony to our priorities, that our lawmakers are worried about who has a feathered friend in their home.  (Jan)