THE KIA PARROT (ICE PARROT) IS OUR BIRD OF THE MONTH:

If you are day sleeper or night “owl”, this bird may be the perfect companion for you as they are semi-nocturnal. In captivity they are known to be most active during dark or stormy weather in addition to nighttime hours. The entertaining Kea is a parrot that is loved by most and disliked by some. These lovely birds have entertaining habits, though they have known to be destructive as a result of their inquisitive and playful natures.  They require many chew toys and puzzle toys to keep them out of mischief, they are curious and can be destructive if not properly supervised and occupied.  They are hardy little fellows hailing from the New Zealand Alps.  While drafts are still a bane as with any other caged bird, lower temperatures do not faze them in the least.  They grow to about 19 inches in length and are chattery noisy but; not raucous.  The cry of the Kea, as generally heard in the early morning, has been aptly compared to the mewing of a cat; but it likewise utters a whistle, a chuckle, and a suppressed scream. The Kea does not walk like other parrots, it hops and usually in a sideways fashion to the delight of their admirers. Their adult plumage is acquired at about 18 months of age, and females can be distinguished from males by their beaks, which are often less sharply curved and shorter than those of males. The beaks are brownish gray. The Kea's plumage is an olive green shade, and each feather has a black edging. Over the yellowish green colored crown and nape, the feathers have dark striping. The cage should about 3 feet high, 2 feet across, and 18 inches deep, with 5mm bars and no more than 1” bar spacing so that they have lots of room to move about in. Usually an earth or sand covered floor is appropriate. Plenty of hiding places should be provided. A supply of fresh branches should also be present for chewing. In captivity, a Kea's diet can usually be made up of fruits and vegetables with carbohydrate and protein supplements. Keas are known for their ready acceptance of most foods. Often maize and brown rice can be cooked and offered as a meal. Soaked pigeon feed, peanuts, hemp, and sunflower seeds have also been offered with good results. Vegetables, a large portion of the diet, can be offered in the form of carrots, potatoes, cabbages, greens, and beets. A variety of fruits are accepted: oranges, berries, and passion fruits to name a few. In the wild, they are omnivorous and relish lamb and mutton.  Offering them cooked pieces of meat of all types will provide them with needed protein.  While they dine on fresh meat in the wild, it should be cooked for caged birds to prevent parasites and any infection.

LEGISLATIVE NEWS:

There is a movement to remove the laws restricting ownership and travel with Quaker Parrots (Monk Parakeets) in the state of Colorado.  It has surfaced that the law as stated, violates previous laws and statutes.  The Quaker Parakeet Society is following this and I will keep you informed as more information is available. (jan)

Rejoice and Revel in the Winter Solstice Season

The staff at Bird Cages Galore wishes everybirdie a peaceful, loving and enjoyable Winter Solstice Season.  In so doing, I take this opportunity to share with you the origins of this season of rejoicing, celebration and sense of inner peace that the Winter Solstice has filled the hearts of humans with, for many centuries.   The actual Solstice (shortest day of the year usually occurs around the 21st of December each year; but, in early tribal and pagan times, the rejoicing and celebrations would start in late November and last until early January.  It was a time to look forward to longer days and planning for the planting of crops and abundance of food and warmth.  It had little to do with religious beliefs; beyond the belief that the God(s) would soon give them longer, warmer days.  The birthday of Jesus was not celebrated until the 4th century when Pope Julius the first declared the 25th of December as the celebration of Jesus’ birthday.  The “12 days of Christmas” evolved from a pagan tradition of the men bringing in huge logs to burn at the ceremonial feasts of the Solstice Season which would take about 12 days to a month to burn in their entirety.  “Fast forward” to today and bear this factoid in mind while passing amongst all of the various religious symbols of the season from the Menorah to the Manger and the Colors of Kwanza.  It is their season too, but; is the season of looking forward to longer days and peace for all mankind, not a time to cast a downward glance at those whose beliefs differ from our own. (jan santor, staff writer)

HEALTH REMINDER

POOPOLOGY:  Check your bird’s poop daily for the proper consistency.  Droppings should be well formed with both green and white streaks in it.  (Lorys and Lorikeets are the exception.  They have looser poops due to their high sugar/nectar diet).  If you begin to see loose or discolored stools, please call your vet.  Because birds hide illness so well, their poop is the best indicator we have of trouble/illness brewing.  Before panicking, go over what your bird has had to eat in recent days.  The color of food will tint their poop.