WingsNThings - Birds & Parrots as Pets - All About Pet Birds - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.com)

Baby birds are discussed in this Podcast as Robin meets with Josee Bermingham of Hagan Avicultural Research Institute. Robin talks with Josee about their weaning techniques and the unique way they socialize their birds at HARI.

This week Robin is joined by Mark Moore, co-owner of Hill Country Aviaries in Austin, Texas. Mark shares some of his techniques and tips for designing, building and outfitting a great outdoor aviary. Mark is chair of the publications committee for the American Federation of Aviculture and is instrumental in publishing the AFA quarterly magazine The Watchbird.

Interview with an aviculturist. This week Robin is joined by Rick Jordan, noted aviculturist and co-owner of Hill Country Aviaries in Austin, Texas. Robin and Rick discuss aviculture and some of the issues facing both the breeder and companion parrot communities.

After a summer of craziness and non-stop travel/work Robin had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. David Waugh from Loro Parque Fundacion in Tenerife, Spain. Join Robin and Dr. Waugh as they chat about the exciting conservation work being done at this amazing facility.

This week Robin is at the New England Wildlife Center in Weymouth, MA. She is speaking with the director, Dr. Gregory Mertz, DVM. Dr. Mertz is also known as The Odd Pet Vet. In his practice at the wildlife center Dr. Mertz sees many companion parrots in addition to other exotic pets. During their discussion Robin and Dr. Mertz discuss common issues in parrots and parrot care. Some suggestions for preventative care are given.

Don’t know where to begin to learn more about your parrot? Robin Shewokis and Barbara Heidenreich share some of their favorite resources for parrot information. Having spent years doing their own research for information they provide a long list of trusted books, DVD’s, magazines, blogs, chat groups, internet resources, seminars and more for parrot enthusiasts.

Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis share highlights of some recent travels. Robin was busy socializing with the cream of the crop of the parrot world at Parrot Festival. Barbara played with gorillas, elephants, penguins, porcupines and parrots while consulting on animal training for a zoo. Get an insiders look at two very different working winter vacations for these animal enthusiasts

In this week’s podcast, Robin chats with Kodi Pinnell. Kodi hails from Lindale, Texas and is a great role model for any young people who are considering parrot ownership. Kodi talks about his passion for parrots and the people who have helped him learn to be an exceptional parrot owner.

Do parrots exhibit height dominance? Are scarlet macaws truly nippy? Is it safe to give parrots the cardboard from paper towel rolls? These questions and more are discussed by Robin Shewokis and Barbara Heidenreich as they explore various myths and misconceptions about parrots.

Got a parrot that does everything in his power to avoid exercise? Then this podcast is for you. This week Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis discuss ways to get your perch potato moving. They also discuss some controversial methods parrot owners have been advised to use and the more trust building alternatives.

Foraging is a hot topic in the companion parrot community. This week Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis get creative with foraging ideas. They also share how to train your parrot to interact with foraging toys and why it is beneficial to get your parrot foraging.

In this week’s episode Robin sits down with noted scientist and author, Dr. Irene Pepperberg. Dr. Pepperberg shares anecdotes about her work and her time spent with Alex the African Grey.

Getting your parrot to present natural behavior in your home can include encouraging foraging behaviors, teaching your parrots to use their unique adaptations to expend energy, and capturing natural behaviors and putting them on cue. In this week's episode Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis shares ideas and suggestions for getting your parrot to act naturally.

Dr. Sharman Hoppes of Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center at Texas A & M University shares the exciting advances being made in Proventricular Dilitation Disease (PDD) research. This deadly disease has challenged the parrot community for years. Fortunately some recent discoveries are giving researchers hope that a definitive diagnostic tool will soon be available as well as optimism for the development of a vaccine

This week Barbara Heidenreich interviews field biologist Dr Donald Brightsmith of Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center at Texas A & M University. Dr Brightsmith shares his experience studying wild parrots in Peru. His research has provided new insights into clay lick use, diet and nutrition and distances parrots travel in the wild. Listeners are also invited to join a research gathering expedition to Peru scheduled for January 2009.

This week Barbara Heidenreich interviews Rebecca O’ Connor, author of "A Parrot for Life." An accomplished writer and animal trainer, Rebecca shares stories about flying falcons, working with parrots and training cheetahs, as well as information on her nine books.

In this week’s episode, Robin talks with Philadelphia Zoo keeper and bird trainer, Catherine Vine. They discuss how to provide enrichment on a budget. Catherine also introduces us to one of her favorite projects, The Feather Distribution Project.

Finding someone qualified to care for your beloved parrot when you are out of town can be a challenge. Robin interviews Karen Anderson of Avian Suites, a professional bird boarding facility. Karen shares her advice on how to find a facility or person to care for your parrot and what you can do to make your birds boarding experience as positive as possible.

Training and enrichment can be and should be easy! Robin and Barbara explore ways to keep your training and enrichment program thriving even if you have little time, little finances and lots of birds.

Barbara and Robin discuss some tips to help you get off to a good start with your baby parrot. Those uncoordinated, yet curious babies have different enrichment needs from your adult parrot. They also present some excellent training opportunities due to an important sensitive period of development. Prevention of behavior problems is also explored, such as biting a bit too hard during play and exploration.

This week Barbara and Robin discuss the many ways to keep your training and enrichment programs stimulating. Not only are there are a number of different senses to enrich, there are countless types of behaviors parrot caregivers can train. This episode is loaded with tips and ideas to ensure your parrot has a very rich and interesting life.

Sid Price is a professional bird trainer, President Elect of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators and a regular contributor to online training discussions in the companion parrot community. He and Barbara chat about some of the hot topics in parrot training.

In this week’s episode Robin interviews bioacoustic researcher, Michael Schindlinger. Michael is probably best known for his field work with wild Amazons in the creation of the film Stalking the Wild Amazons. Robin and Michael discuss his findings and how they relate to caring for your companion parrot. Michael also shares an exciting ecotourism project that is helping parrots in the wild.

Shane is an internationally experienced early childhood educator who has been teaching for thirteen years. He is the co-creator and author of Fledglings, the Parrot Society of Australia's junior aviculturist publication. Although he has kept and bred many different bird species from a young age, parrots continue to dominate his primary interest in aviculture. Shane's travels have given him plenty of unique opportunities to view many parrot species in their native habitats around Australia and beyond. He fulfills many roles on the Parrot Society's Executive Committee including promotions, advertising and editorial duties for the PSOA News. Shane is one of the organizers for Parrots 2008.

Australian bird trainer Nicholas Bishop shares his love of birds and his ground breaking adventure training the highly endangered Spix Macaw for a medical procedure at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation.

In this week’s episode Barbara and Robin discuss reinforcers for training and offer numerous suggestions for creating a vast menu of options for your parrot.

Meet Einstein! A very articulate parrot who lives in Texas. To clarify... this is not the Einstein featured on Animal Planet’s Pet Star, but she can give that one a run for her money. This chatty parrot runs through her vocabulary, including phrases such as "What does E=?" "Look at the grackle" and "Who let the dogs out? Who?" Barbara also interviews Einstein’s caregivers Marcia and Jeff to find out how they came to have such a special parrot in their home.

In this week’s episode Barbara and Robin tackle a widespread issue in the companion parrot community, Feather Destructive Behavior. They review some of the many causes and make suggestions for alleviating this very common behavior.

In this week’s episode Barbara and Robin discuss the often lamented challenge of the screaming parrot. Training and enrichment strategies that address this behavior are reviewed.

In this week's episode Barbara and Robin discuss choosing an avian vet and ways to build a relationship with that avian professional that will most benefit you and your companion bird. Some training techniques for preparing for the visit are also discussed.

In this week's episode the new hosts of Wings and Things Barbara Heidenreich of Good Bird Inc., and Robin Shewokis of The Leather Elves give an introduction of themselves and share some of their passion for training and enrichment.

Learn about macaws, the gentle giants of the avian world. These colorful denizens of South American can make wonderful, affectionate pets if you have the space and the right living arrangements! Apartment dwellers, ask your neighbors first! Have you ever thought about joining or starting a bird club? These helpful avian organizations have evolved from breeders sittin' around talking to real service organizations! A bird club can be a valuable resource for the pet bird owner! Fly through the legal issues, state your mission and start a club or join one!

Join Wings 'n Things for a big Q&A session! We'll discuss air filters, fat Amazon parrots, birds and children and the pros and cons of cage litter. Blue and gold macaws are gentle giants. We'll discuss some amazing facts about these big beauties!

Feeling cramped? Perhaps you can stretch your living area by keeping your birds in a finished basement or remodeled garage. Check out these helpful hints! Quaker parakeets are popular pets and they also survive quite nicely in feral colonies from Maine to Florida. Learn about these sassy little survivors! Are you ready for a career as a bird sitter? Here's how!

Ready to fly south? We've got some budget hints for that great exotic bird watching vacation you've always wanted to take. Get the most for your dollar when traveling to bird shows or the Outback of Australia! Eclectus parrots are elegant and beautiful. Learn about their habits and qualities that make them good pets. Traveling with your bird? Share our Top Ten Travel Tips right here!

A no-nonsense approach to making the most of your avian dollars! Are you spending too much for bird food, accessories and other things? Maximize yur spending power without sacrificing quality for your feathered friends! Join us for a review of conure species and personalities. These little clowns of the avian world are sure to captivate...which one is right for you? Gimme shelter! Learn how a New York bird club is coping with the problem of unwanted pet birds!

A "Household Safety Audit" takes you on a tour of accidents waiting to happen around your home! If there's mischief to be found, your bird will find it! Learn how to reduce risk of avian injuries and how important it is to have a plan in case of fire or natural disaster. Guest Roberta Fabiano, accompanied by her mitred conure, Ratchet, joins the show for a rousing round of 'Featherbrains', a quiz game all about birds! See how many of the multiple choice questions you can answer! Then join us for a spotlight on cockatoos!

We'll explore the basic necessities you need for your bird's home tweet home, from cages to dishes and play stands. During this segment we'll even get specific about bar spacing and cage size for different species. Caiques are like little clowns in bird suits! Learn about this lively, sassy species from South America in our Species Spotlight segment.

Understanding why your bird chews, screams, bites and makes a mess will help you devise clever ways of coping with unwanted behavior and adjusting your bird's environment to make your birdkeeping experience more pleasant! Enjoy an introduction to African grey parrots, renowned for talking and mimicking almost any sound you can imagine! Did you know the 'bare' part of the African grey's face is actually covered with very fine, hair-like feathers? We'll also take ten steps toward bird-proofing your home..with special mention about bird-proofing your family and friends!

Does your bird hate its cage or suffer from night frights? The solution may be right in front of you! Think like a bird and get quick results! Every bird owner's nightmare: Your bird flies away and you're in a panic! Believe it or not, there are things you can do to increase the odds of getting your bird back! Learn some of the ways that you can 'escape-proof' your bird too!

Deck the Halls With Boughs of Polly! Have a fun and bird-safe Holiday season! Learn what hazards to avoid to keep your feathered friend safe during this festive time of year! Cracker, it's cold outside! Learn how to keep your bird warm and toasty during the chilly winter months. Do you get depressed because it gets dark so early? Your bird suffers effects from shortened hours of daylight too, but you can help with supplementary, full-spectrum lighting.

Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of a planted aviary? Despaired at the amount of poop produced by your parrot? Considered traveling abroad or by air with your pet bird? Roberta Fabiano joins the show for a lively discussion of all three topics!

Put on your explorer's helmet and join me for an adventure in 'parrotdise'! Alexander the Great's troops brought parrots to Europe from India in 327BC. Later, Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus were captivated by the parrots they saw during their journeys. Now it's our turn to discover the joys, responsibilities and revelations of parrot parenthood! Folllow me as I navigate through Seven Days in Parrotdise! Later, we'll answer questions about using natural branches in your bird's cage and the dangers of non-stick cookware. It's a jungle in here!

Imagine spending your life with a quartet of spirited Amazon parrots! If one is this much fun, will two or more be even more of a party? Explore the history, care and characteristics of these personality-packed green guys! They're not for everyone, but if you're up for the challenge, Amazon parrots can be lifelong companions

A lively Q&A session featuring some thought provoking dilemmas faced by companion bird owners. Is your spouse endangering your bird with over-zealous cleaning? Is there any safe-non sitck cookware? What's the best way to keep your bird away from ceiling fans? Tune in for the answers to these and other questions.

Susan talks about keeping your pet bird safe and sound in your home, and how to avoid the dangers that lurk within! Roberta Fabiano joins Susan again to talk about "crazy parrot questions".

Meet Roberta Fabiano and mitred conure, 'Ratchet'! An overview of conure habitats, behavior and preferences. Yes, birds certainly do have strong preferences, and conures are no exception! These lively little clowns can be noisy, busy and very lovable. Roberta shares her experiences with the 'Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill' along with a very special song she wrote about three of the birds in Mark Bittner's book of the same title.

The least you need to know when you decide to share your home with a pet bird...it's not a hobby; it's a lifestyle! You'll learn what things around the house may be dangerous to your bird, the pros and cons of wing clipping, and valuable shortcuts to your new career as a bird servant!

Susan Chamberlain welcomes everyone to her new show, Wings 'n Things on PetLifeRadio.com, and discusses the topics she will be covering all about pet birds in future episodes.