Tidbits of Information
by
Karlene Sunday

1. The "mite protectors" so commonly sold in pet stores or in mail order catalogs is the same ingredient used for mothballs. This product is harmful to your avian companion and should not be placed in the cage or around your avian companion.
   
2. Sandpaper perches have proven time and again to be one of the leading causes of bumblefoot. It is recommended you not use these. Would you enjoy spending your whole day standing on sandpaper, well neither does your avian companion.
   
3. Water bottles are an excellent way to provide a clean source of drinking water but you may be depriving your avian companion the daily fun of playing in their water. You be the judge of that.
   
4. Rope toys and perches should always be used with care. If you see a cotton strand hanging that you believe may injure your avian companion, it should be cut back as far as necessary for their safety.

This especially holds true for loops that they can fit their head in or that can ensnare a toe.

5. Water and food bowls that are continually being dumped. This holds especially true for macaws.

You can purchase lock-down bowls that will prevent this from happening. King cages has a lock-down bowl, Jungelware and Smart Crock.

6. Cockatoo’s and African Grey’s can and should be showered on a weekly basis. Daily showers would be more beneficial due to the production of excessive dander in some cockatoo’s that can lead to picking, plucking, and mutilation but a weekly shower is a must have.
   
7. Nutritional deficiencies are still the primary reason why our avian companions are being seen in the veterinarian’s office. Specifically, Vitamin A, Calcium and Iodine deficiencies. This would lead me to believe that you need to review your avian companion’s consumption on a daily basis. Just because you are providing the proper diet does not mean they are consuming it. There may also be an absorption issue that needs to be addressed.