Ask me anything!!
Added 2019-11-29 19:00:00 +0000 UTCAlright, patrons, ASK ME ANYTHING! If you could ask me ONE THING, what would it be? Leave it in a comment and I will create an exclusive video for all patron tiers answering these in January. (If you want to see specific birds with your answer, let me know that too!)
Comments
No more questions please! Thanks to everyone who submitted!
BirdTricks
2019-12-15 01:22:06 +0000 UTCI get mixed messages about my parrotlet needing seed in his diet. Would you give seed or just as treat? He gets chop and pellets but have been told that they don't do well with pellets and need seed. I sprout a lot and add extra sprouts in his chop but don't know that this is the same.
Wendy Cottingham
2019-12-14 01:45:29 +0000 UTCI would love a series 'setting boundaries" with the goal of a healthy balanced bird/human relationship. One that deals with anthropomorphic behaviors, boundaries, and a more independent, confident relationship with your bird.
Kellie patry
2019-12-12 04:09:31 +0000 UTCI have a 7 month white fronted baby amazon. She is amazing with trick training however all of a sudden she shows aggression when she is on top of a cage, (tries to get on my shoulder which i discourage), or when she finds a remote or shoe lace “toy” that’s not hers that I take away. Is this normal behavior or is there a way to discourage this behavior? I try to distract her by doing a trick with a treat, or distract her. However this behavior is random and happens every week, and I would like it to stop if possible.
Nycole Chevalier
2019-12-11 21:56:35 +0000 UTCI have an 8 year old Sun Conure that loves to shower with me. I don't let him as much as he would like because it takes so long to dry him. I use a ceramic hair dryer on low or no heat far enough away from him so that he doesn't get too warm. I let the air hit my hand first so I'm always aware of what the temperature is. I notice you let your birds dry naturally. I'm afraid he'll catch a cold if I don't dry him. The average temperature in my home is about 77 and I turn up the heat in the winter for shower time and I turn the air conditioner off in the summer, I live near Phoenix. I was told that they shiver to regulate their body temperature but if he shivers for more than 30 minutes that's too long. What is the best/safest way to get him dry?
Tracy Miracle
2019-12-07 13:43:11 +0000 UTCHow do you travel with your birds on planes and in hotels safely?
Racquel
2019-12-05 14:51:00 +0000 UTCHave you guys trained hunter type birds (hawks/owls etc) would the training be similar? (meat treats instead of nuts...lolol)
LR000555
2019-12-04 08:46:38 +0000 UTCDIY built aviaries? Safety, guidelines, etc.
MyHomeAquarium98
2019-12-04 04:57:33 +0000 UTCHi, I have a Goffin's Cockatoo named Fred (not my choice in names), he's somewhere between 18 to 21 years old. My friend who rescued him is still looking for his information card but she knows he's a male. I got him in July this year and have been working to get him to eat better. He was on an all seed diet most of his life and is not interested in leafy veggies or anything mooshy. He will eat the tops of broccilli, frozen/fresh cooked corn kernels, frozen/fresh peas and some lima beans (my favorite). He tosses the pellets out of his cage and will have nothing to do with a bowl that has pellets crushed and sprinkled over the veggies, etc. He's like a stuborn old man. I've also tried the birdie bread, but it seems if he can't shell/peel it he does'nt want it. He even peels the peas and corn kernels. Any other idea's on getting him off seeds? You've already taught me an incredible amount about parrots/training. Thanks so much. Love you guys.
Kathy Surber
2019-12-04 04:48:17 +0000 UTCHi, I have an old galah,(he is at least 40 years old I think) despite being very food motivated he just doesn’t seem to get the touch chopstick idea. Is he too old? He knows I have a treat in my left hand, and when I don’t give it, after he has ignored the stick, he opens his beak in a threat yawn. I then walk away for 2 minutes. I try in mornings before his breakfast, Any, suggestions?
Jacqueline Gedye
2019-12-04 04:10:46 +0000 UTCI have a 10 month old GCC who doesn't seem to be afraid of anyone - she loves people. I love her confidence, but while people may be ok with her perching on their finger, some get a little freaked out when she suddenly flies to them. She'll be hanging out with one person, then take off to another, and the other person may be walking away or not facing her and are startled when she lands on them. Any tips on training her to not do this?
Heather Wolf
2019-12-03 23:51:23 +0000 UTCOur new addition Penny (bare eyed cockatoo) loves me and hates my husband. So he is starting to do extra training and taking her food, and I'm being bad cop, hoping to level the 60/40. The problem is, even though she is very responsive to training she still will lunge at him. Should I have him start all over at desensitization stage? She targets for everyone beautifully. Any help is appreciated. I know it has been covered a lot! Also I would love to see Theo or Jinxy.
Kristin Powell-LePard
2019-12-03 08:22:28 +0000 UTCI won't be able to film this until we end this tour so feel free to leave me a question in a comment if you have not already! It's not too late... we don't get home until mid-December.
BirdTricks
2019-12-03 01:49:48 +0000 UTCI think your video will be very bird-focused (even though you said “anything”) and I’m a bit late commenting a question. However, I’m always wondering what resources or techniques you use for staying so incredibly motivated and driven. I feel like you and Dave could teach an entire course on this. Youtube/patreon videos, consultations, shows, flight training sessions, family friendly parrot, master classes, caring for a huge flock, raising a kid, cooking, cleaning, long drives traveling with birds, dealing with tragedies, eating healthy, staying in shape, running a marathon, and still finding time for self-improvement, new video ideas, family time, and free flight trips? I’m like...how is this possible?? Are there clones involved?! Hopefully it’s not too stressful of a lifestyle for you.
Heather Vance
2019-12-02 02:44:49 +0000 UTCHi Stephanie! I am going to go ahead and give you some links on this now because that's a whole topic by itself! Check out my blog articles here https://birdtricksstore.com/search?q=cookware*&type=article,page and my free download here https://birdtricksstore.com/products/household-dangers?_pos=1&_sid=194a7d076&_ss=r You can search anything on my blog and find numerous answers to these types of questions!
BirdTricks
2019-12-01 13:10:30 +0000 UTCIf you are interested in helping organize it, definitely contact us to host! info@birdtricks.com
BirdTricks
2019-12-01 13:09:18 +0000 UTCI do have some YouTube videos showing me training this with birds so I will probably answer your other question about out of cage time but if you still have questions after watching those videos this month, let me know!
BirdTricks
2019-12-01 13:08:42 +0000 UTCYes, February I think on YouTube.
BirdTricks
2019-12-01 13:03:53 +0000 UTCI have been researching for months and plan on getting a bird. I had birds when I was a kid, but was very ignorant. I am having such a hard time with practical information “bird proofing” my home. I understand I need to get rid of my cookware (Teflon), but what are safe alternatives? I heard ceramic, but also heard that wasn’t safe either. I heard coffee makers are even bad with their hot plate. The more forums I have read, the more conflicting info I get. Besides candles, Teflon cookware, air fresheners, and etc. what other concerns around the house do I need to worry about? Do you have a specific brand of cookware safe to use that is also non-stick?
Stephanie
2019-12-01 00:11:46 +0000 UTCOh! And please show us some Comet!!! I looooove his footcheck
Ainhoa
2019-11-30 19:50:35 +0000 UTCDo you guys ever plan to come to New England? Would love to come to a magic show or fan meet up. I've been watching YouTube videos since the Morgan series and I've been a patron since lefty and touché. Love you guys and keep up the great work!!
Antuan Melkoun
2019-11-30 19:50:02 +0000 UTCOr how often should to really have your bird out? Is there a too much besides when it’s bed time?
Christina
2019-11-30 19:37:14 +0000 UTCGetting birds to like water. Like the first ways to introduce a baby bird or just a new bird.
Christina
2019-11-30 19:35:11 +0000 UTCCould you give detailed info on lighting? With just one small green cheek conure it's not likely we'll have an outdoor aviary with extended sunlight exposure. What is needed for indoor lighting, e.g. fixtures, wattage, color temperature, how long to use the light each day and so on?
Carol Ewing
2019-11-30 18:20:24 +0000 UTCAs an owner of 3 baby birds including a blue-throated macaw, and two cockatoos, who are known to have extended weaning times. As parrot babies will do, all have either reverted back, wanting an extra handfeed per day more than we'd been hoping (I'm very against forced-weaning, and was fully aware the final wean would be my job). Long story... but I have a question re: weaning and when/how to implement the Natural Feeding System. TBH, I feel like my avian vet is a good one, and the only one who is actually certified for hundreds of miles, but I don't feel they stay on top of nutritive science. Based on their rec, I've been doing a morning and evening handfeed. Some days a 3rd "porridge" is served if someone's weight wasn't going in a direction I like , which consists of thickly made formula with avian greens powder or (I know, i know) zupreem colorful budgie food. The macaw was treated for pseudomonas, and was found to have enterobac (scratching my head on that one!), and our newest 'too came to us with mild ecoli- so I have 2 on antibiotics, which is more easily given along with the handfeeds. The birds, having each come to us on the Zupreem, have a mix of that which they're used to, and an increasing amount of Tops pellets in their cages and stands. Having said ALL THAT (lol, sorry!!), I want the birds to be on the feeding system, but am unsure of the logistics when dealing with baby birds. I do save fruit and nuts for their light training sessions, but they're getting a good bit of food, and aren't too interested in extra food. The weights have been moving in the right direction and holding, so I'm wondering how you'd suggest I should add in the system. I'd appreciate your opinion on this, as it's not as easy getting good advice re:babies since most (admirably so) adopt. Thanks so much!
Mandy Rautio
2019-11-30 16:35:36 +0000 UTCWill there be a davinci story? If so when will it be out?
Nicole Bledsoe
2019-11-30 16:12:34 +0000 UTCHahahaha!
BirdTricks
2019-11-30 16:10:50 +0000 UTCI have a six month old female GWmacaw. She is super cuddly and sweet and loves to be with us. How do we ensure that this superstrong baby bond transitions into a healthy adult bond with us? Thanks a million for the opportunity to ask!!!
Ainhoa
2019-11-30 15:30:44 +0000 UTCHave you ever worked with a bird who was "too far gone" to train? If yes, what were the circumstances that got it there and how can people avoid them?
Ashlyn Barnes
2019-11-30 12:21:19 +0000 UTCI am transitioning my cockatiels to veggies, and thought I could be clever and mix a small bit of seed into the veg, but they now keep picking out the seed, new game plan? What would you try next?
Rochelle Flynn
2019-11-30 09:01:57 +0000 UTCCan you explain Millet and whether it’s important or not for birds? Should I have it in my cockatiels cage everyday or is it a treat? Or is it essential at all? I’ve noticed he will pig out on it and then not eat his chop (I’m trying to convert him from a seed diet).
Josie Sullivan
2019-11-30 05:04:25 +0000 UTCWhat do you think about "bird rooms" with multiple birds free without cages?
Gianna
2019-11-30 00:59:07 +0000 UTCIf you had to get an extra small to small bird, which species? Budgie, Lovebird, Parrotlet or Cockatiel? Could you also share your thoughts about each species? Also, if I may ask another question, I’m planning to get two cockatiels from a local parrot rescue, should I train them separate or together, does it depend if they are “bonded?” Thanks 😊 A few more... how involved is Dave in the project birds? How is each bird in your flock with Capri? She seems to get on best with your small-medium birds. Which one enjoys her company most?
Rosanna Lam
2019-11-29 22:25:47 +0000 UTCI know you have a flock so not sure how this will go but what things would you do/recommend for those of us that want only one bird? Advantages/disadvantages or single vs flock maybe? Had a U2 (in my profile pic) that started plucking when I got a second bird (years ago) so I didn't keep the second bird and we finished happy and feathered. Now I'm starting over and still think I want only one. Positives/drawbacks, etc. And, yes, this time with a dreaded LSC2. He's about the size of Bondi. :)
Cindi Lund
2019-11-29 20:41:15 +0000 UTCWhen I got my sun conure, the lady said they’re jerks when flighted and to keep mine clipped. Is this true? I would love to see Lily! Thank you!
Li
2019-11-29 19:18:07 +0000 UTCAnything? How does the lemon trick work in the show! Ashly and I have had this discussion in length? Lol doubt I get an answer! Lol I had to try lol
Nicole Bledsoe
2019-11-29 19:10:51 +0000 UTC
