Birds spend more than half their time in the wild, foraging for food.  We want to encourage this normal behavior in our home environment.  Birds are very intelligent creatures.  Foraging provides mental stimulation and challenge.  One-on-one time may also include positive reinforcement training.  We also recommend encouraging flock behavior, which means eating together, or hanging out together (preferably on a stand or boing), while you are watching TV or working on the computer. Your bird can be near you but should not be held or caressed during these times. 

 

The videos below are great resources in providing positive reinforcement and setting up a foraging environment for the mental and physical well being of your feathered friends.  

These videos are available for purchase at our hospital. 

 

For additional information and techniques ask for our,

"Keys to a Healthy, Happy Bird" handout at your next visit! 

 

 

 

 

 

CAPTIVE FORAGING:The next best thing to being free:  DVD

By M. Scott Echols, DVM, Dipl ABVP - Avian Practice

Understand the natural foraging instinct of all animals and learn how to Prevent unwanted behaviors, such as feather destruction and repetitive functionless activity. Learn how to build a foraging tree for captive birds and create other foraging toys - from basic to advanced - to keep birds occupied and happy.


     

 

 

Expert Companion Bird Care Series (Volume 1) :DVD

by Dr. M. Scott Echols & Dr. Brian L. Speer

This comprehensive DVD series is the first of its kind to be created by recognized avian veterinarians, teachers, aviculturists, enthusiasts, and pet store owners. Drs. Scott Echols (author of Captive Foraging) and Brian L. Speer (author of Birds for Dummies and The Large Macaws) work with world-renowned avian educators to bring you the best information on bird care. Volume 1 is taught by avian veterinary specialists and covers: How to Identify Commonly Kept Parrot Species; Housing and Caging Materials; Basic Avian Nutrition; Household Dangers and Toxins; Identifying When Your Bird is Sick; and How to Select an Avian Veterinarian.

 

........coming soon!!

Expert Companion Bird Care Series (Volume 2) :DVD

by Dr. M. Scott Echols & Dr. Brian L. Speer

This comprehensive DVD series is the first of its kind to be created by recognized avian veterinarians, teachers, aviculturists, enthusiasts, and pet store owners. Drs. Scott Echols (author of Captive Foraging) and Brian L. Speer (author of Birds for Dummies and The Large Macaws) work with world-renowned avian educators to bring you the best information on bird care. Volume 2 is taught by avian specialists and covers: The History of Bird Keeping; Selecting a Bird That Fits Your Lifestyle; and Understanding Aviculture.

 

 

Parrot Behavior and Training #1: DVD 

By Barbara Heidenreich

The first in a series of Parrot Behavior and Training DVD's, this DVD covers the basic fundamentals of training with positive reinforcement. Barbara give you detailed instructions on how to shape behavior. Her training subjects are companion parrots learning behaviors for the first time. Be the first to experience these special moments of learning captured on film. 

 

 

 

 

 

Training for the Veterinary Exam #2: DVD

By Barbara Heidenreich

Make you bird’s next visit to the veterinarian stress free! This DVD shows you how to train your parrot to cooperate in his own medical care. Step by step instructions demonstrate how to train each behavior. 

 

 

 

 

 

Understanding Parrot Body Language: DVD

by Barbara Heidenreich

Reading your parrot’s body language is one of the most important skills you can learn to help you build a relationship with your parrot based on trust. It is how your parrot communicates. In this DVD professional animal trainer Barbara Heidenreich guides you through the process of looking at a combination of body parts and what they are doing under different circumstances to give you an idea of just what might be going on in those very special bird brains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train your Parrot to Talk : DVD

by Barbara Heidenreich

 In this DVD professional animal trainer Barbara Heidenreich teaches you how to train a parrot to talk. She addresses common myths about talking parrots, which birds make ideal candidates for talking, the most effective ways to expose your parrot to sounds you want repeated, proven methods for encouraging your parrot to vocalize and most importantly how to train your parrot to talk on cue. Also included is an appearance by Einstein, the Talking Texan Parrot, plus an interview with her human companions. Bonus CD ROM includes recordings of a variety of species of parrots vocalizing to inspire your bird to talk.

 

 

 

 

 

Get your bird back!  : DVD

by Barbara Heidenreich

 There are few things more heartbreaking than when a beloved parrot accidentally escapes. Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis were inspired to make this DVD by the thousands of pleas from parrot owners desperately seeking help to recapture a lost bird. This DVD features detailed instructions to help you get your lost parrot back, as well as useful tools such as lost bird flyers, lists of people to contact and a variety of parrot calls. This DVD is a must for any parrot owner. Be prepared. Learn in advance how to prevent the heartache so many have experienced when a parrot is lost. You CAN get your bird back and this DVD can help.