I just wanted to make a post about the huge number of unwanted cockatiels out there. At MAARS, the rescue I volunteer at, we have around 50 cockatiels. They make up half of all the birds we have.
Many rescues will no longer take in cockatiels because there are simply too many to find homes for.And even humane societies are becoming overwhelmed by them.
This is a huge problem that needs to be addressed. If people just stopped breeding cockatiels (or bred less) and more people adopted cockatiels instead of going to pet stores or breeders, this would help so much.
I think the main reason there are so many unwanted cockatiels out there is because they are so long lived (some living over 25 years) and they also breed like rabbits.If you adopt an older tiel, it's not as big of a commintment, and if you stop breeding, you will not be adding to the overpopulation of this species.
So please, stop breeding cockatiels and start adopting them. :)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
My Veggie Mix
Pionus are prone to obesity, liver disease, and gout. They require a diet low in protein as it is easier on their kidneys. Too much protein is what causes gout.
So Pionus do best on a diet low in pellets, nuts, and dry seeds; and high in veggies, fruits, and seed sprouts.
Kei and Toady get around 2 tablespoons of veggies every day. Their dry cage mix is also full of dehydrated veggies and some fruits. Fruits I use in moderation as they have a high sugar content, especially when dehydrated.
For my mix the base is usually frozen organic veggies (a mixture of corn, peas, carrots, and green beans), then I add several varieties of organic veggies, fruits, brown rice or other cooked grains, and seed sprouts.
I do not use a lot of bean sprouts, as they are higher in protein as well.
This mix makes up around 60-75% of their diet.
I make it in batches that last 3-4 days. If I make a large batch, I will freeze some of it. The mix will not be good after a few days.
So Pionus do best on a diet low in pellets, nuts, and dry seeds; and high in veggies, fruits, and seed sprouts.
Kei and Toady get around 2 tablespoons of veggies every day. Their dry cage mix is also full of dehydrated veggies and some fruits. Fruits I use in moderation as they have a high sugar content, especially when dehydrated.
For my mix the base is usually frozen organic veggies (a mixture of corn, peas, carrots, and green beans), then I add several varieties of organic veggies, fruits, brown rice or other cooked grains, and seed sprouts.
I do not use a lot of bean sprouts, as they are higher in protein as well.
This mix makes up around 60-75% of their diet.
Monday, January 3, 2011
New Birdroom Setup
I rearranged the bird room the other day. I thought it would be nice to have a new set up for the new year. Kei and Toady have been enjoying being on seperate walls, though they still often switch cages.
Goodbye Beau
Beau went to live with a friend of mine on Friday. He will be living with other budgies and cockatiels. I think he will be happier there. I will miss your parrotlet chirps. :)
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