Do you know where Cuttlebone comes from?

If you do, then you know cuttlebone, a white usually oval shaped bird product, many people give to their birds as a source of calcium, actually comes from the cuttlefish.

This is a pretty cool cuttlefish we thought.
Flamboyant Cuttlefish

Bald Bird Newly Discovered in Laos

Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a rare bald songbird has been hiding out in the rocky limestone cliffs of central Laos.

The new species is the only example of a bald songbird in Asia and the first new type of bulbul reported in the last hundred years.

Read more about it at:

New Bald Songbird Discovery

The "NEW" Avian Network

Want to save some money on your bird supplies? Who doesn't these days. Check out the all new Avian Network for a great source of some marvelous bird speciality stores. For a very small lifetime membership fee of only $10, you can join a community where shopping for your bird is a whole lot more personal than shopping with the large chains or very impersonal large corporation owned stores.

The Avian Network community offers species information, lots of tips and helpful suggestions for you and your bird. Not only will you shop smartly and safely because you and your bird are important customers to each and every vendor who participates in the Avian Network, the best part is every vendor at Avian Network also offers a special discount, free shipping, or other special goodie, that only Avian Network members are eligible for.

Start saving with your very first purchase, and feel good about shopping where you and your bird are special customers, and not just another number in line at the checkout.

My Cockatiel is Flying Across the County

Question: I am taking my cockatiel on a trip with me and we will be flying across the country. I have ordered the solid top carrier and wanted to know if I should put a perch inside and if so, what kind of perch would be best? Should I put something in the bottom of the carrier too?

Answer: Putting just a small hand towel in the bottom of the carrier so your bird will have better footing on the bottom of the carrier should be sufficient for the trip. If you choose to put a perch inside the carrier, be sure the perch is only an inch or two above the bottom. That way, if the carrier is tilted and your bird tumbles off the perch, the fall will not be enough to cause any injuries.

The bolt on Sandy Perches or the Safety Perches can be easily used inside this carrier as the carrier has vent holes that the attaching hardware of the perches will fit through.



You can also cut a wooden dowel the width of the carrier if you prefer and drill small holes in each end, and then attach washers and screws to the ends of the dowel through the carrier holes to hold it safely in place during the trip.

Big New Cage!

Tori and Ronnie Yellow Nape Amazons got a brand new big cage this weekend! Bigger than their old one and new toys too. They also liked the willow branches very much.

Weaning can be Fun!

Baby Dusky Conure's first day in a weaning cage. Sure are lots of things to check out in this new house.

Rare Parrot Seen

Thought to be possibly extent, birdwatchers in south-east New South Wales are getting a rare glimpse of this very rare species. Hundreds have been sighted.

"The Swift Parrot usually migrates between Tasmania and the west of the Great Dividing Range but the drought has brought them to the far south coast and Monaro in search of food.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Robyn Kesby says there are only about a thousand breeding pairs left in Australia.

She says this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the birds."

Sampling Saturday July 11

There is a reason why they call it "Beak" Appetit!

Today's Sampling Saturday free sample at the Nature Chest Bird Shop was Calypso Spice

Birdie Pizza

Can your bird say "Yum Yum"? Whether he or she can actually say it, or just think it, it's sure to be the topic for this delicious birdie pizza.

This pizza calls for a bean mix such as Volkman's Soak and Simmer and other great fresh ingredients.

This pizza looks so good, you may be tempted to try a taste yourself.

For Birdie Pizza Recipe click here

Hawk tries to grab Scooter

What an amazing video of how a free flying hawk that is part of a bird show, escapes and goes after the show's Cockatoo Scooter. We often hear people talk about taking their birds outside to play, or even to free fly them. This video brings home the danger lurking everywhere.

See video here

Baby Dusky Conure

Baby Dusky Conure learning how yummy apples can be.

Fresh Corn on the Cob

Just sharing some fresh corn from the farmers market with all the birdies this 4th of July holiday and wanted to share how simple it is to fix for your birds.

12 Fresh ears of corn
big pot
lots of water



Husk corn ears and clean silks off. Break off ends that may have worm damage. Place ears in very big pot of water. Bring water to a boil and cook approximately 10 minutes. Remove from stove. Cool ears and then cut into 1-2 inch size slices and place in freezer bags. We fill sandwich size bags and then place these bags into a larger freezer bag. Makes it very easy to just grab a small baggie a day for the birds.

How to feed: Thaw corn circles out by placing in hot water for about 10 minutes. Feed as soon as corn is cool.

Great Fun!

Parrot=1 Mini Blind=0

This is what happens when my human does not open my mini blinds like she is supposed to so I can see out.

Do you think I look like I'm sorry?

Not a chance!

Parrot Enrichment

Found this site to have some really good information for all you parrot lovers out there. Check out Parrot Enrichment

Parrots of the Caribbean

Parrots of the Caribbean
If you have heard of Bonaire at all, you may think of it as a haven for scuba divers or, maybe, loggerhead turtles. But this tiny island might also offer the best chance of survival or the yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot.
By Ted O’Callahan/Photography by Kim Hubbard

Wow, what a wonderful article on how they are trying to save these parrots.

Calling all Photo Buffs

Think you take spectacular pictures? Well, if you do, or if you just enjoy taking pictures for the fun of it, why not enter the Nature Conservancy's 2009 Photo Contest. And even if you don't want to enter your own picture, be sure to check out the fabulous photos from last year. They will make your day!
Nature Conservancy 2009 Photo Contest.<

Pet of the Day

We found this really cool site called "Pet of the Day". Today's special pet is Kippie a 6 year old Gold Cap Conure parrot. What a sweetie!
Read about Kippie here at:
Kippe The Gold Cap Conure