Calling
all bird lovers!!!
Have a question about your pet bird? Then ask Sandy. Just send your questions to
Sandy Gaston at sandy@marthanorwalk.com.
Make sure that you include with your question
the following information:
Visit Sandy's website at www.animalnature.com
*Sorry,
we may not be able to answer everyone's questions and we cannot provide individual
responses. Sandy is available for private consultations. Send inquiries to
her via e-mail or call her to set up an appointment (206) 783-6471. Sandy
provides consultations in person and over the phone.
Natural Light and Our Birds
By Sandy Gaston
Light influences all animals. Natural light sources come from rays directly
off the sun and stars or rays reflected by the moon. Numerous sources of artificial
light occur in indoor dwellings. Lighting like full spectrum mimics the light
energy from the sun and causes the same physiological results in animals.
In my opinion birds (and humans), more than any other
species, are profoundly
affected by light because they
rely on sensory input from their eyes. Light affects
birds in many ways. Birds obtain vitamin D3 from both
diet and synthesis in their skin. The synthesis of
vitamin D3 in the skin requires ultraviolet (UV) light.
This UV light stimulates oils secreted by the uropygeal
gland near the base of the tail and the oil is converted
to vitamin D3. When your bird preens they are ingesting
this vitamin.
Your normal glass windows at home filter out UV rays. So
your bird needs either unfiltered sunshine or a good source of
certified light like full spectrum lighting. Stay away from broad
or wide spectrum lights and chromium lights. They don't produce
the same kind of color rays. Full spectrum light produces healthful
UV radiation for both you and your birds.
Sunlight prevents infection. Sunlight stimulates male songbirds to sing. Light also has a profound effect on avian reproduction behavior and molting.Without a doubt, light influences the growth, metabolism, reproduction and behavior of all bird species and it is ultimately l happy and healthy it can do the same for your bird. So let your bird bask in some of those unfiltered sun rays.
Full spectrum lights are available in many places today. I will tell you they are not cheap! The benefit you and your birds will receive from them is worth the price. One place I know you can get these lights and also get some great information on lighting is Light Energy Company in Seattle, Washington. Their toll-free phone number is 1-800-544-4826 or local 206-542-7612.
Reading Your Bird's Body Language
By Sandy Gaston
Learning to interpret your bird's body language and vocal signals is an
ongoing process. Since behavior varies from bird to bird you should create
your own dictionary of bird signals. I am going to share some of my observations
from working with birds as well as observations and interpretations of other
bird experts, and bird owners like you.
SINGING: I have learned that birds sing to attract mates and establish
territories. But I also know my birds sing because they are happy, healthy
and comfortable where they live. They all really like to sing!
SNEEZING: I have a bird that sneezes often. When this bird first came
into my life I thought he was sick or was allergic to something. I consulted
an avian veterinarian, only to find out he wasn't sick but he is just a bird
that likes to sneeze. If your bird is sneezing and there is a nasal discharge
consult your vet right away.
WING FLAPPING: Hey I need to exercise. We all need to stretch and flap
every day.
REGURGITATING: If your bird is regurgitating to you — what an
honor — you are very much loved and they see you as one of the flock.
Birds regurgitate to share the contents of their crops and feed their young.
If your bird regurgitates when it is alone, or after a meal, there could be
something wrong and you may want to check with your vet.
I DON'T WANT TO COME OUT OF MY CAGE: You could be frightening your bird
without realizing it. Something you're wearing: a hat, dark glasses or a really
bad shirt. Your bird may just not be in the mood to come out. Don't force
your bird to come out; try later.
PREENING: Something every bird needs to do to keep feathers in good condition.
Preening is also a very social activity. My birds like me to preen their neck
and head since they can't get to those areas. They also like to preen me and
my dogs in return. If a bird is bored it could become an over zealous preener
and this could lead to possible feather plucking.
FLASHING EYES: When your bird's pupils becom large and small —
warning warning — this bird is upset. Something is disturbing
your bird. This bird may bite. Speak softly and reassure your bird and don't
pick up your bird until it has calmed down. Give your bird some time to get
over whatever was upsetting.
BEAK WIPING: This behavior will tell another bird that they are intruding
in its territory. When there are no other birds present this bird may just
be cleaning its beak of debris. After dinner with the family, Jherik, my cockatiel,
will wipe his beak on the table or my napkin or my plate. He doesn't care
where he wipes his lips.
CRUNCHING SOUND: This is a soft sound a bird will make with their beak
when they are about to fall asleep. This is a great sign that your bird is
feeling safe and very contented. It makes me feel good when one of my birds
is sitting with me and I hear the soft crunching.
CALLING: In the
dawn or at dusk birds call, sometimes rather loudly. They are talking to the
flock. If it is an unusual disturbance something may be wrong. Please check
out a call that doesn't sound right.
CHANGE IN ATTITUDE: If you bird starts rejecting you or is bitting you
for no apparent reason, stop and see what is different. Your bird could be
sexually frustrated, just testing you, or really upset about something in
its environment. Be patient, keep calm and keep breathing. You can work out
any problem! The vocal and body signals I have told you about are only a few
in a large dictionary of bird language. The most important thing I can tell
you is watch your bird and know your bird! Learn the signs of a sick bird.
Remember, just like us our bird friends get older and change habits with age.
But if you educate yourself — watch and listen with your eyes, ears,
and your heart — you will learn your bird's body and vocal language.
