Why do pigeons bob their heads?

The pigeon has side mounted eyes unlike humans and owls which have forward facing eyes.  As a pigeons have monocular vision rather than binocular vision they bob their heads for depth of perception.  The pigeon’s eyes work much better with stationary images and therefore, as the pigeon takes a step forward the head is temporarily left behind.  The next step jerks the head forward again and so on.  This allows the bird to correctly orient itself.

Source: http://www.deterapigeon.com/21-amazing-facts-about-pigeons.htm

Captive Parrots with Wild Bird Relationships!?

Hi Flappers,

Does your captive parrots talk to wild birds?

If so, how so and what times of the day?

Please share your experiences if you like.

Below you can see Conrad making friends with a Rock Dove.  

He has a few Rainbow Lorikeet friends too that call out to each other often. :)

Random Bird Related Info #1

How old are pigeons?

Pigeons have lived alongside man for thousands of years with the first images of pigeons being found by archaeologists in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and dating back to 3000 BC.  It was the Sumerians in Mesopotamia that first started to breed white doves from the wild pigeon that we see in our towns and cities today and this undoubtedly accounts for the amazing variety of colors that are found in the average flock of urban pigeons.  To ancient peoples a white pigeon would have seemed miraculous and this explains why the bird was widely worshipped and considered to be sacred.  Throughout human history the pigeon has adopted many roles ranging from symbols of gods and goddesses through to sacrificial victims, messengers, pets, food and even war heroes!


Source:  http://www.deterapigeon.com/21-amazing-facts-about-pigeons.htm

Parrots and Cars?

Can I take my parrot for a drive?

A:  Depends

Here are some things to consider...

• Is your parrot emotionally and/or physically up to the challenge?

If your parrot is shy or physically drained (after recent surgery or illness etc) then you should probably not take him or her for a drive.  Or perhaps ensure the parrot remains caged.

• Is there a likeliness of being pulled over by police?

This is one you may not think of.  Especially if your seen with one hand on the wheel and are holding your parrot.  This is actually illegal in Australia and probably in most 'developed' countries.

If your pulled over for a Random Breath Test.  What is your plan?   Can you quickly collect and cage your parrot ready for the breath test without fuss?  If not then you should not have your parrot out in the car.

Also what is your driving like?  If your prone to accidents and/or are a nervous driver should you be taking your parrot for a drive?  Would that be responsible?

• How long is the trip?

Long trips, in fact all trips in a car for parrots are stressful, at least to the extent that they are tiring for parrots.  All the extra sights and sounds are a lot for parrots to take in.

• Is your parrot having fun or freaking out?

Pay close attention to your parrots behaviour during and after the trip.  If the drive is more stess than fun for either of you than best leave the driving out of your parrots life.

Conclusion:  Take your parrots safety and security first.  Fun can be had by both driver and parrot.  Know your limits and plan for worst case scenarios.  Oh and don't forget to take tissues! 

Join the Flapout here to discuss this article with a community of bird lovers!

Pet Bird Health Warning - Injesting of Rope Perches

Dear Reader

You love your pet bird and would never do anything to put it in danger. HOWEVER...

There may be a risk your unaware of in your companions cage right now!

Drum roll - Rope Perches.

Here is a before and after Xray of our 3 1/2 YO Sun Conure - the issue?

A ball of string in his stomach -the concern?

This blocks the flow of food and causes multiple complications, like yeast infections.

Food for thought.

Images of the yeast and video to come...