• Other,  Tips and Tricks

    Should Parrots Watch TV?

    Bird tv is something that is used by some bird owners, but is it really good for your birds to be watching tv? Bird tv is a beneficial way to prevent boredom while you are out of your home or your bird is in its own room alone. Why is bird tv beneficial? You may be thinking how could it be beneficial in the wild birds don’t have tv and in captivity we are just trying out best to replicate nature. In the wild birds spend some of their time up in trees watching all the movement colours and sounds of their environment. It is very stimulating to them. This…

  • Tips and Tricks

    Gift Guide for Parrot Owners – 2022!

    Parrot owners are crazy for their birds, but also can be picky about what their bird receives, some of the items big box pet stores sell are not so safe. This is a safe list of items you could gift your the parrot lover in your life! All the photos of these products are off amazon and can be found there. There are more flavours and different sizes depending on the size of parrot. LAFEBER’S El Paso Nutri-Berries Pet Bird Food, Made with Non-GMO and Human-Grade Ingredients, for Parrots, 10 oz : Amazon.ca: Pet Supplies Safe parrot toy recommendations Check out my other post on Best Toys To Put In…

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  • Other,  Uncategorized

    Why is my parrot eating its own POOP!Β 

    It is important to determine whether your parrot/parakeet/budgie is eating their poop or just flinging its poop. Flinging their poop is annoying but it’s nothing to be concerned by.  A parrot who is eating their own poop is not a healthy bird not necessarily because of the poop (although that is not good) but eating poop is an indication of a bigger problem! Why do parrots eat poop? How to stop this? Foraging toys don’t have to be expensive here is a link to an article i did on cheap diy foraging toys 5 DIY Foraging Toys For Parrots 

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  • Health,  Other

    DIY Parrot First Aid Kit!

    Parrots get sick injured super easily yes there are plenty of emergency after hours clinics but what if that hospital’s bird people are off duty and you have to wait till morning or God forbid Monday! Having a first aid kit that you know how to use can save your birds life! Key being you know how to use! This is a basic list of things I think EVERY parrot owner should have regardless of your skill level. FIRST AID DOES NOT REPLACE VET CARE IT IS TO CARE FOR YOUR BIRD UNTIL YOU GET THEM TO A VET!!!

  • Other,  Tips and Tricks

    How to pick a Parrot Carrier – Keeping your parrot safe outdoors

    There are so many different types of travel cages / carriers for parrot/parakeets/budgies on the market making it a super difficult decision to pick the right one! We are trying to make it slightly easier for you! Why do you need a carrier? Vet appointments are critical to keeping your parrot/parakeet healthy, how will you get them there??? (no you should not be transporting your parrot in your old amazon package) you will need a carrier. We also know sunlight is super important for parrots too but because you have read up on optimalavian.com πŸ˜‰ you know that clipping your parrots wings can be dangerous read more here: Can You…

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  • Health,  Other,  Tips and Tricks

    Parrot Safe Air-Fersheners

    By now in your research journey on optimal avian.com I am sure you know how dangerous handles, room sprays, and any other smelly air freshener is dangerous. Even “parrot safe candles” are in my opinion not worth the risk when there are safer, cheaper and more natural options like simmer pots. Just because we own animals with sensitive respiratory systems does not mean that we should not be able to have a nice smelling house which is why simmer pots are something i think every budgie/parakeet/parrot owner NEEDS to know about! How Ideas have fun with it mix and match different ingredients to find out what you like best and…

  • Food

    Poisonous Foods To Avoid With Parrots

    Avocado – can cause heart failure Alcohol – is fatal for your bird if consumed Fruit seeds – contain cyanide which is very toxic to birds Caffeine – can cause cardiac abnormalities for your bird which can lead to cardiac arrest Chocolate – can cause diarrhea and vomiting but the poisoning eventually leads to seizures. Dried beans – ensure you are cooking all beans before serving them to your parrot as they are highly toxic to your bird. Mushrooms – parrots cannot digest mushrooms and can cause major upset stomachs Fatty foods – can build up in their arteries and lead to stroke, heart disease, obesity and fatty liver disease…

  • Tips and Tricks,  Toys

    Are Mirror Bad For Parrots?

    We have all heard at one point or another that mirrors are good for smaller birds like budgies, and parakeets but in the last couple years we have heard and different story surrounding mirrors and parrots. Are mirrors bad for budgies? Why mirrors are good! When I had my first budgie I remember reading from multiple sources that mirrors were really good for budgies since they are super animated animals. They also encouraged that you have a mirror for your budgie to prevent boredom since they are such social creatures and enjoy the company of other budgies. Is this still true? Are mirrors a substitution for the companionship of a…

  • Health,  Tips and Tricks

    Can you have a budgie/parakeet alone?

    It is super common to see someone with more than one budgie/parakeet. Is keeping a budgie/parakeet alone a good idea? Can a budgie thrive being alone, as in will they be the optimal avian alone? We only want the best for our birds so lets dive in! I have kept budgies alone and in pairs now and this is entirely from my knowledge and observation having kept both. Can Budgies be happy alone? They can be happy alone. They tend to have times when they are happiest though. for example my budgie (Pete) who was kept alone was very happy when myself or my family where around and when she…