Many people are unaware of just how dangerous nicotine and cigarette smoke are for birds, but the truth is that even small amounts of exposure can have serious consequences. Birds have incredibly sensitive respiratory systems that work far more efficiently than those of humans, meaning toxins are absorbed faster and circulate through their bodies more intensely. When smoke is present, nicotine and the other harmful chemicals included in cigarettes can coat a bird’s feathers, interfering with...

Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a common, but often missed condition in pet birds, especially parrots. It develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver, interfering with normal liver function. The most common causes include seed-heavy or high-fat diets, too many treats, lack of exercise, obesity, and long-term nutritional imbalance. Symptoms can be subtle at first, but often show up physically. Many birds with FLD develop an overgrown beak or abnormal beak growth, along with visible...

Have you ever been watching a movie and heard the “SQUAAAAAWK” of a macaw that makes you turn your head because you’re 99% sure you’ve...