Bird myths

[Pheonix Rising]

Hi all I'm interested what myths you have heard about birds
please also let us know if you have actually found any truth in any of the myths posted


I was told by the breeder when collecting my Alex baby that if I pull his neck feathers out when he is molting that they will grow back as the adult plumage ( black and red ) instead of the green again
* don't worry I won't be trying it *

 

[greycloud]

Timneh greys cannot talk as well as CAGs. Absolutely not true! I know of many Timmies that have huge vocabularies. One recites versus from the bible. Some CAGs never even talk.

 

[Pheonix Rising]

I belive it's up to the bird and the owners effort / enthusiasum as to who talks and how well
Rosie is doing great keep it up

 

[Beilana]

Myths :

All (insert species) are (insert characteristic).

 

[bogo1]

Birds engage in pack behavior and seek to be alpha.

 

[wildheart]

Birds engage in pack behavior and seek to be alpha.

Yes and Mishka, Ant's African grey went and sat on the highest perch of the new tree that Craig made. Sterretjie gave Mishka one look and ran over and bit her on her foot. How dare the visitor take the highest branch!

Sorry, I left my head at home this morning.

:54:

 

[Aussie Ben]

LOL Linky, you and Ant. have to control those fids of yours lol

Mine is very much related to Barb and Linkys posts, but i am just spelling it out:

MYTH: Parrots use height to show dominance

 

[Aussie Ben]

Here's another, which I think Ratzy in particular will appreciate:

MYTH: Budgies (parakeets) are dumb, disposable pets!

 

[wildheart]

LOL Linky, you and Ant. have to control those fids of yours lol

Mine is very much related to Barb and Linkys posts, but i am just spelling it out:

MYTH: Parrots use height to show dominance

I think that is better!

 

[Von1983]

In my humble opinion, Britain is a country that is "backward" in parrot care. (Not EVERYONE, obviously) but as a nation, we are poorly equipped.

So.

No, a bird will NOT be ok with a bowl of seed and one swing perch.

 

[wildheart]

Myth: An Indian Ringnecks bluff is worse than their bite.

Not only do they take your skin but they also rip your flesh and leave you bleeding for some time. Healing takes at least 2 weeks. (Sorry Ant.)

 

[Aussie Ben]

In my humble opinion, Britain is a country that is "backward" in parrot care. (Not EVERYONE, obviously) but as a nation, we are poorly equipped.

So.

No, a bird will NOT be ok with a bowl of seed and one swing perch.

Other day, someone said to me he was thinking of getting a parrot. Excited, I said "oooo what species?" Answer: "I dunno, one of those green ones, you only need to feed them seed right?" So I'm like, uh oh. Then, I started explaining to him how there is no such thing as a parrot that just eats seed and how I spend a good part of my morning chopping up F&V. I think he was a little turned off, which kinda made me glad.

 

[Von1983]

It is SCARY here Ben, honestly.

Most frequently I get questions/statements about Cal.

1) Does it talk? (Personally, not the first question that has EVER sprung to my mind to ask lol)
2) Going up to her and saying (honestly): Polly want a cracker? (WHAT?!)
3) Why has it got a bowl of fruit/veg? Where's it's seed? What are those coloured things? (pellets) Sweets?
4) What has it got a bed for? (cosy hut) It won't use that! (Really? Tell Cal that when she's climbing in it before I've even hung it up of a night time)
4) (This one usually comes after all of the above and boils my blood EVERY time) How much did that cost you or WORSE how much dya want for it?

Urgh.

 

[antoinette]

Myth: An Indian Ringnecks bluff is worse than their bite.

Not only do they take your skin but they also rip your flesh and leave you bleeding for some time. Healing takes at least 2 weeks. (Sorry Ant.)

Sorry Ant.




It's okay Linky I think I might live !!!!!!!!!

 

[wildheart]

Myth: An Indian Ringnecks bluff is worse than their bite.

Not only do they take your skin but they also rip your flesh and leave you bleeding for some time. Healing takes at least 2 weeks. (Sorry Ant.)

Sorry Ant.

It's okay Linky I think I might live !!!!!!!!!

It is not that bad, you are now part of the plaster-patched-family!

..

 

[bogo1]

That the biggest expense is the bird ....

That any vet will do...

That they are room decor ...

That a big cage and toys can take the place of human interaction full time.

 

[Ladyeclectic]

That I got a bird because "I guess all pirates need a bird."

(thanks mom)

Main pet peeve though is nobody thinks birds need fruit, they're fine with seeds. :groan:

 

[Bobby34231]

Myth: all parrots are given a forever home.

Fact: the sad fact is that 85% of all exotic birds are either sold or given away in their first 2 years.

 

[Spiritbird]

Here is a link to an article by Ken Globus. He feels the biggest myth about birds is about gloves - to wear or not to wear.

The Biggest Myth

 

[antoinette]

Myths and Realities

Myth: Birds are dumb. The ones that talk just mimic sounds.

Reality: The term "birdbrain" cannot be used to define the intellectual capabilities of birds. Mynah birds may be great mimics, but scientific studies have proven that parrots are extremely intelligent creatures, on a par with great apes, whales and dolphins. They even surpass human intelligence when it comes to navigational ability. Parrots are capable of cognizant speech and conceptual learning.