We’ve got another brilliant batch of questions that Feathered Friends have kindly taken the time to answer.
The first question was asked by Stephen on Twitter.
Q1. Morning, we bought a snuggle from you via Amazon about 3 weeks ago, any tips for getting him to use it? Tried all sorts, he just climbs all over it and pulls it about.
A: Most birds are naturally suspicious, if not afraid, of new objects. It is always important to introduce things gradually. When introducing new objects to my birds I first leave it within sight of them but not close enough to cause them to be alarmed.
After a few days I will move it slightly closer and closely watch for any adverse reaction from them. If I spot any sign of fear I will immediately move the object back to a place they don’t feel threatened by it. I may start holding the object while sitting down, letting the birds see I’m at ease with it and making out it’s a really fun object.
With a hideaway I’d then progress to placing treats close to it and as they became comfortable with that I would place treats inside it. It helps if you know what treat your bird values really highly. Once your bird is happy and readily taking treats from inside the hideaway you can then place it in the position you intend it to be used in.
The second question was left as a comment on our blog.
Q2: Just wondering when Hahns stop breeding, thanks.
A: The Hahns Macaw or red shouldered Macaw originates from Eastern Venezuela , northern Brazil and South America.
They have an average lifespan of 25+ years. Known as a mini Macaw, they are easier size wise to keep as companion birds.
Hahns Macaws reach sexual maturity at around two and a half to three years old. The optimum breeding age is five plus years. The maximum breeding age I’d say depends on the individual bird but breeding into the late teens to early twenty wouldn’t be unusual.
This final question was sent in via our Facebook page.
Q3: Hi, do you know where I can find an accurate diet sheet for a Kakariki?
A: Kakarikis are good, all round eaters.
Seeds including millet, canary seed, niger, hemp, linseed and safflower are all enjoyed as well as, sweetcorn and pine nuts.
Millet sprays are enjoyed as a treat along with sprouted seeds.
Fruits and vegetables enjoyed include apples, oranges, kiwi, berries, spinach, kale and carrots. They will also take greens such as dandelion leaves and cabbage
A good way to get an all round diet is a vegetable chop and mix in things like grains and pulses, sprouted seed along with a good quality seed mix.
Read more in our Kakariki feeding guide.
Please let us know if you have any more Parrot questions.
