A Well Groomed Bird Is A Happy Bird

Sept. 19, 2008 - PRLog -- Just like dogs and cats, birds also require grooming to maintain optimum health and happiness.  Tina Usher is the proprietor of The Parrot’s Perch, a small aviary located southwest of Chicago since 1981.   In addition to running her aviary of Macaws, Cockatoos and African Greys, Usher also makes house calls for bird grooming and behavioral consultations.  Usher has over 25 years of experience working with parrots and is a Certified Avian Specialist. This certification is from PIJAC, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, located in Washington, D.C.  She is also certified in Falconry and Wildlife Rehabilitation.

Avian grooming is a great source of stress for both birds and their owners, so Usher provides mobile grooming services. She says, “When you have to catch your bird, put him in a carrier, put him in the car, drive to the vet's office, take him out of the carrier, he is usually taken in the back, out of your sight to be groomed, then put back in the carrier, back in the car, driven back home, taken out of the carrier and FINALLY put back in his cage, whew, he is major stressed out and so are you!”  

When Usher comes to your home, she gently wraps your bird in a towel so he is comfortably swaddled like a little papoose. She does the procedures right in front of you and in a couple of minutes…he's back in the security of his cage. When Usher walks out the door, it's all forgotten. Much easier on him and you!

When Usher talks about grooming she is not so much addressing issues of making the bird "prettier", but dealing with the bird's safety, health and comfort.

•NAILS overgrown can cause discomfort, and not being able to perch properly can lead to sores on the feet. When left to really overgrow, they tend to curl and can get caught on the cage, toys and your clothes. This is dangerous because they could break a toe or rip out a nail. Keeping the nails trimmed is very important.

•WINGS are a personal choice whether to clip or not. You have to weigh the pros and cons, each situation is unique. I personally keep my birds fully flighted. They enjoy being able to fly, it's good exercise and there hasn't been a problem. But some birds get independent and aggressive, so they have to have their wings trimmed. If the wings are trimmed, they must not be over-trimmed or trimmed too short. Not all wing trims are the same. Different degrees of wing clips are required for different species and individuals. With the proper trim, the bird cannot get lift, but can gently glide down. An improper trim will result in the bird dropping like a rock and can injure his chest. I always determine the right clipping formula for each bird according to his size and weight.

•BEAKS can overgrow and get in the way of the bird being able to feed and groom. Beaks only need a trim if they over grow.

•SHOWERS are important for a bird's well-being. Feathers are the "report card" of how well they are doing. Without proper bathing, a bird cannot preen enough to keep its plumage in good condition. Dirt, dust and pollution build up in the feathers and inhibit a good preening result. Eventually the bird can get frustrated enough and be inclined to chew the feathers (over-preen) in an attempt to properly groom themselves and this frustration can lead to feather plucking. Bathing is not only a physical necessity; it is also required for their psychological well-being. I have a custom-made shower wand that attaches to the bathroom sink faucet that I can control the water flow from a spray to a fine mist. I place the bird in the bathtub, and give him a good thorough soaking. After a refreshing shower, their plumage is stunning and every feather is in place.

•BANDS on your bird's leg can be dangerous. They can get caught on toys or become to tight and cut off the circulation to the foot. Unless you have a show bird, I do not recommend them. I have the proper tools for band removal and remove them when necessary or if the owner desires me to.

There is nothing quite as breath-taking as a beautifully groomed and well cared for bird.  

If you are interested in more information on this unique service go to www.parrotsperch.com or contact Tina Usher at 708-425-7466 or email her at tina@parrotsperch.com.

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Tina Usher, Certified Avian Specialist, has owned The Parrot’s Perch for 25 years. She is an expert in the care, training, breeding, hand-raising, grooming and behavior of parrots. She also provides mobile grooming & behavior consulting.