The Parrot Podcast

Sandra

Hi, I’m Sandra! Welcome to the Parrot podcast, where we talk all things parrots! Whether you're a new parrot owner or a seasoned bird enthusiast, this podcast is for you. We aim to provide valuable information to help you care for your birbs! Join us as we discuss a wide range of topics, including diet and nutrition, toys and cage setups, health and enrichment, training tips, and much more. We'll share our knowledge and expertise to help you give your parrot the best possible life and help you be the best parront you can be! Some episodes will feature interviews with experts in the field, as well as real-life stories and experiences from me and parrot owners like you. I believe that by sharing our collective knowledge, we can create a community of informed and compassionate parrot owners. So, whether you have a conure, cockatiel, macaw, budgie, african grey or any other type of parrot, join us on the Parrot podcast and let's learn together how to give our feathered friends the best care and love they deserve!

  1. 07/04/2025

    Beat the Heat! Summer Supplements & Safety for Birds

    In this episode, we sit down with Lea from NEKTON to talk all things summer bird care, from avoiding heat stress in parrots and other birds to smart supplement strategies that can make a big difference in the summer. Parrots don’t sweat, and hot days, especially during heat waves, can be dangerous if you’re not prepared.  We cover the key signs of heat stress, what to do if you spot them, common mistakes bird owners make during the summer, prevention recommendations and what to avoid. Plus, Lea shares her go-to supplements for the season and how to introduce them safely to your birds! Whether you're a seasoned bird keeper or new to parrot care, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Keypoints: ☀️Staying healthy in the heat ☀️How does heat affect birds ☀️Signs of overheating ☀️Supplements for birds in summer ☀️Why supplements are beneficial for pet birds ☀️ Electrolytes, vitamins and bone health ☀️ How do your supplements complement a healthy diet? ☀️ How to introduce supplements, even to picky eaters! ☀️ Common mistakes bird owners make when caring for their birds during the summer Special Guests: 👉🏼 Lea from NEKTION, a leading brand in high-quality bird care products. Nekton offers a wide range of supplements designed to keep your feathered friends healthy and thriving, from ornamental birds to birds of prey.  “Electrolytes give the birds important minerals, simple sugars like dextrose and fructose and vitamin C, and these help keep the fluids balanced and help the birds recover faster after such stress like dehydration, heat and stuff, so that’s very good in the summer.”— Lea  Links: NEKTON Shop: https://shop.nekton.de/en/  NEKTON News: https://www.nekton.de/en/sommerhitze-bei-voegeln-unsere-partnerin-gibt-tipps-zur-richtigen-pflege/ Blog on Heat: https://poodlesandparrots.com/blog/posts/protect-your-birds-from-summer-heat 🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products 💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/ 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/ 🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots

    56 min
  2. 05/23/2025

    Parrot Kindergarten: Teaching Birds to Talk with Tech & Trust

    What happens when science, compassion, technology and a parrot come together? In this episode, we sit down with Jen, who took a groundbreaking approach to teaching birds how to communicate using tablets and touchscreens! Her birds are the first documented parrots that can READ AND WRITE!! We explore how to truly understand your bird’s emotions, recognize signs of trauma, fear, and even pain, and how technology and trust-based training can create a bridge between species. Whether you're a bird parent, animal behaviour enthusiast, or just curious about how a parrot can use an iPad/tablet, this episode will leave you rethinking what’s possible in animal communication! Keypoints: 🦜What inspired teaching parrots to communicate using technology? 🦜What was the initial process of training a cockatoo to use a tablet  🦜How can we help our bird with their fears 🦜Access to a tablet saved Isabelle the cockatoo's life! 🦜How can this method deepen your relationships with your bird 🦜Can any bird learn this? 🦜How do you ensure that the use of technology is beneficial for your parrots, and not overwhelming or stressful for them 🦜Tips on how to get started without a tablet/iPad! Special Guests: 👉🏼 Jen from @parrotkindergarten, parrot mama, attorney, animal cognition trainer, writer, and international speaker, focusing on animal literacy and communication.  “Every animal I’ve worked with has been able to learn either cards and symbols or the tablet, and various things play into this”— Jen Links: Parrot Kindergarten: https://parrotkindergarten.com/ Screen sanitizers: https://www.amazon.com/shop/poodlesandparrots/list/2GP2S18EBZPTD?ref_=aipsflist  Touch & Feel books: https://amzn.to/48RJY2k  🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products 💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/ 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/ 🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots

    1h 55m
  3. 12/22/2024

    Parrot SOS: Diet, First Aid, Plucking, and the Secrets to a Healthier Bird

    In this episode, we dive into the essential tips every bird owner needs to know. From quick first-aid steps for emergencies to understanding the root causes of feather plucking, we cover it all with Dr. Octavio. Learn how to optimize your parrot’s diet with the right balance and discover the importance of sunlight and probiotics for their well-being. Plus, we tackle common health concerns like overweight birds and the use of hormone implants. Tune in for expert advice and practical solutions to keep your parrot thriving from an avian vet! Key Points:  Parrot first aid tipsParrot bleeding tipsProbiotics and Prebiotics for BirdsSunlight for birds - Why and how much?Cockatiels and night frights!How to tell if your bird is overweight?Parrot diet - seeds, pellets, vegetables, fruitParrot plucking and the root causeWhat do healthy feathers look like?Do x-rays have to be done with anesthesia?Hormone implants and Lupron - do they work? Are they good?Most common bacteria and infections in birds!Special Guests: 👉🏼 Dr. Octavio Lisboa, Avian Vet passionate about saving birds since 2006. You may remember him from Episode 34! “And simple accident but they can become like a nightmare… is the bleeding, nail bleeding, beak bleeding something like this… We have to try to stop the bleeding immediately.”— Dr. Octavio Links: https://www.avianmedicinecourses.com/https://www.avianmedicinecourses.com/online-course-how-to-feed-my-parrot 🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products 💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/ 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/ 🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots

    2h 46m
  4. 09/20/2024

    Birds with Special Needs and Birb Art

    In this episode we fly into the world of birds with special needs, exploring the challenges and care requirements! From splay legs to blindness, we discuss various disabilities that affect birds and the compassionate care they require to live fulfilling lives. Jen also provides us with tips and advice on caring for senior birds, whose golden years often bring unique health concerns. We also talk with Jen about life as a bird artist who not only creates stunning birb art but also dedicates her life to rescuing and rehabilitating special-needs birds. Listen as she shares her journey of combining art and advocacy, bringing attention to these incredible creatures through her work while offering them the love and care they deserve. Whether you're a bird lover, an artist, or someone passionate about animal rescue, this episode will inspire you by the resilience of birds and the humans who care for them. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about creativity, compassion, and the beauty of all living beings. Key Points:  🦜 Birds with special needs 🦜 Birds with Splay legs 🦜 How to support blind birds 🦜 Birds with Arthritis 🦜 Aggressive birds 🦜 Addressing Pluckers  🦜 Birb Art and Inspire behind Birdhism  🦜 The challenges of being a Bird Artist 🦜 How expensive do vet bills get? Special Guests: 👉🏼 Jen from Birdhism is on a mission to inspire compassion for both birds and people through art, memes, and merch. “It’s hard; it’s not for people who form attachments without being able to let go. That’s one of the biggest things doing bird rescue is being able to let go ”— Jen Links: https://birdhism.com/ 🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products 💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/ 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/ 🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots

    1h 39m
  5. 08/02/2024

    The Aviator Bird Harness 🦜🌞

    In this episode, we take flight with the aviator harness for birds! We sit down with the CEO of The Parrot University to explore the story of how this innovative product came to be. Julias shares aviator harness options and guides us through choosing the perfect size for your feathered babies! Learn essential training techniques for getting your bird comfortable with the harness, and discover tips for safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures.🧭🌲⛰️🏞️ Key Points: How was the Aviator Harness created?What is the size guide?Why is this harness so safe?Why is it enrichment for birdsAviator Harness training tipsWhere are good places to go with your bird?What should we bring on our harness adventures?Step by step to getting your bird in a harness!Be careful of knock-off brands!Do's and don'ts every bird owner should know for outdoor adventures!Special Guests: 👉🏼 CEO of The Parrot University, Julia Dettore, CPBT-KA @theparrotuniversity  “We’re the first, and we really pride ourselves on the quality and safety. I’m using these with my own birds, so you know if I pull one off the shelf, I don’t want to lose my bird; I don’t want anybody to get their bird hurt either… From the start of the harness to the very end, quality is where we’re looking.”—Julia Dettore. Julia combines her love for birds and knack for innovation to create top-notch products and services for our feathered friends. Her journey started at an aviary as a teen, and she hasn’t looked back since. She honed her skills at the Columbus Zoo and later studied Animal Science at Ohio State University. With over a decade in the animal industry, Julia is all about making life better for our feathered friends. She’s led the Aviator Harness to reach bird lovers in over 100 countries, always focusing on quality and care. Passionate about positive reinforcement training and holistic bird health, Julia’s mission is to educate and empower pet owners everywhere. Links: https://www.aviatorharness.com/  👉🏼💸DISCOUNT: THEPARROTPODCASThttps://www.facebook.com/AviatorHarness https://poodlesandparrots.com/blog/posts/safe-wood-branches-and-trees https://poodlesandparrots.com/blog/posts/safe-and-unsafe-household-plants 🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products 💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/ 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/ 🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots

    1h 23m
  6. 07/19/2024

    Passionate Conservation with Amazon Parrots, Macaws, Cockatoos & Reptiles👀🐊

    In this episode, I sit down to chat with Adele from Wildlife Unleashed, a passionate conservationist dedicated to creating safe havens for some of the most stunning birds, including Amazon parrots, macaws, Major Mitchell cockatoos, and red-tailed black cockatoos and many other animals! We discuss what it takes to run a sanctuary, free flight tips, flock enrichment, and more! Adele also shares insights on Australian wildlife and how their dedication is channelled through wildlife education programs aimed at inspiring and educating the public about the vital importance of conservation. Key Points: Journey to starting Wildlife UnleashedWhat it’s like to have 19 parrots AND 88 ANIMALS!Macaws, Amazons, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos, Gang-gang Cockatoos and more!!Free flight tipsEnrichment and Large AviariesThe best and worst parts of starting a sanctuary Australian Wildlife👀Tidbits on saltwater crocs, lizards, snakes, owls and magpies Special Guests: Adele Bender from Wildlife Unleashed @adelebender_, @wildlifeunleashed_“In captivity, we can never provide what they would naturally in the wildlife, you know. If they're not compatible, they just fly off and have this endless amount of space to get away from each other”—Adele Bender.    Links: https://www.wildlifeunleashed.com.au/ 🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products 💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/ 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/ 🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots

    1h 24m
  7. 07/05/2024

    Avian Vet Tips for Healthy Parrots!

    Looking for tips from an avian vet tips for healthy parrots? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Octavio to help you with health tips for your parrots! From understanding our parrot's complex needs to shocking bloodwork results and identifying signs of illness early on. Discover the differences between healthy and unhealthy poops, and gain invaluable tips to keep your feathered fids thriving!  Key Points: 🦜 What does a healthy bird poop look like? 🦜 Signs of illness 🦜 Fractures and broken bones  🦜 Healthy tips & Household dangers 🦜 Shocking bloodwork results in parrots!  🦜 Can parrots get cancer? 🦜 Can parrots be allergic to certain foods? 🦜 Heavy metal poisoning  🦜 The dangers of preparing formula 🦜 Risks of Surgery on Parrots 🦜 How often should we go for vet visits? 🦜 What types of testing should we be doing? 🦜 Feather plucking and feather imping  Special Guests: 🩺 Dr. Octavio Lisboa, Avian vet with more than 18 years of exclusive experience in bird care! “It's very important to keep checking the droppings; buy one kitchen scale for we keep checking the weight of your parrot, if it's possible, every day, every week because if they are losing weight, some problem is happening and also behaviour” - Dr. Octavio Lisboa.    Links: 📲 https://linktr.ee/avian.medicine  📲 https://www.avianmedicinecourses.com/  🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products 💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/ 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/ 🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/ 📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots

    2h 38m
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Hi, I’m Sandra! Welcome to the Parrot podcast, where we talk all things parrots! Whether you're a new parrot owner or a seasoned bird enthusiast, this podcast is for you. We aim to provide valuable information to help you care for your birbs! Join us as we discuss a wide range of topics, including diet and nutrition, toys and cage setups, health and enrichment, training tips, and much more. We'll share our knowledge and expertise to help you give your parrot the best possible life and help you be the best parront you can be! Some episodes will feature interviews with experts in the field, as well as real-life stories and experiences from me and parrot owners like you. I believe that by sharing our collective knowledge, we can create a community of informed and compassionate parrot owners. So, whether you have a conure, cockatiel, macaw, budgie, african grey or any other type of parrot, join us on the Parrot podcast and let's learn together how to give our feathered friends the best care and love they deserve!