#32 Parrot Gazette: A Feathered Treasure
Straight From My Heart’s Wishlist
In this issue:
Adopting an Older Parrot: Why It Might Be Perfect for You
Nicodemus, My Christmas Saint
How & Where to Pick a Healthy, Older Parrot
Movie Time: 🍿🦜 Parrot Longevity:
What You Can Do To Ensure The Longest Life For Your Parrot
Reader Resources
Recipe!
Thanks for being a regular! We love your feathers! 🌞📚🦜
This time! A recipe from my “Cooking For Parrots Cookbook” - after Reader Resources!
1.
Adopting an Older Parrot: Why It Might Be Perfect for You
💚 by Nicodemus, Green-winged Macaw
Nicodemus’ Guide to Adopting an Older Parrot
By Nicodemus, the Green-winged Macaw
Hello, my human friends!
Nicodemus here, the debonair Green-winged Macaw with wisdom to share.
Are you thinking about adopting a parrot- and have you considered an older parrot?
Brilliant choice, my friend!
We older birds bring seasoned charm—calm vibes, fewer nibbles, and the poise of a feathered aristocrat. We’ve seen the world (or at least the living room) and know how to love deeply when our previous humans were loving with us.
Sure, we might need a little extra TLC for creaky joints or a feather fluff out of place, but isn’t that part of the joy?
You’re giving us a second chance, and in return, you get a companion brimming with personality and gratitude instead of bites and a desire to explore your home with our beak! Similar to a dog, you can say we are already house trained! Make sure we are healthy and we may be able to still outlive a dog but be just as loyal and affectionate!
Older parrots? Simply fabulous! 🦜
2.
Nicodemus, My Christmas Saint
A Green-winged Macaw
by Kalyn
I’d been dreaming of having a Macaw in our flock again for some time—dreaming, itching, scratching—nothing could shake the feeling!
Then, just three days before Christmas, a friend of mine, who rehomes birds, told me about a Green-winged Macaw he had available. His collection is always a surprise since it depends on what birds get surrendered to him. This wasn’t the first time I’d had the chance to bring a Green-wing into my life, but something always seemed off about the timing.
Not this time!
My heart was set, and I reached out for details before telling my husband all about the Macaw, which he too wanted. Off we went to meet this beautiful bird.
In our family, we don’t do a lot of wrapped Christmas gifts. My husband and I tend to get what we want when we need it—no waiting around for holidays. Plus, wrapping paper, Christmas trees, and parrots? A disaster waiting to happen!
This unwrapped gift-Macaw felt like a present from the universe itself, perfectly timed for the holidays. When we brought him home, he fit in so seamlessly it was like he’d been waiting for us all along. Naturally, I named him after Christmas—Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was everything I’d been longing for. Sure, jewelry and clothes are nice, but between picky tastes and parrots that love to chew, those gifts don’t always work for me. But this? This was perfect—a soulful, feathered treasure straight from my heart’s wishlist. What an incredible addition to my flock!
3. How & Where to Pick a Healthy, Older Parrot
By Max, the Cape Parrot
Greetings, feathered friends and future parrot parents!
Max here, your wise Cape Parrot, sharing tips to find a healthy older parrot:
Look at the feathers—are they vibrant and smooth, or raggedy? A shiny coat says, “I feel fabulous!”
Check the beak and nails; they should look strong, not cracked or overgrown.
Clear, bright eyes mean alertness, and a curious demeanor is a great sign of vitality.
Listen for steady breathing and look for a clean are (no buggers!)
Gross, but always peek at droppings! They should be well-formed.
Follow your instincts; a healthy parrot shines from the inside out!
Where To Get
by Kalyn
Now, where to get one? And, by the way, even though we tend to be better behaved than young, wild parrots, we tend to be less expensive! Always talk with a seller, the ones who care and are less likely to be a scam, tend to answer your questions because they want us to have a good, loving home!
A Rescue
Getting a bird from a rescue is an adventure! You’re not just finding a pet—you’re gaining a companion with a one-of-a-kind story. Rescued birds are often socialized and come with insider tips from the staff, making it easier to find your perfect match. Plus, they’re a steal compared to breeders or private sellers. Best of all, you can meet, mingle, and fall in love with your future feathered friend before bringing them home!
A Private Seller
The best of the worlds! Great information and a less expensive bird than a baby or store-bought parrot:
Getting an older parrot from a private seller is like being handed a treasure! These birds often come with a rich history, and the previous owner can give you the inside scoop on their personality, favorite treats, and quirks.
Many are already at home, so the transition to your home can be smoother by expose them to less germs and less stress.
I’ve also noticed that when I buy from a previous owner, the birds seem to know that they are being given by their new owner (not always, of course) so they can be more open to their the change of another chapter in another flock and home.
4. Movie Time!
🍿🦜 Parrot Longevity
What You Can Do To Ensure The Longest Life For Your Parrot
4. Reader Resources:
Looking For A Bird?
Rescue, Baby Or Rehome
Looking to RESCUE? Try Bird Gardens of Naples
Looking for a BABY? Visit Parrot Bliss
We have baby parrotlets, White-bellied Caiques, Blue-headed Macaw, Indian Ringneck, Green-cheek Conures and a Hahn’s!
6. Recipe!
From the cookbook for parrots that I’m currently writing: (Recipe by Kalyn & Makayla Sadamori)
FLAXSEED AND ALMOND FLOUR CRACKERS
These homemade crackers offer a nutritious treat for both and your feathered companion. Perfect for a quick snack or on-the-go adventures, they are simple to prepare and delightfully tasty. Packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, these crackers provide many nutritional benefits for your bird.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes about 45 crackers (1 x 11/2 inches [2.5 x 3.8 cm])
Basic dough ingredients:
1 cup (120 g) finely ground blanched almond flour
1/2 cup (56 g) finely ground flaxseed meal
1 Tbsp (15 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 to 1 tsp each: dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin
1 tsp black sesame seeds
1 tsp white sesame seeds (or just use 2 teaspoons of whichever color you have)
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
For the bird parent:
You can split the dough into two and add a half a teaspoon of salt to your part. Mix well to incorporate in the dough
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180C (350F) and have ready a large sheet pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the blanched almond flour, flaxseed meal, olive oil, all the spices, and the sesame seeds.
3. Start adding the water spoon by spoon and mix together. The dough will begin to stick together.
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper. Press it lightly with your hands to form a rectangular shape. Cover with another piece of parchment paper and roll slowly with a rolling pin, aiming to create as uniform a rectangular shape as possible, until the dough reaches cracker thickness.
4. Carefully remove the top paper and transfer the bottom paper with the dough to a sheet pan. Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into squares or your desired shapes.
Bake for about 20 minutes. Turn the heat off and leave the crackers in the oven for another 5 minutes. Because thickness and oven temperatures may vary, I recommend checking them frequently after the 12-minute mark. They burn easily, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Let cool on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container to preserve the crunchiness.
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About Kalyn
I’m an author, parront and quite passionate about my parrots. I love learning about parrots, having them and sharing what I learn in my books and videos. I also like writing novels, I’ve created child and adult parrot coloring books - all to help support our flock.
About Xelha
I’m a college student who loves parrots! Conures are my favorites! I also love digital art and traveling.
❤️
Having over 22 species means we have a loud, colorful and loving home!
See you next time! Sqwack!
Sweet!
What a perfect read! Congratulations on your, “new” baby. As I’ve expressed before, Greenwings are one of my favorite macaws. All of the Greenwings I’ve met have been nice birds once they get comfortable with you. They can be real clowns and charmers. And, lastly, they have beautiful coloration. ❤️🤗❤️