WingsNThings - Birds & Parrots as Pets - All About Pet Birds - Pets & Animals on Pet Life Radio (PetLifeRadio.com)

In this week's episode Barbara and Robin discuss choosing an avian vet and ways to build a relationship with that avian professional that will most benefit you and your companion bird. Some training techniques for preparing for the visit are also discussed.

In this week's episode the new hosts of Wings and Things Barbara Heidenreich of Good Bird Inc., and Robin Shewokis of The Leather Elves give an introduction of themselves and share some of their passion for training and enrichment.

Learn about macaws, the gentle giants of the avian world. These colorful denizens of South American can make wonderful, affectionate pets if you have the space and the right living arrangements! Apartment dwellers, ask your neighbors first! Have you ever thought about joining or starting a bird club? These helpful avian organizations have evolved from breeders sittin' around talking to real service organizations! A bird club can be a valuable resource for the pet bird owner! Fly through the legal issues, state your mission and start a club or join one!

Join Wings 'n Things for a big Q&A session! We'll discuss air filters, fat Amazon parrots, birds and children and the pros and cons of cage litter. Blue and gold macaws are gentle giants. We'll discuss some amazing facts about these big beauties!

Feeling cramped? Perhaps you can stretch your living area by keeping your birds in a finished basement or remodeled garage. Check out these helpful hints! Quaker parakeets are popular pets and they also survive quite nicely in feral colonies from Maine to Florida. Learn about these sassy little survivors! Are you ready for a career as a bird sitter? Here's how!

Ready to fly south? We've got some budget hints for that great exotic bird watching vacation you've always wanted to take. Get the most for your dollar when traveling to bird shows or the Outback of Australia! Eclectus parrots are elegant and beautiful. Learn about their habits and qualities that make them good pets. Traveling with your bird? Share our Top Ten Travel Tips right here!

A no-nonsense approach to making the most of your avian dollars! Are you spending too much for bird food, accessories and other things? Maximize yur spending power without sacrificing quality for your feathered friends! Join us for a review of conure species and personalities. These little clowns of the avian world are sure to captivate...which one is right for you? Gimme shelter! Learn how a New York bird club is coping with the problem of unwanted pet birds!

A "Household Safety Audit" takes you on a tour of accidents waiting to happen around your home! If there's mischief to be found, your bird will find it! Learn how to reduce risk of avian injuries and how important it is to have a plan in case of fire or natural disaster. Guest Roberta Fabiano, accompanied by her mitred conure, Ratchet, joins the show for a rousing round of 'Featherbrains', a quiz game all about birds! See how many of the multiple choice questions you can answer! Then join us for a spotlight on cockatoos!

We'll explore the basic necessities you need for your bird's home tweet home, from cages to dishes and play stands. During this segment we'll even get specific about bar spacing and cage size for different species. Caiques are like little clowns in bird suits! Learn about this lively, sassy species from South America in our Species Spotlight segment.

Understanding why your bird chews, screams, bites and makes a mess will help you devise clever ways of coping with unwanted behavior and adjusting your bird's environment to make your birdkeeping experience more pleasant! Enjoy an introduction to African grey parrots, renowned for talking and mimicking almost any sound you can imagine! Did you know the 'bare' part of the African grey's face is actually covered with very fine, hair-like feathers? We'll also take ten steps toward bird-proofing your home..with special mention about bird-proofing your family and friends!

Does your bird hate its cage or suffer from night frights? The solution may be right in front of you! Think like a bird and get quick results! Every bird owner's nightmare: Your bird flies away and you're in a panic! Believe it or not, there are things you can do to increase the odds of getting your bird back! Learn some of the ways that you can 'escape-proof' your bird too!

Deck the Halls With Boughs of Polly! Have a fun and bird-safe Holiday season! Learn what hazards to avoid to keep your feathered friend safe during this festive time of year! Cracker, it's cold outside! Learn how to keep your bird warm and toasty during the chilly winter months. Do you get depressed because it gets dark so early? Your bird suffers effects from shortened hours of daylight too, but you can help with supplementary, full-spectrum lighting.

Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of a planted aviary? Despaired at the amount of poop produced by your parrot? Considered traveling abroad or by air with your pet bird? Roberta Fabiano joins the show for a lively discussion of all three topics!

Put on your explorer's helmet and join me for an adventure in 'parrotdise'! Alexander the Great's troops brought parrots to Europe from India in 327BC. Later, Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus were captivated by the parrots they saw during their journeys. Now it's our turn to discover the joys, responsibilities and revelations of parrot parenthood! Folllow me as I navigate through Seven Days in Parrotdise! Later, we'll answer questions about using natural branches in your bird's cage and the dangers of non-stick cookware. It's a jungle in here!

Imagine spending your life with a quartet of spirited Amazon parrots! If one is this much fun, will two or more be even more of a party? Explore the history, care and characteristics of these personality-packed green guys! They're not for everyone, but if you're up for the challenge, Amazon parrots can be lifelong companions