Hello everybirdie! It's been a whirlwind year for
me and my birdies. I know it's been a long time
since I've written, but We've moved! Our new home is
a very special one. We've moved in with my
boyfriend, and as you can imagine, both my
birds and boyfriend are having spurts of jealousy!
I don't know if I can handle this?! Actually, it's
been great. My boyfriend has welcomed me in with
my feathered friends, and no one's lost their feathers
yet! HA! Thank you all for your patience, and for
being here with me on THE PERCH!
Birdbytes.com official online newsletter.

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* * PRIZES SOON! * *

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Did you know? Just by signing up for
this newletter, you are eligible to
WIN A PRIZE from Birdbytes.com

Our next winners will be chosen on
February 28th. So keep a BIRD'S EYE VIEW
on your email to see if you're a Winner!

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CLICK ON NEW GOOGLE ADS

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ADS can be uninviting, but now Birdbytes.com
has added "Ads from Google" that will be
interesting to you. That's because they're
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you. You'll be surprised to see how many web
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Please PECK AWAY ON THE ADS and let me
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I'd like to hear from you.

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NEW PHOTO GALLERY #4

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If you haven't already noticed there are

NEW BIRD PHOTOS!!!

in our Bird Bytes Photo Gallery

http://www.birdbytes.com/bird_photos.html

Take a look at the latest Birds that
Flew In at Gallery #4!

If you'd like to submit your Birds Photo,
please send to:
goldie_web@yahoo.com

Bird Gallery #5 is coming soon!

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NEW BIRD NAMES PAGE

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Submission of your Bird Names keeps growing
by the minute!. A NEW BIRD NAMES PAGE has begun.
It's Page 16.

Go see GRACIE and RASCO, our latest friends
on the Names Page from Birdbytes.com.

http://www.birdbytes.com/names16.html

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Birdie "PMS" - Parrot Molting Syndrome
by Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant
Phone: (503) 771-BIRD

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It's a fact of life - all our bird friends go through "P.M.S."
several times a year! I am talking about "Parrot Molting Syndrome"
for lack of a better term! It means emotional and physical
changes, which can result in behavioral disturbances.
When my 4-year-old Blue and Gold Macaw, Amber,
goes into a molt you would swear she was "P.M.S.ing!"
All of a sudden she's moody and irritable and cranky.
Why? It takes a tremendous toll on the body to replace
every single feather! New pin feathers coming in are
itchy, if rubbed the wrong way, can be painful. Nutritionally,
the body needs more nutrients during this time, especially
fatty acids and minerals, particularly calcium. So, it's a
time of transition, which can be eased with your help.

Let's look at the dynamics of molting and feather production.
Roughly 10% - 20% of body weight is feather. The creation
of which requires certain nutrients. The majority of birds in
our homes suffer from some degree of malnutrition - it's still
the leading cause of death in companion birds - and you
may not even be aware of it! The essential amino acids lysine
and methionine are especially important, as are choline and riboflavin.
Long periods between molts, failure to produce new feathers,
and feather weaknesses and abnormalities can all be indicative
of nutritional deficiencies. Some birds seem to be in a state of
continual molt, while others go through an obvious molt
once or twice a year. Most birds grow heavier plumage
during the cold winter than they do in summer. Softbills
exposed to too many hours of artificial light will go into
an extra or prolonged molt. Covering the cage at night
may be helpful. Parrots generally molt year round rather
than seasonally, although you'll notice it more in late summer.

Heavy molts DO affect personality! You may see a decrease
in playing or talking, in addition to the grouchiness. Your bird
may seek out more of your attention, hoping you'll help
preen the incoming pin feathers. More frequent bathing
is also helpful during molting. Expect to see a lot more
dander and "floaties" in the air, in addition to lots of fallen feathers.

Almost 90% of a feather is composed of protein, so
molting is the time to increase protein foods in the diet.
Shredded chicken, hard cooked egg whites, tofu, cottage
cheese and yogurt are good additions, along with legumes,
whole grains, and nuts. The fatty acids in the grains and
nuts are also needed for healthy skin and feathers. I usually
supplement extra flax seed oil during molts. Be sure quality
pellets are available daily as well as lots of veggies,
like broccoli, carrots, yams, pumpkin, corn, and swiss chard.

If wing clipping during a molt, be aware of blood
feathers on the wings. Clipping a feather with a live
blood supply can cause persistent bleeding, requiring
the feather to be pulled in order to stop the bleeding.
If you bird's wings are clipped mid-molt, be aware
that a touch-up trim later may be necessary to keep
your bird from being too flighted. Just remember
that molting is a natural phase all birds
go through, in order to replace old worn out feathers
with shiny new ones! Expect some irritability and
crankiness during this time - it's normal. Help out by
preening pin feathers, giving frequent baths and
boosting their nutrition.

by Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant
Phone: (503) 771-BIRD
provided by: www.yourparrotplace.com

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Dear Shelters, Organizations, and Animal Lovers all across the World!

Please consider visiting this web site:

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Please sign our spay/neuter no kill petition
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Check out the Latest "License to Brag" postings:
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That's it for THE PERCH. Until next time, here's
hoping that you and your feathered friends are
happy and healthy.

Rosita Mercado
Birdmaster
http://www.birdbytes.com

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DISCLAIMER: Information, Ads, and advice contained on this E-Zine is for your consideration only.
Please consult your veterinarian for specific advice concerning the care and treatment
of your pet. THE PERCH Ezine and Birdbytes.com does not endorse and is not
responsible for the advertisements in the ezine.
All articles are reprinted with permission of the author.

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