Parrot Stars Podcast

Perch variety is one of the easiest ways to improve how a parrot moves, exercises, and explores inside an enclosure. In this episode, Alexis and Avery break down the major categories of perching, including natural wood, rope, flat, textured, and novelty options, and explain the strengths and limitations of each. They also discuss why uniform dowels fall short, how to use different diameters and textures without overthinking it, and the safety considerations that come with wild branches and rope perches. Finally, they walk listeners through a practical cage-layout system using dish perches, foundational perches, supplemental perches, ladders, swings, and...

Perches are far more than places for parrots to stand; They shape how birds move, explore, exercise, and maintain healthy feet and joints. In this episode, Alexis and Avery explain how thoughtful perch placement can make the entire enclosure accessible, why a well-equipped cage should offer plenty of climbing and activity opportunities, and why a bird’s “favorite perch” may actually be about location or confidence. They also explore the anatomy of parrot feet, the importance of varied diameters and textures, and how better perching can help prevent discomfort, pressure sores, and long-term mobility problems. 

Don’t forget ou...

Parrots are among the most colorful animals on Earth, but their feathers may look completely different to another parrot than they do to us. In this episode, Alexis and Avery explore the science behind parrot coloration, including tetrachromatic vision, ultraviolet light, microscopic feather structures, melanin, and the uniquely parrot-made pigments called psittacofulvins. They also examine how color supports mate selection, species recognition, communication, camouflage, and survival, with fascinating examples from budgies, Blue-fronted Amazons, Hyacinth Macaws, cockatoos, and Eclectus Parrots. 

Don’t forget our species spotlight featuring the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)!

Always Remember: Be kind to...

Why do we use cages, and what makes one appropriate for a parrot? In this episode, Alexis and Avery explain how a properly designed enclosure provides safety, structure, independence, and a place to recover from household stimulation, never punishment or isolation. They break down why parrot cages are built with bars, which materials are safest, why DIY wood and aquarium-style enclosures fall short, and the risks of relying on a cage-free bird room. They also introduce the most important cage-sizing principles, including why width and depth matter more than height and why every parrot deserves the largest safe enclosure...

African Grey parrots are among the most recognizable companion birds in the world, but their intelligence, beauty, and popularity have also made them major targets of the illegal wildlife trade. In this two-part episode, Alexis and Avery examine the trafficking of Congo African Greys from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the devastating mortality behind wild-caught bird shipments, and the country’s recent move to ban parrot capture, sale, transport, and export. They also discuss how prospective parrot owners can avoid supporting unethical trade through careful research and responsible purchasing.

The episode then travels to South Africa to...

How do we give our parrots meaningful attention without accidentally teaching them that they must be with us every second of the day? In this episode, Alexis and Avery break down the difference between healthy connection, purposeful independence, and true recovery time. They explore common patterns like guilt-driven attention, constant free rein, contact calling, “Velcro” behavior, and difficulty settling. Understand that these are often signs of an unbalanced system rather than a “needy” bird. They also share practical rules for rebuilding healthier attention patterns, plus a simple seven-day reset designed to help parrots play independently, recover after excitement, and enjoy hi...

Birding can be as simple as noticing the birds in your backyard or as serious as traveling hundreds of miles to find a rare species in its natural habitat! In this episode, hosts Alexis and Avery explore what birding is, the different types of birdwatching, and the basic tools that can make the experience even more rewarding. They discuss the absolute joy of birding but also touch on the ethics of using recorded bird calls in the field. Along the way, they share their own birding stories and explain why observing wild birds can deepen our appreciation for nature...

Where you place your parrot’s cage can shape how safe, connected, and rested they feel every day. In this episode, Alexis and Avery break down the three things every good cage location should provide: safety, social connection, and recovery. They discuss windows, vents, cords, household traffic, other pets, and common locations like living rooms, bedrooms, offices, kitchens, and more! They also explain how a “poorly” chosen spot can contribute to hypervigilance, contact calling, increased defensive behavior, poor sleep, and difficulty playing independently, all of which goes hand in hand. Learn how the right location can help your parrot feel i...

In this riveting episode, our hosts Alexis and Avery combine two personal favorites of theirs - American history and parrots - to explore the shockingly long list of U.S. presidents (and First Families) who kept parrots in the Oval Office! They kick things off at Mount Vernon with George and Martha Washington’s famously referenced parrot Polly, then head into the White House years with James and Dolley Madison and their own Polly the macaw who was an unforgettable guest greeter with a bit of an attitude. From there, they tell the most legendary story of all: Andrew Ja...

In this episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Richmond and Dr. Snyder for an illuminating conversation that covers the world of veterinarians, parrot welfare, and their personal journeys with the birds they each have at home. Dr. Richmond explains how his experience with the toll that pursuing veterinary science can take inspired the creation of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary Consultants. While Dr. Snyder found his path through veterinary dentistry, teaching, and clinical leadership at the University of Wisconsin. Of course, their visit to Parrot Stars and first impressions came up once or twice, but more...

Our listeners are who keep the Parrot Stars Podcast going! Today we wanted to give a shout out to some of our amazing community members and answer the questions they submitted. We cover topics like training, desensitization, proper grooming, and even yoga! We hope you enjoy and please keep submitting your questions via phone, email, social media, or our typeform (links below). Also, listen for the species spotlight featuring the Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)!

Always Remember: Be kind to your Parrot, and it will be kind to you!

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Parrots are flock animals, and when they live in our homes, we become a part of their flock. In this episode, our hosts talk about how parrots constantly “read the room,” and how the emotional environment of a household can shape a bird’s stress level, trust, and overall wellbeing. We break down why social awareness is hardwired into parrots (a behavior that does not disappear in captivity), introduce the idea of your home’s “emotional weather,” and discuss real-life household patterns: conflict, constant intensity, chronic stress, chaos, or isolation, that can wear on a bird over time even when no one...

Our hosts, Alexis Highland and Avery Voress, explore the science of flight, from the dinosaur origins of birds to the anatomy and physics that make flying possible. They break down feathers, bones, muscles, lungs, lift, and wing shape, then connect it all back to why flight is so important for parrots’ physical and mental wellbeing.

This episode also covers how recall, return, stations, and harness training can help companion parrots safely use flight as enrichment, exercise, and confidence-building. The species spotlight is the Pacific Parrotlet (Forpus coelestis).

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