When you share your life with animals, emergencies are inevitable. Whether it’s wildfires, hurricanes, or sudden health scares, being prepared can make the difference between a manageable situation and a disaster. Safety doesn’t come from hoping for the best - it comes from expecting problems and...
At what point in January do we stop bidding each other Happy New Year, or talking about resolutions? I believe both of these start to drop off right around mid-month, judging from my ability to access my favorite elliptical machine at the gym. Either way, there...
In the human world, questions about the ethics and efficacy of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and linear training methods often arise. Are these approaches inherently cruel, or do they depend on how they're applied? These questions have led to how we look at working with...
When it comes to parrots, every bird has a story, and Bongo's is one I’ve cherished for many years. At 35 years old, Bongo, an African grey parrot, has seen a lifetime of love and challenges. He spent most of his life with a single...
One of the big lessons that the increase in bird watching during the pandemic taught people, it is that birds lead really hard lives. From diseases spread at the bird feeders, domestic cat predation, and glass strikes, there are many challenges that face modern bird...
Ever thought about what happens when a species spreads into new territory? I recently asked this question myself at a scientific conference I attended after hearing about black vultures and barred owls expanding their ranges. For many of us, this seems simple: if an animal is...
In bird training, mastering impulse control and wait cues is invaluable, as it helps ensure birds can engage with their surroundings safely and with patience. Whether it’s teaching a bird to stay calmly on a station or to wait for a cue before moving, these...
Migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, and for many birds, it's an essential part of their life cycle. For long-distance migrators like Swainson's Hawks, preparing for migration requires intense metabolic changes, with one of the most crucial being hyperphagia. This term describes the period...
This week in Trainer’s Corner, we’re diving into one of the most common challenges parrot owners face - screaming. It’s a problem that can quickly escalate into frustration for both the bird and their humans, leading to strained relationships and daily disruptions. Today’s focus is...
We officially kicked off our first ever Chicken Challenge Workshop last week, and chicken training has rapidly become one of our favorite parts of the day. Chicken training using choice-based techniques offers a unique blend of behavioral science, skill development, and adaptability. It challenges trainers...