This post will be devoted to a reminder/cautionary note about your beloved feathered buddy's diet. Recently JoJo, the Mustache Parakeet star of The Lonely Parrot, was diagnosed with Fatty Liver Disease. It is a disease that can severely limit the duration of a parrot's life, and is caused by an all-seed or seed-dominant diet.
     Parrots need a pellet-dominant diet! The pellets are formulated to contain all the special nutrients and proteins that a parrot needs. Seeds are strictly "treat" foods, and should make up no more than 5% of a pet parrot's diet! Fresh fruits and vegetables should be the secondary component of a bird's diet, after the pellet. Seeds and treats should only be given on occasion as a treat.
     Please protect your bird. Contact an avian veterinarian, and discuss your bird's diet with him/her. A veterinarian can work with you to make it easier on your bird to transition to a pellet diet.

     Good day all!
     Apologies for not posting every week like I had planned, but grad school is no joke! Cocoa Bean has been doing well. We have been trying to teach him new phrases but so far he has just substituted "Cocoa Bean is good!" for his usual "Cocoa Bean is pretty!"
     I had planned to discuss a feature of Cocoa's behavior each week, and the next topic I wished to bring up was poop. The children's book "Everybody Poops" is true, and for birds, it seems a lot less controllable than it is for children. However, it is possible to potty-train birds. I have seen many owners with birds that will wait to 'go' until they are no longer on the owner's shoulder or lap. Further, there are other birds whose owners have trained them to 'go' only when they are outside of the cage.
     I have been trying to train Cocoa Bean not to poop while on my shoulder. So far, he seems to have gotten the concept, but only follows through about half the time. The method of training was less actual training and more that he did not want to get his long, beautiful tail in the grossness.
     I believe that with just a few weeks of consistent rewards for going when he is held over the garbage or a towel at the command "poop!" will lead to a fully potty-trained Cocoa Bean.
     Cheers and here's to our silly feathered friends!

     This post will be the first in a series on the behaviors of Mustache parakeets (or at least on those displayed by Cocoa Bean). 

     I am working on videos that display his vocalizations and his movements. Until then, I will be posting photos of his stiller-behaviors. 

     This is a photo of Cocoa Bean sleeping in what I would call the "typical" position ("typical" because it seems that this form is what is most commonly pictured for a sleeping bird). His beak is tucked back under his wing, and though it's impossible to tell in this photo, he has one foot tucked up close to his body. 

     Often, when snoozing on my shoulder or taking short naps, Cocoa Bean will just bow his head, close his eyes, and fall asleep. He sometimes won't even put one foot up (I think as a conscious choice to keep his stability). 

     Side note: please excuse the state of Cocoa Bean's perch. This photo was taken before his cage was cleaned. Furthermore, it is exceedingly hard to get a photo of this bird asleep - he is such a light sleeper! 

     Cocoa Bean and I moved to our new home last week and we are now (mostly) settled in. Poor Cocoa had to endure sleeping in his travel cage while his main cage was being packed up, sleeping in a hotel, and a long five-hour drive. But he took it all with grace and has only just started losing a few of the downy feathers - but nothing serious. 

     He has recently begun speaking and honking again - as if he has gotten over his shyness with the new house. I will continue my attempts to get video and/or audio of his speaking voice and his honking calls. 

     Until then, here's one happy honker. 

 

     Toy time with Cocoa Bean! Either he has only just noticed all the toys I have provided for him, or he has finally decided that they look pretty fun.

     From his woven straw ribbons, to stainless steel teaspoons, to little tiny sneaker shoe toys, Cocoa has been interacting with them all! We have discovered that his beak is incredibly strong, and he can easily tear through the plastic cat toys with the little bell on the inside - so these are only to be played with under supervision! 

     His most recent toy discovery is pieces of craft foam. He loves to tear it into pieces, and though he might work the pieces with his beak and tongue, he inevitably spits them out. 

     After almost two months in his new home, Cocoa Bean appears much more comfortable and settled in his new routine. 

     He has moved on from his love affair with cheese but is still very interested in marshmallows. Slices of oranges were recently accepted as the favorite of the morning fresh fruits and veggies. 

     Indeed, fruits are favored over vegetables. If I had to guess, Cocoa probably has a big sweet tooth. However, he will not hesitate to try a piece of vegetable if it is offered to him, though he will inevitably spit it right back out. 

     It is important for bird owners to understand that there are several foods that humans eat that can kill their bird - such as avocado and raw potato. Furthermore, a bird's diet should consist of a large percentage of bird pellet, as well as fresh foods, and lastly, seed which can be simply used as treats. 

     Here's hoping that everyone is having a good summer and keeping their birds healthy and happy as well! 

     As I prepare for graduate school, I have had to find a place to live. Surprisingly enough, not every apartment and rental unit allows birds on their properties! In fact, a number only allowed cats and dogs, while others specifically allowed only cats or dogs. Some places distinguish by size and weight limits (such as under 30 pounds).
     The lesson learned was to always ask if a caged bird is allowed! Generally, a member of general public who is not very familiar with birds would be likely to think "macaw" and "loud" and "big and scary" if they were told a person has a parrot. It is important to explain exactly what type of bird you have. It may be helpful to also have a picture of your bird (preferably looking sweet and innocent), and even documents from your veterinarian verifying that your bird is healthy. For places that have pet weight restrictions, a bird that weighs under a pound may not even qualify for the pet rental deposit. On the other hand, if your bird is not usually in its cage during the day, you may still have to pay a fee for possible damages.
     Furthermore, it is not recommended to try to sneak your bird into an apartment without telling your landlord because you will need to know if and when they will be spraying for pests, as the chemicals can be life-threatening to your birdy! Request advance notice of any such procedures so that you may make sure your bird is out of harm's way.

     Reunited with my mustache!

    After a weekend trip away from home, I return to find that Cocoa Bean has learned to say "Come here!" to anyone who is nearby. I'm not sure if this means he missed me, or if he has just discovered what will get him the most attention. Either way, Cocoa definitely has a streak of sass in him - as many other mustache parakeet owners have mentioned is characteristic of this species. 

I'm such a happy, freckle-beak boy! 

     This week in the life of Bean:

     This first week has been full of plenty of new experiences! A new home, new family, new toys, and new foods! We have discovered that Cocoa Bean loves marshmallows and cheese, but he isn't wild about carrots. (Of course, why would we like the foods that are good for us?) However, as much as he loves all the treats, he still munches on his pellet throughout the day.
     Cocoa has been stepping up for me, and now scrambles up my arm to perch on my shoulder whenever I am with him. Then, he will climb down my shirt to inspect everything I touch, hoping that it might be food for him. He has let my family all step him up onto their hands as well, and he seems accepting of anyone - friend or stranger. 
     He visited the vet's office for nail and wing trims and he was such a good boy! I think he may even learn to like driving in the car, even though this time we were a little preoccupied with being in our brand-new travel carrier for the first time. (But we survived that too!)
     Cocoa Bean loves anything shiny - especially jewelry! He is not afraid to pick up silverware and inspect it all over, and, in his mind, soda cans could be the perfect toy if mom would just let him have them. (But mom won't allow this, as caffeine is toxic to birds!) Cell phones are mysterious, semi-shiny objects that take our picture. Bean just wants to chew on them, so beware!
     And finally, Cocoa Bean has found his voice! Previously, he only spoke to my mom's sparkly rings - probably out of excitement and the desire to play with them. This week, Cocoa has begun calling for me when I leave the room, and also speaking softly around bedtime! He says his name, and "Pretty bird," "Good boy," and "Hi!"
     I am learning that Cocoa Bean is incredibly curious and clever, and he has such a sweet personality that is impossible to fall in love with! Bring on next week's adventures!

     Sincerely,
     A Very Happy Bird Mama

 P.S.: I believe that Cocoa is, indeed molting, and the constant preening is just a hint of vanity (lol). However, I have been told that the beak wiping is normal for mustache parakeets and nothing to worry about. 

     The Bean is home at last! Two days ago, my mom and boyfriend helped me transfer all of Cocoa Bean's belongings to my home, where we did our best to help him settle in as comfortably as possible.
     However, we never expected Cocoa Bean to take the transition so well. Throughout it all, he was as calm as could be! It seems this bird is quite willing to just go with the flow, and I am incredibly grateful for the luck that brought us together!

    
     Over the past two days, I have been keeping a close eye on Cocoa Bean's habits. At the moment, his favorite treats (besides his daily pellet) are grapes and apples. If he's being a really, really good bird - such as sitting on his basket at the lunch table - he might get to nibble on a noodle or even a chip! Cocoa definitely is being a little spoiled with attention and treats these first few days, but I can't help doing anything to make him happy in his new home!

     I have also noticed that Cocoa seems to preen quite often. I honestly am not sure if this is a characteristic of his species, or if it is just his individual personality, or if it is due to the time of year (ie: molting season).
     Additionally, Cocoa Bean likes to rub his beak on everything and anything he can! At first I thought he might just be trying to keep his beak clean, and that maybe he was just a little bit of a clean freak. But it might also be a display of possession, comparable to "marking his territory."

     Any insight would be much appreciated!

     xoxo,
     Alyssa & Cocoa Bean

     Happy third birthday, Cocoa Bean!

     In preparation for welcoming Cocoa Bean to his new home, and in the hopes of making the transition easy as possible, I have been stocking up on bird toys. I have heard from countless sources that mustache parakeets are avid chewers, so the hope is to provide Cocoa with enough exciting toys to busy his beak, and keep it from ever needing to "inspect" my furniture.
     I have had my eye on the adorable little birdy piñata at my local bird store. It looks just like a miniature version of what you might see at a kid's birthday party, and it can be filled with your bird's favorite treats, such as dried fruit pieces or bird-safe nuts. 
     But bird 'parents' need not buy all their bird's toys. It is important that birds practice their foraging instincts. Owners can encourage birds to exercise this instinct by hiding treats in common household things such as toilet paper rolls, Dixie cups, or coffee filters. 

      Here's hoping Cocoa likes his little piñata when we celebrate his belated birthday in about a month!

     This is Cocoa Bean, the mustache parakeet. The Latin name for this species is Psittacula alexandri alexandri. Other common names for the mustache parakeet include "moustache parakeet," "red-breasted parakeet," and "Java parakeet." The Psittacula alexandri are asiatic parakeets, such as the Indian ringneck parakeet and the Alexandrine parakeet. As I mentioned, there isn't a lot of information on the mustache parakeets available online, so I will try to summarize a lot of what I have learned so far about this species here - beginning with the physical appearance. 
     The black marking between Cocoa Bean's eyes is his "mustache." You would think that this would be the most distinguishing feature of the species, but it seems that most people point to the bright pink chest as the signifier of a mustache parakeet.
     Of all the subspecies of the Psittacula alexandri, a few are dimorphic. In other words, the males and females can be distinguished based on a difference in appearance. (Note: for most parrot species, it is nearly impossible to determine the gender without a blood test.) A male mustache parakeet will develop a bright orange beak, while the female will retain the black beak that all mustache parakeets have before they mature.
     Other than the gray-blue head and black collar, the mustache parakeet has bright green feathers. The tail is long and thin - I've even heard it jokingly called a "rat tail." Mustache parakeets are a medium-sized bird, and definitely larger than what most people envision a parakeet to be.

     On a separate note, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in a comment below. Of course, I am not a mustache parakeet expert, or really a bird expert at all by any means, so anything more than simple questions should be directed to an avian veterinarian. Please refrain from any negativity or crude language. Thank you so much!

     Hello all! This blog is devoted to the life and times of Cocoa Bean, the nearly three-year-old male mustache parakeet that I have adopted.
     There is very little information about mustache parakeets on the Internet, so I hope that this blog can provide other owners with additional information. I intend to record my observations and comments about raising a mustache parakeet as often as my graduate studies will allow me. I will officially adopt Cocoa Bean in one month, and I am incredibly excited to begin this new stage in my life with a feathery companion!
     A little about myself: I will be receiving my undergraduate degree in geology this May, and I will be continuing on to earn my Master's. I have worked at the Kersting Bird Medicine and Surgery veterinary clinic for the past five years or so, and though I did not begin as a bird person, I believe I now have an avid avian appreciation!
     Thank you for checking out my blog, and I hope it can provide answers to all your mustache parakeet questions.

     Sincerely,
     Alyssa