Have you ever wondered how parrots spend their days in the wild? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and essential world of parrot foraging! From the early morning search for fruit, nuts, and seeds to more complex social behaviors that go hand-in-hand with positive behavior in the household. Discover why foraging isn’t just about finding food; it’s a vital part of a parrot’s mental stimulation, problem solving, and survival. We’ll also explore how you can bring this natural behavior into your own parrot’s lifestyle at home through enrichment and interactive toys.

We’ll talk about:

• What foraging is and why parrots need it
• How foraging mimics natural bird behavior in the wild
• Easy DIY foraging ideas you can try at home
• The best parrot foraging toys and enrichment activities available
• Tips to introduce foraging to your bird at any age

Whether you’re a new bird owner or a longtime parrot lover, this episode will give you practical tools and inspiration to make foraging part of your bird’s daily life.

Foraging keeps parrots busy, happy, healthy and it can transform your relationship with your bird.

About the Hosts: Alexis Highland has been the manager of Parrot Stars since its opening in 2018, building the business along with the breeding program in Florida. She has a degree in Biology from North Central College and has worked with Parrots her entire life. Avery Voress has been at Parrot Stars for about 2 years. Avery achieved a degree in Zoology and graduated from The Ohio State University.

Links:

Visit Us: www.parrotstars.com

Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ 

Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars 

Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram for constant updates about things happening at Parrot Stars! 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please download each episode and don’t forget to rate and review the podcast! It helps us so much and we appreciate it more than you know! 

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

We’re thrilled to share this special episode, recorded during our recent visit to the Parrot Stars breeding facility. We had the privilege of sitting down with the renowned Floridian Avian and Exotic Veterinarian, Dr. April Romagnano. While we’re lucky to work with Dr. April on a regular basis, this conversation gave us the chance to hear her personal journey, her passion for avian medicine, and the incredible experiences she’s gathered throughout her career. For parrot owners and bird lovers alike, insights from an experienced avian vet are truly invaluable.

About the Hosts: Alexis Highland has been the manager of Parrot Stars since its opening in 2018, building the business along with the breeding program in Florida. She has a degree in Biology from North Central College and has worked with Parrots her entire life. Avery Voress has been at Parrot Stars for about 2 years. Avery achieved a degree in Zoology and graduated from The Ohio State University.

Links:

Visit Us: www.parrotstars.com

Learn about Dr. April and her Clinic: https://avianandexoticclinicofpalmcity.com/

Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ 

Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars 

Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram for constant updates about things happening at Parrot Stars! 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please download each episode and don’t forget to rate and review the podcast! It helps us so much and we appreciate it more than you know! 

Send us a text

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Big topic this week, and it’s one every bird owner (or future bird owner) needs to hear. A cage isn’t just a place to keep your bird, it’s essential for their safety, comfort, and overall well-being in captivity. In this episode, we’re breaking down what a proper cage setup really means, how to use it effectively in your home, and why it's far more than just a box with bars. At Parrot Stars, we take cages very seriously. In fact, we don’t allow any of our birds to go home until we’ve approved a suitable cage and essential supplies. If you ever visit us in-store, we’d love to help optimize your bird’s living space! As always, be kind to your Parrot and it will be kind to you!

About the Hosts: Alexis Highland has been the manager of Parrot Stars since its opening in 2018, building the business along with the breeding program in Florida. She has a degree in Biology from North Central College and has worked with Parrots her entire life. Avery Voress has been at Parrot Stars for about 2 years. Avery also achieved a degree in Biology and graduated from The Ohio State University. 

Links:

http://www.parrotstars.com

https://www.parrotstars.com/Parrot-Homes-s/147.htm

https://www.aav.org/blogpost/1778905/322568/Minimum-Cage-Size-Recommendations

Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ 

Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars 

Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram for constant updates about things happening at Parrot Stars! 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please download each episode and don’t forget to rate and review the podcast! It helps us so much and we appreciate it more than you know! 

Send us a text

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this unique edition of the Parrot Stars Podcast, Alexis takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua, where she and her mom Joyce, joined the One Earth Conservation Pilgrimage. Imagine witnessing wild parrots in their natural paradise, an absolute dream for any bird lover! Here’s the exciting part: you can be part of this unforgettable experience in December 2025. Don’t wait and remember you only live once! Registration for the One Earth Pilgrimage closes at the end of August or early September 2025. Tune in, get inspired, and start packing your binoculars. Always be kind to your Parrot and it will be kind to you! **Visit the video version of this episode on YouTube for pictures and videos from the trip! 

Links:

Visit Us: www.parrotstars.com

Learn About One Earth Conservation: https://www.oneearthconservation.org/

Lean About the Parrot Pilgrimage: https://www.oneearthconservation.org/parrot-pilgrimage-nicaragua

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8KE2O4xKw8&t=3s 

Parrot Stars on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parrotstars/ 

Parrot Stars on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@parrot_stars 

Follow the Parrot Stars Podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Watch the video content on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram for constant updates about things happening at Parrot Stars! 

Did you enjoy this episode? Please download each episode and don’t forget to rate and review the podcast! It helps us so much and we appreciate it more than you know! 

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

Something we hear almost every day at Parrot Stars, even from the best intentioned customers, is “My parrot hates this…”, “My parrot won’t touch their vegetables…”, etc. You’ve probably said something along these lines yourself when trying to get your bird to eat their pellets. Well, go no further, because in this episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast we’ll be discussing all the strategies you can use to keep your bird enjoying every aspect of their nutritious, dynamic diet. Of course, with any topic involving parrots, we’ll also try to break many stereotypes that are ingrained over years and years about parrots and their dietary preferences. Tune in and we hope you leave with confidence to take control of your parrot’s overall nutrition.

We thank you for listening and we encourage you to rate and review if this episode was to your enjoyment! Follow us on social media Instagram: @parrotstars and Facebook: Parrot Stars to keep up to date on all Parrot Stars content and more!  

www.parrotstars.com

Send us a text

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

We cannot wait for the highly anticipated Parrot Stars Summer Festival coming July 18-20 2025, just next month! This bonus episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast gives you the full rundown of the exciting weekend and what to look forward to, including the biggest sales of the year, raffle prizes, the Parrot Wizard, animal organizations, DIY classes, avian veterinarian presentations, and so much more. Come by yourself or bring your family and enjoy a free weekend of fun!

www.parrotstars.com

https://parrotstarssummerfestival.my.canva.site/

https://parrotwizard.com/

Send us a text

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this special episode, we’re answering listener questions live. From parrot behavior and training tips to diet, health, enrichment, and what it’s really like behind the scenes at Parrot Stars, no topic is off limits. Whether you're a first-time bird owner, a seasoned parrot veteran, or just curious about what it takes to care for exotic birds, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and a few fun stories from the flock. Have a question we didn’t cover? Stay tuned for more Q&A episodes, and don’t forget to send yours in!

Send us a text

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

In this episode, we’ll dive into the world of parrot breeding and discuss what sets responsible breeders apart. Learn how we prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of every Parrot Stars baby through ethical breeding practices, expert care, and a strong focus on education. Join us for an inside look at how good breeding isn't just about producing birds—it's about raising healthy, safe, socialized parrots, and supporting the species as a whole.

Send us a text

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

There are plenty of claims and stereotypes about parrots floating around and many of them just aren’t true! In our very first myth-busting episode, we had a great time tackling some of the most common misconceptions we hear at Parrot Stars. We covered a wide range of topics that impact your parrot’s daily life, from training and diet to caging, behavior, and more! It’s easy to take advice from social media at face value, but don’t let misinformation guide the way you care for your feathered companion. Get the facts and make informed choices, your parrot will thank you!

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com

We’re diving into a critical and often controversial topic: parrot wing clipping (and why it’s something you shouldn’t do). While many people clip their bird’s wings with the best of intentions, the reality is that this practice can lead to potentially serious physical and mental consequences, some of which may even seem unnoticeable. Based on our personal experiences, we’ll share why allowing parrots to remain fully flighted is the best and most enriching choice you can make for your feathered companion. We invite you to step into your parrot’s shoes and ask: what truly serves their best interests? Together, let’s take a critical and thoughtful look at the care we provide for these beloved birds, by breaking bygone standards and improving the quality of life for Parrot’s everywhere.

Helpful links: 

• Research report: Welfare Assessment of Flight-restrained Captive Birds
• Wing Trimming: Best practices and Welfare Implications
• Clipping and Trimming FAQ from Aviator Harness

Send us a text

Support the show

Learn more about Parrot Stars and shop online at parrotstars.com