The Avian Behavior Podcast

Larue the crested caracara has taught us a lot of things, we wanted to zoom in the focus on three things here that are not only common issues as trainers, but are relatable no matter if you are working with a caracara, a hornbill, or a companion parrot.

Caracaras are intelligent like parrots and corvids, social, enjoy walks like hornbills, vultures, and other species, and ride around on the glove like raptors, although Larue doesn't have traditional falconry equipment like anklets and jesses.

In this episode, we discuss how 1) as a team, we worked through his wing bandaging maintaining a positive relationship 2) we give him tools to work through his fearful behavior 3) we use alternative motivational techniques so that we aren't relying on a heavy weight management practices.

https://avianbehaviorlab.com/podcast/03-avian-teachers-larue-the-crested-caracara-and-fearful-behavior/

Long time cockatoo expert and aviculturist Katy McElroy talks about what creates the best foundation for a resilient parrot and the unique ways she was inspired to tackle some interesting challenges. In between the lines of our conversation are the ways that we can look to each other, no matter how different we are to help animals. From wild birds offering us clues to help breeding conservation efforts to aviculturists using their wisdom to help parrots build more adaptable skills, we can all become students of each other.

Veterinarian and creator of the Grey Anatomy Project and the Captive Foraging DVD Dr. Scott Echols discusses avian nutrition and some common behavioral and physiological issues seen in companion parrots with improper diet. We discuss how we can combat these common challenges in our homes for longer, healthier lives with our birds.