If you’re a fan of "Wings ‘n Things" you’re also going to love our brand new bird and parrot show, "Bird’s Eye View" on Pet Life Radio! Avian veterinarians Dr. Laurie Hess and Dr. Michelle Ravich discuss more exciting bird and parrot topics in their new show! Listen to our preview, and check out Bird’s Eye View! In this week’s show, our hosts, bird specialist Dr. Laurie Hess and her associate, Dr. Michelle Ravich, will focus on why preventative medical care, including regular annual check-ups, i...
Nov 02, 2011•26 min
Baby birds are discussed in this Podcast as Robin meets with Josee Bermingham of Hagan Avicultural Research Institute. Robin talks with Josee about their weaning techniques and the unique way they socialize their birds at HARI. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Baby Birds - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-life-radio-original--6670195/support ....
May 12, 2010•41 min
This week Robin is joined by Mark Moore, co-owner of Hill Country Aviaries in Austin, Texas. Mark shares some of his techniques and tips for designing, building and outfitting a great outdoor aviary. Mark is chair of the publications committee for the American Federation of Aviculture and is instrumental in publishing the AFA quarterly magazine The Watchbird. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Designing the Perfect Aviary - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com B...
Apr 09, 2010•32 min
Interview with an aviculturist. This week Robin is joined by Rick Jordan, noted aviculturist and co-owner of Hill Country Aviaries in Austin, Texas. Robin and Rick discuss aviculture and some of the issues facing both the breeder and companion parrot communities. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -All About Aviculture- with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-...
Mar 16, 2010•35 min
After a summer of craziness and non-stop travel/work Robin had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. David Waugh from Loro Parque Fundacion in Tenerife, Spain. Join Robin and Dr. Waugh as they chat about the exciting conservation work being done at this amazing facility. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Loro Parque Fundacion, Tenerife, Spain- with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-b...
Sep 24, 2009•34 min
This week Robin is at the New England Wildlife Center in Weymouth, MA. She is speaking with the director, Dr. Gregory Mertz, DVM. Dr. Mertz is also known as The Odd Pet Vet. In his practice at the wildlife center Dr. Mertz sees many companion parrots in addition to other exotic pets. During their discussion Robin and Dr. Mertz discuss common issues in parrots and parrot care. Some suggestions for preventative care are given. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -The Odd Pet Vet at the New En...
Apr 01, 2009•46 min
Don’t know where to begin to learn more about your parrot? Robin Shewokis and Barbara Heidenreich share some of their favorite resources for parrot information. Having spent years doing their own research for information they provide a long list of trusted books, DVD’s, magazines, blogs, chat groups, internet resources, seminars and more for parrot enthusiasts. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Finding More Information on Parrots- with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRad...
Feb 20, 2009•46 min
Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis share highlights of some recent travels. Robin was busy socializing with the cream of the crop of the parrot world at Parrot Festival. Barbara played with gorillas, elephants, penguins, porcupines and parrots while consulting on animal training for a zoo. Get an insiders look at two very different working winter vacations for these animal enthusiasts. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Party at Parrot Festival and Adventures in Animal Training- with ...
Feb 11, 2009•42 min
In this week’s podcast, Robin chats with Kodi Pinnell. Kodi hails from Lindale, Texas and is a great role model for any young people who are considering parrot ownership. Kodi talks about his passion for parrots and the people who have helped him learn to be an exceptional parrot owner. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -The Future of the Companion Parrot Community- with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com...
Feb 03, 2009•37 min
Do parrots exhibit height dominance? Are scarlet macaws truly nippy? Is it safe to give parrots the cardboard from paper towel rolls? These questions and more are discussed by Robin Shewokis and Barbara Heidenreich as they explore various myths and misconceptions about parrots. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Parrot Myths and Misconceptions - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings...
Jan 12, 2009•52 min
Got a parrot that does everything in his power to avoid exercise? Then this podcast is for you. This week Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis discuss ways to get your perch potato moving. They also discuss some controversial methods parrot owners have been advised to use and the more trust building alternatives. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Prevent Your Parrot From Being a Perch Potato - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this po...
Dec 26, 2008•36 min
Foraging is a hot topic in the companion parrot community. This week Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis get creative with foraging ideas. They also share how to train your parrot to interact with foraging toys and why it is beneficial to get your parrot foraging. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Alex and Me -- Get Your Parrot Foraging - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-bi...
Dec 19, 2008•34 min
In this week’s episode Robin sits down with noted scientist and author, Dr. Irene Pepperberg. Dr. Pepperberg shares anecdotes about her work and her time spent with Alex the African Grey. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Alex and Me -- A Chat With Dr. Irene Pepperberg - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-life-radio-original--6670195/support ....
Dec 11, 2008•39 min
Getting your parrot to present natural behavior in your home can include encouraging foraging behaviors, teaching your parrots to use their unique adaptations to expend energy, and capturing natural behaviors and putting them on cue. In this week's episode Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis shares ideas and suggestions for getting your parrot to act naturally. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Act Naturally - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a su...
Nov 27, 2008•36 min
Dr. Sharman Hoppes of Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center at Texas A & M University shares the exciting advances being made in Proventricular Dilitation Disease (PDD) research. This deadly disease has challenged the parrot community for years. Fortunately some recent discoveries are giving researchers hope that a definitive diagnostic tool will soon be available as well as optimism for the development of a vaccine. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Battling Proventricular Dilitation Di...
Nov 12, 2008•30 min
This week Barbara Heidenreich interviews field biologist Dr Donald Brightsmith of Schubot Exotic Bird Health Center at Texas A & M University. Dr Brightsmith shares his experience studying wild parrots in Peru. His research has provided new insights into clay lick use, diet and nutrition and distances parrots travel in the wild. Listeners are also invited to join a research gathering expedition to Peru scheduled for January 2009. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Studying Wild Parrot...
Nov 04, 2008•28 min
This week Barbara Heidenreich interviews Rebecca O’ Connor, author of "A Parrot for Life." An accomplished writer and animal trainer, Rebecca shares stories about flying falcons, working with parrots and training cheetahs, as well as information on her nine books. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast - A Parrot for Life - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-...
Oct 29, 2008•30 min
In this week’s episode, Robin talks with Philadelphia Zoo keeper and bird trainer, Catherine Vine. They discuss how to provide enrichment on a budget. Catherine also introduces us to one of her favorite projects, The Feather Distribution Project. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Enrichment On A Shoestring - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-life-radio...
Oct 15, 2008•38 min
Finding someone qualified to care for your beloved parrot when you are out of town can be a challenge. Robin interviews Karen Anderson of Avian Suites, a professional bird boarding facility. Karen shares her advice on how to find a facility or person to care for your parrot and what you can do to make your birds boarding experience as positive as possible. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Bird Boarding - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter ...
Oct 07, 2008•34 min
Training and enrichment can be and should be easy! Robin and Barbara explore ways to keep your training and enrichment program thriving even if you have little time, little finances and lots of birds. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Training And Enrichment Made Easy - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-life-radio-original--6670195/support ....
Sep 24, 2008•34 min
Barbara and Robin discuss some tips to help you get off to a good start with your baby parrot. Those uncoordinated, yet curious babies have different enrichment needs from your adult parrot. They also present some excellent training opportunities due to an important sensitive period of development. Prevention of behavior problems is also explored, such as biting a bit too hard during play and exploration. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Bringing Home Your Baby Parrot - with Barbara Hei...
Sep 12, 2008•37 min
This week Barbara and Robin discuss the many ways to keep your training and enrichment programs stimulating. Not only are there are a number of different senses to enrich, there are countless types of behaviors parrot caregivers can train. This episode is loaded with tips and ideas to ensure your parrot has a very rich and interesting life. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Exploring Different Types of Training and Enrichment - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio....
Sep 05, 2008•39 min
Sid Price is a professional bird trainer, President Elect of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators and a regular contributor to online training discussions in the companion parrot community. He and Barbara chat about some of the hot topics in parrot training. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Meet Sid Price of Avian Ambassadors - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/win...
Aug 26, 2008•41 min
In this week’s episode Robin interviews bioacoustic researcher, Michael Schindlinger. Michael is probably best known for his field work with wild Amazons in the creation of the film Stalking the Wild Amazons. Robin and Michael discuss his findings and how they relate to caring for your companion parrot. Michael also shares an exciting ecotourism project that is helping parrots in the wild. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Let’s Talk Wild Amazons with Michael Schindlinger - with Barbara ...
Aug 16, 2008•36 min
Shane is an internationally experienced early childhood educator who has been teaching for thirteen years. He is the co-creator and author of Fledglings, the Parrot Society of Australia's junior aviculturist publication. Although he has kept and bred many different bird species from a young age, parrots continue to dominate his primary interest in aviculture. Shane's travels have given him plenty of unique opportunities to view many parrot species in their native habitats around Australia and be...
Aug 05, 2008•28 min
Australian bird trainer Nicholas Bishop shares his love of birds and his ground breaking adventure training the highly endangered Spix Macaw for a medical procedure at Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Conservation of Spix Macaws through Training - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-life-radio-original--6670195/support ....
Jul 27, 2008•30 min
In this week’s episode Barbara and Robin discuss reinforcers for training and offer numerous suggestions for creating a vast menu of options for your parrot. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Finding Reinforcers and Creative Forms of Enrichment For Your Parrot - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-life-radio-original--6670195/support ....
Jul 18, 2008•38 min
Meet Einstein! A very articulate parrot who lives in Texas. To clarify... this is not the Einstein featured on Animal Planet’s Pet Star, but she can give that one a run for her money. This chatty parrot runs through her vocabulary, including phrases such as "What does E=?" "Look at the grackle" and "Who let the dogs out? Who?" Barbara also interviews Einstein’s caregivers Marcia and Jeff to find out how they came to have such a special parrot in their home. More details on this episode MP3 Podca...
Jul 08, 2008•28 min
In this week’s episode Barbara and Robin tackle a widespread issue in the companion parrot community, Feather Destructive Behavior. They review some of the many causes and make suggestions for alleviating this very common behavior. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Feather Destructive Behavior... Possible Causes and Cures. - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pe...
Jul 02, 2008•37 min
In this week’s episode Barbara and Robin discuss the often lamented challenge of the screaming parrot. Training and enrichment strategies that address this behavior are reviewed. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Screaming For Attention - with Barbara Heidenreich and Robin Shewokis on PetLifeRadio.com Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wingsnthings-birds-parrots-as-pets-pet-life-radio-original--6670195/support ....
Jun 25, 2008•43 min
