GreenWingToronto

Some daytime cat-napping is normal, especially if their night sleep is being disrupted (light, noise). But a NEW increase in daytime sleeping, especially with fluffing, can be an early illness sign. First question: is the bird getting 10–12 hours of solid dark sleep at night?

My macaw seems perfectly healthy. Do I really need annual vet visits, or is that overkill for a bird that isn't showing any problems? Avian vet visits aren't cheap.

Everyone asks if my macaw talks and the honest answer is 'a little.' I'd love to encourage more. Is there an actual method to teaching a parrot to talk, or is it just repetition and luck?

My macaw is microchipped and it's reunited lost birds for people I know — the moment a vet or shelter scans them, you're found. For a budgie, a numbered leg band plus a clear, recent photo and good 'lost' posting habits are your best tools.

Green cheeks are the "quiet conure" option. My GCC makes noise but nothing like the sound clips I've heard of suns. Your neighbour would be fine in an apartment with a GCC, probably not with a sun conure.

Just moved to Toronto from Calgary with my green-winged macaw, Picasso. He's due for an annual checkup. Can anyone recommend a good avian vet in the city? Ideally somewhere in the east end or downtown.

I've done both. In-home wins for keeping routine/territory familiar. Boarding wins for constant supervision and a bird-experienced caretaker. For a truly nervous bird I'd prioritize the caretaker's bird experience over the location.

For Picasso's sitters I do a full written care sheet: feeding schedule (what, how much, when), toys he likes, things that scare him, his personality quirks, vet info and emergency contacts. The more specific the better.