Were you aware of the fact that parrots name their babies with unique names / sounds so they can speak directly to and about each of their babies. This is known to happen in dolphin and whale communities too and it’s completely fascinating! #shelbythemacaw #macaws #parrot #birdlife #parrotlife #macawsofig #macaw #africangrey

Every single day I am asked where to buy a parrot from, how much is a parrot to buy and people asking if my birds are for sale with the promise of wonderful breeding conditions if I sell them. I never ever tell people where they can buy a parrot from, I’ve never shared breeder details with anyone and I always refer people to rescues when I feel someone may be a good fit as a parrot owner. This ISN’T gate keeping or being elitist, it is being aware of how big the problem is and trying to avoid adding to it #shelbythemacaw #macaws #parrot #birdlife #parrotlife #freeflight #macawsofig

A little story of the time I took a step away from Loki and he had a 10 minute tantrum because he thought I was abandoning him forever. 🙄#shelbythemacaw #macaws #parrot #birdlife #parrotlife #funny #comedy

We’ve had a very very wet start to the year and so flying hasn’t been the daily activity I like it to be. So when the sun began shining this morning I RAN. Even the fields were dry so I sat and sun bathed and let the birds forage in the ground and preen. It was so beautiful. I personally don’t ever take a break from flying, we fly throughout the entire year, whereas some take a break over winter. The only thing that stops us flying is high winds and rain. Today was completely perfect for free flight, warm, light breeze, blue skies and no one around 😍 . . . #shelbythemacaw #macaws #parrot #parrot are #birdlife #parrotlife #freeflight #spring2024

This is a triggering video for those uncomfortable around topics of self harm, trypophobia and blood. This topic is super sensitive for me. There are some awful people in the world who will judge and make comment on Shelby, her appearance and behaviours, but despite that I won’t hide her away or pretend this isn’t happening. Shelby has been plucking her feathers out for three years now, she started when she was 7 months old. She’s had various tests, her diet has been manipulated and changed countless times, pellets were removed then reintroduced, certain nuts were removed from her diet entirely and she’s been tested for diseases more times than is even remotely necessary. We’re headed back in a few weeks for further testing even though at this point it is extremely unlikely Shelby will ever stop plucking her feathers out. Even though she squeals in pain each time she pulls a feather out she still continues to do it over and over, chewing the feathers she’s pulled out and even focusing on licking the blood in some cases. It’s horrible to watch but she seems to gain some comfort from doing it, and even if the cause is found it may never stop this behaviour. . . . #shelbythemacaw #macawsofig #macaw #parrot #behaviour #trypophobia #trigger #parrotlife