Beginner's Information
The Truth About Parrots
Before You Buy a Bird
Should You Adopt a Second-Hand Parrot?
Exotic Birds for Beginners
Common Species of Birds Kept in Captivity
Lifespans of Birds Commonly Kept in Captivity
Connecting With Bird People
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Which Bird is Best for my Child?
FAQ: Why Does My Bird Bite?
FAQ: Why Does My Bird Scream?
FAQ: What is a Gram Stain?
Why Does My Bird Do That? Breeding Behaviors in Parrots
Health Information
Keeping Your Bird Healthy
The Avian Diet
How To Choose an Avian Veterinarian
Bathing Your Bird
How To Clean Up After Birds
How To Care For a Sick Bird at Home
Common Health Problems in Birds
Signs of Illness in Exotic Birds
The Well-Bird Check-Up
Household Toxins
Housing and Environmental Issues
Before You Buy a Bird Cage
Caging and Environmental Needs of Parrots
Top 6 Cages and Accessories
Aviaries; Creating a More Natural Environment for your Birds
Letting Your Bird Fly Safely
Toys for Birds
Behavioral & Social Issues
Behavioral Concerns for Captive Exotic Birds
How To Keep Your Bird From Getting Bored
Social & Intellectual Needs of Parrots
Parrot Behavioral Resources
Travel and Grooming
How To Choose a Carrier
Grooming Issues
How To Clip Your Bird's Nails
How To Towel Your Bird
Species Specific Articles
The Cockatiel
An Introduction to African Greys
The Cockatoo
Avian Welfare (Rescue & Adoption) Articles
Avian Welfare Issues; An Overview
Also published in the Avicultural Bulletin
Aviculture and Animal Welfare; What is the Difference? Where Do They Stand?
Guidelines for Placing Your Bird (co-authored by Denise Kelly)
Avian Welfare Issues and the Captive Grey
Also published in the Grey Play Round Table Magazine Fall 2002
15 Common Reasons People Give Up Birds
People Who Give Up Birds
Evaluating Avian Rescues
About Becky Margison Sumber:
Becky Margison Sumber has lived with birds since 1987. The flock started with a Budgie, which was a gift from Becky to her younger sister, Mary. Over the years, Becky's family acquired more Budgies, some Cockatiels, and a few Conures.
Becky currently lives with an African Grey parrot named Isabel and a Cockatiel named Lucy. Becky also remembers fondly two Cocaktiels who have since passed on: Charlie (a female bird with a boy's name) and Sophie (a male bird with a girl's name).
Also inhabiting Becky's home are her husband Jon and their cat, Stanley, who is kept away from the birds at all times.
Becky has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and works for a non-profit agency that serves people with developmental disabilities. She is the Vice President of the Avian Welfare Coalition and has worked with the group since 2001. She has written articles that have appeared on the Petfinder.com website, other pet care and bird care websites, bird club newsletters, etc. Becky also was a technical editor to three bird books published by Wiley Publishing (Finches for Dummies, Parakeets for Dummies, and Parrots for Dummies, all authored by Nikki Moustaki). Becky has maintained her websites for approximately 5 years and answers all email that come through the websites, offering free bird care advice and referrals to bird behavioral consultants. Becky maintains the following websites:
