Herbal Remedies have been becoming more and more popular this day. Partly because many see the effective of long term usage of herbal remedies, furthermore they are natural and do not result in any negative side effects after prolong usage.

Previously I’ve mentioned about Kermit’s screaming problem, till now I figuring out an effective solution to minimize the problem. I don’t really wish to see Kermit turning into a screamer. Through my daily observation of Kermit, I noticed there are a few possibilities that lead Kermit into screaming:

1. Over-Bonding Issue (Whenever I’m out of sight, he will scream!)
2. Calls from other bird/flocks (Kermit’s scream most of time are triggered due to Kiki’s high-pitched calls)
3. Fear & Stress (It’s probably difficult to remedy due to unknown factors leading to fear & stress)

Possibilities 1 and 2 can be remedied with day to day training over time to time, but as for fear and stress can be difficult to deal with as most the triggers are unknown.

I remembered at one occasion when Kermit was with me in the living room. I was reading a book and Kermit beside me playing with his toys and shredding paper boxes, then suddenly Kermit break into his notorious screams again and flapping here and there continuously. There were several occasions that this similar scenarios happened.

At that moment, I knew he’s afraid and in FEAR. Many times, I tried hard to think back that I’m actually doing and what could be the trigger to the scream. Unfortunately, there’s no lead and I totally have no idea what led him to be so afraid of. Possibly could be he just want to vent his frustration, like humans we do get moody too.

This led me to finding solution in dealing with emotional stress and fear, I’ve been researching for natural sedative or depressant that is suitable for the avians. Soon I came across with an article online indicating Chamomile Flower as an effective stress reliever with calm soothing effect. The good news is that it is natural and safe for birds. I’ve decided to give it a try on Kermit.

So how do I introduce the herbal remedy into Kermit’s body? Giving fresh chamomile flower as daily diet? Well getting fresh chamomile flower and getting them to eat the flower can be difficult and a daunting task. Instead I got Chamomile Tea Bags from the local supermarket, brewed and dilute them as the drinking water for Kermit.

How do I prepare?
1. One pack Chamomile Tea Bag with 1 Cup of boiling water (leave the tea bag for 3-5minutes).
2. Dilute the tea with 4 cup of water.
3. Once the mixture is cooled can be use as daily drinking water.
4. Chill/Refrigerate the leftover (Possible of keeping the tea for up to a week).

Direction of Use:
2-3 times weekly.

Kermit had tried the remedy for a week and I’ve yet to see the improvement. I do hope that the effects of Chamomile Flower can help Kermit in any way.

Post Related:
Curb that Kermit Scream

All parrots deserve a 10-12hours of total darkness and undisturbed sleep every night. Parrots having a proper sleep and rest throughout a night can prevent possible health problem and behavior problems.

Currently, there are all sorts of cage covers available in the market. Some owners may like the idea of covering the cages, some may not. It’s much more depending on each individual preference.

For me, I use cage covers on Kermit’s and Kiki’s cage. Personally, I find the cage covers essential and useful especially in a busy household during the night. I live in a small apartment in Singapore and sharing a common space with my elder brother, thus space is pretty much limited. Worst I can’t provide a dedicated bird room for Kermit and Kiki.

The cage covers come in handy ensuring Kermit and Kiki have total darkness during bedtime, while family members and me still staying late night. This ensure Kermit and Kiki can easily sleep without the disturbance due to the bright light.

Many might wonder what wrong about birds sleeping under bright light, as long they get their rest what’s to worry? All birds and parrots are photosensitive creatures, a longer daylight may trigger them into breeding mode, potentially lead to behavior problems and health issues. Thus we should always limit the number of daylight hours, thumb rules ensuring at least 10-12hours of darkness and undisturbed sleep will prevent these potential problems.

Some might have heard about Ethoxyquin, but many aren’t aware about it and the impact to the avian health. I decided to start off this post about Ethoxyquin, hoping everyone reading this will make wiser choice in selecting the healthier and safer commercial diet for our feathered friends.

So what is Ethoxyquin? Ethoxyquin is a quinoline-based antioxidant used as a food preservative to extend shelf-life, and also a pesticide. It is commonly used as a preservative in pet foods to prevent the rancidification of fats (The explanation was quoted from Wikipedia). To add-on, Ethoxyquin is also use as a rubber stabilizer.

A chemical compound used in pesticide? You see what I mean. I’m sure no one will be happy to feed a chemical compound found in pesticide for their parrots, it’s like feeding poison.

A prolong intake with Ethoxyquin can cause great impact to the health, resulting in damage to kidneys and liver, and even possibility of tumors and growths. We shouldn’t put our parrots’ health and lives at risk, so whenever buying any commercial diet, read those labels on the packaging.

Most commercial seed mixes and pellets are preserved by Ethoxyquin, avoid these and stop offering to the birds. Why not considering other commercial pellets that are organic, naturally preserved by Vitamin C and other healthier natural preservatives? At least they don’t put our parrots’ health at risk, and give us a peace in mind.

I personally do offer Kermit little chopped garlic clove and he enjoys garlic as I do. I’ve always know that garlic provide numbers of healthy minerals and also known as a natural antibiotic. Offering our feathered pals garlic can promote another healthy element to their diet and can possible prevent any fungi infection.

Until recently, when I happen to come across a health magazine indicating the possible impact to human health when overly consumed. I stopped offering garlic to Kermit.

This does bring to my concern pondering whether is it safe to offer Kermit garlic clove. Will this lead to possible health problem in Kermit just like what may happen in human beings? There isn’t much information around highlighting that garlic or onion can be harmful. This leads me to research and find more about the possible impact of onion or garlic in the daily diet.

In a health magazine, it highlighted that when over consuming of raw onion or garlic can cause anemia. Anemia is actually a health term referring to low red blood cell count. It does sounds quite bad to our health.

I began to search through the web to find articles indicating the possible health problems caused by garlic consumption by birds. Interestingly, I found that onion and garlic contain a kind of sulfur compound which result in a health condition known as Heinz Body Hemolytic Anemia. This result in low red blood cell count which garlic or onion cause the red blood cells to rupture.

Possible symptoms of birds suffering from Heinz Body Hemolytic Anemia:

• Appear weakness (Frequently and easily fall of from perch/Weak foot grip)
• Lethargy
• May appear increase in heart rate.

Although small amounts of garlic clove or garlic powder to enhance flavor in the daily diet is possible, but I guess is to totally avoid so we do not put on feathered pals’ health at risk.