Jamie started working with parrots at 17, performed with them on cruise ships around the world, and has spent over two decades helping people build better relationships with their birds. In this episode, I sit down with Jamieleigh Womach, co-founder of BirdTricks, to talk about her incredible journey, what "every interaction is a training session" really means, permission-based training, her non-profit Project Parrots, and her recent trip to Peru to visit wild macaws. Whether you're a new parrot owner or have been parronting for years, this conversation will change the way you think about your bird!

Episode Highlights:

• The BirdTricks origin story — from performing magic with parrots to saving parrots one person at a time
• "Every interaction is a training session" — what it really means and why every parrot owner needs to understand it
• The biggest mistakes well-intentioned parrot owners make
• Parrots are the 4th most popular pet but the #1 most rehomed — why, and what needs to change
• Project Parrots — the birds that started it and how it's going
• Their trip to Peru and what the Macaw Project does to help in the wild

Special Guest: 👉🏼 Jamieleigh Womach — Co-Founder of BirdTricks, Parrot Trainer & Founder of Project Parrots Non-Profit

"These birds live a very long time, and if we go the slow and steady route, we're going to have longevity out of that and trying to teach people to have the patience to do that and understand to that if they use a more positive based solution that the bird is going to be happier and intern they are going to be happier" — Jamieleigh Womach

Links & Resources:

• birdtricksstore.com
• projectparrots.org
• Tambopata Macaw Project: https://www.wiredamazon.com/

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

In this episode, I sit down with biologist, Presidential Award-winning educator, and avian nutrition expert Dr. Jason Crean, Lead Formulator at Biodiversity Bird Blends and one of the most respected voices in companion parrot nutrition in North America! We cover everything from wild diet ecology and bioavailability to herbal teas, bee pollen, hormones, and the mineral questions every parront is Googling at night.👀

Episode Highlights:

• Why whole food diversity is what parrots are biologically built for
• Parrot Nutrition variety and what that includes 
• Why are parrots eating clay in the wild, and what does the science show
• Why do parrots eat avocado in the wild?
• Mini lecture on the avian digestion system
• Bee pollen for parrots — is it good for parrots?
• Grit, cuttlebone, and seashells — what's safe and what your bird actually needs
• What to do during hormone season (SPRING!!)
• Herbal teas for birds: the science behind them and Dr. Crean's Hormone Homeostasis blend

Special Guest: 👉🏼 Dr. Jason Crean — Biologist, Avian Nutrition Consultant & Lead Formulator at Biodiversity Bird Blends

"Birds in the wild are surviving largely; the wild is a really rough place, we romanticize it." — Dr. Jason Crean

Links & Resources:

• Team Thrive! Nutrition Platform: www.drcrean.com/beaks-bird-house-thrive
• Biodiversity Bird Blends: www.biobirdblends.com
• Instagram: @drjasoncrean | Facebook: Avian Raw Whole Food Nutrition

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

Thinking about rescuing a parrot or adopting from a bird rescue? In this episode, we explore the realities of parrot rescue and life as a bird owner.

Parrot rescues around the world are overflowing with birds needing homes, yet many people don’t fully understand what adopting a rescue parrot involves. In this episode, certified professional bird trainer Sophie joins us to talk about rescuing parrots, rehoming birds, and the realities of bringing new parrots into your home.

We also discuss the honest side of being a bird parent, from the scariest moments we've experienced with parrots to the challenges many owners don’t expect. 

🦜Episode Highlights:

 • Rescuing parrots and adopting 
 • Sophie’s journey, adding three rescue cockatiels to the flock
 • The honest realities of being a bird parent, aka parront — the good, the bad, and the scary 
 • Our thoughts on AI-generated parrots and how they impact perceptions of parrots online

👉🏼Special Guest: Sophie Barnett, Certified Professional Bird Trainer (CPBT-KA) from Best Behaved Birds. Sophie has over 15 years of professional experience working with parrots across zoos, farms, and wildlife parks. She holds a First Class BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and a Triple Distinction National Diploma in Animal Management.

“It's really good to have realistic expectations and not expect that everything is going to go really well, but that's not to put people off rescuing, it's incredible, there are so many birds. I cannot stress how many birds ...rescues are swelled.” — Sophie

Links:
 • https://bestbehavedbirds.com/ 

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

In this episode, we sit down with Lea from NEKTON to talk all things summer bird care, from avoiding heat stress in parrots and other birds to smart supplement strategies that can make a big difference in the summer. Parrots don’t sweat, and hot days, especially during heat waves, can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. 

We cover the key signs of heat stress, what to do if you spot them, common mistakes bird owners make during the summer, prevention recommendations and what to avoid. Plus, Lea shares her go-to supplements for the season and how to introduce them safely to your birds! Whether you're a seasoned bird keeper or new to parrot care, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Keypoints:
☀️Staying healthy in the heat
☀️How does heat affect birds
☀️Signs of overheating
☀️Supplements for birds in summer
☀️Why supplements are beneficial for pet birds
☀️ Electrolytes, vitamins and bone health
☀️ How do your supplements complement a healthy diet?
☀️ How to introduce supplements, even to picky eaters!
☀️ Common mistakes bird owners make when caring for their birds during the summer

Special Guests:
👉🏼 Lea from NEKTION, a leading brand in high-quality bird care products. Nekton offers a wide range of supplements designed to keep your feathered friends healthy and thriving, from ornamental birds to birds of prey. 

“Electrolytes give the birds important minerals, simple sugars like dextrose and fructose and vitamin C, and these help keep the fluids balanced and help the birds recover faster after such stress like dehydration, heat and stuff, so that’s very good in the summer.”— Lea 

Links:

NEKTON Shop: https://shop.nekton.de/en/ 

NEKTON News: https://www.nekton.de/en/sommerhitze-bei-voegeln-unsere-partnerin-gibt-tipps-zur-richtigen-pflege/

Blog on Heat: https://poodlesandparrots.com/blog/posts/protect-your-birds-from-summer-heat

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

What happens when science, compassion, technology and a parrot come together? In this episode, we sit down with Jen, who took a groundbreaking approach to teaching birds how to communicate using tablets and touchscreens! Her birds are the first documented parrots that can READ AND WRITE!! We explore how to truly understand your bird’s emotions, recognize signs of trauma, fear, and even pain, and how technology and trust-based training can create a bridge between species.

Whether you're a bird parent, animal behaviour enthusiast, or just curious about how a parrot can use an iPad/tablet, this episode will leave you rethinking what’s possible in animal communication!

Keypoints:

🦜What inspired teaching parrots to communicate using technology?
🦜What was the initial process of training a cockatoo to use a tablet 
🦜How can we help our bird with their fears
🦜Access to a tablet saved Isabelle the cockatoo's life!
🦜How can this method deepen your relationships with your bird
🦜Can any bird learn this?
🦜How do you ensure that the use of technology is beneficial for your parrots, and not overwhelming or stressful for them
🦜Tips on how to get started without a tablet/iPad!

Special Guests:

👉🏼 Jen from @parrotkindergarten, parrot mama, attorney, animal cognition trainer, writer, and international speaker, focusing on animal literacy and communication. 

“Every animal I’ve worked with has been able to learn either cards and symbols or the tablet, and various things play into this”— Jen

Links:

Parrot Kindergarten: https://parrotkindergarten.com/

Screen sanitizers: https://www.amazon.com/shop/poodlesandparrots/list/2GP2S18EBZPTD?ref_=aipsflist 

Touch & Feel books: https://amzn.to/48RJY2k 

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

Are cockatiels good pets? In this episode, we explore cockatiels as pets, how they compare to conures, and essential care tips. We chat with Ada about her flock and real-life experiences with her adorable cockatiels and canary!

Keypoints:

🦜 Cockatiels vs. Conures 

💛 Cockatiel care

🌙 Cockatiel night frights 

🔍 Foraging for cockatiels

🎶 Canary birds – What it's like to have them as pets

🥦 Canary bird diet – Nutrition for these tiny songbirds

This episode is packed with cockatiel care tips and insights to help you provide the best home and care for your feathered babies!

Special Guests:

👉🏼 Ada, Bird Mom to a flock of 6 tiels and 2 canaries @the.birdband 

Links:

The Bird Band: https://www.thebirdband.com/

Back Zoo Nature Foraging: https://www.backzoonature.com/en/ 

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

In this episode, we dive into the essential tips every bird owner needs to know. From quick first-aid steps for emergencies to understanding the root causes of feather plucking, we cover it all with Dr. Octavio. Learn how to optimize your parrot’s diet with the right balance and discover the importance of sunlight and probiotics for their well-being. Plus, we tackle common health concerns like overweight birds and the use of hormone implants. Tune in for expert advice and practical solutions to keep your parrot thriving from an avian vet!

Key Points: 

• Parrot first aid tips
• Parrot bleeding tips
• Probiotics and Prebiotics for Birds
• Sunlight for birds - Why and how much?
• Cockatiels and night frights!
• How to tell if your bird is overweight?
• Parrot diet - seeds, pellets, vegetables, fruit
• Parrot plucking and the root cause
• What do healthy feathers look like?
• Do x-rays have to be done with anesthesia?
• Hormone implants and Lupron - do they work? Are they good?
• Most common bacteria and infections in birds!

Special Guests:

👉🏼 Dr. Octavio Lisboa, Avian Vet passionate about saving birds since 2006. You may remember him from Episode 34!

“And simple accident but they can become like a nightmare… is the bleeding, nail bleeding, beak bleeding something like this… We have to try to stop the bleeding immediately.”— Dr. Octavio

Links:

• https://www.avianmedicinecourses.com/
• https://www.avianmedicinecourses.com/online-course-how-to-feed-my-parrot 

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

In this episode we fly into the world of birds with special needs, exploring the challenges and care requirements! From splay legs to blindness, we discuss various disabilities that affect birds and the compassionate care they require to live fulfilling lives. Jen also provides us with tips and advice on caring for senior birds, whose golden years often bring unique health concerns.

We also talk with Jen about life as a bird artist who not only creates stunning birb art but also dedicates her life to rescuing and rehabilitating special-needs birds. Listen as she shares her journey of combining art and advocacy, bringing attention to these incredible creatures through her work while offering them the love and care they deserve.

Whether you're a bird lover, an artist, or someone passionate about animal rescue, this episode will inspire you by the resilience of birds and the humans who care for them. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about creativity, compassion, and the beauty of all living beings.

Key Points: 
🦜 Birds with special needs
🦜 Birds with Splay legs
🦜 How to support blind birds
🦜 Birds with Arthritis
🦜 Aggressive birds
🦜 Addressing Pluckers 
🦜 Birb Art and Inspire behind Birdhism 
🦜 The challenges of being a Bird Artist
🦜 How expensive do vet bills get?

Special Guests:
👉🏼 Jen from Birdhism is on a mission to inspire compassion for both birds and people through art, memes, and merch.

“It’s hard; it’s not for people who form attachments without being able to let go. That’s one of the biggest things doing bird rescue is being able to let go ”— Jen

Links:

• https://birdhism.com/ 

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

In this episode, we take flight with the aviator harness for birds! We sit down with the CEO of The Parrot University to explore the story of how this innovative product came to be. Julias shares aviator harness options and guides us through choosing the perfect size for your feathered babies! Learn essential training techniques for getting your bird comfortable with the harness, and discover tips for safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures.🧭🌲⛰️🏞️

Key Points:

• How was the Aviator Harness created?
• What is the size guide?
• Why is this harness so safe?
• Why is it enrichment for birds
• Aviator Harness training tips
• Where are good places to go with your bird?
• What should we bring on our harness adventures?
• Step by step to getting your bird in a harness!
• Be careful of knock-off brands!
• Do's and don'ts every bird owner should know for outdoor adventures!

Special Guests:

👉🏼 CEO of The Parrot University, Julia Dettore, CPBT-KA @theparrotuniversity 

“We’re the first, and we really pride ourselves on the quality and safety. I’m using these with my own birds, so you know if I pull one off the shelf, I don’t want to lose my bird; I don’t want anybody to get their bird hurt either… From the start of the harness to the very end, quality is where we’re looking.”—Julia Dettore.

Julia combines her love for birds and knack for innovation to create top-notch products and services for our feathered friends. Her journey started at an aviary as a teen, and she hasn’t looked back since. She honed her skills at the Columbus Zoo and later studied Animal Science at Ohio State University.

With over a decade in the animal industry, Julia is all about making life better for our feathered friends. She’s led the Aviator Harness to reach bird lovers in over 100 countries, always focusing on quality and care. Passionate about positive reinforcement training and holistic bird health, Julia’s mission is to educate and empower pet owners everywhere.

Links:

• https://www.aviatorharness.com/  👉🏼💸DISCOUNT: THEPARROTPODCAST
• https://www.facebook.com/AviatorHarness 
• https://poodlesandparrots.com/blog/posts/safe-wood-branches-and-trees 
• https://poodlesandparrots.com/blog/posts/safe-and-unsafe-household-plants 

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

In this episode, I sit down to chat with Adele from Wildlife Unleashed, a passionate conservationist dedicated to creating safe havens for some of the most stunning birds, including Amazon parrots, macaws, Major Mitchell cockatoos, and red-tailed black cockatoos and many other animals! We discuss what it takes to run a sanctuary, free flight tips, flock enrichment, and more! Adele also shares insights on Australian wildlife and how their dedication is channelled through wildlife education programs aimed at inspiring and educating the public about the vital importance of conservation.

Key Points:

• Journey to starting Wildlife Unleashed
• What it’s like to have 19 parrots AND 88 ANIMALS!
• Macaws, Amazons, Major Mitchell Cockatoos, Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos, Gang-gang Cockatoos and more!!
• Free flight tips
• Enrichment and Large Aviaries
• The best and worst parts of starting a sanctuary 
• Australian Wildlife👀
• Tidbits on saltwater crocs, lizards, snakes, owls and magpies

Special Guests:

• Adele Bender from Wildlife Unleashed @adelebender_, @wildlifeunleashed_

“In captivity, we can never provide what they would naturally in the wildlife, you know. If they're not compatible, they just fly off and have this endless amount of space to get away from each other”—Adele Bender.   

Links:

• https://www.wildlifeunleashed.com.au/ 

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots   

Looking for tips from an avian vet tips for healthy parrots? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Octavio to help you with health tips for your parrots! From understanding our parrot's complex needs to shocking bloodwork results and identifying signs of illness early on. Discover the differences between healthy and unhealthy poops, and gain invaluable tips to keep your feathered fids thriving! 

Key Points:
🦜 What does a healthy bird poop look like?
🦜 Signs of illness
🦜 Fractures and broken bones 
🦜 Healthy tips & Household dangers
🦜 Shocking bloodwork results in parrots! 
🦜 Can parrots get cancer?
🦜 Can parrots be allergic to certain foods?
🦜 Heavy metal poisoning 
🦜 The dangers of preparing formula
🦜 Risks of Surgery on Parrots
🦜 How often should we go for vet visits?
🦜 What types of testing should we be doing?
🦜 Feather plucking and feather imping 

Special Guests:
🩺 Dr. Octavio Lisboa, Avian vet with more than 18 years of exclusive experience in bird care!

“It's very important to keep checking the droppings; buy one kitchen scale for we keep checking the weight of your parrot, if it's possible, every day, every week because if they are losing weight, some problem is happening and also behaviour” - Dr. Octavio Lisboa.   

Links:
📲 https://linktr.ee/avian.medicine 
📲 https://www.avianmedicinecourses.com/ 

 🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/poodlesandparrots
🦜 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theparrotpodcast/
🦜🐾 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poodlesandparrots/
🥦 Freebies & EBOOKS: https://poodlesandparrots.com/products
💻 Helpful Blogs: https://poodlesandparrots.com/
📌 Pinterest: pinterest.com/poodlesandparrots