Parrot Stars Podcast

In this riveting episode, our hosts Alexis and Avery combine two personal favorites of theirs - American history and parrots - to explore the shockingly long list of U.S. presidents (and First Families) who kept parrots in the Oval Office! They kick things off at Mount Vernon with George and Martha Washington’s famously referenced parrot Polly, then head into the White House years with James and D...

In this episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Richmond and Dr. Snyder for an illuminating conversation that covers the world of veterinarians, parrot welfare, and their personal journeys with the birds they each have at home. Dr. Richmond explains how his experience with the toll that pursuing veterinary science can take inspired the creation of Flourishing Phoenix Veterinary C...

Our listeners are who keep the Parrot Stars Podcast going! Today we wanted to give a shout out to some of our amazing community members and answer the questions they submitted. We cover topics like training, desensitization, proper grooming, and even yoga! We hope you enjoy and please keep submitting your questions via phone, email, social media, or our typeform (links below). Also, listen for the...

Parrots are flock animals, and when they live in our homes, we become a part of their flock. In this episode, our hosts talk about how parrots constantly “read the room,” and how the emotional environment of a household can shape a bird’s stress level, trust, and overall wellbeing. We break down why social awareness is hardwired into parrots (a behavior that does not disappear in captivity), intro...

Our hosts, Alexis Highland and Avery Voress, explore the science of flight, from the dinosaur origins of birds to the anatomy and physics that make flying possible. They break down feathers, bones, muscles, lungs, lift, and wing shape, then connect it all back to why flight is so important for parrots’ physical and mental wellbeing. This episode also covers how recall, return, stations, and harnes...

Alexis Highland and Avery Voress discuss a core truth of parrot behavior: parrots are prey animals, and humans are predators. In this episode, they unpack how that instinct shapes trust, handling, fear, and everyday behavior. From freezing and flying away to screaming and biting, many behaviors people label as “negative” are actually survival communication. This conversation explores how we can be...

In this episode, Alexis and Avery dive into the meaning of conservation and how it connects directly to the parrot world, where nearly one in three species are endangered or at risk of extinction. Focusing on Central and South America, this conversation highlights two inspiring organizations working to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable macaws. First, we explore The Bird Endowment’s Nido...

Most parrot emergencies aren’t random—they come from everyday household routines. In this episode, Alexis and Avery walk through the most common dangers parrots face inside our homes and explain how to build a simple, practical safety system that protects your bird. From air quality and kitchen hazards to doors, fans, other pets, and hidden risks in every room, they break down the biggest safety c...

In this episode, our hosts Alexis and Avery share the bird experiences that shaped their lives—from childhood memories of backyard birds and farm chickens to serious birding, museum research, conservation studies, and Costa Rica. They reflect on the experiences that led them to work with parrots today. They reflect on the moments that deepened their passion for birds and discuss why education, con...

Listen now to learn how to match the right parrot to your home and set everyone up for long-term success. Bringing a parrot home is exciting—but your living space plays a huge role in whether that relationship succeeds long term. Your home becomes your bird’s entire world, so noise, space, stimulation, and housing rules all matter more than people realize. In this episode, our hosts Alexis Highlan...

     From a cultural perspective, parrots and pirates go together like peanut butter and jelly. But why do we associate one with the other?      The image of a pirate with a parrot perched on his shoulder is one of the most enduring tropes in Western popular culture. From Treasure Island to Pirates of the Caribbean , from literature to film, theme parks, and even sports mascots, the association be...

Getting a new parrot is such a special and exciting thing. It can feel like your world has opened up to experiences you’ve never known before. Your newfound joy might make the idea of getting a second bird appealing. Or, perhaps you’re beginning your parrot ownership journey and wondering if it would be better to get two birds at the same time instead of just one. We’re here to encourage your enth...

    Check out Season 4 Episode 9 of the Parrot Stars Podcast: Holiday Bonus Episode!        This bonus episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast is your go-to guide for celebrating the holidays with parrots safely and joyfully—starting with why parrots should never be a surprise gift. Hosts Alexis and Avery cover the biggest seasonal hazards (trees, lights, tinsel, candles, essential oils, chocolate, wr...

We are ecstatic to have Mark Pruden of The African Grey Journal with us for this episode! Mark travels the world visiting parrot breeders, stores, sanctuaries, and private keepers — sharing their stories, missions, and the purpose behind what they do. At home, he reviews unique parrot products and shares how he cares for his African Greys every day on his YouTube channel @Africangreyjournal and In...

Parrots are instinctually busy-bodies. In their natural habitat, they are nomadic and have very few limitations on the ways they can physically interact with their living space. This is how they will live within your home unless you clearly establish where you want them to go and how you want them to do it. This requires consistent positive reinforcement training. The endgame being allowing your p...

Ever wish you could understand your parrot a little better? In this episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast, we break down the sometimes subtle body language and behavior cues parrots use every day to communicate with the people around them. From excited eye pinning to those “give me space” signals, you’ll learn how to recognize what your bird is feeling and what they’re trying to tell you, so you can...

In this episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast, we tackle one of the most common and frustrating challenges in parrot ownership: screaming. Excessive vocalization is one of the top reasons parrots are rehomed, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We break down why parrots scream, what your bird might be trying to communicate, and how you can respond effectively. Learn how to use positive reinforcement...

Have you ever wondered how parrots spend their days in the wild? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and essential world of parrot foraging! From the early morning search for fruit, nuts, and seeds to more complex social behaviors that go hand-in-hand with positive behavior in the household. Discover why foraging isn’t just about finding food; it’s a vital part of a parrot’s mental stimu...

We’re thrilled to share this special episode, recorded during our recent visit to the Parrot Stars breeding facility. We had the privilege of sitting down with the renowned Floridian Avian and Exotic Veterinarian, Dr. April Romagnano. While we’re lucky to work with Dr. April on a regular basis, this conversation gave us the chance to hear her personal journey, her passion for avian medicine, and t...

Something we hear almost every day at Parrot Stars, even from the best intentioned customers, is “My parrot hates this…”, “My parrot won’t touch their vegetables…”, etc. You’ve probably said something along these lines yourself when trying to get your bird to eat their pellets. Well, go no further, because in this episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast we’ll be discussing all the strategies you can u...

We cannot wait for the highly anticipated Parrot Stars Summer Festival coming July 18-20 2025, just next month! This bonus episode of the Parrot Stars Podcast gives you the full rundown of the exciting weekend and what to look forward to, including the biggest sales of the year, raffle prizes, the Parrot Wizard, animal organizations, DIY classes, avian veterinarian presentations, and so much more....

In this special episode, we’re answering listener questions live. From parrot behavior and training tips to diet, health, enrichment, and what it’s really like behind the scenes at Parrot Stars, no topic is off limits. Whether you're a first-time bird owner, a seasoned parrot veteran, or just curious about what it takes to care for exotic birds, this episode is packed with insights, practical...

In this episode, we’ll dive into the world of parrot breeding and discuss what sets responsible breeders apart. Learn how we prioritize the physical and emotional well-being of every Parrot Stars baby through ethical breeding practices, expert care, and a strong focus on education. Join us for an inside look at how good breeding isn't just about producing birds—it's about raising healthy...

There are plenty of claims and stereotypes about parrots floating around and many of them just aren’t true! In our very first myth-busting episode, we had a great time tackling some of the most common misconceptions we hear at Parrot Stars. We covered a wide range of topics that impact your parrot’s daily life, from training and diet to caging, behavior, and more! It’s easy to take advice from soc...

We’re diving into a critical and often controversial topic: parrot wing clipping (and why it’s something you shouldn’t do). While many people clip their bird’s wings with the best of intentions, the reality is that this practice can lead to potentially serious physical and mental consequences, some of which may even seem unnoticeable. Based on our personal experiences, we’ll share why allowing par...