Parrot Stars Podcast

Perches are far more than places for parrots to stand; They shape how birds move, explore, exercise, and maintain healthy feet and joints. In this episode, Alexis and Avery explain how thoughtful perch placement can make the entire enclosure accessible, why a well-equipped cage should offer plenty of climbing and activity opportunities, and why a bird’s “favorite perch” may actually be about locat...

Parrots are among the most colorful animals on Earth, but their feathers may look completely different to another parrot than they do to us. In this episode, Alexis and Avery explore the science behind parrot coloration, including tetrachromatic vision, ultraviolet light, microscopic feather structures, melanin, and the uniquely parrot-made pigments called psittacofulvins. They also examine how co...

Why do we use cages, and what makes one appropriate for a parrot? In this episode, Alexis and Avery explain how a properly designed enclosure provides safety, structure, independence, and a place to recover from household stimulation, never punishment or isolation. They break down why parrot cages are built with bars, which materials are safest, why DIY wood and aquarium-style enclosures fall shor...

African Grey parrots are among the most recognizable companion birds in the world, but their intelligence, beauty, and popularity have also made them major targets of the illegal wildlife trade. In this two-part episode, Alexis and Avery examine the trafficking of Congo African Greys from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the devastating mortality behind wild-caught bird shipments, and the cou...

How do we give our parrots meaningful attention without accidentally teaching them that they must be with us every second of the day? In this episode, Alexis and Avery break down the difference between healthy connection, purposeful independence, and true recovery time. They explore common patterns like guilt-driven attention, constant free rein, contact calling, “Velcro” behavior, and difficulty...

Birding can be as simple as noticing the birds in your backyard or as serious as traveling hundreds of miles to find a rare species in its natural habitat! In this episode, hosts Alexis and Avery explore what birding is, the different types of birdwatching, and the basic tools that can make the experience even more rewarding. They discuss the absolute joy of birding but also touch on the ethics of...

Where you place your parrot’s cage can shape how safe, connected, and rested they feel every day. In this episode, Alexis and Avery break down the three things every good cage location should provide: safety, social connection, and recovery. They discuss windows, vents, cords, household traffic, other pets, and common locations like living rooms, bedrooms, offices, kitchens, and more! They also ex...

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...