This page is not to be confused with our "Frequently Asked Questions" - This page will be dedicated questions that I get in emails from people. You can read through them. Typically speaking our readers email me to ask questions on their own birds or my birds, to praise the site, ask questions in regards to the Toy Catalog... the most asked question I tend to get is "Do you think my bird will get along with another bird?".... read below!

The Questions and Answers pertain to Pionus and some info can be used towards other parrots at times. Every situation is different so what is for one person or bird is maybe not for the other. There will be some good info on this page to read on.

Q: I am going to get another bird, do you think my bird will get along with another bird?
A: This is such a tough question that I think can not be answered exactly. Every bird differs in personality and no two are a like... two males of the same specie will not be the same or act the same. Much like us people... we all are different from one another. Birds can be and most often are territorial about their cage area so when having a new arrival to your home, your  existing bird most likely will not be happy about the new bird getting too close to his cage area or play area. Slow introductions are the best way to go. Also, your existing bird can be very jealous of the new bird in the house and be protective of you, with this comes your bird biting you... yes you because birds often look to you as their mate and a bird's instinct is to bite the mate as a warning to stay back, that is how it is in nature. Whether your existing bird is male or female and the new bird be the opposite sex can determine on how your existing bird reacts... your male bird might act differently to new male bird then he would to a new female coming in. Also, the size of the birds too can determine things too. Again, slow introductions, give them ample time to see watch other from across the room, after while you can slowly move them towards each other and see how they react, sometimes you will already know by judging their reactions if you observe. Do not ever get a new bird and immediately try to put them together, it just won't work out well.

Q: I think my bird is sick, what should I do?
A: Waste no time, get your bird into the vet. Birds are great for hiding an illness or even if it is something obvious, birds can not afford to wait to see if they get better. Depending upon what you think might be the problem, sometimes if you can not get in and you know it is really serious, then pay the extra for their "Emergency" or if it's after office hours the you also have that option. Some things a bird can wait on and some things can be vital so depending upon how much experience you have as to know how and when you should act upon the situation.
 

Q: I know you do not ship birds, but do you know of a breeder in my area or do you know who ships birds?
A: Generally, I do not know of too many breeders in your area! Most people who contact me asking me this are no where in my state. So much of who I know of is from people who are online with websites. I often do a search and I have certain people I do know because of the internet... never have met them but know them due to online! I have a few website resources that I go on that I can look up people who are nearest you but often it's always too far from the person inquiring.

Q: Which sex is more aggressive, male or female?
A: Well, as a rule usually the male and most often when maturity hits, sometimes before. Although there are times that can make aggression strike when not handled properly, perhaps something that makes the bird unhappy can do it too. You must understand some parrot behavior first before you can understand why they get like they do at times, its just their nature to be that way providing nothing has provoked them into the behavior. I have seem some aggressive females but most common is the male.

Q: Which talks better a male or female?
A: Ahem, generally the male in the Pionus specie. The male Maxi talks usually the best and then the Blue Head. I have heard some females talk pretty darn good though. I never discredit any of them.  The Pionus specie does not have a super wide range of a vocabulary nor do they talk real clear, they are very understandable and talk with a slight raspy sound. Like most parrots, they will practice words over and over to become good enough, meaning until they think it is how they hear it and they mimic sounds too quite well! They have cute voices and to me they are quite fun to talk back and forth to.

Q: We are considering a white headed Pionus 8 months of age. My wife has a 1 yr. 6 mo. Cockatiel. We are concerned about compatibility of these 2 species. They would of course be in separate cages 6 ft apart. but would have free time outside on the playtops. Any problems you can see in this?
A: What I see here is similar to the very first question on this page. First off, when a smaller bird is trying to be with a larger bird the larger bird has more advantage on hurting the smaller bird. Although small birds tend to get nippy towards larger birds like trying to nip at the feet. A larger bird has more strength in its beak to hurt a smaller bird. It is not uncommon for two different size birds to get along, I have even experienced it happening with my own birds... slow introductions is the best key element into making a good relationship and not all birds will get along no matter how hard you try or they try.

Q:  I'm disappointed in your site. I first went on and got some good info. Then I asked for some help from you and asked some questions and have not gotten a response.  Thank You.
A: Okay, this is the first email I ever got like this! I can not always respond as quickly as some people would like. Both my websites are filled full of information and yet so many emails I get are such simple questions that are on the pages but so may people just do not want to talk the time to read on it and think it will be quicker to get answers if they email me instead. Often if people email me and ask a question that is on the website, I will just direct them to the site and so not answer it in the email. Otherwise, why did I develop the websites after all! Answering emails is very time consuming to say the least and I do have to take care of lots of birds plus household stuff so sitting at the computer all day does not get my chores done!! I do enjoy answering emails but I have to have ample time to do it!

Q: My Pi is lately losing some feathers and has a lot of dander falling; could it be molting?  Is there a conditioner that I can buy for this problem? Also how often should he be bathed?   Thanks.
A: Pionus like all parrots do molt their feathers and they molt at least two complete molts per year but usually they molt through out the times as well. It is a gradual process as a rule but sometimes it can seem as if they loose way too many and usually this is okay. You do though however, have to know the difference between molting and plucking. Plucking is where they literally pull out their feathers. I have a page on feathers on my main website so you can take a look there and read more on it.

Q: I would like to get one of your books to order toys in the mail.  How can I get one?  Please email me an let me know.
A: Any thing for sale that is on my website is usually ordered online or if done through the mail then you must browse though the Online Catalog and then use our mail in order form. We do have a PDF version of our catalog but it is not up to date. We do not print up a paper catalog at all!!

Q: What is the size, life span and what do they eat?
A: Believe it or not, all these questions are listed on both my websites! Please read on there! Thanks!

More Questions and Answers Coming Soon! These are just a wee fraction of the typical emails I get... I will go though a few more and put some more here.