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Bird Basics: Cockatiels

As promised, I’m reviving the Pets Blog’s series on Bird Basics. Previous bloggers have already covered lovebirds, African Gray parrots, sun conures, and parakeets, so today I’m going to look at one of the other most popular bird breeds: cockatiels. Originally from the Australian Outback, the cockatiel is a smaller bird reaching about 12 to 14 inches in length. It’s actually in the parrot family, though it’s obviously a tiny variety. Cockatiels live on average for 15 to 20 years, though there have been reports of some members of the breed living for up to 30 years. As with most … Continue reading →

Bird Basics: Sun Conures

Looking for a loving little bird that is easy to train and loves human companionship? Take a look at the lovely South American sun conure! These birds wear a rainbow of colors — brilliant yellows, reds and oranges and vibrant blues and greens. The younger birds will not be as brightly colored as the adults; full color and plumage will develop by one year of age. Beaks and feet are black, and you’ll see distinctive white patches around each eye. Sun conures can live more than twenty years — the average lifespan is between twenty-five and thirty years. They are … Continue reading →

Acclaimed Author L.C. Hayden’s “Killer” Effect

Author L.C. Hayden, photo courtesy of the author and used with her permission Sometimes we rescue an animal, adopt it into our family, and think we’ve done it the favor by saving its life. I’d like to share with you the following exchange I had with mystery, horror, and inspirational writer L.C. Hayden. (Her books include, Why Casey Had to Die, her newest release, What Others Know, which was a Left Coast Crime nominee for best mystery, When Colette Died, which was an Oprah On-Line Reading Café selection, and When Angels Touch You.) She’s had a lot of pets (and … Continue reading →