Services

What Can We Do For You or Your Bird?

The Bird Mecca

Bird Grooming

Sitting / Boarding Your Bird

DNA Collection for Sexing or Disease Testing

Nutritional & Behavior Consultation

Grooming - I make house calls! You won't need to stress your bird. If your bird lived in

the wild, it's nails and beak would grow just as it does now, but would be trimmed naturally on

the rough surfaces birds normally use for perching, chewing, rubbing, playing. Since our birds live in carpeted living rooms and smooth, painted cages, we must occasionally supplement what nature intended. First, I always recommend using a lava rock perch. Place it in the cage as one of several options for your bird to use

for perching. Never force your bird! If she is afraid of it at first, gently place it near the cage and

leave it where she will see it. Never place the lava rock at the highest perching location, thereby forcing the bird to use it for roosting. Lava rock is very coarse and will irritate feet if over-used, but because it is so coarse, it REALLY works to keep nails trim. Let your bird decide how much to use it.

Wings can be trimmed to prevent full flight. It is often much safer for the bird and sometimes,

for humans, to have a bird non-flighted. Wing trims should allow the bird to glide to the floor,

NOT drop like a rock. The intent is to prevent lift and full flight. Flight feathers cut too short

can be harmful in several ways and can promote behavior problems such as plucking, biting,

screaming. Cut too long and you may loose your bird to injury or loss. A bird with too much "attitude" can learn it's pecking order much faster if it is transportation dependent on you and will learn to cooperate with the crucial step-up exercises (see Behavior section).

I believe that a calm, patient approach to grooming is essential. Gentle restraint is often necessary, but not always. We can discuss your bird's needs in detail and decide how best to handle him.

Pricing is based on your location, bird size, and number birds being groomed. Generally, pricing ranges from $35 to $75 for 1st bird and $6 each additional bird.

Boarding and Sitting - For those times that you will be away, The Bird Mecca can provide

a safe, secure, friendly place for your bird. When a bird's "flock" is away, it can be a terribly traumatic experience! Depending in the temperament of your bird, and what works best for your circumstances,

you have the option to board your bird with me or I can make daily visits to your home to care for your bird(s).

Boarding: Some conditions apply. My aviary is semi-closed for the protection of my birds and that of my boarders. We can discuss your situation and decide together what is best! Boarders receive daily feeding, cage cleaning, play-time and almost constant company! Accommodations are always made for your bird's special likes, dislikes and needs, such as medication, foods, attention, etc.

Pricing - $12. per day for most birds

Sitting, or Home Visits: If you have decided that home visits are best for you and your bird,

we will then determine how many visits are appropriate. According to your instructions, your bird

may receive out-time, fresh soft food, handling, medications and of course, cage cleaning.

Pricing - $15. includes 1 visit per day, $24 includes 2 visits per day in the Vestal, Endicott area. Add mileage surcharge for areas beyond.

Special Note: References available. Home visits include home security, mail/paper and garbage can take-in and may include care for other pets in the home.

DNA Collection - I make house calls! I will collect your birds precious DNA for sex determination or testing for several types of disease. Results are available with-in one week, and usually sooner.

You will receive a certificate with your name and your birds name/band ID.

Pricing - $65. Surcharge added for areas beyond Vestal/Binghamton.

Nutrition & Behavior Consultation- I make house calls for this too! Having a behavioral issue? Is your bird entering the "terrible twos", or suddenly started biting? Are you new to sharing your home with a bird and want more knowledge about what to feed it? Did you ever wonder if potatoes, meatloaf, peas, pasta, corn, perogies are good for your bird? Did you know that a seed diet is the equivalent of coke and potato chip diet? Let me help you with these questions, show you some gentle dominance techniques, games your bird will love, and show you the all important "step-up exercise".

Pricing - $35 - $75, depending on individual complexity. If added to a grooming

session or DNA collection, 50% discount.