HBD Blog
This is a resource hub from Harrison’s Bird Foods created for bird owners, avian professionals, retailers, and anyone who wants to better understand companion bird health.
Here, you’ll find educational articles, downloadable guides, feeding resources, care tips, and expert insights focused on avian nutrition, preventive care, diet conversion, enrichment, species-specific needs, and overall bird wellness.
Whether you’re new to Harrison’s or continuing to learn more about proper bird care, the HBD Blog is here to help you make informed decisions that support healthier, happier birds.
The Cockatiel That Loves to Be Held
Wilfie, Wilfred, Will, Wilf, Mr. snowman apple cheeks, he has many names. All of which guarantee an excited whistle. He is a stunning boy; white & silver feathers bless his soft pink skin. There is so much to love about Wilf, he is the most incredible little guy...
The Cockatiel Who Couldn’t Sit Still
There was an elderly Cockatiel who had no name. She paced to numb the pain in her heart & nobody thought it was a shame. 10 long years she lived with no toys & no time out of her rusty cage. She used to hope with all her might that she could belong, but not...
THE BULLETIN BIRD August 2026
YOU MAY NOT KNOW… Eric van Kooten, an accomplished aviculturist from The Netherlands, is HBD’s Ambassador to International Distributors. Here he meets with an Australian distributor, Dr. Jade Kingsley, BA/BSc, BVSc, PgDip, MANZCVS, Director, Veterinary Nutrition...
Zebra Finch Enrichment
Birds still don’t get as much enrichment as they need to have, this is largely due to the fact that many owners don’t think they need their lives enriching. However, there is a group of Birds that even enrichment providers overlook, the tiny Birds eg. Finches &...
Blind Psittacine Sensory Enrichment
In this article we will cover the sensory enrichment of blind psittacine Birds (Parrots & Parakeets). I have been blessed to have many blind & visually impaired Birds in my care over the years & hope to be able to care for many more in the future. What is...
A Christmas Miracle
Fred was a scared little Budgie, a look of wild fear danced in the darkness of his eyes. Every time anybody tried to get close, he would scream until they left him alone. He tried to get close to people before but they broke his heart “never again” he vowed in the...
Why Don’t Harrison’s Nuggets Always Look Exactly the Same? (Article)
If you've noticed that your Harrison's nuggets sometimes look a little different from one bag to the next, you're not imagining things—and that's actually a sign of what makes Harrison's different. Real Food Doesn't Always Look Perfect Most extruded pet foods...
Bulletin Bird – July 2026
How to Live with a Pheasant Pheasants are not traditional pets and are not recommended for those looking for a highly interactive or affectionate companion. While they can make stunning and rewarding pets for bird enthusiasts, they are ornamental and skittish rather...
Hypovitaminosis A in the Companion Parrot | A Harrison’s Bird Foods Clinical Reference
1. Introduction Vitamin A, in the form of retinol and its active metabolites, is essential for epithelial integrity, vision, immune function, reproduction, and normal growth. Hypovitaminosis A is among the most frequently encountered nutritional disorders in companion...
Harrison’s High Potency: Supporting Birds with Increased Nutritional Needs Reference
Monitoring Matters Because High Potency is more nutrient and energy dense, it should be used thoughtfully. Regular weight checks and hands-on body condition scoring can help determine whether a bird is recovering well, maintaining appropriate condition, or beginning...
Exotic Companion Medicine Handbook: A Reference Guide for Veterinary Professionals
The handbook brings together a wide range of quick-reference information for exotic companion species. It includes sections on small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and additional appendix materials. Within those sections, the handbook covers...
Caring for Parrots
The guide covers many of the most important areas of parrot care, including behavior, social needs, intelligence, nutrition, housing, enrichment, disease prevention, and the importance of working with an experienced avian veterinarian. One of the central messages of...
First Aid for Companion Birds Reference
A Quick Reference Guide for Emergency Care Before an emergency occurs, it is important to establish a relationship with an avian veterinarian so you will have medical attention available to you when needed. Many veterinarians do not see emergencies without a prior...
Clinical Avian Medicine Textbook
Clinical Avian Medicine is one of the most respected and comprehensive references available for veterinarians who specialize in the care and treatment of companion birds. Developed by internationally recognized avian veterinary experts, this authoritative publication...
Avian Medicine: Principles and Applications
Avian Medicine: Principles and Applications is widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive references in the field of avian veterinary medicine. For veterinarians, veterinary students, educators, and researchers, this landmark publication has become an...
What Your Bird’s Appearance Says About Its Overall Health
Feathers Feathers show the critical first signs of impending disease, especially if due to malnutrition. Birds in very early stages of illness include the following characteristics: Feathers fail to zip (i.e., they have saw-toothed edges). Feathers are constantly in...
FIRST AID FOR COMPANION BIRDS
A Quick Reference Guide for Emergency Care Before an emergency occurs, it is important to establish a relationship with an avian veterinarian so you will have medical attention available to you when needed. Many veterinarians do not see emergencies without a prior...
Calcium metabolism in grey parrots: the effects of husbandry.
Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for the Diploma of Fellowship by Michael David Stanford. August 2005 Abstract Hypocalcaemia is a commonly presented pathological condition in the grey parrot (Psittacus e....
Tracking What Matters: Body Condition in the Companion Parrot
A Clinical Reference for Veterinary Practitioners Bianca Murphy, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) The Composite Nature of Body Condition Body condition in the companion parrot is not a single number. It is a composite clinical assessment that integrates body weight, muscle...
Avian Respiratory Anatomy and the Clinical Significance of Intracoelomic Disease
A Clinical Reference for Avian Veterinary Practitioners | Harrison's Bird Foods Bianca Murphy, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) Overview of Avian Respiratory Architecture The avian respiratory system is structurally and functionally distinct from that of mammals, and an...