I was subscribed to Birdtricks on YouTube for years, and also on Instagram, but decided to unsubscribe to them on both platforms today. There are multiple reasons for that. One of them, is that I recently found out from another post on here that the cold pressed pellets they sell, are very similar to, if not exactly TOPS pellets with a much higher price tag, different packaging, and a different name. If that's true, I'm very disappointed and upset with them over that. I hate seeing anyone get ripped off, and I obviously don't like to be on the receiving end either. Thankfully, I did my research before purchasing those pellets from their site. They are far more expensive through Birdtricks. Intentional or not, Birdtricks seems to advertise the pellets in such a way that makes you think they are their own brand of cold pressed pellets. Maybe they are, but I didn't think anything like that was available elsewhere. Since I wanted Emery to get all of those nutrients, was willing to purchase them. I had no idea TOPS had that type of pellets. I understand that they have to make a living, but charging people double for pellets just doesn't sit well with me.
I've spoken with Jamie before when I had questions about Emery. She seemed very nice and interested in helping me. She answered my questions for free, which was, and still is greatly appreciated.
While I do still use some of the training techniques I've seen from them, I definitely don't agree with or follow everything they advise. I'm going to look into different parrot trainers that are more knowledgeable, like Barbara Heinrich, as Monica suggested. There are just too many things about Birdtricks, and their business practices and advice that I don't care for. I do believe they care about parrots though, and helping others to have better relationships with their parrots. That said, the pellet overcharging was just the final nail in the coffin for me.
In their podcast, they mentioned that they don't believe birds should be offered around the clock access to food. The way it came across was like their way was the only way. There are definitely some birds who tend to overeat, such as some Amazons, but most parrots are good at self regulation when it comes to food. I personally don't agree with their viewpoint on that. Emery does very well with having 24/7 access to food. She eats when she's hungry and stops when satiated. Besides, if I end up working late, at least I know she has plenty of food available. It's a personal decision, and I'm not bashing anyone who does things differently. I just didn't care for their "I'm right, you're wrong" approach.
Instead, I will be purchasing Emery's new pellets from
Kazoo Bird Toys, who is a trusted vendor and member on here known as
@Love My Zons. I'm much happier to take my business elsewhere and support our trusted AA vendors who operate with integrity. They understand how we want the best for our birds, but won't rip you off in the process.