A live webinar featuring renowned parrot behavior consultant Lisa Bono, CPBC, is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM PST. This interactive "Ask Lisa Anything (Almost!)" session aims to provide parrot owners with direct access to expert advice on a wide spectrum of avian care topics. Bono will be stepping in to lead the session, which is a regular feature hosted by Lafeber Company, typically presented by Dr. Jessi Tully. The event is designed to address pressing questions from both novice and experienced parrot guardians concerning behavior, diet, housing, and enrichment.
Webinar Details and Registration
The webinar is set to commence on Friday, April 24, 2026, at noon Pacific Standard Time. Attendees are strongly advised to utilize a time zone converter to confirm the local start time in their respective regions, given the global nature of online events. Registration for the webinar is currently open. Interested individuals can secure their participation by visiting the provided registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3YL81zVCTvqEyvj4FccW1A.
The visual representation accompanying the announcement features a professional headshot of Lisa Bono. She is depicted with an African Grey parrot perched on each of her shoulders, a symbolic image underscoring her extensive experience and close connection with these intelligent birds. The photograph’s dimensions and srcset attributes suggest it is optimized for various display sizes, further indicating a professional presentation of the event.
Expertise of Lisa Bono, CPBC
Lisa Bono brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the forefront of avian behavior consulting. As a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC), she has dedicated her career to understanding and improving the lives of companion parrots. Her approach is rooted in science-based methods, emphasizing positive reinforcement and a deep understanding of avian psychology. Bono’s expertise spans a broad range of issues that commonly affect parrot ownership, from addressing challenging behaviors to optimizing nutrition and environmental enrichment.
Her involvement in this webinar signals a significant opportunity for the public to gain direct insights from a leading authority in the field. The "Ask Lisa Anything (Almost!)" format is specifically designed to encourage audience participation, allowing attendees to submit their most pressing questions in advance or during the live session. This interactive approach is crucial for addressing the nuanced and often complex challenges faced by parrot owners.
Background of the "Ask Lisa Anything" Series
The "Ask Lisa Anything" webinar series, hosted by Lafeber Company, has established itself as a valuable resource for pet bird enthusiasts. These sessions are part of Lafeber’s broader commitment to avian health and welfare, providing educational content that empowers owners to provide the best possible care for their feathered companions. While Dr. Jessi Tully is often the featured expert, the inclusion of guest specialists like Lisa Bono highlights the depth of knowledge available through the platform.
Lafeber Company, known for its specialized avian diets such as Lafeber’s® Avian Diets, has a long-standing reputation for supporting avian health research and education. Their webinars are a direct extension of this mission, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and practical application in everyday pet ownership. The consistent scheduling and format of these events suggest a strategic approach to ongoing public education, fostering a community of informed and responsible bird keepers.
Addressing Common Parrot Care Challenges
Parrots are known for their intelligence, complex social structures, and demanding care requirements. These characteristics, while making them fascinating companions, also present owners with unique challenges. The webinar’s broad scope, covering behavior, diet, housing, and enrichment, is designed to tackle these common issues head-on.
Behavioral Concerns
Behavioral problems are perhaps the most frequently cited reason for owner frustration and, in some cases, rehoming of pet parrots. These can range from:
- Screaming and Vocalization: Parrots are naturally vocal, but excessive or persistent screaming can be disruptive. Understanding the underlying causes, such as boredom, attention-seeking, or anxiety, is crucial for effective management. Bono’s expertise in avian communication will be invaluable here.
- Feather Plucking: This self-mutilating behavior is a serious welfare concern and can have multiple contributing factors, including medical issues, stress, boredom, or environmental deficiencies.
- Aggression and Biting: Understanding parrot body language and developing strategies to prevent biting incidents are essential for safe interaction.
- Picky Eating: As mentioned in the announcement, diet is a significant concern. Many parrots are resistant to new foods, leading to nutritional imbalances.
Diet and Nutrition
The nutritional needs of parrots are highly specific and vary significantly by species. A balanced diet is fundamental to their overall health, immune function, and well-being. The webinar will likely delve into:
- Species-Specific Dietary Requirements: Different parrot species, from macaws to budgerigars, have distinct dietary needs.
- Transitioning to a Healthy Diet: Strategies for introducing new foods and moving away from seed-only diets, which are often deficient in essential nutrients.
- The Role of Pellets vs. Fresh Foods: Understanding the benefits and limitations of various food sources.
- Common Nutritional Deficiencies: Identifying signs and discussing prevention of vitamin and mineral imbalances.
Housing and Environment
The physical environment in which a parrot lives plays a critical role in its physical and psychological health. Key aspects include:
- Cage Size and Design: Providing adequate space for movement, climbing, and playing.
- Cage Placement: Understanding the importance of social integration and security within the home.
- Substrate and Cleaning: Maintaining a hygienic environment to prevent disease.
- Temperature and Humidity: Ensuring appropriate environmental conditions for the specific species.
Enrichment
Enrichment is vital for maintaining a parrot’s mental stimulation and preventing boredom, which can lead to behavioral problems. This encompasses:
- Foraging Opportunities: Mimicking natural foraging behaviors to provide mental and physical challenges.
- Toys and Play: Offering a variety of safe and stimulating toys that cater to different species’ needs and preferences.
- Social Interaction: The importance of regular, positive interaction with their human flock.
- Training and Mental Stimulation: Engaging parrots in learning new behaviors and solving puzzles.
Supporting Data and Industry Trends
The demand for expert avian care information is on the rise, mirroring the increasing popularity of parrots as companion animals. Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and other pet industry reports indicate a steady increase in the number of households owning birds, with parrots being a significant segment. This growth underscores the need for accessible and reliable educational resources.
The professionalization of avian behavior consulting, marked by organizations like the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) which certifies CPBCs, signifies a growing recognition of the complexity of avian behavior and the need for specialized expertise. Lisa Bono’s certification highlights her adherence to rigorous standards of knowledge and ethical practice.
Industry trends also point towards a greater emphasis on "parrot-proofing" homes and creating environments that cater to the natural instincts and complex needs of these intelligent creatures. This includes a move away from purely decorative cages towards more functional and stimulating living spaces. Furthermore, the conversation around parrot welfare increasingly emphasizes mental well-being and the prevention of stress-related behaviors.
Timeline and Chronology of Similar Events
Lafeber Company has a history of hosting educational webinars and events focused on avian health. The "Ask Lisa Anything" series has featured various experts and topics over time, building a loyal audience. While specific past dates are not provided in the source material, the recurring nature of these events suggests a consistent commitment to ongoing education. The scheduling of this specific webinar on a Friday afternoon PST aims to capture a broad audience, potentially including those who can attend during a lunch break or at the start of a weekend. The choice of a specific date like April 24, 2026, suggests a planned curriculum or a response to anticipated needs within the avian community.
Inferred Statements and Reactions
While direct statements from related parties are not present in the original content, the decision by Lafeber Company to have Lisa Bono step in for Dr. Tully suggests a collaborative approach to expertise. This can be inferred as a testament to Bono’s recognized standing in the avian community. A likely reaction from the Lafeber team would be one of confidence and enthusiasm for leveraging Bono’s unique skillset to benefit their audience.
From the perspective of parrot owners, the announcement would likely be met with anticipation and a sense of opportunity. Many would view this as a valuable chance to gain insights from a top professional on issues they may be struggling with in their own homes. The "Almost!" in the title also likely signals a realistic approach, acknowledging that not every single question can be answered in a single session, but that a comprehensive overview of common concerns will be addressed.
Broader Impact and Implications
The implications of such educational initiatives extend beyond individual pet owners. By empowering individuals with knowledge, these webinars contribute to:
- Improved Animal Welfare: Better-informed owners are more likely to provide appropriate care, leading to healthier, happier parrots and a reduction in neglect or abandonment due to unmanageable behaviors or health issues.
- Responsible Pet Ownership: The focus on complex needs reinforces the commitment required for parrot ownership, potentially leading to more thoughtful acquisition decisions.
- Community Building: Online platforms like this foster a sense of community among parrot enthusiasts, allowing for shared learning and support.
- Advancement of Avian Knowledge: By addressing common questions and highlighting expert approaches, these events contribute to the ongoing dissemination and application of best practices in avian care.
The success of webinars like this can also influence how avian care information is disseminated in the future, highlighting the effectiveness of live, interactive online formats for expert-led education. The accessibility of such events democratizes access to specialized knowledge, making it available to a wider audience regardless of geographical location.