The TALKAKTIVE PET BIRD

 Sun Parakeet (also known as Sun Conure) perching on a shoulder. It has been wingclipped. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parrots are very interesting birds because of its mimicking abilities.  When petting bird is your concern, it takes a lot different than getting other domesticated animals for a household companion.

A parrot is a noisy bird, more unpleasant if not given due attention and care.  It is subject to emotional fits depending on how its instincts and traits developed from former habitat; to compliment or conform, to the lifestyle of the adopting family it embraced.

Reasons People Get Pets into their Households

1. When a person is alone in the house a pet companion is the solution.  Individuals find it comfortable to select bird or animal pet because it emits trust.  You'll likely distrust more individuals from your own peers than pet animals.
2. Many people choose parrots because they could easily communicate and could return back conversations as they have instinctive qualities to mimic.
3. Pets, regardless of kind have therapeutic implications to the aged, or desperate.
4. A parrot helps to usher the presence of somebody thru noisy enthusiastic antics to welcome a friend it recognize.
5. Birds are nature-groomed, tidy, beautiful, and attractive because of its colorful feathers.
6. Unlike any other pet, parrots never get contaminated easily being caged and are not able to stray on grounds.

TYPICAL PET PARROTS

There are many parrot classifications from so many kinds in various countries of origin.  But there are more to a dozen of species for each type mentioned in all those actively trainable birds.  To illustrate a few from among the types "Conures," will tell that each one comes from a certain wild place of origin, almost all from the wilds of South America or South and Eastern Africa where vast virgin forest still abound.  

- Sun Conure - A type of Conures parrot it is a very beautiful bird in a mixture of yellow, orange and red with a slight touch of green on its wings.  Green is more dominant in the young suns and colour become brighter in a series of moults.  An adult sun weighs 100 to 120 grams.  Gender can't be detected easily except when one observes closely.  Female birds are more rounded and smaller than the males that are square, flat and larger.  Known for being loud and noisy, are possibly easy to train.  Comes from the wilds of Brazil (Northwestern), Venezuela, and Guyana.

- Green Cheek Conure - Originated from South America.  Body and wings are of olive green colours, and tail of crimson hue.  The throat is of grey-green with small flecks of green. Sex can't be distinguished easily.

Things common among parrots regardless of species are loudness in noise, multi-coloured, gender are hard to detect, trainable but need attention, otherwise, it'll go naughty.  Parrots' lifespan is mostly average.

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Pet Behaviour Training - For BIRDS

A Costa Rican coconut farmer showing his juvenile Red-lored Amazon to tourists as a bonus for tipping well.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you get a new pet, then it is important that you start with the basics of pet behavior training. This is helpful when it comes to teaching birds to be petted, or teaching them how to talk if you are the owner of a parrot. Pet bird training allows you to learn the behavior of your pet in order to put this into practice when training with your bird.

Before you begin your pet behavior training, you should learn your bird's behavior and body language so that you know what he likes and dislikes and when he is happy and sad. If you try to reach in to touch your bird on the head, then your bird might see this as a form of aggression from you. Does your bird go stiff and stare back at you? Does he try to bite you or run away from you? 

These are all behavioral signs of a bird that is not happy about being petted. If you ignore the behavior patterns of a stressed bird, then you might end up getting bitten on your finger. However, if your bird seems relaxed and turns or bows his head then this is a sign that the bird is enjoying what you are doing. Some birds even bow their heads and close his eyes which is a sure sign of a bird that is happy about being petted and trusts his owner.

How do you get started on training your bird to be petted?

1 Choose a time when your bird is relaxed and happy

2 Always keep your hand in view of the bird

3 Speak to your bird in a soothing voice before trying to pet him

4 Always be gentle

5 Begin by gently touching his beak and then gradually move your fingers to the skin just behind the beak

6 After touching the beak, move your fingers around to the side of his head

7 When trying to pet your bird on the body, make sure that you stroke with the natural orientation of the feathers because ruffling the feathers can irritate your bird. Stroke in the direction that the feathers naturally lay.

8 As your bird begins to relax, work your fingers around to the back of his head and his neck

9 Don't force your bird into being petted because you might just end up with a sore finger!

10 Don't let strangers pet your bird it is important that he learns to trust you fully first.

By Mike Hickmon - Article Source: EzineArticles

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6 things that we have to consider before buying a BIRD

Pet Birds - Photo by fresnel_chick 

What to start with? 

First, we have to consider the following : 

What can I afford? 

The price of on parrot varies in large bounds independence with the species. You can buy for example a budgie for less than 10 $. The price of the cockatiel varies between 25 and 35 $. An Amazonian parrot and grey parrot can be purchased for about 300 – 400$, cockatoo for 1,000 $...... and the price of some parrots reaches $15,000! This is one of the initial questions which you have to answer. 

How much space will the bird need? 

Larger birds and even some of the small ones are very active physically and need big cages and space in which to play. 

Is there any free time for the bird? 

Probably this is the most important question. Birds are intelligent, playful and mostly “ social ” creatures. Will you have time to play with your bird? To care properly of it? Will it have the chance to be a part of your family? Consider the fact that birds live fairly long. A small parrot cockatiel lives for 20 years and more! Amazona or African grey parrot can live for 50, 60 and there are documented cases of birds that lived up to the respectable age of 100 years! Can you devote to this? It is not unusual to inherit birds for previous generations. Don't buy a bird if you think that you will soon get bored of it. 

How noisy is the bird? Will the neighbors murmur? 

Budgies and cockatiel are comparatively quiet. They are suitable to look after in a flat. Moluxco cockatoo could live in flat just if you have neighbors around you and six floors above / below you that like listening screams to cracking their eardrums. The African grey parrot tends to be one of the comparatively non-noisy parrots. Certainly, there are individual differences between birds. Somewhere there could be cockatoo, that don ' t make noisy to heaven. If really there could be found such, an enterprising person could make a fortune off it. Remember that noise is a subjective and relative sensation. A bird can be considered as “ non-noisy ” only at the background of another one, considered as noisy. 

How “ destructive ” could a bird be? 

Do you possess peerless old furniture? Rare books? Remember that these birds have strong beaks,. Some of them are less inclined to “ nibbling ” than others, but nibbling is completely natural behavior for them. 

Does the parrot need special food? 

Lory parrots, for example, need a specialized diet. Do you have an opportunity and means to provide it? Once you have made a preliminary investigation and have decided what kind of parrot you want, you can go looking for it and buy it. NEVER, NEVER BUY A PARROT IMPULSIVELY!

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Things You Must Never FEED Your PET BIRD

Photo  by Shannon At Zeer 

This article offers certain foods that you, being a bird owner, should never feed to your pet bird. If you have questions concerning a particular type of bird seed or fruit, consult your veterinarian. Buy your bird seed from a reputable producer like ABBA or Kaytee and read about the native diets of your bird species and supply a diet that features birdseed, fruit, and vegetables that closely resembles the natural food source of your particular bird species.

Before purchasing a bird as a pet, read and collect information on certain things to do and not to do. There are many species of bird that, if cared for properly, will be lifetime companions and family members.

Every responsible bird owner should know that there are certain foods and specific ingredients that must never be fed to a pet bird. Here is a list of six (6) food items that should never be fed to a bird or caution must be taken in the preparation of the food.

1. Chocolate, unfortunately, is not for the birds. That wonderful candy bar will mean disastrous consequences for your bird. Chocolate is incredibly harmful to a bird's digestive system. Initially, chocolate will cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can then impact the central nervous system resulting in seizures and eventual death. Chocolate and food containing chocolate ought to remain well out of reach of your feathered friend.

2. Though fruits are without a doubt good for birds, there are types that should by no means be given to birds. These include apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, and pears. The reason is rather stunning. These fruits contain minute amounts of cyanide within their seeds which is an incredibly dangerous and a likely lethal substance even in trace quantities. Birds can eat portions of these types of fruit so long as it is cut away from the seeds or core. Also, always clean fruit prior to giving to your pets, children or yourself. Damaging chemicals present in pesticides are often detrimental to small animals such as birds.

Avocado is one fruit that should never be given to your pet bird. Skin of the avocado may cause cardiac distress and heart failure in certain bird species. Better safe than sorry with the avocado so don't even bother letting them try it.

3. Certain types of vegetables are often harmful. Onions may cause acute digestive problems and mushroom, which is really not a vegetable but a fungus can lead to respiratory distress, kidney failure, and death. While some veterinarians and pet owners are worried about giving pet birds particular vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes, these vegetables are not unsafe if they are cleaned and sliced prior to offering it to your pet. Remember, check with your veterinarian when you have concerns about any food source, including fruits, vegetables, and bird seed.

4. Even if you like to have a few, never ask your pet bird if he or she wish to join you for a drink. Alcohol depresses a bird's organs which, in some cases, is fatal. Caffeine is incredibly harmful to birds also. It causes a cardiac malfunction in birds and, in some cases, can cause arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, hyperactivity, and increased heartbeat. Keep alcoholic and caffeinated drinks well from reach and out of areas where your bird can access them. Aside from water, natural fruit or vegetable juice is good. It can provide the additional nutrition your bird needs.

5. Salt or products containing salt should never be given to birds. Like in humans, excess salt often leads to dehydration, kidney dysfunction, thirst, and death. Due to their small size, it does not require a great deal of salt to have negative effects.

6. Finally, never offer your pet bird dry or raw beans. Dry or uncooked beans contain a poison called hemagglutinin. Hemaglutinin is no longer a concern after the beans are cooked so if you desire to offer beans to your bird, cook them first.

These are 6 food items that you need to avoid feeding your feathered friend. Knowing and avoiding these and other damaging food items will help ensure they will live for a long time. Pet birds can be very expensive. Don't take a chance with your bird's health by feeding it food that can be dangerous. So what should you feed your pet bird to keep it healthy and happy? To play it safe, provide a good quality seed and pellet diet and supplement with approved fruits and vegetables if desired. This way you will keep the bird healthy and happy.

By Doug Chaffin - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Birds - EGG LAYING Can Kill Your Pet

Photo  by PuppiesAreProzac 

Birds lay eggs; that's what they do. But did you know that this could be deadly for your pet?

My beloved bird is a cockatiel. She's a beautiful bird and a great companion. About twice a year she gets in a mood to respond to her God-given natural activity of egg laying. The first time she ever did this it was really cute.

The problem was, the egg wasn't fertilized, so it wouldn't hatch. So after a while of the egg not hatching, she determined the trick was to lay another egg, only to get the same results. This led to more eggs until she had six or seven eggs she was watching over.

When I first got her I did some research on the Internet about cockatiels and bird care. So when this egg-laying event was happening, I remembered reading something about it depleting them of calcium. I went back and read more about it. Sure enough, laying eggs depletes them of calcium and that is deadly to them.

I decided I had to take away her eggs. I didn't want to lose her over this. So, away they went. I made sure she watched me do it so she would know it's dangerous to lay eggs in her cage. They won't lay them if they are not comfortable with the nesting area.

That didn't stop her. She started again and I took them away again. After a few rounds of this, I decided to pull the bedding out of the cage, thinking it would make it less 'homey' for her and she would knock off the egg laying. It did stop for the season, but a season later she got the call to lay again and we resumed the battle.

As the days and weeks went by, she insisted she was going to lay the eggs and I insisted she wasn't. But, she was winning, in spite of my removing them. Then it happened...

One day I walked by her cage and there she was, in the bottom of her cage, still and silent and her limbs and head were twisted into a nearly grotesque position and I couldn't tell if she was even still alive. I was devastated; even to the point of not being able to react.

The evidence seemed clear that I would lose her. This was not a goldfish, but a friend. We talked and played every day. We ate and went to sleep at the same time. She sat on my shoulder and cheered me on as I worked on my computer. There would be no replacement bird; no more than you can replace your child.

I couldn't think right so I had to call on a friend. As we raced down the highway towards the veterinarian, I kept talking to my bird hoping to keep her awake and maybe get that little 'peep' to tell me she was going to be okay.

We rushed her to the emergency room and the vet rushed her behind those swinging doors. Had I seen the last of my bird?

They came out and asked me to step back into another room, where I waited to hear the news. I was waiting for the 'bird nurse' to come out and break it to me when the door opened and I only saw her back. She walked back through the door and as she cleared the door she turned around to reveal the white cage I had brought my pet bird in.

Inside that cage was a vibrant, confused and curious cockatiel who saw me and let out a loud chirp as if to ask, "What's up?" My bird was going to make it and doing just fine!

She had gone into a seizure because of calcium deficiency from laying the eggs. They gave her a shot of calcium to revive her. They also gave her a shot that was supposed to keep her from laying eggs. They said it might need to be done every month.

Sure enough, several weeks went by and she was back in the egg laying business. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't keep taking her to the veterinarian every month for expensive shots, but I couldn't go through that again.

I sat looking at her cage one day thinking about how I could make it less desirable for her to lay eggs. Finally, the light bulb went off.

I jumped up, went to the pet store and bought her a cage big enough for a parrot (remember, she's only a cockatiel). The reason I wanted this was that of the big grates on the bottom of the cage. She can still walk around the bottom of the cage, but she cannot nest an egg there because it falls through the grate.

Oh, she tried. She tried one time. She laid that egg and stared at it for days as it lay underneath that grate and she couldn't get to it. That was the last egg she ever laid. She doesn't need the shot either. She's in fine health and we're enjoying each other more than ever.

Isn't that grate (uh, great)?

By Michael Russell - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Go For A BIRD Instead

Pet Birds - Photo by Solaika19 

Many families entertain the idea of getting a pet at one time or another. Sometimes it is the children that insist that their lives will not be complete without a friendly pet to have fun with. Other times it is the parents who suggest that adding a family pet would bring focus and responsibility to their children. Regardless of who wants the pet most, it is true that adding a pet to many families is a source of fun, learning and family bonding. Most families immediately think that they can choose between getting a cat or a dog simply because those are the most popular pets to have. Before you run out and purchase the perfect kitten or puppy, consider choosing a bird to be your family pet instead.   

Perhaps many people think that owning a bird is reserved for the wild at heart or certainly for those living in a tropical climate. You'd be surprised, however, to learn that a wide variety of people in almost every climate in the world are proud bird owners.      

Feel a little unsure? Take some time to learn about the different kinds of birds that might be suitable pets for you and your family. Visiting a local pet store can be a great place to begin gaining knowledge. Don't be afraid to ask the store workers any questions you have about owning a bird or about the differences between varieties of birds. Learn as much as you can before you make your final choice.      

Think about the ability of your family to care for a pet and then only choose a bird that you could really care for and enjoy. One kind of bird might require more attention than you can give while another variety of bird might be perfect to fit your family's busy schedule. The worst thing you can do is to bring home a bird that is unsuitable for your family. No one will be happy with a bird that needs to be cared for by the hour and that makes loud noises throughout the night. Consider all of these details carefully.

If you decide to choose a bird as your first or next family pet, take the time to educate your entire family on the bird. After you have taken the time to learn, teach your family important facts about the bird and about the needs the bird will have when it becomes a part of your family. Be honest from the beginning about the serious responsibility and privilege that having a pet is. Especially your children need to have a proper understanding that a pet bird will not be all fun and games. 

Choosing a bird for a family pet can be a unique and fun way to bring an animal into your home. Many birds are easy to maintain and can bring hours of laughter and fun into your home.

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BIRD BREEDS

Bronze-winged Parrot; a pet parrot standing on a perch - Photo: Wikimedia

Birds have always inspired man's imagination. The ability to fly has always instigated man to watch these ethereal species from close. Close to the heels of dogs birds were one of the primary animals that were domesticated by early man. They were a source of entertainment for young queens, messengers for royal officials and meat and eggs for banquets. Bird breeds differ from one another as some have the ability to sing, some have the ability to talk by mimicking human voice while some have the brilliant colouration of plumage or manifest a majestic body size. The following are the exotic bird breeds that have earned popularity among bird breeders.

Exotic Bird Breeds

African Mourning Dove (Streptopelia decipiens), Samburu(Kenya) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

African Mourning Dove - The African mourning dove is a large stocky pigeon and can grow up to 31 cms in height. The back wings and the tail of the bird is light brown in appearance, the head is grey, and underparts are pink and the belly to be pale grey. It has a distinctive hind neckband with a white border. The bird appears to be blackish while flying due to its black flight feathers. The patch around the eyes is red in colour. Unlike other breeds of doves, they feed in groups and can easily mingle with other species of doves.

A young Gouldian Finch with the beginnings of bright adult plumage (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lady Gouldian Finch - This bird is native to Australia. Though the bird is available in pet stores it is considered to be endangered in its own natural habitat Australia. Both male and female species of the bird are almost similar in looks but the male is out to be more brightly coloured. They bond to form a pair throughout their lifetime. The courtship dance of the male is worth watching.

Bronze Wing Pionus - Though this species is quite tough to rear in captivity the bronze wing Pionus are regarded as excellent pets. They are gentle and charming in nature. Even though they are not so playful creature and even do not like to be patted on the back this bird can turn out to offer a lifelong companionship to its owner.

The Umbrella Cockatoo - The umbrella cockatoo has white plumage with brown or black eyes. This is especially found in the islands of Indonesia. The underside colour of the plumage is lemon yellow and the wings flash when the birds are in flight. The bird is so named as it has the habit of extending its chest when surprised. The chest then takes the shape of an umbrella.

By Jack Morrison Jack Morrison is a pet care expert. He has in-depth knowledge on how to take care of pets efficiently.  Article Source: EzineArticles

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So Many Kinds of PET BIRDS - How to Choose the Right One

A pet juvenile male Eclectus Parrot perching on a woman's shoulder in Brighton, Victoria, Australia.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you first go bird shopping, you might be astonished at the kinds of pet birds available. The surprise might be more dramatic if you just drop into a pet store and browse the pet birds for sale. Some of them can be quite charming and some might even nod and say hello to you. This is a little guide to what you need to know before taking on the responsibility of a pet bird.

First of all, if you do encounter a bird you like on your trip through the store, do not decide on the spot to buy the bird. Do a little research first. Given the kinds of pet birds available, research can help you choose just the kind of bird that will suit your personality, lifestyle, and household. When looking at the types of bird pets available, there are many angles from which to approach the selection of your new pet.

You can look at the choice from the size perspective. The rule of thumb here is that the bigger the bird, the more effort you will have to expand. The bigger birds live longer--sometimes up to 100 years--and demand more space, attention, toys, and training. Sometimes the training might even feel reversed as the macaw or African Grey parrot or some other brightly coloured creature uses its beak to try to teach you what it wants from you.

Another way to look at the kind of bird pet you would enjoy is to think about the kind of bird behaviour that would appeal to you. Some love to get out of the cage and snuggle up with you and others don't like being touched. Birds also have different food requirements. For some, it is just bird seed. For others, it is birdseed plus grains, fruit and vegetables.

It would take a lot of space to detail all the types of bird pets that are available. Here are three generic steps to take before pulling out your wallet to pay for the new bird pet:

1. Ask around about the reputation of the pet store where you intend to buy your pet. Not all pet stores are created equal. You want one with a guaranteed good reputation.

2. Look at the array of birds that are available and get a feeling for the kind of bird that you think you would like.

3. Research that type of bird's habits, personality, and care and feeding requirements.

When thinking about the kinds of pet birds that might be best for you, be cautious. Since this pet bird could last your lifetime, be sure you think twice before you take your pet bird into your life.

By Kevin Highfill - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Raising A HEALTHY BIRD

Pet Birds - Photo by Jen’s Art & Soul 

1. If you want your bird to live a long life it is important to feed it in a nutritionally sound way. Birds often die too young because they are malnourished or they pick up a disease because they were not being fed correctly.

2. Birds who are part of the parrot family should be fed a variety of foods. Seeds are used by most as the only part of the bird’s diet and this is a mistake. Seeds have too much fat, not enough protein and almost no vitamins. Seeds should not make up more than 50 percent of your bird’s diet.

3. Try healthy table foods like items that contain whole grains and pretzels, pasta and whole wheat bread. Many birds can be persuaded, given time and encouragement, to eat dairy and poultry products. Try serving your bird low-fat cheese, yogurt and chicken. Avoid any food that is high in fat and stays away from avocados, they are toxic to

birds!

4. Beans and legumes, as well as fruits and vegetables, are good sources of nutrition for the pet bird. It may take quite awhile to get your fine-feathered friend to except these changes, (up to a year) but it will be the best thing for your bird.

5. When you get ready to make these changes do it slowly. Offer the fresh foods twice a day for about an hour at each feeding. Don’t leave the fresh food in the cage longer than that. It becomes unappealing and can develop bacteria.

6. Feeding your bird twice a day is a good idea. Your bird will become hungry between feedings and this practice produces a more active bird. With a healthy appetite, the bird is more likely to try new foods. You will also be able to keep a closer watch on how much your bird is eating. (If your bird is sick, laying eggs, caring for young, or nesting they should always have food available.) When food consumption drops, a bird is usually not feeling well.

7. If your bird is having a hard time getting used to the new diet, try warming the food or cooking the vegetables. It will take a little time to discover what works for your bird. Offer seeds only at meal time and along with other foods until you see that your bird is eating enough to stay healthy. Birds often do better with new diets when they are fed outside the cage.

8. Water is the final key to your bird’s nutritional success. The water must be fresh and all bowls should be thoroughly cleaned each day with hot water and soap. Disinfect these bowls with bleach every week. Be sure all the bleach is totally rinsed away from the bowls. Adding a multivitamin to the bird’s water daily is a good idea until you know the bird is getting enough vitamins from the fruit and vegetables. Birds are delightful pets and feeding them properly allows them to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and this practice can extend their life expectancy.

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Common DISEASES in PET BIRDS and How to Detect Them

Photo  by stefanwesteneng 

Often we are unable to detect illness in our pet birds because they are genetically programmed to hide them. This is because in jungles and the wild if they display illness and disease they will be killed at once. It is survival of the fittest in the wild. Some commonly displayed symptoms are listed below and what they mean in terms of bird illness.

Diarrhea- If your bird has an infection in the intestinal tract, because of bacteria or virus, there will be additional fluids in the stool. You must take the bird to a vet because if the food is moving too quickly in the digestive tract, nutrients are not being absorbed. Moreover, if the diarrhea is greenish colored, it is a symptom of metal poisoning or Psittacosis.

Eye Discharge- Eye discharge is very dangerous and can lead to the death of the bird. This symptom normally occurs in cases of Psittacosis. Psittacosis is highly infectious and can affect human beings too. Rush your bird to the vet and get other pets and members of the family checked too. If caught in time, it can be cured by antibiotics.

Lethargy- Is your bird not eating properly or is inactive? There can be many causes for this and none of them good. The bird might be suffering some serious ailment like infection, the heart of kidney disease or even cancer. Get your bird tested and treated at once.

Loss of Appetite- This again is an outward manifestation of some serious internal problem. Birds are fragile and neglect of these symptoms can lead to death. Consult your vet, and follow his advice.

Nasal Discharge- Commonly caused by dust, bacteria and even feather dust. Certain species like Cockatoos, Macaws etc produce a large amount of it. In case the discharge is colored and abnormal it is a normal clearing of respiratory passages. If it is colored, take the bird to a vet.

Puffed Up Feathers- This is a normal reaction of birds when they feel insecure or threatened. But if the feathers are puffed up even when the bird is asleep it is an outward symptom of an internal disease. Take the bird to a vet.

Vomiting- Birds often throw up during the mating season. Even so, check with your vet, just to play safe.

Prevention is better than cure, so clean the cage regularly and monitor the bird's feed and other habits. Use an efficient air purifier. Birds are a pleasure to keep, but as with other pets, they come with a set of responsibilities. Ensure that your pet is healthy and clean. This will prevent infections to the bird and to you and your family.

By Anika Woods - Article Source: EzineArticles

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PET BIRDS - The Popularity of Native AUSTRALIAN BIRDS in Aviculture

Australian Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata castanotis - pair, female on left. Capertee Valley,Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lots of popular pet bird species originate from Australia, most of the well-known pet birds are native to this country but not all of them. Many are from the Americas, Africa, and Asia, but the most popular by far and through the sheer numbers in captivity are the Australian species, which range from small finches, right through the range to large parrots.

Famous breeds like the budgerigar (know as the parakeet in some countries), cockatiel, zebra finch, lorikeet, and the cockatoo all became available throughout the world via importation from Australia.

When our ancestors first discovered the Australian continent they found many types of animals that were unique to this part of the globe, such as the now infamous 'duck-billed platypus' and the 'echidna' (egg-laying mammals! How strange must that have been?); marsupials such as the 'kangaroo', 'wallaby', 'Koala' and many new and unique bird species; many of which were very brightly coloured. So they desired specimens of these birds to take home, and in doing so boosted the fondness of exotic pet bird keeping.

Starting with the smaller breeds; Australian finches that are popular as pets include the 'star finch', 'Gouldian finch' and the well known and readily available at a low price 'zebra finch'. However, there are much more.

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Small to medium sized parrot-like species from Australia include the most popular small pet bird of all, the 'budgerigar' (or 'parakeet'). The almost as popular 'cockatiel' is also an Australian native, plus no end of other well-known pet birds. The list is almost endless: 'lories' and 'lorikeets' (several types of these), parakeets such as 'turquoise', 'Bourke', 'splendid' 'elegant' and 'red-rumped' to name a few, there's loads more. The medium sized 'Eclectus parrot' also hails from this part of the world.

The 'rosellas' are also medium parrot from Australia and about 6 different varieties are used as pets; 'Eastern', 'Northern', 'Western', 'Crimson', 'green', and 'pale-headed'. All are unique and different in their own way but are closely related. Rosella is known for their strikingly rich coloring, making them a very desirable pet.

Finally the big daddy of Australian pet birds, the 'cockatoo'. There are about 20 different species of cockatoo but not all are popular as pets, and believe it or not the famous 'cockatiel' mentioned earlier is a member of this bird family but of course nowhere near as large as some of its cockatoo cousins. All birds in the cockatoo family are distinguishable by the crest of feathers on the top of the head.

Many breeds of Australian birds live in massive flocks in the wild. The sight of hundreds of budgerigars, cockatiels, finches or lorikeets flocking together is an awe-inspiring sight, and very noisy.

To summarise there is a massive range of Australian birds available as pets all over the world. Many are very colorful, easy to keep, very hardy and all have unique and sometimes entertaining characteristics. The least costly of exotic pet birds are also native Aussies. Is it any wonder that these pet birds are so popular?

By Pete Etheridge - Article Source: EzineArticles

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