Choosing the Best Birds for Your AVIARY

Commercial home aviary (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When starting a new hobby, it is always prudent to learn everything there is to know about it in order to be a success at it. An example of such a hobby is aviculture, which is the practice of keeping and breeding birds, contributing significantly to the upkeep and preservation of avian habitats by raising public awareness.

Aviculture is also one way of contributing to the environment as keeping birds in an aviary under controlled conditions protects them from natural disasters and situations that can severely decrease their numbers. It also enables bird enthusiasts to study the behavior of certain avian species and find ways to forestall their extinction.

Aviaries have been in existence since the 1800s, with an aviary known as the Raven Cage being considered as one of the oldest structures in the London Zoo. An aviary is akin to a cage but where cages confine birds to a particular space, aviaries allow them to fly in much larger spaces. Also, unlike cages, aviaries simulate a bird's natural environment with the addition of plants and shrubbery within the space.

If you're considering starting one in your home and deciding on which birds to choose, there are several factors you need to think about and seriously consider if you are to be a successful aviculturist. First, you must consider the climate in your location and choose birds that are well-suited for it. Also, don't make the mistake of choosing birds that are too large, too loud or too expensive as they can become ultimately too much to handle.

For beginners, the first choice should be canaries which are among the most popular aviary birds in the world. Well-known for its singing prowess and vibrant colors, the canary is ideal for those just starting out in aviculture because they don't require too much caring for and will be quite happy to be left to their own devices. If you want a singing canary you'll have to make sure you get a male one as female canaries don't sing.

Another bird that is known for its singing prowess is finches. As fast flyers, they can be fun to watch as they zip from one corner of the aviary to another, twittering in tones that are several decibels below what parrots are capable of. Finches are ideally bought in pairs and need lots of flying space as they do love to fly. Be careful though, that they don't get too crowded as territorial fights can erupt.

Budgerigars or parakeets are perhaps the most ideal aviary birds since they are relatively inexpensive, easy to dispose of and just as easily replaced, which is why some people tend to disregard this bird and forget the fact that they can be trained to be good talkers despite their small voices. When patiently handled, budgies can bond closely to their human companions and are ideal pets for children. Quaker parakeets, on the other hand, need to be handled carefully as they are considered illegal in some states because they are considered threats to local agriculture.

If you want birds that can be petted, then cockatiels are what you should get. They love to snuggle and be petted which is why they are considered the most affectionate birds. These small parrots also come in vibrant colors and can also be trained to talk and others in whistling. Most parrot species like the poicephalus parrots and the Pionus parrots are an easy-going and gently bunch that is not as noisy as some of their mates and can also be easily taught the gift of gab. You can also consider their livelier and flashier cousins the Amazon parrots, who although slightly quieter, love to attract attention to themselves and are easy to handle as well.

And last but not the least there's the peach-faced lovebirds which, in addition to being easy to care for are also affectionate and love to be petted. They can be carried in your pocket or perched on your shoulder but must be bought in pairs as otherwise, they waste away without a suitable companion. They tend to be on the quiet side but are known to be able to learn a few phrases every now and then.

Of course, having the best aviaries to keep your birds it is also important in your success as an aviculturist. 

The great thing about getting aviaries these days is they are available online as well so that all you need to do is to pick and choose the best size and style for your home or backyard. Remember to get one that has enough space so that even if you put varied species in it you won't find yourself having to settle territorial fights. Also get ones that are easy to clean, preferably with removable bottom trays to clean droppings easily.

By Jesse Burns Whatever your reasons for starting a bird aviary are, you'll need to get the best bird aviaries money can buy. Check Simplysheds bird aviary and be on your way to becoming the best aviculturist possible. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Common Human Foods That Can Poison Your PET BIRD Or PARROT

Baby parrots in a pet shop.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pet birds and parrots are very social beings that need a lot of love and attention. They like to be included at mealtime, and we can have allotted of fun sharing food with our feathered friends. But we need to beware of some very poisonous foods and toxic fumes that can be deadly to our precious bird friends.

One fruit that you would not suspect of being harmful is the avocado. But it can be deadly to pet parrots and other birds. The skin and pit of the popular fruit is known to cause cardiac distress and heart failure in pet birds. There is some debate about the degree of toxicity of avocados, but it is much better to be safe than sorry. I would definitely keep avocados, guacamole and anything else made with this fruit away from my pet birds. I read about someone's pet cockatiel that died the next day after eating guacamole with their family.

The next poison food on the list is chocolate which is deadly. Chocolate poisoning affects your pet parrots digestive system causing vomiting and diarrhea. As the poison moves its way through the birds' system it attacks the central nervous system causing seizures and eventually death.

Apple seeds along with other members of the rose family including cherries, peaches apricots, and pears have trace amounts of cyanide (a deadly poison) within their seeds. The fruit of the apple is fine to share with your bird, but make sure to core and wash the apple skin thoroughly because it may contain toxic pesticides.

Onions is another poison food for our parrot friends. A limited amount of onions and garlic as flavorings are acceptable. But in large amounts onions cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Prolonged exposure to onions can lead to a blood condition called hemolytic anemia which is followed by respiratory failure and eventually death.

Alcohol is a very bad poison and nothing to mess around with concerning your pet parrot. Most pet bird owners are responsible and would never offer their parrot any alcoholic drinks. But there have been some instances where wild birds have gotten into unattended cocktails. Alcohol depresses the organ system of birds and can be fatal. Make sure to secure your pet bird into his cage and preferably away from the party in another room to keep him safe from toxic brews.

Mushrooms are a type of fungus and have been known to cause digestive upset in our precious companion birds. Some varieties of mushroom caps and mushroom stems cause liver failure.

Tomato leaves are another poison food to keep away from our pet parrots. Tomatoes are of the nightshade family like potatoes. They have a tasty fruit which is fine for your bird, but the stems, vines, and leaves are highly toxic to your precious friends. Make sure that the tomato is cleaned properly, sliced with all of the green parts removed to keep your pet bird safe from any poison.

Salt is a health risk for pet parrots as it is for people. Even though a small amount of sodium is OK for all living creatures, too much salt for birds can cause excessive thirst, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and death. Be very careful not to give your pet parrot friend an excessive amount of foods containing salt. It is better to stay away from salt altogether.

Caffeine is a toxic brew for your little-feathered friend. These would include caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee, and tea. Allowing your bird to indulge in these types of beverages is asking for a very sick pet bird. Caffeine causes the cardiac malfunction in birds and is associated with increased heartbeat, arrhythmia, hyperactivity, and cardiac arrest... Share a drink of pure vegetable juice, fruit juice or filtered water (filtered with a simple water filter like Brita that can be bought in a store near you) with your bird. Keep caffeinated beverages away from your pet parrot.

Dried Beans which are uncooked contain a poison called hemaglutin that is very toxic to birds. If you are going to share beans with your pet parrot make sure to thoroughly cook them. Cooked beans are a favorite treat for many birds. My pet cockatiels love cooked soybeans.

Teflon is very deadly to your pet birds. Get rid of your Teflon and any plastic coated cookware that you have in your home. It's not worth the risk of losing your parrot friend. Overheated Teflon omits an odorless gas that you cannot see or smell. Your bird can die within minutes upon inhalation of the deadly fumes. Absolutely no Teflon should be in the home of a bird owner.

Be Safe. Use cast iron cookware and glass cookware.

There are many more things that can harm our pet birds who have very fragile and tiny lungs. Smoke and burnt food are other poisons to watch out for. Use common sense when thinking about what could be harmful to your precious parrot. Do some research on that questionable item. Call your avian veterinarian if you are not sure.

It's better to be safe than sorry concerning your precious feathered friend.

By Barbara Delgiudice - Article Source: EzineArticles

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PET BIRD Health

Pet bird Zip taking a bath (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When you are considering buying a pet bird, there something that should be determined right from the start. This is pet bird health. You do not want to end up with a bird that is sick from the beginning. You should shop around for reputable breeders. This will reduce the chance of getting a pet that is already sick. Just to ease some tension, most birds purchased today are healthy. What can you do to reduce the risk and get a healthy pet?

As stated before, make sure to do your research and find a bird dealer that has a good track record. Your pet bird health should be guaranteed. You should make your best effort to get this guarantee of pet bird health in writing. If the store will allow it, get your bird's health checked out by an avian vet before buying it. If this can not be done, take it directly to the avian vet right after you buy it or at least by the next day.

When it is residing at its new residence, you the bird owner can look for certain things that indicate a pet bird health problem. What to look for to determine Breathing problems. Is the breathing noisy? Does it wheeze or pant? When breathing does it make clicking sounds?

Are the birds breathing heavy? Does it take short breaths? Does it breathe with its mouth open? Does its tail go up and down in a very pronounced manner?

Does your pet bird have some kind of discharge coming from its nasal area? Is the area around the eye or eyes swollen?

Has your bird lost its voice?

All of the above are signs of pet bird health going bad when it comes to breathing. Pet health problems can also be seen in the digestive system. vomiting or the bird regurgitating is one sign. Just like people diarrhea or a loose stool will signal a problem. Look to see if the bird's poop has undigested seeds in it, has blood present or has some kind of mucas in it.

Bone problems in a bird can be seen by looking for the following clues. Does the bird have a droopy wing? When you look at your bird, is it standing as it usually does or has its posture changed. These things could indicate a birds health problem in the musculoskeletal of the bird.

Pet birds can have skin problems too. Look for any bumps or lumps on them. Do the bird's skin flake more than normal or is its beak flaking? are its nails or beak growing too much? Learning your birds daily routine will help tremendously in determining if there is a pet bird health problem. By knowing what your healthy bird does, acts and looks like will help you see if he or she is sick.

When you have a pet, there is a need to store all of the pet stuff somewhere. A garage makes a great place. 

By James Cropper - Article Source: EzineArticles

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BIRD NAMES

John James Audubon - American Stork
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pick up a field guide and you'll notice that many birds seem to have been named after people. One could imagine that Mr. Bartlett must have been particularly fond of the Amazonian tinamou with which he bequeathed his name. And Mr. Gould must have been especially diligent, or possibly somewhat egotistical, given the existence of the Gould's Frogmouth, Gould's Inca, Gould's Jewelfront, Gould's Petrel, Gould's Shortwing, Gould's Sunbird, and Gould's Toucanet. But who are these people whose legacy resides in bird species, large and small?

Georg Wilhelm Steller

A German-born naturalist, zoologist, explorer, and physician, Georg Wilhelm Steller explored much of the coast of Alaska and eastern Russia. During expeditions to the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Bering Sea, Steller lent his name to the Steller's Jay, Steller's Eider, and Steller's Sea-Eagle. He also named several marine mammals, including the extinct Steller's Sea Cow, a slow-moving behemoth whose limited range proved to be the source of its demise, and the Steller's Sea Lion, a regal pinniped whose population decline is mimicking that of its similarly-named cousin.

1940 John James Audubon stamp
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Alexander Wilson

Alexander Wilson is considered to be one of the greatest ornithologists and naturalists who lived in the time before esteemed heavyweight John James Audubon. Wilson was a Scottish poet, illustrator, and naturalist who embarked on an illustrated guide to North American birds in 1802. His efforts produced nine volumes illustrating 268 species, 26 of which had never been described. He is remembered in the names of the Wilson's Storm-Petrel, Wilson's Plover, Wilson's Phalarope, Wilson's Snipe, and Wilson's Warbler.

John James Audubon

Perhaps one of the most recognizable names in ornithology, John James Audubon lent his name to the Audubon's Oriole, Audubon's Shearwater, and the Audubon's Warbler, a race of the Yellow-rumped Warbler. He was also the namesake for the National Audubon Society, the world-renowned American conservation nonprofit. Audubon was an accomplished painter, and his book of stunningly detailed, hand-colored bird prints, Birds of America, has been regaled as the greatest picture book ever produced.

John Cassin.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

John Cassin

With nine birds named after him, John Cassin has the honor of being the person with the most avian namesakes. Cassin was an American ornithologist and the country's first taxonomist in the mid-1800s. He described almost 200 bird species, even during the age of two other fathers of ornithology, John James Audubon, and Alexander Wilson. Like Audubon, Cassin produced several books of colorful engravings and thoughtful descriptions and provided taxonomical reviews of bird families to the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, for which he acted as curator.

William John Swainson

Swainson was an English ornithologist and all-around naturalist in the early 1800s. Son of John Timothy Swainson, who was an original member of the prestigious Linnean Society, one could assume that young William became a scientist early. However, a speech impediment and illness forced the young naturalist to end his formal education prematurely, and he became a customs clerk and toured Italy in the Army. In 1816, one year after he became a Linnean Society fellow, Swainson traveled to Brazil, where he documented and produced a detailed drawing of thousands of animals and plants. 

Later in life, Swainson moved to New Zealand, where he continued his zoological studies. Swainson left his name to the Swainson's Hawk, Swainson's Flycatcher, Swainson's Sparrow, Swainson's Spurfowl, Swainson's Thrush, and Swainson's Warbler.

By Chantelle Simoes - Article Source: EzineArticles

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ZEBRA FINCHES - All About Zebra Finches Care, Diet

Zebra Finch - Photo   by     Orchids love rainwater 

Zebra Finches, Variety, Care, and Food

In the Australian grasslands, they have a small bird called Zebra Finch. Those finches come in a wide variety. Because of the strict policies of exportation of animals that Australia has, most of the finches are not born there. Zebra finches are very colorful birds, the males being more colorful than the females. Because of the ease in breeding these birds in captivity and the very attractive coloring, they have become very popular.

Like many other beautiful finches, the Zebra Finch has a delightful chirping song, a soft chirping that is a bit different but pleasing. A lot of finch owners find the sound pleasant and sweet. Studies have shown that the male finch is more vocal of the two sexes.

Although the zebra finch is very social with other birds they are quite shy around people. Finches are not known for liking to be held, the finch really doesn't like to be held or petted. So they are beautiful birds but if you are buying one because you would like to hold it, the zebra finch is not recommended. Finches in the wild do tend to flock together with other finches of the like, this is the reason they are so social in captivity. If you think of purchasing a finch, you might consider buying in pairs as to ensure they are happy.

Because zebra finches love to fly around it is recommended you purchase a large cage that can permit this activity. Nothing less than 25 inches across is best, you can find these sizes in affordable metal or wooden cages. Also, remember that just because a finch is small in size, do not underestimate their capabilities for escaping. If the bars are not close enough together the finch will escape. So it is vital to make sure the cage bar gape is adequate. If at all possible please avoid a cage made of brass, or coated in brass, this is toxic for your birds.

Care for your zebra finch will consist of the correct seed which is available from any local supply store. finches also need a diet supplement of greens, vegetables, and fruits. If you can get sprouted seeds this is optimal in providing the need for greens. Cucumbers and carrots will satisfy the vegetable needs. Always make sure your finch has plenty of water, and always include a bathing area, they love to clean themselves.

Also, make sure the cage is well-kept, cleaning should take place at least weekly. Making sure everything is tidy will allow your zebra finch to show off their best qualities.

Other dietary items will consist of bananas, apples and other fruits your zebra finch may love. Zebra finches have another need as well, and that is calcium. Calcium is essential as a mineral supplement. This encourages bone development as well as helping with female egg production. At your local supply store look for a Cuttlebone, this will be more than adequate.

Taking good care of your finch is important, and these birds will love you for it. They will play and sing, brightening up the household, and make everything so peaceful and relaxing. Take good care do not grab at your finches, zebra finches tend to scare easy like other finches and you do not want to cause any trauma to your birds. Always remember to have everyone in the household trained on care for your birds. This will help and allow everyone to be aware, so you can all enjoy these wonderful additions to the home.

Elisabeth S Krautler Elisabeth Krautler is a finch expert. - Article Source: EzineArticles

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How to Build and Landscape an AVIARY

Proposed architectural design for a French military aviary to house swallows as messenger birds, 1889 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tips to Construct Your Own Aviary

If you want to have an aviary, you need to know that there is a special way to build and landscape the aviary according to the kinds of birds you want to keep. Here is some useful information regarding the same.

First of all, what is an aviary? An aviary is a very large bird cage. In fact, an aviary is not even a cage but an entire room where you can keep birds. You need to remember that birds are animals of flight so they will need a place to perch and a lot of room to fly around. At the same time, you do not want them to fly away.

Building an aviary

Before you can landscape an aviary and keep birds in the aviary, you need to build one and it needs to be built properly. Building an aviary does not necessarily need to be a very difficult task. The things you need to build an aviary and how to build it are listed below.

1. Treated pine logs can be used to build the basic structure of the aviary. The size of the aviary needs to be at least twelve feet by twelve feet and seven feet high. This type of aviary can be used to house all kinds of different exotic birds. To have this aviary outside, however, you need to also pay attention to your climate.

For example, if you live in the warmer climates of the United States, such as Florida or the Desert Southwest, you can keep more exotic birds such as budgerigar parakeets which are better known as budgies. You can also keep parrots and other exotic birds of the like. In the northern climates, an aviary should be built as an extra room since tropical birds cannot handle cold climates. This kind of aviary can also house larger exotic birds, such as peacocks.

2. Chicken wire or glass for the sides. In the warmer climates, you can use just chicken wire to enclose the aviary. In colder climates, the glass should be added. You need to have glass panels that you can remove in the summer months.

There are other items to get at your local hardware store to fasten the chicken wire and glass panels.

Landscaping the aviary is something that is different from a general landscaping project. Depending on the size of your aviary, there are several different ways that you can landscape your aviary. If you are building an aviary to breed budgies, you need to keep in mind that budgies like to chew things. This means that budgies will destroy many leafy plants.

Furthermore, you need to make sure the houseplants that you buy for the aviary are not poisonous for the birds. For perches, you should find large pieces of driftwood. The pieces of driftwood should be clean and free of any types of toxic substances that could be harmful to the birds.

Breeding budgies can also be affected by the landscape of your aviary. Budgies are social birds and you need four or five pairs to breed. Furthermore, in the landscape, you need to have little birdhouses high up and they should fit with the landscape. Budgies build their nests and lay their eggs in these birdhouses. For beautification of the aviary, make the birdhouses blend with the plants and other parts of the aviary landscape.

Plants

Plants depend on the kind of birds you are keeping. For example, finches do not necessarily destroy vegetation, so if you want to keep finches, plants can be great. With different birds of the parrot and parakeet families, such as budgies, loris, lorikeets, macaw parrots, and lovebirds, you need to be ready to replace the plants on a regular basis.

These birds chew and cannot only destroy the vegetation in the aviary but also can destroy their little bird houses if they are made of a weaker material such as wicker or gasket material. For these birds, wood is a much better material to build their nesting boxes.

Whatever you do, an aviary needs to have a landscape that is very easy to clean. Birds can be very dirty and usually defecate indiscriminately. This means that you need to design the aviary floor with a type of sand that can absorb the bird droppings and can be changed easily.

Having an aviary can be a great stress reliever. You should design the aviary in such a way where you can sit in the middle of the landscape and enjoy looking at your birds.

By Shivraj Ghorpade - (C) Copyright-Shivraj Ghorpade. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Flight of the CARRIER PIGEON

Engraving of "carrier pigeons" (actually probably homing pigeons), with messages attached.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Carrier Pigeons Discovered

Pigeons were used during the Roman Empire and by the Egyptians as far back as 2900 B.C. when incoming ships released pigeons to carry news of important guests arriving. Ancient Greece used homing pigeons to carry news of winners of Olympic competitions back to hometowns. During the 11th century in Baghdad, the one-way message system of carrier pigeons was developed. Until 1844, upon the invention of the telegraph, carrier pigeons were the fastest and most reliable form of message-transmission. Pigeons can reach top speeds of 45 miles per hour.

Carrier Pigeons Save the Day

During the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871, occupying forces cut the telegraph wires of Paris. City residents sent carrier pigeons out of the city via hot-air balloon, releasing one pigeon after the balloon made it safely out of the city, to alert residents that the pigeons had made it out. The pigeons, with messages attached, were released back into the city, carrying their messages between dwellings. From that war, on, military commanders were outfitted with regiments of carrier pigeons, trained to fly back to lofts beyond the war front. The messages they carried could then be read and utilized by military commanders.

During World War I, the most famous homing pigeon of all, Cher Ami which is French for 'My Friend', saved the lost battalion of American soldiers from being surrounded by the Germans and fired upon by friendly fire of fellow American soldiers aiming for the Germans and missing them. The pigeon flew through a torrent of bullets to deliver its message to a military post away from the front, alerting commanders that the battalion needed help. For its honorable and brave deed, Cher Ami was awarded the French Cross of War medal. Upon its' passing, the bird was stuffed and put on display at the Smithsonian Institute. Military personnel also used carrier pigeons during World War II and the Korean War. Many pigeons from each war earned military honors for their contribution.

Carrier Pigeons are One-Way Messengers

Carrier pigeons, or homing pigeons, are trained to return back to a specific pigeon loft. Therefore, message sending and receiving only works in one direction. The message sender must have a pigeon that will fly back to the message receiver. Messages are written on very light paper (cigarette paper) and rolled into tiny canisters affixed to the bird's legs. This method of communication is called Pigeon Post.

Research indicates that these birds use a variety of mechanisms in order to home in on their destination. Magnetite, a substance in the bird's beak, works via the trigeminal nerve to sense magnetic fields in the earth. Recent studies also indicate that olfactory senses help the birds navigate. Once they get close to their home destination, it is hypothesized that carrier pigeons also navigate by sight, recognizing familiar landmarks.

Modern Uses of Carrier Pigeons

Homing pigeons are no longer routinely used for message delivery, with the last official military regiments in India retiring a few years ago due to the rise of internet communications. Carrier pigeons first lost their jobs with the invention of the telegraph but were widely used again for about 75 years in military services around the world.

Carrier pigeons have even been used to transmit internet signals! The IP address IPoAC (Internet Protocol over Avian Carrier) was created in the late 1990s. Until April 28, 2001, nobody had used this IP. The Bergen Linux User Group decided to transmit data via the IPoAC and, with the help of a local Carrier Pigeon enthusiasts club, successfully transmitted several packets of data. Unfortunately, some of the data was lost, as some of the pigeons did not return to their home lofts!

Now that the internet has taken over as the fastest means of communication, homing pigeons are mainly used for pigeon racing. The sport is huge in Belgium, with daily pigeon weather reports broadcast over radio stations. In the United States, the American Racing Pigeon Union regulates pigeon racing and keeps a registry of pigeon band numbers. All domesticated homing pigeons are outfitted with a band at the age of five weeks, which contains a number and a chip that is scanned when the pigeons return home during pigeon races.

Raising and Training Carrier Pigeons

To raise a successful flock of carrier pigeons, you must create a pigeon loft. The loft should be composed of indoor and outdoor space. Pigeons need places to rest or roost, food and sources of water to drink and bathe in.

Pigeons mate for life. When pigeons are born, they are covered in yellow down. They grow their grey-colored feathers soon after birth. At the age of four weeks, the chicks will begin flying around the pigeon loft. At six weeks, they can fly outside of the loft, and at two months can begin road training. Pigeons fly one way, and that is home. When training a homing pigeon, take it further away each time you release it. Once it has successfully returned home 40 times, it is ready to race.

Carrier pigeons are the unsung heroes of military conflicts past. They were the first official sports announcers and kept war-weary citizens in touch with each other. Now used for racing, and, in some parts of the world, message-sending for special occasions, pigeons continue to be part of world culture.

By Becca Reese - Article Source: EzineArticles

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BIRD BREEDS and their Care

Two Rose-ringed Parakeets (also known as the Ring-necked Parakeet) at Canberra Walk In Aviary, (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So you've decided to get a bird as a pet. Here is a guideline for different breeds, how to care and general characteristics to get you familiarized with your new pet.

Finches - the popular breeds are gray singing, green singing, society finch, and zebra finch. Cages should be a box-type or they can be kept in an aviary. They need perches and some might need baths.
The regular size of such cages ranges 20x10x12 inches. Some finches are good singers, and many have fine markings and beautiful color combinations. Popular breeds are relatively inexpensive.

Canaries - the popular breeds are: roller, more glost, border canary, red-factor canary and other smaller varieties. They need perches and bath in their cages which range in sizes 20x14x16 inches. These birds can range from the inexpensive to the expensive. Good cage birds can be kept in an aviary with other seed-eating species, even some softbills. They are brightly colored, sweet singers (if male, though some hens sing a little).

Soft-billed birds (non-seed eating) - One such soft-billed bird is the Pekin robin. It can be housed alone or in pairs in an indoor cage - 30x18x26 inches. These birds are strong, lively and strong singers (particularly males). They have beautiful plumage, couples are quite affectionate and they need water daily.

Shama is another soft-billed bird that can be housed alone or in pairs in an aviary. It must stay indoors in winter. They tend to mimic everything from rusty gate to a nightingale. They can be quite exuberant.

The Golden-fronted leafbird is another soft-billed bird that can be kept in a cage or aviary with other smaller species. Cage sizes tend to range in 32x20x24 inches. The males sing sweetly. They are brightly colored and easily tamed.

Parrots - The Budgerigar (small species of parrots) can stay in cage size 24x12x16 inches with horizontal wire. They may also house in an aviary. Spray the cage on warm days with a mist sprayer. They come in many colors and can learn words if taught young. They are affectionate, sometimes noisy and relatively inexpensive.

The Lovebird is another breed of parrots that can stay in a cage size 23x12x16 inches with horizontal wire. They are affectionate if hand-reared. They come in many colors and are relatively inexpensive.

The South American parakeets (concur, Aratinga etc.) and Asiatic parakeets can stay in a cage 47x36x36 inches. They are curious and beautifully colored and quite noisy.

Australian parakeets can stay in cages 47x36x36 inches. They can be aggressive and good pets only if hand-reared. They can also be kept in an aviary with other parakeet species and finches.

The Lory and Lorikeet need nectar mixture, fruits, and honey. They are beautifully colored and affectionate. Cage sizes can be 47x36x36 inches like the Australian parakeets.

The African gray parrot is a good talker and can mimic quite well. They are capricious and feather pickers. Cage sizes should be 59x59x63 inches.

The Amazon Parrot should have a cage as big as the African gray parrot. They are also good talkers and mimic others well. They need space but can be quite hard to breed.

By Kiya Sama - Article Source: EzineArticles

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A Way of Handling Your PET BIRD

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bird trainers have developed skills or techniques, and become experts in understanding the behavioural nature of the parrot.  Several books, manuscript, and guidelines for promoting the positive angles to be on the winning side in a behavioral conquest of the bird have helped a lot of amateurs and pet owners.

Parrots are the most misunderstood birds in existence.  It's up to you to get thru better relationships with your bird, for it is, what you make it so.  Before knowing it, at the slightest trait overlook, this bird in your cage could create havocs of anxiety and frustrations in your life.  Basically, parrots need real training, otherwise, you will one day find out, it becomes an undesirable annoying character stealing away every bit of your peaceful, chaos-free moments.

Basics in training start with the bird's character traits and instincts. Your first approach is to notice its biting habits and screaming. These are inherent to parrots especially if it seemed likely to be ignored.

Like humans, they develop into an emotional outburst, and their tendency is to find an object to throw out their fits.

Instinctive biting and screaming loudly distract. Try to find out what causes such behaviour.  Every bit of undesirable action could be a reaction that actually comes from its surrounding environment, either from your very self or from anyone among your companions inside the house.

Behavioural Aspects of Training

1. Let us deal with terms similar to psychology in humans.

- Operant conditioning, a situation in training, on other domestics or your bird pet; reacting well in order to gain something positive, or to evade something negative. Example:  Directing your bird to whistle, if it mimics the action, you hand in its food.  Next time, the instinct to eat allows impulsive choice to obey, whatever you want it to do, a whip of your finger, or cue from your mouth.

- The bridging stimulus set an example when a hand is raised to command the bird to perch in one corner of the cage, the demonstrative actions serve a bridge for the parrot to choose in abeyance following the hand cuing because a toy is ready at reach.

2. Do not punish pets for any negative attitude or actions done previously.

Example:  When it unties cage's knots (birds do keep biting and untying); a long time before you discovered it, don't whip or deprive it of meals.  Birds or animals do not know of past and future.  Bird's instinct is to live or act "here" and "now," and never aware of anything done ostentatiously.  Turn to let a parrot obey you on what it does at the moment.

A large scale of parrot species needs to be captivated to ensure you with one of the best pet favoured by many households.  Research where your pet originated in order to pursue utmost care in mutual relationships between humans and birds.

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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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