The Facts About CHICKEN RAISING - A Profitable Family Business

Having pets around is said to liven up every abode. There seems to be no home in the United States that does not have one pet aboard, and people globally supports that assumption as well. Animals have been welcomed as a part of the family, and are nurtured accordingly. The usual pets that you would see around would be that of dogs and cats; being domestic animals. These animals have been commonly associated with man; the dog, being coined as "man's best friend"; and the feline, being a sweet and doting companion in every abode.

People are used to having animals around; which they take in as companions for purposes of having protection and for having a stress-reliever at home that the whole family can play and bond with. But, in rural areas, raising chickens as well as caring for them; is widely practiced. Aside from the above-mentioned advantages of having animals around, raising chickens to rake in more profit and food than one can purport; especially if you know how to raise chickens in an efficient manner. This is definitely a smart option when it comes to animal farm raising as this seems to be a traditional method which takes you back to the basics; which is pretty interesting and practical especially in these economically trying times.

As people would say, trying times call for better options and getting more leverage towards financial security. Seemingly, raising chickens is a better alternative towards raising others forms of farm animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep; to name a few. For one, the sound of having unlimited fresh chicken meat supply is enticing; and so are the supply of chicken eggs; which sounds great for breakfasts. Maintaining a chicken farm or coop is pretty inexpensive too as compared to its counterparts, and the smell isn't that bad either.

Also, this provides the soil its natural fertilizers. These may all sound easy; but raising chicken is one thing that must be well-planned, researched, and must be strategically executed. One must take note of how to efficiently take care of chickens, provide due nutrition, and keep them safe. Chicken raising is a serious matter but is an engaging activity for the whole family. Aside from providing food; this is also a profitable business venture for people who are optimistic about the threshold of agriculture and chicken raising even in today's modern times. In fact, the steady mix of technology and traditional chicken raising is equally complimentary and thriving in today's modern market. Chicken served in a plate is everyone's favorite meal, and is considered a staple in the global arena.

However, raising chickens well is important to get the best end-products. This needs calculated and well-educated moves when it comes to the combined basics of rearing chicken traditionally with the consolidation of high-end technology being employed in raising chickens and building coops. But, here are some facts that you need to take note of in raising chicken the right way:

• Do you prefer brown or white eggs for your meal? Well, knowing which one you aim to produce will help you choose the right chickens that can do the job. You can actually anticipate the egg colors by means of looking into the color of the skin that is next to that of the chicken's ears. A pale or white chicken skin in that area means that the chicken is ought to produce white eggs as well; while the brown or reddish skin on that spot would produce brown eggs.


• It is advisable to feed chicken with organic food and supplements when necessary. Let them move around in the grass area. This is said to lower down the cholesterol levels while increasing the Vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids levels; which is a great thing for people with heart ailments and those who want to lose weight.


• Another advantage as well by raising chicken is that they help people eliminate bugs and they also eat grass which saves time for grass-cutting. These are also very low maintenance as they are only required to be fed once a day and their beddings are changed once or twice per month depending on weather conditions. Daily clean-ups would be a breeze once you get the hang of it.

Raising chickens and building coop takes some real planning to be done; here's a heads-up to that:

• Time allocated for tending the flock; depends primarily on the number of chicken under your care. It could probably take around 15 minutes to a few hours of work to allocate for chicken raising.


• Chicken are social animals and loves to roam around and interact with other chickens. They need a spacious and clean land where they can exercise and run freely. You should also consider getting two hens if you want to produce more eggs. Chickens have feelings and varied personalities as well, and they also need to be comfortable and happy in their surroundings in order to produce eggs at your disposal. You need to provide them with a roomy coop that will be tailor-fit to coupling.


• Investments in raising chicken would be costly at first, but the rewards will grow immensely as the business reaches milestones as well.

Raising chickens is definitely a profitable venture that comes with real-time benefits and perks for the whole family. It is an income-generating business venture that will give more advantages for food and leisure; more than any type of animal farming options there is.

By Tom Dewey - Article Source: EzineArticles

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How to Buy a PET BIRD: 5 Important Things You Need To Know

My pet companion bird,
an Amazon Blue Front Parrot,
 posing for his portrait.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Birds make great pets, well they won't be as loyal a dog, but at least they require less maintenance. Like any other pet, it's important that you know what kind of bird you want. This should be in correlation with your personality. Like any other animal, birds have personalities.

Some birds are more sociable than the others while some are more inclined to be hyperactive than most. In any case, birds should be treated with the utmost care. Ignoring them will aggravate them because just like any other living being, they need attention and care. Besides if you are not willing to take care of them they why take them in the first place?

Things you must know before Buying a Pet Bird.

1. Find the Right Seller.

First, it is recommended that you check your local newspaper first for legitimate ads from professional breeders. Why? Because like anything else, you can only rely on experts for the best kind of breeds. Moreover, they will be able to provide you with the best kind of information about your chosen type of feathered friend.

2. Inquire About Health.

These winged animals also usually come with paper when bought from professionals, we're talking about veterinary records here which is very important if you want your bird to live long enough, you may want to know its medical history. The only backlog is that these birds are usually pricey so if you don't have the budget, then the next stop is the neighborhood pet shop. This is tricky because some pet shops don't have in-house vets and only have ignorant salesmen to man the place. Therefore, if this is your only choice then I suggest you do prior research to the kind of breed you want, just so that you know what it should look like healthy.

3. Psychological Test.

Check for the coat and the beaks if it's on the right shape. Coats should be shiny and full while beaks should look sturdy. It will also help if you could observe the bird for a while before you commit to buying it so that you can have an idea if it's psychologically healthy; the last thing you want is to have a bird with a defective instinctive behavior which will prevent it from responding positively in your care.

4. Learn its Past Life.

Check if the bird is properly cared for; see the cage if it's in good condition and if there are adequate food and water. This is to prevent you from buying a traumatized bird. If you just want to buy a bird from a friend, it is still necessary to check all these stuff, after all, a pet is a responsibility, you'll be spending a lot of time with it so it's best not to jump the cage without a thorough thought first.

5. Best of All.

Make sure that the bird you will be buying will have an emotional tie with you, don't just choose birds because of their aesthetic qualities. Look for qualities that will endear them to you because these are the aspects, which you will be relishing for a long time.

By Nilotpal Maity - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Top Ten Places to See BALD EAGLES With Your Binoculars

American Bald Eagle fall mating ritual - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A threatened species whose numbers are improving and our national icon, these raptors are simply awesome. There are many great locations across the country where folks can view these large birds. Although the eagles live throughout the continental United States, Alaska, with about 50,000 eagles, has the most. 

 Here are the top ten National Wildlife Refuges for viewing:

1. The Klamath Basin Refuges - Tulelake, CA, hosts the largest wintering concentration in the lower 48 states, often up to 1000 birds. Each year during the month of November, the birds begin to appear en masse on their Klamath Basin wintering grounds.
2. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge - Basom, NY, Named for the Iroquois Indians, eagle watching is among the refuge's most popular activities.
3. Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge - Woodbridge, VA, On the banks of the Potomac River, lies an 8000-acre peninsula, and the home of the first refuge established specifically for the protection of bald eagles.
4. Patuxent Research Refuge - Laurel, MD, is the nation's only refuge established to support wildlife research. The 12,750-acre refuge, which supports a wide diversity of wildlife, is managed to protect native and migratory bird species.
5. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Cambridge, MD, Eagles are here in droves from the fall through the summer, taking advantage of the mix of marsh, forested uplands and some farm fields.
6. Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal River, FL, From October through April, many bald eagles winter and nest on the banks of the Chassahowitzka River. In fact, frequently, visitors will be greeted by a pair of bald eagles in a tree at the refuge entrance.
7. DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge - Missouri Valley, IA, This refuge has become an important wintering area for up to 120 bald eagles.
8. Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Mound City, MO, Visitors can attend Bald Eagle days at the refuge this year on December 1 and 2 featuring live eagle shows and guided tours of the refuge's 2-300 bald eagles.
9. Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge - Zimmerman, MN, is a particularly good spot for eagle viewing; an extensive network of shallow lakes that freeze and grow short of oxygen in the winter mean a seasonal fish kill that provides easy feeding in the spring, when groups of eagles descend to eat their fill.
10. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - Ridgefield, WA, Ridgefield is home to four nesting pair of bald eagles, but dozens more drop by in the winter, feeding on waterfowl and fish from the nearby Columbia River.

Bald eagles are simply amazing. The phrase "eagle eye" describes their highly developed visual ability, which can spot a moving rabbit almost a mile away. An eagle, flying at 1,000 feet altitude, can spot prey across almost 3 square miles. With wingspans of six to eight feet, these raptors can fly about 65 miles per hour and soar to altitudes of 10,000 feet, staying aloft for hours using natural wind currents and thermal updrafts. I encourage you to grab your binoculars and visit one or more of these locations that may be 'in your neighborhood' so that you too can view this amazing raptor.

By James A. Dixon - Article Source: EzineArticles

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PARROTLETS - Tiny Birds with a Big Attitude

Photo  by BLW Photography 

Parrotlets, as the name suggests, are tiny parrots. It is, by the way, generally pronounced parrot-lets although some people insist that the "t" in the parrot part is silent and call them parro-lets. Although only 4 to 4 1/2 inches tall, they are true parrots with big parrot personalities and intellect. They are known for being a little feisty, but if handled regularly they are loving pets. They are very playful and like their bigger cousins can be taught to do tricks and to talk.

There are several species of parrotlet, but probably the most common for pets are the Pacific parrotlets. The males are predominately green with blue markings on their wings, rumps and heads. Females lack the blue markings. Although green is their natural color there are a number of color mutations available. They include yellow, blue and white. Parrotlets, with good care, can live 20-30 years in captivity.

If their wings are left unclipped they are very nimble flyers. They can hover and dart and perform some impressive aerial acrobatics that you don't see with larger parrots. Unless you have a large, safe, secure environment for them to fly in, however, it is usually safer for them and easier for you if you keep them clipped.

To be happy and healthy you will have to provide them with a cockatiel sized cage with a few toys, fresh water and food. A mixture of small seeds, a few sunflower seeds and small pellets make a good diet. Supplement that with some fruits and vegetables. If you have one parrotlet, it will become bonded to you and should be quite friendly. If you have two or more they tend to be closer to each other, naturally, and usually are a little less tame. Make sure you get a parrotlet that was hand fed as a baby. Hand fed babies are much more socialized to people and make much better pets. Like any pet bird, they require regular attention, but they are good at amusing themselves for long periods of time while you are away.

Parrotlets are relatively quiet parrots. They chirp and chatter a lot but they don't scream like larger species. That, along with their small size makes them a good choice for apartments or other small living spaces. They are fun to own, fairly easy to maintain and can be great little companions. 

Author: Brett McGill - Article Source: GoArticles

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PARAKEET Care - How to Keep Your Pet Parakeet Happy And Healthy

Photo by Young in Panama 

Parakeets are beautiful and intelligent pets, but before buying one, it helps to learn a bit about good parakeet care. This will help ensure that you and your pet bird enjoy a long, happy relationship.

Parakeet Cages

Parakeets also called budgies, require the proper cage. Make sure it's a cage designed for small birds, with narrow gaps between the cage bars. Get the largest cage you can afford - it should have enough space for your parakeet to open his wings fully. The cage should have a swing, and at least two perches. Attach a cuttlebone to the side of the cage so your parakeet can keep his beak trim.

Make sure the cage has a pullout bottom drawer so you can easily keep the floor clean. Place newspapers or bird paper down on the bottom to absorb the droppings. You can sometimes find parakeet cages with a grated floor above the bottom of the cage - this will keep your parakeet off the dirty bottom.

Position the cage off the floor in a draft-free area. If you're concerned about drafts, cover the sides or parts of the cage with towels to be on the safe side.

Parakeet Feeding

Give your parakeet fresh food and water daily. Buy a good seed mixture designed for parakeets and supplement their diet with vitamin drops and bird gravel (available in most pet stores). Whenever opening their cage, use caution and make sure all the doors and windows are closed - because a parakeet can escape in a flash. Also make sure no household predators are around (dogs, cats, etc.).

Parakeet Handling

Parakeets frighten easily, so try to avoid any noisy or sudden movements towards them. Take your time and be gentle whenever you're around them, this will gradually gain their trust. You should immediately begin the process of getting them used to you and your hand. You can do this by placing your hand in their cage and leaving it there for 5 - 10 minutes, as often as you can. While your hand is in their cage, sing and talk soothingly to your parakeet and this will help establish a bond of trust. After a period of time, you'll be able to place your forefinger under your budgie's chest and he'll hop right on your finger and stay there for longer and longer periods of time.

Parakeet Exercise

To stay healthy, a parakeet needs exercise - and this means flight. You should let your parakeet out of his cage to fly every day. Start out slowly, because a bird that's been caged for a long time will be very weak in the beginning and have problems flying. Take his cage into a small room, such as a bathroom, and open the door to his cage. He'll eventually get out and try to fly. There will be some crashes and frustration, but in a small room such as a bathroom, you won't have to worry about him getting stuck behind a bookcase. After a week or so, he should be in flight--shape and then you can begin letting him out to fly in larger rooms.

Parakeet Health Care

Parakeets are susceptible to a variety of diseases, but the most common and potentially fatal is diarrhea. Keep an eye on her stools - they should be round and solid. If they are consistently runny, then she could have diarrhea. Think about any changes you might have made to your parakeet. Have you given her table food? Many table foods can be harmful to a parakeet and give them diarrhea, even seemingly harmless foods such as iceberg lettuce. Stick to seed and treats designed for parakeets and go to the pet store or call your veterinarian for an anti-diarrhea medicine designed for parakeets.

Good parakeet care doesn't have to be complicated. Just take the time to give him attention and care on a daily basis. And it's a good idea to invest in a good parakeet or budgie care handbook.

By Jennifer Manning - Article Source: EzineArticles

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TRUSH Song Bird

Dark-throated Thrush - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A thrush is a group of small passerine birds that exist most commonly in the Old World. Most often Thrush is plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores. Often thrush will feed on the ground. Thrush has also come to be known as songbirds as they have many attractive songs.

Thrushes belong to the Family Turdidae which also includes:

 - Yemen Thrush 

 - Olive Thrush

 - Olivaceous Thrush

 - Comoro Thrush

 - Kurrichane Thrush

 - African Thrush

 - African Bare-eyed Thrush

 - Grey-backed Thrush

 - Tickell's Thrush

 - Black-breasted Thrush

 - Japanese Thrush

 - White-collared Blackbird

 - Ring Ouzel

 - Grey-winged Blackbird

 - Island Thrush

 - Chestnut Thrush

 - White-backed Thrush

 - Grey-sided Thrush

 - Eyebrowed Thrush

 - Pale Thrush

 - Brown-headed Thrush

 - Izu Thrush

 - Dark-throated thrush

 - Black-throated Thrush

 - Red-throated Thrush

 - Redwing

 - Song Thrush

 - Chinese Thrush

 - Mistle Thrush

 - Red-legged Thrush

 - Chiguanco Thrush

 - Sooty Robin

 - Great Thrush

 - Black Robin

 - Glossy-black Thrush

 - Andean Slaty Thrush

 - Eastern Slaty Thrush

Thrush is often found in open woods and land that is mostly cultivated over all of Europe and much of Asia. Many of the northern birds migrate south during the winter. Thrush can be both insectivores and omnivores. Omnivores Thrushes are known for defending their food source against other thrushes in the winter months. Nesting in trees they lay several eggs in an organized cup-shaped nest which is often lined with grass.

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Dromoland Castle - FALCONRY, Archery, And Family Fun

Dromoland Castle. Dromoland, one of the finest luxury castle hotels in Ireland, offers a golf resort paradise where guests experience living like landed gentry.
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A few years ago - Oct 2011 to be exact - I had this great idea to go on a Mediterranean Cruise with Tedd. We were spending the afternoon at Paumanok Wineries in Aquabogue, Long Island, drinking some great wine, eating some cheese, while the girls were running and playing with the children of other patrons. On a short walk to the little girls' room, I spotted a brochure for a Mediterranean Wine Tasting Cruise. 

At the time, both kids were younger (Kelsey, 4 and Gianna 7) and the word spontaneous was not really in my vocabulary. But I guess the wine and sunshine got the best of me, and I was 100% sure that this cruise should be a definite plan for us. Tedd was also under the effects of being completely relaxed (and a little buzzed) and was totally into it!! When I got home, brochure in hand, I immediately emailed the travel company for this tour and got all the details and was well on my way to selecting staterooms, and getting my passport number to put on the application when it hit me... and it hit me hard - I CAN'T LEAVE MY KIDS AND GO TO EUROPE FOR 10 DAYS! I think Tedd secretly felt the same way, so there ended our romantic, European Wine Tasting Cruise.

After a day or so of feeling blue and let down that my maternal instincts were so strong, the lightbulb went off - let's go to Europe with the kids! We had never taken them to Europe before, although it was on my agenda for the not too distant future; but I thought, maybe this was finally the right time to plan it. All of a sudden, I was excited again. But, where? I decided to just Google "best place in Europe to take kids" and lo and behold, Ireland popped up. I hadn't really thought much about Ireland as a destination. It was somewhere I knew I would visit, sooner or later, but, after some reading, I thought - "Why not now!" Something that caught my eye was a place called Dromoland Castle (pronounced DRUM-O-Land). I visited their website and must say, it was quite impressive!

I thought to myself, "imagine staying in a castle" - the kids would love it! I would love it! I studied their site for days - from the lovely welcome video with the horse and buggy and beautiful swans swimming; to the refurbished guest rooms, each with their own decorative theme; to the dining options onsite and of course, the plethora of activities offered, and I knew this was the place for our girls' first European trip. So, I planned the trip with my reliable travel agent, Stephen Slovenski for mid-August 2012. JSYK, Dromoland has a very interesting history -much of which we would find out from our friendly buggy driver, Sean Kilkenny! More about our buggy ride with Sean, (and Paddy his horse) around the palatial grounds of this amazing castle later.

Lovely outdoor seating area at Dromoland

Our flight to Ireland was great and uneventful. The girls were wonderfully behaved and slept quite a bit. Getting through immigration and collecting our bags was a breeze. I was very taken, at the onset, with the friendliness of the Irish. Everywhere we went, from the airport to restaurants, to tourist attractions, they were the nicest and warmest people I had ever encountered while traveling.

We arrived at Dromoland unscathed, considering, Tedd was driving on the opposite side of the road. We had no choice about taking the extra car insurance when renting our car, as it was the rental company's policy to do so... and it's a good thing we did! But you'll have to read on to find out why. Upon our arrival at the Castle, we were greeted as if we were long lost a family of the staff. I never felt so at home in a foreign country before. Our room was not ready, so we were invited to go down one of the hallways, where a full continental breakfast buffet was on display outside the main dining area. The walls of the hallway were lined with small tables and chairs and a small parlor area at the end of the hall had more tables, chairs and couches for sitting comfortably to enjoy our much-wanted pastries, fruit and cheese. This room felt very medieval with its mismatched furniture, high ceilings and decorations on the wall. The kids were all excited (and so were Tedd and me) that we had wifi - so we immediately emailed and messaged the gang at home (my parents and sister Danielle and daughter Rebecca) that we were safe and sound! This lovely lounge room led down to a sweet and welcoming outdoor eating court, which we sat many a morning, with a cup of tea and coffee, before starting our day.

Our room was finally ready at around 1pm and what a gorgeous room it was!! Decorated in the most welcoming shades of light blue and rose, it looked like a picture out of a decorating magazine. We had two full beds, along with a sitting area, a nice sized table, a desk and a flat screen tv. The bathroom was luxurious as well, with marble countertops and a large shower/tub. The kids had a great time taking pictures of the room! We also had an incredible view from our room of a lovely lake. You could hear the clippity clop of Sean's buggy early in the morning and throughout the day, as he took guests on tour rides around the grounds of Dromoland. I need to mention that although it was mid-August, it was not at all hot and humid. Quite the opposite. It was cool and even a little chilly and in spite of the great amount of rain that we experienced, there was not much humidity at all. In fact, the hotel did not have air conditioning and it didn't need it either. A small fan on the table facing the beds, with the windows open, did the trick!

The grounds of Dromoland were absolutely gorgeous! Tons of flowers and picturesque garden settings. It's no wonder this is a popular wedding reception location. A short walk from the main castle and guest rooms, through the gardens and a long arbor, is the spa, followed by the restaurant. The food was very good - I was a big fan of the pureed soups and brown bread! I even downloaded a recipe for Irish brown bread (which I've yet to make, of course). Both girls noticed right away how the portion sizes were smaller than what they were used to in the States. Of course, we all agreed that there is no need for such large portions and it was nice to see both of them finish the meal they ordered because it was appropriately sized.

As with all my trips, I had a full itinerary of activities and local sites to see fully planned. Dromoland offered many of these activities including falconry, archery, golf, fishing, clay shooting and more. The falconry and archery interested us most and both of which were completely new to us! As soon as I read on the Dromoland site that they had falconry, I was completely excited. I had only seen this in movies and on television. It sounded so exotic and I could not wait! The first day we arrived, we saw the instructors from the Dromoland School of Falconry on the front lawn, beginning their overview and lesson with other guests and right there front and center, was one of the birds from the school. This little guy's name was TJ. It was quite an education the morning we spent out and about with TJ, the Harris Hawk, and our Instructor. Falconry is the term for using a trained bird of prey to hunt or catch the game. The person who flies the "Falcon" is called a Falconer. So we were getting a lesson in being falconers! Today, in modern falconry, the Red-tailed hawk and the Harris hawk are more commonly used rather than falcons. Just a little trivia for you - Falconry is believed to date all the way back to ancient Mesopotamia, some 2000 years ago. So, there we were, the four New Yorkers, getting a lesson in early English falconry. It's amazing how enthusiastically these birds will fly to a welcome outstretched arm! In the hawk world, females are called "hawks" while the term for the males is "tiercel". The males are actually lighter, as they are a third smaller in size than the females. Our friend "TJ", though smaller than his female counterparts, was still a substantial bird to have landing on one of your body parts. I have to admit, it was a little intimidating at first. Because of the bird's sharp claws, or "talons", it is necessary to wear a very heavy glove when having the birds land on your arm. Kelsey and Gianna looked very cute wearing the glove - it nearly covered their entire arms! Kelsey, only 5 at the time, was so brave and unafraid, and as you can see from the photo, this bird was quite large compared to her! Gianna, on the other hand, took a while to warm up to the whole idea - but she came around.

We walked all around the grounds, especially through the forest area where we witnessed TJ soaring up into the trees and then flying at top speed to perch on either our instructor or on one of us, depending on who held out their arm. One time, TJ decided to perch on Kelsey's head - I didn't get a picture of this since it was rather unexpected and unnerving to the kid. But, it didn't stop her from continuing with the art of falconry.

This experience was clearly one of the highlights of our trip to Ireland! The kids also enjoyed archery several times during our stay. For first-timers, they were really good too! After signing up, we were, once again, connected with an instructor and were taught the basics of archery, including the proper way to hold and use a bow and arrow. The kids had a blast and talked Tedd into getting an archery set for them for our house out East.

Our fun didn't end here, there were tricycles, which we had a blast riding one evening, and of course, our horse and buggy ride with Sean Kilkenny and "Paddy" was truly a joy. Sean told us all about the history of Dromoland and lots of interesting tales about its owners through the years. The current castle building was finished in 1835, but the first building that was constructed here is believed to have been a tower house erected in the 15th or 16th century. Dromoland came to be the residence of eight generations of the O'Brien Family, and according to records, it appears that it may have also been occupied by other local Gaelic families, such as the McInerney family during the 16th Century. The translation of the name Dromoland is "Hill of Litigation" because its history is steeped in legal battles over ownership. Today, it has been host to a number of famous individuals including former President George W. Bush, Juan Carlos of Spain, Muhammed Ali and Bono, to name a few.

Now back to my rental car story. One day, we ventured out of the Dromoland grounds and decided to take a long drive to the Cliffs of Mohr. We had a great day - well up to a point! We stopped for lunch, we drove all around the Irish countryside, taking pictures and singing songs and listening "School of Rock" with Jack Black on the DVD player in the back seat for the 14th time and were looking forward to the famous site we were off to see. As we were traveling down a narrow road, which was par for the course on our little journey that day, I was feeling as if Tedd was driving extra close to the stone gates and walls of the residential property. Many of these homes had large garbage pails in the front and I felt myself leaning towards the right as we drove and came too close for comfort for my likings on the left side. I was just about to say "Ah Tedd, I think you are awfully close" when all at once B - O - O - M!!! we hit something. And it was loud!!! After the shock of hearing that loud sound wore off, I looked out the front passenger side window and could see that whatever we hit, we knocked off the side view mirror. I looked at Tedd and he was about to go on a rant about how "these @#$% roads are so @#%*$ narrow" He didn't have much time to get angry when I can't even express the hysteria that overtook me and the girls. We could not stop laughing. So, bad that the tears were coming down my face. Tedd had no choice and began laughing too. For the rest of our Ireland trip, we could not look at that dangling mirror without cracking up. I guess the rental agents know what is possible when renting to foreigners who are not used to driving on the left side! (And just an aside - we did make it to the site seeing boat, dangling mirror and all; we got on, even though it seemed rather rough that day - and although the kids thought it was loads of fun getting thrown all around, Tedd was one of the unfortunate ones who felt the effects of the constant swaying and erratic movement. Green and sick is an understatement. So, for me, I decided to just look straight ahead at the horizon, to avoid the same fate, until this ride was over, and so we only got one photo on the boat ride!)

By Elisa Levine - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Raising Tips: How to Choose a CHICKEN Breed

A Light Sussex breed hen - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chickens are wonderful animals. They are like coconut. You see, the coconut can be used in many ways- from the leaves to the roots. In more ways than one, chickens are bred and raised because it entails a lot of benefits. In Asian countries, chickens can be eaten from beak down to its funny-looking feet. Thus, making it one of the sought after poultry products in the animal community.

Yet, chickens aren’t used only for food but for ornamental purposes. It all depends on the owner of the poultry farm if he’s going to raise chickens for food or for an exhibition. Whatever the purpose is for these critters, you can settle on one simple question…what breed should you get?

There are actually four ideas to consider when choosing a breed – egg production only, eggs and meat combined, exhibition, and meat only. Aside from these four, people also account chickens as a hobby and they very well enjoy watching and caring for their chickens.

Egg Production

If you are concerned with only the eggs and are not really a fan of chicken form and features, white leghorns or Red Sex Links and Golden Cornets fit the job. These breeds lay eggs in a very excellent way. There is a point to ponder upon though, if you want white eggs, choose a chicken breed that has earlobes that are white. But if you wanted brown eggs, choose a chicken breed that has red earlobes.

Meat

In meat, you have to purchase a breed that grows quickly and weighs big like the Cornish Cross. It is a cross breed between a White Cornish and a White Plymouth Rock. These breeds weigh four to five pounds in six weeks and weigh more than 6 pounds within 8 to 12 weeks.

Eggs and Meat

Breeds that are dual purpose is a combination of a breed that is both having the talent of vast egg production and grows larger and faster than the rest of the species. One typical and popular example is the Plymouth Rocks, Wyandottes and Sussex. They are both English and American breeds.

Exhibition

These are the kind of birds that are appreciated for their eloquent beauty and features. Every part of their feather-covered body must be exceptional. Usually, those that are chosen to wind up in an exhibition during fairs are those that are crossbred. Exhibitions shows for poultry raising are most popular in places like the Midwest and Indiana.

Usually, chickens are judged based on their color, breed type that’s supposed to be ideal, their body weight and shape, etc.

Bantams are one of the chicken types that outnumbered larger fowls during shows. They have a characteristic that a judge would adore – takes less space, easier to feed, eat less, and easy to handle. Their eggs are also expected to be small but are pretty much good for eating like other ordinary eggs. Some of the popular breeds of bantams are the Wyandottes, Cochins, Old English Game and Plymouth Rocks. These bantam breeds can most likely win in exhibitions.

Bantams are not the only birds that can have the right to the throne. Larger fowl breeds also hog the limelight. Some of these breeds are the leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Black Australorps. These breeds vary in their type, size, color, comb type and shape.

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TURKEY - Melleagris gallopavo

TURKEY - Meleagris gallopavo

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In Awe of MACAWS

Photo  by HolleyandChris 

Macaws are one of the most familiar parrots. Even people who don't particularly know much about parrots will recognize these majestic birds. They have a very distinctive look--large beak, long tail, bare face patch--with a show-off personality that makes them popular in shows at zoos and theme parks. They're all over the place in advertising, especially if the ad has a tropical theme.

One of the most recognized is probably the scarlet macaw. But macaws have far more to offer than just good looks and exotic flair. They're an intelligent pet that rewards the right type of owner with years of affectionate and fun-loving companionship, sometimes compared to dogs in terms of how well they respond to their people.

No one should get a parrot without research and planning, and this is especially true for the larger species of macaws. Their caging needs alone make it out of the question for anyone with little space, and along with that big body comes a big attitude. Inexperienced parrot owners may not be prepared for a sassy, brassy macaw. And if you're looking for a parrot on the quiet side, forget it. Macaws' voices match their personalities: bold and almost always ready to go. There still may be some hope for you if you like what macaws have to offer but aren't able to accommodate such a large parrot. One of the smaller varieties might fit your lifestyle. You'd still need to know what you're getting into, though. Even the mini macaws require an owner that's dedicated and willing to establish rules and limits. A macaw of any size is not what I would consider a beginner's parrot.

One challenge macaw owners can face is getting over any nervousness about those large beaks. Capable of snapping a broomstick, a macaw that means business isn't a bird you want to push around. They learn when they're young that hissing, lunging and brandishing that beak are effective ways to get what they want. But most macaws, as long as they've been treated kindly by people, are actually pretty gentle and easy going. They will rarely bite as hard as they're able. In the years that I've dealt with macaws of all ages and sizes, I've never received a serious bite, only some pinches that hurt at the time but didn't do any real harm. I've been screamed at loudly, though, which isn't pleasant and can be somewhat intimidating in its own way. If someone is working with a macaw and is overly hesitant, the bird is going to have that person's number right away. A calm, confident person tends to do much better with a macaw. They don't respond well to bullying, but they do need guidance and kind authority.

Treated with respect and given the right environment, which includes plenty of out-of-the-cage exercises and mental stimulation, a macaw can be a joy. They like to be involved in whatever the family is doing and thrive when they can have the stage all to themselves. They're one of the major "hams" of the parrot world, so talking, singing and trick training are fine activities to do with a macaw. While some individuals don't mind just sitting around and may be able to spend a considerable amount of time on a play gym, a macaw will often want to investigate things, wandering around on the floor and climbing up onto anything he can get to. Supervision is important. They aren't the type of pet you'll want to let come and go at will from his cage. Doing so can lead to behavior problems, such as the bird becoming overly pushy and willful, but it's also likely to result in lots of chewed-up items around the house. Remember, think "guidance" and "limits". Give them more chances to be good than to misbehave.

Behavior problems in macaws can range from minor, hormonal moodiness to all-out mayhem with biting and excessive screaming. Rescued macaws that were mistreated, ignored, or just not well-trained seem to have the most issues, but even these guys can come around in time. Macaws are very social and will usually want to have a relationship with the people around them. They've got big hearts to go along with their big beaks.

This article was co-authored by Chet Womach and Kim Bear. Kim is a parrot behavioral specialist who has helped people with their macaw parrot all over the world. Article Source: GoArticles

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Suggestions for Choosing Your New Small PET BIRD or Birds - A Few Things to Consider

When selecting what type of new pet bird would best suit your circumstances and desire there are a few things you must consider before making that all-important purchase.

During my 10 years experience, I have only dealt with small pet birds so unfortunately for some my knowledge is restricted to these only.

Firstly you must decide what type of bird you would like and if it would be suitable to your circumstances, then you need to be sure you have a home set up for your new feathered friend before you bring it home.

Below is a brief but hopefully informative list of the most popular small pet birds and the ups and downs of their upkeep:

Budgie

From the parrot family and originally from Australia the budgie is often called 'parakeet' or 'long-tailed parakeet', the budgerigar is without a doubt the most popular pet bird in the Western world and with good reason; small enough to handle, easy to tame, inexpensive, a startling array of different colours, can be kept on its own, very friendly (if tame), a chatterer, minimum requirement to keep in good health, easy to breed (if you want to), usually mixes well with other small birds (budgies and other species). Ideal in a cage or aviary.

However budgies can inflict a nasty wound if they bite you whilst handling (rarely a problem if they're tame, but they can draw blood if they sink their beak in), they can also be rather destructive (they love to chew), and budgerigars can be very territorial during breeding (especially if kept with other birds).

In the wild budgies live in large flocks and so need plenty of interaction to save them from becoming bored. They, therefore, need to be kept busy with lots of toys and your attention, or alternatively kept with another of their kind, so as they can interact with each other.

[Picture Legend: Budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulatus. Three on a perch. The bird on the left is an 'English Budgie', the result of generations of selective breeding by humans for desirable traits including size - whilst the other two birds exhibit the body form (but not plumage colour) of wild Budgerigars and are sometimes known as 'wild-type', or 'American Parakeets' in aviculture. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)]

Cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus
and Budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cockatiel

Another Australian bird often called 'tiel' for short, these small parrots are also very popular as pets, due to their calm nature and unique character. A little bigger than the budgie so more space is required (a bigger cage for example), the cockatiel also lives in large flocks in the wild so again interaction and toys are a must.

They can be kept their own or in pairs or small groups, and easy to keep. Ideal as a cage or aviary bird, and because of their calm nature the cockatiel will normally mix well with other small birds of a different species (cockatiels are often kept in the same aviary as budgerigars and finches with rarely any problems). They can learn to mimic other sounds with patience and determination and are easy to tame.

However they can also inflict a rather nasty wound if they choose to bite (probably a worse injury than the budgie due to their larger beaks, but again not usually a problem when tame). Ideally, if you want to breed your cockatiels they need to be on their own as a breeding pair with no other birds. These birds can also be very destructive due to their desire to have a chew at almost anything, but they are easily startled (so no sudden loud noises or sudden bright lights please!).

Taeniopygia guttata (Zebra finch)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Finches

Somewhat smaller than budgerigars and cockatiels, and not part of the parrot family, the most popular types of finch are again very popular for good reason: very easy to keep, good-natured, small and compact, extremely active, cute, prolific breeders, usually low priced, little space required for good upkeep (the perfect pet bird for apartments, flats and small living areas).

There are many types of finch available on the pet bird market but the most popular are: zebra finch, society finch (Bengalese finch), Gouldian finch, java finch (java sparrow), the java being the largest of the four just mentioned (slightly smaller than the budgie).

All of these can be accommodated in a cage or aviary and also usually mix well with other species (I keep budgerigars, cockatiels, zebra finches, Bengalese finches, and javas together in a large outdoor aviary and very rarely have any problems).

As for the initial cost of these little characters the zebra finches usually come out the least expensive (from 3 to 8 each, often with a good deal for a pair), next would be the society finches (from 5 to 10 each, again with a better deal for a pair), then the javas (8 to 15 each, buy two for a better price), and the Gouldian finches coming out on top (the cheapest I've seen there is about 20 each right up to 60 - sometimes more - but a deal on more than one can usually be arranged). The reason for the bigger price for the Gouldians is because of their great colouring and rarity, a desirable bird that people will often pay handsomely for.

However, finches do not always take readily to handling and must be kept in groups of 2 or more.

At least due to their small size, a bite is not likely to bother you a great deal.

Others

There are many other types of birds available but the price is usually higher as they are not as common.

Many other types of parakeets, however, are still rather popular - ringneck parakeet, grass parakeet (Bourke, turquoise, elegant, alexandrine), kakariki (New-Zealand parakeet), rosella, lovebird to name but a few.

The upkeep however for all small pet birds is basically the same.

Always remember to shop around for the best deal and if possible buy your new bird or birds from a breeder or hobbyist rather than a pet shop.

A note on accommodation for your new pet bird.

Most small pet birds will live happily in an aviary, and this is the nearest they are likely to get to their natural environment, but in an aviary, your birds will become semi-wild and may not take very well to handling or one on one interaction.

Caged birds, however, are a different matter, and can often be tame and friendly towards us humans. Make sure that if you plan to keep your bird or birds in a cage then go for the biggest you can afford (within reason, of course, no good putting zebra finches in a large wide barred parrot cage); your bird needs to be able to stretch its wings to their fullest extent and still have some room left.

Even in an aviary parrot type species will spend more time climbing than flying, whereas finches would rather fly than climb.

By Pete Etheridge - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Busy Beak are Happy beaks

A pet Monk Parakeet (also known as the Quaker Parrot) with a colourful rope and toys. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Good toys have different shapes and textures for the bird to explore and destroy.  At least three toys should make a bird work for food. Working toys are toys that make them work for their treats or favored foods. Parrots in the wild will spend the majority of their waking hours, hunting and foraging. Toys stimulate their mind and help replicate actions they would execute in the wild. Proper toys and placement enhance a Psittacines life in captivity.

Parrots think they’re working for food while avicultural outsider sees birds playing with toys as birds; playing with bird toys. Your companion parrot is always thinking, and since nothing has changed in their minds, playing with toys is their job. It’s what Mother Nature gave them to survive, this need to forage. If you provide no means of foraging, your bird will seek other avenues. It may be furniture or personal effects. Usually, because they are easy and plentiful targets. It’s important to encourage your companion parrot to work for food because it’s a natural behavior. 

Three or four toys should be made of soft wood. Softwood allows you to push your fingernail in forming an indent.  

The next toys depend on the bird. Large birds like macaws and Cockatoos may have a huge appetite. Introduce hardwood toys into cages and perhaps toys with hard plastics so they can spend more time on the various pieces. Toys may be strung together with rope, leather, chain or a combination of materials.

The balance of toys should be easily shredded. Toys may be store bought or home made. Parrot toy parts are available and help keep toy making economical.  Softwood, paper, leather and other textures are important for the bird to explore and destroy

Introduce pieces of food like broccoli or corn, using one of many commercially available or home made toy holders. The food on the toy holder rewards them for playing.

The more textures, shapes, sizes and colors the better. Diversity is important because in the wild your birds eat a diverse diet. An eclectic selection of toys helps maintain your feathered companions interest.

 Watch a bird in its natural habitat and you’ll see them chewing soft bark and hard tree trunks. Toys made from compressed palm leaf or treated Yucca introduces hours of “pecking pleasure” Interactive toys made from Plexiglas are very effective at reducing birdie boredom.

The majority of toys should hang or be placed in the upper third of the cage. Introduce a few more to the middle third (without hampering access to food dishes) around a perch made from soft wood, comfortable to grasp depending on the size of the bird’s feet. The bottom third of the cage should remain relatively uncluttered to allow the bird to walk freely.

Spot-check toys and perches on a daily basis looking for frayed or sharp edges that may potentially harm your bird.

The more you change the toy and perch arrangement, the more you challenge your companion parrot. It helps them socialize and helps avoids “toy-phobia” 

Parrots can develop phobic reactions to new people, new furniture, and even new birds.

Toys from household items

Cornhusks

Adding machine tape

Toilet paper roll

Nuts hidden in nested paper cups

Phonebook slipped through cage bars

Wrapped straws – cable tied

Fortune cookies

Saltine cracker packet

Junk mail

Cotton swabs

Doggie rawhide 

Shoelaces strung with beads or Cheerios 

Branches with leaves           

Breakfast-food bowl with newspaper taped to the top

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