Friday, February 16, 2018

8 Basic Guides To TRAINING Your PET BIRD

Bailey Bird
Photo by Jen’s Art&Soul

You brought home with you a beautiful Macaw, you’ve done your research and got it what it needs to be a happy bird. Now its time to train your pet bird to do all the neat tricks you’ve adorned from a distance in envy. Where to start? Here are some basic training tips for those of you who recently brought in a feathered friend.

The more you spend time with your pet bird the more you will become familiar with their unique personality. Like humans, these birds possess unique personalities that tell you how they feel in their own special ways.

1. Have you ever had trouble concentrating during long class hours or business meetings? Like people birds get bored too, so keep the training session short. 10 minutes are about the ideal length in retaining your bird’s attention.

2. Comfort and familiarity are important to birds too if you’re using props to train your bird then leave them near the cage and let the bird warm up to those items.

3. Once again, birds are like people in that they can’t concentrate very well with distractions. Turn the TV and your stereo off when you’re training your pet and try to find a quiet place away from the cage. If the bird, however, has some insecurities or is frightened you should probably keep the bird near the cage to let it feel secure.

4. We all remember things better when there’s a reward involved. (Remember that gold star you got for turning the homework in on time back in elementary school?) Find a treat that your feathered friend will be rewarded with if it performs a trick correctly. The treat doesn’t necessarily have to be food but if you do choose to give your pet something to eat, make sure it’s small and something that is easily consumed. Though praises or a good head scratch is always preferred.



5. Consistency is the key to success. Try to train your bird same time every day. That way your bird has something to look forward to and can get used to the routine.

6. Try to avoid your pet from developing bad habits. Biting can be avoided by keeping your hands out of beak range when training your bird. That way your bird won’t be as tempted to take a bite out of your finger.

7. If your bird starts to misbehave don’t get intimidated, remain calm and stay close until the bird calms down. You can leave when the bird has stopped stirring, this way it teaches your pet that acting out won’t get it what it wants.

8. Remember that each bird behaves differently and all birds require patience and commitment. Don’t expect for your bird to behave like a Harvard student after one or two training sessions. With abundant affection and consistent training, your bird will learn to build bonds with you and perform tricks.


By Roy Tanaka - Article Source: EzineArticles



Thursday, February 15, 2018

The Red Throated Conure - A Guide For Care and Health

natureparrots
Red Throated Conure - Photo by crazyanimal 
If you have a Red Throated Parrot, you have a very rare and beautiful pet bird. To raise and enjoy your bird, you must be willing to be patient, work hard, and dedicate a lot of your time. But you will be rewarded with the affection of an incredibly colorful and personable companion.

Here is a guide for its care and health that will help you enjoy a long and wonderful life together.

Diet

The Red-Throated Conure will thrive on fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Supplement this with a high-quality pellet mix. Table food is also good including eggs, pasta, bread, crackers. Nuts make an excellent treat when given occasionally.

Don’t forget to vary their diets to keep their interest high. And try to make their food as visually appealing as possible by mixing different colors and textures.

One of the most nutritious food sources is sprouted seeds. They are low in fat as they sprout and offer a different set of nutrients daily as they continue to grow. They are truly a food that keeps on giving. You can buy seeds that are already sprouted, or you can opt to do it yourself. But they are a wonderful investment in the health of your Conure.

Avoid avocado, peanuts, caffeine, chocolate, rhubarb and foods that are high in sugar and salt. These can prove to be fatal.

Living Quarters

The bigger the cage, the happier your Red Throated beauty will be. The cage should be large enough for your bird to spread its wings fully in any direction that it faces. A variety of horizontal perches at different levels will allow for climbing, but they must not cramp your Conure’s ability to spread its wings inside the cage.

They also need to spend several hours a day outside the cage. Providing your bird with play areas and perches outside the cage in an area that is bird safe is an excellent way to keep your bird fit, engaged, socialized, and healthy.

Human Interaction

Making a happy home for this parrot means dedicating several hours of your day each day to interact with your bird. This can include talking, petting, training, or just hanging out together as you read, pay bills, watch TV, or work on your laptop.


Scheduling this time every day will increase the level of trust between bird and owner and will help your bird remain tame and relaxed around you and other family members.



Because they are members of a flock in the wild, they need and expect this social interaction. By spending this time with your bird, you are more likely to avoid behavioral issues such as aggression, feather plucking, and screaming.

If you are unable to dedicate at least this amount of time with your Conure, choose another bird as its companion, or rethink your choice of bird.

Disease Prevention

Red Throated Conures are subject to a number of diseases. And even though there is no guarantee, there are many things that you can do to lessen the chance that disease and infection will cut your Red Throated Conure‘s life short.

Schedule an appointment at least every 6 months with an avian vet. Remove fresh food from the cage after an hour to reduce the chance of your bird ingesting mold and mildew that has grown on the food. Clean the cage daily to eliminate small pieces of dried droppings from becoming an airborne and potentially spreading disease.

Filter your bird’s air to keep its air passages clear by removing a large number of airborne pollutants that are present with a bird in captivity. Filtering the air continuously will help your Red Throated Conure avoid respiratory infections that can be so deadly.



Author: Debbie Davis - Source: GoArticles.com



Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Raising TURKEYS

Ugly(?) turkeyThe turkey is a large bird, native to North America. It is distinguished by its white plumage and a bare wattled neck and head. The name turkey was first applied to the guinea fowl that was thought to have originated in Turkey. However, the American turkey is a quite different species from the guinea fowl, though the name remained. In fact, the wild turkey was a staple food in the North American diet. It was known as a "Peru" in the 18th century. Some common breeds of turkey are Narragansett, Bronze, White Holland, and Bourbon Red.

There are three stages in Raising Turkeys: the breeder farm, the hatchery, and the turkey farm. The breeder farm is the place where the hen lays the eggs. These eggs are collected and sent to the hatchery. In the hatchery, the eggs are kept in special incubators after cleaning. These incubators provide the right temperature and humidity levels for allowing the eggs to hatch. Generally, turkey eggs take 28 days to hatch. The baby turkeys, also known as poults, are kept in the hatchery until they are moved to the turkey farms. 

In the turkey farms, the hen turkeys and the tom turkeys are reared separately. The poults should be fed properly and watched carefully, at least until they shed their down feathers and get the outer feathers. For this, they are put in climate-controlled barns that have soft flooring covered with straw or wood chips. They are fed on a soft powdered mixture of soybean, corn, and wheat. Other nutrients like barley, milk powder, meat meal, limestone, salt, vitamin premix, methionine, lysine and insoluble grit can also be added. Adequate water should also be provided.

Today, many advances have been made in the genetics of turkeys. This has helped to increase the size of the bird with lesser feed and in lesser time. The white broad-breasted turkey has been the most common commercially raised turkey breed, since the 1960s. There are also different strains of the white broad-breasted turkey that are reared in different parts of North America. Turkeys are bred specially to have more meat in the breast and thighs. White feathered turkeys are generally preferred since they do not leave any ugly pigment spots when plucked.

Turkeys take around 4-5 months to grow to full size. Birds less than 8 months of age are known as young turkeys. The hen turkeys take 16 weeks to mature completely and average around 8 to 16 lbs in weight. The tom turkey takes around 19 weeks and weighs anywhere between 16 and 24 lbs. Larger tom turkeys may weigh up to 40 lbs. These take a few more weeks to mature. A breeder tom turkey can generate up to 1,500 poults in a hen's six-month laying cycle.

Turkeys are given a balanced diet comprising mainly of soybean and corn. This is also supplemented with minerals and vitamins. A 30-pound tom turkey (male) needs around 84 lbs of feed on an average. The cost of the feed is generally 2/3 of the total cost. Use of growth hormones for Raising Turkeys is banned. Sometimes, antibiotics are also given to turkeys to prevent diseases and to increase feed efficiency. The quantity of antibiotics to be given and the withdrawal period are determined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service). 

The turkey's health is inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or other state systems, and it may also be graded for quality. Turkeys that have been on antibiotics are not allowed to be processed for some time until the residue of the medicine has cleared from the body. Turkey farms are generally comfortable, providing shelter from harsh weather, predators, and disease.




Tuesday, February 13, 2018

6 things that we have to consider before buying a BIRD

P1170560 2
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!




Monday, February 12, 2018

Things You Must Never FEED Your PET BIRD

Bulk Pet Food in Cape Cod
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.




Saturday, February 10, 2018

Hey PARROTS Train Your Parents To Start Training You

now roll over
Photo  by zappowbang 
Happy parrots enjoy training every day. Parrot potty training is one of the easiest things that we can learn.

If you want to be a happy bird like me you have to train your parents to spend time and invest in training you.  Let's face it we don’t like to be stuck in a cage or on our stands all day screaming our heads off.  We are going to live a long time so we might as well be happy.   Read on to learn how I was parrot potty trained.

If you’re not a happy bird like a lot of us are or were at one time, tell your parents to just start spending time with you.  One of my favorite things to do is to sing with my parents.  They’re not that talented so I enjoy training them how to sing.

For you parrots out there who like to come out once and while but you get put right back because of you poop on the floor or the furniture, tell your parents to start parrot potty training you.  It’s very easy to learn.  Here is how my Papa taught me.  He waits for me to poop in my cage while saying to me "sit" because sit sounds nicer than go poop.  

Then when I do he takes me out and plays and cuddles with me for a short time.  Then he puts me back in my cage and tells me to "sit again" and when I do (so to speak) he takes me out and plays and cuddles with me again.  After a short time the only place that I want to "sit" is in my cage or on my play stand.  Tell your parents potty training parrots is much easier than potty training dogs, cats or even children.




Thursday, February 8, 2018

COCKATIELS Are People Too

Klara Cockatiel, 2004
Photo  by wÅ‚odi 
Owning a cockatiel is not something that I ever thought would interest me. I am a dog lover. In fact, I will go out of my way to pet a dog. But not a cockatiel. Until...

A time came when I moved into an apartment that did not allow dogs, which was fine because I didn't have one at the time. But, it just so happened that a friend of mine had a cockatiel that he needs to give to someone who had time to take care of it. So I graciously took my new companion just to have some kind of a pet. Was I ever in for a surprise.

I didn't really know much about them, but I figured that a bird was a bird. Not at all true. There are some, like cockatiels, that are very drawn to human beings and make excellent pets, as well as friends. They are so full of personality that you can actually develop a personal relationship with them.

My cockatiel's name is Miss Birdie. I know, not really original, but if you knew her you would agree it fits. She is very much a "miss priss". She thinks she is the cat's meow (oops, bad choice of words).

She likes to ask a lot of questions. When I'm doing something she is not used to seeing, she will start to inquire as to what's going on. When I go into a different room she will call out to see where I am. If she sees me eating, she figures it's time for her to eat, too. If I turn off my computer, she knows it must be time for bed, so she will station herself on the appropriate nighttime perch and give me her little goodnight talk.

If I sneak up on her in the dark, she will hiss at me as a warning. She loves to 'duke it out' when I playfully thump her beak. She fights back as if she has a chance to take me. She will lower her head, step back and forth on her feet and flare out her wings to make herself look bigger. After a little tussle like that, we make amends while I lightly stroke the side of her head (over the ear coverlets) or flick her crown. They seem to find that very stimulating.

She loves to sit on my shoulder while I'm working at my computer. She makes this little purring sound like a kitten (oops, I did it again - good thing she's not here now). Occasionally I will secure the room and let her fly around. She loves a good workout. If I don't do that for a while, she will flap her wings briskly in her cage to work up a good heart rate. My bird gets more exercise than I do. I guess she's smarter than me.

I do have a couple dogs now and they find her to be as interesting as I do and vice-versa. When she goes to flapping her wings for exercise, they will bark and cheer her on. When they start barking because they want to go outside, she will jump in and cheer them on.

Cockatiels can live nearly 20 years. I hope mine outlives me because I couldn't imagine life without my bird. She is family.




Wednesday, February 7, 2018

SUN CONURE Owner's Guide

Sun Parakeet (also known as Sun Conure) perchi...
Sun Parakeet (also known as Sun Conure) perching on a branch and eating white flowers at Hamilton Zoo, New Zealand. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The sun conure is a small bird from the parrot family. It is known for its remarkable color patterns and its intelligence. This bird can be a great addition to your family if you learn what it needs and how to care for it.

The sun conure is only about twelve inches long from head to tail. They have a large head and beak with very striking colors. They usually have lots of yellow, orange and green on them. Their beak is black and their feet are gray. This bird originates from the eastern parts of South America, mostly by the Amazon River. It isn't found in as many places as it used to be found because people came and took the birds to sell them. They used to be found in Southeast Venezuela, Northeast Brazil, Northern Amazon, Guyana, Surinam and French Guiana.

One of the best things about this bird besides its beauty is how affectionate it is. They are extremely social and absolutely love to interact with their owners. They will just sit on your shoulder for hours and even like to be held! If you get this bird you will have to spend plenty of time with it. This definitely isn't a shy bird.

Because of how smart this bird is, it is even capable of doing tricks! Some can even be potty trained. They do have the capability to talk but they use a somewhat squeaky voice. The sun conure loves to perform for people and play. They also love to take baths so you should provide a bathing dish. If you don't put a bathing dish in their cage then they will splash around in their water bowl. You can also mist them with a water bottle because they truly enjoy this.

The minimum cage size for this bird is 20 inches long by 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall. You should put several perches in the cage of various sizes. Sun conures also love toys so make sure you get some for their cage. Try to get lots of toys so they will have something to do. They even like to play with things like toilet paper rolls!

You should feed your sun conure a base diet of pellet formula. You can also feed fortified parrot seed. These birds will need to be fed fruits and vegetables in addition to this base diet. You can't just feed them seeds and expect them to be healthy. Also, don't leave any fresh foods in their cage for more than a few hours though. Also make sure they have fresh water at all times. Make sure you never feed your bird avocado, cabbage, parsley and iceberg lettuce.

Sun conures do make really fun, fascinating pets, but you should be aware that they can be very noisy birds. They usually will start to scream in the mornings and evenings. It is an extremely loud scream. You have to be prepared for this. You also have to remember that they require lots of attention. If you take good care of your bird it can live to be about thirty years old.




Tuesday, February 6, 2018

QUAKER PARROT Care Requirements

A Monk Parakeet (also known as the Quaker Parr...
A Monk Parakeet (also known as the Quaker Parrot) in Brooklyn, New York, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The Quaker Parrot is a medium-sized bird that makes an excellent pet. They are the best talkers out of all mid-sized birds and are relatively inexpensive. Quakers do require lots of time and dedication though.

Quaker parrots originate from South America. They are also known as Quaker Parakeets. They are mainly found in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Bolivia. However, today there are even some Quakers that live in the United States. The ones living wild in the United States have escaped birds that have established themselves there. There are many Quaker parrots living in Florida.

The average Quaker is around eleven inches long and weighs around 90 to 120 grams. They are about the size of a cockatiel but are much stockier. The predominant color of these birds is green, but other mutations such as albino, pied, cinnamon, lutino and blue-cinnamon are available. They also have very beautiful blue and green tail feathers. Their bill is either light yellow or horn colored.

In some places, Quaker parrots are illegal, so be sure you make sure that you can own one before trying to bring one home. They are prolific breeders and if the birds escape, they can form very large populations. This could become a problem, so this is why some states have laws against them. States in which they are illegal to include California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Wyoming, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii.

It is very important that you put your bird on a good diet to maintain their health. The base diet should be pellets, not seeds. Other foods such as vegetables, fruits, bread and grains should also be offered. Variety is always good on a diet. You should not feed too many seeds. Some things you should never feed are caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, and avocado. These are toxic to all bird species. Food and water need to be in the cage at all times.

The minimum cage size for Quakers is 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 24 inches tall. Try to get the biggest cage you can for your bird. Some Quakers tend to get territorial around their space, which is their cage. You can usually prevent this by having a "bedroom" in the cage. A sleeping box works great for this. You should also get many different types of toys to keep your bird busy.


You will need to keep your bird's wings clipped and their nails trimmed. Almost all Quakers also love baths. Just fill a dish with about an inch of water and let your bird take a bath. Try to provide bath water as often as you can. You should at least let them take a bath once a week. This will really help their skin and feathers, as well as provide entertainment for your bird.

Quakers are very sweet birds that always want to be around you. They are very loyal to their owners and playful but can be stubborn as well. They have a great talking ability and are very entertaining birds.
Be aware before you purchase a Quaker parrot that they are noisy birds. They love noise and this is what makes them such good talkers. Talking isn't their only noise though. They will often make loud screeching noises that can be very annoying.

Quakers do best in homes that spend plenty of time with them. You need to realize that these birds need lots of love and attention. Be sure that this bird is what you want before you get one.




Monday, February 5, 2018

Having PARAKEETS As Feathered Friends in Your Family Household

Conuropsis carolinensis (Carolina parakeet) 3
Carolina parakeet - Photo by jsj1771 
Whilst Parakeets are traditionally from the wilderness, these superb birds make great household pets. Ask a child what their favorite animal is and usually, the more traditional responses include dog, cat or fish. No one really thinks of parakeets as a pet, but the fact is these little wild birds make wonderful feathered friends! Here are several great reasons that parakeets should be listed as one of the best domestic pets to own!

Parakeets Are able to Talk
Parakeets are one of those rare pets that over a period of time can learn to talk with their keepers. Yes, a dog can easily learn to bark on demand and a cat can easily meow when it comes close to you but it does not compare to a conversing bird! With the right training and effort devoted to teaching your parakeet to speak, it'll just be a matter of time until they are chit-chatting back with their masters.

Parakeets Happen to be Decent Whistlers
Pucker together your lips and lend a little whistle! Whistling has been stated as one of the ways that humans can easily minimize stress and feel renewed. Very few people today realize that Parakeets are great whistlers. Parakeets have got fantastic memories that enable them to recollect tunes and whistle tones as well as repeat them back. It'll take some time and training but fairly quickly your Parakeet will be whistling back to you. Maybe your parakeet will have a beloved song which it may whistle on demand and amuse your pals.

Parakeets are usually Social Pets
Also, there are quite a few therapeutic benefits to having an animal rub up against your own leg or sit down on one's lap. Most people assume that only cats and dogs may do this but parakeets are just as friendly as these other creatures. After a parakeet has been hand taught it can easily be just as sociable as any cat or dog. A few of the great ways that parakeets are sociable consist of permitting for head pats, smallish nibbling on your fingertips and even the ability to stroll way up your arm, shoulders or head and devote some time with you. This is just a few of the great ways parakeets show their fondness to you.

Parakeets are equally very sociable to various other parakeets and pet birds. Typically they'll enjoy the companionship of other birds and will come together, play and chirp along with each other. However, just like men and women occasionally a parakeet will not be friends with other parakeets or wild birds and will really need to be split up. Just watch for the hints of hostility from your parakeet and know when your parakeet has had too much fun and interaction and requires some time alone.

Lively and Fun Interactions
Parakeets really like to play. Toys, baths, and mirrors are just a few tips for keeping your parakeet entertained and occupied. Playing with several of the toys or making a bath for your parakeet is just a handful of the ways to bind with your parakeet. Just a little bowl of water can easily serve as a swimming pool for the parakeet and keep them busy for hours. They may get in and out, shake water on their wings and just savor playing in the water. Since every single parakeet is different what one adores playing with another will not. Watch your parakeet for what toys they enjoy and enjoy some bonding time together with your parakeet.



Whilst it may take some training, a parakeet might be just as much a social friend to any human as a cat or dog can be. These amazing avians have ways of letting you know their personal habits and emotions from a tilt of the head, a sharp chirp or a wing flip a parakeet has several ways of letting you know what they are thinking. As with every animal, parakeets may differ. The way one parakeet behaves will not be the same as another and that's what causes them to be such wonderful household pets.




Sunday, February 4, 2018

How To Raise Ducks As Pets - Top Tips On Raising Ducks For Beginners

Photo: Wikimedia
Having a pet is a true delight. While most consider dogs as great pets, there are other animals and birds which people choose to have as their pets. Among these are ducks. These birds are very affable. They love to seek attention, too. Some people, though, think that raising them is rather weird and their only purpose is for their eggs or meat. They have no clue as to how to raise ducks as pets. 

Gardeners, however, find these creatures useful as they feed on bugs. These aquatic creatures are also a pleasure to look at. Children adore them very much.

It is thrilling to have ducks in our backyard. However, it is required of you to know how to raise ducks as pets. Ducks mature at about 7 months after hatching and they may live up to 10 years.
When considering raising ducks, you must make sure that a body of water is near. You should also at least 10 feet of yard space per duck. Once you have these, the rest is easy.

You should be knowledgeable about ducks' nature, eating habits and other important facts if you intend to raise ducks as pets. There are also a lot of tips that will tell you how to raise ducks as pets. You need to learn how to make them happy. One example is that ducks are social birds and should not be raised alone. A lone duck may feel lonely and show awkward, shy behavior. Be sure to raise it with a partner. It may be wise to keep one male and several females. Males can get too active when they mate and one female may not be able to handle it.

Be sure to create a shelter for your pets which will keep them from cruel weather conditions. It can be made from light materials like wood. Always check that it is kept dry and make sure to cover the ducks from the rain.

It shouldn't be surprising that ducks love water. It is ideal to have the shelter near a body of water so that the ducks can exercise and swim. If you choose to have an artificial pond, change the water regularly.

You now have the basics on how to raise ducks as pets. Raising them as pets has great benefits. Be sure to constantly observe the right pet care and ask the help of experts when needed. Ducks are attention-seekers, so remember to shower them with love.

    Are you looking for more tips on caring for ducks as pets? If you think you still need guidance on where to start, consulting existing duck owners and farmers will certainly be a big help. If you would like to learn more about how to raise ducks correctly, go to Raising Ducks Tip site.
    Article Source: EzineArticles


Saturday, February 3, 2018

PARAKEET Pet Birds - 5 Dietary Needs to Provide to Insure a Healthy PARAKEET

Nanday Parakeets (also known as the Black-hood...
Nanday Parakeets (also known as the Black-hooded Parakeet and Nanday Conure) at a bird feeder in the USA.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parakeets are listed as one of the top five most popular pet birds, and it's no wonder. They are colorful, delightful birds that make soothing chirping sounds and are wonderful pets for anyone interested in opening their home to a bird. They are loving, cuddly, and intelligent birds that can even learn to speak a few words. Here are 5 components for a nutritious diet that will mean a happy, healthier bird.

Water-
Change water as often as necessary to keep it fresh. Open water can be a big attraction for mold, mildew, and bacteria which are unhealthy for birds and you. If you live in an older home where lead pipes are a possibility, flush out pipes thoroughly before filling your bird's dish. Another option may be to teach your bird to drink from a water bottle. If using plastic, check to make sure it will not leach into the water.

Seeds-
Parakeets enjoy grains, seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits-all of which should be organic to avoid your bird ingesting harmful pesticides used in the growing process. Seeds should include a variety of grains and fresh millet seeds. Sprouted seeds are the best because they provide the most nutrients. Like people, Parakeets eat with their eyes and keeping the food choices colorful, and multi-textured will keep your bird stimulated and interested in eating. Many stores provide a pre-mixed variety of seeds, but always check to make sure it is fresh and organic. Seed should be stored in a tightly closed jar in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Cuttlebone-
Always provide your bird with cuttlebone. The inner parts of the Cuddle fish used to make these are calcium-rich and serve as a toy for exercise, a file for the beak, and an excellent source of additional calcium and iodine (prevents goiter). It may take your Parakeet a while to use it but have patience. Move it to different locations in the cage, and add a little bit of it to the food dish to encourage acceptance. Cuttlebone can be found in any store that sells birds supplies, and often in grocery stores as well.

Vitamins-
Supplementing diet with vitamins is an excellent way to ensure that your bird is receiving all the nutrients it needs. Some recommend putting vitamins in the water, but there is no guarantee that your bird will drink all of the water and so you are unable to control the number of vitamins it has received. A better way is to add vitamins to treats that they are sure to ingest. After you have identified your bird's favorite foods, giving vitamins on or with that particular food will ensure that your bird has received its necessary supplement. Get your veterinarian's advice on type, amount, and frequency of vitamins to be given.

Treats-
Just like people, birds enjoy treats on both a physical and emotional level. Some favorites include honey sticks (available in lots of flavors), popcorn on a stick, fresh mallet spray (seeds still on the stem), fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Experiment to find your pet's favorite, and be sure to remove fresh food before it has a chance to spoil.




Thursday, February 1, 2018

ECLECTUS PARROT Overview

Eclectus Parrot - Male (left) and Female, Sing...
Eclectus Parrot - Male (left) and Female, Singapore Zoo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Eclectus parrots are extremely beautiful birds. The males and females look so different that is used to be thought that they were entirely different species! They are wonderful birds that make great pets if you care for them properly.

This extraordinary bird originates from the South Pacific. There are six subspecies of the Eclectus available in the United States presently: Red-Sided, Grand, Solomon Island, Vosmaeri, McGillvary, and Biaki. The Red-Sided, Vosmaeri and Grand subspecies are the most common.

The male Eclectus is translucent green with red under his wings and a yellow or orange beak. The Vosmaeri male also has a yellow band on his tail. The female Eclectus are usually red and mauve, but some are red with a blue-violet belly and underwings. Also, the female has a black beak.

The minimum cage size for keeping one Eclectus parrot is three feet long by two feet wide by two feet tall. This is very small for this bird though. You should try to get a much larger cage. You will have to let the bird out of the cage a lot so they get the activity they need. They need to be let out at least an hour each day.

In the wild, the Eclectus eats mostly vegetables, fruits, and legumes. They don't eat seeds, so don't get a diet with seeds. For the primary diet, get a pellet based one. They will also need to get fresh fruits and vegetables each day. This bird is deficient in many nutrients and also has a very long digestive tract. Because of this, it is imperative that they are fed a good diet. Try to limit the amount of fat they get so that they don't develop fatty tumors. This doesn't mean to take fat entirely out of the diet though, they still need some.

The Eclectus parrot has excellent talking capabilities. They love to mimic every sound they hear, even the dog, doors opening, microwaves, and sneezing! You will be amazed at how much they sound like the real sound. Your bird's speaking ability will depend on how much time you spend with the bird, how much you talk to the bird and how much of a bond the bird has with you.

This bird is also very curious and loves to explore new things. They are extremely playful and really enjoy playing with people, other birds, and toys. They are very smart birds and can even be potty trained. Another great thing about them is how tidy they are. They don't throw food everywhere like many other bird species do.


Unlike many other birds, the Eclectus doesn't produce feather dust. They have an oil gland instead of a dust gland. You won't see dust on their beaks. A healthy bird's beak will appear clean and shiny.
The female Eclectus is the dominant sex of this species. For this reason, many people notice that their female bird gets slightly aggressive when they reach puberty. Just make sure she has her space whenever she gets a mood swing. She is not being mean, it's just her hormones. Most females will calm down as they get older and as you spend more time with them.

The main thing to remember with the Eclectus parrot is that you will need to spend plenty of time with it. If you don't, they will do anything to get your attention, such as making extremely loud screaming noises. You have to be prepared for the amount of time this bird takes. Your bird could live to be fifty years old so you will have it for a very long time if you take good care of it.