Your RED TAILED BLACK COCKATOO - A 7-Point Plan For Care

Red Tailed Black Cockatoo - Photo  by     russellstreet  (cc)

As highly intelligent birds, Red Tailed Black Cockatoos can often be the cause of both great amusement and certain challenges. The following points highlight some of the main issues which will need careful consideration.

1. You may have bought your cockatoo a cage which looks as though it is quite impenetrable. However, be aware that your cockatoo's intelligence can be applied very easily to the mechanics of the cage door mechanism. These birds will easily take apart items, demonstrating an astonishing degree of dexterity as they do so. They seem to have almost as much dexterity in their feet as we do in our hands, and it is marvelous to watch.

However, marvelous though it may be to watch your cockatoo delicately remove the pins and screws from the cage mechanism, it is not so endearing to watch your precious bird flying around the house, causing chaos, destruction and quite possibly injuring itself in the process. To this end, make sure that you provide your cockatoo with plenty to do, toys and activities to keep it entertaining, and of course as much of your own time and attention as you can. This will help prevent your cockatoo from becoming bored and exploring other means to get your attention!

2. Are you fully aware that Red Tailed Black Cockatoos can live longer than you? Many people buy pets as relatively short-term commitments. Not that they want to, because most pet owners would gladly spend their whole lives with their animals. But the reality is that the vast majority of cockatoos will outlive their owners by many years! Cockatoos can easily live between fifty and seventy years and depend on how old you are when you buy your bird, you may well find that you have a companion for life.

This is a huge commitment, and you will need to think carefully about the chances of any major life changes you have in mind, such as marrying, starting a family, moving away, career changes and such like. Make sure you don't find yourself committing to a cockatoo that then becomes an object of resentment in the future. It's also worth bearing in mind that you will usually need to make some provision for its care after you fall off your own perch for the final time.

3. Don't just feed your cockatoo seeds. Many owners believe that birds eat seeds or insects - period! Imagine if you were owned by a bird, and it fed you nothing but burgers and fries for half a century because they were the only foods they thought you would eat!

Just like you, your cockatoo thrives on variety, and this applies just as much to the world of food as anything else. Use pellets, fruit, vegetables and even extras such as eggs, bread, and crackers. There are some foods which are bad for them, and in even dangerous in certain cases. Avocados, chocolate, caffeine products, alcohol are all fatal if ingested and should be avoided at all costs.

4. All birds need a good calcium-rich diet, but cockatoos require a much higher dosage. If you use a pellet based supplement then in most cases, if this is specifically targeted at the cockatoo family, it should already include a good calcium supplement. However, check this out for yourself, and make sure that you provide your bird with foods which do have high levels of calcium to keep it in tip-top condition.

5. Always make sure that your Cockatoo has a ready supply of clean water available at all times. However, water which may look perfectly clean and drinkable to us can contain toxins which are harmful to Cockatoos. In fact, cockatoos have a tendency to be much more seriously affected by these toxins than other birds or animals. A good tip is to use a water filter to purify the tap water before providing it to your bird. Even better is to provide bottled water if you can manage it.

6. Always keep an eye on your cockatoo's nails. If you notice them getting too long, then ask your vet to have a look and show you how to trim them yourself. Don't try it without having been shown first as you can very easily injure your cockatoo. Always provide rough landing areas such as sand or concrete to help keep the nails in check-similar to cats using a scratching post.

7. Make sure your Cockatoo's air is the cleanest it can be.  Using a high-efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier virtually eliminates dander, feathers, dust, and other particulates that can clog your bird's airways and that can also carry potentially fatal airborne viruses and bacteria.  Clear air passages mean a healthier bird and increased lifespan.

Giving careful and thoughtful attention to these 7 areas of care will have earned you the right to have your Cockatoo share your home and your life.

By Debbie Davis An excellent HEPA air purifier to remove airborne pollutants from your bird's air is offered by PurerAir.com-- the Bird Dander Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html Article Source: EzineArticles

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BLUE JAYS - Clever Mimics of the Bird World

A Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) perched on a tree branch.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The other morning I followed the sound of what I thought to be a baby hawk, possibly in distress. Walking deeper into the woods as quietly as I could, I stopped often to home in on the insistent sounds. I hoped to catch a glimpse of a juvenile hawk, or at least the nesting site.

I finally reached the spot where the hawk sounds were the loudest. However, much to my surprise it was not a red-shouldered hawk that flew out of the tree, but a blue jay uttering the same shrill but nasal 'keyeer, keeyeer'! It was then I knew I had been fooled by one of the best and most versatile mimics in the bird world.

By sounding like a hawk, blue jays easily scatter other birds at the feeder. This gives them the freedom to dine at their leisure with little to no competition. They also have their own form of insect control. Did you know that blue jays often comb their feathers with ants? Presumably, they are using the insects to catch and remove lice and other irritating parasites. Very clever birds!

For at least 15 years now, every Spring there is a very special blue jay that comes to my feeder. This jay has always imitated the sound of an old rotary phone being dialed. It is a very unique sound. I must admit that I look forward to hearing it again every year. I know that jays are long-lived, and my phone dialer is the proof!

In addition to being raucous and sometimes aggressive, blue jays can be gentle and quiet. I watched as two males vied for the attention of a beautiful soft gray-blue female. They each flew from branch to branch cooing softly and trying to get closer to her. Then one male would fly upwards engaging the female to do the same. The pair gently floated downwards in a spiral of unfurled wings, landing on the ground and then retreating to separate branches.

This happened several times as each male took turns trying to impress the female with body bobbing and soft comforting sounds. All three flew off together to another spot in the woods to repeat the same dance. I can only imagine how long it took that female to finally decide which male blue jay was to be her mate. It was fun and fascinating to watch.

Blue Jays are very secretive when it comes to building nests. They use alternate routes and decoy locations so that no predator can easily follow them to the nesting site. They love shiny objects and will often incorporate bits of foil wrappers into their loose twig nests. They like a well-decorated home as much as we humans do! There will be as few as three or as many as seven olive-green eggs covered with brown spots.

Burying stores of food to be unearthed later when food sources are scarce is another tactic employed by these large 11" to 12" birds. Their favorites are sunflower seeds, peanuts, cracked corn, pieces of stale bread or baked goods, suet, and berries. They are also fond of other birds' eggs, so it is a good idea to provide protection in the way of birdhouses and nesting boxes.

Sometimes here in the northeast, if the Winter is relatively mild, our blue jays will stay. It is so nice to see their beautiful blue coloring against the white snow. Jays have a white face, black collar, blue wings and back with a blue tail trimmed with white and black feathers. Their distinctive blue crest will give a hint as to what they are feeling. For instance, when they are calm their crest will be flattened. On the other hand, if they are in an aggressive mood, the crest will be pointed forward.

When both colorful cardinals and blue jays appear on a grey, snow-covered day, it is a sight that helps the winter months seem not quite so long. It is no wonder that they are very often depicted on holiday greeting cards!

My clever blue jays never cease to amaze me with their beauty, aggressive raucousness and mimicry. I look forward to watching them grab a bite to eat at the feeders before winging their way easily through our woods. They will be back many times during the day with the now familiar 'keeyeer' to scatter the smaller birds--self-proclaimed kings and queens of the backyard bird feeder!

By Connie M Smith Connie Smith is the proud owner and manager of Grandma Pearl's Backporch, LLC, and the expert author of many online articles about easy and unique ways you can create the best bird-friendly habitats to help wild birds survive and thrive. Discover how to create fun and safe backyard habitats for wild birds using their preferred plants and foods, while adding color, fragrance, and beauty to your landscape. Find simple how-to projects for making your own unique bird feeders, and learn how easy it is to attract a variety of birds to your yard and gardens. Visit today! http://grandmapearlsbackporch.blogspot.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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Baby LOVEBIRDS

The blue mutant of the Masked Lovebird Agapornis personata.
This variety is called blue Masked Lovebird. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

* Exotic birds can come in many various colors; the number of different colors they have can't be determined by just examining one individual. Every different individual bird can have their own unique pattern and colors relevant to their species.

* Exotic birds are available in all sizes and shapes to ensure that you are able to determine on which kind of bird you should have from the cage you are able to afford. Most of these birds are really big and have big wings whilst other birds could be extremely tiny. A small cage could be spacious enough to let it even fly inside it.

* Even if you are not there to exercise the pet or keep it challenged throughout the day, a few toys would be sufficient to keep the animal occupied throughout the day. Just like children they adore playing by themselves and watching them play can be really the treat.

* Some species of parrots try to discover how to speak for themselves. You can discover your parrot trying to mimic the sounds it is hearing through the course of the day. This would be a good sign which means you could attempt training it to speak much more and much more.

* Most species of exotic birds like parrots and Macaws are very lively animals which are extremely playful and are active all day. You can anticipate hrs of fun playing with them without tiring them out.

* Birds are some of the most lovable pets around the world due to their playful nature and natural beauty. Getting a bird can be so much enjoyable whilst it teaches the owner to become responsible and care for the pet.

* A nicely groomed and loved pet bird can turn out to be very lovable and it can turn out to be extremely loyal to you. It could usually be about you look out for you if someone comes too close they might even attack that individual.

* Exotic birds can be groomed to be very clean simply because it is feasible to bath them every day. Some birds will adore bathing every day and even like to play with water. This tends to make certain you have a clean pet that likes water and is simple to bathe.

About The Author  Galen Goodwin Lovebirds, Lovebird Lovebirds adore to play and they are comical to look at whether or not they are playing alone splashing in their water dish or having fun with your hair and sneaking into your collar. Lovebirds make wonderful pets. Lovebirds, Lovebird The author invites you to visit: http://www.articlecity.com

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Training RACING PIGEONS To Become Better, Faster

The inspiration for the name: racing pigeons being held in compartments
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For the first-time owner of racing pigeons, breeding and racing these pigeons can be a tough challenge. There are some certain pigeon needs that should be considered, and its breeding and training are like Science. There is no room for lots of errors and untested training and breeding actions. That is because for it to become a successful breeding and racing program for racing pigeons, you need tested set of suggestions and verified rules coming from the ground.  And it all starts with breeding up until racing. 

If you are starting with newly-hatched pigeons, you are expected to note about the commonalities between these young pigeons.  Remember that these pigeons can be weaned at equal ages. These birds can be vaccinated at the same age and these birds can be ranged and routed as well at the same age. These birds at their tender age are often grouped together in a specialized housing called the loft, and this will serve as their home up until their racing days.

What to expect in the first 28 days

Once these young birds have stayed for around 28 days on their nest, they are supposed to be transferred to a much larger loft. The first few days in their loft are often spent learning where they can source their food and how to eat. This is also the right time for these birds to be allowed outside and to wander so that they will be familiar with their surroundings. Expect these birds to start flying at 6 weeks, and they will start in small circles. The moment these birds start to gain confidence, these birds will fly for hours before returning to their lofts. Now, remember that this is the perfect time for training the birds. They are best trained and guided if the birds have been ranged or routed for at least two (2) weeks. The maximum time that the birds will be out is for 2 hours, and this is a great sight as you watch batches of pigeons pass you by. But the best thing about this activity is that these pigeons get the exercise that they need and they become more accustomed to their lofts.

Training tosses tips

There are some factors too that needs to be practiced when doing the first few training tosses.

• The racing pigeons should be in perfect health during training.

• Consider as well the number of days spent in routing and ranging

• If you can, you also need to consider the quality of pigeons migrating

• The best time to train these pigeons is during a clear day. This means that you need to avoid rain, fog, and strong winds. And speaking of time;

• Did you know that there is a perfect time to do the practice? According to some racing enthusiasts, the perfect time is early morning or before 9:00 in the morning

More than these, there are certain techniques and strategies that are employed in relation to breeding and training of racing pigeons. And these are varied depending on who you ask. Of the many techniques and strategies, some of those that stand out include the use of widowhood and the adoption of proper conditioning.

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Familiarizing Yourself With Different PARROT Species

A per parrots cage in a living room. A model of an African Grey Parrot is standing above the television. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fascinated by the world of the fast-talking, fun-loving parrots? Are you contemplating on the idea of getting one as your pet bird? If you have plans of purchasing one in the future, then you must familiarize yourself with the different parrot species existing in the pet trades and pet stores today. 

As defined, parrots are a very popular group of birds for possessing high intelligence depending on the degree of its socialization and training. Famous for its ability to imitate human speech and various sounds, these tropical colorful birds are mainly found in Australia and South America.

Having a variety of species, parrots differ in size and color. Some parrots are bigger and grander while others are smaller and typical. When it comes to colors, green is considered the most common shade of parrots and are usually wonderful pets for their amazing talking abilities. Several types of parrots are multi-colored—with a distinctive combination of bright blue, yellow, green, and white mixtures.

These birds are also characterized by having powerful hooked bills and feet meant for tree climbing. Mainly vegetarian, other basic foods of almost all types of parrots have included fruits, chicken or meat and a lot of seeds. Although they belong to only one family of birds, parrot species have distinctive personalities and nature. Some of them are naturally friendly while some are moody and destructive because they pluck their feathers if they are bored or unhappy.

Parrot species include Macaws, Conures, Amazons, African Gray Parrots, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Budgerigars, and Eclectus. Macaws are one of the most coveted birds in aviculture because of their comical and affectionate nature. Conures, on the other hand, are small cousins of the Macaw that has 2 sub-species: Aratinga and the Pyrrhura.

While Conures are known for its variety of color and gentle personality, Amazons are famous for their superb talking ability. Considered as the most popular large parrots in aviculture that exhibits distinct personalities, amazons are often considered as delightful pets for imitating sounds well.

African Grey Parrots is probably the most intelligent parrot there is. Despite their intelligence, greys can be hard to handle because they are generally quiet, resulting in stress attacks and reactions.

Cockatoos are considered among the favorites because they are beautiful, smart, playful, cuddly, and good talkers. Although they are generally tame, cockatoos can be hard to handle because they thrive in too much attention.

Cockatiels are most common pet birds because they are easy to breed and are relatively inexpensive pets; Budgerigars or “parakeets” that are usually afraid of humans if not trained properly; and the Eclectus that are “sexually dimorphic” or the male and females look markedly different.

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The Bully of the Bird Feeders or When MOCKINGBIRDS Destroy Your WILD BIRD Platform Feeder Plans

Two Northern Mockingbirds at a bird bath in Austin, Texas. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mockingbirds are well recognized to be territorial, and they can seize bird suet feeders and force timid birds away. When other territorial birds, or bullies, take over a feeder, you can usually stop them by modifying the birds feed. Mockingbirds, however, would rather have foods like worms, suet, berries, and insects, but if you're handing out free feed, they will crash your wild bird feeder party every time. Not only do they try to power out other garden birds, but also challenge dogs, cats, and, at times, dive-bomb a human being to let him know who's in charge of the garden bird feeder. It can be really difficult to get rid of a mockingbird once he has made himself feel at home. Your wild bird feeder plans could be pushed off track by these dictatorial birds.

If you can't beat them, join them - or at the very least allow the mockingbirds to dwell in your backyard. Mockingbirds are usually not all bad, obviously; they are really following their natural inclination to assert themselves. They are able to help keep unwanted critters away from your garden, and learning to comprehend their sound is one thing any garden bird lover will enjoy. Even so, perhaps essentially the most prevalent reason why individuals allow mockingbirds to stay in their backyard is that they really don't have any alternative! Mockingbirds will stay for as long as they receive food, even if it is foodstuff that they might not favor if offered an alternative.

Many people try to post plastic or wood owl or hawk posters to stop the mockingbird from coming back, although this is unreliable, and on a regular basis, the mockingbird will catch on that these "fake enemies" are really no threat. A different rather time-consuming, not to mention foolish, a concept is to fill a big squirt gun with soapy water and squirt the mockingbird every instance it comes into your backyard or gets close to the hopper feeder.

What if you do not wish to give up putting out bird food or birdseed simply because you do want to encourage other kinds of garden birds to pay a visit to your backyard and you also want your mockingbirds to stay. How do you get across the really serious obstacle that the mockingbird presents? Try sketching up a different package of garden bird plans and making one more feeder to locate in a different area of your backyard. If at all feasible, make sure to place a green or artificial barrier in between the brand new bird tube feeder and the bird feeder your mockingbird has occupied. A lawn hedge or a wall can get the job done You might also put the other bird tube feeder on the opposite part of your house or a different building. The other birds will begin to come to this bird feeder, whilst the mockingbird is still left to rule over his.

About the Author: Rose Church The author is a full-time copywriter and internet marketer. She has been in marketing for The author is a native Floridian and writes for http://www.bird-feeder-plans.org/ In addition to finding the post, http://www.bird-feeder-plans.org/wild-bird-feeders/bird-feeder-plans/mockingbirds-bully-of-the-bird-feeders/ on this webpage, you can also find content on all types of bird feeder plans and how you'll be able to utilize them to quickly make bird feeders on your own.  Source: www.isnare.com Permanent Link: https://www.isnare.com/?aid=782342&ca=Gardening

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The Origin of Galapagos Finches

Geospiza magnirostris - Picture: Wikipedia

Charles Darwin came to the islands and collected what is now called Darwin's finches, although Darwin himself did not think to give them this name. There are 14 Darwin's finches all in all; 13 in the Galapagos Islands and 1 in the Coco's Island which is about 400 miles north of the Galapagos all of them belonging to the Passerine group.

There is evidence that evolution took place on the island particularly involving Galapagos finches. Finches that have the same ability as woodpeckers because they are able to peck on woods are found here; as well as vampire finches, which suck the blood of other birds. Genetic specialists have suggested that all 13 of Darwin's species have evolved from a flock of giving or take 30 birds arriving about a million years ago.

Darwin's finches / Galapagos finches are 10-20 centimeters in size and the most important differences among each one of them, is the shape and size of their beaks. Each shape and size of beak has evolved and adapted to different food sources. Large-beaked finches like bigger seeds or nuts, while smaller-beaked finches prefer smaller seeds. Middle-beaked finches can also be found on the island.

Apart from seeds, these finches differ in other food choices. Some eat insects, leaves, and some remove turtle ticks. The vampire finch, for instance, feeds on the blood of seabirds. The woodpecker finch, on the other hand, is one among the few birds in the world that uses various "tools" like twigs or cactus spine when feeding. They particularly use these tools to pry larvae and other insects from beneath barks of trees or cacti.

The ground finches have bills that are more adapted to crushing seeds. The Vampire Finch, which is found in Wolf Island, is a type of ground finch and its behavior likely evolved from eating insect parasites from its own plumage.

Tree finches are another type of Galapagos finches. They mainly feed on insects and differ from ground finches by the sharpness of their bill which is better suited in grasping insects. Cactus finches enjoy eating small insects in the flowers of the cactus plants.

The 13 species of finches in the Galapagos are of the genus Geospiza and are likely to have descended from a South American species, either the St.Lucia black finch or the blue-black grassquit. When Darwin was collecting these birds, he did not immediately realize that these birds were all different species of finches. Soon after he suspected that there was more than meets the eye, he began his work on "Transmutation of the Species".

There's no doubt that these species are particularly popular for their significance in the development of the theory of evolution and are popular pet choices as well.

By Grace Hutchings

Grace Hutchings is a World Class Finch Fanatic who loves finches. To learn more about pet finches please go to http://www.petfinchadvice.com.

Article Source: EzineArticles

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DOMESTIC GOOSE - Anser anser domesticus

Domestic Goose - Anser anser domesticus

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Small COCKATOOS That Make Great Pets

An adult Galah (also known as the Rose-breasted Cockatoo,
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cockatoos are renown for their cuddly, affectionate and comical natures and as long as they are given plenty of attention they make great pets.

Usually, when one hears the word cockatoo the first thing that comes to mind is the umbrella cockatoo which at 24 inches from its head to the tip of its tail is a large bird.

Not everyone has space or the desire to own a parrot the size of an umbrella.

Fortunately, there are other cockatoo species that are considerably smaller and still make excellent pets.

Goffin Cockatoo

The smallest cockatoo is the Goffin cockatoo at only 12 inches.

They are white with pink between the eyes and the beak. They have a light yellow on the underside of the wings, tail and ear coverlets.

Goffins are very smart, inquisitive, loving and social parrots that are great at learning tricks.

Rose Breasted Cockatoo

A parrot that is slightly bigger than the Goffin is the rose-breasted cockatoo. They are light to mid gray with rose-colored feathers on the breast as well as under the wings, and a light pink head and crest.

Rosies are more independent and not as cuddly as some other cockatoos, but this independence means they don't need as much attention and can be quite happy in their cages. They are a very intelligent bird that responds well to training.

Bare-Eyed Cockatoo

A somewhat unusual looking parrot is the bare-eyed cockatoo which gets its name from the blue, bare patch around its eyes. They are relatively small birds that are 15 inches in length.

Bare-eyed cockatoos are mostly white with yellow on the undersides of the tails and wings, along with pink between the eyes and beak.

As with the other two species they are quick to learn and make excellent pets. Anyone of these parrots makes a great choice for someone that doesn't have room for a large parrot but wants a bird with the affectionate and fun-loving nature that cockatoos are famous for.

By Gary Caine - Article Source: EzineArticles      

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The Ugly Looking CROWS

American or Northwestern Crow adjacent to the Burke-Gilman Trail (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Crows are very common birds most frequently observed in the sky. They are actually passerine birds belonging to the genus Corvus and family Corvidae. Their body size may vary from small pigeon to large wild raven. They are the inhabitants of temperate regions except for South America. The genus was described by Linnaeus for the first time in his 18th century work Systema Naturae. The name of the genus has been derived from a Latin word meaning raven. Fossils of crow have been obtained in Europe in large numbers but their relationship with most prehistoric birds is still unclear.

Common Raven, Australian Raven, and the Carrion crows are always blamed for killing weak lambs as they are often seen feeding on the dead animals no matter how that animal died. They are also known to imitate human voices just like the parrots. They are often trained to speak and are very valuable birds in East Asia as they symbolize good luck. They are also kept as pets by some humans. In the United States, they are legally allowed to be killed around the months of August to the end of March as during this time they become a nuisance also acts as a vector for a number of diseases. It is believed that crows first evolved in central Asia and then radiated towards North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa.

They are known to produce to produce a wide variety of calls for communication. They are also known to respond to the call of other species. They show remarkable features of intelligence. Crows have a special place in literature and mythology. According to the popular legends in Europe crows especially the Ravens are considered as the harbingers of death because of their dark ugly looking black colored body, big size, and horrible look. It is believed that they feed on the carrion even of humans too. In mythology also crows symbolize spiritual aspects of death. Crows have been observed hovering around the cemeteries. In Hinduism, it is believed that people after death become crows and will come to eat in the form of crows to pick up the food. In Mahabharata, a famous battle is known that was fought between the crows and owls. It is also believed that if a crow attacks a human ill omen will gather around that person and will bring bad luck.

Crows are also susceptible to viral attack. The American crow is susceptible to the attack of West Nile virus. This disease has been recently introduced in North America. This disease is very fatal and the American crows die within a week after getting infection only a few are able to survive. The virus is spreading at a faster rate. Two American species are considered to be endangered because of habitat destruction.

Wildlife needs our attention otherwise our beautiful animals will be lost forever.

By Navodita Maurice Article Source: EzineArticles

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Tips to Use For Caring and Keeping GEESE

Keeping an eye on me This goose appeared quite accustomed to people and was almost certainly eying me up for a crumb or two of bread - something quite a few people were feeding the geese and ducks in this lake. This was one of a trio of geese who were roaming the small parking area in hope of sustenance. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are two major problems that can come about with taking care of geese. These deal with the health conditions of the geese and the fact that in some cases geese may try to escape a farm. Because of these two problems, it will be very important to work towards keeping geese by using a few tips. It helps to look into watching for any health concerns surrounding the geese and to watch for how they are physically kept on the farm.

In many cases, a goose may end up becoming lame. This is where the goose will feel weak in the legs. Getting a goose that has been affected to be wormed will be very important. It helps to get the goose to be wormed at a veterinarian's office as soon as possible to help with removing any parasites that the goose may possibly have.

Another tip to use regarding the health considerations for geese is to consider the amount of grit that is available for the geese. Getting the geese to have plenty of grit is important because geese aren't capable of milling down foods like people do and as a result will need the grit to help them with consuming and digesting food. It will especially be important to do this for females that have laid eggs because when there is not enough grit for these females they can die from complications as a result of laying eggs.

Heat can be a difficult thing for geese to handle. This is one of the main health considerations for geese to see because geese can overheat easily during warmer times of the year due to their feather coats. Having a clean water source in the farm area is very important because this will be used to help with getting the geese to be naturally cooled off.

Although there are plenty of health considerations for geese to watch for it will be important as well to look into the fencing that is used for the geese. A major part of keeping geese deals with getting the geese to stay on a farm. A proper type of wire fence should be used to help keep the geese on the farm. A three-foot-tall fence is important in that it will be tall enough to help with keeping the geese from trying to get out of the farm.

By Andrew Grey Using these tips for keeping geese can be very helpful. There are various health considerations for geese ranging from the grit used in the diets of these geese to the worming that is needed at times. Watching for heat and the fencing that is used will be very important too. If you would like to learn more about raising geese, please visit: http://www.howtoraisegeese.com Article Source: EzineArticles

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Quaker Birds As Pets - 6 Best Features of the Quaker Parrot

Monk Parrot - Quaker Parrot - Photo: Pixabay

Quakers are also known as Quaker Parakeets or Monk Parrots and make wonderful, loyal, and intelligent pets. Here are 6 of their best features if you are considering opening your home to a Quaker.

Appearance-

They are beautiful in color which in nature is usually a brilliant green, not unlike the color of new spring grass, with blue feathers and light grey on their face and chest. Breeders have increased color choices to include blue, white, and yellow to name a few. They weigh in between 75 to 125 grams. They average about 12 inches from beak to tail and look very similar to a parakeet with a heavier body build.

Personality-

Known for their sweet and gentle ways, particularly if they have been hand fed from an early age, they make a great addition to the family. Loyal to one person, or can be great with children with lots of supervision, and will accept others in the family if a pattern of social interaction is established early and maintained. Their ability to talk is astounding, and with proper training, they can often respond with words appropriate for various situations. Consistent training is the key to such high-level behaviors.

Diet-

Thank goodness they are not fussy eaters! Most will eat pellets, seeds, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables (organic is best), pasta, grains, legumes, and seeds (sprouted seeds are the most nutritious). Your bird will let you know which of these are its favorites. They can also be fed some lactose intolerant dairy products since all birds are lactose-challenged. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, avocado, rhubarb, and alcohol as all are toxic to birds.

Physical Requirements-

Quakers need space to be active both inside and out of the cage. Provide a high-quality cage that is spacious, easy to clean and it will probably last for your bird's entire life. Setting up a play area outside of the cage with toys, perches, and swings will help keep your bird physically fit, and emotionally balanced as well. Plan to allow your bird several hours, more if possible, outside the cage daily.

Life Span-

If you are looking for a companion for life, you'll have a friend in this little bird as it often lives 20 to 30 years. These birds are illegal in some parts of the United States, so make sure you check your locality before purchasing one, and before moving to another part of the country with one.

General Health-

Generally considered as quite hardy, these birds can also adapt well to changes in climate. They are still susceptible to diseases that are spread through airborne viruses. Steps to avoid disease and infection include cleaning their cage daily, providing fresh water, removing fresh food before it can spoil, and filter their air with a HEPA air purifier.

By Debbie Davis An excellent resource for a HEPA air purifier to remove airborne pollutants from your Quaker's air that often contribute to disease and infection is the Bird Dander Purifier offered by PurerAir.com at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html Article Source: EzineArticles

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RUBBER DUCKS :-)

Three rubber ducks in foam bath (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some types of toys out there just seem to be a natural part of our culture. Most of us can remember bathing as a child with a yellow rubber duck. We also offer them for our own children. They offer plenty of entertainment and amusement in the bathtub while you are washing your child. In many instances, it will encourage them to actually get in there and to take a bath.

The earlier forms of rubber ducks were made from real rubber but today mostly synthetic materials are used. If you read the label you will likely find they are made of vinyl plastic. Of course, they are still called rubber ducks as we are just used to that. They also look the same as they once did. You will find rubber ducks in various sizes and even some different colors than yellow. You can even get a mother duck with several babies so your child will have a whole set to enjoy while bathing.

There are some rubber ducks that don’t make any sounds but the majority of them make a squeaking sound when you squeeze them. It doesn’t’ t really sound like a real duck but it is a fairly similar sound nonetheless. Some of them will even squirt water out of the mouth when they get squeezed. Children love these types of activities while they are playing in the water. In fact, they may come to view bath time as play time if they have some rubber ducks to play with.

You will find that some companies have started to release rubber ducks with different features. They may be dressed as various characters instead of just a plain old duck. Some of them are decorative for the different holidays while others are dressed as pirates, princesses, and other great images that children seem to take to very well.

Rubber ducks are very inexpensive and you can find them at many retail stores. Some people search for them in the toy aisle but they won’t usually be found there. Instead look at the bubble bath for children and you will likely find them. If your child is with you let them pick out a couple they really like. 

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HOUSE FINCH - Carpodacus mexicanus

HOUSE FINCH -  Carpodacus mexicanus

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Foods That You Can Feed Your PARROT

Meyer's Parrot pet parrot. Its wing feathers have been clipped and the bird is clinging to a draw handle. It looks anxious,
and it would probably fly to a safer perch if it could.
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When children hear about parrots, the first thing that comes to mind is that this bird is usually on the shoulder of a pirate and it can talk.

Though this creature has a habit of wanting and eating a cracker, studies have shown that this magnificent and colorful animal needs more than that in order to maintain a healthy diet.

By following these simple tips, the person can find other things, which are also essential to the parrot’s diet.

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1. Parrots should have also had some vegetables, cooked meats and grains just like humans. This is because these creatures need the same nutrients that people get from eating such produce.

2. A healthy diet also means giving the parrot the right portions of each meal. If the owner gives too much, this should be reduced. This will take some time to get it right so the individual should just monitor the volume each time this is given to the animal.

3. Parrots get sick very easily. If there is excess food on the plate, this should be removed because this becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and molds.

4. Aside from food, the parrot must also be given a fresh supply of water daily. This will avoid making the bird dehydrated, which can also cause it to get sick.

5. Many people see pet owners giving seeds and nuts frequently to the parrot. Studies have shown this should be done sparingly because it does not provide that many nutrients, which are needed for the bird’s diet.

6. Though parrots may eat almost anything that humans eat, these following should never be given. These are chocolates, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, kidney and lima beans.

7. Parrots should be fed twice daily and enjoy it if the food is mixed with water in the bowl. It is advisable for the pet owner to wash the dish first before and after each meal to make sure it is free from bacteria and other germs that could endanger the life of the bird.

These are just a few tips for feeding the parrot. The owner can read up more by buying a book or doing some research on the Internet.

Before buying any food for the parrot, it will also be a good idea to seek the advice of a veterinarian. This specialist can check on the bird and recommend the proper items to be bought from the pet store.

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The Flight of the CARRIER PIGEON

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

Carrier Pigeons Discovered

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

Carrier Pigeons Save the Day

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

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

Carrier Pigeons are One-Way Messengers

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

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

Modern Uses of Carrier Pigeons

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

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

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

Raising and Training Carrier Pigeons

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

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

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

By Becca Reese - Article Source: EzineArticles

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