BUSCH GARDENS Williamsburg Review - A Look at LORIKEET Glen, Sesame Street Attractions, and More

Entrance to Busch Gardens, featuring the countries flags (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you going to be in Virginia any time soon? If so, then you might want to take some time to visit Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This 383-acre theme park features some of the most beautiful sights in the South. Much of its landscaping has a European feel to it. Many of the attractions and rides are based on European culture and myth.

The park features a variety of Broadway-style shows, roller coasters, wildlife attractions, and more. Busch Gardens Williamsburg coupons will help you save on your vacation, so be sure to look for some before booking your trip.

There are different kinds of tickets, including single-day tickets and pass membership options. Those with pass memberships get all kinds of special perks. If you plan on staying for more than one day, check out some of the vacation packages which include a stay in one of the hotels or inns in the area.

Once you arrive at the park, you will find that there is plenty to do and see. If you're interested in conservation, head to Jack Hanna's Wildlife Reserve. This is home to a number of wild species, including bald eagles and gray wolves. Both of these creatures are magnificent and worth seeing up close.

There is also the Lorikeet Glen, which is home to many colorful birds. It's a free-flight aviary with thousands of exotic birds. Some of them might even glide down to say "hello" to you.

If you are bringing some kids along, you will find that many of the rides and attractions are family-friendly. Sesame Street Forest of Fun is one of the most popular areas of the park. There are safe, fun rides here for younger children. Kids can also meet with Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and other Sesame Street favorites. They can even get their picture taken with their favorite character!

There are some exciting roller coasters for older kids and adults. The Loch Ness Monster is by far the most exciting. Instead of going all the way to Scotland for a glimpse of this legendary lake creature, you can see it at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This monster is 13-stories tall and offers riders a 114-foot drop, with speeds topping 60 miles per hour.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is one of the hidden gems of the Southeast. In recent years, it has expanded so much that it's now drawing more attention from the rest of the country. No matter where you're from, you should visit this park at least once this year - you won't regret it!

Don't make the mistake of thinking that a Busch Gardens vacation has to cost a lot of money. It's actually the opposite: Busch Gardens Williamsburg discount tickets are available at a low price. Just look at your options for single day passes annual passes, etc.

By George Botwin - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Maintaining A Large FINCH Flight - Time Saving Tips For A Clean and Healthy Bird Habitat

Male chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs).
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whether you have built your own flight or purchased one from a manufacturer, cleaning and maintenance are vital. Unlike cages that hold only a couple of birds, a large flight can hold dozens of birds depending on the size. The more birds housed together the greater the threat of bacterial infections from a dirty flight.

The design and setup of your finch flight are extremely important. It should have conveniently placed doors at the bottom to provide easy access to the cage floor. There should also be access doors to allow easy access to the birds, walls, perches and other items. Many commercially built flights have wire grates above the floor.

If possible eliminate the wire grate as it only makes more to clean and does not benefit the birds in any way. Finches like to forage on the floor of the cage and the grates can possibly injure the feet of your Finches. Another bad thing about wire grates is if you provide nests for your Finches and they raise young. The babies could be severely injured if they should fall from the nest onto the grate.

There are several fantastic products that are both effective and affordable to make the job of maintaining your flight quick and easy. All are readily available online or at your local pet store.

• Poop-Off; A very safe product for cleaning cages, perches, and accessories.
• Aviclens; A great water cleanser. Add it to your bird's water at all times to prevent bacteria from forming. Change your bird's water every 1-2 days in hot weather, every 3-4 days in cooler weather.
  
  
• Planet Petco Crumbled Paper Litter For Birds; An excellent litter for the bottom of the cage. Lasts from 1 to 2 weeks in large Finch flights.

• Finch Seed Hopper with Catch Tray; A great feeder that reduces mess.

Perch and accessory placement inside the Finch flight is something often overlooked. The placement of perches, toys, feed and water stations, etc. need to be carefully thought out. Never place any of them where other items are directly below them. This greatly reduces the buildup of droppings on perches and accessories. This will result in having to clean perches, toys, etc. only about once every 7-10 days. (Unless you notice a need sooner) Cleaning is a snap too!

1. No need to remove perches or accessories from the cage, simply spray with Poop-Off.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds and wipe down with a damp cloth.

(Do the same for the cage walls)

Avoid small water cups in your flight. Use a 1 quart or larger hanging Waterer and always filled with water treated with Aviclens. Unless you notice a large number of droppings you will only need to change the water every 1-2 days in hot weather, every 3-4 days in cooler weather.

Use Seed Hoppers with Catch Trays. The hopper holds a large amount of seed and the catch tray eliminates most of the mess. A good rule of thumb is to add 1 hopper for every 4 inches in your flight. By providing the proper number of seed hoppers you will be emptying the catch trays less often.

Cover the flight floor with about 2" of the Planet Petco Crumbled Paper Litter. Even in very large Finch flights the litter only needs to be changed every 7 - 10 days. This will vary depending on the number and type of birds in your flight. Typically the litter lasts anywhere from 7 days to 4 weeks. The litter absorbs moisture and odor, as well as effectively preventing bacteria. When it's time to change the litter simply sweep or vacuum it out of the flight and add new.

Place the Bird Grit in a 10-ounce crock on the flight floor. Be sure it is away from the hanging waterer or it will become wet and need to be changed. Also, make sure there are no perches or other items hanging above the crock. If you pour a nice layer of grit in the bottom of the crock it should last a couple of weeks before you need to worry about changing it. (Unless you notice droppings building up in the grit)

These simple steps will make maintaining your large flight easier and less time-consuming. You'll have a whole lot more time to just enjoy your birds.

By Rebecca Zappa - Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Elegant ECLECTUS PARROT - 7 Reasons Why Eclectus Parrots Make Wonderful Pets

A pair of Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus), the male (right - green colour) and female (left - red colour) of the same species at Singapore Zoo.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Eclectus Parrot is a medium size and strikingly beautiful member of the Parrot family ranging in size from just slightly more than a foot long. Unique in its plumage, not only is it physically beautiful but its intelligence and personality make it an excellent choice for a pet. Here are 7 reasons to choose an Eclectus as your pet bird.

Uniquely Different Look-

The texture of their feathers appear like suede on their heads, necks, breasts and stomachs because, rather than the usual feather construction, they are made of single hairs that make their overall plumage look wonderfully different from other Parrots. The tail feathers on both male and female have more of the usual feathering which appears more layered.

The male is very flashy with Kelly green over most of its body, brilliant red and blue feathers beneath the wings, an orange beak, and a sleeker body build. Not to be outdone, females have a redhead, with bluish-purple on their back, shoulders, and stomach, a black beak, and a stockier body. Since females tend to be more colourful, they are generally more expensive, but either sex makes handsome pets. And because of the striking differences between them, tests are rarely if ever needed to determine their sex.

Easy Going Personality-

They fit easily into a routine that is consistent and established early on when they arrive in your home and are more likely to accept various family members rather than bonding with one particularly caregiver. These traits can be helped along by having more than one person in the family interact on a regular basis. Some belief the male to be more gentle, less likely to become neurotic or aggressive because of hormonal changes, therefore making it easier to train. And while these generalizations may often apply, most of it will depend on your bird, as they each have their own personalities.

Eat a Varied Diet-

The Eclectus needs a large number of fruits, vegetables and fibre to provide proper nutrition that will keep them healthy. Sprouted seeds, soaked seeds, and a small portion of a high-quality pellet diet is a good base. (Avoid coloured pellets as they interfere with their ability to produced normal coloured feathers and beak.) Since they are prone to Vitamin A deficiency, dark green leafy vegetables, peppers, and cooked carrots and sweet potatoes are all great natural sources of Vitamin A. Fresh fruits should include but are not limited to apples, bananas, cantaloupe, pomegranate, mango, and watermelon. Organic produce is best.

And while many people see the large amounts of fruits and vegetables needed as a factor that makes them high maintenance, think of this diet instead as an excuse for you to eat healthier as well. Fats and proteins should be given in limited amounts (particularly for mature birds) as they increase cholesterol levels and arterial sclerosis and can contribute to an early death. And in many cases, that's true for the owner as well.

No Feather Dust-Unlike their dustier cousins, the Cockatoos and African Greys, the Eclectus does not produce feather dust because they are equipped with oil glands for preening. This makes them a good choice for those who are allergic.

Extremely Intelligent-

They are able to learn easily and are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings including their owner's moods. This instinctive intuitiveness makes them able to bond more closely with their family which is yet another reason that makes them wonderful companions.

Great Vocabulary-

Buying any bird in hopes that it will speak is a risky proposition at best. And even though these birds are well known for their ability to do so, the only way to make sure your bird will speak is to buy one that already does. With that said, they have a reputation for their fantastic ability to speak with great diction and mimic sounds with great accuracy.

Healthy and Long-Lived-

With a balanced diet, housing that allows them to move and exercise, care that keeps their stress levels low, and consistent maintenance that prevents disease, these parrots can live as long as 50 years!

By Debbie Davis - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Amazon Parrots - AMAZONS

Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot - Photo   by Tambako the Jaguar 

Amazon parrots (Amazona sp.) originate from Mexico, Central America, South America and the adjacent islands of the West Indies.

There are several species of Amazon Parrots. Some of the most common species are the double yellow headed amazons, yellow napped amazons, yellow or blue fronted amazons, orange winged amazons, green cheeked amazons, and lilac crowned amazons.

A healthy Amazon can be expected to have a lifespan of around 50 years or even longer with good nutrition and care and their size can range anywhere from about 10-20 inches in length.

The affectionate and loyal nature of the Amazon makes this bird a wonderful pet for those experienced with companion parrots. Amazons are highly intelligent and require a devoted owner who is willing to provide significant and meaningful attention, as well as stimulus such as chewing toys to keep them happy and healthy.

Some males can become aggressive when they reach sexual maturity. Gentle dominance training is essential. It is a good idea to teach amazons to step up on a stick on command for those times when they are "over-stimulated." These birds require strong, patient owners who understand their moods. Do plenty of research on behaviour and training before buying one so you can build a strong foundation with the young bird.

The best talkers tend to be the double yellow heads, yellow napes, and blue fronts. Many of these birds can also become proficient singers. They are not shy and will often perform for strangers. Because of these characteristics, these parrots are often selected as performers in bird shows and at zoos.

Generally, they do not develop feather picking problems the way many parrot species do, but they can if they are neglected, confined in small cages for long periods of time, and not stimulated with interaction and/or toys.

Caging

Amazons are quite active and very prone to obesity if they do not get exercise. The cage provided should be large enough to ensure that they get an adequate room for play and exercise. A spacing of bars depends on the size of the species and care should be taken for smaller amazons to ensure that the spacing is not large enough for them to get their head through.

Diet

A diet that is about 25-50 per cent pellet based, with the rest made up of a variety of healthy fresh foods is generally accepted as a good guide. Seeds are too high in fat for Amazons and while they can be fed as treats, they should make up no more than 10 per cent of the whole diet. Nuts are a good treat, also in moderation.

Feather and Skin Health

Amazons should be showered regularly for feather and skin health. They can develop a musky odour that bothers some people, but most owners will need to get used to it. Regular showers keep the smell from getting too strong.

Noise

Most birds purchased young and properly trained and socialized will rarely vocalize to the point of disturbing neighbours, but generally, they do vocalize at least once a day with loud screeches.

Some amazons can be very loud resulting in many older birds being sold because of the noise becoming a nuisance factor to others. They are not great pets to be kept in apartments for this reason and generally, the larger the bird, the louder the call. Amazons that have been kept with other amazons tend to be the loudest.

Sleep

At least 10 hours of dark, quiet sleep time each night. Amazons that do not get enough sleep can be very grouchy and aggressive.

With lots of love, care and an occasional trip to the vet (where flight feathers should be trimmed), an Amazon parrot will be a beautiful and entertaining companion animal for many years.

By Vijai Sharma - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Introducing The AFRICAN GREY Parrot

African Grey Parrot - Photo   by   ♡Blackangelツ 

In the case of the African Grey Parrot, what it lacks in brilliant plumage it more than makes up for with its friendly nature and astounding ability to mimic sounds and speech. So much so, in fact, that it has become one of the most popular parrot breeds of all.

The African Grey is considered to be one of the most intelligent species of bird. Astoundingly, not only can they mimic speech, but they can actually construct sentences! Beginning from the time they are one year old, they can learn to repeat music and singing patterns, they can imitate pet sounds and noises around the home like the doorbell or the telephone, and they can even imitate accents. They may even growl if they feel threatened. Since these parrots will repeat anything they hear, they do not need to be taught one word at a time the way many other parrots need to be painstakingly trained.

A bird this smart, however, doesn't like to be left alone and will get bored very quickly. When it does, this relatively quiet bird will let you know with a loud squawk or whistle. For the African Grey, plenty of toys and interaction with those around them will keep them engaged and happy. Keep in mind that they do need a lot of exercises: they should be allowed to fly around for at least an hour every day. Since this species loves to pluck themselves by way of grooming, it is a great idea to give them a bath or to mist them at least twice a week. This will help to eliminate any irritants or dust that could cause them discomfort.

African Grey parrots are usually 12 or 13 inches long from their head to their tail. Their grey feather color is what gives the bird its name. Though grey, the parrot is not considered to be less appealing. In fact, the African Grey is widely regarded as one of the most attractive species of parrot due to this wonderfully simple coloring. Different sub-species of the African Grey may have red or maroon tails. Their feathers often display a white edging. Around their eyes can be seen a beautiful area colored white or pale pink. The use their strong jaws to chew on many things, including their perch, their toys, or your furniture! Always bear in mind that if you allow your parrot to fly around the house, it is a very good idea to make sure you are there to supervise, and always be careful of any valuable items.

A generally strong bird, the African Grey is vulnerable to calcium deficiency so their diet should be well thought out, especially for younger birds and chicks. You may think that calcium can be given using dairy products. However, parrots cannot digest dairy products like cheese, milk, or yogurt. Not only will these make them very ill... they may even kill them.

The African Grey is a social bird that generally behaves well with other parrots and birds. In the wild, they may be seen in flocks numbering more than a thousand birds. An unfortunate Black Market in African Grey parrots has cropped up given how popular these birds are as pets, and given the sheer size of the African Grey population in their native Africa. The birds are captured and then falsely sold as tame pets, after being housed and transported in terrible conditions. Buying from a reputable dealer will help stop these practices. If you would rather take in an older bird, there are many excellent Parrot sanctuaries and rescue centers that can help you find the perfect pet.

The African Grey parrot is a wonderful bird that can live to 50 years or more. Due to their affectionate nature and intelligence, they are known to bond warmly with their owners and those who handle them often. The African Grey is truly a wonderfully appealing parrot.

Chris Boshoff - Article Source: GoArticles

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How to Train Your CONURE

Photo by sonstroem

A hand-raised conure will have little or no fear and should respond well to human attention. Encourage the young conure to feed from your hand at every opportunity, often with the cage door open, so that it will have no fear of your presence. Check that all doors and windows are closed. A clear glass should be screened, in case the conure fails to appreciate the presence of a barrier and tries to fly through the apparent exit. This can have fatal consequences. Any cats must be out of the room whenever the conure's cage door is opened. They should be kept apart as much as possible, since in some cases, the cat may be able to reach the conure through the bars of the cage.

Most rooms have other dangers which could prove fatal for a young conure. For this reason alone, never leave the bird free without watching its movements closely. It may attempt to gnaw through a live electrical wire or eat poisonous houseplants. An unguarded fireplace or an uncovered fish tank can spell disaster for the unwary conure as well.

On the first few occasions that you let the conure free in a room, there are likely to be problems in persuading it to return to its quarters. To lessen the risk of injury some owners like to clip the flight feathers of one of their conure's wings. This task can be easily accomplished with a pair of sharp scissors. Persuade someone else to restrain the conure, and carefully open one wing. The long flight feathers will be clearly apparent. Cut across these in a straight line, a few centimetres away from the wing itself, and leave the outermost and longest flight feathers intact. When the wing is then closed, the clipping will not be clearly discernible, yet the conure's power of flight will be restricted. This temporary handicap will be removed when the flight feathers are moulted, but by this stage, the conure should be well established in the home.

A tame bird will sit on a finger in the cage, generally making no attempt to bite. Its claws may be rather sharp, however, so you may want to wear a thin glove, at least at first as a precaution. Persuading the conure to sit on your finger is largely a matter of getting the bird to see this simply as an extension of its perch.

Start by extending your finger along the perch near the conure, and slowly lift the bird's toes. It should then attempt to transfer across onto your finger, as you try to displace its grip gently. An older bird will be much more reluctant and is more likely to simply retreat back to the sides of the cage. With patience, however, you should be able to win the conure's confidence, provided that it is not an adult.

By Ranjith B Baskar - Article Source: EzineArticles

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COCKATOO - Is This The Bird For You?

Palm Cockatoo - Jurong BirdPark, Singapore (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cockatoos are sweet, loving, beautiful birds. They make great pets if they are given the proper care. However, they can be a handful. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you bring one home.

The first thing you must do before even thinking about getting a cockatoo is to consider cockatoos to be like children. You would not leave a child alone all day. Cockatoos also cannot be kept alone all day. They need plenty of interaction. If no one is going to be at your house during the day, then I would not recommend getting one of these birds. The cockatoo is the most emotional bird species and needs human interaction every day.

Another thing you must realize is that cockatoos live for a very long time. They can live to be 100 years old! You will be taking care of this bird probably for the rest of your life. This is also a very expensive bird. The bird, cage, and accessories really cost a lot!

Cockatoos need a very large cage. Many people even suggest you keep them in an aviary! The minimum cage size for these birds is 36 inches long by 36 inches wide by 48 inches tall. Inside the cage, they will need perches, toys, food, and water.

Toys are something that your bird must have. If they do not have toys then they will not get the mental activity they need. This can lead to serious health problems. You also have to change the toys at least once a month. Birds get bored if they have the same toys all the time.

For your bird's diet, you cannot just feed seeds. A little bit of seeds is okay but buy a food that is mostly pellets. You will also need to prepare fruits and vegetables every day. Take out any fresh foods once they have been in the cage for a while.

Cockatoos have dust in their feathers and must be given weekly baths or showers to prevent dust accumulation. If you have allergies, this bird is not recommended for you. Also, the wings, beak, and claws need to be kept trimmed.

Every day you will need to clean out the food and water dishes and also wipe off feather dust from the cage bars and perches. Twice a week you need to clean the bottom tray of the cage. Once a week you will need to clean the whole cage and all accessories.

Cockatoos do not do well with small children. Some birds have even been known to attack small children for no reason. If you have small children, never leave them alone with the bird.

Cockatoos develop very strong bonds with their owners. They are extremely lovable and affectionate. However, they are very much like small children and will demand your attention. If you aren't giving them attention then they will scream, knock things over, or even bite to get your attention. Someone needs to be home most of the time with this bird.

If you give lots of attention to your bird, you will be greatly rewarded with a very sweet, lovable bird. Just be sure you have enough time to spend with the bird. These birds can cause serious problems if they aren't given enough attention. Many people buy these birds not knowing what they are getting themselves into and then end up having to give them away.

By Michael Russell - Article Source: EzineArticles

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What Makes CANARY Food Different From Other Bird Food?

Photo by Kanalu Chock

The Canaries are hard birds to breed, but not tough to feed. Luckily most canary food manufacturers know how fickle the diet of the canary can be and have developed proper mixtures aimed at keeping your bird's health in check. Canary grass seed should be a staple of your canary's diet and you should always check the ingredients to make sure this ingredient is at least 50% of the mixture if you're buying a seed mixture (this will vary for special "moulting mixes" or "color feed).

Canary grass seed originates from the same place canaries originally do (Mediterranean), and while it doesn't give them all the nutrition they need: It gives them more than other foods. They also require a food that's high in various vitamins and minerals (calcium is one of the important minerals in any good canary food). When you're breeding canaries; special moulting formulas should be used, which are high in protein, contain more fat content, and also have an extra boost of calcium -- all of which aid your pretty pet in their egg production.

One of the great things about owning a canary is their ability to entertain and look gorgeous, without needing your constant attention. Since the canary is known as a "birds bird", rather than a "people bird" like the parrot -- all you need to worry about is feeding them a proper diet and keeping their cage clean. Your canary will give you very little grief and a lot of fun with their singing ability and strange, endearing gestures.

You can feed your canary almost any fruit, nut, or vegetable that you would eat (other than avocado which contains too much fat). Canary food that you can feed them out of your fridge includes lettuce, pear, apple, small bits of carrot, peanut, cashew, and any pepper you can think of. Just remember that they are a soft beak bird, so any shelled food they get needs to fit into their mouth easily so they don't harm their beak.

By Tiffany Windhurst - Article Source: EzineArticles

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All About SENEGAL PARROTS

Senegal Parrot - Photo  by  Internet Archive Book Images

If you are looking for a pet parrot that is best for the whole family, then you must consider a Senegal parrot. Most pet lovers and parrot pet traders agree that Senegal parrots have been popular family pet birds because of their lively and engaging personality.

But, before you finally purchase a Senegal parrot and make it a family pet bird, you must be knowledgeable about its traits and characteristics for you to have an idea how it should be taken care of.

According to parrot experts, the Senegal parrot one of the best-known members of the entire Poicephalus family for having compact and cuddly physical traits and a very playful attitude. Frequently seen in pet shops around the United States and Europe, Senegal parrots originated in the north central part of Africa.

Unlike other parrot species, parrots possess an entirely different nature which is extremely playful, gentle and sweet in temperament that is perfect for its charming personality, cleverness, clear speech, and manageable behavior. They are also quieter but are good talkers if taught and trained properly. Since they possess much tamer nature, are known to be less demanding especially if they are given daily attention and interaction.

SENEGAL PARROT 101

Senegal parrots are the most commonly kept Poicephalus birds there are. Identified for being a green bird with a gray head, Senegal parrots are famous for sporting different colored underparts, either its belly or vest with a bright yellow iris.

Senegal parrots can be divided into three sub-species that can easily be characterized by the color of their bellies as well as by their following names that include Poicephalus senegalus senegalus hailing from Southern Mauritania, southern Mali to Guinea and from the Island of Los, these are known as the nominate race and has a yellow belly; Poicephalus senegalus versteri originates from the Ivory Coast and Ghana east to western Nigeria and has red belly; and Poicephalus senegalus mesotypus coming from Eastern and Northeastern Nigeria, northern Cameroon into south-western Chad and has an orange belly.

These parrots live in moist woodlands and on the edges of the grasslands. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and grains particularly the seed of locust beans and newly formed buds of various trees.

A Senegal parrot's diet should consist of a good quality seed mixture of nuts, seeds, lean meat, biscuits, fruits, and vegetables either raw or cooked. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also given to meet the nutritional need of the parrot.

Hand reared Senegal parrots are the most suitable pets because they are small enough to handle and can be placed in a medium-sized parrot cage. These should be kept in cages or aviaries where they can eat and sleep. Preferably, Senegal parrots should be housed in relatively small cages manufactured for "small birds" and should be provided with lots of toys, T-stands, and swings.

Senegal parrots are not as great talkers like the African Grey parrots but have the ability to learn a vocabulary depending on the owner's patience to teach. Senegals can be bought from $149 to $500.

By Low Jeremy Low Jeremy has been a hobbyist writer for the past 3 years. During this free time, he contributes informative articles on various topics like health, electronics and gadget reviews for websites. Article Source: EzineArticles

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How To Understand Your BUDGERIGAR Behavior

Blue Male Budgerigar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whether you are a parakeet breeder or you have just a single budgerigar parakeet, understanding his or her behavior can give you big headaches. Before buying a budgie you should inform about his health and read about budgerigar behavior.

Otherwise, it is possible to buy a sick budgerigar and your efforts to understand your companion will be in vain. You should know that budgie care takes time and understanding. Consult a book about parakeets or read various articles on the Internet, such as this one.

Sometimes, the budgie may scream. This will happen when something is missing to your parakeet. Parrot screams are stressful and annoying. We need to understand their needs quickly. One reason could be the lack of food. The basic food is millet, but budgie can eat oats and sunflower seeds. As fruits and greens, you can give your budgerigar apple, banana, parsley, and dandelion. Another reason is that the budgie likes to bathe. The bath cools them, helps to get rid of dust and more than that cheers them.

Sometimes, budgie stretches one leg and wing on the same side with the leg. We can compare this movement with human morning stretch. Thus, budgie relaxes his fingers and body.

To scare the enemy, budgie swells the feathers to look more impressive. Raises his wings and open his beak and begins to scream. Another reason is to conserve the body heat and to get warm.

Sometimes, budgie raises the wings when he feels too hot. If the bird frequently yawns it means that is not enough fresh air and you have to ventilate the room. The budgie can sneeze. This allows him to clean the nostrils.

Budgies hate to be left alone, to be kept in small, dark spaces, not to receive enough affection, to be scolded or beaten, to have unwashed cages, not to get food and water when needed. Instead, budgies love to be constantly with the owner, to be loved and to play a lot, to have many toys and to be rewarded from time to time with goodies, to be kept on the finger or shoulder, and to have a clean cage.

No matter what your parakeet is doing wrong, do not ever hit him because he could no longer trust you. On the contrary, the relationship with your companion must be a strong one. Birds usually do not understand hitting, spraying with water, screaming as corrective methods.

A very interesting fact is that the budgie is strongly influenced by the outside atmosphere. If the morning is gloomy and rainy, your parakeet will be quite upset and apathetic, if he sees the sun, will be happy all day long.

By Ionut I Vasile Discover more about budgie breeding and get some budgie care tips that would help you to create a strong relationship with your companion. Article Source: EzineArticles

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EAGLES - The Birds of Prey

Adult (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Eagles are birds of prey that have large wingspans and strong muscular legs. They also have very good eyesight. There are several species of this bird and most of them are distributed in Africa and Eurasia. With their relatively large wingspans, they are able to fly very fast on straight paths. 

Therefore, they are able to hunt their prey very effectively. They also have heavy beaks that will help them attack their prey. A large bird of this species could easily weigh 6 to 7 Kg.

It has been found that the eyesight of some of the eagles is 3.6 times better than humans. The large pupils of their eyes contribute a lot to this effect. It enables them to see their prey from a long distance. Normally, these birds choose elevated places to build their nests. The female bird which is larger than the male will lay two eggs. When one egg hatches the young bird will wait for the other to hatch and will kill it. Even the mother will not prevent it. This means only the strongest eagles will survive and the population of birds will be under control.

It has been found that eagles are among the largest of the birds of prey. However, there is no way to find the largest eagle for the simple reason that the heaviest one is not the one that has the biggest wingspan. The heaviest is the Steller's sea eagle and the one that has the largest wingspan is the Philippine eagle. While the wingspan of a Philippine eagle could be 100 ft the weight of a Steller's sea eagle could be 15 pounds.

A falconer holding a Steller's Sea Eagle
Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The smallest of the eagles is the Great Nicobar Serpent-eagle. Its habitat is the forests in the South Nicobar Islands. The weight of one of these birds is just 1 pound. Due to loss of habitat, it is dwindling in numbers and is threatened species. It is the different lifestyles of these birds that decide their wingspans. Generally, the birds that inhabit forests have smaller wingspans. Birds of this species that live in open areas have relatively longer wingspans.

Only a very few species of birds of prey are larger than eagles with either wingspan or the weight. Condor is one of them. Also, there are a few other vultures that are larger than these birds of prey. They are majestic birds when they are on a flight.

By Brian Neil Know more about the eagles! Visit here to get the most beautiful wallpapers, pictures, and images of flying golden eagles Article Source: EzineArticles

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5 PET BIRDS That Make Great Additions to the Family

Nymphensittichpaar links= wildfarbig gescheckter Hahn, rechts= weißkopfgescheckte Henne
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Birds are amazing creatures that could be a great addition to your family. When choosing a pet bird, you will want to find the bird most compatible with your lifestyle and living situation. Here are some of the most popular birds that make the perfect pets.

The Parakeet (Budgies)

This is the favorite of all pet birds. These birds are the perfect choice for new bird owners or adults with children living in their homes. Even though the parakeet is not as large as its cousins, it will still require the same type of respect and care as a parrot. Due to their size, parakeets do not require a lot of space and they are easy to maintain. You can choose from a variety of colors, including red, purple, blue and green. Parakeets are smart enough to learn various words and phrases; however, most of these birds are content with whistling and singing. The average lifespan of a Parakeet is approximately 12 to 14 years.

African Greys

This is one of the most intelligent birds to choose from. African Greys have a very large vocabulary, and once you learn how to care for them properly, these pet birds are easy to train. Due to their intelligence, African Greys can be very demanding pets; this species of parrots become bored quickly when they are not stimulated. When cared for and fed correctly, these birds can live up to three decades or more. If you are looking for a smart and affectionate pet bird, the African Grey is the best choice.

Finches and Canaries

This is a pet bird favorite to choose from. This popular bird measures at five inches or less, and it requires a lot less space in comparison to other pet birds. Finches and canaries have softbills or waxbills, unlike parrots, a species known as hookbills. Since finches and canaries prefer to travel in small flocks, and they rarely pay much attention to humans, this is the perfect bird to choose if you will only be able to provide your pet with minimal interaction. If you provide adequate care for this bird, it can live up to 10 years.

Cockatiels

These birds are a member of the parrot family and they are delightful pets to have around the home. Cockatiels are natives of Australia and they are medium-sized creatures. These birds have advanced whistling and singing abilities that your entire family will love. Even though cockatiels have the ability to speak when trained properly, this bird prefers to mimic random and quirky sounds, such as the ringing of a telephone. You can choose from a variety of diverse color options when adopting a cockatiel. The average life expectancy of this pet bird is between 15 and 20 years.

Lovebirds

If you want to choose from the parrot species, this is the smallest bird in that family. However, many people prefer lovebirds in comparison to larger parrots that are more demanding. Lovebirds are approximately six inches long and, even though they are small, they have a strong personality and great intelligence. These birds are quiet, making them a great choice for the person who lives in an apartment or condominium. The lovebird has a life expectancy of up to 20 years.

These are some of the most popular birds that pet owners love. Before you take any of these birds home, you should always choose the one that matches your personal lifestyle the most. Choosing a bird that is a good fit for your family is the best way to ensure proper care of your pet.

Author: By Genie Fletcher -  Article Source: EzineArticles

All The Secrets About The Famous BLUE PARROTS

ARA - Blue Parrot - Photo: Pixabay

There are many different types of blue parrots in the world but perhaps the most popular one is the Blue-crown parrot. They are native to South America as many blue parrots are, more particularly they are most often found in Venezuela, Columbia, and Brazil. They are treasured creatures in their native countries where they spend their time deep inside the jungles of the Amazon like so many other breeds of parrots.

Rarely does someone have the opportunity to catch sight of these birds, let alone any species of blue parrots, as their numbers are quickly diminishing due to poachers capturing them and selling them on the black market? Blue parrots can fetch a sizable price due to their ability to be quickly trained and keep as an exotic pet.

Sexing

So how can you tell the difference between male and female blue parrots? Well, blue-crown parrots all contain a white patch around their two eyes and in the male tends to usually have a much larger patch than the female. The other way to tell the difference between the sexes is to take a look at the length of the cere feathers. The male also has much longer feathers than the females on this are of their bodies.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of most blue parrots is unknown however they are more than likely to live for up to 40 years, sometimes longer in the wild like most parrots. Why is this? Well, most parrots need constant active social interaction which is usually much lower when kept in captivity.

Easy To Train?

That's right most blue parrots are trained very easily and have been well regarded as one of the most intelligent parrots They especially excel in the area of talking and have been knowing to be able to put together whole sentences which aren't too common among parrots. If you have a blue parrot yourself, you will notice that they can be very affectionate towards their owners. They are also known to be protective at times and unless you are a usual visitor to the home of a blue parrot, you better watch out because they can bite and bite hard!

How Much Do They Cost?

You'll be lucky the purchase a blue parrot for under $300 and if you do, make sure you know where it is coming from as many of these birds are sold on the black market and you may notice that it has just come from the wild. If this happens to you, contact your local conservation center and explain to them what happened. More than likely they will take your parrot and attempt to rehabilitate it.

Article Source: GoArticles

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Pet PARAKEETS and Their Wild Cousins

Parakeets - Photo  by PuppiesAreProzac 

Budgie parakeets can make wonderful pets if you know how to keep them happy. A lot of people assume that in order to keep their pet parakeet happy, all they need to do is give it food, water, and a clean cage to live in. Unfortunately, that's not the case. Parakeets have a variety of special needs that can be best understood by taking a look at how wild parakeets behave in their native land of Australia.

Parakeets evolved for life in the great Australian Outback. Life in this arid desert-like landscape is not easy. Temperatures can reach well over 100°F, food is scarce, standing water can be very difficult to find, and predators lurk in the skies as well as in the underbrush. In order to help deal with these harsh conditions, parakeets have developed some unique adaptations.

Food and Water

Most large parrots need access to a huge variety of nuts, fruits, and vegetables in order to be healthy. These things are not readily available to the parakeet. Because of this, the parakeet has shrunken in size compared to other parrots and lives almost entirely off of grass seeds. Grasses are a dependable source of food in the Outback because they can grow even with very little water.

Even though parakeets mainly live on grass seeds, it's important to note that they feed on over 20 different kinds of grasses. This variety helps them get all the nutrients they need. It's important that you provide your pet parakeet with a large variety of seeds as well as formulated pellets in order to keep your pet healthy.

Parakeet bodies have been streamlined to preserve water. If the humidity is high and the temperatures are cool, they can go without drinking for over a week and hardly show signs of fatigue. If you or I were to try this we would die within just a few days.

Because parakeets drink so little, it's important that you keep your bird's water bowl clean and fresh by switching out the water every day instead of just waiting for your bird to drink it all and then refilling it. If you let the water stay for several days it can grow bacteria that can kill your parrot.

Flying Ability

Parakeets are not built for long distance flying. Instead, they enjoy powerful bursts of flight for short distances. A parakeet can take off almost immediately if he thinks his life is in danger and his incredible maneuverability makes him almost impossible to catch, even for stealthy and agile predators like the peregrine falcon. Even though parakeets typically only fly in short bursts, they are nomadic (they never stay in the same place for very long) and during the course of just one day they may end up covering more than 10 miles in their search for food.

Your parakeet needs time outside of his cage every day in order to fly around the house, climb on things, and do a little exploring to get his wiggles out.

Make sure the parakeet cage you buy is large enough for your bird to fly in without snagging his wings on the walls when he gets excited or frightened. The smallest cage for a single bird should be no less than 2 feet long. Also, make sure that your bird has toys to climb on and chew up in order to get some exercise.

Parakeet Flocks

Parakeets are flock birds that are never seen alone unless they are sick or have gotten lost in their clan. Parakeet flocks can be as small 5 to 10 birds or larger than 10,000! Flocks shrink and grow depending on the availability of food. When times get tough, large groups will break into smaller flocks to avoid fighting over patches of grass when foraging.

The flock provides parakeets with safety from predators as well as a place to make friends and find a mate. Because parakeets are such social animals, your bird will need several hours of attention from you each day unless you have several parakeets to keep each other company. A lonely parakeet is a sad and frightened parakeet.

Parakeets are paranoid

The parakeet's Australian name is "Budgerigar" which means "Little Snack". These poor innocent creatures can be found on the dinner menu of almost every meat-eating animal in the Outback. Because of this, they are horribly scared of almost anything that moves, including humans.

It's important that you carefully earn your parakeets trust before attempting to handle your bird. Never hit your parakeet when he does something wrong and never leaves your bird alone with a dog or cat.

Now that you know a little more about wild parakeets, I hope you will be able to make your pet parakeet feel a little more at home in your family. Good luck to you!

By Jon D Perry - Article Source: EzineArticles

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