Crazy for CONURES

Colorful, charming, cute, cuddly, cheeky. That's a conure for you, a smallish South American parrot with a long tail and a bold demeanor. They're one of my favorites. Their winning personalities, manageable size, and prices to fit just about any budget make them a popular first bird, but even experienced parrot people tend to find these little guys irresistible. Once you have one, you may end up a conure fan for life. They're the quintessential parrot!

Conures are often described as having "personality plus", or as "big birds in little bird suits". They aren't very large parrots, but don't tell them that! Conures have an attitude to spare, which can make them somewhat of a challenge if an owner isn't prepared to establish rules and limits. And while I think their good qualities outweigh their bad ones, they certainly aren't perfect. No one should get a conure without learning the whole story, which goes something like this: Conures are awesome birds, but they have that voice!

In most species, the normal conure voice is an ear-piercing, high-pitched, grating screech that will make even a Moluccan cockatoo sit up and take notice. And a conure that's trying to be loud will make your eyes cross. Even if you get one that isn't particularly noisy, and not all individuals are, anyone near your home will know you have a parrot. The smaller conures like the green cheeks and maroon bellies aren't quite as bad since they lack the sheer volume potential of their larger cousins. If the sound level is a concern, it would be a good idea to look into one of these little guys. Leave the suns, jendays, nandays, cherry heads, blue crowns and such to someone who can deal with the loudness.

Given the right socialization and continued training, a conure shouldn't constantly be sounding off, but as with any parrot, some noise is to be expected. The most likely time for conure cacophony is when the family comes home from work or school in the afternoon. The bird wants out and everyone is going to know it! It's not easy to ignore an insistent conure. It is easy to "spoil" him by getting him out as soon as he starts in with the racket. With our first conure, a nanday named Freddie, we learned the hard way that you shouldn't make getting a bird out of its cage the nanosecond you walk in the door your main priority! Thankfully, conures are smart, and they can be taught that their demanding tone doesn't get them what they want. It does take some patience, however, and maybe some earplugs.

Noise factor aside, you can't ask for a friendlier or more affectionate little parrot. Conures love to snuggle. Just don't go overboard with it. Conures are very portable, and they love to go where you go. But wearing a conure broach isn't a good habit to start, not only because of the fashion statement you will make--tiny holes in all your shirts--but also because of the potential for your bird to become a spoiled brat if he doesn't get to hang out with you all the time. And we're not just talking about screeching. Nippiness is the conure's other unpleasant tendency. To keep your home brat-free, it's a good idea to vary your conure time with games and tricks. Luckily most conures like to play as much as they like to cuddle.

Conures are boisterous birds and like to be active, so they need a cage that's slightly larger than what you might pick for a bird of their size. Amazon or African-grey cages are more appropriate than the cockatiel cages some owners tend to end up with. Look for a cage that's at least 2 feet wide, but take note of the bar spacing to make sure your bird can't poke his head through. Just about any type of toy goes over well and swings are usually appreciated. Also consider putting in a soft cloth or "snuggle toy", since conures like to sleep cuddled up next something. They're real softies, after all, despite that voice.

Authors: Chet Womach & Kim Bear This article was co-authored by Chet Womach and professional bird behavioral specialist Kim Bear who consults for Birdtricks.com and has helped lots of their clients who own conures. Article Source: GoArticles

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Fact Sheet: PLUM-HEADED PARAKEET - Psittacula cyanocephala

(Original Title: Rainforest Birds - Plum-Headed Parakeet)

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala in Hyderabad, India. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bird Name:
Plum-headed Parakeet

Latin Name:
Psittacula cyanocephala

Status:
Least Concern

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Psittacula
Species: P. cyanocephala

General Information:
The Plum-headed Parakeet is a species of parrot that occurs throughout South Asia. It lives in flocks and is considered a quite social species.

Physical Description:
This species is about 13 inches in length, with a tail that can measure nearly 9 inches. This parakeet weighs approximately 66 to 80 g. The breeding male has generally light green plumage with a black chin strap. It has a red head that fades into bluish purple on the back of the crown. Its rump and tail are bluish green and there are red/maroon patches on the shoulders. The female has a grayish colored head and no patches on its shoulders. Juveniles can be distinguished by their green heads and shorter tail feathers.

Diet:
The Plum-headed Parakeet feeds on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, and leaf buds.

Habitat:
The Plum-headed Parakeet occurs in forests, woodlands, plains, and farmlands. They generally favor terrain with an elevation range between 1640 ft and 4920 ft. Its range spans across the Indian subcontinent, including areas in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Rameswaram Island. The Plum-headed Parakeet nests in tree holes.

Reproduction:
Unlike many other parakeets, the Plum-headed Parakeet does not mate for life. The female lays an average of 4 - 6 white eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 19 to 20 days, and the young fledge at about 6 - 7 weeks of age.

By Tony Mandarich- Article Source: EzineArticles

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GREEN RINGNECK PARROTS Are The Happiest Birds In The World

"Rose-ringed Parakeet eating leaves" by JayDalal5 

Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons.

We have a green ringneck parrot, and Mr. Stan is the happiest bird in the world. If you are feeling down, just walk into the bird room and Mr. Stan will immediately cheer you up.

There are lots of different parrots breeds, but I'd like to visit with you about the green ringneck parrots. There are actually two types of green ringneck parrots, the African Ringneck and the Indian Ringneck. The African Ringneck is the smaller of the two breeds, but they both have the happiest personalities of any parrot alive. The African Grey may talk better, the Cockatoo might be better at solving puzzles, the Amazons may be larger and more brightly colored, but no other parrot in the world is as happy as the little green ringneck parrot.

All you have to do to get Mr. Stan squawking and singing is just stick your head in the room. If he doesn't see you because he is playing, just whistle, and the concert begins. He will get all of the other parrots bouncing and squawking within seconds.

We went to Pakistan several years ago for a construction project and found Mr. Stan in the local bird market. He was so friendly and enthusiastic that we brought him back to America when we came home. Don't try this yourself, the paperwork and expense of traveling with birds is not something that I recommend.

The Indian Ringneck is native to Pakistan and India, and it is common to see flocks in the hundreds. And the wild parrots are just as happy as Mr. Stan is.

At dusk, all of the birds would flock to the trees for the night, and there would be resounding chorus as all the different breeds of birds would start to bed down. But the loveliest chorus was the song from the little green ringnecks.

Parrot breeders have developed some color variations for the ringneck, and you can find them in blue and yellow. They have the same small body and the same enthusiastic personality, just a different color.

So, if you are looking for a parrot to take home, I would encourage you to think about the little green ringneck parrot, the happiest bird in the world.

By Leigh Allen - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Raising DOVES As Pets

A pair of Ringneck Doves (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The best thing for you to do before you start raising doves as pets are to seek advice from those who have this experience. Good advice can make your venture an enriching one. There are factors you need to consider before you start raising doves as pets. 

One is the environment in which you live in. You should look at things like the temperature, the intensity of the wind blowing and the regularity of the sunshine. The reason for this is that there are certain doves that can hardly withstand certain weather conditions.

It is worthwhile noting that there are larger doves like wood pigeons and Ringnecks that can endure temperatures well below freezing points. You will be required to consider the species of doves that you would like to raise as pets depending on the environment in which you are. Ensure you have good housing to raise doves as pets. 

There are doves that love staying way up above the ceiling while there are those that prefer nesting on the ground. There are also others that prefer staying on the nearest vegetation and so you will be required to have a variety for your pets so that they do not escape due to discomfort. Raising doves will require you to be seen when it comes to feeding. Doves, just like other birds, should be fed with seeds. You can find seeds in supermarkets or from your farm. You can also provide food such as corn flour, chopped vegetables, or even mealworms. Discuss your dove's diet with your vet to get an informed opinion.

By Dorothy Seaton - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Breeding FINCHES

Zebra finch female  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Finches are popular among bird enthusiasts because not only are they easy to breed, they are also considered songbirds, which means their sound is generally pleasant to the ears. You can easily find them being sold in local pet stores. Feeding and breeding finches can be such a wonderful experience at home, especially if you do it with your kids. These birds can be an educational tool for your children to learn how to nurture life and appreciate nature. Finches are generally shy when it comes to being hand-fed. It would be best to just allow the parents to do feeding and rearing for the babies.

When to Start

The best time to start breeding your finches is when they are about 8 months old. There are finches that are highly dimorphic, which means one can easily distinguish their gender by simply checking out their colors. An example of this would be the Zebra finches. Society finches, on the other hand, can be a bit challenging in this department because they don't have color patterns that tell whether they are male or female. One technique in determining the gender of the finches is by placing at least four of them in a cage and watching which birds get attracted to whom. Once spotted, you can place them in a separate cage so you can start breeding finches.

Prepping the Cage

The cage should get ample sunlight at least 14 hours a day. You can use a bulb or lamp as complement lighting, if necessary. The cage should be large enough to create a comfortable space for the parents to breed. Hang a basket in the cage that would serve as a place for the eggs to hatch. Putting together the nest requires skill. The nest should have lining material which you can get from pet stores. In most cases, the male finches arrange the lining materials themselves. For the nesting, you can use shredded burlap as well as dry straws. The nest is important when breeding finches and you should prepare the right materials ahead of time.

Checking for Eggs

Use a flashlight when monitoring the nest for hatchlings. When you notice the parents flying in and out of the basket, it is more likely a sign that there are already eggs poised to hatch. The female finch lays one egg per day until she completes the brood of up to 8 eggs. Then she will begin sitting on the eggs with the male on a standby and ready to substitute when the female leaves and looks for something to eat. This is a sensitive stage in breeding finches that requires constant monitoring to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

It takes about 14 days for the eggs to hatch from the day when the female started brooding them. If you notice an egg that hasn't hatched in 21 days, it is more likely an infertile egg. It usually takes four weeks for the parents to feed the babies until they start hopping out of the nest. After a month, the young will resemble an adult finch in size. Breeding finches is an awesome experience that you shouldn't miss out on. Your first try can be quite nerve-wracking, but once you get the hang of it, you cannot wait until the next breeding season begins.

by: Kevin Green Article Source: ArticleCity

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BIRD WATCHING Scopes

Boy-with-binoculars (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bird watching is a popular hobby in the US with already more than 50 million members and this figure is expected to grow. Of course, you have to get close to them in order to see it which is why the hobbyist needs to have a bird watching scope. 

While some people use binoculars, hunting optics seem to be much better and if you want to know which of these are the best to buy, they are namely ATN, Bushnell, Leupold, Nikon and Swarovski.

So you know what species you’ve seen in your scope, you will have to refer to a bird watching book that is readily available at the store.   

But what if you want to see and take pictures of them at the same time? For that, you will need the digital camera binoculars. 

This type of bird watching scope allows you to take high-quality images.  These happen to be the latest innovation in technology that allows you to take shots even at night and then download it into your desktop or laptop. 

Very lightweight and compact, you can easily carry it no matter where you go. If you don’t like the picture you took, you can review it by displaying this on the LCD screen then deleting this image and taking a better shot. 

Another great feature of the digital camera binoculars is that you can record a live video for up to 20 seconds or more. It is very affordable and a great addition to those who want to take a bird watching to the next level. 

Some of the brands that sell this bird watching digital camera include Barka, Bushnell, Celestron and Meade. These companies are the best in the business and if you want to take more shots, you just have to change the flash card from a 64MB to one that can accommodate 1 GB.

There are two features you have to look for when comparing these brands. These are namely the objective lens size and the magnification power. Objective lens size will determine the field of view while the magnification power may be from 7x to 10x. 

Of course, don’t forget to check if the bird watching scope has a clear LCD display, good resolution and as mentioned earlier, the video capture option. Since it is hard to stay in one position for a long time, you should also check if your new toy can be mounted on a tripod.   

As much as we want to buy the best digital camera binoculars around, one thing that we have to consider is our budget. If some brands are beyond your price range, you can either wait until you have more money or settle for those that are within your reach. Once you have narrowed that, it is time for you to try them out. 

It should be durable, lightweight and water resistant because it has to withstand the elements. Speed is also another factor so you are able to capture the bird should it fly away suddenly and you are able to add this to your collection at home. 

Aside from checking out the merchandise, do some research and see what reviews have been written about the product. These bird watching scopes area also great for other activities like boating, hiking and hunting so get something that can be used all around in the outdoors. 

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The UMBRELLA COCKATOO - 5 Characteristics That Make the Cockatoo a Charming Companion Bird

Umbrella Cockatoo - Photo by JunCTionS 

The Umbrella Cockatoo is a large Parrot with a big personality to match. Here are 5 traits that keep it in constant demand as a pet bird.

Beauty-Their snowy white plumage makes a wonderful and striking contrast to their dark beaks and eyes and gray or black feet. In flight, they are like sunshine as they show the underside of their feathers that are yellow in color.

But probably their most amazing feature is their crest. Usually, it is kept flat on the head, but when extended, forms a half circle of beautiful feathers above their head, similar to an umbrella. They are truly elegant creatures whether they are flying or perched on your finger.

Affectionate Personality-Known for their great affection for and ability to bond with their humans, they are often accurately described as cuddly. They love physical contact with their humans and need these several hours each day to remain emotionally healthy.

They are perfect companions for someone who has a lot of daily time and energy to devote. If your lifestyle does not permit you to spend at least 2 hours a day with your Cockatoo, consider another bird that is less demanding of your time, attention, and affection.

Trainability-Cockatoos are extremely intelligent birds that are capable of learning and performing a wide variety of tricks. Short, daily training sessions yield the best results. Your consistency and patience will pay off not only in the tricks that your Cockatoo will eagerly perform for family and friends but also in the trust and loving bond that this daily attention will create between you.

They are so trainable that they are often featured in their own shows at the circus and zoo! So there you have it, the sky is truly the limit for what they can achieve.

Enthusiastic Eaters-They love to eat and are not particularly fussy about what they eat. They still depend on you to provide a well-balanced diet to help them stay strong, healthy, and happy. A healthy diet should include a constant supply of clean water, a high-quality pellet diet as a base supplemented by fresh organic vegetables, sprouted seeds, and a smaller amount of fruits and nuts. Some fruit seeds are toxic to Cockatoos so check with your vet before feeding.

Round out their diets with occasional table foods such as small pieces of boiled or thoroughly cooked scrambled eggs, cottage cheese and small pieces of cooked meat, pasta, and crackers. Provide a varied menu within these guidelines to keep your bird's interest high at meal time.

Long Life Span-If you are looking for a lifelong companion, the Cockatoo has one of the longest life spans of any Parrot. With proper care, they can live for 80 years or more. Now that's a friend for life!

Another way to help your Cockatoo live longer is to use a HEPA air purifier to remove airborne pollutants from the air. Debbie Davis, President, PurerAir.com

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Types of Birds: Raptors, BIRDS OF PREY

Birds of Prey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Birds are sometimes classified by the type of food they eat. For example, birds that are carnivorous in nature are known as birds of prey or raptors. Differences also exist among these types of birds with regard to the animals they feed upon, however, one commonality is, the bigger the bird is the bigger the prey it feeds upon. The size of animals that these birds feed upon is reflected in the bird's physical appearance. Those which feed on larger animals tend to have a bigger and strong beak and nails for tearing their prey.

Some birds feed on insects. These spend most of their time on the ground pecking around for larger insects such as praying mantises and grasshoppers. American kestrels, merlins, owl and Mississippi kites are examples of such birds. There are also some raptors that feed on aquatic animals like fish. These typically live near the coastlines. Bald eagles are an example of such birds of prey. Many of these birds even take the fish from other animals that also eat fish. Thieves!

There are some types of birds which feed on small mammals. Such animals as mice, shrews, gophers and voles constitute food to these birds of prey. Hawks of different types, such as red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks and others are among the types of birds of prey that feed on such mammals. Other raptors that do feed on such animals include barn owls, merlins, and northern harriers to mention but a few. These birds catch their prey by skillfully hunting them from above. They either perch and watch out for their prey to appear or they hover in their air in search of their prey.

Surprisingly, there are some types of birds of prey that actually feed on smaller birds instead of on other animals. They can pursue their prey while they are flying, or alternatively, they can catch them on the ground. There are other types of birds of prey that feed on large birds like doves, ducks, pigeons, chickens and others. Such birds of preys include peregrine falcon, goshawk and others. Some other birds of prey feed on animals as large as rabbit, squirrels and others. There are others that feed on carrion, like vultures, who prefer to not take chances on live prey.

By Dan Muldoon - Article Source: EzineArticles

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COCKATIEL Sounds and What They Mean

Cockatiel - Photo  by al_fonso12 

Screeching squawks and melodic sounds are the usual cockatiel sounds. It is a known fact that male cockatiels are more talkative than the female cockatiels. The males use their skills in sounds during the mating process. If there are a lot of males trying to win a hen, the better singer gets to move up closer to the hen until the best singer is found to be the winner of the female cockatiel.

When getting cockatiels at a young age, they will tend to mimic human sounds better than their own cockatiel sounds. If you do a sing-song pattern with your cockatiel pet, you can be a cockatiel whisperer.

One way of a female cockatiel to carry a conversation with a human or a bird is mimicking what you will say to them through their sounds. On the other hand, a male cockatiel would change his tune and space depending on what he wants to converse with you to show off some points.

The male cockatiels and the female cockatiels would usually battle as to who gets to make the sweetest cockatiel sounds to be the winner.

Female cockatiels are considered to be more social than the males while the males have the better capability of mimicking and following sounds. As early as 6 months old, a male cockatiel can already start mimicking sounds. One of the cockatiel sounds that your pet would already know before you even take it home would be the "wolf ñ whistle". When males make sounds, it would usually pair it with an action by pulling back its wings to produce a heart shape. It can also make sounds by tapping on things such as its dishes, cage bar, toys and other things to get the attention of a potential mate.

Supple chirping cockatiel sounds are what the female will produce and complement it with an action by slowly lifting her tail up and slanting her head when it is ready to mate.

When cockatiels make noises and sounds that are not systematically produced, this means that they are "voicing themselves". Although cockatiels have louder voices than other birds, their voice compared to the larger parrot specie is recognized as charming since their vocal range is smaller.

By Sara Looper - Article Source: EzineArticles

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A ZEBRA FINCH - Your Perfect Pet?

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

Zebra Finches have become enormously popular pets over recent years, and this upward trend shows no signs of slowing down. They are undeniably attractive animals, while also being some of the easiest birds to care for and having endearing personalities, so it's easy to see why so many people are choosing to keep them as pets.

These finches don't have any particularly unusual or awkward care requirements, and as such, they are not difficult birds to look after. A cage is, of course, necessary, but it doesn't need to be as big as it would be for many other birds. A larger cage will always be preferred though, and for any more than a single pair of finches, you'll need a much larger enclosure. Still, this is the case for any pet bird species.

One frequent concern amongst potential buyers is how noisy the finches will be - constantly squawking birds may well make you unpopular with your neighbors! However Zebra Finches are fairly quiet birds, and while they are not silent, they can easily be kept in a flat or apartment without annoying anyone living nearby.

Their diet can be catered for with a wide range of commercially available products that any pet store will supply, and the cage can even be lined with newspaper if you don't want to buy anything more expensive. Further research is obviously recommended to see exactly what your pets will need before you get them, and there are many comprehensive care sheets both online and in books.

Zebra Finches will live comfortably at room temperature and so they can be very easily integrated into the average home, although they should always be kept away from cold draughts and air conditioning units. They may need some exposure to UV light, and some people choose to buy special lights to achieve this, but it shouldn't be an issue in most houses.

Choosing to buy a couple of these birds is a reasonably long-term commitment as they should live for at least six years, but this isn't exceptionally long and is shorter than many species, making them a good choice for a first bird. If you've never owned a bird before, then Zebra Finches are certainly a better choice than something like a parrot that may outlive you!

In conclusion, Zebra Finches make excellent pets, both for first-time owners and for more experienced keepers who want something new. Being so beautiful and straightforward to care for, it's no wonder more and more people are buying these birds!

By Peter Joyce For more information about Zebra Finches and how to care for them, take a look at the comprehensive care sheet here at ExoticPetsResources.com. Article Source: EzineArticles

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How do You Get 8 Canaries When You Wanted One Male CANARY to Sing?

Canary birds - Photo  by Steve p2008 

How do you get 8 canaries when you wanted one male canary to sing?

We want a little male canary to sing and bring joy to our home. We found a Canary for sale at a national pet chain. The manager of the store told us how the male canary had been singing all day and eating strawberries.

I ask how he knew it was the canary singing.

He said from the song and was different from any other bird. Well, we are sold and took home this beautiful canary.

Being a die-hard Beatle fan I named the canary Mc after Sir Paul McCartney. Hearing Beatle songs always makes me feel good and knew the canary song would bring that same feeling of joy.

We are all excited and we bought strawberries and started doing some research on canaries. I found so much information it was confusing. The breeds to colors and different songs of canaries are truly fascinating.

Mc seems to be happy in her new home but no singing. Days went by and no singing.

I found canary songs on the internet and even a CD on how to make a canary sing. We listened to canaries sing and Mc liked the canary song but never joined in to sing along.

Then I found an egg in the cage. Wow! Being the inexperienced canary owner I went back to the internet for advice. Could a male canary have laid an egg? I don’t think so but what do I know.

I learned two things from this. Mc is a lady and she does not sing or eat strawberries. We went back to the pet store and were told they sell all canaries as male because they do not know the sex of a canary. Now that is an education by itself on how canaries are sold and what people tell you to get a sell.

We love our little Mc and the name is already attached to her and we are attached so no taking back the canary. To change the name just didn’t seem to work. Seems I have used Beatle names so Mc was going to remain the same even if he is a girl.

Mc is busy trying to build a nest every day. I have moved her into another cage or home. I changed rooms and the light she was getting. Nothing works. She wants to tear the paper in her cage and looks like teenagers wrapping toilet paper in trees at times. I will walk up to her and even with paper hanging from her mouth she will look at me as if she is asking

“What you never wanted to build a nest?”

Mc loves to take a bath along with eating her hard boiled eggs with greens or fruit. I keep quality bird seed at all times.

Now we have a beautiful female canary named Mc and how this turned into 7 more canaries I will explain in my next story.

The Canaries are wonderful pets and fun personalities. I am learning and would like to hear from others with their stores or information. I

Submitted by: Nancy Saporta - Source: www.isnare.com - Permanent Link

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Fischer`s LOVEBIRD - Agapornis fischeri

Fischer`s Lovebird - Agapornis fischeri

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Interesting Tidbits About BIRDS

An Orange-winged Amazon at Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Malaysia.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bird lovers know that these inquisitive and social creatures make ideal pets that can provide plenty of entertainment and companionship. While all birds need basic housing, nutritious food and plenty of watchful care, it is important to understand the features that are unique to each species that may affect their health and happiness. Whether you are considering a pet bird or already have one of your own, check out these interesting tidbits about birds that can provide more insight into their behavior.

Birds Can Outlive Their Owner

Before choosing a bird as a pet, it is important for you to know that many birds have extremely long lifespans. Canaries, budgies, and lovebirds can all live eight years or more, and macaws and cockatoos can live well beyond 40 years. For this reason, many bird owners appoint a guardian for their bird to ensure continuous care in the event that it outlives them.

Mushrooms are Harmful to Birds

While you can watch as your pet bird happily gobbles up many of the fresh fruits and vegetables that you put on your plate, it may come as a surprise that certain foods are on the forbidden list. Mushrooms are one that can be especially dangerous because the stems and caps of certain types have led to liver failure in birds. They also cause digestive disorders in parrots.

Birds Use Body Language to Communicate

Most pet owners are familiar with common actions performed by dogs and cats to communicate with their companions, but birds also convey emotions through shifting their feathers and assuming a specific stance. For example, loose, ruffled feathers may mean that a bird is happy; however, flared wings or shoulders may mean that a bird is either getting ready to fight or interested in courting. Many people are also surprised to find that birds will sometimes wag their tails as a greeting to their owner.

Even Small Birds Eat a Lot

When observing birds, it is easy to notice that it seems they are always eating. Whether they are outdoors eating small insects or a pet consuming their nutritious feed, it is necessary for a bird to eat at least half their body weight each day to be able to survive. Pet owners should be conscious of this fact so that they can plan their bird's feeding routine accordingly. Birds also prefer variety in their diet so include the occasional treat in your pet's bowl.

Sensory Stimulation is Important for Happiness

Due to the social nature of birds, it is critical to provide them with constant stimulation that they can use to keep boredom at bay and find comfort. Colorful toys, jingle bells, and climbing structures can all enhance a bird's cage. Birds also notice a change in their environment so you may want to trade out toys from time to time. If you must leave your bird alone during the day, use a radio or television to provide auditory stimulation that is similar to social conversations.

Interacting with your bird regularly has its share of rewards. Through chirps, mimicking and even repeating words, this pet can show happiness and forge a long-lasting bond with its owner. Understanding and responding to the finer nuances that make birds unique will enhance your relationship with your favorite avian companion while safeguarding their health and longevity.

By Genie Fletcher

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BIRD BREEDS Which Can Be Lovely Pets

A White-crowned Parrot - (also known as White-crowned Pionus)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

History of Bird Breeds

In the early days, birds were a source of amusement for the kings and queens. They were also used as messengers for an official purpose by the royal people. The historic past exhibits evidence of bird pets through wall paintings on monuments and in scriptures which shows that the beautiful creatures have always been man's close companion during the process of civilization.

Birds have always encouraged human imagination and have acted as the basis for poetry and creative literature. Moreover, the ability to fly inspires many people and they try to take pleasure in aerobic adventures like gliding. Keeping birds as pets is one more hobby that is enjoyed by humans. Just like pet animals, many people wish to keep birds as pets, domesticate them and observe their overall growth and development. However, it involves many aspects and minute details as bird breeds are different from animal pets.

Most of the bird breeds have special needs. For example, some birds need a special type of food and sufficient space in the cage. Some varieties of birds like pigeons need the freedom to stretch their wings. Apart from this, certain bird types have the ability to sing and some birds like parrots can mimic like humans.

How to Select a Particular Pet Breed?

To select a particular pet breed, it is very important to consider the basic things involved in their maintenance and your liking as well. Many people have different choices and the financial capacity of every individual differs regarding the upholding of bird breeds.

You can conduct a good research on various bird types to get an idea about their life cycle, needs, and a process of upbringing involved. Making a proper selection of a proper bird breed is very important as you are responsible for their life. You can read various journals on pet birds care or seek online information to get the entire details about your desired bird breeds. Accordingly, you can visit sanctuaries, bird's park, and shops that sell birds to decide whether to go for a particular bird pet or not.

Some of the famous and common varieties of bird breeds that prove to be lovely pets are as under.

• African Mourning Dove - It is a large-sized stocky pigeon which comes in light brown color. It grows up to 31 cms in height and displays grey colored head, pink underparts, and pale grey. These kinds of doves usually feed in groups and easily mingle with other species.
• Bronze Wing Pionus - This species do not breed in captivity, but proves to be good pets if handled gently. A bronze wing Pionus offers a lifelong companionship to the pet owner if treated with proper care and affection.
• The Umbrella Cockatoo - The type of birds breed is famous for its white plumage. Found in the islands of Indonesia, this type of birds breed displays brown or black eyes, lemon yellow color underside the plumage. The bird has the habit to extend its chest whenever it feels surprising. It got its name as the chest takes the shape of an umbrella.

By Cindy John Miller - Article Source: EzineArticles

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BIRD WATCHING During Spring Migration

Illustration of Northern Lapwings
from Edmund Selous's Bird Watching
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bird watching during spring migration is an incredible treat for all birdwatchers, newbies and veterans alike. The month of May ushers in spring along with the largest influx of migratory birds that provides an unparalleled experience for expectant spectators. 

Hundreds of migratory birds fly in from different parts of the world which is why this season is much awaited in the bird watching scene. Many different bird species can be spotted and enjoyed during this time which makes it easy even for first-time bird watchers to sight even the often rare and difficult to sight birds. 

Different birds of different feathers flock together during this momentous time which is why much serious bird watching enthusiasts travel great lengths, often crossing continents to track and sight migratory birds during spring. Fortunately, one need not travel too far to enjoy this natural phenomenon. All one has to do to take part in this wonderful event is to track the migratory patterns of these birds through simple research and find out good places for sighting.

To do this, one may start by finding out the different local bird watching activities that usually culminate during International Migratory Bird Day. Take advantage of the interstate bird watching activities both for the bird sightings and also for the networking. These festivals often offer various bird-related activities that are not necessarily actual bird watching so there is something for everyone and you can bring your family along if needed.

Meeting and talking with other bird watching enthusiasts will help equip you with the necessary tips and tools to further progress in this worthwhile hobby of birding.  

If you’re willing to travel a bit farther up north during spring, you will be welcomed by a wonderful bird watching experience staged at the Canadian side of Lake Ontario at Prince Edward Point. 

The annual Prince Edward County Birding Festival is flocked by migratory birds and bird watching enthusiasts alike. In fact, if you are new at bird watching, you may want to put off visiting this area during spring migration for the reason that it will be very difficult to top the experience of birding here. After visiting Prince Edward County regular bird watching locations may begin to fall short of your expectations and if you aren’t a serious bird watching enthusiast yet, you may soon become one after this experience. 

To partake of this wonderful natural experience, you can opt to join established bird watching trips to this area. With an experienced guide and a group of other enthusiasts, you will be able to better appreciate the trip to one of the best staging areas of migratory birds. 

Be sure to book your trip and finalize your plans beforehand because you may be hard pressed to do otherwise. All the advanced preparations will be worth it anyway from the sheer amount of wonderful bird species you will be sure to see along with the invaluable camaraderie and networking you can do with other new and old bird watching enthusiasts alike. 

Whether you consider bird watching as a casual hobby or your life’s passion, remember that bird watching during spring migration is something that you must try, even if you only try out local haunts, to begin with. 

Be forewarned though that experiencing this kind of event may convert you into a serious birder whether you intend to be one or not. 

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Caring For Your Pet DOVE

A Feral Barbary Dove in Tasmania, Australia.
Also known as a Ringneck Dove or Ring Dove (Streptopelia risoria)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are many Dove species found throughout the world but this article will focus on the Ringneck Dove. Sometimes referred to as Collard Doves, Ringneck Doves have developed in captivity to include several color mutations. The most common mutations include;

• White Dove
• Blonde
• Cream
• Pied
• Platinum
• Ivory
• Silver Ivory
• Wild (The color found in the wild)

Contrary to popular belief, doves enjoy being handled and are very easily trained. Ringneck Doves have been trained to perform a number of tasks and tricks for the delight of their owners.

Many new dove owners are pleasantly surprised to see the reaction of their bird when they return home from work or other errands. Many compare it to that of a dog. Their Ringneck Dove will begin flapping its wings, cooing and showing its genuine joy that you're home again. When you open the cage door it is almost certain your dove will fly directly to your shoulder. It is a truly rewarding feeling to see this expression of love from your pet.

The lifespan of Ringneck Doves - Doves can live to be 20 to 25 years old, with some reported to live much longer. The key to a long and happy life for your pet Dove is proper care and nutrition.

The Proper Cage - Doves can thrive and even breed in a cage as small as 2ft. x 2ft. If you do house your dove in a small cage like this you should provide it with plenty of time out of the cage. They need the opportunity to fly and stretch their wings. The best rule of thumb is to provide the largest cage you can afford and have space for.

A cage that is longer than it is tall is always best. This allows you to place a perch at each end so your dove can hop or fly from perch to perch. This allows them to get some exercise even when not out of the cage.

Proper Nutrition - There are several commercial brands of dove food on the market. These are readily available online or at your local pet store. Doves also do very well on a good quality wild bird seed mix. A mix that is formulated for a wide range of birds is best when using the wild bird seed. The choice of using a commercial brand of dove feed or a wild mix is a matter of personal preference. The difference in the two is that the commercial seed is better cleaned and processed to eliminate undesired contaminants.

Doves in captivity should not live on a seed only diet. Provide yours with chopped dark green vegetables, as well as chopped hard boiled eggs, shell and all. The egg shell is an excellent source of calcium.

Also be sure to provide a constant supply of properly sized grit. Adding crushed oyster shell will also provide additional calcium.

Don't Overlook A Dove When Considering Your Next Pet Bird.

Doves have a way of quickly stealing our hearts!

By Rebecca Zappa - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Breeding the AFRICAN GREY PARROTS

Psittacus erithacus - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

African Grey parrots are extremely famous birds and these birds are widely kept as pets. Breeding African grey parrots is a process that helps the bird keepers to increase their pet bird family without buying these precious birds from the market. People want to know that how they could breed African grey parrots? Successfully breeding African grey parrots needs care at so many levels and a careful bird keeper is capable of providing the comfort and environment required.

Careful Selection of Pair

The important thing about the breeding of African gray parrots includes the selection of a healthy couple for breeding purpose. Sometimes the birds kept together since their early days create a very strong bond and breeding these birds is very easy. Those people who buy a pair of birds from the market need to be sure about the gender of both birds. Sometimes a wrong pairing leads to confusions and later on, it is revealed that the selected birds are either both male or female.

Caging of Birds

The birds are far happier in the wild when they are capable of flying free. In the cage, the birds often do not live with that charm or excitement. It is a responsibility of the bird keepers to provide a very suitable cage for birds. The cage should not be highly confined that does not allow the wings flapping and minor flying. It is a basic right of the African grey birds to be able to stay in a cage which provides all the needs.

The placement of the cage is also very important. A happy bird would more likely to sing, interact and breed. The cage should be placed at a place which provides a view, sunlight and fresh air. The extremities of climates should be avoided by keeping the grey parrots warm or cold accordingly.

A Healthy Diet

The happy and healthy birds would breed faster. Diet plays an important role here. Therefore, the African greys should be provided with a suitable food to make them physically capable of reproducing in the best way possible. Mixed fruits, seeds and parrot palette food available commercially, are best for these birds.

Eggs and Hatching

The female bird once lays eggs, sits on them for a period of three weeks approximately. This period is important because the eggs should not be moved or touched by anyone else. Secondly, the bird should be provided with extra comfort and food to support her physical health.

The eggs hatch after six to seven weeks and during this time, the care is required to keep the cage's temperature balanced. The newborn chicks could not bear the low temperatures. It is good to provide them with warmth.

By Uzair M Sardar Purrsngrrs wants to help its readers to know more about the basic pet keeping concepts. Breeding the pet birds need a lot of care and attention due to the sensitive nature of the birds. Its good to know as much as possible before keeping the birds. It saves a lot of time and also helps to reduce any extra costs associated with bird keeping. http://purrsngrrs.com/african-grey-parrots-breeding/ Article Source: EzineArticles

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