Healthy Sun CONURE Diet For These Fabulous Parrots

Photo  by Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i 

Sun Conures are an affectionate and easy to train little birds which are about 12 inches in length and comprise of a bright yellow overall with an orange face and underparts. Green accents in the feather are noticeable along with a mixture of green and blue bringing in a vibrancy and brilliant plumage making it one of the most desired pets around the world. Preparing a Sun Conure diet is what this article reflects upon.

The lifetime of a Conure parrot can be between 25 to 30 years if they are in good health and they are an enjoyable pet to have around. During the initial stages they develop into a muted olive green color which is a defense mechanism in the wild, but when they mature at one year old they turn into this brilliant rainbow color of red, yellow, orange, green and blue. These birds are said to be one of the most beautiful of all Conure.

The Best Sun Conure Diet

Preparing the best Sun Conure diet does need to have attention to good nutrition which contributions to its happiness, health and quality of life. Poor nutrition is a major cause of health concern in these companion birds. Preparing the best Sun Conure diet should comprise a lot of fruits, seeds, vegetables, and nuts. These birds become bored with the same food every day so you need to make sure that you give them interesting treats which will keep them interested and active.

Seeds:

Birds are very picky when it comes to eating and no matter what type of combination of seeds you give them, they will eat only the one they find enjoyable leaving the others altogether. Unfortunately, though, this can lead to malnutrition. Occasional seeds make a good exciting treat though, as birds enjoy cracking them open and discovering each layer of the seed and exploring their various textures.

Pellets:

Pellets are an excellent source of a well-rounded nutrient diet which is easy to maintain and is best for birds. Every pellet has the same number of nutrients so you do not have to worry if your bird is a bit choosy with them. But don't be fooled into only giving them pellets as this is not good for their diet.

Fresh fruits and vegetables:

Fresh vegetables are a must for birds and should be provided to them daily. These birds will love this diet because it is more than just nutritional, but a sight of vibrant colors and exciting taste. Giving a variety of food to your bird will build up their interest in trying out new items and becoming alert every day.

Water:

While preparing the best Sun Conure diet, fresh water should be replaced twice a day. These birds are messy eaters and will drop their food into the water all the time, making the water contaminated.

While preparing the best Sun Conure diet, it is always important to bring in change and include various foods. This will keep the bird's brain alert and exercised in knowing different tastes and different color combinations. Sun conure parrots are quite intelligent and an easy pet to keep and what endears this bird to many people are their different temperaments and active lifestyle

Author: Kaye Dennan - Article Source: GoArticles

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BIRD WATCHING - Caring for Birds in the Winter

Birds around a bird feeder made from a Coke bottle in Johannesburg, South Africa. From left to right, a male Southern Masked Weaver, a male Cape Sparrow, a female Cape Sparrows, and two male Cape Sparrows. It is midwinter, so the birds are in on-breeding plumage.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The needs of wild birds in the winter are different than their needs in warmer weather. Also, in the winter, birds may be arriving at feeders individually or in flocks. Consequently, their human friends need to provide birds with options.

Feeders should be placed near cover but in such a way that would allow birds to watch for danger. For ground feeding, one should find an area near cover but with a clear view of the surroundings so that danger can be spotted easily by the feeding birds. Feeders should be placed out of the wind. The east or southeast of the house is an ideal spot away from the wind. A perching spot such as a bush or tree should be found near the feeder. Trees and bushes provide safe refuge from the elements and predators.

To entice birds such as juncos, sparrows, brown thrashers and pheasants seeds can be put into a ground feeder. Even tree dwellers such as red=bellied woodpeckers will eat from ground feeders. Cardinals, chickadees, wrens, jays, and titmice prefer platform and hopper feeders. Because hanging feeders blow in the wind they are, generally, used by birds able to hang on while feeding such as finches, nuthatches, titmice and chickadees.

A great seed to offer during the winter is the sunflower seed. It has a high calorie per ounce. It, also, has a high fat and protein content and is thin shelled. The thin shell makes less of a mess when discarded by the birds.

Suet is great for feeding birds in the winter. It is a high-energy food with a pure fat substance which is invaluable for birds in the winter when insects are scarce and birds need more calories to keep their bodies warm. Suet can be fed in a variety of feeders ranging from suet cages to wooden feeders that offer protection from the elements.

Peanuts are another food that is good for birds in the winter. Peanuts have a high-fat level and are often used in suet products. Peanuts provide a good source of protein for birds.

As at any other time, birds need to have a source of water. Bird baths are a great source for water and should be heated to prevent the whole bath from freezing. If bird bath de-icers are used, the bird baths should be able to stay out all winter with no problems.

Lastly, birds need some form of shelter in the winter to protect them from the elements and natural predators. Roosting boxes or natural covers are ideal. It is imperative to clean birdhouses to help reduce the possibility of parasitic bugs that are able to survive the winter.

By following these simple, common-sense rules, anyone can see how rewarding bird watching can be, even in the winter.

By Mary Fesio - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Want a TALKING BIRD? Learn Which Birds Love to Talk

Sun Conure - Photo: Pixabay

Spending a few minutes chatting with a talking bird can brighten your day, and adding a bird to your family will provide a fun opportunity to enjoy the bonds that form when your feathered companion can talk. Many types of birds love to talk and their styles can vary according to their species as well as their temperament. While some birds may be able to memorize a few words, others can carry on full conversations. Here are the top pet bird types that have the ability to learn to talk along with their defining characteristics to help you decide which one will best fit your lifestyle.

Converse With a Conure

Conures are known for having the smallest vocabulary out of the parrot family. However, what they lack in words, they make up for in personality. Conures have a loud, attention-getting voice, and they sound more like a bird than other species. Although they can reproduce the human voice to some degree, you may also hear them chatter in bird talk while maintaining a human-like rhythm. They also have a surprisingly strong ability to mimic many different kinds of sounds, and your conure can keep you in giggles as they sneeze, chortle and chuckle.

Query a Quaker

Quakers have tons of personality and many bird lovers claim that their quaker can respond as if they understand the entire conversation. Perhaps this is due to their impeccable timing, which indicates that they may have some understanding of the intricacies of human language. For example, you may find your quaker telling you "good night" as you turn off a light, or they may say "thank you" when you give them some food. Quakers are full of surprises and this is one talking bird that can keep the one-liners coming.

Babble with a Budgie

Wiki CC

Budgies often get overlooked when it comes to talking birds, but according to the Guinness Book of World records, a budgie has earned the distinction of being "The Most Talking Bird" with a vocabulary of more than 1700 words. If you are considering getting a budgie, then be sure it is a male since females do not talk. Additionally, budgies pick up new words from their environment and are constantly adding to their vocabulary. Try leaving the radio or television on during quiet periods of the day and you will be amazed at how much your budgie can learn to say.

Gab with an African Grey

African greys are quieter than a conure, yet they also have the ability to reproduce different voices depending upon whom they are mimicking. For example, your African grey may sing a song in the voice of your favorite musical artist, or they could squawk "hello" in your kid's voice so well that you think they are in the room. As you teach your grey to talk, keep in mind that they learn words faster when emotions are attached to them. So, get excited when you tell them hello or call them a pretty bird.

Talking birds are a great addition to any home, and you can spend hours training your bird to communicate effectively. Whether you prefer a chatterbox or an occasional bit of birdie wisdom, there is a type of talking bird that will fit your preferences. Just remember that talking to your bird frequently is the best way to expand their vocabulary which means that you can get started from the moment you bring your new bird home.

By Genie Fletcher - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Green ROSELLA - Platycercus caledonicus

Green Rosella - Platycercus caledonicus

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Things to Consider when Building a BIRD DECK HOUSE

A birdhouse, taken at the Peabody Mansion Estate in Oak Brook, Illinois
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bird deck houses are one way of making your home feel brighter and livelier every day. It is the first thing that you can look at in the morning and the thing to see once you want to relieve some of the stress of your day. Believe it. Birds and birdhouses in your home can make a lot of difference not only to your home but also to your life. 

Building a bird deckhouse can be easy if you know what you are doing. There are some guidelines that you can learn from those who have done it. Bird experts have also some things to say about how to properly make your own bird deckhouse.

Overall, below are some of the things you have to consider when building a bird deckhouse.

1. Ventilation.

You probably would not want to suffocate the birds inside your house. And you probably would not want to make them feel like they are your prisoners too.

What you need to do is to provide proper ventilation in your bird deckhouse. If you have one that is fully covered, consider putting on holes on the top, bottom and the sides. You do not need to do this if the bird deckhouse has an open space where birds can move out and about.

If you have a pet bird that you do not want to fly away from you, consider having birdhouses that let the air in naturally.

2. Roof. 

Having a roof on your bird deckhouse is a means of protecting the birds from wind and rain. It is also one way of preventing bigger animals from playing and eating the birds inside.

In addition, the roof can prevent moisture from seeping inside the birdhouse. This serves the same purpose as the walls that you need to have in the birdhouse.

3. Space. 

If you have more than one bird deckhouse in your house or garden, keep them some feet apart from each other. Having the appropriate space between bird deckhouses is a way of reducing conflicts that might arise between the birds.

Birds are also like a human in terms of protecting their territory. They also do not want other birds to trespass into their space. It is better to give them the appropriate space that they can have for their own.

4. Material.

The best material to make your bird deckhouse from is wood. They are more durable than metal that can rust and cartons that rot.  Avoid using paint as much as possible. They tend to secrete vapors that can harmful for the birds.

Check out for unwanted visitors in your bird deckhouse. They can be insects or mice capable of causing harm and injury to the birds. Regular checking and cleaning can prevent these things from taking advantage of what you consider as pets.

The main purpose for putting up a deck in your birdhouse is to attract more birds. Your bird deckhouse will be a waste if birds are not visiting and coming back to it. An exception is when you already have the birds to put into your birdhouse. But for those who do not have, then the birdhouse should be a point of attraction and a regular safe place where birds can stay.

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The Australian ROSELLA - Parrots Belonging to the Eight Species of Rosella

Photo  by symonty 

Rosella (Platycercus Vigors) Parrots belonging to this genus are collectively known as the rosella and all show two plumage characteristics; well-defined cheek-patches and a pronounced "mottling" on the back. The rosella is a medium-sized bird with long, graduated tails. There is a notch in the upper mandible. The male has noticeably wider, heavier upper mandibles than the female. In all but one species (icterotis) the rosella sexes are alike in plumage. The white, under wing-stripe, is present but is variable according to the species. 

There are eight species of rosella:

o Crimson Rosella

o Eastern Rosella

o Green Rosella

o Yellow Rosella

o Adelaide Rosella

o Pale-headed Rosella

o Northern Rosella

o Western Rosella

Crimson Rosella:

The adult Crimson Rosella has a general rich crimson plumage; cheek patches violet blue; feathers of nape, back and wings black broadly margined with crimson. The bill is greyish-white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

The Crimson Rosella occurs in eastern and south-eastern Australia

In eastern Australia, the Crimson Rosella is a bird of the coastal and adjacent mountainous forests from sea level to the alpine woodlands above 1,900 meters. It is plentiful, even occurring in numbers in the outer suburbs of large towns and cities. The flight is more undulating and noticeably slower than that of the Green Rosella and normally flies close to the ground and glides upward into a tree. The tail is fanned when alighting.

The diet of the Crimson Rosella is seeds, fruits, blossoms, and insects and their larvae.

Its call is a low pitched "kweek...kweek...kweek", with the middle note on a lower scale. When alarmed the Crimson Rosella has a series of shrill, metallic screeches. A soft chattering generally accompanies feeding.

The courtship display and general nesting behaviour of the Crimson Rosella closely resemble those of the Green Rosella.

Eastern Rosella:

The male Eastern Rosella has a red head and breast; white cheek-patches; lower breast yellow merging into the pale green on the abdomen. The bill is greyish-white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

The Eastern Rosella occurs in south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania.

The Eastern Rosella inhabits lightly timbered country up to about 1,250 meters and is a familiar bird in gardens and parklands on the outskirts of towns and cities.

The undulating flight of the Eastern Rosella is comparatively swift. The inverted arc path is usually followed, but on long flights, particularly over open grassland, the Eastern Rosella flies at a considerable height and does not drop to the ground.

The call of the Eastern Rosella is a loud "kwink...kwink...kwink" on an ascending scale or a metallic piping note repeated twice; when alarmed a shrill screech.

The courtship display of the Eastern Rosella is similar to that of the Green Rosella.

Green Rosella:

The male Green Rosella has a red frontal band; head and underparts are rich yellows, the latter sometimes washed with orange-red; cheek-patches are deep blue. The bill is horn coloured; iris brown; legs grey.

The female is a smaller size with a smaller bill; throat generally washed with orange-red; wing stripe usually absent.

The Green Rosella occurs in Tasmania and the larger islands in the Bass Strait. Because of the sombre colouration of their upperparts, it is inconspicuous when on the ground seeking seeds or when in the tall eucalypts feeding on blossoms. The flight is strong with less undulation than that of the other rosella species.

Its diet comprises seeds, blossoms, berries, nuts, fruits and insects and their larvae.

The call is a disyllabic "cussik-cussik" given regularly in flight; also a variety of flute-like whistles. When alarmed the Green Rosella emits a rapid succession of shrill piping notes.

The male, when displaying, droops his wings, squares his shoulders, fluffs up his breast and upper tail-coverts and moves his fanned tail from side to side.

Yellow Rosella:

The male Yellow Rosella has pale yellow head and entire under-parts. The throat and upper breast are often lightly marked with red. The bill is greyish-white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

It occurs in the interior of south-eastern Australia; a riparian species closely associated with the Murray - Murrumbidgee - Lachlan Rivers system in southern New South Wales, northern Victoria and eastern South Australia. It frequents eucalypts, especially where they form savannah woodland on flood plains extending some distance from the watercourses. It is less confining than the other rosella species and generally moves well ahead of an intruder.

Its flight is swifter and less undulating than that of the Crimson Rosella. The flight path is direct and lacks the inverted arc.

The diet comprises seeds, fruits, berries, blossoms, nectar, nuts, and insects and their larvae.

The call is similar to, but of a slightly higher pitch than that of the Crimson Rosella.

Courtship display and general nesting behaviour of the Yellow Rosella closely resemble those of the Green Rosella.

Adelaide Rosella:

The adult Adelaide Rosella has a red forehead and crown; nape and sides of the head are dull orange-yellow; cheek-patches are violet-blue. The bill is greyish white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

It occurs in southern South Australia from the southern Flinders Ranges to the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide. It is abundant within its restricted range, and inhabits all types of timbered country, and is often seen in suburban gardens and parklands in Adelaide.

Its flight is similar to that of the Crimson Rosella.

All call-notes of the Adelaide Rosella are similar to those of the Crimson Rosella.

The breeding season extends from September through to December. Nesting behaviour, including courtship display, closely resembles that of the Green Rosella.

Pale-Headed Rosella:

The male Pale-Headed Rosella has a white head with tinges of yellow; check-patches violet-blue below, white above. Its bill is horn-coloured; iris dark brown; legs grey.

The Pale-Headed Rosella is widely distributed from northern Queensland, south of Cairns and the Mitchell River, to northern New South Wales. It is a lowland bird inhabiting most types of the timbered country including clearings in a heavy forest or the forest itself where it adjoins open grassland. The flight resembles that of the Eastern Rosella.

Its call is similar to that of the Eastern Rosella.

The nesting behaviour resembles that of the Green Rosella.

Northern Rosella:

The forehead, crown and nape of the adult Northern Rosella are black, sometimes with red markings; cheek-patches white above, violet-blue below. The bill is greyish-white; iris dark brown; legs grey.

The Northern Rosella inhabits north-western and northern Australia from the Kimberley, Western Australia, and east to the Northern Territory - Queensland border; occurs on Bathurst, Melville and Milingimbi Islands.

It inhabits savannah woodland, timber bordering watercourses, littoral forests and occasionally coastal mangroves. The undulating flight of the Northern Rosella is surprisingly swift and somewhat erratic, normally flying close to the ground, gliding up into a tree and then fanning the tail before alighting. The diet of the Northern Rosella comprises seeds of grasses, shrubs and trees, principally eucalypts, melaleucas and acacias, and fruits, berries and blossoms.

The call is a disyllabic, high pitched note repeated three or four times. When feeding in the treetops a soft chattering is emitted.

The courtship display and general nesting behaviour are similar to the other rosella species.

Western Rosella:

The head and entire under parts of the Western Rosella is red; yellow cheek patches; feathers of back and wings black broadly margined with dark green. The bill is grey; iris dark brown; legs brownish grey.

The Western Rosella inhabits south-western Australia. In open forest trees surrounding croplands or lining roadways, timber bordering watercourses, grasslands and cultivated farmlands. It is a confiding bird and becomes very tame around farm buildings were feeding on spilt grain. Its buoyant, fluttering flight differs markedly from the heavy flight of the other rosella species. Between wing beats, there are only very brief periods of gliding.

It feeds on seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, fruits, berries and insects and their larvae.

The call is soft and melodious, comprising a series of whistle-like notes repeated rapidly, and it lacks the harsh, metallic tones common to the calls of the other rosella species.

The breeding season extends from August through to December. Only the female broods and while she is sitting, the male remains in the immediate vicinity of the nest.

By Maureen Short I run a company, The Short Collection that specializes in handmade greeting cards with images of photos I've taken over the years of Australia's flora, fauna, landscapes, landmarks and Sydney's Opera House. Included are greeting cards with photo images of the Crimson Rosella and the Eastern Rosella. http://www.theshortcollection.com.au Article Source: EzineArticles

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COCKATOO Is A Popular Pet Today

Photo  by Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i 

Cockatoo is one of the popular choice pet today that has an owner have. They can show a lot of tricks that can entertain your guests at home. Taking good care of them is one of your responsibilities that the owner should do. You should feed them right away in order to avoid the stress for your pet and help them be active by showing some stuff that you would enjoy looking at it. This pet loves the attention should focus with them while doing some great things or even if obeying your command, which results in behaviors you want to have.

Training a cockatoo is very hard to do because it requires the owner to have patience and more passionate while teaching them you want to do from them. The best thing about these birds that they are not talkative just like parrots but they love to dance always and done a lot of things in their cage. While they are in the cage you should be careful for them because they are known as a keen chewer, so be sure that your cage for them was enough to be strong so that they will not out for their cage.

Choosing the best cockatoo is not as hard as what other pet to pick. They are just usually like parrots. But the good thing about this bird is that they are more colorful rather than the other species of birds. It has a long span of living and they are just like human being that can live for about sixty to seventy years of age. The will of companionship and affection would a desire to long live these birds. The need to have a truly feel safe for them always and do whatever is crucial to maintaining the chook in beneficial health and fitness.

It is best to have at least two cockatoos in your home so that if you were not being able to devote so much of your time for them and attention. They could develop bad habits if they were bored with themselves such as screeching and feather plucking. By having two of these will help prevent bad habits from developing by a bored bird. It is important also to have an exercise and play with them every day for their physical health. They are just extraordinary playful that it would play all day with just a little rest of time.

Author: Jessie Smith - Article Source: GoArticles

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PEARL COCKATIEL - Main Characteristics and Behaviors

Photo  by fresnel_chick 

Pearl cockatiel is identified through its pearl markings which are usually found in its back, nape and wings. They have scallop-like feathers and they have established the third mutation of the cockatiel species. It is significant to note that the pearl in their body is the effect of their feather pattern changes not a color change.

The pearl cockatiel has many nicknames such as the pearled cockatiel, laced cockatiel, pearly tiels, pearly cockatiel, pearl tiels and opaline cockatiel. The part of their body wherein the wings, nape and back feathers are edged or laced with the yellow or white color is known as pearling. While there are deeply pearled birds, there are lightly pearled ones as well.

Male species of the pearl cockatiel do not lose this pearling though it can faint for some time and that only the heavily pearled ones are seen with the markings for long. Conversely, the female cockatiels do not lose these markings throughout their life. Pearling patterns vary from small to big patterns. Yellow cockatiels can look like cinnamon mutations with tannish brown coloring rather than gray or black. They are sometimes called Golden Pearls.

Pearl cockatiel mutations can extend to 30 centimeters tall. Wild cockatiels travel in flocks, thus influencing their behavior during captivity. This communal 'flock' nature makes them suitable as pets. They can adapt readily breed and adapt to changes. What's good about them is that they may be left by themselves for long, provided that they are properly nourished. They do not have loud noise, thus you will not complain about that.

Pearl cockatiel, just like other cockatiel species, loves to climb perches and play inside its cage. Thus, it would be very best for you to provide them with perches and various toys to enhance these habits and practices. Additionally, let them spend some time away from their cage if you have the chance to do so. Aside from that, cockatiels whistle and imitate speech. This is most evident in male cockatiels.

Telling whether a pearl cockatiel is male or female could be hard until the males lose their pearl complexion after some time. Female cockatiels never lose this coloration, thus this could be your significant indicator. From their initial molt, males lose their markings and return to gray after several years. The truth is, males never lose markings. It is just that their markings turn pale that they become unseen.

By Sara Looper - Sara Looper is a cockatiels expert. Article Source: EzineArticles

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AFRICAN GREY PARROT- Psittacus erithacus

African Grey Parrot - Psittacus erithacus

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Clean Lofts - The Key To Racing PIGEON Success

Looking northeast from Clifton Avenue at rooftop racing pigeon loft (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Keeping clean lofts can be one of the most important parts of successful racing pigeons. Often overlooked and time-consuming, good husbandry comes down to cleanliness. For your birds to be in top form, they need to be the picture of health. The added bonus is that while you are keeping those lofts clean, you can keep a good eye on your birds, seeing who is in top form, and when.

First and most obvious, clean up that poop! Bird poop is a breeding ground for parasites and bacteria. The lofts should be cleaned daily. This is one of the best ways to keep your birds healthy and in racing form. Moving about the loft while cleaning gets your birds to use to you, this is a good time inspect birds. In addition, cleaning poop out of the lofts daily means you will see if something strange is going on. Does somebody's poop look different than usual?

Next, clean those water dishes. Don't just top them off or dump and refill. This is another good place for bacteria and parasites. It is important to rinse them daily, and if you're really strict about cleanliness in your loft you'll wash them with soap and water every day. At a minimum, water dishes should be washed once a week. Remember to thoroughly rinse the dishes after you've had soap in them. Don't just keep refilling those yucky water dishes, clean them. Your bird's form depends upon it.

Finally, wash the food dishes! Even though they are dry and don't appear to get dirty as often as water dishes might, they still need regular cleaning. Once weekly is a good rule of thumb for cleaning food dishes. Again you should make sure to wash them completely with soap and water. Allow the dishes to dry thoroughly before you add more food.

Good racing pigeons start with good husbandry. Good husbandry starts with cleanliness. Keeping the lofts clean is the most important thing you can do to ensure your birds are in top racing form. Nobody wants to race a sick bird and tax its weak body further. The three most important things you can do to keep your lofts clean is clean up the poop and wash dirty food and water dishes often. The added benefit of daily cleaning is that you get to spend time observing your birds. Observing your birds means you will get to know each individually and learn when they are race ready.

By Kelly McInnis - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Buying a PET BIRD - Things to Think About

Buying a pet bird may sound like something nice and easy but just because they are small and usually kept in a cage, birds are not all alike and not always the most congenial pet imaginable. Well, canaries, finches, parakeets and cockatiels are fairly easy to get along with. So are lovebirds. Canaries and finches are relatively low maintenance. So are parakeets and cockatiels and these are more people friendly and will actually enjoy being touched and petted.

Some people will talk about how low maintenance pet birds are. Birds don't need to be taken for walks and they don't keep you awake at night. You can even create nighttime for birds by covering their cages with a blanket or heavy sheet. For those who say they prefer a warm and cuddly pet, bird lovers are quick to respond that a pet bird can be very affectionate. Some even express happiness at seeing you return home with big noisy greetings.

There are some serious considerations to having a bird as a pet that you don't run into with other pets. One of the big concerns is the need to keep your pet from escaping. If they do manage to fly free, they can be long gone from your neighborhood in a very short time. It doesn't take much for a bird to escape. If you let it out of its cage so it can get a little exercise in the house and have some cuddle time with you, all it takes is someone coming to the door. Even if you just open the door a little, the bird can be out and away in seconds.

Another surprising fact about having pet birds is the lengthy commitment involved. The typical small birds such as canaries, budgies, and finches have a lifespan of at least 15 years. Cockatiels and lovebirds last a minimum of 20 years. Parrots are long life birds. Conures have a lifespan of about 30 years. Some have a 50-year lifespan. African Greys can live up to 75 years. Macaws can last a century.

As a rule of thumb, the bigger your pet bird, the more work is involved. Larger pet birds live longer, need more room, and need more attention. You cannot ignore a bored bird. It can create quite a commotion if it is unhappy with you. Before you make the commitment based on a whim, do some research on buying a pet bird. You will need to know the likes and dislikes of the bird, what kind of food it likes, how much space it needs, what its temperament is like and whether it likes to be touched or not.

By Kevin Highfill - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Tips For Building An AVIARY

Aviary, The Abbey Gardens An exotic bird in the aviary in The Abbey Gardens
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Once you have decided on what kind of birds you wish to keep or breed the next thing is to decide on is a flight cage or aviary. Building an aviary requires a certain amount of planning in order to provide a healthy environment for your pets, so it is worthwhile to spend some time doing a bit of research in order to find the right plans for what you need.

Where you are going to place the aviary is another important factor to consider. Are you going to house your birds indoors or outdoors? Do you have enough space for access and cleaning? Will your aviary be in a safe place where you can control damage or potential theft? Once you have thought about these points, the next thing to do is check your buildings plans and decide on what materials you are going to use.

Choosing a sheltered spot for your aviary will keep it protected from the wind and prevent too much direct heat from the sun. Make sure too that it is not too near overhanging branches from trees, as dropping from other birds may contaminate your aviary. Allow for space around the aviary in case you decide you want to extend it at a later date. Better to think ahead than have to reconstruct a whole new aviary which will be time-consuming as well as costly.

Building an aviary of good quality will not only enable you to get the most enjoyment from your pets but also create a more natural environment for the birds themselves.

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Caring Suggestions And How To Keep Your RACING PIGEONS Healthy

At Cage. Bangladesh.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How can you be the envy of most fanciers in your circuit? Simple; just care for the best racing pigeons and send them to compete. This is easier said than done, but with the right formula at your disposal then it's easy to take the lead in the circuit. It all starts with selecting the best racing pigeons to breed. There are many schools of thoughts that are propagated right now on how to carefully select the best breed.  Though the suggestions are varied, it all boils down to the birds' ability, the feather and its confirmation.  

In bird selection, you can never go wrong with the ones that have a lineage- racing pigeons that come from that illustrious family of race winners. If you don't know someone that breeds these top quality birds, then the second option for you is to go downtown and check out the lofts that breed these birds. One tip to follow is to ask the assistance of someone who knows a thing or two about these birds so that the right ones can be picked. Once the right racing pigeons have been selected, then you have hurdled one stumbling block in becoming the leading fancier in your community.

Now select the best means you are compelled to ensure that they are well-attended to. This means that raising and maintaining these birds and their lofts should be prioritized. There are a number of suggestions on how you can make this happen in your own lofts. And it's best that you are guided by these when raising your birds.

• Overcrowding the loft is not the best strategy. According to many fanciers, every pigeon should be allotted with at least 1 ½ square feet of space. This means that the space of the lofts will be dependent on the number of birds.

• Supply the birds with the right amount of food. But it doesn't mean that you will have to over-feed these animals.

• Take care of the health of the birds by subjecting them to regular checkups. There are certain vaccination shots that should be enjoyed by these birds including shots for pox and paratyphoid.

• It may be best if you can worm these birds at least twice a year.

• If your budget is more than okay, it is best as well to get vitamins and supplements for the birds. Ask the neighborhood vet for the right vitamins for racing birds. A corollary to this, don't just randomly select vitamins which you think are best but are not.

• And did you know that a piece of garlic can do wonders for the health of your birds? There are some fanciers that attest to the workings of garlic. They say that the consumption of this food item helps the rejuvenation of the blood.

Care is not just done prior to racing. Right after racing, racing pigeons deserve some care and affection as well. Give them enough time to rest and recuperate- after all, they have been involved in a very rigorous activity!

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The AMAZON PARROT and How They Are Amazing

Photo   by warriorwoman531 

I am going to introduce you to my Red-Lored Amazon Parrot, Gonzo. He is the mildest in temperament for an Amazon Parrot. He loves to be around people maybe not very cuddly, but his personality outshines that. He is very intelligent and it attentive when being spoken to. He understands you and responds to you when he is told not to do something. He is much like a dog and very loyal. I am very fortunate to have an Amazon-like Gonzo.

Now we are going to talk of the genus of all Amazon parrots. There are about 30 different species within the Amazon genus. They are all on the CITES index, which means that Amazon parrots, like Macaws, Pionus, Caique parrots all protected exportation out of the wilds like Brazil, Central and South America and the likes of Mexico.

On what is called the CITES Treaty; CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna. The CITES also known as the Washington Convention was created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was adopted in 1963, the convention then opened for signatures in 1973 and entered into force on July 1, 1985.

I ask that if you do decide on an Amazon parrot be very careful as to where you purchase your Amazon from. They are an endangered species and they need to be protected by people, like you and I. That is why I highly recommend getting a hand-fed baby or adopting an older parrot. The difference between a wild caught and a domestic parrot is the band they have on their leg; an open band means they have been taken out their country of origin and a closed band means they were hatched and hand-fed in the country you reside in. Many breeders do band their babies for statistical reasons, by keeping clean bloodlines and knowing which aviary the baby came from. If a breeder does not band their babies I would be wary of that purchase. Remember that if one-day certain species of Amazon's may become extinct in the wild, it will be you and I who not let them be forgotten; as they will be our domestic companions.

An Amazon parrot's lifespan, with them being healthy is around 50 years or even longer as long as they have had good nutrition and have been well-taken care with their needs in mind. They are a medium size bird about 10-20 inches from head to toe. Amazon parrots have short stubby tails. Their primary colors are green feathers with coloring on their head and/or their face. Some can be very colorful to just a multitude of greens.

Diet

An Amazon parrot's diet, you have to be careful as they have a tendency to become overweight with lack of exercise from being in a cage for a number of hours a day. They eat seed, pellets, fruits, veggies and some may like human food. I highly recommend putting a pellet in their diet. It has nutrients not found in the seed. Fresh fruits and veggies are very important as they contain phytonutrients (antioxidant pigments), that is not found in seed and pellets. Your Amazon needs nutritional food and also a variety of other foods because as they become bored, they need a variety for psychological enrichment. Food is mealtime but it is also playtime. Like your two-year-old child, mealtime is a fun time. The fruits and veggies that are rich in vitamin A are dark green leaf-veggies, carrots (the baby ones whole), mangos and sweet potatoes. The reason for vitamin-enriched foods is because Amazon's are prone to this deficiency. All sorts of fruits and veggies can be fed. The fruits you can feed them are apples, pears, berries, mango, papaya, banana, grapes, oranges, tangerines, tangelos. The veggies you could feed them are whole baby carrots (something they can play with), cucumbers, zucchini, red peppers and chilies, even dandelion and chickweed (make sure they are not sprayed with pesticides). Gonzo loves all nuts, though Amazons are known to get obese from fatty food, he also has an indulgence for tortilla chips and ramen noodles. DO NOT feed them avocado as it is toxic to them. Make sure they have clean and fresh water every day. Amazon's like to dunk their food so you may have to change it a couple of times a day. That is to avoid any bacterial infections.

Cage

Their bird cage should be as followed with the cage guidelines when you are buying a cage for them. Remember twice the width so they may spread their wings and 1 1/2 times in length for their tail. Bar spacing needs to be 5/8 inch to one inch apart. There need to be both horizontal and vertical bars to climb around on. The cage Gonzo has is 24x20x27.

They need plenty of toys to play with. Make sure the bowls are secured to the cage because Amazons are renowned throwers. I recommend an extra bowl for treats, fruits and veggies; besides their water and food bowls.

You need to wash their food and water bowls daily. Clean their cage at least once a week, by washing everything down with water and a small amount of dish detergent. Make sure it is well rinsed off when you put your parrot back into the cage after cleaning. Their trays can become quite messy as everything goes on the floor or below them. They do not have the best table manners. I like to change their trays with a newspaper every time I feed them. The newspaper is nontoxic and cheap to get. I do not recommend pine sawdust or ground shells. There is a chance of getting a bacterial infection or them eating it and getting sick.

Illness

We have spoken of bacterial infections and you are wondering "How do I know if my parrot is not feeling well?" The signs can be different so watch them carefully. Watch your parrot carefully because parrots differ from one another when there are signs of illness. If their demeanor changes from lively to sullen, ruffled plumage, resting often with their head tucked into their back (keep in mind that your parrot may prefer to sleep this way), consistent sneezing (yes parrots do sneeze). Now the most noticeable ones to watch for are if they do sneeze and discharge is coming from their nostrils, cloudy eyes and any change in their droppings (feces). I recommend you to have a good avian vet specialist, who you have a relationship with; that knows your parrot so you may call them after hours for any potential issues that should arise.

Gonzo

Gonzo is not caged and we do not have to be subjected to the aggression that Amazons are known for. The more your parrot is out and interacting with the family they are more likely to be friendlier and not so aggressive. Amazon's can be the most aggressive of all parrot species; however, this varies from Amazon to Amazon. Our Red-Lored is one of the mildest and more adaptable to the family life than other known species. These issues can be alleviated by not caging your parrot for excessive periods of time. Gonzo is not caged; he hangs on top of his cage and playpen, watching the day goes by. This also gives him a chance for exercise and prevents the obesity Amazons are known for. Please do not keep them on their perch in the middle of their cage; as they will appear like a stuffed parrot and when approached will bring out their aggressive side.

Behavior

How your Amazon parrot behaves. Many are very loyal, like a dog. Extremely intelligent and playful; you can teach them to play basketball and roller-skate; these are typical toys that can be purchased. They are outstanding talkers and yes, even sing opera. Amazon parrots love classical and traditional anthem music. Keep in mind that each species of parrots are individualistic and have differences so you may get an Amazon parrot who does not sing or talk. In our case, our Red-Lored does not sing nor talk, but is fantastic just the way he is. Never get a parrot expecting it to talk, get it because you want a lifelong companion. Amazon parrots are great screamers and vocalization, not as loud as a cockatoo or macaw though. They can be quite noisy at times, especially when the sun comes up and goes down. When it is breeding season and they hit puberty, about 5 or 6 though it could be later, they can turn into Jekyll and Hyde. Ride it out, this your companion you made, it is a commitment to for life.

Amazon parrot loves to bathe with a mister or in the shower, it is a fun time and it can be quite comical. Their world is about playing. May it be with food to the toys in their cage; they see the world as an adventure playground.

Keeping this all in mind; you will have a happy family when you understand your new found companion and their idiosyncrasies. Gonzo is everything that one that anyone could ever ask for. He is beautiful, great disposition in life and shows us how to take one day at a time. We are grateful for Gonzo; hopefully, after you have done all your research and made that commitment as to what kind of parrot you decided on, you have decided on an Amazon parrot.

By Peter T Roberts Peter has four very proud parrot species from all over the world. We have lived with our four parrots for over 15 years. All of our parrots are domestically born. The joy we share with them is immeasurable. Article Source: EzineArticles

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CAGE Vs AVIARIES: Which One Should You Choose?

An example of a commercial home aviary
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It's aquariums for most but for some, its aviaries. Pet lovers tend to relax more and feel calmer when they watch their pets in action and nothing promises more action than watching colorful birds of different species take flight and belt out a cacophony of sounds in birdsongs.

The thing is, people tend to confuse aviaries with bird cages, thinking that they're one and the same thing. For the clueless and for those who want to know the difference between each, aviaries are large enclosures for confining birds but have larger living spaces than cages. Aviaries also allow birds more space to fly and are usually designed to mimic a bird's natural habitat. Because these cages allow birds to fly, they are sometimes referred to as flight cages. Plus, aviaries will also allow you to house a number of bird species.

Birdcages on the other hand, are cages designed to house birds as pets. They are often considered too small to house more than two complimenting species at a time and are more often than not, used more for home décor without live birds in it, unlike aviaries. Cages are also too small for birds to have any flying space and choosing cages also depends on the size and species of birds you want to get.

Whether you prefer to get a bird cage or a bird aviary, there are important things you need to remember if you are to ensure that your birds will live in a safe, healthy and happy environment. For one, your cages or aviaries will depend on the number of bird species you want to breed, the weather conditions where you live and the kind of birds you want to breed. Gardens are usually the best places to build your aviaries in while indoors would be the best place for bird cages.

If you're in a quandary about whether to get a bird cage or an aviary, you need to weigh the pros and cons of each in order to make the best decision. Cages offer you more flexibility and freedom to control your birds, allows you to create specialized diets and monitor them closely for any signs of health problems. However, birds are more prone to escape cages than aviaries so if you want more security and safety aviaries may be your best bet.

Aviaries, on the other hand, allow birds to fly and live more happily because it is specifically designed to mimic their natural habitats. Since you can house more birds in them, it also gives them the opportunity to socialize, form their own flocks and choose their mates. Some breeders even attest to the fact that having aviaries actually lets you form a closer bond with your pets and is a constant reminder of why you lovebirds to begin with.

And lastly, aviculture experts also believe that if you want to concentrate on one or two bird species at a time, then cages would be more practical than aviaries. Unless you have been breeding birds for a while and know each species like the back of your hand, aviaries are best left to the experts and the experienced.

By Lincoln G Davis Take your bird-breeding to the next level and get the best aviaries that will suit your needs. Find aviaries at SimplySheds site and ensure you have a healthy and safe environment for your fine, feathered friends. Article Source: EzineArticles

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