PARROT Perils - 5 Dangers to Help Your Pet PARROT Avoid

Timneh African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus timneh) – subspecies of the (Psittacus erithacus). Pet parrot sanding on a cage. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parrots are beautiful birds. Regardless of whether you have a pet Quaker, Macaw, African Grey, Lorikeet, Cockatoo, or a Red Throated Conure (there wasn’t space for me to name them all); they are wonderful, loving, and colorful additions to our world.

In order to keep them healthy, owners must be ever vigilant about perils that could, in the blink of an eye, take them from us. Here are 5 of the most common perils that face pet parrots and suggestions for how to avoid them.

1. Food Toxicity-When deciding on the best diet for your parrot, you have certainly seen warnings about various people foods that can have devastating consequences if ingested by your bird. These include but are not limited to avocados, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and peanuts. There are several other things to be careful about.

When putting fresh food out (and you should do this daily if possible), make sure you allow the food to stay in the cage for only an hour or so. As you become more aware of your pet’s eating habits, even 30 minutes may be long enough. But the important thing to remember is to remove fresh food before your bird has any chance of ingesting food that is moldy. This can have grave consequences. Change water as often as it takes to keep it fresh.

Feeding your parrot small portions will round out his nutritional requirements by allowing you to feed it a little bit of all the types of food he needs rather than too large a portion of any one food.

2. Injury Outside the Cage-One of the most frequent demises of parrots happens when they are outside the cage. Be sure to go over rooms that you intend to let your bird explore before you release it from the cage. Hide wires, and protect those that are visible from being chewed by encasing them in heavy-duty plastic hoses. Turn off ceiling fans, cover mirrors, and close draperies to prevent your parrot from flying into them.

Put covers on pots on the stove, and put the top down on the toilet. Limit access to other pets while your parrot is on the loose, particularly if there is any chance that there might be aggression for any reason. Avoid opening doors to the outside especially if your bird is a strong flier. Always supervise your parrot closely when it is out of the cage.

3. Injury Inside the Cage-Often injury inside the cage results because the cage is too small or the bars on the cage are big enough for a head or some other extremity to get caught in. Double check the cage you select to make sure it does not have harmful metals or paints that are toxic. Parrots have incredibly strong beaks, so be certain the cage is strong enough to stand up to those powerful jaws. Stainless steel cages take the worry out of this problem because of strength, longevity, and lack of toxins.

4. Dangerous Toys-Because parrots are such strong chewers, a toy that was safe one day may become chewed until it is not. Monitor toys closely and rotate unsafe toys out immediately replacing them with new or other toys that are still safe.

5. Disease and Infection-Birds are programmed to hide illness because in the wild illness would make them subject to attack. So, unfortunately, disease and infections in parrots are often irreversible by the time they exhibit any symptoms. However, cleanliness plays a large part in keeping your bird healthy. Clear away droppings daily or more often if necessary. This keeps minuscule pieces of dried feces from becoming an airborne and spreading disease. Wash food and water dishes daily. Keep floors and walls in the bird’s room clean, and completely sanitize the cage monthly.

You should also keep the air clear of dander, dust, feather and other airborne pollutants that are present in your home’s air even without a parrot. Normal household pollutants such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pollen, other pet dander can all combine to clog your bird’s air passages which makes your parrot more susceptible to illnesses.

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Owning a Blue and Gold MACAW Takes Your Time and Devotion

Photo  by Rodrigo Soldon 2 

More and more people consider owning a Blue And Gold Macaw The truth is only a very few should actually do it.

Simply pay attention to the numbers of Macaws being sold by private owners. Far too often people simply bite off far more than they can chew or don't understand the amount of time, dedication, work, the commitment involved with owning a Macaw parrot.

It is likely the beauty, the out of this world colors, the affectionate/playful natures and overall intelligence of Macaw parrots that make these birds nearly irresistible for animal lovers.

To many people, unfortunately, buy on impulse when they buy one of these magnificent birds. Buying a Macaw is too often based on a delightful casual introduction and not any appreciable amount of before purchase research.

Properly trained, loving and intelligent Macaws are not something that just happens. That bird is the product of love, care, devotion, understanding, and work. For those who own and love the Macaws, it may be the most gratifying work but it works none the less.

The work begins with reputable dedicated breeders hand feeding and socializing the chicks. After purchase that socialization must be a continuing process. Breeder commitment and dedication is the reason that hand-fed babies make the best companions.

By hand-feeding the babies, the breeders instill humans as essential to the babies' existence and as a natural and normal part of his flock. This makes humans a recognizable part of the bird's family.

It takes a real expert to tame a Macaw Blue And Gold or other that is not a hand-fed chick. Most of those will just never become as loving, gentle and happy to be a part of the family as will the hand-fed a bird. The first step in socializing any large companion bird is hand feeding the chicks.

Personal attention by the breeders goes a very long way, helping to ensure anyone willing to continue the process will likely continue to have a good-natured, trainable and loving bird.

Unfortunately most or too many prospective owners do not fully grasp the importance of continuing the socialization process initiated by the breeder. So having a great deal of time and even more, desire to continue the process is mandatory before anyone should buy a Macaw.

With large birds like the Blue And Gold Macaw, the socialization process must be ongoing for life. Left alone to fend on their own Macaws can easily revert. They may become far wilder than a loving, gentle companion.

Left alone too long and or too often the Macaw can easily lose any interest in being that lovable bird and companion you first purchased. He can become that feather plucking, aggressive, extraordinarily loud and destructive bird he is quite capable of becoming.

Done correctly owning a Macaw parrot is every bit as gratifying as owning any other pet, for me it is more. I can think of no other pet that will bond closer or for as long as the Macaw or other large parrots.

For me and maybe because Macaws are not domesticated animals bonding is of a more personal nature. Perhaps it is the sole fact that the Macaws are not domesticated that makes bonding so very remarkable and heartfelt.

The Blue And Gold Macaw is not for the casual pet owner. If lacking the time, dedication and commitment to supplying his needs the Macaw is not a good choice. The Blue And Gold Macaw almost demand you spend your time and that you provide him not just physical care but emotional support also. He can be almost maniacal in his need of your attention but can be just as maniacal when it comes to showing and giving his affection to those within his flock.

Primarily due to his loving and friendly nature. It's seldom that a Blue And Gold Macaw will prefer to be left alone. A well-socialized Macaw will want to be included in everything you do. Most of the time A Blue And Gold Macaw simply wants to be with you helping to do whatever you're doing. He can't help it. It's his nature.

Without a doubt, it is your time, your caring, your devotion and understanding that allow a Macaw to become such an amazing companion. He easily becomes just another beautiful bird without your commitment.

Because owning a Macaw means giving so much of yourself. It is unlikely to ever duplicate the experience with any other type of animal. Life with a Macaw becomes intensely personal and gratifying. The bonus is. The experience can last your lifetime.

By Ryleigh Cantrell - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Discover the YELLOW PARROT of the Amazon

Yellow-naped Parrot or Yellow-naped Amazon (Amazona auropalliata) at Gatorland.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The yellow parrot in the Amazon really has many different appearances; the most noted is the Yellow-headed Amazon which stands anywhere from 15 to 17 inches tall, with a short tall, yellow head and a sturdy body. A sad fact about this yellow parrot is that they are on the endangered list in Mexico and in Central America. The attractiveness of Yellow-headed Amazons continues to increase poaching which is why they have been nearly driven to extinction in the wild. The reason for this is they are so appealing because they make a great pet and are excellent talkers. Their speaking abilities are considered to be outdone only by the African Grey Parrot and matched by the Yellow-naped Parrot.

The Yellow-naped Parrot or Yellow-naped Amazon is considered to be a sub-species of Yellow-crowned Amazon. It is notable by its green forehead and crown and a yellow band across the lower nape of their neck. The reason this parrot is well-liked as a pet is because they mimic sounds, and when in captivity this includes humans and anything else that they hear plus they have a mischievous personality. During the breeding season, males are known to bite because they feel that they are defending their nest.

The Yellow-crowned Parrot averages about the same size as the Yellowhead Amazon parrot their tail is more squares and have mostly all green feathers and dark blue tips which are difficult to see when they are on a perch. The amount of yellow on the parrot varies which is restricted to the crown-region, hence the name. They are usually found in pairs or small flocks and as with most parrots, their foods consist of fruits, nuts, and seeds and berries. They like to nest in hollow trees and they lay anywhere from 2 -3 eggs and the incubation time is only about 26 days about sixty days after hatching they leave the nest.

Amazon parrots such as the Yellow-headed Amazon, Yellow-naped Amazon, and Yellowface parrot (which is declining or has already disappeared in large areas of its former range in Brazil, are all generally kept as pets because of their extraordinary speaking abilities, mischievousness, and agility with their feet. They can live up to fifty years old and make very devoted pets. Nevertheless, even well-taught parrots can become hostile dunning mating season.

These Amazon yellow parrots require more attention than our domesticated cats or dogs. Which involve making sure these birds have plenty of chewing toys and branches. They enjoy chewing wood and should be provided with chunks of pine or fir wood. They also love branches with leaves which they benefit from the nutrients obtained from chewing leaves and green bark. Good types of branches to offer to include willow, honeysuckle, eucalyptus, palms, bottle brush, and fruitwoods. These parrots can be destructive that is why they need non-destroyable safe toys as well. They don't seem to have the nervous plucking of their feathers as some species.

They are very active birds they prosper in an area that allows them to fly and move around, an aviary is a large enclosure for confining birds and would be recommended because unlike cages, aviaries permit the bird to have a larger living space where they can fly. They need a proper diet which would consist of fresh vegetables and fruits, sprouted seeds and grains, and other whole foods that will keep your parrot healthy.

How yellow parrots or any parrot for that matter has been raised will drastically affect its personality. Parrots vary in their temperament, noise level, talking capability, attraction to people and care that they need. They can be a joy to have in your life.

Among the Amazon parrots beside the Yellow-headed, Yellow-naped, Yellow-crowned you will also find the Orange-winged Amazon, and Blue-fronted Amazon, which is as well frequently kept as pets. All of these birds along with Macaws and the African Greys are known for their outstanding vocal abilities.

By Alice Gines - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Regent PARROT - Polytelis anthopeplus

Regent Parrot - Polytelis anthopeplus

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PEARL COCKATIELS - A Very Beautiful And Unusual Feather Pattern

Pearl Cockatiel - Photo: Wikimedia

Unlike other mutations of cockatiels that have been achieved over the years, the pearl cockatiels are not really a color mutation, but rather a change of feather pattern. This very lovely feather pattern when combined with various color mutations results in some outstandingly, beautiful cockatiels.

Various cockatiel mutations have been achieved through the years by very careful selective breeding. Most bird owners now think that the normal grey cockatiel is pretty boring. There are trade-offs, however. The more the mutation from the normal grey, the less intelligent and ditzy the bird seems to get. Our three cockatiels who are mutations are much more flighty, more easily scared, and have more night frights than our two normal greys.

Pearl cockatiel varieties include the lutino pearl cockatiel which has the yellow lutino coloration with the pearl feather pattern. Lutino pearls retain the orange cheek patch. The cinnamon pearled cockatiel has the cinnamon mutation with the pearl feather pattern which results in a very pretty bird. The pied pearl cockatiel as well as the pied coloration with a pearl feather pattern. The pastel pearl cockatiel, which we have, does not have the orange cheek patch.

An important thing to know if you are looking to purchase a pearl cockatiel is that only the female pearl will retain the full pearl feather pattern for life after the first molt or later in the second year. Male pearls plumage will usually fade to the point of looking like a normal grey. On rare occasions will it stay. His coloring will be somewhat like the normal grey, but his wing feathers will have two shades of grey coloring, which has an attractive pattern. The orange and yellow areas will be less intense than the normal grey.

In the hen pearls, the general body color is similar to that of the male with the ear patches not being so intense. The wing bars are less pure in color. There is no white on the crown and the yellow areas are even fainter. The thighs have barred yellow and the underside of the tail is striped and dappled with gray and yellow.

So if you want a pearl cockatiel, the best bet is to purchase an older pearl cockatiel who has molted or is around two years old to assure that you will keep the pearl color. Or you can play the odds. We got lucky and bought our female pearl as a newly weaned baby. To our delight, she turned out to be female and is very beautiful. She gets lots of compliments from our friends. The pearly cockatiels are very lovely birds and are a great addition to any aviary

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By Shari H - Article Source: EzineArticles

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