By Frankie Goh
COSTA RICA covers less than 0.03 percent of the earth's surface, yet it is home to 875 registered species of birds. According to one source, that is more than the number found in Canada and the United States combined. It is, therefore, not surprising that Costa Rica has become a principal destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. Let us share with you our journey to view one of these birds, the resplendent quetzal.
In the early 1500's, the Spanish conquistador Hern�n Cort�s arrived in Mexico. There, as a gift from the Aztecs, he received a headdress of quetzal feathers. Only Aztec royalty had the privilege of wearing such highly esteemed adornments. The jade-green plumes of the quetzal may have been considered more valuable than gold.
Today this extraordinarily beautiful bird claims as its habitat a vast territory from Mexico to Panama. The quetzal can be found in cloud forests at altitudes of between 4,000 and 10,000 feet . The clouds in the forests are the product of rising warm air cooling quickly. The results are year-round lush vegetation in verdant tones and massive trees that reach one hundred feet or more into the fog.
About 100 miles north of San Jos� is the Santa Elena Forest Reserve-a good location to observe the quetzal in its natural environment. With the help of a guide, we begin our quest to sight a resplendent quetzal. Because of its jadelike coloring, the bird is difficult to see, as it blends into the forest's foliage. Our guide begins to mimic its soft, mellow call. The sound is similar to a whimpering pup. In fact, upon hearing the quetzal's response, one woman in our group actually thinks that there is a dog lost in the forest!
Soon, some 50 feet up, a male shyly comes out on a branch to investigate. Through binoculars its radiant colors appear even more spectacular than we had imagined. Its breast is a deep crimson-red, contrasting with its jadelike feathers. Adding to its stunning splendor are its white tail feathers, which contrast with its two iridescent green ones. Known as streamers, they measure some 24 inches in length. To see the quetzal sitting high on a limb with its long streamers flowing gently in the breeze is a sight of tranquil beauty.
A quetzal sighting is a unique experience. In fact, our guide mentioned that it often takes more than one trip into the forest to see one. The best time to observe quetzals is during their nesting season, which runs from March to June. During this time they may have two broods of two eggs each.
Upon returning to the reserve office, we hear another quetzal. Gliding gracefully and trailed by its green streamers, it lands on a limb not more than 16 feet from where we are sitting! The guide informs us that a chick has disappeared from its nest. The father is going from tree to tree in search of its offspring. We learn that only about 25 percent of eggs survive to maturity. The rest are lost to such predators as squirrels, emerald toucanets, brown jays, weasels, and tayras. Another challenge to the quetzals' survival involves the location of their nests, which are woodpeckerlike holes that quetzals make between 10 and 60 feet above the ground in old decaying tree trunks. When heavy rain falls, the holes can flood or collapse.
We also learn that the quetzal's favorite food is the wild avocado. It will sit on a limb eyeing an avocado that dangles from the branch of a neighboring tree. Then, with a flurry of beating wings, it will zero in on its target, grab the fruit with its mouth, and return to its roost. It swallows the fruit whole and some 20 to 30 minutes later regurgitates the avocado's large seed.
In their search for wild avocados, quetzals will migrate to different slopes of the Continental Divide. For example, from July to September, they are at home on the Pacific slope. Then in October they move to the Caribbean side to feed on a new crop of avocados.
As we cross a suspended bridge about 100 feet above the forest floor, a quetzal almost flies into us! It seems that this bird was in pursuit of its lunch when we crossed its path. The female sits just above us, giving us a scolding look for intruding.
We are also told that another fruit they enjoy is the blackberry, which grows on thorny bushes. As the quetzals swoop down to grab the fruit, they sometimes get their streamers caught in the thorns and lose them. Eventually, though, their tail feathers grow back.
In this way the bird can live up to its name. "Quetzal" is taken from the Aztec word "quetzalli," meaning "precious" or "beautiful." Unfortunately, its beauty has posed a threat to the quetzal's survival. In fact, the quetzal is listed as an endangered species. They have been hunted for their skins, which have been sold as souvenirs. Some of the birds have been captured alive to be sold as pets. However, according to our guide, the quetzal now enjoys some legal protection from such plundering.
Yet another threat to its survival is deforestation, which results in loss of habitat. For the protection of this resplendent bird and other wildlife, about 27 percent of Costa Rica has been set aside as preserved areas.
Our journey to view the quetzal has truly been rewarding. True, you can see the headdress of quetzal feathers given to Hern�n Cort�s in the British Museum in London. But quetzal feathers are far more interesting when seen on a living bird in the wild! For the time being, at least, wild quetzals continue to enjoy freedom and relative safety in the cloud forests of Central America.
Frankie Goh is a full-time family counsellor. He manage and host a website : Earn Money Online http://www.ezy-cash.com
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Suet Bird Feeders - Winter Bird Feeder for Your Yard
By J Ruppel
Winter time - the plants have dropped their leaves, the insects and grubs are hiding in their cocoons or burrowed in hiding places, and if there is something out that a bird might eat it is often hidden under a few inches of snow.
If you are looking to help the birds by feeding them, what's the best approach? A common winter time feeder is a suet bird feeder. So, why use suet, what is suet, and why would you want to use it in a winter time bird feeder?
Suet has a few advantages for use in the winter. It holds up to cold weather well (and in fact starts to melt at temperatures above 70 degrees F). It is a high energy source of food for the birds, it can be mixed with other high energy foods, and the suet cakes will last for a relatively long time so you don't need to refill the feeder often.
Suet comes from raw beef or mutton fat, often made from the fat found around the loins and kidneys. It was a common material in hundreds of years ago since it found many uses for the settlers like candle-making. It has to go through a process called rendering in order to be useful for most applications. The rendering is a process where the fat is heated and results in the cooking off of the wax like material. The result is a wax like material which can be shaped and used in a variety of ways.
Once you have the raw suet, it is usually prepared in a block similar in shape to a sandwich. To this you can add other ingredients like bird seed and peanuts which are mixed in so they are embedded in the block. This results in a block of high energy food that will survive well in the wintertime. You should note it can go rancid in the summer heat, so don't leave it out then. Most people will just purchase the suet blocks, but you can also find a variety of suet recipes which are tailored for different bird types.
Usually a suet feeder looks like a small wire cage feeder where the suet block is placed. This may be placed on the trunk of a tree or suspended from a branch. Another common style is a bird feeder that has the usual hopper for seed, and has suet cages on the sides to hold the cakes. Another way you can use suet it to smear it onto pine cones which can be hung from a branch.
Suet feeders are often used to attract many varieties of birds, including woodpeckers, goldfinches, juncos, cardinals, thrushes, jays, bluebirds and wrens. Often they will also attract starlings, which some folks don't care for. If you don't want to attract starlings you might consider using a suet bird feeder that only allows access to the food from the bottom, since starlings can't hang upside down. If you end up having problems with squirrels in your feeder you need to make sure it can't be accessed by climbing, and using baffles can help keep them away.
Suet feeders come in a variety of styles, ranging from simple cage feeders that simply hang from a tree branch, to decorative styles that can be freestanding in your yard.
Learn more about our large variety of decorative suet bird feeders at Birdfeederz.com In addition we also feature a selection of fancy birdhouses and other birding accessories as well.
Winter time - the plants have dropped their leaves, the insects and grubs are hiding in their cocoons or burrowed in hiding places, and if there is something out that a bird might eat it is often hidden under a few inches of snow.
If you are looking to help the birds by feeding them, what's the best approach? A common winter time feeder is a suet bird feeder. So, why use suet, what is suet, and why would you want to use it in a winter time bird feeder?
Suet has a few advantages for use in the winter. It holds up to cold weather well (and in fact starts to melt at temperatures above 70 degrees F). It is a high energy source of food for the birds, it can be mixed with other high energy foods, and the suet cakes will last for a relatively long time so you don't need to refill the feeder often.
Suet comes from raw beef or mutton fat, often made from the fat found around the loins and kidneys. It was a common material in hundreds of years ago since it found many uses for the settlers like candle-making. It has to go through a process called rendering in order to be useful for most applications. The rendering is a process where the fat is heated and results in the cooking off of the wax like material. The result is a wax like material which can be shaped and used in a variety of ways.
Once you have the raw suet, it is usually prepared in a block similar in shape to a sandwich. To this you can add other ingredients like bird seed and peanuts which are mixed in so they are embedded in the block. This results in a block of high energy food that will survive well in the wintertime. You should note it can go rancid in the summer heat, so don't leave it out then. Most people will just purchase the suet blocks, but you can also find a variety of suet recipes which are tailored for different bird types.
Usually a suet feeder looks like a small wire cage feeder where the suet block is placed. This may be placed on the trunk of a tree or suspended from a branch. Another common style is a bird feeder that has the usual hopper for seed, and has suet cages on the sides to hold the cakes. Another way you can use suet it to smear it onto pine cones which can be hung from a branch.
Suet feeders are often used to attract many varieties of birds, including woodpeckers, goldfinches, juncos, cardinals, thrushes, jays, bluebirds and wrens. Often they will also attract starlings, which some folks don't care for. If you don't want to attract starlings you might consider using a suet bird feeder that only allows access to the food from the bottom, since starlings can't hang upside down. If you end up having problems with squirrels in your feeder you need to make sure it can't be accessed by climbing, and using baffles can help keep them away.
Suet feeders come in a variety of styles, ranging from simple cage feeders that simply hang from a tree branch, to decorative styles that can be freestanding in your yard.
Learn more about our large variety of decorative suet bird feeders at Birdfeederz.com In addition we also feature a selection of fancy birdhouses and other birding accessories as well.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Pet Bird Safety at Home - Things You Ought to Know
By Moses Wright
Many of us have heard stories about birds outlasting their owners. This is a surprise to many, considering the delicate appearance of most species of birds. Birds, especially canaries, were used by miners to test the quality of the air deep in the mines. When the air reaches relatively unhealthy levels, the canaries are affected adversely and succumb to the fatal effects. This gives miners ample warning before the air became fatal for humans. This shows the keen perception of birds.
Pet birds are easily affected by unwholesome smells, similar to wild birds. Common household appliances and items such as Teflon pans, aerosol sprays and even innocuous furniture polish can be fatal for birds. The best policy when handling anything that may give off a strong odor is to use it in a well-ventilated area that is well away from your birds.
Pet birds have a strong desire to chew, and this can prove to be a serious danger. Lead poisoning can be caused when a bird chews on soldered joints found on welded items. In addition, birds like to nibble on potted plants. Despite contrary belief, poinsettia plants are not poisonous. It is important to remember that if you are unsure if a plant is toxic or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and move the plant away from the bird. A small pot of innocuous parsley can be helpful to the bird to overcome the desire of nibbling on houseplants as it is a safe substitute.
Fresh food that is fed to your birds will do them a whole lot of good; however, food like coffee, chocolate and avocado are fatal for birds and they should never be given such foods.
As the holiday season approaches, most people will bring a tree into their house. Many people associate a tree with a birds natural habitat and assume that their birds will enjoy climbing it. While the birds may in fact enjoy such an activity, many pine trees are toxic to birds, especially if they have been treated with any type of preservatives. In addition, ornaments and electric lights can pose a safety hazard to your birds.
If your bird does not have its wings clipped, there are quite a few additional safety concerns to be addressed. Firstly, all glass doors and windows should be shielded one way or another. A good bet is achieved by blinds, shades or curtains. Placing safety decals on windows and glass is another option, besides curtains or blinds, to alert the bird that the glass is there and help avoid serious or fatal accidents. Mirrors and other large reflective surfaces should be treated similarly when your bird is out of its cage.
Standing water can pose as a form of danger as well. Your bird can drown in a toilet or full kitchen sink in a matter of seconds. Cooking while a bird is out of its cage is not advised, especially if you have an uncovered pot on the stove.
Finally, always be mindful of the whereabouts of your bird even if its wings are clipped. Even a bird with clipped wings can soar for a considerable distance if there is an upward breeze. It is easy to forget that your bird is perched on your shoulder when your doorbell suddenly rings and you rush to answer it but you must remember never to carry your bird to an open door regardless of whether or not its wings are clipped.
Moses Wright is a an experience bird owner. He created a web site to help fellow pet owners with their home pet problems You can get more free information on bird care problems on his site.
Many of us have heard stories about birds outlasting their owners. This is a surprise to many, considering the delicate appearance of most species of birds. Birds, especially canaries, were used by miners to test the quality of the air deep in the mines. When the air reaches relatively unhealthy levels, the canaries are affected adversely and succumb to the fatal effects. This gives miners ample warning before the air became fatal for humans. This shows the keen perception of birds.
Pet birds are easily affected by unwholesome smells, similar to wild birds. Common household appliances and items such as Teflon pans, aerosol sprays and even innocuous furniture polish can be fatal for birds. The best policy when handling anything that may give off a strong odor is to use it in a well-ventilated area that is well away from your birds.
Pet birds have a strong desire to chew, and this can prove to be a serious danger. Lead poisoning can be caused when a bird chews on soldered joints found on welded items. In addition, birds like to nibble on potted plants. Despite contrary belief, poinsettia plants are not poisonous. It is important to remember that if you are unsure if a plant is toxic or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and move the plant away from the bird. A small pot of innocuous parsley can be helpful to the bird to overcome the desire of nibbling on houseplants as it is a safe substitute.
Fresh food that is fed to your birds will do them a whole lot of good; however, food like coffee, chocolate and avocado are fatal for birds and they should never be given such foods.
As the holiday season approaches, most people will bring a tree into their house. Many people associate a tree with a birds natural habitat and assume that their birds will enjoy climbing it. While the birds may in fact enjoy such an activity, many pine trees are toxic to birds, especially if they have been treated with any type of preservatives. In addition, ornaments and electric lights can pose a safety hazard to your birds.
If your bird does not have its wings clipped, there are quite a few additional safety concerns to be addressed. Firstly, all glass doors and windows should be shielded one way or another. A good bet is achieved by blinds, shades or curtains. Placing safety decals on windows and glass is another option, besides curtains or blinds, to alert the bird that the glass is there and help avoid serious or fatal accidents. Mirrors and other large reflective surfaces should be treated similarly when your bird is out of its cage.
Standing water can pose as a form of danger as well. Your bird can drown in a toilet or full kitchen sink in a matter of seconds. Cooking while a bird is out of its cage is not advised, especially if you have an uncovered pot on the stove.
Finally, always be mindful of the whereabouts of your bird even if its wings are clipped. Even a bird with clipped wings can soar for a considerable distance if there is an upward breeze. It is easy to forget that your bird is perched on your shoulder when your doorbell suddenly rings and you rush to answer it but you must remember never to carry your bird to an open door regardless of whether or not its wings are clipped.
Moses Wright is a an experience bird owner. He created a web site to help fellow pet owners with their home pet problems You can get more free information on bird care problems on his site.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Eagles Riding The Storm Out Of Joint
By April Lorier
Eagles have always fascinated me - especially the bald eagle. There are over a hundred species of eagles, but because our National Emblem has been the Bald Eagle since 1782, it has had more "face time" in the classroom. It is no longer on the endangered list since June of this year.
Every state in our Union has eagles except Hawaii, so people are constantly reporting "eagle sightings". The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a member of the sea and fish eagle group, and once it mates, it mates for life! That's right: no hanky panky in the bald eagle world!
Mama Eagle lays from one to three eggs and the pair share the 35 days of incubation. (No deadbeat fathers here!) The nesting cycle is about 20 weeks.
The female bald eagle is 35 to 37 inches, slightly larger than the male, and has a wingspan of 72 to 90 inches. She flies at altitudes of 10,000 feet, and during level flight, she can achieve speeds of about 30 to 35 mph. She weighs only 10-14 lbs, and her bones are light because they're hollow. She is known for exceptional eyesight at far distances.
The most fascinating fact, I think, is that the eagle has the ability to adjust her body out of joint in order the ride the storm. Wow! What a lesson we humans can take away from that!
The eagle waits for a draft and rides it - no struggle, no wing-flapping! It's sort of an "atmosphere of grace" similar to the Christian who "waits upon the Lord" and has less wing-flapping, less struggle. The eagle is definitely a "storm rider"!
As mothers go, the bald eagle is the best metaphor for human parenting and parenting by Father God that I can think of. Since the outside of the nest is made with sharp materials to withstand invasion from intruders, she and her mate lined the inside with fur from their prey. They made a big old feather bed!
When the time comes for those little ones to leave the nest and start fending for themselves - some where around 4 years of age -- Mama Eagle starts pulling the soft material out of the nest to make it uncomfortable for them. Seems mean, but it is necessary to motivate the babies.
Then Mama Eagle starts pushing the babies towards the edge of the nest, ignoring their screams. As the babies flap their wings, they are strengthening them without knowing it. Eventually, she pushes them out of the nest, one by one. As each eaglet free-falls, screaming and squawking, Mama Eagle flies under him, spreading her massive 90-inch wingspan, and catches him before he hits ground.
Mama Eagle's eyes are never off of her baby! She swoops up her baby and takes him back to that nest she and Daddy Eagle built out of touch from intruders. He's safe for the time being. But tomorrow he'll get another flight lesson from Mama Eagle. And finally, one day, he'll figure out he can fly on his own! (Probably when there's no more fur inside that thorn nest!)
God seems to parent me the same way. There are times when He allows this wounded child to feel safe in His feather bed. Then He knows it's time for me to be forced out of my comfort zone. But always, His eye is on me and His protective wings are under me.
I actually felt Him lift me up on wings of eagles at my mother's funeral after she had been killed. It was a visceral feeling, not just a spiritual one, and I floated through the day with total peace. So I know (experientially) the truth of this scripture.
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
(c) 2007 April Lorier
April Lorier is an award-winning poet, writer, Author, Christian Speaker, Columnist, and former music teacher.
As a pastor's daughter and a survivor of severe child abuse, April Lorier has an intimate knowledge of child abuse in and out of the church. She founded COPE, Inc, for the retraining of abusive parents. Her testimony before the CA State Legislature helped with the passage of The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), signed by Ronald Reagan.
Her autobiography, "GOD'S BATTERED CHILD: Journey from Abuse to Leader" (2007) is available at Amazon, B & Nobles, Target and at http://www.gods-girl.com
Eagles have always fascinated me - especially the bald eagle. There are over a hundred species of eagles, but because our National Emblem has been the Bald Eagle since 1782, it has had more "face time" in the classroom. It is no longer on the endangered list since June of this year.
Every state in our Union has eagles except Hawaii, so people are constantly reporting "eagle sightings". The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a member of the sea and fish eagle group, and once it mates, it mates for life! That's right: no hanky panky in the bald eagle world!
Mama Eagle lays from one to three eggs and the pair share the 35 days of incubation. (No deadbeat fathers here!) The nesting cycle is about 20 weeks.
The female bald eagle is 35 to 37 inches, slightly larger than the male, and has a wingspan of 72 to 90 inches. She flies at altitudes of 10,000 feet, and during level flight, she can achieve speeds of about 30 to 35 mph. She weighs only 10-14 lbs, and her bones are light because they're hollow. She is known for exceptional eyesight at far distances.
The most fascinating fact, I think, is that the eagle has the ability to adjust her body out of joint in order the ride the storm. Wow! What a lesson we humans can take away from that!
The eagle waits for a draft and rides it - no struggle, no wing-flapping! It's sort of an "atmosphere of grace" similar to the Christian who "waits upon the Lord" and has less wing-flapping, less struggle. The eagle is definitely a "storm rider"!
As mothers go, the bald eagle is the best metaphor for human parenting and parenting by Father God that I can think of. Since the outside of the nest is made with sharp materials to withstand invasion from intruders, she and her mate lined the inside with fur from their prey. They made a big old feather bed!
When the time comes for those little ones to leave the nest and start fending for themselves - some where around 4 years of age -- Mama Eagle starts pulling the soft material out of the nest to make it uncomfortable for them. Seems mean, but it is necessary to motivate the babies.
Then Mama Eagle starts pushing the babies towards the edge of the nest, ignoring their screams. As the babies flap their wings, they are strengthening them without knowing it. Eventually, she pushes them out of the nest, one by one. As each eaglet free-falls, screaming and squawking, Mama Eagle flies under him, spreading her massive 90-inch wingspan, and catches him before he hits ground.
Mama Eagle's eyes are never off of her baby! She swoops up her baby and takes him back to that nest she and Daddy Eagle built out of touch from intruders. He's safe for the time being. But tomorrow he'll get another flight lesson from Mama Eagle. And finally, one day, he'll figure out he can fly on his own! (Probably when there's no more fur inside that thorn nest!)
God seems to parent me the same way. There are times when He allows this wounded child to feel safe in His feather bed. Then He knows it's time for me to be forced out of my comfort zone. But always, His eye is on me and His protective wings are under me.
I actually felt Him lift me up on wings of eagles at my mother's funeral after she had been killed. It was a visceral feeling, not just a spiritual one, and I floated through the day with total peace. So I know (experientially) the truth of this scripture.
"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
(c) 2007 April Lorier
April Lorier is an award-winning poet, writer, Author, Christian Speaker, Columnist, and former music teacher.
As a pastor's daughter and a survivor of severe child abuse, April Lorier has an intimate knowledge of child abuse in and out of the church. She founded COPE, Inc, for the retraining of abusive parents. Her testimony before the CA State Legislature helped with the passage of The Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), signed by Ronald Reagan.
Her autobiography, "GOD'S BATTERED CHILD: Journey from Abuse to Leader" (2007) is available at Amazon, B & Nobles, Target and at http://www.gods-girl.com
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Teaching Your Parakeet to Talk
By Miranda Bain
There are two different ways to teach your parakeet to talk. One way is to train him/her to mimic what you are saying. This way is far less time consuming as all you need to do is repeat the same words consistently of what you want your parakeet to say whenever you are around him/her.
They other way is much more difficult because you are trying to train your bird to talk with some thought process behind what he/she is saying. This is done by explaining to your bird what you or he is doing in a few small words. For example, my parakeet loves to eat apple every day so every time i am about to get him some i say to him "want some apple" and i will continue to say that each and every time i get him some until he associates those words with the action. Eventually i hope he will ask me for the apple.
Certain birds pick up the skill of talking very easily however not all birds are guaranteed to talk. Certain types of birds are known to talk really well so if you do want a talking bird i suggest that you research what those species are before you purchase.
African Grey's are a well known bird for talking, Indian ring-neck parakeets (which is what I have) are also known as good talkers. i have had my parakeet (Oscar) for 4 months now and he is already starting to shape his sounds into words, they aren't very clear yet but he is learning and improving.
There are two different ways to teach your parakeet to talk. One way is to train him/her to mimic what you are saying. This way is far less time consuming as all you need to do is repeat the same words consistently of what you want your parakeet to say whenever you are around him/her.
They other way is much more difficult because you are trying to train your bird to talk with some thought process behind what he/she is saying. This is done by explaining to your bird what you or he is doing in a few small words. For example, my parakeet loves to eat apple every day so every time i am about to get him some i say to him "want some apple" and i will continue to say that each and every time i get him some until he associates those words with the action. Eventually i hope he will ask me for the apple.
Certain birds pick up the skill of talking very easily however not all birds are guaranteed to talk. Certain types of birds are known to talk really well so if you do want a talking bird i suggest that you research what those species are before you purchase.
African Grey's are a well known bird for talking, Indian ring-neck parakeets (which is what I have) are also known as good talkers. i have had my parakeet (Oscar) for 4 months now and he is already starting to shape his sounds into words, they aren't very clear yet but he is learning and improving.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Squirrel Proof Bird Feeders - Ways to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Feeder
By J Ruppel
There are really 2 basic approaches to keeping squirrels out of your bird feeder. The first is to simply try to block them from getting to the feeder. There are two common types of feeders that do that.
Baffled Bird Feeder - By simply restricting access to the the food in the feeder, you frustrate them and they move off. The advantage to using a baffle is that it more or less separates the squirrel proof barrier from the feeder itself, so that the bird have free access to the bird seed, and any size bird can still use the feeder. This is often the more aesthetic approach. This is often done by pole mounting the feeder, and putting the baffle on the pole. Other types use a hanging arrangement and the baffle forms a roof over the feeder.
The disadvantage of this approach is that squirrels can leap large distances, and are incredibly agile climbers, so that they will often find a way to land on the actual feeder and bypass the baffling. With the top mounted feeder you may also find a squirrel smart enough to climb down and cause the feeder to swing, and while they may not gain access to the feeder itself they can cause the bird food to spill to the ground, where they can get all the food they want.
Caged Bird Feeders - Another very common solution is to use a caged feeder. These are easy to spot, the construction includes some type of cage around the actual feeder area. It's a fairly open mesh, and in fact a tube style caged feeder looks similar to an electronic bug zapper with the open mesh surrounding the tube.
Caged feeders are better at keeping the squirrels out of the feeder, but they can still get to it and scare off the birds that are trying to use the feeder. This is often the case when you are trying to attract smaller birds.
The second approach to getting rid of squirrels in your bird feeder is to move them out. The much more effective types of squirrel proof feeders are those that cause the squirrel to fall off or be thrown from the feeder. There are two types of those feeders as well, weight activated feeders and the battery powered or electronic motorized feeders. While this won't harm the squirrels they are fun to watch in action...
You can learn more about these feeders and see videos of these squirrel proof bird feeders in action at http://www.birdfeederz.com This includes the motorized Droll Yankees squirrel proof birdfeeders as well.
There are really 2 basic approaches to keeping squirrels out of your bird feeder. The first is to simply try to block them from getting to the feeder. There are two common types of feeders that do that.
Baffled Bird Feeder - By simply restricting access to the the food in the feeder, you frustrate them and they move off. The advantage to using a baffle is that it more or less separates the squirrel proof barrier from the feeder itself, so that the bird have free access to the bird seed, and any size bird can still use the feeder. This is often the more aesthetic approach. This is often done by pole mounting the feeder, and putting the baffle on the pole. Other types use a hanging arrangement and the baffle forms a roof over the feeder.
The disadvantage of this approach is that squirrels can leap large distances, and are incredibly agile climbers, so that they will often find a way to land on the actual feeder and bypass the baffling. With the top mounted feeder you may also find a squirrel smart enough to climb down and cause the feeder to swing, and while they may not gain access to the feeder itself they can cause the bird food to spill to the ground, where they can get all the food they want.
Caged Bird Feeders - Another very common solution is to use a caged feeder. These are easy to spot, the construction includes some type of cage around the actual feeder area. It's a fairly open mesh, and in fact a tube style caged feeder looks similar to an electronic bug zapper with the open mesh surrounding the tube.
Caged feeders are better at keeping the squirrels out of the feeder, but they can still get to it and scare off the birds that are trying to use the feeder. This is often the case when you are trying to attract smaller birds.
The second approach to getting rid of squirrels in your bird feeder is to move them out. The much more effective types of squirrel proof feeders are those that cause the squirrel to fall off or be thrown from the feeder. There are two types of those feeders as well, weight activated feeders and the battery powered or electronic motorized feeders. While this won't harm the squirrels they are fun to watch in action...
You can learn more about these feeders and see videos of these squirrel proof bird feeders in action at http://www.birdfeederz.com This includes the motorized Droll Yankees squirrel proof birdfeeders as well.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Parrot Food - What Not To Feed Them!
By Iziah Shumkel
Not all foods are good parrot foods. It has often been said that parrots can eat just about anything that we humans can eat, this is just not the truth. It would be a wise decision, to forget that what tastes good to you must also taste good for your parrot. Many foods are just unable to be digested well by the parrot and may lead to an upset gastrointestinal tract. There are also many foods that are poisonous to some birds.
Some of the things that you should try to avoid feeding your bird in large amounts is anything that contains high amounts of sugar (if however you have a Lory, it's okay as it is a bird species that normally consumes a lot of sugar). Sugar tends to help the growth of yeast, which can be troublesome to your parrot. A yeast infection is a common ailment which can appear around the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract in your bird. By not supplying your bird with a large amount of sugar you will therefore reduce the chance of this infection. Despite this, if your parrot happens to get a yeast infection, you should go to your veterinarian and follow their instructions.
Another product to look out for our milk products, these are also not good to feed to your birds in large amounts. Milk also contains sugar, which is known as lactose. This is a problem as birds cannot digest it and means that the sugar sits in the gut where it for ferments, which can lead to a nasty case of diarrhoea.
Two more products that you should never give your bird are avocado and chocolate. There have been reported deaths due to these foods being fed to one's bird. However, for some strange reason, bird owners have been known to feed their birds avocado and chocolate without any ill effect. We are not sure why these two products can affect different bird so drastically, but how advise would be not to take the chance, I mean do you really want to play Russian roulette with your bird?
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.
Not all foods are good parrot foods. It has often been said that parrots can eat just about anything that we humans can eat, this is just not the truth. It would be a wise decision, to forget that what tastes good to you must also taste good for your parrot. Many foods are just unable to be digested well by the parrot and may lead to an upset gastrointestinal tract. There are also many foods that are poisonous to some birds.
Some of the things that you should try to avoid feeding your bird in large amounts is anything that contains high amounts of sugar (if however you have a Lory, it's okay as it is a bird species that normally consumes a lot of sugar). Sugar tends to help the growth of yeast, which can be troublesome to your parrot. A yeast infection is a common ailment which can appear around the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract in your bird. By not supplying your bird with a large amount of sugar you will therefore reduce the chance of this infection. Despite this, if your parrot happens to get a yeast infection, you should go to your veterinarian and follow their instructions.
Another product to look out for our milk products, these are also not good to feed to your birds in large amounts. Milk also contains sugar, which is known as lactose. This is a problem as birds cannot digest it and means that the sugar sits in the gut where it for ferments, which can lead to a nasty case of diarrhoea.
Two more products that you should never give your bird are avocado and chocolate. There have been reported deaths due to these foods being fed to one's bird. However, for some strange reason, bird owners have been known to feed their birds avocado and chocolate without any ill effect. We are not sure why these two products can affect different bird so drastically, but how advise would be not to take the chance, I mean do you really want to play Russian roulette with your bird?
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Humming Bird Feeders Provide Hours Of Enjoyment - But Must Be Maintained For Your Birds' Safety
By Bob Deweese
Humming birds are amazing little creatures, and it's hard to watch one hovering in the same spot for even a few moments without being a bit awestruck at this marvel of creation. And what better way to enjoy this attraction right from your very own home than with a good humming bird feeder. Kids and adults alike will love this backyard attraction, and soon you will discover that your humming birds are more than just occasional wildlife visitors, and rather more like pets.
As such, you will come to realize that it's of the utmost importance to properly maintain humming bird feeders in order to protect these precious birds. Many people don't realize it, but the food that you stock humming bird feeders with can go bad quite quickly. Therefore, it's important to keep the feeders stocked with fresh food on a regular basis. If the humming birds ingest the spoiled food, they can become quite ill and often times may die as result. It's also important that you keep your humming bird feeders cleaned and working properly. This may seem like a lot at first, but soon you will develop a routine and find that this is very easy provided you keep up with it on a regular basis. This will make the work easier for you and your humming birds will be healthier and happier as well.
Also keep in mind that all humming bird feeders are not created equally. When shopping for a humming bird feeder, be sure to choose one that has easy access for cleaning. Some will even include removable trays and parts to make cleaning a breeze. Like so many other things we buy, you do tend to get what you pay for - but a few extra dollars up front can save you time and headaches down the road - so don't skimp when it comes to purchasing a good feeder. Also consider where you will be putting the humming bird feeder. Do you have other pets (dogs, cats, etc.) or perhaps critters such as squirrels that will wreak havoc with your humming birds? This will be important as it will help you determine where and how to best mount your feeder. Some humming bird feeders will be designed to hang from a tree limb, for instance, while others may require a pole or other fixture. The goal here is to find a combination that will provide you with easy access while at the same time keep the birds as safe as possible from other predators or even family pets.
Humming bird feeders can provide you and your family hours of enjoyment. Just be sure to follow the simple steps outlined above. Also check out your local pet store or bird shop and you will find lots of other great ideas for various food sources, cleaning tools and materials, and of course, a wide selection of humming bird feeders. And don't forget to search the web too. You will be amazed at the number of quality humming bird feeders available at some very reasonable prices. Enjoy!
The author of this article, Bob DeWeese, is a long time freelance writer and website author. His site, PetInfoHub.com is dedicated to providing well written, current day articles relating to families and their pets. Visit PetInfoHub.com or read Humming Bird Feeders for additional articles and resources concerning humming birds and all of your other pet needs.
Humming birds are amazing little creatures, and it's hard to watch one hovering in the same spot for even a few moments without being a bit awestruck at this marvel of creation. And what better way to enjoy this attraction right from your very own home than with a good humming bird feeder. Kids and adults alike will love this backyard attraction, and soon you will discover that your humming birds are more than just occasional wildlife visitors, and rather more like pets.
As such, you will come to realize that it's of the utmost importance to properly maintain humming bird feeders in order to protect these precious birds. Many people don't realize it, but the food that you stock humming bird feeders with can go bad quite quickly. Therefore, it's important to keep the feeders stocked with fresh food on a regular basis. If the humming birds ingest the spoiled food, they can become quite ill and often times may die as result. It's also important that you keep your humming bird feeders cleaned and working properly. This may seem like a lot at first, but soon you will develop a routine and find that this is very easy provided you keep up with it on a regular basis. This will make the work easier for you and your humming birds will be healthier and happier as well.
Also keep in mind that all humming bird feeders are not created equally. When shopping for a humming bird feeder, be sure to choose one that has easy access for cleaning. Some will even include removable trays and parts to make cleaning a breeze. Like so many other things we buy, you do tend to get what you pay for - but a few extra dollars up front can save you time and headaches down the road - so don't skimp when it comes to purchasing a good feeder. Also consider where you will be putting the humming bird feeder. Do you have other pets (dogs, cats, etc.) or perhaps critters such as squirrels that will wreak havoc with your humming birds? This will be important as it will help you determine where and how to best mount your feeder. Some humming bird feeders will be designed to hang from a tree limb, for instance, while others may require a pole or other fixture. The goal here is to find a combination that will provide you with easy access while at the same time keep the birds as safe as possible from other predators or even family pets.
Humming bird feeders can provide you and your family hours of enjoyment. Just be sure to follow the simple steps outlined above. Also check out your local pet store or bird shop and you will find lots of other great ideas for various food sources, cleaning tools and materials, and of course, a wide selection of humming bird feeders. And don't forget to search the web too. You will be amazed at the number of quality humming bird feeders available at some very reasonable prices. Enjoy!
The author of this article, Bob DeWeese, is a long time freelance writer and website author. His site, PetInfoHub.com is dedicated to providing well written, current day articles relating to families and their pets. Visit PetInfoHub.com or read Humming Bird Feeders for additional articles and resources concerning humming birds and all of your other pet needs.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Creating a Birder's Paradise
By Casey Ryan
When I first thought about writing on this topic, I was going to say that creating a bird sanctuary is a piece of cake. But, as I was out feeding the birds this morning, I reflected on all that we have done to create our own bird sanctuary and decided that would be an over simplification of the process. While it�s not all that difficult to create an inviting environment for the many species of birds in your area, it does require a certain amount of commitment in both time and money.
In our bird sanctuary, we have 2 flat and open tray feeders with mixed seed, 1 hanging feeder for sunflower seeds and 2 hanging feeders for mixed seed. We also hang 3 suet cakes and have 2 bird baths as well as providing nesting habitat where possible. We have placed these feeders near or in trees from where they can perch as they take turns feeding and can escape to for protection when they see the shadow a hawk or other predatory bird above.
The end result is a fascinating variety of birds! We attract:
Pi�on jays
stellar jays
grosbeaks
tit mice
chickadees
several types of sparrows
nut hatches
3 types of wood peckers
ravens
mourning doves
band tailed pigeons
towhees
swallows
red polls
gold finches
and Clark Nut hatches
I�m sure we get other types of birds that I haven�t identified as well as quick stop overs from migrating birds, most notably red winged black birds and the occasional Western Tanager, always a special treat.
In order to consistently attract this many birds, we must be consistent in our efforts to keep the feeders and water dishes full. This requires a bit more perseverance on our part during the winter months as we live where we get quite a bit of snow so we have to regularly go out and scoop the snow from the tray feeders and keep the water dishes thawed with water heaters. We could cover the tray feeders to keep the snow off the trays but we find that many of the larger birds would stay away if it weren�t for the easy access. Besides, it means that we have to go out on a beautiful snowy day to clean the tray and that is a good excuse to get us out to enjoy the day!
Feed isn�t cheap but we find that it is well worth the four or five hundred dollars a year that we spend on our birds. It�s a hobby that gives us many returns on our investment as we are thrilled to witness all the different sizes, shapes and colors that frequent our feeders. It is a small price to pay for bringing these wondrous creations in for close up inspection and enjoyment. We have a flock of band tailed pigeons that spend much of the year here. There must be at least 50-60 birds in this flock. Look them up. They are huge and they eat a lot! Because we love having them we always make sure that they have plenty of feed. The amazing thing is, our neighbors never see these birds except when they do a fly by over their house or they see them coming in for a landing, en mass, at ours. We feel privileged...
Another thing that we have done is to put up bird boxes for nesting, being careful to make the entrance the proper size for the birds that we are trying to attract and to put the house at the right height from the ground. You can find this information by doing a Google search on the type of bird and searching keywords such as bird box, nests, etc. When we were building the fireplace for our house, we built houses into the side of the chimney with extended covers over the openings for extra protection from the elements. We have had several varieties of birds over the years nest in these. Currently and for the past 4 years or so we have had families of nut hatches occupying these nests. We have had the joy of watching the young take their first flight and have watched mom and dad teach these young�uns how to take a bath in our bird baths.
Overall, feeding birds is a great way to stay in touch with the natural world that surrounds us and to make a positive contribution to that world. Check with your local feed store to see if they have a special formula for the birds in your area. Our local feed store does and yours most likely will, too.
Enjoy your slice of paradise!
Casey Ryan is the publisher of http://www.homeandgardensplus.com, a website for quality products to enhance both your home and garden. Having grown up in the building business, Casey has built his own custom home using natural materials and strives to make his home environment a place that reflects his love of the natural world.
When I first thought about writing on this topic, I was going to say that creating a bird sanctuary is a piece of cake. But, as I was out feeding the birds this morning, I reflected on all that we have done to create our own bird sanctuary and decided that would be an over simplification of the process. While it�s not all that difficult to create an inviting environment for the many species of birds in your area, it does require a certain amount of commitment in both time and money.
In our bird sanctuary, we have 2 flat and open tray feeders with mixed seed, 1 hanging feeder for sunflower seeds and 2 hanging feeders for mixed seed. We also hang 3 suet cakes and have 2 bird baths as well as providing nesting habitat where possible. We have placed these feeders near or in trees from where they can perch as they take turns feeding and can escape to for protection when they see the shadow a hawk or other predatory bird above.
The end result is a fascinating variety of birds! We attract:
Pi�on jays
stellar jays
grosbeaks
tit mice
chickadees
several types of sparrows
nut hatches
3 types of wood peckers
ravens
mourning doves
band tailed pigeons
towhees
swallows
red polls
gold finches
and Clark Nut hatches
I�m sure we get other types of birds that I haven�t identified as well as quick stop overs from migrating birds, most notably red winged black birds and the occasional Western Tanager, always a special treat.
In order to consistently attract this many birds, we must be consistent in our efforts to keep the feeders and water dishes full. This requires a bit more perseverance on our part during the winter months as we live where we get quite a bit of snow so we have to regularly go out and scoop the snow from the tray feeders and keep the water dishes thawed with water heaters. We could cover the tray feeders to keep the snow off the trays but we find that many of the larger birds would stay away if it weren�t for the easy access. Besides, it means that we have to go out on a beautiful snowy day to clean the tray and that is a good excuse to get us out to enjoy the day!
Feed isn�t cheap but we find that it is well worth the four or five hundred dollars a year that we spend on our birds. It�s a hobby that gives us many returns on our investment as we are thrilled to witness all the different sizes, shapes and colors that frequent our feeders. It is a small price to pay for bringing these wondrous creations in for close up inspection and enjoyment. We have a flock of band tailed pigeons that spend much of the year here. There must be at least 50-60 birds in this flock. Look them up. They are huge and they eat a lot! Because we love having them we always make sure that they have plenty of feed. The amazing thing is, our neighbors never see these birds except when they do a fly by over their house or they see them coming in for a landing, en mass, at ours. We feel privileged...
Another thing that we have done is to put up bird boxes for nesting, being careful to make the entrance the proper size for the birds that we are trying to attract and to put the house at the right height from the ground. You can find this information by doing a Google search on the type of bird and searching keywords such as bird box, nests, etc. When we were building the fireplace for our house, we built houses into the side of the chimney with extended covers over the openings for extra protection from the elements. We have had several varieties of birds over the years nest in these. Currently and for the past 4 years or so we have had families of nut hatches occupying these nests. We have had the joy of watching the young take their first flight and have watched mom and dad teach these young�uns how to take a bath in our bird baths.
Overall, feeding birds is a great way to stay in touch with the natural world that surrounds us and to make a positive contribution to that world. Check with your local feed store to see if they have a special formula for the birds in your area. Our local feed store does and yours most likely will, too.
Enjoy your slice of paradise!
Casey Ryan is the publisher of http://www.homeandgardensplus.com, a website for quality products to enhance both your home and garden. Having grown up in the building business, Casey has built his own custom home using natural materials and strives to make his home environment a place that reflects his love of the natural world.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
African Grey Parrot - What Type Of Cage Should You Buy?
By Iziah Shumkel
There are a plethora of choices available when it comes to cages for your African Grey. What should always try to look through the cosmetic aspects of the cage, and instead focus on what your African Grey really needs. There are numerous shapes in which parrot cages come in, from square to round it of course rectangle. It is very advisable however, that you do not opt for our round cage for your African Grey parrot. This has been proven to cause not only psychological problems, but also orientation problems. One very important thing that you should be careful about is the width between the bars. The width of the bars must not be wide enough to let your African Grey parrot stepped its head through the bars as this can result in your parrot being trapped and in trying to escape, it breaks its neck. Generally, the bigger the cage the better for your bird it will be. Your parrot will thoroughly appreciate having the extra space.
Another thing, you may want to consider is whether the cage opens from the side, or from the top. A benefit of having the cage open from the top is that your parrot will be able to scale out onto a high perch.
Perches are another thing that you should consider. If you perch is made of hard doweling rod, you may want to consider changing it for a softer wood, especially if it is smooth. If you do this then your parrot will learn to climb about the cage, which in turn will mean that it will build its confidence faster. If you are in a situation where you have a baby African Grey, then you should place the perch lower in the cage until it has more confidence and stability.
Your African Grey of course loves food and water, so you should ensure that there are ample amounts and their accessibility to these feeders are easy for your bird. One thing you should do if you have a young bird is to place the food and water in different places. This will mean your bird will have to explore its cage which in turn help it gain confidence in its surroundings.
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.
There are a plethora of choices available when it comes to cages for your African Grey. What should always try to look through the cosmetic aspects of the cage, and instead focus on what your African Grey really needs. There are numerous shapes in which parrot cages come in, from square to round it of course rectangle. It is very advisable however, that you do not opt for our round cage for your African Grey parrot. This has been proven to cause not only psychological problems, but also orientation problems. One very important thing that you should be careful about is the width between the bars. The width of the bars must not be wide enough to let your African Grey parrot stepped its head through the bars as this can result in your parrot being trapped and in trying to escape, it breaks its neck. Generally, the bigger the cage the better for your bird it will be. Your parrot will thoroughly appreciate having the extra space.
Another thing, you may want to consider is whether the cage opens from the side, or from the top. A benefit of having the cage open from the top is that your parrot will be able to scale out onto a high perch.
Perches are another thing that you should consider. If you perch is made of hard doweling rod, you may want to consider changing it for a softer wood, especially if it is smooth. If you do this then your parrot will learn to climb about the cage, which in turn will mean that it will build its confidence faster. If you are in a situation where you have a baby African Grey, then you should place the perch lower in the cage until it has more confidence and stability.
Your African Grey of course loves food and water, so you should ensure that there are ample amounts and their accessibility to these feeders are easy for your bird. One thing you should do if you have a young bird is to place the food and water in different places. This will mean your bird will have to explore its cage which in turn help it gain confidence in its surroundings.
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Sun Conure Care - How To Properly Care For A Conure Parrot
By Danny Learton
The Sun Conure is one of the most popular birds being sold today. They are fairly reasonably priced, making them a great starter bird. They are hardy, and easy to care for. They are playful and easy to handle, and the only real drawback is they are a loud screeching bird. They are not known to be good talkers.
In my opinion, the great attraction is their beauty. Their bright yellow and orange plumage makes them one of the prettiest birds out there!
HOUSING
Sun Conures will need to be given a fairly large cage, as they do need to exercise. When you begin adding toys and perches, it�s importing to have room left for them to extend their wings.
The cage should be at lease 24 inches. There are a number of manufactures that make this size cage, and they will have a play area on top that can be accessed by opening the roof. Sun Conures love these cases, as they can play outside of the cage whenever they wish. They do tend to stay with their case and don�t roam around the house. Keep in mind that they have a fairly long tail. They will damage their tail feathers if the cage is too small or the perches and toys are spread around the cage. They need room to exercise!
They also love to chew! Keep a supply of soft wood sticks and twigs available for them to tear up. If you use branches, be certain that the wood was not treated with sprays that could be toxic. Sun Conures love to rip the bark off these branches and shred the wood. By giving them branches, you will lesson the damage to their cage perches.
FEEDING
Sun Conures are most happy with a fruit, berry and seed diet. But this does not give a captive bird enough nutrition. It is recommended that you feed your conure a good quality pellet diet, and be sure to supply lots of fruits and veggies. They love apples and citrus fruits. If you want their feathers to really shine (that�s why you bought this bird, remember?) be sure to supplement their diet with Vitamin A and orange/dark green veggies.
BEHAVIOR
The Sun Conure has a great personality. They are an inquisitive bird, so keeping them occupied is a simple matter of giving them lots of new toys. They love attention and will play with their owners every chance they get. They will bond with the owners and are very devoted to them. They can also be somewhat protective. If they are happily resting on your shoulder, nobody had better come too close or he will immediately take on a defensive attitude.
Training Sun Conures is very easy, as they look forward to this attention. You should be able to have them finger trained within a few days, and within a short time they will allow you to pet and scratch them. They will actually look forward to this attention.
For more information on sun conure parrot, please visit http://www.TheTameParrot.com/blog/
Danny L. publishes an online parrot taming and training newsletter at TheTameParrot.com where you can find killer tips and techniques that will help you turn your naughty bird into a well-mannered and well-behaved pet.
The Sun Conure is one of the most popular birds being sold today. They are fairly reasonably priced, making them a great starter bird. They are hardy, and easy to care for. They are playful and easy to handle, and the only real drawback is they are a loud screeching bird. They are not known to be good talkers.
In my opinion, the great attraction is their beauty. Their bright yellow and orange plumage makes them one of the prettiest birds out there!
HOUSING
Sun Conures will need to be given a fairly large cage, as they do need to exercise. When you begin adding toys and perches, it�s importing to have room left for them to extend their wings.
The cage should be at lease 24 inches. There are a number of manufactures that make this size cage, and they will have a play area on top that can be accessed by opening the roof. Sun Conures love these cases, as they can play outside of the cage whenever they wish. They do tend to stay with their case and don�t roam around the house. Keep in mind that they have a fairly long tail. They will damage their tail feathers if the cage is too small or the perches and toys are spread around the cage. They need room to exercise!
They also love to chew! Keep a supply of soft wood sticks and twigs available for them to tear up. If you use branches, be certain that the wood was not treated with sprays that could be toxic. Sun Conures love to rip the bark off these branches and shred the wood. By giving them branches, you will lesson the damage to their cage perches.
FEEDING
Sun Conures are most happy with a fruit, berry and seed diet. But this does not give a captive bird enough nutrition. It is recommended that you feed your conure a good quality pellet diet, and be sure to supply lots of fruits and veggies. They love apples and citrus fruits. If you want their feathers to really shine (that�s why you bought this bird, remember?) be sure to supplement their diet with Vitamin A and orange/dark green veggies.
BEHAVIOR
The Sun Conure has a great personality. They are an inquisitive bird, so keeping them occupied is a simple matter of giving them lots of new toys. They love attention and will play with their owners every chance they get. They will bond with the owners and are very devoted to them. They can also be somewhat protective. If they are happily resting on your shoulder, nobody had better come too close or he will immediately take on a defensive attitude.
Training Sun Conures is very easy, as they look forward to this attention. You should be able to have them finger trained within a few days, and within a short time they will allow you to pet and scratch them. They will actually look forward to this attention.
For more information on sun conure parrot, please visit http://www.TheTameParrot.com/blog/
Danny L. publishes an online parrot taming and training newsletter at TheTameParrot.com where you can find killer tips and techniques that will help you turn your naughty bird into a well-mannered and well-behaved pet.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Enjoying and Aiding Our Feathered Friends in Winter
By Kay Swanson
One of my favorite pastimes on cold winter days is to sit by the window with a hot cup of coffee in my hands watching the wild birds at our feeders. They come by ones and twos and some travel in flocks, but as long as there is feed available, they keep coming. Even the seed that falls on the ground from the hyper feeding habits of the smaller birds, is food for the ground feeding birds. It is my own personal contention that one or two birds act as scouts and then fly out and tell all of their friends!
Watching the birds gives us so much pleasure it is in our best interest as well as that of the birds, to help them weather the cold winter months as much as we can. Birds feed on insects, fruit and seeds during the warm months, but in the winter their diet consists mostly of seeds. The experts tell us that keeping bird feeders filled in our own yards will certainly help the local birds get through the cold weather. Every little bit helps!
There are several types of feeders available; plastic, glass, metal and wood. The feeders should be washed at least twice a year to clean out any mold residue and to prevent any diseases being passed through your feeders. Of course, cleaning them more often is desirable if you can stand it; it's not the most pleasant thing to do, but just try to think of the benefits to the birds.
Shapes are varied, designed for different sizes and types of birds. Sunflower seeds, millet and thistle are all good choices to fill your bird feeders and will bring different birds to your yard. Bird feeders can also be a decorative accent to your outdoor area in addition to the functional aspect.
So, buy your feeders, get them filled to the brim watch the show! Oh, and don't forget the coffee!
K. Swanson is retired. lives in a small town/rural area and knows how to enjoy winter from inside the house!
Birdfeeders: http://www.justperfectgifts.com/default.asp?dept_id=2025&nopopup=1
One of my favorite pastimes on cold winter days is to sit by the window with a hot cup of coffee in my hands watching the wild birds at our feeders. They come by ones and twos and some travel in flocks, but as long as there is feed available, they keep coming. Even the seed that falls on the ground from the hyper feeding habits of the smaller birds, is food for the ground feeding birds. It is my own personal contention that one or two birds act as scouts and then fly out and tell all of their friends!
Watching the birds gives us so much pleasure it is in our best interest as well as that of the birds, to help them weather the cold winter months as much as we can. Birds feed on insects, fruit and seeds during the warm months, but in the winter their diet consists mostly of seeds. The experts tell us that keeping bird feeders filled in our own yards will certainly help the local birds get through the cold weather. Every little bit helps!
There are several types of feeders available; plastic, glass, metal and wood. The feeders should be washed at least twice a year to clean out any mold residue and to prevent any diseases being passed through your feeders. Of course, cleaning them more often is desirable if you can stand it; it's not the most pleasant thing to do, but just try to think of the benefits to the birds.
Shapes are varied, designed for different sizes and types of birds. Sunflower seeds, millet and thistle are all good choices to fill your bird feeders and will bring different birds to your yard. Bird feeders can also be a decorative accent to your outdoor area in addition to the functional aspect.
So, buy your feeders, get them filled to the brim watch the show! Oh, and don't forget the coffee!
K. Swanson is retired. lives in a small town/rural area and knows how to enjoy winter from inside the house!
Birdfeeders: http://www.justperfectgifts.com/default.asp?dept_id=2025&nopopup=1
Friday, October 5, 2007
Parrot Toys - Should I Buy Them?
By Iziah Shumkel
Toys for your parrot are an essential part of its development. Store bought toys come in a variety of styles, shapes, colors and textures which add to the appeal of the parrot toy.
Unlike many other animals such as cats and dogs, parrots see in color so variations in color make the toy more enjoyable for the bird. Your parrot will enjoy an arrange of different toys although it is not necessary to put a huge amount in the cage. One good idea that you could try is to rotate your toys at different intervals say every week or month so that there appears to be a constant variety of toys for the parrot to play with.
Recent research has found that birds enjoy and anticipate receiving new toys as much as they enjoy receiving their fresh daily food. Another thing that you should consider is that some of your parrot toys will not last as long as others due to them being constantly bitten so you may want to take that into account when purchasing a toy.
One can purchase toys or play gyms for your parrot, or you could opt to have a go at making them yourself. Everyday objects like wooden clothes pegs or even your old ice block sticks will appeal to your feathery friend so don't be afraid to use a bit of imagination if you are short on cash. Empty plastic bottles with something inside them will keep your bird entertained for hours. Dried beans placed inside an old film canister will also rattle away giving the parrot endless hours of amusement.
You should also try and get some type of parrot toy that hangs on the inside of the cage as well, this is in addition to any other toys that you may have scattered inside the cage.
Don't be afraid to use your imagination if you are looking for a parrot toy and if you are unsure as to what is safe to use or not then your best be would be to vast your local pet supply store and purchase one directly off the shelf.
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.
Toys for your parrot are an essential part of its development. Store bought toys come in a variety of styles, shapes, colors and textures which add to the appeal of the parrot toy.
Unlike many other animals such as cats and dogs, parrots see in color so variations in color make the toy more enjoyable for the bird. Your parrot will enjoy an arrange of different toys although it is not necessary to put a huge amount in the cage. One good idea that you could try is to rotate your toys at different intervals say every week or month so that there appears to be a constant variety of toys for the parrot to play with.
Recent research has found that birds enjoy and anticipate receiving new toys as much as they enjoy receiving their fresh daily food. Another thing that you should consider is that some of your parrot toys will not last as long as others due to them being constantly bitten so you may want to take that into account when purchasing a toy.
One can purchase toys or play gyms for your parrot, or you could opt to have a go at making them yourself. Everyday objects like wooden clothes pegs or even your old ice block sticks will appeal to your feathery friend so don't be afraid to use a bit of imagination if you are short on cash. Empty plastic bottles with something inside them will keep your bird entertained for hours. Dried beans placed inside an old film canister will also rattle away giving the parrot endless hours of amusement.
You should also try and get some type of parrot toy that hangs on the inside of the cage as well, this is in addition to any other toys that you may have scattered inside the cage.
Don't be afraid to use your imagination if you are looking for a parrot toy and if you are unsure as to what is safe to use or not then your best be would be to vast your local pet supply store and purchase one directly off the shelf.
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Parrot Cages And What To Look For
By Iziah Shumkel
Apart from the general health of your bird ,parrot cages are probably the greatest setup costs of keeping a bird. Parrot cages vary so much in size and style that it would be hard to make a recommendation from any particular type. We can only give you some suggestions on what you should and should not look for.
First and foremost the cage must be generously sized. Any bird needs to fully extend its wings every now and then, and your parrot cage should all in reality, must be large enough for your bird to do this. If you have already thought about what type of bird who want to purchase then you should already have some idea of how large his wingspan is.To see if this is the cage you should measure your birds wingspan and then and at least another half wingspan, this should ensure you bird has more than enough room.
One thing you may need to consider is the height of the cage although when purchasing commercially manufactured cages, this isn't usually a problem.Your cage should allow your bird to easily climb on the sides without bumping his head when his posterior is near to the bottom of the cage. One thing is for sure, your parrot cage can't be too big, birds are nature's athletes so if you make sure there is enough room inside for your bird to stretch its wings, and perhaps even fly, your parrot would very much enjoy it.
You should approach, purchasing a parrot cage. The same way that your approach, buying a new car. A cage in an investment in your bird�s health. The cage you choose will make a great difference in the amount of effort that you would need to expend on making sure your bird receives adequate care. When you buy a parrot cage, make sure that you have thought about where the cage will go. Take a bit of time and be sure to measure, where the parrot cage will go. So you can then take those dimensions and purchase the correct size cage.
Another thing to think about is the cage construction itself .it needs to be sturdy, but have no sharp protrusion is, or anything else sticking out. Many bird's head and leg bands can catch on sharp bits or wire protrutions. Unless you are buying from a well-known manufacturer, be sure to check all this out and remember that you should always look for a money back guarantee is you are not entirely happy with the cage. If you take the time to check all this out before purchasing your parrot cage. This will avoid problems in the long run.
Any openings on the cage should also be considered carefully. This should include the distance between any part of the bars and all access to waterers or feed stations, if your bird needs water in containers that you place on the exterior of the cage. The distance between the bars should allow your parrot to put his head through or the opposite where as your bird would not be able to squeeze its head through at all. Openings that are about the size of the birds head allow a bird to force it through, but it may not be easy for him to extract his head from the opening. Birds stuck this way die every year as they struggle to get loose and break their necks. Fortunately, most parrot cage manufacturers recognized this problem and build cages to avoid it.
It is convenient for you to have access to food and water dishes from outside of a cage. Look for this feature. It can be especially helpful if you go away for a prolonged period of time and have someone who is looking after your bird.
Other things you should consider include a playpen which would attach to the top and perhaps something to catch any seed that falls to the bottom of the cage. You should also look for a cage that is easy to service as this is something you will have to do often. Paper liners are a essential time saver and you can find them to fit almost any type of cage for your bird.
Be sure to take some of these considerations into account when you purchase your parrot cages for your bird.
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.
Apart from the general health of your bird ,parrot cages are probably the greatest setup costs of keeping a bird. Parrot cages vary so much in size and style that it would be hard to make a recommendation from any particular type. We can only give you some suggestions on what you should and should not look for.
First and foremost the cage must be generously sized. Any bird needs to fully extend its wings every now and then, and your parrot cage should all in reality, must be large enough for your bird to do this. If you have already thought about what type of bird who want to purchase then you should already have some idea of how large his wingspan is.To see if this is the cage you should measure your birds wingspan and then and at least another half wingspan, this should ensure you bird has more than enough room.
One thing you may need to consider is the height of the cage although when purchasing commercially manufactured cages, this isn't usually a problem.Your cage should allow your bird to easily climb on the sides without bumping his head when his posterior is near to the bottom of the cage. One thing is for sure, your parrot cage can't be too big, birds are nature's athletes so if you make sure there is enough room inside for your bird to stretch its wings, and perhaps even fly, your parrot would very much enjoy it.
You should approach, purchasing a parrot cage. The same way that your approach, buying a new car. A cage in an investment in your bird�s health. The cage you choose will make a great difference in the amount of effort that you would need to expend on making sure your bird receives adequate care. When you buy a parrot cage, make sure that you have thought about where the cage will go. Take a bit of time and be sure to measure, where the parrot cage will go. So you can then take those dimensions and purchase the correct size cage.
Another thing to think about is the cage construction itself .it needs to be sturdy, but have no sharp protrusion is, or anything else sticking out. Many bird's head and leg bands can catch on sharp bits or wire protrutions. Unless you are buying from a well-known manufacturer, be sure to check all this out and remember that you should always look for a money back guarantee is you are not entirely happy with the cage. If you take the time to check all this out before purchasing your parrot cage. This will avoid problems in the long run.
Any openings on the cage should also be considered carefully. This should include the distance between any part of the bars and all access to waterers or feed stations, if your bird needs water in containers that you place on the exterior of the cage. The distance between the bars should allow your parrot to put his head through or the opposite where as your bird would not be able to squeeze its head through at all. Openings that are about the size of the birds head allow a bird to force it through, but it may not be easy for him to extract his head from the opening. Birds stuck this way die every year as they struggle to get loose and break their necks. Fortunately, most parrot cage manufacturers recognized this problem and build cages to avoid it.
It is convenient for you to have access to food and water dishes from outside of a cage. Look for this feature. It can be especially helpful if you go away for a prolonged period of time and have someone who is looking after your bird.
Other things you should consider include a playpen which would attach to the top and perhaps something to catch any seed that falls to the bottom of the cage. You should also look for a cage that is easy to service as this is something you will have to do often. Paper liners are a essential time saver and you can find them to fit almost any type of cage for your bird.
Be sure to take some of these considerations into account when you purchase your parrot cages for your bird.
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free Parrot Training tips today.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Talking Parrot - Which One Is The Best?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Iziah_Shumkel]Iziah Shumkel
So you want a talking parrot but you�re not sure which one is the best, well hopefully this may help you out. African and Timneh Greys are the stars of show as far as talking parrots go. Both are members of the African Grey family. Often the larger bird is known as a Congo African Grey. The Timneh is smaller and has a horn colored upper mandible and it also has maroon tail feathers.
Large Amazons are extremely talkative as well. This also includes the Panama, Blue Fronted, Yellow naped and Double Yellow Headed Amazons as well.
Eclectus and Lories are great talkers as well although they are not well known for their ability to do so. It is a skill that is often overlooked due to their beautiful appearance. Eclectus are quite large birds which sex wise are easy to identify. Males are a green with beautiful yellow beaks where as the females are purple and red.
You should also make sure to learn about care requirements for your chosen bird. Lories for example, need a daily serving of nectar and also a lot of fruit in their diet to ensure their health.
The best talking parrots can generally mimic the different voices of the other members of birds in their family as well. While we have already mentioned the best talkers there are other birds that do have a good vocal vocabulary and you would do well to purchase one of these if you couldn't locate one of the others.
Parakeets and Conjures have nice clear voices but they are not alone. Budgies also have a nice clear voice as do Cockatoos and Macaws. Be aware how ever that female budgies and female cockatiels will in most cases not talk, unlike their human equivalents!
While we have listed the best talking parrots that in no way means that they will be natural talkers. It takes a lot of time and patience to get your bird to the stage where it will start talking but your best bet by far would be the African Greys or the Amazons.
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of [http://www.Bird-Training.com]www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free [http://www.Bird-Training.com]Parrot Training tips today.
So you want a talking parrot but you�re not sure which one is the best, well hopefully this may help you out. African and Timneh Greys are the stars of show as far as talking parrots go. Both are members of the African Grey family. Often the larger bird is known as a Congo African Grey. The Timneh is smaller and has a horn colored upper mandible and it also has maroon tail feathers.
Large Amazons are extremely talkative as well. This also includes the Panama, Blue Fronted, Yellow naped and Double Yellow Headed Amazons as well.
Eclectus and Lories are great talkers as well although they are not well known for their ability to do so. It is a skill that is often overlooked due to their beautiful appearance. Eclectus are quite large birds which sex wise are easy to identify. Males are a green with beautiful yellow beaks where as the females are purple and red.
You should also make sure to learn about care requirements for your chosen bird. Lories for example, need a daily serving of nectar and also a lot of fruit in their diet to ensure their health.
The best talking parrots can generally mimic the different voices of the other members of birds in their family as well. While we have already mentioned the best talkers there are other birds that do have a good vocal vocabulary and you would do well to purchase one of these if you couldn't locate one of the others.
Parakeets and Conjures have nice clear voices but they are not alone. Budgies also have a nice clear voice as do Cockatoos and Macaws. Be aware how ever that female budgies and female cockatiels will in most cases not talk, unlike their human equivalents!
While we have listed the best talking parrots that in no way means that they will be natural talkers. It takes a lot of time and patience to get your bird to the stage where it will start talking but your best bet by far would be the African Greys or the Amazons.
Iziah Shumkel is webmaster of [http://www.Bird-Training.com]www.Bird-Training.com an information packed site where you can learn how to train your bird, get free video tutorials and more. Visit us for free [http://www.Bird-Training.com]Parrot Training tips today.
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