By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jessica_G_Harrison]Jessica G Harrison
One belief pet owners across the world share in common is: "When choosing a bird, pick a bird that selects you". It is believed that this bird will be cheerful, inquisitive and will readily come to you.
And before you buy a Cockatoo, make sure you know what you are getting into. Unlike other pets, "cockatoos require a lot of time and attention". They will also expect you to interact with them often.
This makes it all the more essential that your pet and you are compatible with each other!
Cockatiels
The first in the list are the Cockatiels. Cockatiels are considered the most popular pet of the cockatoo species all over the world. These gentle and friendly birds make great pets. They aren't moody and demanding like other cockatoo species. They can therefore be a child's first pet.
If brought home when young (8 weeks and above), they can be trained to talk, as well as perform tricks such as backward flips and rolling over. If hand-fed as a chick, they will quickly settle in their new home. They love having an audience and will keep you amused all the time. These birds are amazing fliers. So make sure you keep their wings well clipped.
But at the same time, they should not be confined in the cage all times. Let them out for sometime. Just make sure all windows and doors are shut, fans switched off and electrical appliances like stoves and irons are not running while they are outside the cage.
Umbrella Cockatoo
The Umbrella Cockatoo is a very popular pet. They are gentle, affectionate and will charm you from the moment you set your eyes on them. They get very attached to their owners. They love to please and you can teach your pet many tricks.
Although they aren't good talkers, you can train them to dance to the music. They need a lot of physical attention and like a human baby, they need to be hugged, petted and played with. They aren't noisy birds and can be naughty one minute and quiet the next.
Galah Cockatoo
Galahs are commonly kept pets and even Galahs caught in the wild make good pets. They are affectionate and friendly. Galahs are usually pale pink and dark pink. They make good pets. They are independent birds and not needy like other species. They are happy to play on their own and require less time outside the cage.
Galahs make wonderful pets especially when hand-raised. They are extroverted, affectionate, friendly playful and intelligent. And like other cockatoos need to be kept entertained and occupied at all times. They are quick learners and can be trained to perform several tricks.
Often you see them in bird shows, where they fly through several hoops. Galahs are good talkers and males usually have better talking ability than females. Their talking ability, however, isn't on par with that of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos or the Corellas. So, if you're a workaholic, then Galahs might be the right choice for you!
Goffin's Cockatoos
The Goffin's Cockatoo is the smallest among the cockatoo species. Goffin's Cockatoos are gregarious, inquisitive and carefree birds. They are fun loving and make extremely intelligent pets. Many owners claim that their personality resembles that of dogs. They are active birds that need to be kept occupied at all times. They are more independent than other cockatoo species and don't mind spending a little time on their own. They don't get spoilt easily and if trained properly, they make fabulous pets. They love physical contact and love having their heads scratched. You can train them to imitate human speech but they can be very loud and are not recommended as pets for apartment dwellers.
Palm Cockatoo
The Palm Cockatoo is the largest among the different species of cockatoos. It is a striking black bird with red cheek patches. Palm Cockatoos are gentle, intelligent and love company. They make unique and wonderful pets. They are not as noisy as some of the other species of Cockatoos. In fact their breeding call is the only loud and noisy sound they make. Palm Cockatoos are much sought after pets, but in reality, kept only in small numbers in mostly private collections.
Moluccan Cockatoo
Contrary to Little Corellas and Goffins, this species is one of the largest of the cockatoo family. The birds are pink to salmon pink with an attractive crest of orange. They make wonderful pets because they are normally very intelligent, friendly and affectionate. They are quite adept at talking and performing several tricks.
Little Corella
As true as the name implies, Little Corellas are one of the smaller cockatoo species. Little Corellas are playful, intelligent and even-tempered birds. They have been kept as pets for many years. These birds can be trained to talk and perform a variety of tricks. They also love to dance and chew. Like all cockatoos, they become very attached to their owners and need to be kept busy.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are affectionate and friendly. Although they have the tendency to become a one-person pet, they make excellent companions. They are more independent than most cockatoo species and are very intelligent. They are quite adept at talking and performing tricks. I hope all these information comes in handy to you when you select your pet cockatoo.
The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
To subscribe to the newsletter, click on the link below: http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com
Here's to a happier pet-owing experience!
Jessica Harrison
Geostar Publishing & Services LLC
6423, Woodbine Court,
St. Louis, Missouri,
63109, USA http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com http://all-about-cockatoos.opt-in-newsletter.info/cockatoo.php http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com/gallery
Cockatoos are meant to be loved and cared for. Before you buy a Cockatoo, make sure you know what you are getting into. Unlike other pets, these gentle creatures require a lot of time and attention". They will also expect you to interact with them.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
How To Make Your Cockatoo A Great Companion Bird
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jessica_G_Harrison]Jessica G Harrison
Brightly colored plumage and the ability to mimic are the things that come to mind when we think of a Cockatoo. Cockatoos are great companion birds, no doubt about it. They develop a strong bond with their owner.
It is heartening to know that they are loving and affectionate. But, like any owner-to-be, you may wonder whether it is really true that these charming creatures can be destructive at times. If yes, in what way. Let's check that out together.
There is such an abundance of information regarding avian behavior. This probably leads to more confusion than clarity when we try to seek help from it. So, our approach to this subject is a little different.
Now, ask yourself a question. What are some of the more common bird behavior that worries you and sometimes even annoys you?
Well, it can be as silly as undisciplined potty behavior or something more serious like feather plucking, screaming and biting (sometimes that may even get on your nerves).
A traditional approach to any of these problems is to look for a cause. Even the veterinary fraternity looks for and attributes the problem to a 'single cause'. Most times the cause and the problem will seem to have no apparent relation. Often, most problems have more than just one cause. And many times, the cause of the problem is not even the bird. Frequently the problem is 'us'. Yes, shocking though it may be!
What is a good cockatoo (by your definition)? Don't look at the cockatoo for an answer; it's the one with the least knowledge of your expectations.
Perhaps, you can answer this. What is it to be a good child? A child knows. It may not be able to express itself in crystal clear terms. But it knows. How? Because of the child's constant contact with other humans in its natural environment, it observes and learns to differentiate good behavior from bad. And what it can't learn from observation is taught.
But, what about the cockatoo? It has no such opportunity to learn from its flock. In captivity, you and your family are its flock. Cockatoos are extremely intelligent creatures. They observe and would learn a lot more than you are willing to grant it.
To be able to address just this one issue "why do they resort to feather plucking?", lets consider the basics. What is a cockatoo? Once you know the answer, you will see for yourself that it's not a dumb question. A cockatoo is more than what you've taken for granted.
A cockatoo is a gregarious creature. And certain aspects of its psyche are hard wired. The need to keep with the flock. The need to constantly communicate with its mate or members of its flock. The need to feed together. The need for companionship and affection. And the need to feel secure.
These are just some of its needs. Often these are needs that a captive bird may not be able to fulfill themselves. So, it looks up to its human family to provide these basic needs.
If any of these is not fulfilled that's when the bird resorts to feather plucking, among other things.
So, it's necessary to anticipate the basic needs of the bird and to see that they are met.
Cockatoos resort to feather plucking for a number of reasons. The problem could be that the bird is not happy with its environment, us, or our environment. But often the cause is put down to one of these:
1) Insecurity
2) Hormonal fluctuations
3) Stress/ anxiety
4) Disease
5) Internal/ external parasites
6) Insufficient/ incorrect nutrition
The cockatoo's feather plucking can be because of any or all of these reasons, or none of them and something totally extraneous.
Now that we have identified the cause (or causes), let's now see what your role is.
Cockatoo is a social creature. So, let's give it the assurance that it's not in solitary confinement. At every opportunity, let the bird know that it is a part of a flock and make it feel at home.
Call to it as often as possible. Pet it. Take it in your arms and set it down whenever you get the chance.
Give its feed whenever the family sits down for a meal.
Don't get into arguments in your bird's presence. It is important for the bird to know that it's part of a happy flock. Cockatoos are so intelligent that they know when all is not well. This knowledge leads to stress and anxiety.
Do whatever is necessary to keep the bird in good health. Make sure it's free of internal and external parasites. Provide it with the best nutrition.
Apart from these, causes like hormonal fluctuations should be treated with advice from the vet.
This in turn, will do all that it can to strengthen your relationship with your pet.
The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
To subscribe to the newsletter, click on the link below: http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com
Here's to a happier pet-owing experience!
Jessica Harrison
Geostar Publishing & Services LLC
6423, Woodbine Court,
St. Louis, Missouri,
63109, USA http://all-about-cockatoos.opt-in-newsletter.info/cockatoo.php http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com/gallery
Jessica Harrison is the author of the best selling eBook "All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
Brightly colored plumage and the ability to mimic are the things that come to mind when we think of a Cockatoo. Cockatoos are great companion birds, no doubt about it. They develop a strong bond with their owner.
It is heartening to know that they are loving and affectionate. But, like any owner-to-be, you may wonder whether it is really true that these charming creatures can be destructive at times. If yes, in what way. Let's check that out together.
There is such an abundance of information regarding avian behavior. This probably leads to more confusion than clarity when we try to seek help from it. So, our approach to this subject is a little different.
Now, ask yourself a question. What are some of the more common bird behavior that worries you and sometimes even annoys you?
Well, it can be as silly as undisciplined potty behavior or something more serious like feather plucking, screaming and biting (sometimes that may even get on your nerves).
A traditional approach to any of these problems is to look for a cause. Even the veterinary fraternity looks for and attributes the problem to a 'single cause'. Most times the cause and the problem will seem to have no apparent relation. Often, most problems have more than just one cause. And many times, the cause of the problem is not even the bird. Frequently the problem is 'us'. Yes, shocking though it may be!
What is a good cockatoo (by your definition)? Don't look at the cockatoo for an answer; it's the one with the least knowledge of your expectations.
Perhaps, you can answer this. What is it to be a good child? A child knows. It may not be able to express itself in crystal clear terms. But it knows. How? Because of the child's constant contact with other humans in its natural environment, it observes and learns to differentiate good behavior from bad. And what it can't learn from observation is taught.
But, what about the cockatoo? It has no such opportunity to learn from its flock. In captivity, you and your family are its flock. Cockatoos are extremely intelligent creatures. They observe and would learn a lot more than you are willing to grant it.
To be able to address just this one issue "why do they resort to feather plucking?", lets consider the basics. What is a cockatoo? Once you know the answer, you will see for yourself that it's not a dumb question. A cockatoo is more than what you've taken for granted.
A cockatoo is a gregarious creature. And certain aspects of its psyche are hard wired. The need to keep with the flock. The need to constantly communicate with its mate or members of its flock. The need to feed together. The need for companionship and affection. And the need to feel secure.
These are just some of its needs. Often these are needs that a captive bird may not be able to fulfill themselves. So, it looks up to its human family to provide these basic needs.
If any of these is not fulfilled that's when the bird resorts to feather plucking, among other things.
So, it's necessary to anticipate the basic needs of the bird and to see that they are met.
Cockatoos resort to feather plucking for a number of reasons. The problem could be that the bird is not happy with its environment, us, or our environment. But often the cause is put down to one of these:
1) Insecurity
2) Hormonal fluctuations
3) Stress/ anxiety
4) Disease
5) Internal/ external parasites
6) Insufficient/ incorrect nutrition
The cockatoo's feather plucking can be because of any or all of these reasons, or none of them and something totally extraneous.
Now that we have identified the cause (or causes), let's now see what your role is.
Cockatoo is a social creature. So, let's give it the assurance that it's not in solitary confinement. At every opportunity, let the bird know that it is a part of a flock and make it feel at home.
Call to it as often as possible. Pet it. Take it in your arms and set it down whenever you get the chance.
Give its feed whenever the family sits down for a meal.
Don't get into arguments in your bird's presence. It is important for the bird to know that it's part of a happy flock. Cockatoos are so intelligent that they know when all is not well. This knowledge leads to stress and anxiety.
Do whatever is necessary to keep the bird in good health. Make sure it's free of internal and external parasites. Provide it with the best nutrition.
Apart from these, causes like hormonal fluctuations should be treated with advice from the vet.
This in turn, will do all that it can to strengthen your relationship with your pet.
The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
To subscribe to the newsletter, click on the link below: http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com
Here's to a happier pet-owing experience!
Jessica Harrison
Geostar Publishing & Services LLC
6423, Woodbine Court,
St. Louis, Missouri,
63109, USA http://all-about-cockatoos.opt-in-newsletter.info/cockatoo.php http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com/gallery
Jessica Harrison is the author of the best selling eBook "All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Bird Houses- Magical Structures
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Faulkner]David Faulkner
When you look at an old American or European backyard, you can expect to find at least one bird house mounted on a tree branch or standing on a pole. For many years, people all over the world have been putting up these tiny homes.
Bird houses have a certain magical attraction to them, which makes them a rather whimsical addition to any kind of garden. These days, bird houses are very much in fashion and you can see many of them that are quite creative and very elaborately designed.
People build or buy bird houses for a variety of reasons. Many homeowners find them to be a charming ornament for their gardens. Some people even collect antique bird houses that they put up in secret corners of their garden. These are remarkable conversation pieces for guests. Even children find them quite delightful. For them, bird houses are like surprises hidden among the leaves and branches in the garden.
There is also a certain tranquility that bird houses can bring. While relaxing in your garden, you can spend hours watching the different kinds of birds resting in your bird houses. Some will stay for only a few minutes, and others may stay a while longer.
Sometimes birds will even lay their eggs in the bird houses, and they will stay there until the chick is ready to take off. During these rare occasions, you are privileged to witness the growth of a new life, which is a very special and magnificent experience in itself.
Although [http://www.thisbirdhouse.com/Articles/Martin_Bird_Houses.php]bird houses do provide some relaxation and satisfaction for humans, their benefit is generally for the birds themselves. Many wild birds, especially those that have traveled a long distance, use these bird houses as a temporary refuge. They will even be more grateful if you put some grains in the bird house. These migratory birds will be very hungry after several days of flying, and a few grains of birdseed will definitely be a feast for them.
In the end, it really doesn�t matter if the bird house is big or small, or whether it is intricately designed by a professional craftsman, or nailed together by a child. Bird houses, no matter what they look like, are symbols of man's kindheartedness to animals. They show how we can, and do, take care of nature's more fragile creatures, without expecting anything in return, and that is what really makes them magical.
You can also find more info on [http://www.thisbirdhouse.com/Articles/Gourd_Bird_Houses.php]Gourd Bird Houses and [http://www.thisbirdhouse.com/Articles/Hummingbird_Houses.php]Hummingbird Houses. Thisbirdhouse.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Bird House Crafts, Kits and Plans.
When you look at an old American or European backyard, you can expect to find at least one bird house mounted on a tree branch or standing on a pole. For many years, people all over the world have been putting up these tiny homes.
Bird houses have a certain magical attraction to them, which makes them a rather whimsical addition to any kind of garden. These days, bird houses are very much in fashion and you can see many of them that are quite creative and very elaborately designed.
People build or buy bird houses for a variety of reasons. Many homeowners find them to be a charming ornament for their gardens. Some people even collect antique bird houses that they put up in secret corners of their garden. These are remarkable conversation pieces for guests. Even children find them quite delightful. For them, bird houses are like surprises hidden among the leaves and branches in the garden.
There is also a certain tranquility that bird houses can bring. While relaxing in your garden, you can spend hours watching the different kinds of birds resting in your bird houses. Some will stay for only a few minutes, and others may stay a while longer.
Sometimes birds will even lay their eggs in the bird houses, and they will stay there until the chick is ready to take off. During these rare occasions, you are privileged to witness the growth of a new life, which is a very special and magnificent experience in itself.
Although [http://www.thisbirdhouse.com/Articles/Martin_Bird_Houses.php]bird houses do provide some relaxation and satisfaction for humans, their benefit is generally for the birds themselves. Many wild birds, especially those that have traveled a long distance, use these bird houses as a temporary refuge. They will even be more grateful if you put some grains in the bird house. These migratory birds will be very hungry after several days of flying, and a few grains of birdseed will definitely be a feast for them.
In the end, it really doesn�t matter if the bird house is big or small, or whether it is intricately designed by a professional craftsman, or nailed together by a child. Bird houses, no matter what they look like, are symbols of man's kindheartedness to animals. They show how we can, and do, take care of nature's more fragile creatures, without expecting anything in return, and that is what really makes them magical.
You can also find more info on [http://www.thisbirdhouse.com/Articles/Gourd_Bird_Houses.php]Gourd Bird Houses and [http://www.thisbirdhouse.com/Articles/Hummingbird_Houses.php]Hummingbird Houses. Thisbirdhouse.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Bird House Crafts, Kits and Plans.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Cockatiel Bird Cages - How To Choose The Right One
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards]Terry Edwards
Without a doubt, cockatiels are beautiful birds and make for wonderful pets in any home. The biggest issue with this kind of bird will be choosing the right type of cockatiel bird cage. Here are some tips on what to look for.
When you go to pick out any bird cage, whether for a cockatiel, parrot or other exotic bird, be sure you understand the needs of the bird first.
A cockatiel is a pretty small bird relatively speaking, but they like to have a lot of room to move around. This makes getting a large bird cage a must.
As you may already know, a cockatiel is a ground feeder and spends most of its time walking around scouring the ground for food. Therefore, your pet will need to have at least an 18" x 18" area. If you can swing it, find an even bigger bird cage. They will be happy with the extra room.
Another important area to be aware of is keeping the cage clean. This is where a grated bottom will work well. It allows bird dropping and used food to fall through to the bottom tray and makes for an overall healthier bird.
The height of a cockatiel bird cage is not so much an important consideration as is the ground size.
Also, the materials that make up the cage are strictly a personal choice. You can find cages made from plastic, iron, wood and many others as well. Just be sure your bird can't get its head stuck in the cage. Bar spacing is something you will want to watch out for.
Buying your cockatiel a few toys and accessories will also make for a happier bird. Keep these tips in mind when selecting a bird cage and you will not have any problems in keeping your pet happy and healthy.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.
By the way, you can find out much more about a [http://www.BirdCages.InfoFromA-z.com/Cockatiel_Bird_Cage.html]Cockatiel Bird Cage as well as more information on everything to do with bird cages on our website at http://www.BirdCages.InfoFromA-z.com
Without a doubt, cockatiels are beautiful birds and make for wonderful pets in any home. The biggest issue with this kind of bird will be choosing the right type of cockatiel bird cage. Here are some tips on what to look for.
When you go to pick out any bird cage, whether for a cockatiel, parrot or other exotic bird, be sure you understand the needs of the bird first.
A cockatiel is a pretty small bird relatively speaking, but they like to have a lot of room to move around. This makes getting a large bird cage a must.
As you may already know, a cockatiel is a ground feeder and spends most of its time walking around scouring the ground for food. Therefore, your pet will need to have at least an 18" x 18" area. If you can swing it, find an even bigger bird cage. They will be happy with the extra room.
Another important area to be aware of is keeping the cage clean. This is where a grated bottom will work well. It allows bird dropping and used food to fall through to the bottom tray and makes for an overall healthier bird.
The height of a cockatiel bird cage is not so much an important consideration as is the ground size.
Also, the materials that make up the cage are strictly a personal choice. You can find cages made from plastic, iron, wood and many others as well. Just be sure your bird can't get its head stuck in the cage. Bar spacing is something you will want to watch out for.
Buying your cockatiel a few toys and accessories will also make for a happier bird. Keep these tips in mind when selecting a bird cage and you will not have any problems in keeping your pet happy and healthy.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.
By the way, you can find out much more about a [http://www.BirdCages.InfoFromA-z.com/Cockatiel_Bird_Cage.html]Cockatiel Bird Cage as well as more information on everything to do with bird cages on our website at http://www.BirdCages.InfoFromA-z.com
Monday, July 23, 2007
Why Do Birds Flock?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=L._Winslow]L. Winslow
Have you ever considered why birds flock together? Did you know that when birds fly there is a distinct and known Aerodynamic advantage? Did you know that when the military flies aircraft they know they can get extended range by flying closely in formation? This is because the airflow is continued from one aircraft to another and enhances the amount of lift of each aircraft and cuts down on the drag.
But birds also flock together because there is safety in numbers and smaller birds working together can fight off larger birds, as well as enjoy the economic and efficient aerodynamic advantage. Of course very strong birds of prey do not need to flock together because they have the strength and agility on their own to protect themselves. Likewise they are generally adapted hunters and can easily get a meal to give them more energy anytime they are hungry.
Some of the reasons birds flock together and other birds do not flock has to do with Evolution and Breeding. The stronger birds will survive and be able to feed their offspring better because they are better hunters and their offspring will grow up stronger and pass on those genes more often.
Smaller weak birds which do not flock together may not survive to have offspring because they will become a larger bird's meal. Smaller birds that flock together and use the herd mentality to protect themselves have a better chance of having more offspring and more mates to choose from. Why is this important to you as a human?
Because if you are a really weak person then you better have lots of friends and people to hang around since you cannot fend for yourself because you are weak. If you are a very strong person you will need less people to support you, as you are well strong enough to support yourself.
At some point in your life you need to decide if you are a weakling or someone who has strong intensive self esteem and strength of character. Are you an eagle or are you one of those little weak silly birds that really has no purpose? Well, don't shoot the messenger, he is very strong and you might make him angry. You decide
L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur http://www.worldthinktank.net . Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.
Have you ever considered why birds flock together? Did you know that when birds fly there is a distinct and known Aerodynamic advantage? Did you know that when the military flies aircraft they know they can get extended range by flying closely in formation? This is because the airflow is continued from one aircraft to another and enhances the amount of lift of each aircraft and cuts down on the drag.
But birds also flock together because there is safety in numbers and smaller birds working together can fight off larger birds, as well as enjoy the economic and efficient aerodynamic advantage. Of course very strong birds of prey do not need to flock together because they have the strength and agility on their own to protect themselves. Likewise they are generally adapted hunters and can easily get a meal to give them more energy anytime they are hungry.
Some of the reasons birds flock together and other birds do not flock has to do with Evolution and Breeding. The stronger birds will survive and be able to feed their offspring better because they are better hunters and their offspring will grow up stronger and pass on those genes more often.
Smaller weak birds which do not flock together may not survive to have offspring because they will become a larger bird's meal. Smaller birds that flock together and use the herd mentality to protect themselves have a better chance of having more offspring and more mates to choose from. Why is this important to you as a human?
Because if you are a really weak person then you better have lots of friends and people to hang around since you cannot fend for yourself because you are weak. If you are a very strong person you will need less people to support you, as you are well strong enough to support yourself.
At some point in your life you need to decide if you are a weakling or someone who has strong intensive self esteem and strength of character. Are you an eagle or are you one of those little weak silly birds that really has no purpose? Well, don't shoot the messenger, he is very strong and you might make him angry. You decide
L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur http://www.worldthinktank.net . Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Punishing Your Bird
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sunil_Tanna]Sunil Tanna
Sometimes a pet bird may misbehave, and it may be necessary to punish the bird. However, you need to do so in such a way that the punishment is effective without being cruel.
First of all, you must keep your cool, and avoid not do use any inappropriate form of punishment:-
- Do not take away its food or water because your bird would not deem it as punishment for wrongdoing, this is animal cruelty which can cause physical damage to your bird.
- Do not shout at your bird because your bird would love the drama and will misbehave again just to get you to shout again.
- Never hit your bird even if it has become so exasperating you can hardly bear its presence. It wouldn't understand and just turn against you.
When your pet bird misbehaves, you have to tell it to stop first, and then use facial expressions to show that you are upset or angry with your pet. Birds are very intelligent creatures and can tell when facial expressions change.
If your bird still does not cease its misbehavior, that is when you will have to mete out a punishment. The best punishment is simply put to your bird in his cage, lock the cage and leave the room. You can also take out its toys before leaving, and perhaps even cover the cage up. Be gone for exactly 10 minutes, no more, no less.
When you go back to your bird after punishing it, you will need to pay it a lot of attention so that it knows that you are no longer punishing it. Positive attention is very important because birds are very sensitive creatures. Not showing enough positive attention can affect your bird emotionally.
Hopefully if you follow this plan, and be consistent with your punishment methods, your bird will soon start behaving appropriately.
First published at http://www.guide2pets.com/p1_articles_bird_punishing.php
More pet articles and information at http://www.guide2pets.com/
Sometimes a pet bird may misbehave, and it may be necessary to punish the bird. However, you need to do so in such a way that the punishment is effective without being cruel.
First of all, you must keep your cool, and avoid not do use any inappropriate form of punishment:-
- Do not take away its food or water because your bird would not deem it as punishment for wrongdoing, this is animal cruelty which can cause physical damage to your bird.
- Do not shout at your bird because your bird would love the drama and will misbehave again just to get you to shout again.
- Never hit your bird even if it has become so exasperating you can hardly bear its presence. It wouldn't understand and just turn against you.
When your pet bird misbehaves, you have to tell it to stop first, and then use facial expressions to show that you are upset or angry with your pet. Birds are very intelligent creatures and can tell when facial expressions change.
If your bird still does not cease its misbehavior, that is when you will have to mete out a punishment. The best punishment is simply put to your bird in his cage, lock the cage and leave the room. You can also take out its toys before leaving, and perhaps even cover the cage up. Be gone for exactly 10 minutes, no more, no less.
When you go back to your bird after punishing it, you will need to pay it a lot of attention so that it knows that you are no longer punishing it. Positive attention is very important because birds are very sensitive creatures. Not showing enough positive attention can affect your bird emotionally.
Hopefully if you follow this plan, and be consistent with your punishment methods, your bird will soon start behaving appropriately.
First published at http://www.guide2pets.com/p1_articles_bird_punishing.php
More pet articles and information at http://www.guide2pets.com/
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Choosing a Bird Cage
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sunil_Tanna]Sunil Tanna
When you decide to get a pet bird, you will need to provide your new pet with a suitable home to live in; a cage is a must where our pet birds are concerned. Choosing a cage can be quite a daunting task as there are a wide variety of cages in different shapes and sizes to choose from.
Here are a few main points that you will need to consider before buying the cage:-
- Your bird's cage must be the right size for your bird. It should not be too small as to restrict movement and flying around. But it should not be so big as to curtail your own comfort by appropriating more space than your bird requires. To make the correct decision on the right size of cage for your bird, you have to consider your bird's size as well. The rule of thumb is, the smaller the bird the smaller the cage. You also have to remember that once you have the food bowls, perch and toys are in the cage your bird will have less space.
- You have to consider where you are going to position the bird cage in your home. You will need to locate the cage away from windows or any dark and damp places. It is best to place your bird in part of your home that is frequented a lot by yourself and others, as this helps your bird feel like part of the family, which will in turn help its social skills develop.
- You also need to think about the spaces between the cage's bars. The bird's cage must have appropriate spaces between the bars so that your bird won't slip through or get trapped in between.
- You should choose a cage that is sturdy and easy to clean.
In short, you need to choose a cage that suits both your and the bird's needs.
First published at http://www.guide2pets.com/p1_articles_bird_cage.php
More pet articles and information at http://www.guide2pets.com/
When you decide to get a pet bird, you will need to provide your new pet with a suitable home to live in; a cage is a must where our pet birds are concerned. Choosing a cage can be quite a daunting task as there are a wide variety of cages in different shapes and sizes to choose from.
Here are a few main points that you will need to consider before buying the cage:-
- Your bird's cage must be the right size for your bird. It should not be too small as to restrict movement and flying around. But it should not be so big as to curtail your own comfort by appropriating more space than your bird requires. To make the correct decision on the right size of cage for your bird, you have to consider your bird's size as well. The rule of thumb is, the smaller the bird the smaller the cage. You also have to remember that once you have the food bowls, perch and toys are in the cage your bird will have less space.
- You have to consider where you are going to position the bird cage in your home. You will need to locate the cage away from windows or any dark and damp places. It is best to place your bird in part of your home that is frequented a lot by yourself and others, as this helps your bird feel like part of the family, which will in turn help its social skills develop.
- You also need to think about the spaces between the cage's bars. The bird's cage must have appropriate spaces between the bars so that your bird won't slip through or get trapped in between.
- You should choose a cage that is sturdy and easy to clean.
In short, you need to choose a cage that suits both your and the bird's needs.
First published at http://www.guide2pets.com/p1_articles_bird_cage.php
More pet articles and information at http://www.guide2pets.com/
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Why Cockatoos Are the Best Pet and How to Select the Right One
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jessica_G_Harrison]Jessica G Harrison
Toying with an idea of owning a pet but don't know which one?
You must be keen to get some specialist advice in selecting a life-long companion. Have you considered cockatoos?
"Why should my pet be my lifelong companion?" you may wonder. Pet owners know how strongly they get attached to their new-found pets, within a short time. If their pet dies within a few years, they get into serious mental depression, for a long time. In fact, the lives of many people undergo a drastic change when they lose their dear pet. So, if you want to have a pet, you should think of it as a permanent part of your family.
Cockatoos have the longest life span of any pet and you can reasonably expect them to be with you for the rest of your life. The average lifespan of a cockatoo is between 40 and 60 years. However, there have been reports of some of them living over 100 years!
Any companion you are going to share the next 30 or 40 years of your life had better be the right choice. And if this companion is to be a cockatoo, there are several factors to consider.
As a prospective owner-to-be, you must be curious to find out all the important 'must know' information on cockatoos.
All About Selection
Unlike other pets, in cockatoos you can find a pet who can talk a little. Some species are less talkative than others. And if you're looking for a talkative companion, then you should prefer male cockatoos to females.
As intelligent as they are, cockatoos are generally good at performing tricks. But not all are equally skillful. Though, if you train them, they can master the tricks quite well.
Some cockatoo species are noisier than others. For example Roseate or Galah Cockatoos are quiet, whereas White Cockatoos are not. So, if you're looking for a quiet companion, you should choose the smaller cousins as the larger birds can be very noisy and destructive.
The other important parameters that would help you to make the right choice are color, emotional and physical health.
Most cockatoos are white in color. But you also have the grays, pinks, blacks, and even deep blues among them.
A background check is critical. It is important that you get your bird from a reliable source. The bird should be young and should have been hand-raised. Young hand-raised birds are totally in sync with human company and more amenable to training. Such birds are healthy emotionally.
Next check the bird's physical health. You can spot the bird from its eyes to tell if it's an active specimen or not. See if the eyes are clear and bright and there should be no lumps on the eye ring. The nasal vents should be clear and open. Some of the cockatoos have spectacular crests. Their bills are large, curved and pointed and are used to crack nuts.
Scrutinize the bird's legs and feet. The legs should be smooth scaled and of equal girth. Its feet should have two toes projecting to the front and two to the rear and both feet should have the same temperature.
Don't miss the wings. Make sure they are held close to the body and the feathers are smooth and clean. Look out for any signs of drooping of the feathers.
Test the bird's breathing. It should be smooth and even.
Inquire whether the bird has regular feeding and litter habits. And its droppings should not be runny. Generally, the color of the droppings of a healthy bird is dark green mixed with white matter.
Finally, make sure that the bird is of the correct size and weight for its age.
All these information should give you a clear picture as what you have to look out for while choosing your new pal.
The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
Here's to a happier pet-owing experience!
Jessica Harrison
Geostar Publishing & Services LLC
6423, Woodbine Court,
St. Louis, Missouri,
63109, USA http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com http://all-about-cockatoos.opt-in-newsletter.info/cockatoo.php http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com/gallery
Cockatoos have the longest life span of any pet and you can reasonably expect them to be with you for the rest of your life. The average lifespan of a cockatoo is between 40-60 years. Important factors if this companion is to be a cockatoo.
Toying with an idea of owning a pet but don't know which one?
You must be keen to get some specialist advice in selecting a life-long companion. Have you considered cockatoos?
"Why should my pet be my lifelong companion?" you may wonder. Pet owners know how strongly they get attached to their new-found pets, within a short time. If their pet dies within a few years, they get into serious mental depression, for a long time. In fact, the lives of many people undergo a drastic change when they lose their dear pet. So, if you want to have a pet, you should think of it as a permanent part of your family.
Cockatoos have the longest life span of any pet and you can reasonably expect them to be with you for the rest of your life. The average lifespan of a cockatoo is between 40 and 60 years. However, there have been reports of some of them living over 100 years!
Any companion you are going to share the next 30 or 40 years of your life had better be the right choice. And if this companion is to be a cockatoo, there are several factors to consider.
As a prospective owner-to-be, you must be curious to find out all the important 'must know' information on cockatoos.
All About Selection
Unlike other pets, in cockatoos you can find a pet who can talk a little. Some species are less talkative than others. And if you're looking for a talkative companion, then you should prefer male cockatoos to females.
As intelligent as they are, cockatoos are generally good at performing tricks. But not all are equally skillful. Though, if you train them, they can master the tricks quite well.
Some cockatoo species are noisier than others. For example Roseate or Galah Cockatoos are quiet, whereas White Cockatoos are not. So, if you're looking for a quiet companion, you should choose the smaller cousins as the larger birds can be very noisy and destructive.
The other important parameters that would help you to make the right choice are color, emotional and physical health.
Most cockatoos are white in color. But you also have the grays, pinks, blacks, and even deep blues among them.
A background check is critical. It is important that you get your bird from a reliable source. The bird should be young and should have been hand-raised. Young hand-raised birds are totally in sync with human company and more amenable to training. Such birds are healthy emotionally.
Next check the bird's physical health. You can spot the bird from its eyes to tell if it's an active specimen or not. See if the eyes are clear and bright and there should be no lumps on the eye ring. The nasal vents should be clear and open. Some of the cockatoos have spectacular crests. Their bills are large, curved and pointed and are used to crack nuts.
Scrutinize the bird's legs and feet. The legs should be smooth scaled and of equal girth. Its feet should have two toes projecting to the front and two to the rear and both feet should have the same temperature.
Don't miss the wings. Make sure they are held close to the body and the feathers are smooth and clean. Look out for any signs of drooping of the feathers.
Test the bird's breathing. It should be smooth and even.
Inquire whether the bird has regular feeding and litter habits. And its droppings should not be runny. Generally, the color of the droppings of a healthy bird is dark green mixed with white matter.
Finally, make sure that the bird is of the correct size and weight for its age.
All these information should give you a clear picture as what you have to look out for while choosing your new pal.
The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
Here's to a happier pet-owing experience!
Jessica Harrison
Geostar Publishing & Services LLC
6423, Woodbine Court,
St. Louis, Missouri,
63109, USA http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com http://all-about-cockatoos.opt-in-newsletter.info/cockatoo.php http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com/gallery
Cockatoos have the longest life span of any pet and you can reasonably expect them to be with you for the rest of your life. The average lifespan of a cockatoo is between 40-60 years. Important factors if this companion is to be a cockatoo.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Getting a New Bird Cage
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Terry_King]Terry King
Getting the right Bird Cage
A cage is the most important piece of equipment you will need to buy for your new bird. The proper cage can help your bird stay healthy and safe. There are so many types of cages, choosing the right one can be hard for the new bird keeper.. How do you choose the right one?
First, consider the species of bird you intending to keep. If you want to have any type of parakeet, cockatiel or another long tailed bird species, you will need a long cage so that your bird can get plenty of exercise. Ideally, the cage should be long enough so the bird can actually fly from one side to the other. A bird with a stocky body, such as a lovebird or a Senegal parrot, gets plenty of exercise by climbing around in the cage. These birds do well in a cage that is taller than it is wide.
You should then consider the size of the cage. While usually you should plan to buy the biggest cage you can afford for your bird, a newly weaned handfed baby bird may feel lost and frightened in a large cage. A young bird also may have trouble locating food and water dishes. If you can afford to do so, it is a good idea to buy a small cage for your baby bird's first few months and switch it to a larger cage when it is older.
Another thing to keep in mind when you are selecting your bird's cage is the spacing between the cage bars. A great looking �400 cage isn't very useful if your bird can fit through the bars! If you are thinking about using a cage with wire mesh, you should compare the size of the hole in the mesh with the size of your bird's head before you make your selection. A cage made with one inch mesh is just the right size for a cockatiel to stick a head through. Instead of pulling their heads back in through the same hole, cockatiels have been known to bend their necks into a 'U' shape and stick their heads into a different hole.
Once you have decided on the cage size and bar spacing, you should consider a few other aspects of bird cage design. Take a look at the cage tray. When you pull it out to clean it, is there a grate in the cage to keep the bird from escaping? Is the tray deep enough to catch most of the mess your bird makes? Even if the cage has a deep tray, you still may find that your bird scatters a lot of seed hulls and feathers on the floor if there is no cage apron. While you can place your cage in a plastic apron base or cover the bottom of the cage with a cloth apron, a built in metal apron is a nice feature.
Finally, don't forget to take a look at the cage cups. There should be a way for you to easily access the cups without reaching into the cage through the main door. If you are buying a cage for a bigger bird, the cups should actually bolt to the cage unless you want to spend every morning and afternoon for the next 50 years reaching for cups that your bird has tossed onto the bottom of the cage.
If you a replacing a cage for an older parrot type bird, some owners have told me it is important to get a cage of a similar colour. They believe that a bird that has been used to a white painted cage, won�t adapt easily to a metal coloured cage.
Terry King runs [http://www.pets2home.co.uk/]Parcel Pets, a leading UK [http://www.pets2home.co.uk/]pet supplies web site and has had pets all his life. He lives with his wife Louise, dog Sam, Cat Sabrina and 5 fish!
Getting the right Bird Cage
A cage is the most important piece of equipment you will need to buy for your new bird. The proper cage can help your bird stay healthy and safe. There are so many types of cages, choosing the right one can be hard for the new bird keeper.. How do you choose the right one?
First, consider the species of bird you intending to keep. If you want to have any type of parakeet, cockatiel or another long tailed bird species, you will need a long cage so that your bird can get plenty of exercise. Ideally, the cage should be long enough so the bird can actually fly from one side to the other. A bird with a stocky body, such as a lovebird or a Senegal parrot, gets plenty of exercise by climbing around in the cage. These birds do well in a cage that is taller than it is wide.
You should then consider the size of the cage. While usually you should plan to buy the biggest cage you can afford for your bird, a newly weaned handfed baby bird may feel lost and frightened in a large cage. A young bird also may have trouble locating food and water dishes. If you can afford to do so, it is a good idea to buy a small cage for your baby bird's first few months and switch it to a larger cage when it is older.
Another thing to keep in mind when you are selecting your bird's cage is the spacing between the cage bars. A great looking �400 cage isn't very useful if your bird can fit through the bars! If you are thinking about using a cage with wire mesh, you should compare the size of the hole in the mesh with the size of your bird's head before you make your selection. A cage made with one inch mesh is just the right size for a cockatiel to stick a head through. Instead of pulling their heads back in through the same hole, cockatiels have been known to bend their necks into a 'U' shape and stick their heads into a different hole.
Once you have decided on the cage size and bar spacing, you should consider a few other aspects of bird cage design. Take a look at the cage tray. When you pull it out to clean it, is there a grate in the cage to keep the bird from escaping? Is the tray deep enough to catch most of the mess your bird makes? Even if the cage has a deep tray, you still may find that your bird scatters a lot of seed hulls and feathers on the floor if there is no cage apron. While you can place your cage in a plastic apron base or cover the bottom of the cage with a cloth apron, a built in metal apron is a nice feature.
Finally, don't forget to take a look at the cage cups. There should be a way for you to easily access the cups without reaching into the cage through the main door. If you are buying a cage for a bigger bird, the cups should actually bolt to the cage unless you want to spend every morning and afternoon for the next 50 years reaching for cups that your bird has tossed onto the bottom of the cage.
If you a replacing a cage for an older parrot type bird, some owners have told me it is important to get a cage of a similar colour. They believe that a bird that has been used to a white painted cage, won�t adapt easily to a metal coloured cage.
Terry King runs [http://www.pets2home.co.uk/]Parcel Pets, a leading UK [http://www.pets2home.co.uk/]pet supplies web site and has had pets all his life. He lives with his wife Louise, dog Sam, Cat Sabrina and 5 fish!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Parrot Rescue - Michigan Has an Answer
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart]Anna Hart
Pet parrot rescue in Michigan is an example of what it should be in every state and in every country. KARE, a pet parrot rescue group in Michigan, is in business not only to rescue unwanted pet parrots. They also adopt out pet parrots that have been rescued, and educate people about parrots. Reading their mission statement is encouraging. In it they state that they believe all pet birds deserve quality care, love, and respect. They also believe there should be a place where bird owners can find the most current bird care information possible.
The pet parrot rescue in Michigan puts its mission statement to work in many ways. Usually this means parrot rescue on a small scale. Perhaps the biggest parrot rescue project in recent years was the one that followed Hurricane Katrina. KARE deployed rescuers to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in support of Hurricane Katrina's bird victims, parrots or not. The parrot rescuers joined the huge animal rescue effort that was just getting underway. Pet parrot rescue in Michigan became pet parrot rescue in Louisiana.
How It Works
Pet parrot rescue in Michigan, KARE takes its name from the words Knapptime, Adoption, Rescue, and Education. Those three branches form the basis for any successful parrot rescue program.
1. Rescue: Parrot rescue always begins with rescuing pet parrots. This does not always mean rescue such as was needed after Hurricane Katrina. It may be as simple as accepting, from owners, pet parrots that are no longer wanted. Parrots can live for 50 years or more. Many owners do not think about that when purchasing a parrot. Some time later, as the owner's life changes, he or she can no longer care for the parrot. In some cases, the owner dies, and the parrot is left behind. In other cases, the parrot becomes aggressive, and the owner no longer wants the pet. Parrot rescue accepts these parrots and cares for them.
2. Adoption: Parrot rescue involves finding new homes for parrots that have been rescued. This is easy with some parrots. They are well behaved, beautiful, and talkative. The adopting family can get a good pet for less than they would pay elsewhere. Finding homes for some rescued parrots is more difficult. The bird may need training to correct behavioral problems. It may have been neglected or abused. The parrot rescue group must evaluate the rescued parrots, and find appropriate homes. In some case, the best home must be a shelter or sanctuary, since it will never again do well in a pet situation.
3. Education: The third prong involved in parrot rescue is education. The pet parrot rescue in Michigan works to educate people who are interested in bird ownership. They want to help them learn the proper care of pet birds. This includes instruction before purchase about the bird's expected life span. It includes information about proper feeding of parrots and how large a cage a parrot needs. Parrot rescue also should educate people about the options they have if they find they cannot keep a parrot.
If You Need Parrot Rescue
People who reach a point where they cannot keep a pet parrot should contact a place such as this pet parrot rescue in Michigan. Similar parrot rescue groups exist in a number of states.
The reasons for being unable to keep your parrot may be as simple as being unable to afford proper care for the bird. You may have insufficient finances to take the parrot to a veterinarian.
Some people cannot keep a parrot when they relocate overseas. Even relocation that involves a smaller home, or an apartment, may make it logistically impossible to keep the bird.
You could try to sell your parrot, and some people do. Prospective owners may be leery, though, of buying a parrot from a newspaper classified as. They may have heard of parrots that are sold because of aggression. Donating your pet parrot to a parrot rescue group will not give you money in return, but you will know that the parrot will be placed in the right permanent home.
Parrot rescue groups often have waiting lists of adoptive homes. They do everything they can to be sure the bird gets the best possible home.
Kudos for You
Parrot rescue groups often operate in the red. It is costly to care for a number of parrots and other birds. They require numerous cages, hundreds of pounds of food on a regular basis, and modest salaries for their workers.
You will be greatly appreciated when you donate, with your parrot, its cage, perches, playground, toys, and food.
�2007, Anna Hart. An avid reader and researcher, Anna explores many parrot breeds and offers more parrot rescue information at [http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com]http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com. She also offers advice on the care and training of parrots. If you need parrot rescue for a pet you can no longer keep, you won�t want to miss Anna�s advice.
Pet parrot rescue in Michigan is an example of what it should be in every state and in every country. KARE, a pet parrot rescue group in Michigan, is in business not only to rescue unwanted pet parrots. They also adopt out pet parrots that have been rescued, and educate people about parrots. Reading their mission statement is encouraging. In it they state that they believe all pet birds deserve quality care, love, and respect. They also believe there should be a place where bird owners can find the most current bird care information possible.
The pet parrot rescue in Michigan puts its mission statement to work in many ways. Usually this means parrot rescue on a small scale. Perhaps the biggest parrot rescue project in recent years was the one that followed Hurricane Katrina. KARE deployed rescuers to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in support of Hurricane Katrina's bird victims, parrots or not. The parrot rescuers joined the huge animal rescue effort that was just getting underway. Pet parrot rescue in Michigan became pet parrot rescue in Louisiana.
How It Works
Pet parrot rescue in Michigan, KARE takes its name from the words Knapptime, Adoption, Rescue, and Education. Those three branches form the basis for any successful parrot rescue program.
1. Rescue: Parrot rescue always begins with rescuing pet parrots. This does not always mean rescue such as was needed after Hurricane Katrina. It may be as simple as accepting, from owners, pet parrots that are no longer wanted. Parrots can live for 50 years or more. Many owners do not think about that when purchasing a parrot. Some time later, as the owner's life changes, he or she can no longer care for the parrot. In some cases, the owner dies, and the parrot is left behind. In other cases, the parrot becomes aggressive, and the owner no longer wants the pet. Parrot rescue accepts these parrots and cares for them.
2. Adoption: Parrot rescue involves finding new homes for parrots that have been rescued. This is easy with some parrots. They are well behaved, beautiful, and talkative. The adopting family can get a good pet for less than they would pay elsewhere. Finding homes for some rescued parrots is more difficult. The bird may need training to correct behavioral problems. It may have been neglected or abused. The parrot rescue group must evaluate the rescued parrots, and find appropriate homes. In some case, the best home must be a shelter or sanctuary, since it will never again do well in a pet situation.
3. Education: The third prong involved in parrot rescue is education. The pet parrot rescue in Michigan works to educate people who are interested in bird ownership. They want to help them learn the proper care of pet birds. This includes instruction before purchase about the bird's expected life span. It includes information about proper feeding of parrots and how large a cage a parrot needs. Parrot rescue also should educate people about the options they have if they find they cannot keep a parrot.
If You Need Parrot Rescue
People who reach a point where they cannot keep a pet parrot should contact a place such as this pet parrot rescue in Michigan. Similar parrot rescue groups exist in a number of states.
The reasons for being unable to keep your parrot may be as simple as being unable to afford proper care for the bird. You may have insufficient finances to take the parrot to a veterinarian.
Some people cannot keep a parrot when they relocate overseas. Even relocation that involves a smaller home, or an apartment, may make it logistically impossible to keep the bird.
You could try to sell your parrot, and some people do. Prospective owners may be leery, though, of buying a parrot from a newspaper classified as. They may have heard of parrots that are sold because of aggression. Donating your pet parrot to a parrot rescue group will not give you money in return, but you will know that the parrot will be placed in the right permanent home.
Parrot rescue groups often have waiting lists of adoptive homes. They do everything they can to be sure the bird gets the best possible home.
Kudos for You
Parrot rescue groups often operate in the red. It is costly to care for a number of parrots and other birds. They require numerous cages, hundreds of pounds of food on a regular basis, and modest salaries for their workers.
You will be greatly appreciated when you donate, with your parrot, its cage, perches, playground, toys, and food.
�2007, Anna Hart. An avid reader and researcher, Anna explores many parrot breeds and offers more parrot rescue information at [http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com]http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com. She also offers advice on the care and training of parrots. If you need parrot rescue for a pet you can no longer keep, you won�t want to miss Anna�s advice.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Can You Scare A Macaw Into Talking?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dave_Womach]Dave Womach
I know what you're thinking; what a terrible thing to preach. Scaring a Macaw should never be a good way to teach your parrot to talk. And I agree... you should never take your macaw and severely frighten him. But through some recent studies, researchers are finding out that Macaws are more likely to learn to mimic a word when they hear it in a 'heightened state of emotion'.
That means that if a Macaw hears a word being spoken while his senses are piqued, he'll learn the word easier. So it might be a good idea to start looking for opportunities where your macaw is in that state of mind.
I know my Blue and Gold Macaw, gets excited when he sees me for the first time in the morning. I can tell because his eyes will pin and he perks right up. If your Macaw gets excited to see you in the morning start saying a word you want him to say, and do this for several weeks. You'll probably notice that just by repeating a phrase when you greet your macaw in the morning will work much better at training him to talk then by simply repeating a phrase all day long. Timing is crucial with Macaw speech training.
Another example on the opposite side of the spectrum is a Macaw that learns to say things when he's scared or startled. For example, you may know a friend with a Macaw who cusses up a storm. This is usually because the bird was startled by an aggressive argument or shouting match whereas the owners of the house were very loud and scaring the bird with an argument. So it's no surprise that Macaws learn to pick up on the words being spoken during such fights.
And while I don't recommend fighting with the members of your family, you can use this fear technique to teach a Macaw to speak... you'll just want to tone it down a bit.
What I recommend is throughout the day randomly saying a word very loud that you want your bird to say. And say it just loud enough so it moderately startles your bird. You don't want to scare him too much so he falls off his perch and hurts himself. Instead just loudly speak a word or phrase you want your Macaw to say just loud enough so he perks up his head as if moderately startled.
Don't do this too much, just 2 or 3 times a day. After all, we don't want to overstress your Macaw. But in time you'll probably notice he starts to repeat that phrase you've been startling him with the past several weeks.
To learn more about how to train Macaws to do things, Chet Womach recommends you visit this informative site about Macaw Parrots at: http://www.magnificentmacaws.com
I know what you're thinking; what a terrible thing to preach. Scaring a Macaw should never be a good way to teach your parrot to talk. And I agree... you should never take your macaw and severely frighten him. But through some recent studies, researchers are finding out that Macaws are more likely to learn to mimic a word when they hear it in a 'heightened state of emotion'.
That means that if a Macaw hears a word being spoken while his senses are piqued, he'll learn the word easier. So it might be a good idea to start looking for opportunities where your macaw is in that state of mind.
I know my Blue and Gold Macaw, gets excited when he sees me for the first time in the morning. I can tell because his eyes will pin and he perks right up. If your Macaw gets excited to see you in the morning start saying a word you want him to say, and do this for several weeks. You'll probably notice that just by repeating a phrase when you greet your macaw in the morning will work much better at training him to talk then by simply repeating a phrase all day long. Timing is crucial with Macaw speech training.
Another example on the opposite side of the spectrum is a Macaw that learns to say things when he's scared or startled. For example, you may know a friend with a Macaw who cusses up a storm. This is usually because the bird was startled by an aggressive argument or shouting match whereas the owners of the house were very loud and scaring the bird with an argument. So it's no surprise that Macaws learn to pick up on the words being spoken during such fights.
And while I don't recommend fighting with the members of your family, you can use this fear technique to teach a Macaw to speak... you'll just want to tone it down a bit.
What I recommend is throughout the day randomly saying a word very loud that you want your bird to say. And say it just loud enough so it moderately startles your bird. You don't want to scare him too much so he falls off his perch and hurts himself. Instead just loudly speak a word or phrase you want your Macaw to say just loud enough so he perks up his head as if moderately startled.
Don't do this too much, just 2 or 3 times a day. After all, we don't want to overstress your Macaw. But in time you'll probably notice he starts to repeat that phrase you've been startling him with the past several weeks.
To learn more about how to train Macaws to do things, Chet Womach recommends you visit this informative site about Macaw Parrots at: http://www.magnificentmacaws.com
Monday, July 9, 2007
Hummingbird Questions Answered
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Louis_Dale]Louis Dale
Hummingbirds are delightful creatures to watch effortlessly hovering in the air constantly seeking a source of food. If you have a humming bird feeder near your dwelling it can be a joy to watch them hovering near the feeder, leaving to their nest and returning often.
As with any wildlife near your living area it is important to become familiar with some common problems and questions that may arise when dealing with hummingbirds. One common question and concern is what should you do in case you run across a humming bird injured by flying into a window or other stationary object? First of all it is important to understand more than three-quarters of all newborn humming birds die within the first year of life. Most die due to predators, accidents and disease, so it is important we minimize the chances of any human induced accidents.
Often the hummingbird will simply be stunned and can be rejuvenated. The first thing you should do is approach the bird with your hands out in an attempt to startle the bird into flight. If there is no movement from the bird then examine the bird closely for any signs of blood, broken wing or broken bill. If there are no signs of injury then you can try to rejuvenate the bird by giving it a drink of sugar water. First, gently slide the bill in and out of the feeder several times looking for any signs of rapid movement from the feathers or crown or any movement from the tongue.
If the bird will not show any signs of drinking then call your local rehabilitator for further information. If you can�t reach them you can also try your local veterinarian for assistance. Some important information to be aware of is that humming birds need to feed frequently. If you are taking care of an injured bird make sure to feed it several times each hour. This can be a difficult responsibility and is better left to a rehabiliator or vet that deals with wild birds.
If you are taking care of an injured humming bird long term then it is important to know sugar water is not a sufficient long-term diet for hummingbirds. They also will need a source of protein and fats that typically come from tiny insects like fruit flies. The easiest way to provide a healthy diet is to purchase a hummingbird formula from your local veterinarian.
Last of all it is important to be aware it is against federal and state laws in the United States and Canada to keep a hummingbird in captivity without special permits.
To learn more about backyard bird feeders and [http://www.mywildbird.com/Hummingbird_Feeder.html]unique hummingbird feeders be sure to visit http://www.mywildbird.com
Hummingbirds are delightful creatures to watch effortlessly hovering in the air constantly seeking a source of food. If you have a humming bird feeder near your dwelling it can be a joy to watch them hovering near the feeder, leaving to their nest and returning often.
As with any wildlife near your living area it is important to become familiar with some common problems and questions that may arise when dealing with hummingbirds. One common question and concern is what should you do in case you run across a humming bird injured by flying into a window or other stationary object? First of all it is important to understand more than three-quarters of all newborn humming birds die within the first year of life. Most die due to predators, accidents and disease, so it is important we minimize the chances of any human induced accidents.
Often the hummingbird will simply be stunned and can be rejuvenated. The first thing you should do is approach the bird with your hands out in an attempt to startle the bird into flight. If there is no movement from the bird then examine the bird closely for any signs of blood, broken wing or broken bill. If there are no signs of injury then you can try to rejuvenate the bird by giving it a drink of sugar water. First, gently slide the bill in and out of the feeder several times looking for any signs of rapid movement from the feathers or crown or any movement from the tongue.
If the bird will not show any signs of drinking then call your local rehabilitator for further information. If you can�t reach them you can also try your local veterinarian for assistance. Some important information to be aware of is that humming birds need to feed frequently. If you are taking care of an injured bird make sure to feed it several times each hour. This can be a difficult responsibility and is better left to a rehabiliator or vet that deals with wild birds.
If you are taking care of an injured humming bird long term then it is important to know sugar water is not a sufficient long-term diet for hummingbirds. They also will need a source of protein and fats that typically come from tiny insects like fruit flies. The easiest way to provide a healthy diet is to purchase a hummingbird formula from your local veterinarian.
Last of all it is important to be aware it is against federal and state laws in the United States and Canada to keep a hummingbird in captivity without special permits.
To learn more about backyard bird feeders and [http://www.mywildbird.com/Hummingbird_Feeder.html]unique hummingbird feeders be sure to visit http://www.mywildbird.com
Saturday, July 7, 2007
How A Tiny Bell On A String
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dave_Womach]Dave Womach
For decades, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people have been unexpectedly stepping in wet, cold puddles of dog urine, as a result of not understanding what it really takes to house train a dog. It's frustrating as hell, ruins your socks, and stains your carpet. But it doesn't have to be that way any longer. All you need is the right information, a string, and a little bell, and your dog won't mess on your floor ever again.
I house trained this dog to ring a bell to go potty at 11 weeks!
Hundreds of dog training experts are teaching techniques like how to use crates to build bladder strength, and increase the length of time between eliminations; grinding your dog's face in his poo to teach him it's not OK, or methods even as intricate as getting a dog to go in a kitty litter box. And while all these techniques can work, they all have one major flaw...
... they all rely on your dog to hold his bladder for hours on end, until you finally remember that you should let him outside to go potty. This is fighting an uphill battle with your dog, because it is infinitely easier to teach an animal to DO something than it is to teach an animal to NOT do something.
Meaning that if we could find a way for our dog to tell us he has to go to the bathroom, that would be much easier than training him to NOT go to the bathroom
Here's a few more examples to show you what I mean...
It's much easier to teach your dog to sit when meeting a stranger than to NOT jump up on them. It's much easier to teach your dog to chew on one of his toys, than it is to NOT chew on your furniture. This is because we can reward a dog for doing a behavior we want, but we can only PUNISH a dog for doing a behavior we don't want. And when push comes to shove, a dog will obviously be more willing to work for praise, treats and rewards, then be scared into submission with more aggressive tactics.
So let's take this philosophy and show you how I trained my brand new 11 week old Golden Retriever puppy to tell us EVERY time he needed to go potty, by ringing a little bell I hung from a string on our back door.
Here's why this house training technique is so effective...
Obviously an eleven week old puppy hasn't fully developed his bladder strength yet, and he was needing to relieve himself every couple of hours. And if I wasn't there when my puppy was ready to go... we ended up with a puddle on our floor.
So I thought to myself, "I don't want to just sit here watching my puppies every move, just waiting for him to look like he needs to go outside. Why don't I train him to tell me?"
And that's exactly what I did. First I got some of our puppy's favorite treats and kept them in a bowl by the door, so I could have easy access to them when I needed them.
Then I tied a little jingle bell from our Christmas tree, to a long string and tied it to the handle of our door, so it was easily in reach of my pups nose. This made it so that every time I opened the door the bell would jingle, and I'd let my puppy outside.
Then I took it one step further. I spent a few days closely watching my puppy in our house (you could do this in a weekend). I'd watch for any signs that he was going to go potty. Signs like sniffing the ground and pacing; like he's looking for a good spot to let it go.
When I saw my puppy doing this I'd immediately and gently distract him, rush him to the door, open the door and send him outside... of course this causes the bell to ring which is important as it starts to get the dog used to the fact that when the bell rings he goes outside.
Because the dog already had to go potty, as soon as he got outside he'd immediately go. I'd then toss him a treat and give him lots of praise. This taught the dog that he gets rewarded with a treat for going potty outside. And in my pups little doggy brain he very quickly started to realize that if he wanted one of those tasty treats, he had to go potty outside... and that that was the ONLY way to get one of his favorite treats.
After I'd spent a whole day doing this I adjusted my strategy on the second day of training. Instead of just opening the door for my pup when it looked like he had to go, when I took him to the back door I made him bump into the bell with his nose before I opened the door for him.
And after a full day of bumping into that bell with his nose he was trained that if he just bumps that bell with his nose, I'll come open the door for him to go outside and go potty -- and of course that earns him a treat!
This ends up being a HUGE blessing for me because I can be anywhere in the house and if my dog has to go to the bathroom I can hear him ring that bell. And because new puppies can't hold their bladders for very long, it was the perfect way to show him that there was a perfectly expectable way for him to ask to go outside.
Otherwise I'd never now when he wanted out, and even if he held it for as long as he could, if I wasn't there to let him out because I was in the other room watching TV, or not paying attention, he would have had another accident and it would have taken 3-5 times more time to house train my dog.
So remember, you'll have much more success with house training your dog if you focus on training him to DO something that's taking you closer to your house training goals, than it is to just get mad at him every time he has an accident.
Chet Womach is the author and creator of The Dog Training Secret Multi Media course, that's helped thousands of dog owners [http://www.thedogtrainingsecret.com/articles/house-training.htm]house train their dogs.
For decades, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people have been unexpectedly stepping in wet, cold puddles of dog urine, as a result of not understanding what it really takes to house train a dog. It's frustrating as hell, ruins your socks, and stains your carpet. But it doesn't have to be that way any longer. All you need is the right information, a string, and a little bell, and your dog won't mess on your floor ever again.
I house trained this dog to ring a bell to go potty at 11 weeks!
Hundreds of dog training experts are teaching techniques like how to use crates to build bladder strength, and increase the length of time between eliminations; grinding your dog's face in his poo to teach him it's not OK, or methods even as intricate as getting a dog to go in a kitty litter box. And while all these techniques can work, they all have one major flaw...
... they all rely on your dog to hold his bladder for hours on end, until you finally remember that you should let him outside to go potty. This is fighting an uphill battle with your dog, because it is infinitely easier to teach an animal to DO something than it is to teach an animal to NOT do something.
Meaning that if we could find a way for our dog to tell us he has to go to the bathroom, that would be much easier than training him to NOT go to the bathroom
Here's a few more examples to show you what I mean...
It's much easier to teach your dog to sit when meeting a stranger than to NOT jump up on them. It's much easier to teach your dog to chew on one of his toys, than it is to NOT chew on your furniture. This is because we can reward a dog for doing a behavior we want, but we can only PUNISH a dog for doing a behavior we don't want. And when push comes to shove, a dog will obviously be more willing to work for praise, treats and rewards, then be scared into submission with more aggressive tactics.
So let's take this philosophy and show you how I trained my brand new 11 week old Golden Retriever puppy to tell us EVERY time he needed to go potty, by ringing a little bell I hung from a string on our back door.
Here's why this house training technique is so effective...
Obviously an eleven week old puppy hasn't fully developed his bladder strength yet, and he was needing to relieve himself every couple of hours. And if I wasn't there when my puppy was ready to go... we ended up with a puddle on our floor.
So I thought to myself, "I don't want to just sit here watching my puppies every move, just waiting for him to look like he needs to go outside. Why don't I train him to tell me?"
And that's exactly what I did. First I got some of our puppy's favorite treats and kept them in a bowl by the door, so I could have easy access to them when I needed them.
Then I tied a little jingle bell from our Christmas tree, to a long string and tied it to the handle of our door, so it was easily in reach of my pups nose. This made it so that every time I opened the door the bell would jingle, and I'd let my puppy outside.
Then I took it one step further. I spent a few days closely watching my puppy in our house (you could do this in a weekend). I'd watch for any signs that he was going to go potty. Signs like sniffing the ground and pacing; like he's looking for a good spot to let it go.
When I saw my puppy doing this I'd immediately and gently distract him, rush him to the door, open the door and send him outside... of course this causes the bell to ring which is important as it starts to get the dog used to the fact that when the bell rings he goes outside.
Because the dog already had to go potty, as soon as he got outside he'd immediately go. I'd then toss him a treat and give him lots of praise. This taught the dog that he gets rewarded with a treat for going potty outside. And in my pups little doggy brain he very quickly started to realize that if he wanted one of those tasty treats, he had to go potty outside... and that that was the ONLY way to get one of his favorite treats.
After I'd spent a whole day doing this I adjusted my strategy on the second day of training. Instead of just opening the door for my pup when it looked like he had to go, when I took him to the back door I made him bump into the bell with his nose before I opened the door for him.
And after a full day of bumping into that bell with his nose he was trained that if he just bumps that bell with his nose, I'll come open the door for him to go outside and go potty -- and of course that earns him a treat!
This ends up being a HUGE blessing for me because I can be anywhere in the house and if my dog has to go to the bathroom I can hear him ring that bell. And because new puppies can't hold their bladders for very long, it was the perfect way to show him that there was a perfectly expectable way for him to ask to go outside.
Otherwise I'd never now when he wanted out, and even if he held it for as long as he could, if I wasn't there to let him out because I was in the other room watching TV, or not paying attention, he would have had another accident and it would have taken 3-5 times more time to house train my dog.
So remember, you'll have much more success with house training your dog if you focus on training him to DO something that's taking you closer to your house training goals, than it is to just get mad at him every time he has an accident.
Chet Womach is the author and creator of The Dog Training Secret Multi Media course, that's helped thousands of dog owners [http://www.thedogtrainingsecret.com/articles/house-training.htm]house train their dogs.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Things to Know Before Getting a Bird Feeder
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mayoor_Patel]Mayoor Patel
If you have decided that you want to feed the birds there is a lot you will have to find out before you can get it all set up. You need to know which type of bird feeder you need depending on which birds live in your area and which ones you want to attract o your yard. No matter the choices you are planning on making the first thing to consider is that whichever feeder you choose you want it to be able to satisfy a certain number of basic needs. You want one that is easy to clean. That means considering the plastic and metal ones first. They are far easier to clean properly than the wooden ones. Even if the wood ones appeal to you more because of how they look this is one factor you need to consider. You might need to choose cleanliness or attractiveness.
They must be well made. When you have put something out to feed the birds you want to be able to count on it lasting. That requires it being something that is well-built enough to be able to withstand various weather conditions. It needs to be able to withstand winds, rains and anything that winter weather can throw at it. As well, the bird feeder needs to be able to keep the seeds you have put into it dry. You also want one that is big enough you need not have to fill it every day. Lastly you want to get a feeder that will not be too difficult to put together. If you have to spend hours assembling it the average person won�t bother buying one. So you will need to either find one that is simple to put together or get one premade.
Bird feeders are usually considered to be either tray feeders, tube feeders or lastly hopper feeders. These designations are based on size and shape of the feeder. But there are other kinds as well. These are a little more unusual and include those for hummingbirds, suet feeders or peanut feeders. Every one of these will feed a variety of birds but no two are necessarily useful for the same type of bird.
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website [http://www.bird-feeders.wares-are.us/]http://www.bird-feeders.wares-are.us/. Please visit for information on all things concerned with [http://bird-feeders.wares-are.us/Articles/Bird_Feeder.php]Bird Feeder
If you have decided that you want to feed the birds there is a lot you will have to find out before you can get it all set up. You need to know which type of bird feeder you need depending on which birds live in your area and which ones you want to attract o your yard. No matter the choices you are planning on making the first thing to consider is that whichever feeder you choose you want it to be able to satisfy a certain number of basic needs. You want one that is easy to clean. That means considering the plastic and metal ones first. They are far easier to clean properly than the wooden ones. Even if the wood ones appeal to you more because of how they look this is one factor you need to consider. You might need to choose cleanliness or attractiveness.
They must be well made. When you have put something out to feed the birds you want to be able to count on it lasting. That requires it being something that is well-built enough to be able to withstand various weather conditions. It needs to be able to withstand winds, rains and anything that winter weather can throw at it. As well, the bird feeder needs to be able to keep the seeds you have put into it dry. You also want one that is big enough you need not have to fill it every day. Lastly you want to get a feeder that will not be too difficult to put together. If you have to spend hours assembling it the average person won�t bother buying one. So you will need to either find one that is simple to put together or get one premade.
Bird feeders are usually considered to be either tray feeders, tube feeders or lastly hopper feeders. These designations are based on size and shape of the feeder. But there are other kinds as well. These are a little more unusual and include those for hummingbirds, suet feeders or peanut feeders. Every one of these will feed a variety of birds but no two are necessarily useful for the same type of bird.
Mayoor Patel is the writer for the website [http://www.bird-feeders.wares-are.us/]http://www.bird-feeders.wares-are.us/. Please visit for information on all things concerned with [http://bird-feeders.wares-are.us/Articles/Bird_Feeder.php]Bird Feeder
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Choosing A Bird Cage - Size Does Matter
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards]Terry Edwards
Having a pet bird certainly provides a great deal of enjoyment in our daily lives. Listening to them chirp and sing is a lot of fun for those who love birds. Along with having a pet bird comes the need in having a good quality bird cage.
While you will find all types of bird cages made from everything from plastic to bamboo, the most important aspect will always be having the right size of cage for your pet bird. Here are some tips to help in selecting the best bird cage.
1. Where will you keep the bird cage?
Knowing where you will be keeping the cage in your home will help in knowing how big it should be. You shouldn't keep it in direct sunlight throughout the day or right next to an ac/heating vent.
2. What size is your bird?
Knowing where your bird cage will be in your home will let you know how big it can be. Now you can select a pet bird. Parakeets, finches and canary's can all be housed in smaller bird cages without concern over space.
Larger birds such as parrots will require much larger cages to have the extra room they need to move around.
Why is size so important? Birds do not like to be in small, restricted spaces. They become unhappy when they can not at least be able to spread their wings out and walk around. No different than how you would feel being cooped up.
3. Buy a good quality bird cage
Instead of cheap plastic, buy a good steel or wooden bird cage. Keep in mind that steel is much easier to maintain than wood, but both can provide durability and life.
Add some toys in the cage to let your bird play and have fun. Don't forget perches and food trays.
Keep these tips in mind when purchasing your bird cage and you both will be very happy with the results.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.
By the way, you can find out much more about [http://www.BirdCages.InfoFromA-z.com/Choosing_A_Bird_Cage.html]Choosing A Bird Cage as well as more information on everything to do with bird cages on our website at http://www.BirdCages.InfoFromA-z.com
Having a pet bird certainly provides a great deal of enjoyment in our daily lives. Listening to them chirp and sing is a lot of fun for those who love birds. Along with having a pet bird comes the need in having a good quality bird cage.
While you will find all types of bird cages made from everything from plastic to bamboo, the most important aspect will always be having the right size of cage for your pet bird. Here are some tips to help in selecting the best bird cage.
1. Where will you keep the bird cage?
Knowing where you will be keeping the cage in your home will help in knowing how big it should be. You shouldn't keep it in direct sunlight throughout the day or right next to an ac/heating vent.
2. What size is your bird?
Knowing where your bird cage will be in your home will let you know how big it can be. Now you can select a pet bird. Parakeets, finches and canary's can all be housed in smaller bird cages without concern over space.
Larger birds such as parrots will require much larger cages to have the extra room they need to move around.
Why is size so important? Birds do not like to be in small, restricted spaces. They become unhappy when they can not at least be able to spread their wings out and walk around. No different than how you would feel being cooped up.
3. Buy a good quality bird cage
Instead of cheap plastic, buy a good steel or wooden bird cage. Keep in mind that steel is much easier to maintain than wood, but both can provide durability and life.
Add some toys in the cage to let your bird play and have fun. Don't forget perches and food trays.
Keep these tips in mind when purchasing your bird cage and you both will be very happy with the results.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.
By the way, you can find out much more about [http://www.BirdCages.InfoFromA-z.com/Choosing_A_Bird_Cage.html]Choosing A Bird Cage as well as more information on everything to do with bird cages on our website at http://www.BirdCages.InfoFromA-z.com
Sunday, July 1, 2007
African Grey Parrots' Food
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anna_Hart]Anna Hart
When you invite an African Grey parrot to share your home, you are taking on a long-term responsibility to provide a good diet for that parrot for 50 years or more. Many owners fail to do this, even for a few months. Believing that bird seed is enough, they purchase a large bag of mixed seed, and feed their African Grey. Seeds are cheap, so bird food companies push them.
African Grey parrots' food must not be only seed, however. Such an incomplete, imbalanced diet is likely to cause illness. Seeds are high in fat and carbohydrates, and your African Grey will probably pick out its favorite seeds, making the diet even less balanced.
Most parrot experts agree that an African Grey parrots' food needs can only be met with a formula diet supplemented with a variety of other foods.
Organic Pellets
What is a formula diet for an African Grey? Organic pellets. I say "organic" pellets because many of the conventional pellets have unhealthy ingredients. Some have even been noted as containing potentially toxic ingredients.
African Grey parrots' food should never contain menadione. If the pellets you are considering for your African Grey list menadione as an ingredient, read on. The FDA requires a warning on every bag of food that contains it. That warning must read, "Person who handles needs to wear protective outfit, gloves, mask, and glasses."
Menadione may be added to give your African Grey additional vitamin K. A better option is to provide full spectrum light for your parrot. An African Grey will get vitamin K from the light, just as it would if living outdoors.
Organic pellets also let your African Grey avoid the high quantities of sugar in colored pellets. Most African Grey parrot owners care enough about the bird in which they've invested so much money, that they don't want to give it a diet that is high in sugar.
African Grey parrots' food that is based on organic pellets will be free of contaminants that might be found in other pellets. In the U.S., government regulations force companies making organic parrot food not to use pesticides or other contaminants.
In addition to a basic, formulated pellet food, African Greys need many of the same food you eat.
1. Fresh vegetables: Offer your African Grey a wide variety of vegetables, raw or cooked. Think bright, deep colors for the most nutrition. Most vegetables that offer high nutrition to you and your family will be good for your parrot as well. Cooked legumes such as beans and lentils are good. Sprouted seeds are also good. Your African Grey will love them. To avoid contaminants such as pesticides, you may want to use organic vegetables for African Grey parrots' food.
2. Fresh fruits: In the wild, African Greys eat fruit freely. The trick is to keep your parrot from filling up on its favorite food and neglecting pellets and vegetables. As with vegetables, choose bright, rich colors in fruit for the most nutrition. Also, purchase organic if possible.
3. Other supplemental foods: African Grey parrots enjoy cooked eggs and small amounts of yogurt now and then. African Greys are more prone than some parrots to calcium deficiency, so you may leave the egg shell on the hard boiled egg, if you wish. You should not need to give your parrot calcium supplements if you are using a good organic pellet food. You may give a few seeds as a treat, but go easy on them.
No, Thank You
African Grey parrots' food dishes should never contain avocado, chocolate, or rhubarb. They should not contain any human junk foods or processed meats either. It should go without saying, but your African Grey should never be given anything containing caffeine or alcohol.
Water, Please
Remember, when thinking of your African Grey's dietary needs, that it should have fresh, clean water in its cage at all times.
Helpful Tip
For healthy African Greys, be sure you clean the food and water dishes every day. If your parrot decides on an impromptu bath, wait until it is done, wash the water dish, and give it a fresh supply of water.
�2007, Anna Hart. An avid reader and researcher, Anna explores many parrot breeds and offers more information about African Grey Parrots and their care at [http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com]http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com. If you are interested in learning about parrot food made at home, you won�t want to miss the information Anna shares on that subject.
When you invite an African Grey parrot to share your home, you are taking on a long-term responsibility to provide a good diet for that parrot for 50 years or more. Many owners fail to do this, even for a few months. Believing that bird seed is enough, they purchase a large bag of mixed seed, and feed their African Grey. Seeds are cheap, so bird food companies push them.
African Grey parrots' food must not be only seed, however. Such an incomplete, imbalanced diet is likely to cause illness. Seeds are high in fat and carbohydrates, and your African Grey will probably pick out its favorite seeds, making the diet even less balanced.
Most parrot experts agree that an African Grey parrots' food needs can only be met with a formula diet supplemented with a variety of other foods.
Organic Pellets
What is a formula diet for an African Grey? Organic pellets. I say "organic" pellets because many of the conventional pellets have unhealthy ingredients. Some have even been noted as containing potentially toxic ingredients.
African Grey parrots' food should never contain menadione. If the pellets you are considering for your African Grey list menadione as an ingredient, read on. The FDA requires a warning on every bag of food that contains it. That warning must read, "Person who handles needs to wear protective outfit, gloves, mask, and glasses."
Menadione may be added to give your African Grey additional vitamin K. A better option is to provide full spectrum light for your parrot. An African Grey will get vitamin K from the light, just as it would if living outdoors.
Organic pellets also let your African Grey avoid the high quantities of sugar in colored pellets. Most African Grey parrot owners care enough about the bird in which they've invested so much money, that they don't want to give it a diet that is high in sugar.
African Grey parrots' food that is based on organic pellets will be free of contaminants that might be found in other pellets. In the U.S., government regulations force companies making organic parrot food not to use pesticides or other contaminants.
In addition to a basic, formulated pellet food, African Greys need many of the same food you eat.
1. Fresh vegetables: Offer your African Grey a wide variety of vegetables, raw or cooked. Think bright, deep colors for the most nutrition. Most vegetables that offer high nutrition to you and your family will be good for your parrot as well. Cooked legumes such as beans and lentils are good. Sprouted seeds are also good. Your African Grey will love them. To avoid contaminants such as pesticides, you may want to use organic vegetables for African Grey parrots' food.
2. Fresh fruits: In the wild, African Greys eat fruit freely. The trick is to keep your parrot from filling up on its favorite food and neglecting pellets and vegetables. As with vegetables, choose bright, rich colors in fruit for the most nutrition. Also, purchase organic if possible.
3. Other supplemental foods: African Grey parrots enjoy cooked eggs and small amounts of yogurt now and then. African Greys are more prone than some parrots to calcium deficiency, so you may leave the egg shell on the hard boiled egg, if you wish. You should not need to give your parrot calcium supplements if you are using a good organic pellet food. You may give a few seeds as a treat, but go easy on them.
No, Thank You
African Grey parrots' food dishes should never contain avocado, chocolate, or rhubarb. They should not contain any human junk foods or processed meats either. It should go without saying, but your African Grey should never be given anything containing caffeine or alcohol.
Water, Please
Remember, when thinking of your African Grey's dietary needs, that it should have fresh, clean water in its cage at all times.
Helpful Tip
For healthy African Greys, be sure you clean the food and water dishes every day. If your parrot decides on an impromptu bath, wait until it is done, wash the water dish, and give it a fresh supply of water.
�2007, Anna Hart. An avid reader and researcher, Anna explores many parrot breeds and offers more information about African Grey Parrots and their care at [http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com]http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com. If you are interested in learning about parrot food made at home, you won�t want to miss the information Anna shares on that subject.
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