1. Good hygiene – regularly clean the bird cage and the appliances in it. The cleaning must be accomplished minimum twice a week .
2. We mustn't let our birds have contacts with wild or free – living birds, who are the main carriers of diseases and infections .
3. Do not put the bird cage exposed to draughts – the birds can catch a cold , and they should be exposed to the sun no more than 1 – 2 hours , because they can get overheated and can suffer from hypothermia .
4. If you have other pet animals – a dog , a cat, first get sure that they are not aggressive towards the birds and only then you can leave them in the same room together.
5. Examine the bird cage for protruding parts and objects that can hurt the birds .
6. A very important factor for the good health of the birds is the proper and balanced feeding . Except for grain mixture, they should get enough quantity of fruit and vegetables, from which they will supply themselves with necessary vitamins .
7. Also, with great importance for the health of birds is the proper supply with minerals . You can buy them from the zoo in combined form.
8. It is also necessary that your birds get small stones and sand in a separate container , which contributes to the good digestion and food – assimilation.
9. Overfeeding the birds with proteins of animal origin is very dangerous for them and it can cause podagra and lead to abnormal appetite .
Showing posts with label Parrot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parrot. Show all posts
6 things that we have to consider before buying a bird
What to start with?
First we have to consider the following :
What can I afford?
The price of on parrot varies in large bounds in dependence with the species. You can buy for example a budgie for less than 10 $. The price of the cockatiel varies between 25 and 35 $. An Amazonian parrot and grey parrot can be purchased for about 300 – 400$, cockatoo for 1,000 $...... and the price of some parrots reaches $15,000! This is one of the initial questions which you have to answer.
How much space will the bird need?
Larger birds and even some of the small ones are very active physically and need big cages and space in which to play.
Is there any free time for the bird?
Probably this is the most important question. Birds are intelligent, playful and mostly “ social ” creatures. Will you have time to play with your bird? To care properly of it? Will it have the chance to be a part of your family? Consider the fact that birds live fairly long. A small parrot cockatiel lives for 20 years and more! Amazona or African grey parrot can live for 50, 60 and there are documented cases for birds that lived up to the respectable age of 100 years! Can you devote to this? It is not unusual to inherit birds for previous generations. Don't buy a bird if you think that you will soon get bored of it.
How noisy is the bird? Will the neighbors murmur?
Budgies and cockatiel are comparatively quiet. They are suitable to look after in a flat. Moluxco cockatoo could live in flat just if you have neighbors around you and six floors above / below you that like listening screams to cracking their ear - drums. The African grey parrot tends to be one of comparatively non-noisy parrots. Certainly, there are individual differences between birds. Somewhere there could be cockatoo, that don ' t make noisy to heaven. If really there could be found such, an enterprising person could make a fortune of it. Remember that noise is a subjective and relative sensation. A bird can be considered as “ non-noisy ” only at the background of another one,considered as noisy.
How “ destructive ” could a bird be?
Do you possess peerless old furniture? Rare books? Remember that these birds have strong beaks,. Some of them are less inclined to “ nibbling ” than others, but nibbling is completely natural behaviour for them.
Does the parrot need special food?
Lory parrots, for example, need a specialized diet. Do you have an opportunity and means to provide it? Once you have made a preliminary investigation and have decided what kind of parrot you want, you can go looking for it and buy it. NEVER, NEVER BUY A PARROT IMPULSIVELY!
First we have to consider the following :
What can I afford?
The price of on parrot varies in large bounds in dependence with the species. You can buy for example a budgie for less than 10 $. The price of the cockatiel varies between 25 and 35 $. An Amazonian parrot and grey parrot can be purchased for about 300 – 400$, cockatoo for 1,000 $...... and the price of some parrots reaches $15,000! This is one of the initial questions which you have to answer.
How much space will the bird need?
Larger birds and even some of the small ones are very active physically and need big cages and space in which to play.
Is there any free time for the bird?
Probably this is the most important question. Birds are intelligent, playful and mostly “ social ” creatures. Will you have time to play with your bird? To care properly of it? Will it have the chance to be a part of your family? Consider the fact that birds live fairly long. A small parrot cockatiel lives for 20 years and more! Amazona or African grey parrot can live for 50, 60 and there are documented cases for birds that lived up to the respectable age of 100 years! Can you devote to this? It is not unusual to inherit birds for previous generations. Don't buy a bird if you think that you will soon get bored of it.
How noisy is the bird? Will the neighbors murmur?
Budgies and cockatiel are comparatively quiet. They are suitable to look after in a flat. Moluxco cockatoo could live in flat just if you have neighbors around you and six floors above / below you that like listening screams to cracking their ear - drums. The African grey parrot tends to be one of comparatively non-noisy parrots. Certainly, there are individual differences between birds. Somewhere there could be cockatoo, that don ' t make noisy to heaven. If really there could be found such, an enterprising person could make a fortune of it. Remember that noise is a subjective and relative sensation. A bird can be considered as “ non-noisy ” only at the background of another one,considered as noisy.
How “ destructive ” could a bird be?
Do you possess peerless old furniture? Rare books? Remember that these birds have strong beaks,. Some of them are less inclined to “ nibbling ” than others, but nibbling is completely natural behaviour for them.
Does the parrot need special food?
Lory parrots, for example, need a specialized diet. Do you have an opportunity and means to provide it? Once you have made a preliminary investigation and have decided what kind of parrot you want, you can go looking for it and buy it. NEVER, NEVER BUY A PARROT IMPULSIVELY!
Foods That You Can Feed Your Parrot
When children hear about parrots, the first thing that comes to mind is that this bird is usually on the shoulder of a pirate and it can talk.
Though this creature has a habit of wanting and eating a cracker, studies have shown that this magnificent and colorful animal needs more than that in order to maintain a healthy diet.
By following these simple tips, the person can find other things, which are also essential to the parrot’s diet.
1. Parrots should have also have some vegetables, cooked meats and grains just like humans. This is because these creatures need the same nutrients that people get from eating such produce.
2. A healthy diet also means giving the parrot the right portions in each meal. If the owner gives too much, this should be reduced. This will take some time to get it right so the individual should just monitor the volume each time this is given to the animal.
3. Parrots get sick very easily. If there is excess food in the plate, this should be removed because this becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and molds.
4. Aside from food, the parrot must also be given a fresh supply of water daily. This will avoid making the bird dehydrated, which can also cause it to get sick.
5. Many people see pet owners giving seeds and nuts frequently to the parrot. Studies have shown this should be done sparingly because it does not provide that much nutrients, which are needed for the bird’s diet.
6. Though parrots may eat almost anything that humans eat, these following should never be given. These are chocolates, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, kidney and lima beans.
7. Parrots should be fed twice day and enjoy it if the food is mixed in water in the bowl. It is advisable for the pet owner to wash the dish first before and after each meal to make sure it is free from bacteria and other germs that could endanger the life of the bird.
These are just a few tips in feeding the parrot. The owner can read up more by buying a book or doing some research on the Internet.
Before buying any food for the parrot, it will also be a good idea to seek the advice of a veterinarian. This specialist can check on the bird and recommend the proper items to be bought from the pet store.
Though this creature has a habit of wanting and eating a cracker, studies have shown that this magnificent and colorful animal needs more than that in order to maintain a healthy diet.
By following these simple tips, the person can find other things, which are also essential to the parrot’s diet.
1. Parrots should have also have some vegetables, cooked meats and grains just like humans. This is because these creatures need the same nutrients that people get from eating such produce.
2. A healthy diet also means giving the parrot the right portions in each meal. If the owner gives too much, this should be reduced. This will take some time to get it right so the individual should just monitor the volume each time this is given to the animal.
3. Parrots get sick very easily. If there is excess food in the plate, this should be removed because this becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and molds.
4. Aside from food, the parrot must also be given a fresh supply of water daily. This will avoid making the bird dehydrated, which can also cause it to get sick.
5. Many people see pet owners giving seeds and nuts frequently to the parrot. Studies have shown this should be done sparingly because it does not provide that much nutrients, which are needed for the bird’s diet.
6. Though parrots may eat almost anything that humans eat, these following should never be given. These are chocolates, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, kidney and lima beans.
7. Parrots should be fed twice day and enjoy it if the food is mixed in water in the bowl. It is advisable for the pet owner to wash the dish first before and after each meal to make sure it is free from bacteria and other germs that could endanger the life of the bird.
These are just a few tips in feeding the parrot. The owner can read up more by buying a book or doing some research on the Internet.
Before buying any food for the parrot, it will also be a good idea to seek the advice of a veterinarian. This specialist can check on the bird and recommend the proper items to be bought from the pet store.
World Parrot Refuge In Danger Of Being Shutdown!
An immediate call for help is being issued to all local citizens of Vancouver Island. The World Parrot Refuge near Parksville is on the verge of being shutdown by Revenue Canada if the non-profit organization fails to pay $13,000 in owing employee deductions by July17th, 2006.
Home to 500 orphaned parrots the World Parrot Refuge has taken on the challenge of rescuing these animals from displaced homes and providing them with “a home for life”. It is often a thankless job, and an expensive one. Most of us do not realize the amount of money it takes to rescue, house & feed a single parrot for a year. And unfortunately, being on Vancouver Island, the refuge faces an even more difficult situation due to the seasonality of our tourism industry. But it is a challenge that society co-founder, Wendy Huntbatch, has taken on whole heartedly.
At VIadventures.net, we do not wish to see one of the island’s most unique and socially responsible organizations close its doors to the public. The society relies on support from the local citizens as much as visitors to help maintain its operation. We are asking everyone to support the World Parrot Refuge by helping raise the needed $13,000 by the Monday deadline. Visit http://www.VIadventures.net today and click on the link provided to make a donation. Every little bit helps, so please do not hesitate.
The World Parrot Refuge is an educational facility that provides a "home for life" for previously owned pet parrots, and is operated by the "For the Love Of Parrots Refuge Society" (FLOPRS). The Refuge has 23,000 square feet of heated indoor free-flight aviaries and 16,000 square feet of easily accessed outdoor flights for the warmer months.
As a regional community, it is our responsibility to support local businesses & organizations. Please do not let the World Parrot Refuge close its doors; we would be losing one of the true island treasures if we do.
Home to 500 orphaned parrots the World Parrot Refuge has taken on the challenge of rescuing these animals from displaced homes and providing them with “a home for life”. It is often a thankless job, and an expensive one. Most of us do not realize the amount of money it takes to rescue, house & feed a single parrot for a year. And unfortunately, being on Vancouver Island, the refuge faces an even more difficult situation due to the seasonality of our tourism industry. But it is a challenge that society co-founder, Wendy Huntbatch, has taken on whole heartedly.
At VIadventures.net, we do not wish to see one of the island’s most unique and socially responsible organizations close its doors to the public. The society relies on support from the local citizens as much as visitors to help maintain its operation. We are asking everyone to support the World Parrot Refuge by helping raise the needed $13,000 by the Monday deadline. Visit http://www.VIadventures.net today and click on the link provided to make a donation. Every little bit helps, so please do not hesitate.
The World Parrot Refuge is an educational facility that provides a "home for life" for previously owned pet parrots, and is operated by the "For the Love Of Parrots Refuge Society" (FLOPRS). The Refuge has 23,000 square feet of heated indoor free-flight aviaries and 16,000 square feet of easily accessed outdoor flights for the warmer months.
As a regional community, it is our responsibility to support local businesses & organizations. Please do not let the World Parrot Refuge close its doors; we would be losing one of the true island treasures if we do.
How To Take Care Of Your Pet Parrot
Parrots make wonderful family pets because they are great companions, they are beautiful birds with colorful feathers and you can teach them to talk. But you must have a strong level of commitment to your parrot because he will need daily and weekly maintenance, as well as plenty of attention.
What a Parrot Needs
When you consider how to take care of you parrot, you will have to consider what you will need to get started. The first thing you will need is a large cage for your parrot to live in. Make sure it is big enough for him to move around a bit and be comfortable. To occupy his time and make him feel comfortable you should place a mirror, a swing and a toy in the cage. You will also need something to properly line the cage.
What To Feed Your Parrot
A parrot should have a healthy, well-balanced diet. It should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat and grains. Peanut butter and cooked eggs are other sources of protein that are good for parrots. Pre-packaged parrot food is certainly another valid option. It takes the guesswork out of feeding your bird a wide variety of balanced nutrition.
As with most pets, avoid feeding your parrot caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and salty foods.
Teaching Your Parrot To Talk
One of the most attractive features of this type of bird is that you can teach them to talk and whistle. Most people get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It does require a lot of time and repetition though and training should begin when the parrot is young. New words should be introduced with an activity so the parrot can link the two. He may even pick up on words you don’t really want him to learn just because he hears them often.
Whistling may come more natural for the birds and may be encouraged after you have trained him to talk.
Provide Exercise
Your parrot will need to get daily exercise. Let him out of the cage for small amount of time, starting with fifteen minutes at a time. Let them fly around the house and tire themselves out. See a professional for wing clippings when necessary.
Beak Care
Never try to trim your parrot’s beak at home. Seek a professional’s help when needed. Some things you can do at home to help your bird with beak care is to provide a concrete perch or a cuttle bone for him.
Maintenance
The basic things you need to commit to for taking care of your bird are quite simple, but they do require some effort on the owner’s part. In addition to never leaving his food bowl empty, you will need to provide him with fresh water twice a day. You will need to clean his cage on a weekly basis. You will also need to groom him 2-3 times per week. This can include a full bath given in a sink or washtub or by simply misting the bird and using specialized bird shampoo on him.
When all the work is done, you will have a beautiful pet that will provide hours of entertainment and joy.
What a Parrot Needs
When you consider how to take care of you parrot, you will have to consider what you will need to get started. The first thing you will need is a large cage for your parrot to live in. Make sure it is big enough for him to move around a bit and be comfortable. To occupy his time and make him feel comfortable you should place a mirror, a swing and a toy in the cage. You will also need something to properly line the cage.
What To Feed Your Parrot
A parrot should have a healthy, well-balanced diet. It should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat and grains. Peanut butter and cooked eggs are other sources of protein that are good for parrots. Pre-packaged parrot food is certainly another valid option. It takes the guesswork out of feeding your bird a wide variety of balanced nutrition.
As with most pets, avoid feeding your parrot caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and salty foods.
Teaching Your Parrot To Talk
One of the most attractive features of this type of bird is that you can teach them to talk and whistle. Most people get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It does require a lot of time and repetition though and training should begin when the parrot is young. New words should be introduced with an activity so the parrot can link the two. He may even pick up on words you don’t really want him to learn just because he hears them often.
Whistling may come more natural for the birds and may be encouraged after you have trained him to talk.
Provide Exercise
Your parrot will need to get daily exercise. Let him out of the cage for small amount of time, starting with fifteen minutes at a time. Let them fly around the house and tire themselves out. See a professional for wing clippings when necessary.
Beak Care
Never try to trim your parrot’s beak at home. Seek a professional’s help when needed. Some things you can do at home to help your bird with beak care is to provide a concrete perch or a cuttle bone for him.
Maintenance
The basic things you need to commit to for taking care of your bird are quite simple, but they do require some effort on the owner’s part. In addition to never leaving his food bowl empty, you will need to provide him with fresh water twice a day. You will need to clean his cage on a weekly basis. You will also need to groom him 2-3 times per week. This can include a full bath given in a sink or washtub or by simply misting the bird and using specialized bird shampoo on him.
When all the work is done, you will have a beautiful pet that will provide hours of entertainment and joy.
Hey Parrots Train Your Parents To Start Training You
Happy parrots enjoy training every day. Parrot potty training is one of the easiest things that we can learn.
If you want to be a happy bird like me you have to train your parents to spend time and invest in training you. Lets face it we don’t like to be stuck in a cages or on our stands all day screaming our heads off. We are going to live a long time so we might as well be happy. Read on to learn how I was parrot potty trained.
If you’re not a happy bird like a lot of us are or were at one time, tell your parents to just start spending time with you. One of my favorite things to do is to sing with my parents. They’re not that talented so I enjoy training them how to sing.
For you parrots out there who like to come out once and while but you get put right back because you poop on the floor or the furniture, tell your parents to start parrot potty training you. It’s very easy to learn. Here is how my Papa taught me. He waits for me to poop in my cage while saying to me "sit" because sit sounds nicer than go poop. Then when I do he takes me out and plays and cuddles with me for a short time. Then he puts me back in my cage and tells me to "sit again" and when I do (so to speak) he takes me out and plays and cuddles with me again. After a short time the only place that I want to "sit" is in my cage or on my play stand. Tell your parents potty training parrots is much easier than potty training dogs, cats or even children.
If you want to be a happy bird like me you have to train your parents to spend time and invest in training you. Lets face it we don’t like to be stuck in a cages or on our stands all day screaming our heads off. We are going to live a long time so we might as well be happy. Read on to learn how I was parrot potty trained.
If you’re not a happy bird like a lot of us are or were at one time, tell your parents to just start spending time with you. One of my favorite things to do is to sing with my parents. They’re not that talented so I enjoy training them how to sing.
For you parrots out there who like to come out once and while but you get put right back because you poop on the floor or the furniture, tell your parents to start parrot potty training you. It’s very easy to learn. Here is how my Papa taught me. He waits for me to poop in my cage while saying to me "sit" because sit sounds nicer than go poop. Then when I do he takes me out and plays and cuddles with me for a short time. Then he puts me back in my cage and tells me to "sit again" and when I do (so to speak) he takes me out and plays and cuddles with me again. After a short time the only place that I want to "sit" is in my cage or on my play stand. Tell your parents potty training parrots is much easier than potty training dogs, cats or even children.
Feather Plucking : A Major Problem for the African Grey Parrot
Feather plucking is known to be a very nasty habit of the african grey parrot. They are notorious feather pluckers. It is said that the Timneh African Grey parrots are not as bad as the Congo African Grey Parrots when it comes to feather plucking. But this is not a proven fact.
First of all any parrot keeper should ask himself why do parrots pluck their feathers. There are many different reasons for this nasty habit. The African grey parrot is a parrot species that need quite much attention from his human owner. If this doesn't happens then the bird will probably get bored and this can result to feather plucking. But belive me that the this feather plucking problem is very complicated because it's very hard to resolve it. There were cases when the african greys plucked their feathers because of getting to much attention. So you just don't know exactly how to treat your bird. Dietary imbalances, or environmental problems may also take to feather plucking. Some environmental problems could be smocking very much in the room where the parrot is kept or keeping him in a space with dry air. Also is recommended for african grey parrots to get regular baths or to be exposed to some kind of moist air. The african grey parrots shouldn't encounter any frightening experiences because this can take to feather plucking.
If this nasty habit appears in you bird's daily activities than you should first see a veterinarian. He will probably try to find a physical explanation for the bird's problem. It's best to try to understand what the veterinarian explains and try to find some ways of resolving the problem. It is proven that the african grey parrot is the most intelligent species. His higher degree of intelligence, along with possible incorrect early socialization at the breeders and not understanding the bird’s intellectual needs when it becomes a companion parrot often leads to neurotic habits -- such as plucking.
Timnehs african grey parrots don't pluck their feathers as much as the congo african grey parrot. This could be because they were not as popular as the congo african parrot. Because of their duller coloration they weren't as licked as the congo.
In conclusion the feather plucking is a major problem for the african grey parrots because they are very difficult birds to take care of.
First of all any parrot keeper should ask himself why do parrots pluck their feathers. There are many different reasons for this nasty habit. The African grey parrot is a parrot species that need quite much attention from his human owner. If this doesn't happens then the bird will probably get bored and this can result to feather plucking. But belive me that the this feather plucking problem is very complicated because it's very hard to resolve it. There were cases when the african greys plucked their feathers because of getting to much attention. So you just don't know exactly how to treat your bird. Dietary imbalances, or environmental problems may also take to feather plucking. Some environmental problems could be smocking very much in the room where the parrot is kept or keeping him in a space with dry air. Also is recommended for african grey parrots to get regular baths or to be exposed to some kind of moist air. The african grey parrots shouldn't encounter any frightening experiences because this can take to feather plucking.
If this nasty habit appears in you bird's daily activities than you should first see a veterinarian. He will probably try to find a physical explanation for the bird's problem. It's best to try to understand what the veterinarian explains and try to find some ways of resolving the problem. It is proven that the african grey parrot is the most intelligent species. His higher degree of intelligence, along with possible incorrect early socialization at the breeders and not understanding the bird’s intellectual needs when it becomes a companion parrot often leads to neurotic habits -- such as plucking.
Timnehs african grey parrots don't pluck their feathers as much as the congo african grey parrot. This could be because they were not as popular as the congo african parrot. Because of their duller coloration they weren't as licked as the congo.
In conclusion the feather plucking is a major problem for the african grey parrots because they are very difficult birds to take care of.
Essential Guide to Buying The Best Pet Parrot !!
All bird lovers listen up!! Do you know how many bird species are there in the world?
Answer: Over 9000 species. And out of which the parrot group itself consists of about 330
species and are particularly popular with pet owners.
If you are also thinking of keeping a pet parrot, read below for the tips I am going to
provide for selecting the suitable parrot for yourself and the family.
Parrot Buying Tip (1) -- Buy a young parrot
------------------------------------------------
Rearing a new parrot from young helps to facilitate taming. An older parrot can also be
tamed just that it takes more time and patience. However, the tricky part is in determing
the age of the bird. However, some basic things to look out for are the scales on its legs,
color of the eye and the color of the body. A young parrot often has a dark gray iris that
becomes white or brown when it grows up. The scales of young parrots are also much smoother
than that of mature birds. Their body color also appears initially to be much duller than
when they are matured.
The best option is to buy one which is newly born which is independent of its parent.
Parrot Buying Tip (2) -- Choose the right species of parrot
------------------------------------------------------------
Do you know the characteristics of the parrot you are interested in buying?
Do they
-make tremendously loud voices which can cause huge disturbance to the neighbours?
-have powerful beaks that can damage your personal belongings if let free in the house?
-need special accomodation, which will potentially incur higher costs for you. Bigger birds
would require bigger cages made of metal so that the parrot cannot damage it.
-need special nutritional foods? Some birds such as the lorikeets need special foods since
they feed on nectar. This also relates to cost.
Parrot Buying Tip (3) -- Check the condition of the parrot
------------------------------------------------------------
If possible, ask for a certified health certificate by the veterinary so that you have
assurance of buying a healthy parrot home. If that is not available, dont worry, you can
check out the below factors for some tell-tale signs on the conditions of the bird.
i) Inspect the living conditions of the bird. Dirty or poorly maintained perches, food and
water containers, excess fecal wastes in the cage, all show poor management of the birds
leading to bad health. The eyes should also be clear and not showing any discharge. Also
look out for any swelling signs which will indicate rising health problems.
ii) The bird feathers should be tidy and clean. Any bald areas on the parrot body could
indicate an infection which is very unsightly and may not be able to cure, or it may also be
due to the parrot being a feather plucker which means it is getting very bored. This
activity may stop when you start to show it more attention. Then again, it is better to stay
clear of such birds, since they could be carrying diseases on their bodies which you dont
want it to spread to your family members.
iii) Support the bird on its back and check the vent for cleanliness. Also check for any
crusty appearance on and around the beak which could indicate a mite issue subjecting from
unclean environments.
iv) Also feel the flesh on both sides of the breastbone, and ensure it is solid and not
hollowed. If protruding, it also indicates a nutritional deficiency, and should be avoided.
v) Ensures all claws are there. There should be 2 toes pointing forward, 2 facing backwards.
Check for any protruding leg scales as they could be potential sources for leg mites.
vi) Beware of birds that act aggressively towards you when you try to approach it. Symptoms
include fluffing up feathers and eyes dilating when you try to move your hand close to it.
These birds are probably not young birds, and they will likely bite you if you cross its
safety zone.
Parrot Buying Tip (4) -- Buy from reputable, reliable sources
------------------------------------------------------------
Buying from well-established and reputable pet shops assures you the best quality services,
and often the pets you are buying through them have been certified to be in good health
before they release it out for sale.
Avoid open markets, and buying through mail order. It is always good to see and feel what
you are buying so that you dont regret your buying decisions later. If you dont, how do you
implement parrot buying tip 3?
Conclusion
-----------------------------------------------------------
To summarize, it is great to have parrots as pets, as they can be good source of fun and
companionship. However, it is important to know some essential tips on selecting and buying
the right parrot, and this can be categorized into 4 great tips namely to buy a young
parrot, choose the desired parrot species, check condition of the parrot, and always buy
from reputable pet shops.
Hope you enjoy this article !!
Answer: Over 9000 species. And out of which the parrot group itself consists of about 330
species and are particularly popular with pet owners.
If you are also thinking of keeping a pet parrot, read below for the tips I am going to
provide for selecting the suitable parrot for yourself and the family.
Parrot Buying Tip (1) -- Buy a young parrot
------------------------------------------------
Rearing a new parrot from young helps to facilitate taming. An older parrot can also be
tamed just that it takes more time and patience. However, the tricky part is in determing
the age of the bird. However, some basic things to look out for are the scales on its legs,
color of the eye and the color of the body. A young parrot often has a dark gray iris that
becomes white or brown when it grows up. The scales of young parrots are also much smoother
than that of mature birds. Their body color also appears initially to be much duller than
when they are matured.
The best option is to buy one which is newly born which is independent of its parent.
Parrot Buying Tip (2) -- Choose the right species of parrot
------------------------------------------------------------
Do you know the characteristics of the parrot you are interested in buying?
Do they
-make tremendously loud voices which can cause huge disturbance to the neighbours?
-have powerful beaks that can damage your personal belongings if let free in the house?
-need special accomodation, which will potentially incur higher costs for you. Bigger birds
would require bigger cages made of metal so that the parrot cannot damage it.
-need special nutritional foods? Some birds such as the lorikeets need special foods since
they feed on nectar. This also relates to cost.
Parrot Buying Tip (3) -- Check the condition of the parrot
------------------------------------------------------------
If possible, ask for a certified health certificate by the veterinary so that you have
assurance of buying a healthy parrot home. If that is not available, dont worry, you can
check out the below factors for some tell-tale signs on the conditions of the bird.
i) Inspect the living conditions of the bird. Dirty or poorly maintained perches, food and
water containers, excess fecal wastes in the cage, all show poor management of the birds
leading to bad health. The eyes should also be clear and not showing any discharge. Also
look out for any swelling signs which will indicate rising health problems.
ii) The bird feathers should be tidy and clean. Any bald areas on the parrot body could
indicate an infection which is very unsightly and may not be able to cure, or it may also be
due to the parrot being a feather plucker which means it is getting very bored. This
activity may stop when you start to show it more attention. Then again, it is better to stay
clear of such birds, since they could be carrying diseases on their bodies which you dont
want it to spread to your family members.
iii) Support the bird on its back and check the vent for cleanliness. Also check for any
crusty appearance on and around the beak which could indicate a mite issue subjecting from
unclean environments.
iv) Also feel the flesh on both sides of the breastbone, and ensure it is solid and not
hollowed. If protruding, it also indicates a nutritional deficiency, and should be avoided.
v) Ensures all claws are there. There should be 2 toes pointing forward, 2 facing backwards.
Check for any protruding leg scales as they could be potential sources for leg mites.
vi) Beware of birds that act aggressively towards you when you try to approach it. Symptoms
include fluffing up feathers and eyes dilating when you try to move your hand close to it.
These birds are probably not young birds, and they will likely bite you if you cross its
safety zone.
Parrot Buying Tip (4) -- Buy from reputable, reliable sources
------------------------------------------------------------
Buying from well-established and reputable pet shops assures you the best quality services,
and often the pets you are buying through them have been certified to be in good health
before they release it out for sale.
Avoid open markets, and buying through mail order. It is always good to see and feel what
you are buying so that you dont regret your buying decisions later. If you dont, how do you
implement parrot buying tip 3?
Conclusion
-----------------------------------------------------------
To summarize, it is great to have parrots as pets, as they can be good source of fun and
companionship. However, it is important to know some essential tips on selecting and buying
the right parrot, and this can be categorized into 4 great tips namely to buy a young
parrot, choose the desired parrot species, check condition of the parrot, and always buy
from reputable pet shops.
Hope you enjoy this article !!
African Grey Parrot : One of the greates species of parrots
The African grey parrot scientifically known as Psittacus erithacus is originated in Central Africa. here are two types of African Greys - the larger Congo (has bright red tail feathers) and smaller Timneh (darker tail feathers). No one really knows when the grey african parrot was first found in Europe but it said that King Henry VIII had an African grey parrot as a pet.
The african grey parrot is a large bird that can grow to 12 to 14 inches in length. The Timneh subspecies is a little smaller. Their tails are quite short and they don't have very beautiful colored plumage. but all this is compensated by they intelligence.
I will try to talk a little about the african grey parrot behavior and training.
The Grey is a very social bird. In the wild, they depend on the flock for their safety and their emotional well-being. Because they depend on the flock so much, they read the emotion of their companion birds. This translates to their human companions as well. If an owner is upset or angry, the bird will feel it and react to the emotion.
African grey parrots really need much attention and interaction. Because of their dependence of the flock, if they stay alone they will get bored and depressed. If you don't spend enough time with an african grey parrot he will get the feather picking behavior or even become quite aggressive. So if you decide to buy an african grey parrot keep in mind that they are not lonely birds. African Grey parrots need a strong relationship with their owners. If you think that you are not able to make this commitment you should reconsider and buy another species of parrots.
But the most interesting aspect of the african grey parrot is that they are very intelligent. I have heard of a parrot called Alex that Alex, the African Grey trained by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, can perform tasks on the same level as a four year old child including distinguishing colors, shapes, and numbers of objects.
African grey parrots are also great talkers. They can learn a lager number of words and the most amazing thing is that they can use the words properly. If you think that we are talking about a bird's brain you have to agree that this are very good performances.
The training of your african grey parrot can be very fun because they learn very fast and they are very curious. If you want your bird to say a certain phrase, say it in different ways. Say it in a sing-song way, in a low voice, in a high voice, in a baby voice, or any other voice. Say the phrase looking directly at the bird so that he knows you want him to say it.
I advise you not to teach him dirty words. Don't make a joke from your pet. Also be careful to keep many toys around your african grey parrot so he will not get bored.
In conclusion, please don't buy an african grey parrot if you are not sure that you can meat all the parrot care demands.
The african grey parrot is a large bird that can grow to 12 to 14 inches in length. The Timneh subspecies is a little smaller. Their tails are quite short and they don't have very beautiful colored plumage. but all this is compensated by they intelligence.
I will try to talk a little about the african grey parrot behavior and training.
The Grey is a very social bird. In the wild, they depend on the flock for their safety and their emotional well-being. Because they depend on the flock so much, they read the emotion of their companion birds. This translates to their human companions as well. If an owner is upset or angry, the bird will feel it and react to the emotion.
African grey parrots really need much attention and interaction. Because of their dependence of the flock, if they stay alone they will get bored and depressed. If you don't spend enough time with an african grey parrot he will get the feather picking behavior or even become quite aggressive. So if you decide to buy an african grey parrot keep in mind that they are not lonely birds. African Grey parrots need a strong relationship with their owners. If you think that you are not able to make this commitment you should reconsider and buy another species of parrots.
But the most interesting aspect of the african grey parrot is that they are very intelligent. I have heard of a parrot called Alex that Alex, the African Grey trained by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, can perform tasks on the same level as a four year old child including distinguishing colors, shapes, and numbers of objects.
African grey parrots are also great talkers. They can learn a lager number of words and the most amazing thing is that they can use the words properly. If you think that we are talking about a bird's brain you have to agree that this are very good performances.
The training of your african grey parrot can be very fun because they learn very fast and they are very curious. If you want your bird to say a certain phrase, say it in different ways. Say it in a sing-song way, in a low voice, in a high voice, in a baby voice, or any other voice. Say the phrase looking directly at the bird so that he knows you want him to say it.
I advise you not to teach him dirty words. Don't make a joke from your pet. Also be careful to keep many toys around your african grey parrot so he will not get bored.
In conclusion, please don't buy an african grey parrot if you are not sure that you can meat all the parrot care demands.
Parrot Jewelry: Colorful, Exotic, Fun!
Parrot jewelry is the mark of a bird-lover, someone who likes freedom and the sight of creatures exercising that freedom across the open skies. It is also the mark of someone who likes lively, colorful things. Brightly hued and endearing, these designs bring delight not only to the wearer, but also those who see them being worn.
Young girls wearing parrot jewelry often have their own quirky fashion sense: one that is unique and independent and definitely pleasant to the eyes! Mixing and matching various colorful clothing pieces would require colorful jewelry as a final accent. In this manner, wearing parrot jewelry speaks of sensuality and being in tune with one’s own creative talents. Also, the colorful nature of parrot jewelry would draw attention to a favorite body part, like earlobes or wrists.
Parrots are rare birds, found only in exotic places. People in lush South American areas still enjoy the sight of these wonderful creatures streaming across the skies, dotting the trees and vegetation, like gems in the heart of the rain forest. In a way parrots are the jewelry of the earth, refreshing touches of color that lend a surprising sort of beauty to long stretches of lush woodland.
But it is exactly this unique natural beauty that makes some parrot species endangered today. Some rare parrots are captured and traded in other countries for an exorbitant price. The Amazon parrot is one of the more spectacular and rarer breeds, and it is among the most at risk of dying out.
Yet there are many species of parrots in the world today. Some are bred exclusively for sale, making delightful and intelligent pets. Who doesn't want a colorful pet that could provide hours of entertainment? Still, nothing beats the beauty of colorful birds free to roam the wild. Wearing parrot jewelry is certainly a celebration of the glory of these exotic birds!
Young girls wearing parrot jewelry often have their own quirky fashion sense: one that is unique and independent and definitely pleasant to the eyes! Mixing and matching various colorful clothing pieces would require colorful jewelry as a final accent. In this manner, wearing parrot jewelry speaks of sensuality and being in tune with one’s own creative talents. Also, the colorful nature of parrot jewelry would draw attention to a favorite body part, like earlobes or wrists.
Parrots are rare birds, found only in exotic places. People in lush South American areas still enjoy the sight of these wonderful creatures streaming across the skies, dotting the trees and vegetation, like gems in the heart of the rain forest. In a way parrots are the jewelry of the earth, refreshing touches of color that lend a surprising sort of beauty to long stretches of lush woodland.
But it is exactly this unique natural beauty that makes some parrot species endangered today. Some rare parrots are captured and traded in other countries for an exorbitant price. The Amazon parrot is one of the more spectacular and rarer breeds, and it is among the most at risk of dying out.
Yet there are many species of parrots in the world today. Some are bred exclusively for sale, making delightful and intelligent pets. Who doesn't want a colorful pet that could provide hours of entertainment? Still, nothing beats the beauty of colorful birds free to roam the wild. Wearing parrot jewelry is certainly a celebration of the glory of these exotic birds!
Training Your Pet Parrot
Parrots are wonderful pets. You will quickly find that these birds extremely smart and their ability to learn make them fun to train. Keep in mind that any animal that shows signs of high intelligence can easily get bored, so your job is to train your pet parrot and spend the time it takes to make your bird into a wonderful pet. It takes time and patience to train a parrot, but with the proper training, your parrot will provide you with many years of friendship.
You can train your parrot when you follow a few steps. Whenever “school is in” for your parrot, it is always best to remove your parrot from his or her cage and train in a small quiet space. Your parrot is more likely to remain attentive and retain information when it is in a new environment. The next thing you will want to do, eliminate all distractions in your home. If your parrot becomes distracted during training, it will not learn well. That means that you need to turn off the radio, television and perhaps even the telephone. Also, remember that parrots are a lot like children. They have short attention spans, so short training sessions are recommended.
In addition, try to plan your parrot’s training time around their schedule, not yours. After mealtime is always, a good time for training because your parrot will be content and will pay attention. Your parrot will also appreciate plenty of praise. Even if you find that you were not very successful, do not let your parrot see your stress levels rise. This makes it an unpleasant experience for your bird and you will have a harder time getting your parrot interested in learning in the future.
When you are ready to teach your parrot a new trick, your pet parrot will respond well to treats and praise. Remember that all animals respond better to praise than punishment. Try to avoid punishing your parrot, even if he or she is acting naughty. Ignoring this behavior is your best bet when training your pet parrot. Parrots do not understand punishment or negative reinforcement. In fact, if you respond to your parrot’s bad behavior, your pet may actually see this as positive attention. Keep in mind that while your parrot will love food treats as rewards, try to accentuate the positive and encourage good behavior with lots of praise and play time. Otherwise, your parrot may only perform the tricks you want them to when some kind of food reward is available.
Repetition is the key to successfully training your pet parrot. Repeating these basic steps repeatedly until your pet “gets” the trick is the best way to train your parrot to perform. This works well for basic commands and advanced tricks. If you have just gotten your pet parrot, start out with very simple tricks, such as teaching your parrot to sit on your finger on command. Find a word for each trick and use it every time you train. Most of all, never force your parrot to train. If you find your parrot is tired or uninterested, then stop and try again another time.
As your parrot learns more command and tricks, you can begin moving your training session closer and closer to the bird’s cage. As they get better at their new skill, they will feel comfortable performing in his or her cage and in the hustle and bustle of your household. Birds learn quickly in most cases, and sometimes just by listening when not in training, which may cause embarrassment to you if they learn something inappropriate.
Training a parrot takes a lot of time and patience. You must love your bird and have a lot of time and dedication to make this partnership worthwhile. With patient training and love, you end up with a fantastic and well-behaved pet that will be with you for a very long time to come.
You can train your parrot when you follow a few steps. Whenever “school is in” for your parrot, it is always best to remove your parrot from his or her cage and train in a small quiet space. Your parrot is more likely to remain attentive and retain information when it is in a new environment. The next thing you will want to do, eliminate all distractions in your home. If your parrot becomes distracted during training, it will not learn well. That means that you need to turn off the radio, television and perhaps even the telephone. Also, remember that parrots are a lot like children. They have short attention spans, so short training sessions are recommended.
In addition, try to plan your parrot’s training time around their schedule, not yours. After mealtime is always, a good time for training because your parrot will be content and will pay attention. Your parrot will also appreciate plenty of praise. Even if you find that you were not very successful, do not let your parrot see your stress levels rise. This makes it an unpleasant experience for your bird and you will have a harder time getting your parrot interested in learning in the future.
When you are ready to teach your parrot a new trick, your pet parrot will respond well to treats and praise. Remember that all animals respond better to praise than punishment. Try to avoid punishing your parrot, even if he or she is acting naughty. Ignoring this behavior is your best bet when training your pet parrot. Parrots do not understand punishment or negative reinforcement. In fact, if you respond to your parrot’s bad behavior, your pet may actually see this as positive attention. Keep in mind that while your parrot will love food treats as rewards, try to accentuate the positive and encourage good behavior with lots of praise and play time. Otherwise, your parrot may only perform the tricks you want them to when some kind of food reward is available.
Repetition is the key to successfully training your pet parrot. Repeating these basic steps repeatedly until your pet “gets” the trick is the best way to train your parrot to perform. This works well for basic commands and advanced tricks. If you have just gotten your pet parrot, start out with very simple tricks, such as teaching your parrot to sit on your finger on command. Find a word for each trick and use it every time you train. Most of all, never force your parrot to train. If you find your parrot is tired or uninterested, then stop and try again another time.
As your parrot learns more command and tricks, you can begin moving your training session closer and closer to the bird’s cage. As they get better at their new skill, they will feel comfortable performing in his or her cage and in the hustle and bustle of your household. Birds learn quickly in most cases, and sometimes just by listening when not in training, which may cause embarrassment to you if they learn something inappropriate.
Training a parrot takes a lot of time and patience. You must love your bird and have a lot of time and dedication to make this partnership worthwhile. With patient training and love, you end up with a fantastic and well-behaved pet that will be with you for a very long time to come.
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