Hazards of Cockatoo Dander

Cockatoo dander is produced continuously and is a normal and healthy part of its growth and development. Dander, or flakes of dead skin, falls off as new skin grows in to replace the old. This process allows newer, more resilient skin to take the place of older skin that is less likely to be able to protect the bird from germs and the onset of disease.

In the wild, dander goes airborne into the air and dissipates, or the bird flies miles away. In captivity neither of these things can happen.

Being in This Cage Really Gets My Dander Up ... Literally by JustUptown

Because they are in an enclosed area -your home- dander has no place to go, and the bird cannot move away from it. So unless you actively remove dander from the air, the bird and its humans are forced to breathe air with high concentrations of dander.

For the bird, this is detrimental. Their air passages are so small that it doesn't take much to clog them. Once clogged, they often become ill with disease and infections that are hard to cure. With people, there is generally an increased sensitivity which often produces symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or congestion.

And for people who already have respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma, the protein in the dander can trigger flare ups that make it all but impossible to keep the bird.

In addition to dander, Cockatoos, who are powder down birds, also produce a white powder to help keep their wings soft. This powder from their feathers is easily sent into the air with movements from the bird and the people who love and care for them.

And this powder and the dander are in addition to all the normal pollutants generally found in a home-dust, dust mites, dander from other pets, mold and mildew spores, as well as seasonal pollutants such as pollen.

Giving your bird clean air has to be a top priority if any of its other care is to matter. And the only way to insure that these particulates do not ruin your health or your bird's is to continuously removing the particles with HEPA filtration.

High efficiency particle arresting (shortened to HEPA) by definition removes particulates as small as.3 microns which is exactly the type of filter that is needed to remove bird-related and household pollutants.

And to be designated as such it has to have demonstrated that it can remove 99,997 out of 10,000 airborne particulates that are.3 microns or greater, with a micron being defined as one millionth of a meter.

Going on the offensive by constantly filtering the air will significantly lower the dander and dust in your air.

Author Resource: Written by Debbie Davis
You can significantly reduce Cockatoo dust and dander with the Bird Dust Air Purifier at http://purerair.com/bird_dust_air_purifier.html

Article From Pet Article World

Pet Bird Care - 5 Ways to Help Your Pet Bird Live Longer

How long your bird lives is directly related to the care that you give it. And since there are never any guarantees in life, the following five suggestions can greatly increase their life span as well as quality of life.

Whatcha Doin'? by Tim Zim

Seek Regular Professional Care
Instinct causes birds to hide their symptoms of illness. This is because in the wild any sign of weakness is an open invitation for the strong to attack. That is why having an avian veterinarian is a must. Taking your bird for regularly check ups can prevent small problems from become large ones. And having a vet as an immediate resource to contact about any changes in your pet's normal behavior can help you identify and successfully treat an illness, which ultimately can save your bird's life.

Provide a Properly Sized Cage
The space that you carve out for your bird to live will have a huge impact on every other aspect of its life. Providing a cage that is large enough for your bird to fully extend its wings without damage is a must. The bigger the cage the happier your pet will be. The ideal cage should also have several levels so that it can fly up or down to perches placed at different levels.

The cage should be placed away from drafts and at least one corner should be placed against a wall to give a sense of security. Avoid placing the cage in areas that get direct sunlight, as this can make it too hot. The cage should be cleaned completely at least once a month. Dried feces and dropping should be cleared daily to avoid having these airborne particles spread disease and infection.

The best material for cages is stainless steel. Initially it is more expensive, but this type of cage can last for the lifetime of your bird. It also eliminates the risk of harmful paints and metals that can prove fatal to your bird.

Meet Their Social Needs
Like people, different kinds of birds have different personalities. And the need for human interaction varies greatly depending on the type of bird you have. Be sure to research their requirements thoroughly before you adopt. Generally one bird will need more attention from its owner than a pair will. Knowing how much interaction is needed and making sure your bird gets the proper attention can greatly reduce health problems.

Failing to meet the social needs can lead to harmful behaviors such as feather plucking, and aggression. This type of stress often manifests itself as a decline in physical health. Providing food and water is surely important, but this piece of care is too.

Feed a Proper Diet
This varies greatly from one species to the next. The best way to decide what your bird needs is to check with your vet. Making sure the food you give is fresh, and is removed from the cage before spoilage can occur should be a routine procedure. Providing fresh water throughout the day will prevent your feathered friend from ingesting water that is contaminated.

Continuously Filter the Air
If your bird is breathing contaminated air it can severely impact their health. The bacteria and viruses that cause disease and infection often travel from one host to the next by attaching to airborne particulates. This is often the start of a downhill slide in their health.

Using a high-efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier to keep the air fresh and clean is one of the best ways to help your bird live a long and happy life.

I Love Outside Time by Liz West

Author Resource: Written by Debbie Davis
Providing fresh clean air can greatly increase your bird's life span. See the air purifier that can do it now at http://purerair.com/bird_dust_air_purifier.html

Article From Pet Article World

Jardine Parrot Information

The Jardine's parrot refers to the Red Fronted parrot found in the central regions of Africa. The parrot was named after the Englishman Sir William Jardine. His son returned to England from the Congo in Central Africa in the 1840's and Sir William Jardine named the species 'Pionus Gulielmi' and published it in 1849. The species is actually comprised of 3 subspecies and they can be distinguished apart by the slightly different shades of red on the bends of their wings, upper legs and head.

Pair of Jardine's Parrots by TJ Lin

These birds grow to between 10-12 inches long and are predominantly green in color. They have a short thick tail made up of mostly black feathers as well as black feathers appearing on the back, wings, neck and head. As mentioned before they also have red colourings which appear as the bird ages into adulthood. The male and female are outwardly identical in appearance, so in order to identify gender a DNA test would have to be carried out.

The Jardine's parrot is quite versatile when being considered as a pet and they are increasingly popular amongst parrot owners. Due to their size, they would be considered a medium sized parrot or on the smaller side of medium, so they require less space than many other medium to large birds. Also they have a very good temperament and are quiet compared to other parrots of similar size and larger, so they are able to be kept by people living in smaller spaces such as an apartment where the noise and the neighbors would normally be an issue. They are still intelligent and engaging and like to play around and of course they still need to be kept occupied with daily interaction as well as a number of different parrot toys. They are good talkers as well and can develop quite a vocabulary as well as mimic sounds and whistle tunefully. Many owners would say of their Jardine's parrot that they get all of the entertainment and intelligence of a large bird without the space requirement and noise usually associated with a large bird.

Regarding their availability as a pet they are freely bred in captivity and although the trade, import and export of wild caught Jardine's is illegal you can pick one up from a breeder or parrot pet store for around $750 to $1,000.

With all of the positive attributes I have listed here about the Jardine's parrot, they make a very good choice as a pet as long as you are able to afford one and haven't set your heart on another specific species already.

Author Resource: Written by Preston Mane
This part is important. Go to my website right now to learn about Jardine Parrots. While you are there you might learn a thing or two about Amboina King Parrots as well. My free Parrot Secrets Newsletter might have what you need, sign up for it, it's free.

Article From Pet Article World

Owning an African Grey Parrot

The African Grey Parrot is one of the most popular species of parrot to own as a pet. Their tame nature and sweet disposition are reasons enough for most potential pet owners to choose the African Grey Parrot. Because they live for 60 to 80 years, the parrot is a lifelong commitment, one that should not be entered into lightly. It's important to plan, research, and understand the species before committing to the ownership of this amazing parrot.

Give Me a Kiss, Mwhu! by Peri Apex

The African Grey is a species of wild parrot found mainly in the coastal regions of West and Central Africa in countries such as Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Kenya, Angola, Sierra Leon, and many more. They are a very popular breed because of their high intelligence levels, their calm and gentle nature, and their incredible speaking and mimicry abilities. Because of these personality traits, the demand for the bird as pets is increasing. As the capturing and pet trading increases, so does the deforestation of the African Grey Parrot's habitat.

Choosing a wild parrot as a pet, further promotes parrot trading and deforestation. It also increases the risk of disease and behavioral problems. Choosing a parrot from a reputable breeder will allow for greater chances of parrot/owner relationship success. Choosing a parrot companion from a breeder that loves, hand rears, and understands the needs of the parrot species will ensure that a new parrot pet is happy, healthy, and well adjusted.

There are two subspecies of African Grey Parrot: the Timneh African Grey ("TAG") and the Congo African Grey ("CAG"). Both subspecies are considered to be a medium sized parrot, ranging in size from 10-14 inches. They vary only in feather and beak color and the regions of Africa to which they are endemic. Personalities and vocal abilities are similar, and when choosing, it really comes down to a matter of owner preference.

Breeders can assist in the process of transitioning the African Grey Parrot pet into their new home. They will provide new owners with specific care instructions such as nutritional needs, cage and grooming care instructions, and personality insights.

Like most parrot species, the parrot requires a well balanced, varied diet that includes, protein pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and seed and nut mixes. Their dishes and cage should be daily maintained by wiping down and washing all surfaces. The African Grey Parrot also requires plenty of cage room to stretch their wings. Because of their gentle and sensitive nature, they can become easily stressed if not transitioned gently.
Once the transition to their new homes occurs, the African Grey Parrot can begin a trick training and speaking routine. They are highly intelligent creatures, and if dealt with on a routine basis, they will respond well to trick and speech training instructions.

Choosing a parrot as a pet can be a wonderfully rewarding experience if properly researched beforehand. An owner must understand the enormity of their ownership responsibilities in order to have a successful relationship with your parrot. Owners must choose their parrots carefully. Above all, the owners of parrots must love unconditionally, patiently, and with their whole hearts in order to make the most of their new lifelong parrot friendship.

Author Resource: Patrick Dell is an African Grey Parrot expert. For more great information on the african grey parrots, visit his site dedicated to african grey parrot information.

Peach Faced Lovebirds

My Peach Faced lovebirds are pint-sized bundles of joy. They have the full personality of parrots while being easy to house because of their size. My birds are little clowns, playing for hours at a time. They love to hang from toys, spin them around, and dance on your shoulder. I have had to watch my buttons! They love to pull them off my clothes! Such loving little birds: they love to snuggle and preen.

Peach Faced Lovebird by Keven Law

Many people believe lovebirds must be kept in pairs. This is simply not true. A single lovebird makes a better pet because it bonds to you rather than to another lovebird. While it is easy to keep a pair of lovebirds tame, if you plan on spending lots of time with your bird you can keep it alone. However, if you work long hours and don't think you'll have a lot of time for your love bird, I recommend you get him/her a companion. This will keep your lovebirds happy and prevent boredom. It is important to realize that while lovebirds are a small parrot, they have the intelligence and abilities of some of the largest parrots.

They never stop amazing me with their ability to escape their own cages. I have to put copper wire on the cage doors to keep them in, and sometimes they figure out how to untwist the wire and open the door!

Lovebirds will sometimes try to become the little bosses of the household. I recommend using the same type of gentle dominance training that is used for larger parrots.

Are you looking for a bird that you can teach to talk? Lovebirds can learn to mimic sounds and speech on occasion. However, I don't recommend that you buy any species of bird only because of the expectation that it will speak; even the famous African Greys sometimes don't learn to speak. So, if that is your only reason for buying a bird, I'd seriously urge you to reconsider as the bird could end up abandoned because of your own disappointment.

In my opinion, love birds and parrots both make great pets even if they never utter a word. We have both in our home. The lovebirds chatter away all day, never making a sound that anyone can understand, except as being simply 'noisy chatter.' However, our Double Yellow Head parrot makes up for it; his vocabulary is very long, extensive and he is constantly talking.

If you decide to breed love birds just remember they are prolific breeders. You may soon, as we did, find our home over run with lovebirds! And, as a word of caution, "do not" put bark chips in the nest of the baby birds. Though the odor is pleasant to humans and is good for older birds it is too strong for baby lovebirds. I must admit I learned the hard way and had casualties on my hands! Paper is the best thing to put in the nest along with some alfalfa. Do not get powdered alfalfa, rather dried alfalfa blades. If you decide to use paper, do cut the paper (newspaper is best) in long strips and put it beside the nest. Mama will take it into the nest. And, remember if mama snaps at you she is only protecting her nest!

Squabbling Lovebirds by Paul-W

My favorite lovebird is Lucky, so named as it was our first clutch and she was the only one, of six, that survived when I put the bark chips in the nest.

We do not have an aviary breeder, rather, our lovebirds are paired off in separate cages. The best way to tame babies quickly is to remove the babies from the next when they are about two weeks old and hand feed them. This way, the birds get the best of both worlds: the immunity conferred from their parents and the tameness that comes from being handled by humans.

Our lovebirds are abundance weaned so that they are happy, well-adjusted birds. We feed them pellets, a good seed mix, alfalfa, wheat grass, quinoa, sprouted beans, and other veggies and fruits. And, oh yes! Lovebirds love to not only eat grapes, but to toss them around also. In short, lovebirds love playing. They keep us entertained for hours. If you decide to get a lovebird for a pet, you will have made an excellent choice! ~Ms. CiCi~

Author Resource
Ms. CiCi has a gift of teaching, is an accomplished author and world traveler who enjoys sharing her life's experiences with others, making their life, their world a bit easier. Her writings expose her wealth of "secret information" so derived from her travels as well as drawing from her own personal wealth of wisdom. Ms. CiCi builds websites to help share her vast knowledge and great experiences. Do take time and visit: http://www.CiCi-Online.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ms_CiCi
http://EzineArticles.com/?Peach-Faced-Love-Birds&id=1306935

Which Parrot Is Right For Me?

Which parrot is right for me? This is a question that you must ask yourself before you think of keeping these lovely birds as pets. It is as important as your decision to have a child. You need to ask - which parrot is right for me - because every parrot has its distinctive temperament and nature. No two parrots are alike.

Blue and Gold Macaws Eating Popcorn by Tambako the Jaguar

Parrots need a lot of attention and love to become adorable pets. Once they bond with you, you will realize how precious they are as pets. Choose your parrot according to your lifestyle.

10 Commandments for choosing the right parrot for your household:

• No Impulse Shopping: Try not to adopt or purchase a pet on a whim or inspiration. Make it a deliberate, thought-out action.


• Shop Around: Take the time to learn all about the kind of pet you are considering buying.


• Visit The Humane Society And Animal Rescue Organizations: Pay a few walk-through trips to your local humane society. Just observe the pet when it is alone with you and try to make a mental list of its positive and negative points.


• Match Your Pet To Your Life Style: Do you work long hours? Do you have children? Are they mature enough not to be a threat to the pet you choose? If you travel a lot, who will care for the pet while you are away?


• Match Your Pet To Your Home Environment: How much free space is there? Is there a back yard? Is it fenced? How will your neighbors feel about this new pet? If you rent, what will your landlord think about this pet?


• Decide Why You Want A Pet: Is this pet going to be a child substitute? Do you want to teach it tricks and interact with it? Do you want to play with it and caress it? Your personality traits are very important.


• Decide If This Is The Right Time In Your Life To Get A Pet: Frankly consider if this is really the right time in your life to own a (another) pet. If you already have other pets, how will they get along with the new one? How stable are your human relationships? How good is your health?


• Decide How Long You Want Your Pet To Live: Small parrots live 8-14 years; larger ones 35-60 years.


• Decide If You Are Able To Meet This Pet’s Specific Needs: It is a good idea to do some research at the library as to how much care your pet will need and visit pet owners. Do you have enough time to properly feed and clean for it? Many pets get bored if they do not have enough one-on-one contact. This boredom can lead to a host of undesirable behaviors.


• Cost: Besides the initial cost of the pet you may incur considerable expense in purchasing the pet a suitable cage. Over time, the cost of a good diet will far exceed whatever you paid for the parrot. It may need veterinary care and grooming from time to time.

The main species are - parrots, macaws, conures, cockatoos, cockatiels, parakeets and budgies.

Parrots - Parrots are a very popular group of birds. Parrots are intelligent animals who depend on some degree of socialization and training. Different parrots have different needs. See that you cater to all these needs to have a healthy and happy parrot in your house.

Macaws - Macaws have been rightly called winged rainbows. Macaws are flamboyant, colorful, intelligent and captivating birds. Their personalities are legendary. Because of their great beauty and engaging personalities, macaws have been kept in captivity for centuries.

Conures - Conures are known for their sweet dispositions and playfulness. They definitely have a mind of their own. In the wild conures are friendly, peaceful birds and seldom fight with each other.

Cockatoos - Most are colored mainly in white, but others come in grays and pinks, blacks, and in the Palm's case, deep blue. Well-raised cockatoos are adorable; a hog for attention, a socialite , and just a pleasure to have around.

Cockatiels - Cockatiels are ideal for the first time pet owner. They are characteristically happy and cheerful birds, never moody or demanding. They demand to be let on your shoulder for a ride, and make cute noises.

Parakeets - 'Parakeets' means "small parrots". Their small size, bright colors, and cheerful disposition make them perfect pets. It is calming to listen to their quiet chattering and chirping. Some parakeets even learn to talk.

Budgies - Each has its distinctive personality. Some budgies may be sensitive while others might get into mischief at every opportunity. Its popularity is gained mainly by its amazing powers of mimicry, and its antics are very amusing.

Ask yourself again - which parrot is right for me? All parrots need time and patience to make wonderful pets. Some parrots are cheerful all the time, some are often moody. Some play on their own, while some always demand your company. These birds can make your life beautiful and chirpy, but they can also die of heart aches. Think hard before you make your choice!

This article can be re-printed and/or published online or offline for free, provided the website, www.pet-parrots.com, is posted along with it. The article must remain intact without any alteration.

About the Author: Medha Roy is the owner of parrots for the last 12 years. She works for www.pet-parrots.com

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=1025&ca=Pets

Photo Credits:
Parrot by Lynda Giddens
Macaws by Oceana
Sun Conure by James Gray
Cockatoos by Matthew McLarty
Cockatiel by Derek Diaz Correa
Ringneck Parakeet by dingopup
Budgie by Maury McCown

Is Zebra Finch Breeding Art Or Fun?

Understanding the minimum daily requirements of Zebra Finch breeding is all it takes to raise your own little finches. The birds think it's a great idea and breed freely in suitable cage environments.

When the birds are both healthy and happy in their environment, breeding will take place if steps are not taken to prevent it. It is best to put a mature pair of finches into a cage that is private, as large as possible, provided with nesting places and materials, and that has lots of natural or simulated sunlight.

Zebra Finch Pair by Ian Bertram

The pair should be over six months old, although finches will mate at as early as 11 weeks. This is not recommended, since the bird is not fully mature at that age. The cage should measure at least 16x16x20 inches, and can be as much larger as you want, since more space is always better. If you have more than one pair in a single cage, the cage should be a 'flight' of more than 3x3x6 feet. Otherwise the birds will fight. You must also provide at least 14 hours of natural sunlight or its equivalent in full spectrum light a day, which is the amount needed to stimulate the breeding instinct.

You will know if the birds are ready to mate by watching the male's dance; he will sing and bounce on the perch to woo his lady. If she is responsive, you need to provide one or more nests, and a selection of nesting materials. Place the nests as high on the cage as possible.

These birds prefer enclosed nests, with a single entrance/exit, and it is a good idea to hang them outside a cage door to save the indoor space for the birds. Dried, chemical-free grass, special breeding cotton, and short strings will be what the male needs as he builds the nest, looking to the female for approval. String must be short or the birds will get tangled in it; no longer than two inch pieces of soft string like unraveled burlap are best.

After the nest is lined, the female will lay an egg a day up to six or eight. If you are using the wicker basket nests, you will have to watch closely to see if the process has started. Wooden box nests with hinged tops make this viewing, and future cleaning, an easy task.

After laying an egg a day for six to eight days, the female will start sitting, with some help from the male in this incubating period. Mark the date down, because the eggs should hatch in 14 days. If they don't hatch within 20 days of the start of incubation, they will not hatch and must be discarded. The female bird will begin the process over a few days after she loses the first clutch. You need to discard the eggs but leave the nest if the lining is clean and dry.

All this time, you must pay particular attention to keeping clean water and fresh seed available, as well as supplementing the grit with calcium-rich oyster shell and hanging up a cuttle bone. Don't forget the long hours of natural or simulated daylight.

After hatching, the young finches will fly in about three weeks and be able to feed themselves after four. They should then be removed to a different cage, since the parents will be starting over with a new family. The male and female should be separated if you don't want more babies. Adjoining cages will allow the pair to see each other for company.

Zebra Finch breeding is easy if the basic rules are followed. Much information and support is available through the National Finch and Softbill Society, based in Tennessee.

Author Resource
Written by Grace Hutchings
Want to find out more about zebra finch breeding, then visit Grace Hutchings's site on how to choose the best pet finch for your needs.

Birds - Parakeet Care

Parakeets are one of America's most popular birds today. They make great pets because they are very friendly, have a cheerful disposition and are very entertaining. They also have very beautiful bright color varieties. Parakeets don't require a lot of maintenance or money.

Parakeets are also known as Budgies or Keets. They are one of the smallest members of the parrot family. They originate from a desert-like area of Australia where it doesn't rain much, which makes parakeets very hardy birds. There are a variety of colors, such as yellows, dark greens, pastel blues, purples, solid whites and many combinations of several colors. The average life span of parakeets is 8 to 12 years.

Orange-chinned Parakeets by Rich Young

In the wild, parakeets are flocking birds so they are used to companionship, so it is best to get more than one. However, keep the birds separate when they are young so that they will get used to humans. When they get older then you can put them together. If you plan on keeping just one bird, you should play with it as much as possible. You should also put a mirror in the cage so that they won't feel so alone when you aren't there.

You should choose the largest cage that you can afford for your parakeet. It needs to be large enough so that he can comfortably move around. You will also need room for toys and perches. The minimum size is 20" X 12" X 18". Parakeets are very playful and inquisitive. Because of this, they enjoy playing with a variety of toys. They especially love shiny objects, bells, bright colors and objects they can move around with their beak. Be sure that the toys you purchase don't contain any small parts that your bird could swallow and choke on.

Lots of parakeets take a long time to build trust in their owners. It will probably be very shy when you first get one. Every day you should just put your finger in the cage in front of the bird. Eventually it will get the courage to get on your finger. If you have the patience your bird will learn to trust you, but some birds even can take months to build trust.

Parakeets love to sing and chirp. They seem to love when you play music and will often sing along. When you are gone, you might want to leave the radio on for them. Most parakeets won't learn to talk. However, it is possible to teach some of them if you are consistent.

Parakeets always need fresh food and water in the cage. They are vegetarians and like seeds, greens and fruits. Their food should have a large variety of millet seeds and grain. Ready made seed mixes are sold at pet stores and supermarkets. Other than the seed mix, you should also provide fresh greens. However, do not leave these in the cage long or they will spoil.

The best way to keep your bird healthy is by providing a good diet and by keeping the water and cage clean. Make sure you clean and sanitize all the toys and accessories in the cage also. Birds are very good at hiding illnesses so if you think your bird is acting strangely at all, be sure to take it to the vet.

Parakeets are fun to watch and make a great companion pet. If you provide the correct care for your bird and spend plenty of time with it, you will have a great pet for a long time to come.

Author Resource
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Birds [http://birds.free-resource-guide.com].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Birds---Parakeet-Care&id=199085

Talking Parrot Training Tips

A talking parrot makes a wonderful pet. If you intend on purchasing a parrot and teaching it to talk, it is best to do with a parrot that is about 2 months old. It is during the infancy stage that a parrot bonds well with its master. The requirement on your part is just patience. Like human babies, exposing baby parrots to words will instill in them an interest in talking. When exposed to words, baby parrots tend to recognize them fast even though they may not be ready to talk yet. But with your patience, they will be able to mimic words at the age of 4 months old.

Chatter Birds by Kristy Butts

Between 4 months to a year a parrot picks up words fast. It is during this time that you can really mold your bird into a talking parrot. They are most receptive before they are 1 year old. Beyond that, it may take a longer time to learn new words. So use this 1 year period to teach as many words as you can and discipline your bird to listen to your command. However, if you pick an older bird that has very little socializing with humans, you may end up with a parrot that may refuse to learn to talk at all. But that should not be a deterrent in keeping parrots if your desire is to keep parrots as pets. A parrot that talks is just a plus factor.

Male parrots are better talkers than female parrots, and more receptive too. However, it is almost impossible to tell the sexes of parrots apart before you purchase one. You may need to see a vet to determine that as a surgical procedure or a blood test is often required.

The best time to teach your parrot to talk is early in the morning or late in the evening. In the wild, birds are more active during these times and are at their noisiest as they gather to eat and squeak at each other. Take advantage of this natural phenomenon to entice your parrot to talk and utter new words.

As with training other animals, positive reinforcement by giving a reward works best. Identify your parrot's favorite food and use it as a reward for getting the right word. When this is practiced continuously, your parrot will look forward to such training sessions and respond positively.

Switch off the TV, radio and try to remove all sound distractions such as wind-chimes and sounds from other pets in the house. Take charge of the situation and let the bird know that you are in command. Speak the word in a loud and clear voice and give a reasonable amount of pause before you repeat the word again. Use facial expressions or hand gestures to give more meaning to the word. Parrots that you see dancing on youtube videos is the result of their owners using action with words.

Learning the first word is usually the hardest. It gets easier over time until the parrot reaches an age when it just stops learning and you will know that the window learning period has closed. But again, it doesn't mean that your parrot will not learn talking at all, as different parrots adapt differently.

Teaching a parrot to talk is lots of fun, especially when the parrot has built a vocabulary of words that are funny and cheeky. A talking parrot is always the life of the party and it also makes a great companion too as it has a very long lifespan.

Author Resource
Written by Azmi Adnan
Are you a parrot owner? Get FREE training tips and ideas on how to upkeep your parrots at iLoveParrots.com

Article From Pet Article World

What Do Ducks Eat?

If you are to care for ducks as pets, you should know what you should and should not feed them. If you place them in a healthy version of their natural habitat, they will most likely have a steady supply of their staple foods. If this is the case, you do not even need to keep on actively feeding them. The pond can feed your pet ducks. However, in cases when there is a shortage or if you are keeping your ducks in a backyard coop, you should be able to provide them with the foods that they need.

Duck Dressed for Dinner by tifotter

What do Ducks Eat in Terms of Vegetables?

Ducks eat a variety of plant food. They eat grass and aquatic plants. So, if they are living in a lushly green area, there is no problem in terms of their plant food. Ducks can eat the grass at the edges of ponds or even the grass in your backyard. They can also munch on the pond's aquatic plants.

What do Ducks Eat in Terms of Meat?

As ducks are not that big themselves, they eat small animals. Ducks eat small insects and mollusks. In a healthy habitat, they can easily find these creatures creeping on grass. So, they get a double meal, so to speak, if they look for their food in grassy areas. There are grass, insects and mollusks to choose from.

Eating Something Meatier

But what do ducks eat that are meaty enough? Ducks do eat worms and fish. The pond and its surrounding area as habitat can already provide a supply of fish and worms. However, make sure that the supply of both meat and plants does not dwindle or you will find your pets going elsewhere for food or starving. Do you know that ducks also eat small amphibians, such as toads? Well, they do. It may not be so easy to picture but ducks do eat frogs and toads. What do ducks eat that you still have no idea about?

Domesticated Feeding

Usually, however, when ducks are domesticated, they get fed bread most of the times. This is the sort of food that other people have come to associate with ducks. Ducks do eat bread and crackers. The problem with too much of these carbohydrate-enriched foods is that they can make ducks to get fat and unhealthy. Ducks could develop heart or liver diseases.

Author Resource
Written by Mary Louise
In reality, ducks need more protein and eat the foods that have been mentioned earlier if they are in their natural habitats. If you would like to learn more about what do ducks eat and avoid costly mistakes, please visit: http://www.howtoraiseducks.com

Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory

Cockatoo Care Tips

To help keep your parrot healthy and happy, you need to know how to care for him/her.

Housing - The bigger the cage, the better, but there are some general guidelines for cages. For a smaller cockatoo, its cage should be no smaller than 30" wide by 20" deep by 43" deep. For larger cockatoos (such as umbrella cockatoos), the cage should be no smaller than 40" wide by 30" deep by 50" tall, but no matter what size the bird, the cage must be made strong enough for a cockatoo to hang onto when (s)he climbs around, and can withstand a cockatoo's powerful beak. The bars of the cage shouldn't be any farther apart than 1".

Buddy the Umbrella Cockatoo by Jim Lynch

Just as important for parrot care, would be toys. Toys should be made from very hard plastic or wood and should be brightly colored, zinc/lead free, and sturdy enough to withstand the great force of a cockatoo's strong beak.

Bells are also a wonderful toys for cockatoos, but make sure that the bell is made of a non-toxic metal. Stainless steel is safe for birds, however, be sure to get a bell for large birds. Bells that are too small can be easily taken apart, and small pieces can be swallowed, resulting in some real problems, even death.

A safe play gym, whether it is free standing, or mounts on the top of the cage is sure to bring plenty of fun.

Food is one of the most important things for good parrot care. A combination of a pelleted food and daily fresh fruits and vegetables will help to ensure a parrot's good health. Cockatoos can even have meats, however, beef and pork should be kept to a minimum, while more chicken and turkey is recommended. Cockatoos are not fussy eaters; however, do not give your cockatoo avocados, chocolate, or alcohol in any form. Deep fried should never be given to a cockatoo, nor should salted treats such as potato chips, pretzels that have salt, and saltines that have been salted. Diary products are safe for a Cockatoo; however, this too must be limited. Too much dairy product can cause diarrhea and dehydration from the diarrhea.

Good Cockatoo care also consists of time - your time. Cockatoos are very loving birds, and they are known for being 'cuddly' and they are demanding of their owners' time. They love to sit and have dinner with the family and at the same time they love their quiet time with their owner(s).

If a Cockatoo doesn't get the attention and love that it needs, (s)he can become quite loud and develop bad habits.

Many people who get cockatoos do not realize how demanding a cockatoo is, and soon become frustrated with them, leading up to the people either getting rid of the cockatoo or neglecting the cockatoo.

Medical care for a cockatoo should be done by a Certified Avian Veterinarian or an Exotic Animal Veterinarian. Many vets do not work with birds because this is a 'specialty field', and many vets do not know enough about birds.

So if you decide to get a Cockatoo, remember that they do require a lot of time, love, the right cages, toys, vet care, and food for the best cockatoo care that can be provided.

About the Author
For information on parrot care, please click here. Danny Learton publishes an online newsletter at TheTameParrot.com where you can find killer tips and techniques that will help you turn your naughty bird into a well-mannered and well-behaved pet.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/cockatoo-care-tips-234320.html

Is Your Pet Bird Losing Feathers?

If your pet bird is losing feathers, you may be concerned, and rightfully so. Losing feathers could be a sign of serious medical illness or behavior problems. Birds who are losing their feathers should be of concern, and you should call your vet immediately to determine the reason your bird is losing his or her feathers. In the most basic sense, feather loss occurs either spontaneously or is self-induced, but each behavior can cause real medical problems.

Rudy's Feathers by Shelly Hansen

Molting is generally normal for a bird. As long as you see new feathers growing and there are no bald spots on your bird, there is usually no reason to worry. Your bird may pick out some feathers, but this is fine as long as your bird is generally in good health.

There are many medical conditions that can cause feathers to fall out or can cause your bird to pull out his or her own feathers. Your vet can tell you about all of these diseases and determine what problems your bird may be having. Parasites are a common problem. They can cause your bird to pick at his or her skin and accidentally pull out feathers. They can also damage the follicles, preventing new feathers from growing.

Inflammation of the follicles themselves can also be a problem. You usually cannot see this by looking at a bird, but your vet can determine if this is a problem with your bird by doing a feather follicle and skin biopsy. This kind of inflammation is commonly caused be yeast and bacteria. If you do see something wrong with your bird’s skin, this could be dermatitis, another cause of feathers falling out. A bird will pick at this inflamed skin, causing the feathers to fall out. As the bird plucks the feathers, the condition only worsens.

Allergies are another common cause of feathers falling out in a bird. In fact, a number of things in a bird’s environment can cause the feathers to fall out. If the cage is not clean, your bird may pick at dirty feathers. Zinc in the cage can also cause a chemical reaction in your bird, which may be a reason for a bird’s feathers falling out.

Feathers falling out can also indicate very serious diseases. Internal tumors can cause a bird to pick at a certain site, and problems with the thyroid can cause feathers to fall. In general, if your bird is losing excess feathers, it is important to call your vet to determine a solution to the problem.

Author Resource
Written by David Peterson
For more information on Birds Jinga's Pet Article World.

Article From Pet Article World

The Best Way to Get Rid of Mice in Your Aviary

If you have an aviary in your garden, no doubt it will attract rodents, which are pesky and hard to get rid of. You will be aware of their presence if you notice small mounds of sand and longish brown pelleted droppings. If you don't take action at once, the problem will just get worse. The best way to do this is to call in pest control specialists, as poisoning them on your own is risky, not only to you and your family, but also to your birds.

Cockatiel in a Home Aviary by Vincent Hrovat

Mice can quickly become a serious problem, as where there is food freely available, namely bird seed, they will breed and multiply rapidly. A single pair of mice can have over a hundred babies a year. If you have a lot of mice, they will destroy your aviary in no time, as they can get in-between the lining materials in the walls and nest there. They could also find a place in the floor to nest, and if this happens it will be very difficult to get rid of them with poisoning methods or traps, or your birds might be harmed.

A good option is to place a killer trap in the enclosure of your cage. This is the entrance box where you come in and the birds can't get into. The mice are usually able to move freely between the bars of the cage, and will be able to access the trap easily. Box traps that catch the mice alive are best, and sometimes you can catch over a dozen mice in a night. They also have no dangerous components, so you can use them around the aviary without harm coming to your birds.

It will take the mice a few days at first to become used to the trap. Place bait in it to entice them with the lid off for a few days until they are feeding regularly there. Then you can put the lid on and the mice will be able to enter, but not escape again after they have fed.

A cat is another option, but you will have to be careful here, as given half the chance they will also eat your birds. If you let the cat into the aviary, make sure you remove all your birds first. Make sure that the cat can't get near enough to the birds to harm them. If the cat gets on the roof of the aviary, it could scare the cockatiels and other birds off their nests.

Author Resource
Written by Michel Maling
To find out just about anything about owning and caring for a cockatiel, visit: http://cockatielsaspets.com

Article From Pet Article World

Obesity and Your Pet Bird

It may not seem like a common problem, but obesity in pet birds can really take a toll of your pet’s health. In reality, many pet birds are obese. When your pet bird is obese, he or she is at risk for a number of medical conditions and may be more susceptible to diseases. If your pet bird is obese, it is important to talk to your vet about how to help your bird lose weight and begin to maintain a healthy body weight instead.

Overweight Peachface Lovebird by Salehi Hassan

The first step to treating obesity is, of course, determining if your pet bird has a problem. Each pet bird species has a different target weight—you wouldn’t expect a macaw to weigh the same as a lovebird! There’s also a range for bird weight, just like humans. Birds are typically weighed in grams, and this can be done at home if your bird is well trained or your bird can be weighed at the vet’s office. Either way, your vet should be able to tell you if your pet bird is of the right weight.

You can also look for signs of obesity in appearance. Like humans, birds can get a double chin, which is basically a roll of fat under the beak. Fat also causes the feathers to fall out, so bald patches indicate large deposits of fat. You should also be able to see depots of fat on your bird when handling him or her, and so you should look for yellow or white deposits under the skin, especially around the thighs and upper breast.

If your bird is obese, it could be because your bird is not getting enough exercise or is eating a diet that is high in fat. This is really a possibility if your bird is fed human foods, which are very inappropriate. You can help your bird with the obesity problem by stopped this kind of feeding, and you can add toys to the cage and play with your bird often to help him or her be more active.

You vet can also help you help your bird get back to a normal weight. Certain medications are possible if your bird is developing other health problems due to obesity. Low-fat diet food is also available for your bird. When you care about your bird’s health, you give him or her the best care possible. Talk to your vet about ways to keep your bird from getting obese and prevent disease.

Author Resource
Written by David Peterson
For more information on Birds Jinga's Pet Article World.

Article From Pet Article World

Your Red Tailed Black Cockatoo - A 7-Point Plan For Care

The Red Tailed Black Cockatoo is stunningly beautiful and extremely intelligent. To insure a long, happy, and healthy life for this bird takes enormous dedication and love. Here is a 7-point care guide for owners.

Red Tailed Black Cockatoos Perching by LI Refugee

1. You may have bought your cockatoo a cage which looks as though it is quite impenetrable. However, be aware that your cockatoo's intelligence can be applied very easily to the mechanics of the cage door mechanism. These birds will easily take apart items, demonstrating an astonishing degree of dexterity as they do so. They seem to have almost as much dexterity in their feet as we do in our hands, and it is marvelous to watch. However, marvelous though it may be to watch your cockatoo delicately remove the pins and screws from the cage mechanism, it is not so endearing to watch your precious bird flying around the house, causing chaos, destruction and quite possibly injuring itself in the process. To this end, make sure that you provide your cockatoo with plenty to do, toys and activities to keep it entertained, and of course as much of your own time and attention as you can. This will keep your cockatoo engaged, stimulated, and happy. And a happy bird makes the best companion!

2. Are you fully aware that Red Tailed Black Cockatoos can live longer than you? Many people buy pets as relatively short-term commitments. Not that they want to, because most pet owners would gladly spend their whole lives with their animals. The majority of cockatoos' life spans rival that of the healthiest human. In many cases birds outlive their owners! Cockatoos can easily live between fifty and seventy years, and depending on how old you are when you buy your bird, you may well find that you have a companion for life. This is a huge commitment, and you will need to think carefully about the chances of any major life changes you have in mind, such as marrying, starting a family, moving away, career changes and such like. Make sure you don't find yourself committing to a cockatoo that then becomes an object of resentment in the future. It's also worth bearing in mind that you will usually need to make some provision for its care after you fall off your own perch for the final time.

3. Don't just feed your cockatoo seeds. Many owners believe that birds eat seeds or insects - period! Imagine if you were owned by a bird, and it fed you nothing but burgers and fries for half a century because they were the only foods they thought you would eat! Just like you, your cockatoo thrives on variety, and this applies just as much to the world of food as anything else. Use pellets, fruit, vegetables and even extras such as eggs, bread, and crackers. Choose people food carefully because it can range from bad for them to fatal in certain cases. Avocados, chocolate, caffeine products, alcohol are all fatal if ingested and should be avoided at all costs.

4. All birds need a good calcium-rich diet, but cockatoos require a much higher dosage. If you use a pellet based supplement then in most cases, if this is specifically targeted at the cockatoo family, it should already include a good calcium supplement. Be sure to provide your bird with high calcium foods. This mineral is an important part of keeping your bird in peak condition.

Red Tailed Black Cockatoo in Flight by davidfntau

5. Always make sure that your Cockatoo has a ready supply of clean water available at all times. However, water which may look perfectly clean and drinkable to us can contain toxins which are harmful to Cockatoos. In fact, cockatoos have a tendency to be much more seriously affected by these toxins than other birds or animals. A good tip is to use a water filter to purify the tap water before providing it to your bird. Even better is to provide bottled water if you can manage it.

6. Always keep an eye on your cockatoo's nails. Consult with your vet if you think they need a trim. Have your vet do it. But if this part of the care is something you want to take on, always have a professional show you how before attempting this yourself. Don't try it without having been shown first as you can very easily injure your cockatoo. Always provide rough landing areas such as sand or concrete to help keep the nails in check - similar to cats using a scratching post.

7. Make sure your cockatoo's air is the cleanest it can be. Using a high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier virtually eliminates dander, feathers, dust, and other particulates that can clog your bird's airways. And clear air passages mean a healthier bird and increased life span.

Giving careful and thoughtful attention to these 7 areas of care will have earned you the right to have your Cockatoo share your home and your life.

Author Resource
Written by Debbie Davis
Remove airborne pollutants from your cockatoo's air continuously with the air purifier from PurerAir.com at http://purerair.com/bird_dust_air_purifier.html

Article From Pet Article World

Healthy Diet for Your Parrot

Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know in the wild, seeds form only a small portion of the natural diet? While seeds are an important part of a pet parrot’s daily diet, they should not comprise all of it.

Parrots are opportunistic omnivores, which in plain English means they eat whatever they encounter in their day (“opportunistic”) and, like us, eat from all the food groups – veggies & fruits, grain, and animal protein (“omnivores”).

Parrot Eating Thanksgiving Dinner by Bibi the Bird

The seed based diets that have traditionally been fed to pet birds are not representative of what parrots eat in the wild. Little is actually known about exactly what comprises their daily diet, but their natural diet does include a variety of things like seeds, nuts, fruits, shoots, buds, corms, and invertebrates (insects, worms, and larvae). Wild parrots have even been observed eating dead fish that wash up from lakes and streams. Because some of the plant material they eat also contains toxins, parrots in South America flock to natural mineral beds regularly to feed on the clay and minerals available in order to detoxify their systems.

We do know that a seed only diet generally cuts your pet’s potential lifespan in half, as well as leading to deficiencies in vitamins, especially vitamin A, minerals, especially calcium and protein. They also tend to be too high in fat.

While formulated diets (aka pellets) are now becoming widely used, they also do not comprise a complete diet and can lead to health problems if used exclusively, especially with the kidneys and liver. Formulated diets were originally based on research done in the poultry industry, where the focus is on rapid growth and maximum size, not longevity. While they’ve come a long way, and like seeds, form an important part of a complete diet, they can not do it alone. What’s important for your bird’s health and happiness is variety, balance, and moderation. Veggies, whole grains, and some fruit should form the basis of a well fed bird’s daily diet.

A parrot’s “job” in the wild is to spend the day searching for food, then working to access it. Nuts are a prime example, as getting to the nut meat involves removing not only the hard shell, but the fibrous outer husk as well. It’s important to give your pet a “job” and make her have to work a little for her goodies as well. Having to peel veggies and open nuts helps offset boredom. (Just be sure the veggies are organic and not contaminated with pesticides.)

Patience, creativity and common sense will work wonders in improving your parrot’s diet and overall health. The rewards are well worth the effort, resulting in a well feathered, bright-eyed, playful companion who can share your life for as long as possible.

Your Parrot Place
Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant, (503) 771-BIRD. Marilu is a regular contributor to the Your Parrot Place Newsletter. YourParrotPlace.com - Only the Best for Your Parrot!

Free eBooks!
140 pages! A compilation of parrot articles from 2000-2004.
http://www.yourparrotplace.com/ebooks/free_ebooks.htm

Source: http://www.PopularArticles.com/article35391.html

Trimming Your Pet Bird’s Wings

There are a lot of things that you need to know about your pet before you become a pet owner. This is true no matter what kind of animal you have, and no matter what kind of situation you find yourself in when it comes to that animal. No matter if you have a dog, cat, or a bird, you have to do research before you make that animal a part of your life, and you have to be sure that you can do all of the proper things for that animal before you find yourself in a situation where you have to take care of an animal. If you can’t take care of an animal properly you shouldn’t have it, because it is not fair to that animal.

Parrot's Wing by Nicole Mays

One of the hardest things about owning a pet bird is learning how to deal with its wings. There is no magic formula for what kind of birds need certain things done for their wings, and what you should be doing. Most of the time, you should buy the pet bird in the condition that you want it to stay in, because chances are that it was done correctly wherever you got the bird from, and it might not be done correctly if you try to do it yourself.

Trimming a bird’s wings is one of these situations. There are so many things that you have to know about it before you can consider doing it. First of all, you have to take into account what kind of bird you have, and if trimming their wings is even something that is good for that bird. Then, you have to see if the situation you have the bird in even makes it possible to trim their wings. Lastly, depending on what type of bird you have and what situation you are putting that bird into, there are certain ways that you have to go about trimming the wings and there are certain ways that might hurt the bird if you do them.

Trimming a bird’s wings is something that should always be done by a professional. You should not assume that you can figure out how to do it on your own, because if you don’t do it correctly, you can damage that bird forever, and might even cause it to die. If you are considering trimming your bird’s wings, be sure that you have talked to the place where you purchased the bird, as well as to a vet, and that they both agree it is a good idea. Then, be sure that you find someone who knows how to trim your particular bird’s wings.

Author Resource: Written by David Peterson
For more information on Birds Jinga's Pet Article World.

Article From Pet Article World

Owning a Blue and Gold Macaw Takes Your Time and Devotion

Many people have the desire to own a Blue and Gold Macaw. Yet only a few should actually do it. Simply pay attention to the numbers of Macaws being sold by private owners. Far too often people simply bite off far more than they can chew or don't understand the amount of time, dedication, work, commitment involved with owning a Macaw parrot.

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

Blue and Gold Macaw Hitching a Ride on Its Human Friend by Jay Kleeman

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

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

Dedicated, reputable breeders hand feeding and socializing the chicks begins the work for you. After purchase that socialization must be a continuing process. Breeder commitment and dedication is the reason that hand fed babies make the best companions. By hand feeding the babies the breeders instill humans as essential to the babies existence and as a natural and normal part of his flock. This makes humans a recognizable part of the birds family.

It takes a real expert to tame a Macaw Blue and Gold or other that is not a hand fed chick. Most of those will just never become as loving, gentle and happy to be a part of the family as will the hand fed bird. The first step in socializing any large companion bird is hand feeding the chicks. Personal attention by the breeders goes a very long way, helping to insure anyone willing to continue the process will likely continue to have a good natured, trainable and loving bird. Unfortunately most or too many prospective owners do not fully grasp the importance of continuing the socialization process initiated by the breeder. So having a great deal of time and even more desire to continue the process is mandatory before anyone should buy a Macaw. With large birds like the Blue and Gold Macaw the socialization process must be ongoing for life. Left alone to fend on their own Macaws can easily revert. They may become far more wild than a loving, gentle companion.

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

Done correctly owning a Macaw parrot is every bit as gratifying as owning any other pet, for me it is more. I can think of no other pet that will bond closer or for as long as the Macaw or other large parrots. For me and maybe because Macaws are not domesticated animals, bonding is of a more personal nature. Perhaps it is the sole fact that the Macaws are not domesticated that makes bonding so very remarkable and heartfelt.

Casual pet owners should not consider a Blue and Gold Macaw. If lacking the time, dedication and commitment to supply his needs the Macaw is not a good choice. The Blue and Gold Macaw almost demands you spend your time and that you provide him not just physical care but emotional support also. He can be almost maniacal in his need of your attentions but can be just as maniacal when it comes to showing and giving his affection to those within his flock.

Primarily due to his loving and friendly nature, it's seldom that a Blue and Gold Macaw will prefer to be left alone. A well socialized Macaw will want to be included in everything you do. Most of the time a Blue and Gold Macaw simply wants to be with you helping to do whatever you're doing. He can't help it. It's his nature. A Macaw can become an amazing companion only if you invest your time, your caring, your love, your understanding and devotion. He easily becomes just another beautiful bird without your commitment.

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

Author Resource: Ryleigh Cantrell has owned his Blue and Gold Macaw (Shadow) since 1978. There are two guesses as to the bird's name.The two are inseparable. To learn more about Blue And Gold Macaws.

Article From Pet Article World

Toxic Household Items for Birds

If you have a pet of any kind, safety should always be your number one priority. There are so many things that humans use in their daily lives that are toxic to the animals we protect. No matter what kind of animal you have as a pet, you have to be sure that you are never allowing them to be harmed in any way by something that they might find on the floor or in your home. With birds, this is especially important.

Julius Flying Thru the Doorway by Steven Lesage

For most birds, who spend a lot of their time, if not all of their time, in a cage, most of the items you have in your home won’t be able to hurt them. However, if your bird is allowed to fly around your house (and remember that it is good for all pet birds to spend some time each day outside of their cages) you have to be sure that your home is bird proof. All of your household chemicals and things that they might eat should be put away and put into cupboards that are shut where the bird can’t get. Remember, with birds, high shelves aren’t the option, unless your bird has its wings clipped and cannot fly. If your bird is allowed out in your house, you have to be sure that there is nothing that they could get.

On the other hand, you might think if your bird is always in its cage, you have nothing to worry about. This is true of anything toxic that might be laying around your house, such as bottles of cleaners or other things that an animal could get into, but that your bird can’t because it is in a cage. However, you would be wrong to assume that just because your bird can’t get out of their cage, they are safe.

Air fresheners, carpet sprays, and any other cleaner that can get into the air is going to be possibly toxic to a bird. You should never spray any of these near your birds cage, and you should take care so that the fumes from any of these cleaners don’t drift into the cage. You have to be sure that you remember that a bird is very small, and that it will only take a very small amount to kill a bird. No matter what it is, keep it away from your birds, and your birds will stay safe and healthy. When in doubt, talk to your vet.

Author Resource
Written by David Peterson
For more information on Birds Jinga's Pet Article World.

Article From Pet Article World

How to Raise Quail

Looking for an interesting and unique pet? Quails can be not only great pets, but also quite profitable in the long run to have. Quails are unique in their behavior, appearance, and personalities. If this is your first experience with raising quails you’ll want to start out small. A small “flock” and coop are best until you get into the swing of things.

Quail by Eggybird

Before even attempting to hatch your own quails be sure to check local and state laws regarding permits, permissions, and restrictions to raising any type of wild creature such as quails. Without checking these first you could make avoidable mistakes that may wind up being costly.

First things first, if raising quails from eggs you’ll have to be sure to use an incubator. Quail eggs hatch best in an incubator if they are not in the wild. Even after hatching you’ll want to be sure that you are feeding the right food, keeping the temperature at the right amount of heat, and also keep your young quail babies healthy. Most importantly make sure young babies are kept stress free, and in a safe environment as this can be a crucial factor in their health. Also, be aware that quails are social birds, and therefore will require a flock or several buddies in order to be successful.

Next, size and space needed to raise happy quails are actually a lot less than what one might assume. Quails are quite small creatures and therefore do not need as much space as a chicken or duck might need to flourish. Luckily, one can get away with a much smaller coop to house a larger number of quails than one might need for chickens. For instance, a coop that would comfortably house 3 chickens, can comfortably house 8 quails. Coops can be raised or rest on the ground. Many quail breeders favor raised cages because they are easier to keep clean. The droppings fall through to the ground and can be raked up and removed to the compost heap without disturbing the birds. In raised cages, the birds will never be standing in manure and the eggs will remain clean. Make sure to acquire proper housing before even bringing home your young birds.

Lastly, make sure to do any and all research before you get too confused and mixed up. Researching your new flock is crucial to ensure you’ll be on the right track to raising a healthy flock. There are many books, websites, and people available to help you on your goals. Be sure to research feeding, sexual habits, and keys to the perfect environment for your growing flock. Also research local vets that may specialize in helping raise a healthy flock. By having a good vet you’ll lower the risk of unnecessary problems.

By following just a few simple steps, and maintaining a good relationship with your growing flock, you’ll be on your way to having healthy and happy pets. These pets will also be great in the long run for those using them for other purposes, such as harvesting their eggs. This would be a fantastic way to jump start any organic diet!

About the Author
Suzie O’Connor lives in Florida and raises a variety of hens, baby chickens, and a few roosters. She shares her learning experiences and helps to educate others on how to get started and the many benefits of raising backyard chickens. Visit her website ChickenHousesPlus.com

Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=598599&ca=Pets