Things to Avoid With Your Pet Bird
January 10th, 2009 Filed Under Your Pet Bird
12 Mistakes People Make With Their Birds
I don’t know any one who started out wanting anything less than a loving home for their bird. However, because they didn’t know all they needed to know about caring for their bird, mistakes were made, and their bird suffered as a result.
Even with all the information available to us, we still don’t know all there is to know about having birds as pets. It’s a continuous discovery and mistakes will be made. If you find yourself making some of the mistakes discussed below, forgive yourself. Do the research, learn what you need to know and change it.
1. Staying in a bad relationship.
The idea of bringing a cute, cuddly baby bird, or a beautiful, older bird that talks into your home, is a temptation that is hard to resist. However, not all of us are able to care for birds in the way they need to be cared for. When reality sets in and you realize living with this bird isn’t going to work out as you thought it would, you come face to face with a dilemma.
What do you do now?
First of all, don’t beat yourself up. You made a mistake. It happens. Do your research. Better late than never. Determine if you are up to the task. If you realize this isn’t going to work out for you, then it certainly won’t work out for the bird. Dedicate yourself to finding your bird a new home.
Don’t keep the bird just because you feel guilty or because you feel a sense of responsibility. It’s like staying in a bad marriage. No one ever benefits. You’ll be giving this bird a new opportunity for happiness by finding him a place to thrive.
2. It’s ‘Just A Bird’
When we believe something is ‘merely’ or ‘only’, we tend to treat it with less respect and consideration. ‘Just’ implies a lower level of importance. This perspective towards birds ends up as a rationalization for neglect and abuse. Example: 1. So what if my bird is in her cage most of the time. After all she’s just a bird. 2. Care about his feelings? He doesn’t have feelings, he’s just a bird.
Birds have emotions. They may not be as complex as ours, but they feel fear, grief, love, joy and probably a whole lot more in between. Birds aren’t ‘just’. They are wondrous beings with intelligence and feelings. They need to be treated that way and given the best life experience we can give them.
3. Cage too small
I often wonder what some cage manufacturers are thinking when they design cages. Some of them don’t seem to know much about birds. Either the main perch and feeding areas are too high creating a lot of wasted space or they make the feeding crocks so large they also take up too much of the interior space. Birds don’t eat & drink very much per day and yet the crocks are big enough for a pound of food.
Look for cages that make sense from the bird’s point of view. It has to be roomy enough so they can move around, climb the bars, and have perches and toys at different levels. A cage may look big enough when it’s empty, but start putting perches, toys, ladders and swings inside and all of sudden the cage that seemed big enough, now doesn’t have room for the bird.
Cage size also depends on the activity level of the bird. If a bird enjoys hanging from a toy and flapping it’s wings, this has to be taken in consideration when determining size. When you see minimum cage requirements for your species of bird, go to the next size.
A cage 3 feet wide is more appropriate for a medium size bird like an African Grey than a 2 foot cage and the cage size needs to increase from there for larger birds. Would you feel comfortable with a house the size of your bathroom?
4. Not enough exercise
Birds need to move. They need to climb, swing, hang and flap their wings. Just sitting on a play stand chewing toys is usually not enough. If your bird’s wings are clipped you can introduce your bird to the flying game for exercise. When your bird is on your hand gently secure her feet with your thumb, and slowly lower your hand so she moves her wings to maintain balance. At the same time say fly or whatever word you like. She’ll learn to associate the word with the flapping of her wings and will soon do it on her own when you say the word. Pretty soon your bird will look forward to her flying or flapping exercise sessions and she’ll be happier and healthier as a result.
When I got my African Grey, Cairo, at age four, she didn’t know how to fly. So, I taught her. I started out with the flapping game and then spent months running with her through the house while she flapped her wings while tightly clulching my hand. The neighbors thought I was a bit nuts, but Cairo loved it and would yell ‘fly, fly’ as she was happily flapping away. She now knows how to fly and is much more confident.
4. Not Enough Explanation
Birds need to understand what is going on in their environment and we do them a disservice if we don’t explain our actions and expectations. Don’t worry whether they understand or not. Just try it and they’ll surprise you with the results.
All my birds identify noise with the word noise. Instead of freaking out over a loud noise they’ll all say noise and not be bothered by it. My CAG is learning to distinguish between noises. Motorcycles made her anxious, but now that she is learning that it is called motorcycle noise she isn’t concerned about it as she once was. When she hears a motorcycle she just says noise and doesn’t worry about it.
When you go away over night tell your bird how long you’re going away for. Example: You’re going away for ‘2 Nite Nites’ (substitute whatever word you use at night). Tell them you’ll miss them and they’ll be fine.
5. Moving too Fast
It’s not always easy to remember to slow down when we’re around our birds. Sudden movements, especially fast hand movement usually frightens them. If we’re under stress, feeling frustrated because we feel we don’t have enough time to accomplish what we need to accomplish, we radiate that energy and can instantly raise the anxiety level of our birds. We need to slow down. Keep our hands still instead of waving them in our bird’s face. Have someone wave their hands in your face. Do you like it?
6. Not Taking The Time To Observe
One of the greatest pleasures and most important aspects of sharing our lives with birds is watching them. We can learn so much about what they like, what bothers them and what is safe for them by watching them play, interact with other birds and other people. Taking the time to observe can eliminate future problems.
7. Not stimulating their sense of adventure
Birds are naturally curious. They need to be given challenges that stimulate curiosity. Puzzle toys and foraging toys are an important addition to any bird room.
8. Hitting
The fastest way to destroy a bird’s trust is by hitting. NEVER hit your bird.
9. A frustrated bird is not happy
Birds do not understand teasing. It’s cruel. Also be careful of toys that tend to frustrate rather than entertain your bird. Some puzzle toys can entertain your bird for hours, but if she isn’t able to feel any accomplishment or success as a result of her efforts, she can become frustrated. All birds are different so once again, observe.
10. Pushing Your Bird
Pushing your bird to do things he doesn’t want to do probably won’t accomplish a positive outcome. If your bird isn’t in the mood to come out of his cage, or if he doesn’t want to step up or come near this new person you’ve brought to meet him, let him be.
Educate & train your bird to enjoy doing those things that are necessary for a cooperative relationship. Give him good reasons to want to come out of his cage. If instead, you think pressuring is easier and takes less time than educating your bird, don’t be surprised when he responds with his beak.
11. Crowding your bird
Birds like space. Putting their cages too close together or putting birds together in small cages can sometimes be a disaster waiting to happen. Allow your bird to have their own personal space and only put them with other birds when you are absolutely sure they are comfortable sharing space with that bird. Continue to watch the situation. They could change their minds.
12. Having too many
Only you can determine how many birds are too many. But, before you fall in love with another bird you can’t live without, do a serious, honest appraisal of your present situation. Are you giving the necessary time to the bird or birds you already have? Will you be able to afford the extra expense? Why do you really want another bird?
Additional resources:
Behavioural Problems in Companion parrots
He runs a free feather-donor service for avian vets and can supply flight feathers from most ‘pet’ species to vets for imping.
Interview with David Woodbury, Parrot-Link
“We” are creating a huge potential welfare problem as most of these birds will live in excess of 30 years, many will be sold on after less than 2 years.
Canary Bird | Is This the Perfect Pet Bird?
Is a canary bird an ideal pet? Description and care information for the canary.
Choosing The Appropriate Parrot Cages
The first criteria of choosing the appropriate parrot cages should obviously be the bird cage’s size.The parrot cages’ size is advisable to be directly proportional to the parrot size.
Pets | Is Your Eclectus Parrot Healthy?
If your parrot develops a moist or runny nose, he probably needs the care of a veterinarian. His eyes should be big and bright, but not watery or runny.
By: Kai Jordan
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Copyright 2006 Kai Jordan Kai Jordan works with parrots to resolve feather plucking and other emotional issues. This article is an excerpt from "Happy Pet Birds". For more info. visit www.parrot-source.com
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The Best Exotic Tropical Birds For Pets
January 10th, 2009 Filed Under Your Pet Bird
Finding The Best Birds As Pets
Exotic birds are among the most popular pets to keep. Not only are they absolutely beautiful with their brilliantly colored feathers, many pet owners find them easier to take care of than, say, a fuzzy cat or a rowdy dog and, they can be trained. However, choosing among the best exotic pet birds is rather confusing because there are several species to choose from. Here are some of the most popular exotic pet:
Sun Conures - these birds are popular among the medium-sized variety. They grow to about 12 inches in length, requiring less living space than large parrots. The feathers of Sun Conures are tinted with brilliant hues of orange, yellow, red, green, and blue. Like parrots, Sun Conures can learn how to speak, however they can become quite vocal and noisy. They scream and screech and may not be ideal for those living in apartments buildings. Sun Conures usually live to around 20 to 35 years.
African Grays - these birds are considered to be among the most loquacious among exotic birds, they can acquire a vocabulary of up to 2,000 words. These birds are also rather intelligent, but they can get demanding and easily bored. However, African Greys can also be quite affectionate - perfect for owners who want sensible companions. They may live from 50 to 70 years.
Budgerigars - these are the most common among the pet birds and serve as good introduction to owning feathered pets. Budgies can be good pets for children and are quite attractive with a great variety of colors. They also require a relatively small space, while being quite easy to maintain. Though they can typically learn only few words, they are intelligent enough to be able to sing and whistle tunes. Budgerigars may live from 12 to 14 years.
Parrotlets - these are among the smallest varieties of parrots. While parrotlets may be feisty they are quite intelligent just like their giant cousins. Parrotlets are also rather quiet compared to other exotic birds and thus they are ideal for owners who live in apartments or duplexes. The average parrotlet grows only to about 5 inches and lives to about 20 years.
Cockatiels - many find the medium-sized cockatiel as delightful pets. They also belong to the parrot family, and are known to be intelligent. Cockatiels usually just whistle or mimic random sounds, but they can also learn how to talk. They come in different combinations of color and can be quite attractive members of a home. Cockatiels usually live from 15 to 20 years.
There are many more exotic pet birds and it is best to consult with a breeder to find the best one for you.
Additional Resources:
Most bird owners do not realise just how easy it is to train their pet bird.
Even Exotic Birds are Affected by Foreclosure
Foreclosed homeowners are now left with no choice but to leave their exotic bird pets. Animal shelters are now flocked by the homeless exotic birds.
The Philippines is home to some of the world’s most exotic birds. One of the most endangered species is the exotic Kalangay or the Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haernaturopygia).
Oglethorpe couple create sanctuary for homeless exotic birds
LEXINGTON - An Oglethorpe County couple have converted their home near Lexington into a sanctuary for homeless birds. Donna Kristosik said she’s had a passion for parrots and other exotic bird pets for years.
By: Jay Schindler
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Find tips about panda facts and turtle facts at the Animals Facts website.
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Picking the right bird for your double stack bird cage
January 9th, 2009 Filed Under Your Pet Bird
How To Select The Right Bird As Your Pet
While selecting a cocatiel as their pet many take the colorful plumage, and size into consideration. Unlike other pets, these birds are meant to be cared for. Cockatiels require a lot of time and attention. One belief pet owners across the world share in common is: "When choosing a bird, pick a bird that selects you". It is believed that a bird answering to this description will be cheerful, inquisitive and will readily come to you.
Many pet owners across the world have a common belief, "when choosing a bird, pick a bird that selects you". It is believed that a bird answering to this description will be cheerful, inquisitive and will readily come to you.
And before you buy a Cockatiel, make sure you know what you are getting into. Unlike other pets, "Cockatiels require a lot of time and attention". They will also expect you to interact with them often. Some are known for their ability to get attached to their owners quickly, and to mimic human speech.
Here I have listed different types of Cockatiels (which belong to the Cockatoo species) to make it easier for prospective pet owners to choose:
Cockatiels
Umbrella Cockatoos
Galah Cockatoos
They are quick learners and can be trained to perform several tricks. Often you see them in bird shows, where they fly through several hoops. Galahs are good talkers and males usually have better talking ability than females. They talking ability however isn’t on par with that of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos or the Corellas. So, if you’re a workaholic, then Galahs might be the right choice for you!
Goffin’s Cockatoos
They are more independent than other Cockatoo species and don’t mind spending a little time on their own. They don’t spoil easily and if trained properly, they make fabulous pets. They love physical contact and love having their heads scratched. You can train them to imitate human speech but they can be very loud and are not recommended as pets for apartment dwellers.
Palm Cockatoos
Moluccan Cockatoos
Little Corellas
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos
The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "Definitive Guide To Cockatiels" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
Click the link to learn about bird cages, decorative stacking bird cages, old California bird cages, double stack bird cages and more.
MY GROWING PASSION: Calyptorhynchus lathami — Glossy Black-Cockatoos
Calyptorhynchus lathami — Glossy Black-Cockatoos. I just took these shots (not the best, but the birds were high up!) of Glossy Black-Cockatoos in our garden. They were a family with a … Read more…
Handling Pet Cockatoos: Walking the Fine Line between …
Pet cockatoos are equally prone to overstimulation and boredom, leading to behavioral problems that include screaming, feather-plucking and self-mutilation. Read more…
| By Jessica Harrison Published: 7/29/2007 |
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Your Pet Bird
January 9th, 2009 Filed Under Your Pet Bird
Welcoming a Bird into Your Family
Just like you and I, the bird’s environment and its social interactions with others are keys to normal development. Getting this right is difficult, especially since we are not birds and most of us make lousy bird parents. Keep in mind that most bird behavior problems occur due to errors or omissions in the bird’s social development. What follows are some key steps in the process.
A young bird must be nurtured and comforted - and it must have its own home whether it be a decorative stacking bird cage or a much simpler type bought at your local pet supplier. Yes, a safe, secure, and loving environment is very important, but we cannot stop there. As a bird owner, we must be parent, friend, peer, teacher, trainer, counselor, boss, and primary caregiver. As the weeks go by, the bird’s development transitions to becoming a more active participant in activities critical to its survival. Exploration should be encouraged with supervision to satisfy their normal curiosity. The bird learns to not be afraid of new things and learns important skills. Exploring should encompass the physical environment inside and out (if safe to do so) and the introduction of new things into its surroundings.
Birds are athletic, they can fly and they need to fly - it is what they were made to do. A newly fledged bird should be allowed to fly and then the wings are carefully trimmed using a graduated method so as to not amputate the bird’s self confidence. Unfortunately, we see too many birds that never learned how to fly, steer, and land. Crash landings can be avoided by trimming the wings so they coast and don’t just drop from the sky. Exercise is important to a bird’s physical and mental health. Daily exercise is a must.
In the wild, birds spend more time foraging for food than anything else. This is a very important activity for pet birds as well. Providing one bowl of food the bird finishes in 10 minutes leaves the bird with nothing else to do the rest of the day. No wonder a bird with one bowl of seeds picks its feathers out. A variety of foods should be offered in many locations both in and out of the cage. Several food bowls, food stuck through the bars, food offered by hand, food on a tray or in its own cage (so the bird has to pick at it to get the food), or food on a skewer etc. Birds should forage several hours a day, usually in the mornings and evenings.
Again, most of us make lousy bird parents. Because of this many birds grow up as juvenile delinquents with no structure to their life, no understanding of good behaviors vs. bad, and no idea what they are supposed to do. Birds need to go to school and get a job. Beginning at a young age, birds can be taught to behave (no biting or screaming) using positive rewards for the right kind of behaviors. The reward is usually a favorite food which is only offered when the bird has done something it was asked to do correctly. They should be taught new commands continuously. It establishes a line of communication between owner and bird that the bird can understand. Step up and step down are the first two commands, taught first outside the cage, then inside. Then there is poop on command, wave, turn around etc. Using a voice command and a hand gesture, the bird is coaxed to perform the command. If it does so, the reward is offered (usually a treat) but that reward is only offered when the bird performs correctly. The bird will try to get it right. This is basic obedience training for birds.
If you have ever purchased something to improve the look and feel of your home, you understand the concept of enrichment. The same old thing day in and day out makes for a very dull life. Instead, we can enrich the bird’s environment by adding to it or changing it. Periodically changing fixtures or furnishings can lead to a healthier happier bird. It gives them something to investigate, something to do, something to enjoy.
Birds love to play games. Peek a boo, chase, hide and seek, catch etc. Activity is good. Birds tend to have fewer problems when there is plenty to do. Provide a cage location with at least one secure side. Remember that too many animals around might make the bird a nervous wreck. They tend to view other animals as potential predators.
When it comes to communicating with people, most birds have only a few options. They scream to be heard, they bite to say no, etc. Birds are very gregarious and chatty creatures. You are part of the bird’s flock. Just observe how birds in a flock interact in the wild. So, try to communicate with your bird. Ask the bird to do something, and if it does so then reward the bird. If the bird is engaging in a behavior you dislike, the best response is no response. Teach the bird how to get what it wants. If they are incapable of or never learn any other way to communicate with you, it is very likely their response will be screaming, biting, or withdrawal. We should offer our attention and respond when they "call us" in an acceptable fashion.
Dr Paul Skellenger is the Veterinarian for Veterinarian Care. US and has over 20 years in Veterinarian medicine and experience with bird care. For additional information you can contact one of our Veterinarians in your area.
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