Pet Stores Guide

Exotic pet

2010-06-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

An exotic pet is a rare or unusual animal pet, or an animal kept as a pet which is not commonly thought of as a pet. The definition is an evolving one; some rodents, reptiles, and amphibians have become firmly enough established in the world of animal fancy to no longer be considered exotic.

Sometimes any unique or wild-looking pet (including common domestic animals such as the ferret and the domestic rat) is called an exotic pet. "Exotic" may also be used for a species which is non-indigenous to the owner's locale.

Many major pet stores and service providers (such as veterinary insurance carriers or online retailers) tend to classify any animal besides cats, dogs, small birds or fish as "exotic".

Alligators
Amphibians
Arctic Fox
Bears
Wolves and wolf/dog hybrids
Fennec Foxes
Tame Silver Foxes
Sugar Gliders
Indian Star Tortoises
Skunks
Degus
Civets
Genets
Kinkajous
Raccoon
Chinchillas
Capybaras
Hedgehogs
Wallaroos
Wild feline cubs such as lions, tigers, bobcats, servals, and ocelots
Reptiles such as snakes, turtles, tortoises, and lizards
Arthropods like spiders, praying mantises, and scorpions
Rare birds
Hyenas
Non-human primates

It has been estimated that as many as 15,000 non-human primates are kept by private individuals as pets in the United States.Nine states ban the keeping of non-human primates, but no federal law regulates ownership. In 1975, the Center for Disease Control prohibited their import into the US for use as pets.

The breeding industry uses descendants of animals imported before 1975.Non-human primates of various species, including those listed as endangered, such as cottontop tamarins, baboons, chimpanzees, Diana monkeys, lemurs and gibbons are still available for purchase in the US.

Many professionals, including veterinarians, zoologists, humane societies and others, strongly discourage the keeping of non-human primates as pets, as their complex emotional and social needs and other highly specialized requirements may be difficult to meet by the average owner.

Although the breeding population has been largely isolated from wild populations outside the US, they still have the potential to transmit zoonotic disease. There is a considerable risk of Monkey B virus from rhesus macaques.

Research workers have died from this disease contracted from non-human primate research subjects.Additionally, there is considerable risk to the non-human primate pet through transmission of human disease. One such example is herpes simplex virus, which can be deadly to certain smaller monkeys.

Rex

2010-04-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

Rexes require low to medium activity levels. They are equally content sitting on someone's lap and acting out their perfect pet part. These incredibly soft creatures do require a physical show of affection, in the form of petting or stroking.

Though, a lot of fun, they require lots of attention, if their non-destructive and friendly temperament is to be maintained in the long run. Lastly, it is essential to keep the cage size, in accordance with their size - i.e. large!

Rexes feed. No, I do mean feed. There will be times that you will think that you have pet horse. The good thing however, is that their food is easily available and does not tax the budget. Rexes mostly feed on commercial rabbit pellets, timothy hay, lucerne hay, fresh greens and fresh fruit.

They need up to a quarter cup of pellets per day, for every 5 pounds of their body weight. Fresh greens can comprise the main portion of the rest of their diet.

Fruits should be limited for their high sugar content and for that you need a heart of steel. After all, how else can you deny him his favorite food, when he looks at you with big watery eyes begging you give it.

Healthwise, Rex rabbits are generally sturdy. They are prone to colds and flus, so it is best to keep them indoors during extreme weather. They have fragile skeletons, so proper care should be taken, while handling them. Males should be neutered after about 4 months of age, to prevent the aggression arising out of sexual maturity.

Females can also be neutered, as this reduces the risks of uterine cancer. Both the males and females live longer (8-11 years) after spaying. As long as, the standard ear mites and fleas are taken care of, your Rex should be a really healthy pet. It is also essential that your Rex is vaccinated against calicivirus at a young age.

Rabbit Breed-Rex

2010-04-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

House pets are impulsive purchases for most of us who just love the sight, sound and feel of anything adorable, soft and furry. But, if you are making a planned purchase and a rabbit is what you have zeroed in on, a Rex could be the breed for you.

This breed originated as a natural mutation (crossbreed) of the gray rabbits found in the wilderness of France. They were discovered in 1919, but were bred commercially for their fur and meat after attaining popularity. They made a successful debut at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924 and later made an entry into the U.S.A. Today, they are one of the most popular house pets in the world.

Rexes come in various colors, namely black, white, blue, castor, chocolate, sable, tortoise, seal, brindle, etc. Their peculiarity is the thick, upstanding fur that looks and feels like velvet. It ranges between 1.3-2.2 centimeters in length and the guard hairs are actually the same length as the undercoat.

This makes the coat thicker and gives it its plush-like feel. It must be remembered that these low maintenance mammals do not require combing at all. In fact, the only grooming they require is regular nail trims.

An average Rex weighs anything between 6 to 10.5 pounds, making it a fairly large rabbit in its family. Its broad head has pert upright ears that suit its fairly rounded body. These plump fur balls are generally friendly, curious and playful and make perfect foster moms for any other rabbits that you may own.

They can be litter-trained easily, but (like us, human beings) do need proper incentives to learn anything new. A happy Rex can live up to 6 years (despite being in human company).

House Rabbits

2010-03-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

Pet rabbits kept indoors are referred to as house rabbits. House rabbits typically have an indoor pen or cage and a rabbit-safe place to run and exercise, such as an exercise pen, living room or family room. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box and some can learn to come when called.

Domestic rabbits that do not live indoors can also often serve as companions for their owners, typically living in an easily accessible hutch outside the home. Some pet rabbits live in outside hutches during the day for the benefit of fresh air and natural daylight and are brought inside at night.

Whether indoor or outdoor, pet rabbits' pens are often equipped with enrichment activities such as shelves, tunnels, balls, and other toys.

Pet rabbits are often provided additional space in which to get exercise, simulating the open space a rabbit would traverse in the wild. Exercise pens or lawn pens are often used to provide a safe place for rabbits to run.

A pet rabbit's diet typically consists of unlimited Timothy hay, a small amount of pellets, and a small portion of fresh vegetables. Rabbits are social animals. Rabbits as pets can find their companionship with a variety of creatures, including humans, other rabbits, guinea pigs, and sometimes even cats and dogs.

Animal welfare organisations such as the House Rabbit Society recommend that rabbits do not make good pets for small children because children generally do not know how to stay quiet, calm, and gentle around rabbits.

As prey animals, rabbits are alert, timid creatures that startle easily. They have fragile bones, especially in their backs, that require support on the belly and bottom when picked up. Children 7 years old and older usually have the maturity required to care for a rabbit.

Rabbit Diet And Eating Habits

2010-03-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

Rabbits are herbivores who feed by grazing on grass, forbs, and leafy weeds. In consequence, their diet contains large amounts of cellulose, which is hard to digest.

Rabbits solve this problem by passing two distinct types of feces: hard droppings and soft black viscous pellets, the latter of which are immediately eaten. Rabbits reingest their own droppings (rather than chewing the cud as do cows and many other herbivores) to digest their food further and extract sufficient nutrients.

Rabbits graze heavily and rapidly for roughly the first half hour of a grazing period (usually in the late afternoon), followed by about half an hour of more selective feeding. In this time, the rabbit will also excrete many hard fecal pellets, being waste pellets that will not be reingested.

If the environment is relatively non-threatening, the rabbit will remain outdoors for many hours, grazing at intervals. While out of the burrow, the rabbit will occasionally reingest its soft, partially digested pellets; this is rarely observed, since the pellets are reingested as they are produced.

Reingestion is most common within the burrow between 8 o'clock in the morning and 5 o'clock in the evening, being carried out intermittently within that period.

Hard pellets are made up of hay-like fragments of plant cuticle and stalk, being the final waste product after redigestion of soft pellets. These are only released outside the burrow and are not reingested. Soft pellets are usually produced several hours after grazing, after the hard pellets have all been excreted. They are made up of micro-organisms and undigested plant cell walls.

The chewed plant material collects in the large cecum, a secondary chamber between the large and small intestine containing large quantities of symbiotic bacteria that help with the digestion of cellulose and also produce certain B vitamins.

The pellets are about 56% bacteria by dry weight, largely accounting for the pellets being 24.4% protein on average. These pellets remain intact for up to six hours in the stomach; the bacteria within continue to digest the plant carbohydrates. The soft feces form here and contain up to five times the vitamins of hard feces. After being excreted, they are eaten whole by the rabbit and redigested in a special part of the stomach.

This double-digestion process enables rabbits to use nutrients that they may have missed during the first passage through the gut, and thus ensures that maximum nutrition is derived from the food they eat.

This process serves the same purpose within the rabbit as rumination does in cattle and sheep.
Rabbits are incapable of vomiting due to the physiology of their digestive system.

Types Of Rabbits

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Dutch:
This breed of rabbits were originally bred in Netherlands. The markings present on their body includes a white wedge down the face, round colored circles around the eyes, white markings on the hind feet and a line extending under the belly. Dutch rabbits make excellent pets, show rabbits and do rather well in the sport of rabbit hopping.

Himalayan:
This is a very old breed of rabbits that are very common in the Asian countries in the Himalayan Mountains. It is the most widely distributed rabbit in the world and is also known as by many other names like Chinese, Russian, Egyptian and the Black Nose.

They are delicately built and have a long body resembling a tube and are famous for their general temperament. They make excellent pets especially for the children and an ideal choice for a first time rabbit owner.

Lionhead:
This is one of the newest breed of domesticated rabbits and it was originated in Belgium. It is reported to be a cross between a miniature Swiss Fox and a Belgian Dwarf.

It has been so named because it has particularly long hair surrounding the face that resembles the mane of a male lion. The other characteristics include a round head and ears shorter than most breeds of rabbits.

English Spot:
This breed of rabbits is mostly white and they have a butterfly mark on their nose, colored ears and chains of colored spots along its sides including a herringbone stripe down its back.

English Spots are a very active breed of rabbits and require a minimum of two hours of running time everyday. They are generally docile and make good pets and also tolerate other pets like guinea pigs, cats and dogs.

Types Of Rabbits

2010-03-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

Various varieties of domestic rabbits are bred through selective breeding or natural selection. At this article, I will list a few common breeds of rabbits that are recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association along with a brief description.

Rabbit Breeds

American: This breed was standardized early in the 20th century. The two categories available are the blue and white. The sub-varieties available under this breed are:

American Fuzzy Lop: This breed was derived by breeding two Holland Lops each carrying a recessive wool gene. The rabbits belonging to this breed have lopped ears and their body is covered with thick wool.
American Sable: The rabbits belonging to this breed have different levels of sandy (sable) coloring.

Angora: This breed consists of the oldest types of domestic rabbits that originated in Ankara, Turkey. The rabbits belonging to this breed are used for their long wool which is removed by shearing or plucking. The sub-varieties available under this breed are:

English Angora: This breed has been derived from French Angoras and are gentle in nature but require a lot of grooming.
French Angora: This breed has guard hairs on the surface and wool as an undercoat.
Satin Angora: This breed is so named because of its extremely soft texture of its wool. These are very easy to groom and the wool they produce is very strong.

Beveran: This breed consists of the oldest and largest of the fur rabbits. The color of their coats can vary from blue, white, black, lilac or brown. A rare variety in this breed is the Pointed Beveren which has the same color but have white tipped hairs.

Blue of Ham: This breed of rabbit was very popular during the first few decades of the 20th century but became extinct during the sixties. However, a Belgian breeder was able to recreate the rabbit by using off-springs.

Britannia Petite: This breed of rabbits weigh about 2.5 lb and are thought to have been derived from small wild rabbits. They have a wild temperament and are not suitable for pets. However, if handled properly these rabbits can be calm.

American Chinchilla: This breed of rabbits are bred for their meat. They are a hardy pet and do not require regular grooming. They have a medium length body which is slightly curved. Their ears are straight and erect. These rabbits are also good breeders and on an average their litter consists of 7 – 10 babies.

Dwarf Rabbits

2010-02-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

These little precious animals are the smallest breed of domestic rabbits. Dwarf rabbits are extremely popular house pets in America. If you too are thinking of bringing home these cute, cuddly, docile hop masters home, then you need to know a little dwarf rabbit info to provide them with proper pet care.

The dwarf rabbit are also known as the Netherlands dwarf rabbits as they originated in Europe.

The earliest breeds of dwarf rabbits were found in Holland and thus were christened as 'Netherlands' dwarf rabbit. By 1969, the Netherlands dwarf rabbits became a recognized breed of rabbit in America.

The Netherlands dwarf rabbits are very small in size that makes them even more attractive as a pet. They look similar to the Polish dwarf rabbits, but the Netherlands dwarf rabbit weighs only 2 to 2½ lbs.

This makes them the smallest of all bunnies, with short ears standing straight up and short, dense, soft, glossy fur. These beautiful and attractive physical features makes them one of the most popular pets in America.

You will find there are many different colors of dwarf rabbits. The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes about 24 colors of dwarf rabbits. You can choose your future dwarf rabbit pets in colors like blue, black, lilac, lynx, opal, otter, chocolate, silver matte, fawn, steel and tan. You can even go in for white ruby eyed or blue eyed dwarf rabbits.

Dwarf rabbits as pets require a lot of care, attention and maintenance as they are very delicate animals. They are basically ideal rabbit breeds for pets if you provide the correct dwarf rabbits care. When you buy a dwarf rabbit as pet, you can let it run free in the house.

But in case a free run is not a good option for you, buy a large sized cage. The dwarf rabbits will love to hop around in their cage if the area is sufficient. You need to provide the dwarf bunnies with a litter box that contains wood stove pellets and even non-clumping cat litter. You can easily litter train dwarf rabbits just like a cat or dog. So, you need not worry about the poop around the house as they will use the litter tray when nature calls.

You need to supply your dwarf rabbits with plenty of fresh hay all the time. You should purchase high quality orchard grass or hay for your dwarf bunny. You can even buy hay based pellets for your dwarf rabbits. When your dwarf rabbits are under six months of age, be sure you supply them with unlimited pellets. Those over six months of age should be given one quarter cup of pellets every day.

Rabbit Care

2010-02-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

Your pet rabbit is not a cuddly stuffed toy rabbit. You can't treat it the way you would your toy rabbit. Rabbits have very fragile backbones. Never pick up your rabbit so that its hind legs are left dangling.

The rabbit might kick violently, possibly fracturing its backbone. Make sure that this does not happen, because the only solution if this happens is to put the rabbit to 'sleep'. Never lift the rabbit by its ears. It is very painful for the rabbit, just like it would pain you if someone tried to lift you by the ears.

The best way to lift your rabbit is to put one hand below its hind legs for support and the other below its chest and then lift it. The entire weight of the rabbit must be supported by your hands.

As far as possible avoid small children from picking up the rabbit. They tend to get a bit exited and might cause unintentional harm to the very rabbit they want to care for. If they insist on carrying the rabbit around, please get them well trained in the technique of lifting the rabbit.

When to visit the veterinarian

If you feed your rabbit with the correct diet and allow it to exercise enough, the veterinarian is someone you may never have to visit.

Always watch out for abnormal behavior in your rabbit. If you notice something different, it may be time to take your pet to the veterinarian. This may include a sudden loss in appetite, a sudden weight loss, suddenly wanting to be confined to the cage, extremely aggressive behavior, and just about anything that may seem abnormal.

If you notice that your rabbit has diarrhea (not very common in rabbits), do not wait. Your pet requires medical attention immediately.

Your rabbit is not as hardy as a cat or a dog. Do not wait for the symptoms to subside when you see one. If you are not sure of what it is, at least call the veterinarian. Based on the symptoms he will let you know the urgency.

Buy your pet rabbit from a reputed pet shop. Always keep the cage open and try to place it where there is a good flow of fresh air. Always keep the cage clean, with a sufficient stock of fresh food and water. Be very careful while lifting and handling your rabbit. Take your pet rabbit to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the slightest change in its behavior.

Following all this will allow you to have a bunny good time with your pet rabbit!

Pet Rabbit Diet

2010-02-10T17:36:00.000-08:00

Proper care should be taken that you feed your pet rabbit the correct diet. A little care taken by you in feeding your pet will go a long way. It can ensure that your rabbit remains disease free, healthy, active, and enjoys a lifespan of between 10 to 15 years.

Thanks to what we see on television (Bunny Rabbit etc.) we presume that all rabbits enjoy are carrots. Not so. Rabbits are basically wild animals, so carrots are very much non-existent in their natural diet. Rabbits are herbivores and their primary diet consists of a variety of grass and leaves. Wild rabbits also enjoy the seasonal flower or fruit.

One part of what their natural diet consists of could be very repulsive to some. All rabbits will eat grass etc. Part of this goes into an intestinal tract known as the cecum. Here this grass is converted into small pellets that are soft and filled with nutrients.

These soft pellets are known as cecotropes and are eaten by the rabbit as they are being excreted. This is easily digested and contain fatty acids, vitamins and amino acids, which are all very important for the well being of the rabbit.

Your pet rabbits diet should consist primarily of hay. Always make sure that there is enough hay in the rabbits cage. There are two types of hay - grass and legume. Make sure that the hay you give your pet is the grass variety.

Meadow grass which is naturally sun dried is the best. Find out where you can have easy access to such grass/hay. It will be required throughout the life of the rabbit. Always make sure that the hay that you feed your rabbit is dry and fresh. The hay should never be damp and of dull color.

Do not worry about the rabbit spoiling its teeth with the constant chewing and munching of this hay. Rabbit teeth grow constantly, eliminating the possibility of teeth destruction.

Wild rabbits gorge on green grass and fresh leaves, so your pet should also get its fair share of greens. Along with hay, greens are a vital part of the rabbits diet because they will provide all of the nutrients that hay provides, but in addition fresh greens will provide the rabbit with water. Yes, the rabbit will have permanent access to fresh drinking water, but you can't force the rabbit to drink.

When the rabbit consumes greens they are also getting a sure supply of water. Good options are broccoli, cabbage, celery, and most of the greens that are dark in color. Occasionally feed your rabbit fruits such as pineapple, pear, peach, papaya, and any of the sweet berries. Special treats could include edible flowers such as roses and lilies.

As far as possible stay away from commercially available rabbit food. These foods are usually packed with starch and fat. They are made to the rabbits taste, so that the rabbit enjoys eating it. What will result is a rabbit that grows plump very fast. Many would think that this is very good, but just the opposite. Unwanted fat is accumulating in your chubby looking rabbit.

Many nutrients present in natural food may not be present in commercial food. No doubt, your rabbit will look cute and chubby for some time, but sooner or later it will begin to suffer. A plump fat rabbit is not a healthy rabbit. Healthy rabbits are those that have a strong muscular tone with minimal fat. The proper diet with enough exercise ensures this.

The proper diet will not only ensure that your rabbit is in the peak of health, but also reduce your veterinary bills.

Pet Rabbit

2010-02-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Before buying a pet rabbit, many would have asked the question 'What are rabbits like - a cat, a dog'? A pet rabbit is neither like a pet cat nor a pet dog. Pet cats and dogs will take an immediate liking to you and not be afraid of you. This will happen with a pet rabbit too, but it will take much longer.

Your pet dog or cat can be fed on a variety of things including vegetables, fish, chicken, and meat, making feeding them absolutely worry-free.

Not the case with pet rabbits. You try feeding them just about anything, and that will be the end of your pet rabbit. Rabbits have got a very sensitive gastrointestinal tract.

Rabbits are very affectionate, but could get really aggressive and destructive at times. Many have got the misconception that a pet rabbit can be picked up and cuddled just like the kids stuffed bunny rabbit. In fact with pet rabbits it is just the opposite - even the slightest mishandling of your pet rabbit could prove fatal. Treating the rabbit gently is very important.

Making your new Pet Rabbit comfortable

When you get your new pet rabbit home, you must decide as to where the cage will be placed. Make sure it is placed where it will not obstruct your movement. The place should be well ventilated with a free flow of fresh air. Place the cage as close to the ground as possible.

Place bedding made of straw in the cage so that the rabbit feels comfortable. Remember that the cage is not a place to confine your rabbit. It is more of a place where the rabbit will retire for the night or whenever it is tired, or hungry. As far as possible do not keep the door of the cage shut, always leave it open.

Problems that your pet could face if confined to the cage will include a poor muscle tone because of no exercise, inflammation of the feet due to sitting in one place constantly, could become very lethargic, can be very aggressive at times, will become obese due to lack of any exercise. Most of all it will not turn out to be the happy, jumping about rabbit that you thought it would be.

A rabbit requires to be constantly active. Rabbits love jumping and running around. This helps keep their bodies in shape, keep their minds active and alert, and will help in eliminating a lot of sickness that will be present if they are confined to the cage.

Tanimbar Corella

2010-01-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

The Tanimbar Corella, Cacatua goffiniana, also known as Goffin's Cockatoo or Goffin's Corella, is a species of cockatoo endemic to forests of Yamdena, Larat and Selaru, all islands in the Tanimbar Islands archipelago in Indonesia.

The species has been introduced at the Kai Islands, Indonesia, Puerto Rico and Singapore. This species was only formally described in 2004, after it was discovered that the previous formal descriptions pertained to individuals of a different cockatoo species, the Ducorps' Cockatoo (Cacatua ducorpsii).

Tanimbar Corellas are the smallest of the white cockatoos. This species is Near Threatened due to deforestation and bird trade. The species breeds well in captivity and there is a large avicultural population.

Tanimbar Corellas weigh, on average, about 250 g for females and 300 g for males. They are about 31 cm (12 inches) from head to tail. Like all members of the Cacatuidae, the Tanimbar Corella is crested, meaning it has a collection of feathers on its head that it can raise or lower.

Its body is mainly covered with white feathers, with salmon or pink colored feathers between the beak and eyes. The deeper (proximal) parts of the crest feathers and neck feathers are also a salmon color, but the coloration here is hidden by the white color of the more superficial (distal) areas of these feathers.

The underside of its wing and tail feathers exhibit a yellowish tinge. The beak is pale grey and eye colour ranges from brown to black. Both sexes are similar. They are often confused with the Little Corella (Bare-eyed Cockatoo) due to their similar appearance.

The maximum recorded lifespan for a (captive) Tanimbar Corella is 18.3 years - though this figure may be a significant under-representation, considering the long-lived nature of many other cockatoo species.

Right Bird As Your Pet (part 2)

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Galah Cockatoos

Galahs are the commonly kept pets and even Galahs caught in the wild make good pets. They are affectionate and friendly. Galahs are usually pale pink and darkpink. They make good pets. They are independent birds and not needy like other species.

They are happy to play on their own and require less time outside the cage. Galahs make wonderful pets especially when hand-raised. They are extrovert in nature, affectionate, friendly playful and intelligent. And like other Cockatoos need to be kept entertained and occupied at all times.

They are quick learners and can be trained to perform several tricks. Often you see them in bird shows, where they fly through several hoops. Galahs are good talkers and males usually have better talking ability than females.

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

The Goffin's Cockatoo is the smallest among the Cockatoo species. Goffin's Cockatoos are gregarious, inquisitive and carefree birds. They are fun-loving and make extremely intelligent pets. Many owners claim that their personality resembles that of dogs. They are active birds that need to be kept occupied at all times.

They are more independent than other Cockatoo species and don't mind spending a little time on their own. They don't 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

The Palm Cockatoo is the largest among the different species of Cockatoos. It is a striking black bird with red cheek patches. Palm Cockatoos are gentle, intelligent and love company. They make unique and wonderful pets.

They are not as noisy as some of the other species of Cockatoos. In fact their breeding call is the only loud and noisy sound they make. Palm Cockatoos are much sought after pets, but in reality, kept only in small numbers in mostly private collections.

Moluccan Cockatoos

Contrary to the Little Corellas and Goffins, this species is one of the largest of the Cockatoo family. The birds are pink to salmon pink with an attractive crest of orange. They make wonderful pets because they are normally very intelligent, friendly and affectionate. They are quite adept at talking and performing several tricks.

Little Corellas

As true as the name implies, the Little Corellas are one of the smaller Cockatoos. Little Corellas are playful, intelligent and even-tempered birds. They have been kept as pets for many years. These birds can be trained to talk and perform a variety of tricks. They also love to dance and chew. Like all Cockatoos they become very attached to their owners and need to be kept busy.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are affectionate and friendly. Although they have the tendency to become a one-person pet, they make excellent companions. They are more independent than most Cockatoo species and are very intelligent. They are quite adept at talking and performing tricks. I hope all these information comes handy to you when you select your pet Cockatiel.

Right Bird As Your Pet

2009-12-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

Bird House

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Shelter can be provided in many ways, including bird houses or nest boxes. As winter days grow longer after solstice, birds get ready to mate and nest, so it is time to start thinking about putting up a bird house or nest shelf. Fall is a great time to shop for bird houses, remembering that many people you know would welcome a birdhouse as a Christmas present.

Choosing a bird house will depend on your goal. Do you want a great looking garden ornament or are you looking to attract a certain type of bird? All birds have their own particular preferences. For example, robins will not nest in an enclosed box, while wrens and bluebirds are attracted to single unit, enclosed bird houses. One other way to provide shelter is with the types of trees and shrubs in your yard.

Things to remember about birdhouses:

-- Face the entrance hole to the north or east to prevent the birds from overheating if summers are hot in your area.

-- Mount bird houses on poles or posts rather than nailing them to trees or hanging them from limbs, making them less vulnerable to predators.

-- Don't put bird houses next to bird feeders.

-- Clean your bird house yearly.

Water

While water is the least important of the three requirements, it can make a difference to the number of birds visiting your feeders. If birds must fly long distances to find water in the winter, they may choose to stay near their water source rather than coming back to your feeder.

The easiest way to provide water is by maintaining your bird bath year round. This could mean filling the bird bath several times a day, which is not always practical. The easiest method is to have a heated bird bath. Heaters are completely safe, but make sure they have an automatic shut-off feature if the bath goes dry, which can happen on windy days or if there are too many birds drinking from the bath.

The plug must be attached to a grounded (three pronged) outlet -- preferably a GFI (ground fault interrupt) outlet. This will eliminate the risk of electrical shock. The heating element also should be covered in some way.

If yours is uncovered, it would be good to place a piece of shale over the top to prevent any birds from burning their feet. In addition, birds will enjoy perching on the warm rock, especially the mourning doves.

Winter Birds to Your Garden

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There's nothing more delightful than watching birds flit from one area of your garden to the next. Attracting birds to your yard is really quite simple: if you supply their three basic needs -- food, shelter and water -- you will have an avian oasis in your own backyard.

Food

As winter approaches and the natural food supply for birds dwindles, birds become dependent on bird feeders for seeds and suet. Although there is debate about whether artificial feeding disrupts the migration urge of some birds, research shows this is not a significant concern.

For birds that are not strong enough to migrate due to injury or illness or because of some undeveloped natural migration cue, your feeder may be what enables them to live through winter. Also, for birds that do not migrate, winter storms can bury their food supply.

When you add to that the natural condition of reduced time for foraging due to shorter days, winter is a real hardship for birds.

There are two ways to provide food: through bird feeders and by growing plants around your yard that offer fruits, seeds and a habitat that birds love. Black oil sunflower seed is the best seed to attract a diverse group of birds to your feeder, including chickadees, nuthatches, finches, cardinals, grosbeaks, sparrows, blackbirds and jays.

To attract insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches, offer suet in the wintertime. Ground feeding birds like juncos, sparrows, towhees and mourning doves prefer cracked corn scattered on the ground or placed in an elevated tray.

Plants to add to your landscape include serviceberry, dogwood, fir, hawthorn, sweet gum, crabapple, pine, coralberry and fruit-bearing viburnums. Seed-producing flowers that will attract birds include aster, blanket flower, cone flower, sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, California poppies, goldenrod, marigolds, phlox, salvias and zinnias.

Things to remember about feeders:

-- It's nice if you can place the feeder so you can watch birds from a comfortable location, but also keep in mind their needs. They need an escape route, so make sure you place the feeder near shrubs or evergreen trees so they can make a quick get-away.

Woody plants with thorns, such as roses or hawthorn, are helpful to birds because they provide refuge from predators such as house cats. This can also help keep the feeders out of the rain and food dry.

-- Keep your feeders clean to prevent diseases and deter pests. Disinfect occasionally with one part chlorine bleach and nine parts lukewarm water and dry thoroughly before refilling.

-- Once you start to provide food for birds, continue throughout the cold season. It's best to provide only one type of food per feeder. Birds feeding at feeders with mixed seed discard the seeds they do not want while selecting their favorites.

-- Do not feed birds spoiled leftovers, salty snack foods or sugary cereals.

Parrot Threats and Conservation

2009-12-02T20:53:00.000-08:00

A large number of parrot species are in decline, and several species are now extinct. Of the 350 or so living species of parrot 130 species are listed as near threatened or worse by the IUCN.

There are numerous reasons for the decline of so many species, the principal threats being habitat loss and degradation, hunting, and for certain species, wild-bird trade.

Parrots are persecuted for a number of reasons; in some areas they may (or have been) hunted for food, for feathers, and as agricultural pests. For a time, Argentina offered a bounty on Monk Parakeets (an agricultural pest), resulting in hundred of thousands of birds being killed, though apparently this did not greatly affect the overall population.

Capture for the pet trade is a threat to many of the rarer or slower to breed species. Habitat loss or degradation, most often for agriculture, is a threat to numerous parrot species. Parrots, being cavity nesters, are vulnerable to the loss of nesting sites and to competition with introduced species for those sites.

The loss of old trees is particularly a problem in some areas, particularly in Australia where suitable nesting trees may be many hundreds of years old. Many parrot species occur only on islands and are vulnerable to introduced species such as rats and cats, as they lack the appropriate anti-predator behaviours needed to deal with mammalian predators.

Controlling such predators can help in maintaining or increasing the numbers of endangered species. Insular species, which have small populations in restricted habitat, are also vulnerable to physical threats such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions.

There are many active conservation groups whose goal is the conservation of wild parrot populations. One of the largest includes the World Parrot Trust, an international organization. The group gives assistance to worthwhile projects as well as producing a magazine and raising funds through donations and memberships, often from pet parrot owners.

They state they have helped conservation work in 22 countries. On a smaller scale local parrot clubs will raise money to donate to a cause of conservation. Zoo and wildlife centers usually provide public education, to change habits that cause damage to wild populations.

Recent conservation measures to conserve the habitats of some of the high-profile charismatic parrot species has also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the ecosystem. A popular attraction that many zoos now employ is a feeding station for lories and lorikeets, where visitors feed small parrots with cups of liquid food. This is usually done in association with educational signs and lecture.

Perrot Trade

2009-11-16T20:17:00.000-08:00

Parrots that are bred for pets may be hand fed or otherwise accustomed to interacting with people from a young age to help ensure they will be tame and trusting.

However, parrots are not low maintenance pets; they require feeding, grooming, veterinary care, training, environmental enrichment through the provision of toys, exercise, and social interaction (with other parrots or humans) for good health.

Some large parrot species, including large cockatoos, Amazons, and macaws, have very long lifespans with 80 years being reported and record ages of over one hundred.

Small parrots, such as lovebirds, hanging parrots, and budgies have shorter life spans of up to 15–20 years. Some parrot species can be quite loud, and many of the larger parrots can be destructive and require a very large cage, and a regular supply of new toys, branches, or other items to chew up.

The intelligence of parrots means they are quick to learn tricks and other behaviors — both good and bad — that will get them what they want, such as attention or treats. The popularity, longevity, and intelligence of many of the larger species of pet parrots has led to many of these birds being re-homed during the course of their long lifespans.

A common problem is that large parrot species which are cuddly and gentle as juveniles will mature into intelligent, complex, often demanding adults that can outlive their owners. Due to these problems, and the fact that homeless parrots are not euthanized like dogs and cats, parrot adoption centers and sanctuaries are becoming more common.

The popularity of parrots as pets has led to a thriving — and often illegal — trade in the birds, and some species are now threatened with extinction. A combination of trapping of wild birds and damage to parrot habitats makes survival difficult or even impossible for some species of parrot. Importation of wild caught parrots into the US and Europe is illegal.

The trade continues unabated in some countries. A report published in January 2007 presents a clear picture of the wild-caught parrot trade in Mexico, stating: "The majority of parrots captured in Mexico stay in the country for the domestic trade.

A small percentage of this capture, 4% to 14%, is smuggled into the USA."In the early 1980s an American college student who worked his way through school smuggling parrots across the Rio Grande put his contraband Mexican birds in a cage on an inflatable raft and floated with them across the international river to the U.S. side where a partner would be waiting.

Parrots As Pets

2009-11-16T20:06:00.000-08:00

Parrots are popular as pets due to their sociable and affectionate nature, intelligence, bright colours, and ability to imitate human voices.

The domesticated Budgerigar, a small parrot, is the most popular of all pet bird species. In 1992 the newspaper USA Today published that there were 11 million pet birds in the United States alone, many of them parrots.

Europeans kept birds matching the description of the Rose-ringed Parakeet (or called the ring-necked parrot), such as in this first century account by Pliny the Elder. As they have been prized for thousands of years for their beauty and ability to talk, they have also often been misunderstood.

For example, author Wolfgang de Grahl discusses in his 1987 book "The Grey Parrot," that some importers allowed parrots to drink only coffee while they were being shipped by boat considering pure water to be detrimental and believing that their actions would increase survival rates during shipping. (These days it is commonly accepted that the caffeine in coffee is toxic to birds.)

Pet parrots may be kept in a cage or aviary; though generally, tame parrots should be allowed out regularly on a stand or gym. Depending on locality, parrots may be either wild caught or be captive bred, though in most areas without native parrots, pet parrots are captive bred.

Parrots species that are commonly kept as pets include conures, macaws, Amazons, cockatoos, African Greys, lovebirds, cockatiels, budgerigars, eclectus, Caiques, parakeets, Pionus and Poicephalus.

Species vary in their temperament, noise level, talking ability, cuddliness with people, and care needs, although how a parrot has been raised usually greatly affects its personality.

Parrots can make excellent companion animals, and can form close, affectionate bonds with their owners. However they invariably require an enormous amount of attention, care and intellectual stimulation to thrive, akin to that required by a three year old child, which many people find themselves unable to provide in the long term.

Sound Imitation

2009-11-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

Many species can imitate human speech or other sounds, and the results of a study by Irene Pepperberg suggested a high learning ability in an African Grey Parrot named Alex. Alex was trained to use words to identify objects, describe them, count them, and even answer complex questions such as "How many red squares?" with over 80% accuracy.

A second example is that of N'kisi, another African grey, which has been shown to have a vocabulary of approximately a thousand words and has displayed an ability to invent as well as use words in context and in the correct tense.

Parrots do not have vocal cords, so sound is accomplished by expelling air across the mouth of the bifurcated trachea. Different sounds are produced by changing the depth and shape of trachea.

African Grey Parrots of all subspecies are known for their superior ability to imitate sounds and human speech. This ability has made them prized as pets from ancient time to now. In the Masnavi, a writing by Rumi of Persia, AD 1250, the author talks about an ancient method for training parrots to speak.

Although most parrot species are able to imitate, some of the Amazon parrots are generally regarded as the next-best imitators and speakers of the parrot world. The question of why birds imitate remains open, but those that do often score very high on tests designed to measure problem solving ability.

Wild African Grey Parrots have been observed imitating other birds. Most other wild parrots have not been observed imitating other species.

Humans and parrots have a complicated relationship. Economically they can be beneficial to communities as sources of income from the pet trade and are highly marketable tourism draws and symbols. But some species are also economically important pests, particularly some cockatoo species in Australia.

Some parrots have also benefited from human changes to the environment in some instances, and have expanded their ranges where agricultural practices, and many parrots have declined as well. It is possible to devote careers to parrots. Zoos and aquariums employ keepers to care for and shape the behavior of parrots.

Some veterinarians who specialize in avian medicine will treat parrots exclusively. Biologists study parrot populations in the wild and help to conserve wild populations. Aviculturalists breed and sell parrots for the pet trade. As tens of millions parrots have been removed from the wild, and parrots have been traded in greater numbers and for far longer than any other group of wild animals.

Many parrot species are still threatened by this trade as well as habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and hunting for food or feathers. Some parrot species are agricultural pests,eating fruits, grains, and other crops, but parrots can also benefit economies through birdwatching based ecotourism.[

Most Intelligent Birds

2009-11-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Studies with captive birds have given us insight into which birds are the most intelligent. While parrots have the distinction of being able to mimic human speech, studies with the African Grey Parrot have shown that some are able to associate words with their meanings and form simple sentences.

Along with crows, ravens, and jays (family Corvidae), parrots are considered the most intelligent of birds. The brain-to body size ratio of psittacines and corvines is actually comparable to that of higher primates. One argument against the supposed intelligent capabilities of bird species is that birds have a relatively small cerebral cortex, which is the part of the brain considered to be the main area of intelligence in other animals.

However, it seems that birds use a different part of their brain, the medio-rostral neostriatum/hyperstriatum ventrale, as the seat of their intelligence. Not surprisingly, research has shown that these species tend to have the largest hyperstriata, and Dr. Harvey J. Karten, a neuroscientist at University of California, San Diego who has studied the physiology of birds, discovered that the lower part of avian brains are functionally similar to humans.

Not only have parrots demonstrated intelligence through scientific testing of their language using ability, but some species of parrot such as the Kea are also highly skilled at using tools and solving puzzles. Learning in early life is apparently important to all parrots, and much of that learning is social learning.

Social interactions are often practised with siblings, and in several species creches are formed with several broods, and these as well are important for learning social skills. Foraging behaviour is generally learnt from parents, and can be a very protracted affair. Supra-generalists and specialists are generally independent of their parents much quicker than partly specialised species which may have to learn skills over a long period of time as various resources become seasonally available.

Play forms a large part of learning in parrots, it can be solitary, and related to motor skills, or social. Species may engage in play fights or wild flights to practice predator evasion. An absence of stimuli can retard the development of young birds, as demonstrated by a group of Vasa Parrots kept in tiny cages with domesticated chickens from the age of 3 months; at 9 months these birds still behaved in the same way as 3 month olds, but had adopted some chicken behaviour.

In a similar fashion captive birds in zoo collections or pets can, if deprived of stimuli, develop stereotyped behaviours and harmful behaviours like self plucking. Aviculturists working with parrots have identified the need for environmental enrichment to keep parrots stimulated.

Parrot Breeding

2009-10-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Although there are a few exceptions, parrots are monogamous breeders which nest in cavities and hold no territories other than their nesting sites. The pair bonds of the parrots and cockatoos are strong and the pair will remain close even during the non-breeding season, even if they join larger flocks.

As with many birds pair bond formation is preceded by courtship displays; these are relatively simple in the case of cockatoos.

In Psittacidae parrots common breeding displays, usually undertaken by the male, include slow deliberate steps known as a "parade" or "stately walk" and the "eye-blaze", where the pupil of the eye constricts to reveal the edge of the iris.

Allopreening is used by the pair to help maintain the bond. Cooperative breeding, where birds other than the breeding pair help the pair raise the young and is common in some bird families, is extremely rare in parrots, and has only unambiguously been demonstrated in the Golden Parakeet (which may also exhibit polyamorous or group breeding system with multiple females contributing to the clutch).

Only the Monk Parakeet and five species of Agapornis lovebird build nests in trees, and three Australian and New Zealand ground parrots nest on the ground.

All other parrots and cockatoos nest in cavities, either tree hollows or cavities dug into cliffs, banks or the ground. The use of holes in cliffs is more common in the Americas. many species will use termite nests, possibly as it reduces the conspicuousness of the nesting site or because it creates favourable microclimates.

In most cases both species will participate in the nest excavation. The length of the burrow varies with species, but is usually between 0.5–2 m in length. The nests of cockatoos are often lined with sticks, wood chips and other plant material. In the larger species of parrot and cockatoo the availability of nesting holes can be limited and this can lead to intense competition for them both within the species and between species, as well as with other bird families.

The intensity of this competition can limit breeding success in some cases. Some species are colonial, with the Burrowing Parrot nesting in colonies up to 70,000 strong. Coloniality is not as common in parrots as might be expected, possibly because most species adopt old cavities rather that excavate their own.

Behaviour and Diet

2009-10-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

There are numerous difficulties in studying wild parrots, as they are difficult to catch and once caught they are difficult to mark. Most wild bird studies rely on rings (or bands) or some form of wing tag, but parrots will chew them off.

The parrots also tend to range widely and as a consequence there are many gaps in science's knowledge of their behavior. Parrots have a strong, direct flight. Most species spend most of their time perched or climbing in tree canopies. They often use their bills for climbing by gripping or hooking on branches and other supports. On the ground parrots often walk with a rolling gait.

The diet of parrots consists of seeds, fruit, nectar, pollen, buds, and sometimes insects and to a lesser degree animal prey. Without question the most important of these to most true parrots and cockatoos are seeds.

The evolution of the large and powerful bill can be explained primarily as an adaptation to opening and consuming seeds. All true parrots except the Pesquet's Parrot employ the same method to obtain the seed from the husk; the seed is held between the mandibles and the lower mandible crushes the husk, whereupon the seed is rotated in the bill and the remaining husk is removed.

A foot is sometimes used to help holding large seeds in place. Parrots are seed predators rather than seed dispersers; and in many cases where species are recorded as consuming fruit they are only eating the fruit to get at the seed. As seeds often have poisons to protect them, parrots are careful to remove seed coats and other fruit parts which are chemically well defended, prior to ingestion.

Many species in the Americas, Africa, and Papua New Guinea consume clay which both releases minerals and absorbs toxic compounds from the gut. Parrots at a clay lick in Ecuador. Consuming clay neutralises toxins in the diet. The lories and lorikeets, Swift Parrot and Philippine Hanging Parrot are primarily nectar and pollen consumers, and have tongues with brush tips to collect this source of food, as well as some specialized gut adaptations to accommodate this diet.

Many other species also consume nectar as well when it becomes available. In addition to feeding on seeds and flowers, some parrot species will prey on animals. Golden-winged Parakeets prey on water snails, and famously the Keas of New Zealand will scavenge on sheep carcases and even kill juvenile petrels.

Another New Zealand parrot, the Antipodes Island Parakeet, enters the burrows of nesting Grey-backed Storm-petrels and kills the incubating adults. Some cockatoos and the Kākā will also excavate branches and wood to obtain grubs.

Parrot Morphology

2009-10-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Extant species range in size from the Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot, at under 10 g (0.35 oz.) in weight and 8 cm (3.2 inches) in length, to the Hyacinth Macaw, at 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) in length, and the Kakapo, at 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs) in weight.

Amongst the families, the three Nestoridae species are all large parrots, and the cockatoos tend to be large birds as well. The Psittacidae parrots are far more variable, ranging the full spectrum of sizes shown by the family. The most obvious physical characteristic that characterises parrots is their strong, curved, broad bill.

The upper mandible is prominent, curves downward, and comes to a point. It is not fused to the skull, which allows it to move independently, and contributes to the tremendous biting pressure these birds are able to exert. The lower mandible is shorter, with a sharp, upward facing cutting edge, which moves against the flat portion of the upper mandible in an anvil-like fashion.

Seed eating parrots have a strong tongue which helps to manipulate seeds or position nuts in the bill so that the mandibles can apply an appropriate cracking force. The head is large, with eyes positioned sideways, which limits binocular vision, but greatly enhances peripheral vision. Cockatoo species have a mobile crest of feathers on the top of their heads which can be raised for display, and retracted.

No other parrots can do so, but the Pacific lorikeets in the genera Vini and Phigys are able to ruffle the feathers of the crown and nape. The predominant colour of plumage in parrots is green, though most species have some red or another colour in small quantities.

Cockatoos are the main exception to this, having lost the green and blue plumage colours in their evolutionary history they are now predominately black or white with some red, pink or yellow. Strong sexual dimorphism in plumage is not typical amongst the parrots, with some notable exceptions, the most striking being the Eclectus Parrot.

Parrot Species

2009-10-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

Parrots are found on all tropical and subtropical continents including Australia and the islands of the Pacific Ocean, South Asia, southeast Asia, southern regions of North America, South America and Africa.

Some Caribbean and Pacific islands are home to endemic species. By far the greatest number of parrot species come from Australasia and South America. The lories and lorikeets range from Sulawesi and the Philippines in the north to Australia and across the Pacific as far as French Polynesia, with the greatest diversity being found in and around New Guinea.

The subfamily Arinae encompasses all the Neotropical parrots, including the Amazons, macaws and conures, and range from northern Mexico and the Bahamas to Tierra del Fuego in the southern tip of South America.

The pygmy parrots, subfamily Micropsittinae, are a small genus restricted to New Guinea. The subfamily Nestorinae are three species of aberrant parrots from New Zealand. The broad-tailed parrots, subfamily Platycercinae, are restricted to Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands as far as Fiji. The final true parrot subfamily, Psittacinae, includes a range of species from Australia and New Guinea to the species found in South Asia and Africa.

The centre of cockatoo biodiversity is Australia and New Guinea, although some species reach the Solomon Islands (and one species formerly occurred in New Caledonia), Indonesia and the Philippines.

Several parrot species enter the cool, temperate regions of South America and New Zealand. One species, the Carolina Parakeet existed in temperate North America, but was hunted to extinction in the early 20th century. Numerous species have been introduced in areas with temperate climates, and have established stable populations in several states of the USA, the United Kingdom and Spain.

While a few parrot species are wholly sedentary or fully migratory, the majority fall somewhere between the two, making poorly understood regional movements, some species adopting an entirely nomadic lifestyle.

Parrots

2009-09-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

Parrots, also known as psittacines (pronounced /ˈsɪtəsaɪnz/), are birds of the roughly 372 species in 86 genera that make up the order Psittaciformes, found in most warm and tropical regions.

The order is subdivded in three families:
the Psittacidae ('true' parrots),
the Cacatuidae (cockatoos) and the
Nestoridae (New Zealand parrots).

Parrots have a pan-tropical distribution with several species inhabiting the temperate Southern Hemisphere as well. The greatest diversity of parrots is found in South America and Australasia.

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Most parrots are predominantly green, with other bright colors, and some species are multi-colored.

Cockatoo species range from mostly white to mostly black, and have a mobile crest of feathers on the top of their heads. Most parrots are monomorphic or minimally sexually dimorphic. They are the most variably sized bird order in tems of length.

The most important components of most parrots' diets are seeds, nuts, fruit, buds and other plant material, and a few species also eat insects and small animals, and the lories and lorikeets are specialised to feed on nectar from flowers, and soft fruits.

Almost all parrots nest in tree holes (or nestboxes in captivity), and lay white eggs from which emerge altricial (helpless) young. Parrots, along with ravens, crows, jays and magpies, are some of the most intelligent birds, and the ability of some parrot species to imitate human voices enhances their popularity as pets.

Trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as other hunting, habitat loss and competition from invasive species, have diminished wild populations, and parrots have been subjected to more exploitation than any other group of birds.

Recent conservation measures to conserve the habitats of some of the high-profile charismatic parrot species has also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the ecosystem.

World Of Parrots

2009-09-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

Parrots, also known as psittacines (pronounced /ˈsɪtəsaɪnz/),are birds of the roughly 372 species in 86 genera that make up the order Psittaciformes, found in most warm and tropical regions.

The order is subdivded in three families: the Psittacidae ('true' parrots), the Cacatuidae (cockatoos) and the Nestoridae (New Zealand parrots).

Parrots have a pan-tropical distribution with several species inhabiting the temperate Southern Hemisphere as well. The greatest diversity of parrots is found in South America and Australasia. Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet.

Most parrots are predominantly green, with other bright colors, and some species are multi-colored. Cockatoo species range from mostly white to mostly black, and have a mobile crest of feathers on the top of their heads. Most parrots are monomorphic or minimally sexually dimorphic. They are the most variably sized bird order in terms of length.

The most important components of most parrots' diets are seeds, nuts, fruit, buds and other plant material, and a few species also eat insects and small animals, and the lories and lorikeets are specialised to feed on nectar from flowers, and soft fruits. Almost all parrots nest in tree holes (or nestboxes in captivity), and lay white eggs from which emerge altricial (helpless) young.

Parrots, along with ravens, crows, jays and magpies, are some of the most intelligent birds, and the ability of some parrot species to imitate human voices enhances their popularity as pets.

Trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as other hunting, habitat loss and competition from invasive species, have diminished wild populations, and parrots have been subjected to more exploitation than any other group of birds. Recent conservation measures to conserve the habitats of some of the high-profile charismatic parrot species has also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the ecosystem.

Grand Eclectus

2009-09-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Grand Eclectus was the first Eclectus to be discovered and thus was used as the nominate subspecies or race. This does not mean that this race is the most beautiful of the group, only that the first observers of the Eclectus thought that this bird was indeed grand in its appearance.

The Grand Eclectus originates from the central and southern Moluccas, which are directly west of the large island of New Guinea. The Eclectus from the central Moluccan group of islands, mainly Ceram have more color variations tending toward the Vosmaeri subspecies, which originate from the northern Moluccas.

The Grand Eclectus is slightly smaller in total length than the Vosmaeri Eclectus, which is closely related in coloration. Even though the Grand is smaller in length, most members of this race are more stocky is body shape than the Vosmaeri or even the Red-sided Eclectus.

Male

The Grand Eclectus male has a duller, but darker green body plumage compared to the Vosmaeri male, which is a bright grass green. The color of its upper mandible ranges in color from the bright candy-corn color to a slightly paler version. It normally does not have a pale orange upper mandible, which is normally a sign of immaturity or inadequate nutrition in its diet.

The Grand male has a faint tip of dull yellow coloration (sometimes appearing as a yellowish-white edging) that can be observed at the end of its tail. This faint yellow tip coloration is much more visual from below (vent side) than it is from the topside. The yellow tip of the tail on the Grand is much fainter than is observed on the Vosmaeri male subspecies. The upper mandible of the Grand male is more slender than it is on any other subspecies.

Female

The Grand Eclectus female is one of the most difficult to identify of any of the female Eclectus subspecies. As stated before some of the color traits found in the Vosmaeri race are found in the Grand race. These individual birds originate from Ceram from the central Moluccas, which borders the islands where the Vosmaeri race originates.

The chest and breast feather coloration of the Grand female is a dull purplish coloration. It is not the bright lavender coloration of the Vosmaeri race. The biggest variation found in Grand females is the placement of the dividing line between the red head and the dull purple chest feathers. Individual variations show the purple chest feathers blending into the red head feathers at the chin line.

This is the least frequently observed. Other Grand females have an inch and one half diffusion of purple feathers blending into the red feathers at the chest. Another group of Grand females have a defined separation between the red feathers and the purple breast feathers.

The tail of the Grand female is shorter in total length than is found in the Vosmaeri female. The tail of the Grand female appears as an orangeish coloration often tending to an orangish-yellow tinge. This orange-yellow coloration is brighter on the top or rump side. The central ‘ ;V’ area of the vent is usually a darkish red coloration. Her iris is yellowish to a whitish yellow in color.

There are several defined areas to observer in comparing a Grand female and a hybrid (Grand or Vosmaeri X Red-sided) Eclectus. A hybrid between these two groups (the lavender group and the cobalt blue group) is one that it will almost always have a blue eye-wing, which is absent in the Grand female. The second area to observe is the coloration of the tail feathers.

The hybrid usually shows a tail that is reddish in coloration while the Grand female will show an orange to yellow-orange coloration. The next significant difference is that the hybrid will show a cobalt-purple chest while the Grand female retains the purple coloration.

The last and possibly most significant is that the bib on the hybrid is not visually observed flowing on the body going over the wing bend. It retains the flat bib line across the chest as is observed in any of the red-sided group. Any purple or lavender Eclectus female (which includes both the Grand and the Vosmaeri races) will always have a broad line of purple or lavender observed flowing on the body up and over the wing bend.

Eclectus Parrot ( part 2 )

2009-09-02T05:58:00.000-07:00

Ornithologists usually classify the Eclectus Parrot as a member of tribe Psittaculini in the Psittacidae family of order Psittaciformes. However, some recent thought indicates that there is a great deal of commonality between the Eclectus Parrot and the Loriinae tribe.

The Eclectus Parrot is the most sexually dimorphic of all the parrot species. The contrast between the brilliant emerald green plumage of the male and the deep red/purple plumage of the female is so marked that the two birds were, until the early 20th century, considered to be different species.

It is thought that there are nine (possibly ten) subspecies of Eclectus Parrots, with differences in size and coloring. In captivity, some of the most common subspecies are the Solomon Island, the Vosmaeri, and the New Guinea Red-sided.

Grand Eclectus (Eclectus roratus roratus)
Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus solomonensis)
New Guinea Red-sided Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus polychloros)
Australian Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus macgillivrayi)
Vosmaer's Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus vosmaeri) - sometimes called the Vos Eclectus
Aru Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus aruensis)
Westerman's Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus westermani) – doubtfully valid.
Sumba Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus cornelia)
Tanimbar Islands Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus riedeli)
Biak Island Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus biaki)

Although the Eclectus Parrot is the only extant species in the genus Eclectus, fossil remains of another species, Oceanic Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus infectus), have been found in archaeological sites in the islands of Tonga and Vanuatu (Steadman 2006). The species presumably existed in Fiji as well. E. infectus had proportionally smaller wings than the Eclectus Parrot. The species went extinct after the arrival of man 3000 years ago, presumably due to human-caused factors (habitat loss, introduced species).

Diet

The diet of the eclectus in the wild consists of mainly fruits, unripe nuts, flower and leaf buds, and some seeds. Two favorite fruits are the pomegranate and the papaya (pawpaw) with seeds. In captivity, they will eat most fruits including mangos, figs, guavas, bananas, any melons, stone fruits (peaches etc), grapes, citrus fruits, pears and apples. The eclectus has an unusually long digestive tract and this is why it requires such a high fiber diet.

Eclectus parrots are one of the more popular birds kept in captivity, as either parent or hand reared. Unlike many other species of parrot they are relatively easy to breed yet difficult to hand feed. Eclectus in captivity require vegetables high in beta-carotene, such as lightly cooked sweet potato, fresh broccoli clumps, and fresh corn on the cob.

Fresh greens such as endive or commercial dandelion are a very important in providing calcium and other nutrients. As with all pet birds, they should not be fed avocado, chocolate, or high fat junk foods such as French fries or commercially processed human foods such as pizza. Parrots are unable to digest the lactose in milk.

Spray millet is one of the seed items they enjoy, though the Eclectus diet should typically contain much less seed than other birds. A variety of soaked and cooked beans and legumes, along with brown rice, provided in limited amounts help provide protein. Nuts and seeds provide vitamin E, but should be limited in order to avoid too much fat in the diet, as Eclectus parrots can become obese.

The captive Eclectus can be susceptible to muscle spasms known as toe-tapping and wing flipping, the causes of which are not clear. These movements have not been observed in the wild. Potential causes include calcium deficiency, consumption of pellets or other foods that are overly fortified or artificially colored, or even simple dehydration. Fortified or artificial foods may also cause allergic reactions in some individuals, including severe itchiness leading to feather and skin damage.

Eclectus Parrot

2009-08-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

The Eclectus Parrot, Eclectus roratus, is a parrot native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea and nearby islands, northeastern Australia and the Maluku Islands (Moluccas).

It is unusual in the parrot family for its extreme sexual dimorphism of the colours of the plumage; the male having a mostly bright green plumage and the female a mostly bright red and purple/blue plumage.

Joseph Forshaw, in his book Parrots of the World, noted that the first European ornithologists to see Eclectus Parrots thought they were of two distinct species. Large populations of this parrot exist in Papua New Guinea, where they are sometimes considered pests for eating fruit off trees. Their bright feathers are also used by native tribes people as decorations.

The Eclectus Parrot is unusual in the parrot family for its marked sexual dimorphism in the colours of the plumage.

The male is mostly bright green with blue primaries, and red flanks and underwing coverts, while the female is mostly red with a blue abdomen and nape in most subspecies, purple abdomen and nape in the subspecies from the north and central Maluku Islands (roratus and vosmaeri), and red abdomen and nape in the subspecies from Sumba and Tanimbar Islands (cornelia and riedeli).

Females of several subspecies have a yellow-tipped tail; taken to the extreme in riedeli and vosmaeri which also have yellow undertail coverts.

The upper mandible of the adult male is orange at the base fading to a yellow towards the tip, and the lower mandible is black. The beak of the adult female is all black. Adults have yellow to orange irises and juveniles have dark brown to black irises. The upper mandible of both and male and female juveniles are brown at the base fading to yellow towards the biting edges and the tip.

Blue Parrots

2009-08-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of blue parrots in the world but perhaps the most popular one is the Blue-crown parrot. They are native to South America as many blue parrots are, more particularly they are most often found in Venezuela, Columbia and Brazil.

They are treasured creatures in their native countries where they spend their time deep inside the jungles of the Amazon like so many other breeds of parrots.

Rarely does someone have the opportunity to catch site of these birds, let alone any species of blue parrots, as their numbers are quickly diminishing due to poachers capturing them and selling them on the black market. Blue parrots can fetch a sizable price due to their ability to be quickly trained and kept as an exotic pet.

Sexing

So how can you tell the difference between male and female blue parrots? Well, blue-crown parrots all contain a white patch around their two eyes and in the male tends to usually have a much larger patch than the female. The other way to tell the difference between sexes is to take a look at the length of the cere feathers. The male also has much longer feathers than the females on this are of their bodies.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of most blue parrots is unknown however they are more than likely to live for up to 40 years, sometimes longer in the wild like most parrots. Why is this? Well most parrots need constant active social interaction which is usually much lower when kept in captivity.

Easy To Train?

That's right most blue parrots are trained very easily and have been well regarded as one of the most intelligent parrot They especially excel in the area of talking and have been know to be able to put together whole sentences which isn't too common among parrots.

If you have a blue parrot yourself, you will notice that they can be very affectionate towards their owners. They are also known to be protective at times and unless you are a usual visitor to the home of a blue parrot, you better watch out because they can bite and bite hard!

How Much Do They Cost?

You'll be lucky the purchase a blue parrots for under $300 and if you do, make sure you know where it is coming from as many of these birds are sold on the black market and you may notice that it has just come from the wild. If this happens to you, contact your local conservation center and explain to them what happened. More than likely they will take your parrot and attempt to rehabilitate it.

Senegal Parrots

2009-08-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

According to parrot experts, the Senegal parrot one of the best-known members of the entire Poicephalus family for having compact and cuddly physical traits and a very playful attitude. Frequently seen in pet shops around the United States and Europe, Senegal parrots originated from the north central part of Africa.

Unlike other parrot species, parrots posses an entirely different nature which are extremely playful, gentle and sweet in temperament that is perfect for its charming personality, cleverness, clear speech, and manageable behavior. They are also quieter but are good talkers if taught and trained properly. Since they possess much tamer nature, are known to be less demanding especially if they are given daily attention and interaction.

Senegal parrots are the most commonly kept Poicephalus birds there are. Identified for being a green bird with a gray head, Senegal parrots are famous for sporting different colored under parts, either its belly or vest with a bright yellow iris.

Senegal parrots can be divided into three sub-species that can easily be characterized by the color of their bellies as well as by their following names that include Poicephalus senegalus hailing from Southern Mauritania, southern Mali to Guinea and from the Island of Los, these are known as the nominate race and has a yellow belly; Poicephalus senegalus versteri originates from the Ivory Coast and Ghana east to western Nigeria and has red belly; and Poicephalus senegalus mesotypus coming from Eastern and North- eastern Nigeria, northern Cameroon into south-western Chad and has an orange belly.

These parrots live in moist woodlands and on the edges of the grasslands. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and grains particularly the seed of locust beans and newly formed buds of a various trees.

A Senegal parrot’s diet should consist of a good quality seed mixture of nuts, seeds, lean meat, biscuits, fruits, and vegetables—either raw or cooked. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also given to meet the nutritional need of the parrot.

Hand reared Senegal parrots are the most suitable pets because they are small enough to handle and can be placed in a medium sized parrot cage. These should be kept in cages or aviaries where they can eat and sleep. Preferably, Senegal parrots should be housed in relatively small cages manufactured for “small birds” and should be provided with lots of toys, T-stands and swings.

Senegal parrots are not as great talkers like the African Grey parrots but have the ability to learn a vocabulary depending on the owner’s patience to teach. Senegals can be bought from $149 to $500.

Quaker Parrots

2009-08-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

Whether you know them as Quaker parrots or Monk parrots, these little green and grey birds are the subject of a lot of controversy. Quakers are illegal to keep in many states.

The worry is that escaped individuals will form large wild populations and become a major pest. Whether these laws are based in reality or not, the issue is being hotly debated between parrot welfare groups and governing agencies.

You can get more information about this from the internet ! This article is about the Quaker as a pet, for those of you who are allowed to have one. Those who can’t are encouraged to become active in the efforts to overturn the restrictive laws so that everyone can enjoy Quakers.

Quakers are a small parrot native to South America. They are a very affordable bird compared to other parrots their size. Beautiful color mutations like powder blue and yellow are available, too. They’re more expensive than the normal greens, but as they become more established, the prices become more reasonable. A Quaker’s size makes him easy to accommodate if you don’t have a lot of space, but if you live in an apartment, you may want to check to see how "soundproof" your walls are.

Noise is often one of the biggest behavior problems reported by Quaker owners. Nipping is another. These birds are outgoing and active, and their energy levels can be hard for some people to manage. If you’re a patient person, and know how to provide a sense of authority without being a bully, you’re more likely to get along with a Quaker than someone who’s either too hesitant or too aggressive. Overall, the Quaker is a feisty but lovable little parrot. One thing that makes them so cute is their lively, bouncy bob. When you see it, you can’t help but be drawn to the bird.

Snuggles and kisses are activities Quakers like to engage in, but they’re also playful and like to show off. Their talking ability can be quite impressive, and they tend to be enthusiastic learners. Games and trick training are good ways to provide needed physical and mental exercise, as well as giving your bird some structure to his daily life.

Appropriate activity helps the bird channel his energy in a way that’s not as likely to get him into trouble. When behavior problems do occur with Quakers, boredom is a common contributor. Keep your Quaker busy, and you’ll keep him happy.

Because Quakers are very social, they’re eager for attention, and will usually want to hang around with you. Encouraging independent play is very important so your Quaker can be by himself when he needs to. You’ll also want him to meet and be handled by other people, and set consistent rules so he knows what he can and can’t get away with. If children are going to handle him, they’ll need to know the rules, too, so they don’t accidentally encourage bad habits. A Quaker may quickly take advantage of a person he thinks isn’t going to make him mind.

Some Quakers may be reluctant to step up onto people’s hands. We had one like this. It wasn’t that he didn’t’ want to come to us, but he would rather be picked up like a ball than step up. At first we thought he had a physical problem, or was mentally not too bright, but we eventually realized this wasn’t the case. He just liked being picked up.

The people who had him before we did probably took the path of least resistance and never worked on stepping up since it was easier to pick him up. Having talked to other Quaker owners with a similar problem, I think this may be more common in birds that came from large breeding facilities, or any place where the hand feeder didn’t have time to wait for the young bird to figure out the hand thing. Quakers are smart, but they’re also on the stubborn side, which can be part of their charm. That, and their little bob.

Parrot Cage

2009-07-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

You have always dreamed of getting a parrot, but you haven't owned your own home until now. But what kind of parrot cage is the best one to get? What kind of Bird Toys are you going to need? Is this going to cost more than you can really afford?

You've wanted a parrot since you went to the zoo when you were six years old. However, your parents were not into birds, said they didn't want the noise or the mess. They said you could get a parrot once you were on your own. But college dorms didn't seem to be the best place to keep a bird. But now you have a house and a job, and have found a parrot at the pet store that you want.

But before you buy the bird, you need to decide on the right parrot cage. Figuring out which kind of parrot cage that you need is difficult. You'll want to make sure to get a metal cage. They are by far the easiest to clean and the most economical. But make sure the cage is in good condition. You don't want any wires poking your pet, do you?

You will also want to make sure that the bars aren't too far apart so that your pet won't get its head stuck. You'll also want to find the largest cage you can afford. Your bird will want room to fly around. Parrots like to fly from side to side, so you'll want to keep that in mind as well. You'll want to set up several perches in your parrot cage. Obviously, one perch needs to be by the food and water containers. But you will want to put several perches around the cage at varying heights.

Parrots seem to prefer a square parrot cage, allowing them to snuggle up in the highest perch in the corner to sleep. You might think that Bird Toys are simply a luxury for your pet, but they really aren't. Bird Toys give your bird the exercise and stimulation that they need. Toys also make it less likely that your bird will pick up bad behaviors such as screaming or biting people. Birds are intelligent animals that get bored all too easily.

You are going to want toys both for when they are inside their cage, and when you are playing together. When buying Bird Toys, you'll want to know your pet. Do they like making noise? If so, you might want to get a bell. Does your pet chew everything in sight? In that case, you'll want to get several chewing toys. You'll want to trade toys out every so often so that your pet will not get bored. Birds also enjoy puzzle toys. Puzzle toys that make a bird find their own food are even more interesting.

Now, the big question is, how much is this going to set you back? A parrot cage will usually cost around 250 or 300 dollars. Bird Toys cost anywhere from five dollars on up. But toys are going to be an on going expense, so you'll want to keep that in mind. You'll also need to buy food for your pet. So go on and get your parrot and start living your dream today! Shop and buy a small, medium, or large parrot cage for you pet parrot and pet birds. All types and sizes of parrot cages and bird toys are available for your pet birds.

Ringneck Parrots

2009-07-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Indian Ringneck Parakeet is a subspecies of the rose ringed parakeet also known as the Ringneck Parakeet. The Indian Ringneck is a very outgoing tropical parakeet native to Southern India where they are found in large flocks.

Indian Ringneck Parrots can be indentified by a black ring that runs under the chin and upwards toward the cheeks and forms only in mature male birds, about three years old.

While there are many color mutations which makes owning and breeding Indian Ringnecks fun and interesting, the normal coloring is a green color with the back of its head having a blue tint and its lower abdomen a lighter green.

The tail feathers are bluish down the center of the tail and are generally tipped with a yellow green. The upper mandible of the beak is an orangey-red and the lower mandible is black.

Indian Ringneck Parakeets are extremely social birds that have an abundance of energy. They love flying, chewing and making lots and lots of noise. These are not birds for the weak at heart. To own an Indian Ringneck is to love one though it is highly recommended that you spend some time around one before you head to the pet store and purchase one. They are plentiful in pet stores and easily purchased, however it is the rush to buy that makes the Indian Ringneck parakeet a frequently re-homed bird.

Most parakeets breed for life; however the Indian Ringneck isn't most parakeets. That being said, they do breed easily. Each female lays two to six eggs. The incubation time is between 22 and 24 days and the young are independent at about six to seven weeks.

One of the common mistakes new owners make is not buying a cage that is large enough or tall enough for this sizeable bird with a long tail. Tip to tail they generally measure 16 inches and need plenty of space to move around and exercise in their cages. They also benefit from a daily shower or misting to keep their lovely feathers clean and shiny. Basic care and feeding consist of providing them fresh food and water daily and a weekly cleaning of their cage including cleaning and sanitizing all toys.

Speaking of toys, the Indian Ringneck is a chewer with a beak that is surprisingly strong. Provide your parakeet plenty of durable, chewable toys to keep them busy and your home free of destruction. Feeding your Indian Ringneck plenty of fresh fruits and veggies including berries, seeds, nuts and pellets will give them the nutrition they need.

The Indian Ringneck is considered a good family bird because they do not generally bond with one caretaker and instead become fond of all members of a family. They're incredibly good talkers and can learn a vocabulary of up to 250 words! Due to their incredible intelligence it is strongly recommended to provide your parakeet with plenty of mentally stimulating toys of all shapes, colors, sizes and materials. Toys that challenge them to solve a puzzle are particularly good.

It is also extremely important to spend time training your young Indian Ringneck Parakeet. Teaching them basic commands like step up and step down are helpful in the day to day routines, training also helps to curb any bad behaviors that creep up during sexual maturity. The most common of which is screaming. As they reach sexual maturity, like a typical teenager, they like to push the limits of your patience.

This 'testing' often includes charging, biting, and lunging at you to fake a bite. If you react to these early tests by screaming or pulling your hand away, you unintentionally reinforce this behavior. Instead train yourself to not react and instead hold your ground. If they don't get a reaction from you, the behavior will decline. Of course training helps to eliminate the biting behavior too.

What makes a perfect Indian Ringneck Parakeet? If allowed to interact with the family on a daily basis, given proper nutrition, sleep and caging environment as well as plenty of toys to keep them busy when you're gone and a good dose of regular training, you'll likely have a perfect parakeet, one that will become an ideal family companion for many years to come.

Polly Wants A Cracker-Teaching A Parrot To Speak

2009-07-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

First of all, I find that cruelty against animals is an ever-alarming issue. People seem to get sicker every day, otherwise why should they harm innocent, defenseless creatures like parrots, puppies or cats?

This is common especially among teenagers. They probably are at a confusing, troubling age, confronted with a lot of stress caused by their searching for their true identity and the meaning of life, but I personally believe this cannot excuse their nonsense behavior when it comes to microwaving poor parrots or beating cats to death, or burning them alive and such sort of insane gestures.

Yet another example of cruelty was the fact that 36 dogs got disappeared in the state of Idaho, which were later on found dead by being shot. A hypothesis would be that those kids, being abused themselves by adults and therefore having to face their very own demons, cannot act otherwise. Nonetheless, it's such a pity for the poor animals.

But why care for parrots, which are merely birds? Most people consider them not so smart animals, that can get annoyingly communicative, especially when they express themselves by loud noises and screaming to get human attention. Apart from their colorful beauty, one of the main reasons to love parrots is their talking abilities. Even if they do not know how to talk, they still are very vocal by nature, and one may expect a lot of screaming from them, especially if they get bored or lonely.

In order to avoid later abandonment of the bird, or turning it to an animal shelter because it cannot be taught how to speak, one should consider the possibility that the parrot may not talk, ever. They should not be sold or given up simply because they don't learn the human language.

There are a few criteria to be met in order for parrots to be able to learn how to speak. Parrots generally learn to speak either when they are kept with other talking parrots, or with humans only, or if talking is a species' trait. It appears that the commonly-spread little budgies/parakeets are some of the best talkers among parrots. Nonetheless, those budgies which are kept in pairs, or female budgies generally lack the ability to learn how to talk.

The fact is parrots love to communicate, and talking is just one way of transmitting feelings and information for them. In order to succeed in the teaching process, one should try and associate words and phrases with pleasant moments, gestures, events.

Since talking is about communicating things, a parrot can be taught to speak in a similar way a kid is being taught. Kids learn words that grown-ups say in relation to their momentary actions. Children retain those words because they see their connection with things that are happening in the world at that particular instant. Kids can also relate words with emotions, for instance when they are being kissed or hugged, in association with words like "I love you". So the very best way to teach a parrot to talk is to use the same words with the same activities repeatedly.

Birds, but also most pets learn to remember their very own name first. This is because they associate their names with their owners' calling them to feed them, of their coming home from work, or to their owners' petting them, giving them time, attention, affection, playing with them.

So if you want to teach your parrot to talk, try and speak to them while giving them treats, cleaning their place, walking into the room or getting out of the room. The idea is to associate each gesture or activity with a certain word or phrase. Parrots will then start uttering those words anytime they see you doing all those things for them, or perhaps when they want something to be done for them.

Just like the famous "Polly wants a cracker!", which gave the name of a famous Nirvana song, parrots can learn to express their needs, their joy or annoyance. And by teaching a parrot to speak, living with such a pet in the house can get more and more fun.

Fun indeed especially if you don’t care much if there is silence around, because with a parrot in the house … you can kiss silence good bye!

Secrets Of The Macaw Parrot

2009-07-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

The macaw parrot is a type of parrot that originates from South America and Africa. There are many different types of macaws and two of the most popular are the Catalina macaw parrot and the blue and yellow macaw parrot.

Many people will recognize the macaw from pirate movies as being the parrot that sits on the shoulder of the captain. They were of course used by sailors back in those days for sailors who could not speak. They used to train the macaw parrot to speak for them.

The lifespan of the macaw parrot ranges from 15 to 30 years depending on how well looked after they are. There is lots you can do to make sure your macaw parrot will live for longer and one of the most important things you can do as an owner is to make sure your macaw is consistently being shown attention. Parrots hate nothing more than to be bored and being bored usually decreases their lifespan.

As the macaw parrot is a wild animal that came from the forests of Africa and South America, they must be specially treated. Therefore only trained experts should own a macaw because it takes a lot of effort to maintain these beautiful creatures. One of the things owners use to keep their macaws from boredom is to teach them how to talk. Many people don't realize that the macaw is an amazing talker. Expert trainers are able to teach their macaw parrot to speak several different phrases and words.

Another thing that trainers like to do to keep their macaw parrots happy is to teach them tricks. These tricks include anything from card tricks to ball games. They are amazing thinkers and have the capacity to solve even the most challenging of problems. Next time you visit the local wildlife reserve and they have a macaw parrot as apart of their wildlife, ask the trainers to show you some of the tricks they have taught their parrots. This will give you a good opportunity to learn many things for when you perhaps decide to get your own macaw parrot one day.

So there it is, the macaw parrot in a nutshell. If you are thinking about getting your own macaw one day than I suggest you spend a lot of time reading and learning all the different training methods involved with this wonderful creatures. There are a myriad of books and resources out there, just make sure you take in the right information and filter out all the jargon.

Macaws Parrot

2009-06-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

Macaws are one of the most familiar parrots. Even people who don’t particularly know much about parrots will recognize these majestic birds.

They have a very distinctive look—large beak, long tail, bare face patch—with a show-off personality that makes them popular in shows at zoos and theme parks. They’re all over the place in advertising, especially if the ad has a tropical theme.

One of the most recognized is probably the scarlet macaw. But macaws have far more to offer than just good looks and exotic flair. They’re an intelligent pet that rewards the right type of owner with years of affectionate and fun-loving companionship, sometimes compared to dogs in terms of how well they respond to their people.

No one should get a parrot without research and planning, and this is especially true for the larger species of macaws. Their caging needs alone make it out of the question for anyone with little space, and along with that big body comes a big attitude. Inexperienced parrot owners may not be prepared for a sassy, brassy macaw. And if you’re looking for a parrot on the quiet side, forget it.

Macaws’ voices match their personalities: bold and almost always ready to go. There still may be some hope for you if you like what macaws have to offer but aren’t able to accommodate such a large parrot. One of the smaller varieties might fit your lifestyle. You’d still need to know what you’re getting into, though. Even the mini macaws require an owner that’s dedicated and willing to establish rules and limits. A macaw of any size is not what I would consider a beginner’s parrot.

One challenge macaw owners can face is getting over any nervousness about those large beaks. Capable of snapping a broomstick, a macaw that means business isn’t a bird you want to push around. They learn when they’re young that hissing, lunging and brandishing that beak are effective ways to get what they want. But most macaws, as long as they’ve been treated kindly by people, are actually pretty gentle and easy going.

They will rarely bite as hard as they’re able. In the years that I’ve dealt with macaws of all ages and sizes, I’ve never received a serious bite, only some pinches that hurt at the time but didn’t do any real harm. I’ve been screamed at loudly, though, which isn’t pleasant and can be somewhat intimidating in its own way. If someone is working with a macaw and is overly hesitant, the bird is going to have that person’s number right away. A calm, confident person tends to do much better with a macaw. They don’t respond well to bullying, but they do need guidance and kind authority.

Treated with respect and given the right environment, which includes plenty of out-of-the-cage exercise and mental stimulation, a macaw can be a joy. They like to be involved in whatever the family is doing and thrive when they can have the stage all to themselves. They’re one of the major "hams" of the parrot world, so talking, singing and trick training are fine activities to do with a macaw.

While some individuals don’t mind just sitting around, and may be able to spend a considerable amount of time on a play gym, a macaw will often want to investigate things, wandering around on the floor and climbing up onto anything he can get to. Supervision is important. They aren’t the type of pet you’ll want to let come and go at will from his cage. Doing so can lead to behavior problems, such as the bird becoming overly pushy and willful, but it’s also likely to result in lots of chewed-up items around the house. Remember, think "guidance" and "limits". Give them more chances to be good than to misbehave.

Behavior problems in macaws can range from minor, hormonal moodiness to all-out mayhem with biting and excessive screaming. Rescued macaws that were mistreated, ignored, or just not well-trained seem to have the most issues, but even these guys can come around in time. Macaws are very social and will usually want to have a relationship with the people around them. They’ve got big hearts to go along with their big beaks.

Eclectus Parrot

2009-06-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

The Eclectus parrot is rivaled as one of the most brilliant parrots. Both male and female are full of beautiful colors from red contrasted by and almost electric blue to green contrasted by bright yellow.

These colors make them among the most sexually dimorphistic birds. The female of the species boasts a fire engine red head with electric blue chest and a black beak where as the male is covered with a bright jade green and bright yellow beaks.

Eclectus parrots are native to Solomon Islands, New Guinea, northeastern Australia and the Maluki Islands. In New Guinea many of the people consider Eclectus parrots to be pests because there numbers are so great which leaves the people and birds competing for the same fruits and berries. Often times the people of New Guinea will shoot the parrots with sling shots and the use there feathers as decoration.

Eclectus parrots are very strong fliers, flying high above the canopies in small groups as they search for food. Just before roosting at night Eclectus parrots will perform in display flights, almost like dancing in the air.

Eclectus parrots have two distinctive calls they use. One is used during flight and is a more screech like call that is repeated several times. The other is used during feeding and is more of a cry mellow call. They also have a very well established ability of speech imitation. They are able to learn a vast vocabulary that rivals the African Grey parrot, on top of that they can learn songs and love to sing.

Interesting facts about Eclectus Parrots

Feeding the Eclectus parrots fortified foods such as pellets, and breads can lead to the phenomena known as toe-tapping and wing flapping. This is because they have a longer than normal digestive tract that is very sensitive to food additives. This may become a problem in Eclectus parrots kept as pets.

The eclectus parrot, like all parrots, eats fruits, seeds, and nuts but there favorite fruit is the pomegranate. The pomegranate is an almost peach looking fruit that is filled with seeds held together by a fleshy white meat. The pomegranate is a seasonal fruit and is only available for a very limited amount of time making it difficult for Eclectus parrot owners to acquire, however Eclectus parrots are very partial to corn which is almost always readily available. It is thought that they enjoy corn so much because of its bright yellow color and that corn can be an interesting food to peel.

Conure Parrot

2009-06-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

A Sun Conure parrot named Sunny. Who could resist such a cute parrot? There he sits on the end of a branch; his head turned nearly 180 degrees toward his back; his dark shiny eye peering at you with a knowing look.

A bright Sun Conure parrot named Sunny. If you have ever seen a Sun Conure parrot, you know exactly what I mean. If you have not, let me describe one.

Description of a Sun Conure Parrot

Sunny, the Sun Conure parrot, is a stunning bird, dressed in a shimmering, hooded shirt of gold with a sun-kissed, orange face. His wings and tail are shades of green and blue, mixed with a hint of gold. The Sun Conure parrot is only 12" long, including a long tail. Its beak and feet both are black. The eyes are dark brown in a white circle.

Personality of a Sun Conure Parrot

A Sun Conure parrot is a playful, inquisitive bird. Owners can't seem to find enough words to describe these little bundles of sunshine, but they try. A few of their favorites are:

* Active
* Comical
* Cuddly
* Curious
* Cute
* Energetic
* Entertaining
* Feisty
* Fun
* Loving
* Spunky

Playtime for a Sun Conure Parrot

A Sun Conure parrot's playtime is comical, to say the least. It loves its owners, and it loves to entertain them. Given a multitude of toys and a swing or two, the Sun Conure parrot will swing, jump, climb, and call out to you as he shows everything he can do. Even without toys, the Sun Conure parrot will develop its own tricks, just to play. It has a very high energy level, and sometimes appears to be a bundle of golden perpetual motion.

Appropriate Toys for a Sun Conure Parrot

Sun Conure parrots enjoy chewing aggressively, and will need several wooden toys to destroy. They will destroy them, too, reducing a medium-sized wooden toy to bits and pieces in a few hours. They are not as eager to play with puzzle toys, probably because they have so much energy to harness. Provide toys that call for activity and "letting off steam" and they will be happy.

Sun Conure parrots enjoy chains, ropes, and other things from which to swing. They love loud bells, but be sure you do, since a Sun Conure parrot will ring it incessantly at times. Rotate the toys every couple of weeks so that your bird will not become bored.

Appropriate Cage for a Sun Conure Parrot

Sun Conure parrots need room to fly around and use up their surplus energy. A website that recommends bird cages according to the size of the parrot, such as bird cages, will help you get a large enough cage. Generally, a 20" x 20" cage, about 3 feet high is good for a Sun Conure parrot. The bar spacing should be between 0.75 inches and 1" so that your parrot cannot get its head stuck between the bars. To give your bird proper exercise for its feet, install 3 different perches in the cage, each made of a different substance.

The Sun Conure Parrot's Talking Ability

Generally speaking, most parrots can be taught to talk if the owner follows a proven, consistent course of training. The Sun Conure parrot is not the best talker, however. With patience, you will be able to teach your bird a few words. With care, you will also be able to teach it not to screech for attention. It is common for Sun Conure parrots to screech to greet the day, and to end the day. In between, your bird should learn to be less vocal. Some have found that their Sun Conure parrots like to imitate beeping tones.

Food for a Sun Conure Parrot

The Sun Conure parrot does well on a basic diet of organic pellets. Organic pellets give your Sun Conure parrot a balanced diet in every bite. Avoid seed-based foods, as the parrot will pick out the seeds and leave the rest. The result will be a malnourished parrot.

In addition to organic pellets, give your parrot the variety it craves by providing fresh fruits and vegetables. Sun Conure parrots usually enjoy apples, grapes, melons, and oranges. Among vegetables, they will eat things such as broccoli, carrots, corn, lettuce, and peas. Keep seeds and nuts as a special treat.

Grey Parrots

2009-06-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

The grey parrots may have many behavioral problems and most of them are caused by the human’s lack of understanding that it is first of all a grey bird and has little to do with a life in captivity. Many people fail to understand that and won’t allow that bird to manifest like a bird.

The grey parrots are exotic birds and come from strange lands. As strange as we find those lands, the same is for the parrots. They are not accustomed with the habits, the language or any other form of communication. A person should accept the parrot because the parrot also tries to understand the human behavior and tries to understand and live in peace with the human being.

Grey parrots caught in the wild are not aggressive when they are in a pair or breeding. They feel fear, which is justified, when they feel the presence of a human being, but they don’t have violent reactions. Usually, they share food, they play and they interact in a non – violent manner. Strangely, the grey parrots who act more violently while breeding or in pairs are the domestic ones.

The domestic grey parrots have a few reasons to become aggressive:

* They loose the respect and consideration for themselves when they are in captivity.

* They loose the desire to live safe.

* They are affected by human aggression because avian species knows that pain or aggression mean death. Those animals are not used to touches, pokes, pushes, chasing, shaking or striking. Those actions are frightening and dangerous for the parrots.

* Their self confidence, their trust and their comfort are shattered if they are intimidated. Standing over them, or staring at them may have a strong impact on the birds.

* A grey parrot will never trust a person who tries to dominate him or control small aspects of the nature.

* Just as any human being, a grey parrot won’t trust a person who uses sensory deprivation as a mean of punishment for misbehavior.

A comparison between a wild animal and a domestic one would fail from the beginning in every way especially when it comes to birds, which are usually predators. Genetic inheritance eradication would require thousands of generations of selective breeding to obtain a domestic bird like a grey parrot and it is not always possible.

A bird that becomes stressed will start self mutilating or biting or will develop phobias. There are many factors that could induce stress to a bird. When it comes to grey parrots, a person should know what actions stress the bird and try to avoid them in order to keep the trust of the pet.

The grey parrots are intelligent and sensitive birds and they have the tendency to find in the human caregiver the qualities of a teacher, parental figure and mentor. They get attached to their caregiver and expect to be treated with respect and compassion. This is a method that works as well for birds as it does for humans or dogs.

Amazon Parrot

2009-06-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Amazon parrots are native to South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Most Amazon parrots are green with varying amounts of contrasting color patches. The colors can be clear and bright depending on the species.
Amazons have excellent vocal abilities and are one of the best speaking of all birds. They are extremely loyal and make loving companions, however, some Amazons can become aggressive during mating season.
- Amazon parrots require a lot of attention and stimulating activities to keep from being bored. If left alone for too long without toys or companionship, they may become destructive to themselves, occasionally plucking out their own feathers.
1. 27 Species
2. Lifespan: 40 to 80 years
3. Talking ability: Excellent
4. Noise level: High
5. Compatibility: They mix well with other parrots, especially conures
6. Sexing: DNA or Surgical
Health

Amazon parrots love food and have a tendency to become overweight. Amazons often eat out of boredom, necessitating the need for several toys and cage activities. The Amazon's lifespan is 40-80 years, depending on the species, but obesity can drastically reduce the Amazons life by 70 percent.
Amazons should be allowed to bathe regularly to prevent musky odors and promote healthy skin and feathers.
Species

African Grey Parrot

2009-05-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

The African grey parrot is one of the most popular pet parrots available. Many people get the name of the parrot wrong and in fact spell African grey parrot as 'African gray parrot'. This is indeed wrong but if you made a mistake then don't worry about it! This article will endeavor to explain everything there is to know about the African grey parrot or the African gray parrot!

What Do They Look Like?

As you would have probably guessed already, the African grey parrot is mostly grey all over with a shade of grey around the facial region. Their beaks are generally black and they have a tinge of red underlying beneath their tails that help them to stand out from many other grey parrots. They come from the Congo region in Africa and are constantly hunters by traffickers due to the fact that they can sell for quite a lot of money in Western parts of the world.

Efforts are being made to stop this from occurring and in recent history there seems to be a reduction in the number of birds being trafficked overseas. This has also sparked a revival in their overall numbers in the wild which means things are starting to look up for the African grey.

African Grey Parrot Training?

African grey parrots are one of the most brilliant breeds on Earth and are said to be one of the best speakers out of all the parrots. They have the ability to put together whole phrases and can actually learn quite fast. This is one of the major reasons why so many parrot owners choose to own African grays.

Is There Anything I Should Know Before I decide To Buy An African Grey Parrot?

Yes, actually there is a lot you need to learn before you going out and buy your own. First of all you have to make sure you know where you are getting your parrot from as many of them are trafficked into the country as was discussed previously in the article. Secondly if you have no experience whatsoever in parrot handling, I would recommend starting off with a bird that is much easier to handle such as a budgie for example.

Lastly African grey parrots are animals that thrive on enthusiasm and attention. If you know you aren't going to be able to spend enough time looking after and training your parrot then do the right thing and let someone who does have a go. There are too many people out there abusing the privilege of owning such magnificent creatures just so they can tell their friends that they own a parrot.

I'm not trying to put you off buying one, all I'm saying is that you need to sum up your life and make sure there is room for an African grey parrot in it and if there is, I hope you enjoy many years of great success and happiness with your parrot!

Types Of Parrots

2009-05-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

You walk by a bird shop, or visit the aviary at the zoo, and there may be several types of parrots. You study them, and begin to wonder, “What types of parrots are there anyway? How many types of parrots are there?”

Actually, there are more than 350 parrot types when you consider every species and sub-species in the group. Many of the most common parrot types are from Australasia and the tropics.

Parrot Families

All parrots, of whatever parrot types or breeds they are, belong to the scientific order Psittaciformes. That scientific order is further broken down into two different parrot families: Cacatuidae and Psittacidae.

The Cacatuidae family includes only the Cockatoo, a bird that is native to Australia and islands near that continent.

The second parrot family, the Psittacidae, includes all of the true parrot types.

Cockatoos

To most people, the cockatoo is a large white parrot with a feathered head crest that it can lift high in regal splendor. That is, however, only one of the parrot types in this family. There are 21 different cockatoos, and not every one is white.

1. The palm cockatoo is mostly dark gray, with red cheek patches below the eyes – cheek patches that change to a deeper red when the bird becomes excited or alarmed.

2. The male gang-gang cockatoo is dark gray with a cherry red head and red crest. This parrot type is often called the red-headed cockatoo.

3. The Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is often called a pink cockatoo due to its soft pastel pink shade.

4. The cockatiel’s plumage is mid-grey on top, lighter grey underneath. It has an orange cheek patch, and a prominent white blaze on its wings. It has a much longer tail than the other cockatoos have.

So Cockatoos are not always a white parrot type, and not all cockatoos are the same in build.

True Parrots

This family includes all of the other commonly-known parrot types. The list that follows is not intended to be exhaustive, but in this family, you will find parrot types such as these:

1. African Greys: This is said to be the most intelligent of all the parrot types. A large gray parrot with a red tail, some of these bird have vocabularies approaching 1,000 words or more.

2. Amazons: This popular parrot type includes about 27 sub-types. Most are large, affectionate, and predominantly green.

3. Budgies: Officially known as a parakeet or budgerigar, this parrot type is small and colorful. It is one of the most popular parrot pets.

4. Conures: This parrot type seems to be a group of large parakeets. With long tails and strong beaks, these “clowns” come in a variety of colors.

5. Eclectus: Eclectus Parrots are unusual in their coloring. On the one hand, males are bright green, with beaks like bright candy corn, tails and wings of blue or red. Females, on the other hand, have red heads, blue breasts, and the same red or blue wings and tails. In place of the candy corn look, they have black beaks.

6. Lovebirds: Lovebirds are a small, stocky parrot type – among the smallest in the world. Many are green, sometimes with red faces or eye rings.

7. Macaws: Native to South America, this is the largest parrot type in wingspan and length. The blue and gold macaw is especially beautiful.

8. Parrotlets: These may look like parakeets at first glance, but this small parrot type has a broader body and tail than the parakeet.

9. Pionus: There are many parrot types under the name Pionus parrot, and this larger, quieter parrot comes in many varieties of color.

10. Quakers: This parrot type is often called a Monk Parrot or Grey-breasted Parakeet. It is a name that comes from facial feathering that resembles an old-fashioned Quaker costume.

There are many more parrot types than this article can list or discuss, even in a surface manner. You will find muc more information in your library or bookstore.

Best Parrot Types for Children’s Pets

A final question is this: “What types of parrots are there that would make good children’s pets?”

Many children are drawn to large parrots because of their colors or their reputation for talking well, but the large parrot types are not good pets for children. They require firm handling and training, and do well as pets only when the owner has had experience first with smaller parrots.

The best parrot type for a child’s pet is the Budgerigar, aka budgie or parakeet. The small Budgerigar requires the least amount of care, and is easily trained to talk and do tricks. Budgies that are young, or those that have no cage mate, will learn most readily.

Cockatoo As A Great Companion Bird

2009-05-20T05:58:00.000-07:00

Brightly colored plumage and the ability to mimic are the things that come to mind when we think of a Cockatoo. Cockatoos are great companion birds, no doubt about it. They develop a strong bond with their owner. It is heartening to know that they are loving and affectionate.

But, like any owner-to-be, you may wonder whether it is really true that these charming creatures can be destructive at times. If yes, in what way. Let's check that out together.

There is such an abundance of information regarding avian behavior. This probably leads to more confusion than clarity when we try to seek help from it. So, our approach to this subject is a little different.Now, ask yourself a question. What are some of the more common bird behavior that worries you and sometimes even annoys you?

Well, it can be as silly as undisciplined potty behavior or something more serious like feather plucking, screaming and biting (sometimes that may even get on your nerves).

A traditional approach to any of these problems is to look for a cause. Even the veterinary fraternity looks for and attributes the problem to a 'single cause'. Most times the cause and the problem will seem to have no apparent relation. Often, most problems have more than just one cause. And many times, the cause of the problem is not even the bird. Frequently the problem is 'us'. Yes, shocking though it may be!

What is a good cockatoo (by your definition)? Don't look at the cockatoo for an answer; it's the one with the least knowledge of your expectations.

Perhaps, you can answer this. What is it to be a good child? A child knows. It may not be able to express itself in crystal clear terms. But it knows. How? Because of the child's constant contact with other humans in its natural environment, it observes and learns to differentiate good behavior from bad. And what it can't learn from observation is taught.

But, what about the cockatoo? It has no such opportunity to learn from its flock. In captivity, you and your family are its flock. Cockatoos are extremely intelligent creatures. They observe and would learn a lot more than you are willing to grant it.

To be able to address just this one issue "why do they resort to feather plucking?", lets consider the basics. What is a cockatoo? Once you know the answer, you will see for yourself that it's not a dumb question. A cockatoo is more than what you've taken for granted.

A cockatoo is a gregarious creature. And certain aspects of its psyche are hard wired. The need to keep with the flock. The need to constantly communicate with its mate or members of its flock. The need to feed together. The need for companionship and affection. And the need to feel secure.

These are just some of its needs. Often these are needs that a captive bird may not be able to fulfill themselves. So, it looks up to its human family to provide these basic needs. If any of these is not fulfilled that's when the bird resorts to feather plucking, among other things. So, it's necessary to anticipate the basic needs of the bird and to see that they are met.

Cockatoos resort to feather plucking for a number of reasons. The problem could be that the bird is not happy with its environment, us, or our environment. But often the cause is put down to one of these:

1) Insecurity
2) Hormonal fluctuations
3) Stress/ anxiety
4) Disease
5) Internal/ external parasites
6) Insufficient/ incorrect nutrition

The cockatoo's feather plucking can be because of any or all of these reasons, or none of them and something totally extraneous.Now that we have identified the cause (or causes), let's now see what your role is.

Cockatoo is a social creature. So, let's give it the assurance that it's not in solitary confinement. At every opportunity, let the bird know that it is a part of a flock and make it feel at home. Call to it as often as possible. Pet it. Take it in your arms and set it down whenever you get the chance.

Give its feed whenever the family sits down for a meal.

Don't get into arguments in your bird's presence. It is important for the bird to know that it's part of a happy flock. Cockatoos are so intelligent that they know when all is not well. This knowledge leads to stress and anxiety.Do whatever is necessary to keep the bird in good health. Make sure it's free of internal and external parasites. Provide it with the best nutrition.

Apart from these, causes like hormonal fluctuations should be treated with advice from the vet. This in turn, will do all that it can to strengthen your relationship with your pet.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

2009-05-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a quite big parrot and has a beautiful white color that has the most gorgeous yellow crest that stands up on the top of their head, it has a black or dark gray beak; there is really no difference between the male and the female except for the fact that the female has a lighter colored eye then the male.

When it comes to making noise, they are both winners! The call that they love the most is a very loud screech.

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is not to be confused with the Corella that can be found in Australia, although there are some similarities: the Corella is smaller and it does not have the crest on the top of his head like the Cockatoo.

This is a bird that is popular all around the world, they can easily learn tricks and are highly intelligent; they have a very good mimicking ability, some owners have reported that they can talk but this is no guarantee that your bird will do any talking, in general they are noisy birds that like to make noise and screech…please consider this if you are living in an apartment. Do not bother trying to train your parrot to be quiet because this is highly impossible with all parrots in general, parrots are loud and if you don’t like loud, then get something else.

Like all true parrots, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo has a love for chewing, make sure that he always has a lot of toys that can keep him busy…one good idea is to get a big stock of toys and then rotate them every couple of weeks so that the bird always has something new and exciting in his cage to keep him busy and happy; by the way, if this bird gets too bored he will start to pull his feathers out, so beware!

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is the bird that has the biggest and most beautiful crest out of the entire birdie world…when this bird is excited, the crest rises up to reveal bright yellow feathers that are accented by pearl white ones, it is really a sight to see!

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a bird that can be found throughout Tasmania, and northern and eastern Australia, in recent years this parrot has been introduced to New Zealand and Indonesia; these are birds that stay in the same place all year around and usually they can be found in wooded area that are close to human settlements.

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo has become established around populated areas and made a pest of itself, it can destroy wood paneling and other stuff on houses and basically be a real nuisance. The diet of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is made up of barriers seeds nuts and roots in the wild, they like to eat in groups, they will bight off branches and twigs when not eating to play with and keep their bills trimmed down when in the wild.

When breeding, the bird will find a nice tree hollow and lay up to three eggs in a nest that has been made by both birds, both of the parents will take turn sitting on the eggs to keep them at the right temperature and the chicks usually hatch after 30 days, they then live in the nest for about 60 days and then start to fly and take care of themselves; but always under the parents supervision for the next year.

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is considered easy to breed in captivity …the only thing to remember is to move the male to a different cage because he can turn mean. It is also recommended that a large aviary is used to help prevent any accidents…the cost of one of these birds can be up to $2000.

It is really amazing the types of birds that human have found and taken in to become friends and companions, here is a bird that is considered to be quite a pest when it is out in the wild, but then there are people that bring that pests in to their homes and turn him into a lifelong friend! Aren't humans strange sometimes?

Are Your Kids Safe Around Pet Parrots

2009-05-12T05:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard that having a parrot is a lot like having a two-year-old child? What do you suppose it's like if you actually have a two-year-old child and a parrot? Or a child of any age for that matter?

It's hard enough having just kids or just parrots. Mixing them takes things to a whole new level that can be on shaky ground.

As, parents we are responsible for kids and birds co-existing without un-due stress to anyone

You can't count on children to know their limits where birds are concerned. We all want to think that if a child gets bitten, he won't bother the bird any more. But, kids don't think that way. In fact, it's not even enough to tell them "hands off." Something that's off-limits just becomes more appealing. A child may be able to play just fine with the dog and cat, but have a hard time understanding why their pet parrot is different. It's not that they can't ever be around the bird, but there should be rules for everyone's safety.

Many pet parrots don't interact well with children, especially younger kids or those that are really wiggly, noisy or nervous. Calm, patient older kids, usually ten and up, tend to get along better, but even then there are factors that might make the situation dicey including:

- Children move differently, talk differently and give off completely different "vibes" than teens or adults.
- A 10-year-old's attention spans are shorter and they get frustrated more easily.

Parrots react to these differences with hesitation and possibly fear. Your pet parrot is more likely to bite or scream under these circumstances. For some birds, just seeing a child sets them off, even if the child has done nothing to warrant a harsh reaction. This is when you really need to be careful.

Having a pet parrot is NOT all gloom and doom

With the right bird, and some lessons for the kids about how to behave, everyone can get along fine. Many of our own experiences with birds started when we got our first budgie or cockatiel while we were in grade school. There's no need to deny a child this opportunity, but it should be done responsibly.

If you have a bossy Moluccan cockatoo with a hair-trigger temper, you can easily see where things might go wrong. But what if you have a friendly, happy-go-lucky conure or a shy and gentle African grey? How do you know where to set the limits? Obviously a more laid-back bird allows for more possibilities, but what tends to make it or break it is your child's personality and what you can expect from him or her.

Here are my top 7 tips to help your kids keep safe around your pet parrot

1. First and foremost, teach your kids that the pet parrot is part of the family.
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2. Only allow your children to interact with the bird under certain conditions. Such restrictions might be that an adult must be present and the bird can't be picked up without permission.

3. Make sure your kids can understand that as they get older, they will gain more access to the bird. At some point, you may decide your child is ready to have his or her own bird.

4. If all has gone well with the family bird, and you stick to the more kid-friendly varieties—budgies and cockatiels are your best bet—then give it some consideration.

5. The older the child, the more bird-care responsibilities they can have. Even a young child can help with some of the cleaning and feeding chores, but under no circumstances should a child be the main person handling this stuff. An adult or mature-minded teenager must make sure that the bird gets fed, watered and cleaned up after, especially if a child has his or her own bird.

6. Do NOT punish the bird for your kids' behavior. Kids can forget, even the more responsible ones, and it wouldn't take long for a bird to succumb to neglectful care. Please don't think it's a good lesson about the consequences of being irresponsible by letting your child's pet parrot die. This is NOT a good way to prove a point.

7. Take the bird away if it's not being cared for properly. This teaches consequences without punishing the bird.

You want your child's memories of parrots to be happy ones. After all, you may be contributing to the next generation of parrot lovers. The parrots are going to need them!

Cockatoos Always Trouble?

2009-05-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

Let’s say you have a cockatoo. You bought him after months of careful planning and research, already weaned, and from a reputable source. You did everything you thought you needed to do to raise him properly. He’s a pretty good bird. A bit noisy, a bit needy, but not too bad considering all the horror stories you’ve heard. But when he does act up, you get worried.

You’re afraid you’re going to end up one of those people you swore you would never be: Someone with a difficult cockatoo. Should you really worry? Should you start looking for a new home for your cockatoo because he’s going to become a monster?

Cockatoos tend to be more intense than some other parrots, and people who can’t handle that aren’t likely to keep a cockatoo for long. There are lots of perfectly normal cockatoos out there just doing cockatoo things, and it’s the people who have the problem. These families give up because they had no chance to begin with. For other families, everything is fine for quite some time, years maybe, but one day it seems like the dam breaks and all the naughtiness the bird had pent up inside comes pouring out. The owners figure there’s no hope. They’ve been told it may happen, and it did. But it’s possible what really happened is that the cockatoo is the victim of a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you fear the worst, that’s often what you see.

Since good information about parrots is relatively accessible these days, most of us realize that cockatoos are one of the more difficult parrots to have. These birds can be extremely demanding, requiring a commitment to proper socialization and training that goes far beyond the baby parrot stage. But are cockatoos doomed to be naughtier than other birds? I don’t think so. Cockatoos are very smart, and their “smartness” may be what gets them labeled as bad, when what they really are is just trying to adapt to a world that’s confusing to them. The bird does what he thinks he needs to do--bites, screams, pluck his feathers, chases everyone’s feet--and we decide he’s bad. His behavior may be bad, but is he actually bad? Probably not. Out-of-control, maybe. But the situation certainly isn’t hopeless.

It’s easy to have an out-of-control cockatoo. Here’s how: Hold and cuddle the bird as much as possible when he’s young, preferably hand feeding and weaning him yourself even though you don’t know what you’re doing, allow your cockatoo to come and go from his cage whenever he wants, let him play on the floor and climb onto whatever furniture he wants, keep him up until the wee hours of the night, and just to be on the safe side, yell at him or shut him away when he’s the least bit noisy. Do all or even just some of these things, and you’re well on your way to creating a monster.

Sarcasm aside, cockatoo monsters are mostly made, not born. If you have, in fact, raised your cockatoo correctly by doing pretty much the opposite of what I just described, then if and when you have trouble, you’re probably not really dealing with a monster. Your bird might be having a rough day, or a rough couple of weeks. What you think is a mountain is just a molehill. But you get tense about it, your bird reacts accordingly, and soon everyone’s pants are in a bunch. Most likely, with a little extra structure and training, this temporary bump in the road will smooth out and everyone will feel a lot better. Pants will no longer be bunched.

Your relationship with your cockatoo is just like any other relationship. There are ups and downs, but you don’t have to toss it just because it gets difficult once in a while. You’ve done all the right things—struck a balance between providing attention and encouraging independence, set rules and limits, structured the environment to include proper exercise and sleep, and focused on reinforcing good behavior rather than reacting to bad behavior—so cut yourself, and your cockatoo, some slack. Don’t fear the worst because it probably isn’t.

Things to Know About the Cockatoo Parrot

2009-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Cockatoo Parrot continues to grow in popularity as a pet bird. Its beauty, intelligence, and affectionate personality make it a wonderful pet for the right family. Here are 6 things to know about this fabulous pet bird. Being fully aware and prepared for all that is involved is the best gift you can give in return for the love and affection that your Cockatoo will give.

Life Span-Considered to be one of the longest-lived Parrots, with proper care the smaller species (Goffin's, Galah/Rose-Breasted, and Lesser Sulfur Crested) can live up to 40 years, and the larger species (Moluccan, Greater Sulfur Crested, Umbrella) can live from 80 to 100 years and sometimes more. This is no fly-by-night commitment, but one for a lifetime, so consider carefully.

Size-The wide variety of birds available means you can choose the size that fits best in your home. The smaller species average 12 inches in length while the bigger birds can measure up to 2 feet in length. The larger birds will not only cost more but require a larger cage, and more space in your home. Consider not only the space you have now, but what it may be in 5 or 10 years.

Color-Very distinctive in their appearance, they look different from most Parrots because they tend to be a single color. Available in white with yellow or white crests, glossy black or black with red tails, they are show stoppers and they know it and love to be the center of your attention!

Personality-They love to entertain by showing off tricks they know. If healthy, they are very active, and inquisitive, and can spend hours playing with and chewing their toys. Because they live in flocks in the wild, they are very social and need a lot of attention from their humans. They enjoy and need several hours daily of social interaction with humans, and do best with short but consistent periods of daily training.

Providing proper attention and training is just as important as food and water because lack of social interaction can lead to neurotic behaviors such as feather plucking, biting, and screaming. It can also cause stress which changes the bird's body chemistry making it more susceptible to disease and infection. If you are not able to spend that amount of time daily, consider having 2 birds or think about adopting a bird that needs less of your time.

Diet-Cockatoos need fresh water made available at all times, and should be fed a well balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds in addition to a high quality pellet mix. Occasional protein in the form of cottage cheese, cooked meat, and egg can be offered. Avoid avocado, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine as they are toxic.

Health-They are hardy birds and remain generally healthy with good care. But even with the best of care, they can sometimes become ill. Since they instinctively hide illness to avoid becoming prey in the wild, problems may be hard to detect. Any changes in normal behavior, eating and sleeping patterns, or discharge from eyes or nose is in indication that there is a problem. Consult your avian vet immediately for the best chances of having your bird survive.

Cockatoo's are susceptible to Psittacosis, a disease contagious to other birds as well as humans. It is generally transmitted by airborne contaminants and gains a foothold when inhaled or ingested.

As a normal part of their growth, they produce feather dust--a white powder that tends to settle in a fine layer in areas where the Cockatoo is housed. Many who suffer from allergy and asthma are allergic to it.

Umbrella Cockatoo

2009-04-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

The Umbrella Cockatoo is a large Parrot with a big personality to match. Here are 5 traits that keep it in constant demand as a pet bird.

Beauty-

Their snowy white plumage makes a wonderful and striking contrast to their dark beaks and eyes, and gray or black feet. In flight they are like sunshine as they show the under side of their feathers that are yellow in color.

But probably their most amazing feature is their crest. Usually it is kept flat on the head, but when extended, forms a half circle of beautiful feathers above their head, similar to an umbrella. They are truly elegant creatures whether they are flying or perched on your finger.

Affectionate Personality-

Known for their great affection for and ability to bond with their humans, they are often accurately described as cuddly. They love physical contact with their humans and need this several hours each day to remain emotionally healthy.

They are perfect companions for someone who has a lot of daily time and energy to devote. If your life style does not permit you to spend at least 2 hours a day with your Cockatoo, consider another bird that is less demanding of your time, attention, and affection.

Trainability-

Cockatoos are extremely intelligent birds that are capable of learning and performing a wide variety of tricks. Short, daily training sessions yield the best results. Your consistency and patience will pay off not only in the tricks that your Cockatoo will eagerly perform for family and friends, but also in the trust and loving bond that this daily attention will create between you.

They are so trainable that they are often featured in their own shows at the circus and zoo! So there you have it, the sky is truly the limit for what they can achieve.

Enthusiastic Eaters-

They love to eat, and are not particularly fussy about what they eat. They still depend on you to provide a well balanced diet to help them stay strong, healthy, and happy. A healthy diet should include a constant supply of clean water, a high quality pellet diet as a base supplemented by fresh organic vegetables, sprouted seeds, and a smaller amount of fruits and nuts. Some fruit seeds are toxic to Cockatoos so check with your vet before feeding.

Round out their diets with occasional table foods such as small pieces of boiled or thoroughly cooked scrambled eggs, cottage cheese and small pieces of cooked meat, pasta, and crackers. Provide a varied menu within these guidelines to keep your bird's interest high at meal time.

Long Life Span-

If you are looking for a life long companion, the Cockatoo has one of the longest life spans of any Parrot. With proper care they can live 80 years or more. Now that's a friend for life!

Right Bird As Your Pet

2009-04-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

People have owned pet birds since time immemorial. And bird owners have usually shared their pet-owning experience so as to benefit others toying with the same idea.

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

The first in the list are the Cockatiels. Cockatiels are considered the most popular pet of the Cockatoo species all over the world. These gentle and friendly birds make great pets. They aren't moody and demanding like other Cockatoo species. They can therefore be a child's first pet. If brought home when young (8 weeks and above), they can be trained to talk, as well as perform tricks such as backward flips and rolling over.

If hand-fed as a chick, they will quickly settle in their new home. They love having an audience and will keep you amused all the time. These birds are amazing fliers. So make sure you keep their wings well clipped. But at the same time, they should not be confined in the cage all times. Let them out for sometime. Just make sure all windows and doors are shut, fans switched off and electrical appliances like stoves and irons are not running while they are outside the cage.

Umbrella Cockatoos

The Umbrella Cockatoo is a very popular pet. They are gentle, affectionate and will charm you from the moment you set your eyes on them. They get very attached to their owners. They love to please and you can teach your pet many tricks. Although they aren't good talkers, you can train them to dance to the music. They need a lot of physical attention and like a human baby, they need to be hugged, petted and played with. They aren't noisy birds and can be naughty one minute and quite the next.

Galah Cockatoos

Galahs are the commonly kept pets and even Galahs caught in the wild make good pets. They are affectionate and friendly. Galahs are usually pale pink and darkpink. They make good pets. They are independent birds and not needy like other species. They are happy to play on their own and require less time outside the cage. Galahs make wonderful pets especially when hand-raised. They are extrovert in nature, affectionate, friendly playful and intelligent. And like other Cockatoos need to be kept entertained and occupied at all times.

They are quick learners and can be trained to perform several tricks. Often you see them in bird shows, where they fly through several hoops. Galahs are good talkers and males usually have better talking ability than females. 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

The Goffin's Cockatoo is the smallest among the Cockatoo species. Goffin's Cockatoos are gregarious, inquisitive and carefree birds. They are fun-loving and make extremely intelligent pets. Many owners claim that their personality resembles that of dogs. They are active birds that need to be kept occupied at all times.

They are more independent than other Cockatoo species and don't mind spending a little time on their own. They don't 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

The Palm Cockatoo is the largest among the different species of Cockatoos. It is a striking black bird with red cheek patches. Palm Cockatoos are gentle,
intelligent and love company. They make unique and wonderful pets. They are not as noisy as some of the other species of Cockatoos. In fact their breeding call is the only loud and noisy sound they make. Palm Cockatoos are much sought after pets, but in reality, kept only in small numbers in mostly private collections.
Moluccan Cockatoos

Contrary to the Little Corellas and Goffins, this species is one of the largest of the Cockatoo family. The birds are pink to salmon pink with an attractive crest of orange. They make wonderful pets because they are normally very intelligent, friendly and affectionate. They are quite adept at talking and performing several tricks.
Little Corellas

As true as the name implies, the Little Corellas are one of the smaller Cockatoos. Little Corellas are playful, intelligent and even-tempered birds. They have been kept as pets for many years. These birds can be trained to talk and perform a variety of tricks. They also love to dance and chew. Like all Cockatoos they become very attached to their owners and need to be kept busy.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are affectionate and friendly. Although they have the tendency to become a one-person pet, they make excellent companions. They are more independent than most Cockatoo species and are very intelligent. They are quite adept at talking and performing tricks. I hope all these information comes handy to you when you select your pet Cockatiel.

Pet Roaches

2009-04-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

Madagascar hissing cockroaches come from the island Madagascar. They are one of the most popular pet roaches around. Some common names they go by are hissers, hissing roach, hisser or the scientific name of Gromphadorhina portentosa.

They are one of the few wingless roaches. They are great climbers and can easily climb plastic or glass.

The hissing cockroach usually matures in about 3 to 6 months worth of time and can live in captivity for up to about 5 years. The hissing roach has been made popular by its size and hissing sounds that it makes. They extrude air out valves abdomen. They use this hissing noise to scare of predators. Should see the cat jump when it hisses ;) They are very fun pet roaches and enjoyable to watch.

Sexing

Mature male and female madagascar hissing cockroaches are easy to sex. The male usually has horns on its head (pronotum) and heavier antennae. They will produce the horns as they get older so younger nymphs are harder to tell apart.

Breeding

Breeding hissing roaches is really easy. The main key to getting young is plenty of food, warmth, dark and moist environment. Many people wonder why their hissers will not breed and I have found most of the time it is due to lack of warmth. About 85 to 89 degrees is where I have found to produce the most offspring.

Care

Hissing cockroaches are easy to care for. This pet roach is one of the most interesting of them also. First you want to get something that is large enough for them and have a little bit of bark, egg crates or something else for them to hide in. They are climbers so it is a good idea to spread about 2 inches of vaseline around the edges of your cage as they can not climb past this.

Some kind of substrate like eco earth or other dirt like substance you can buy at a pet shop. Make sure there are no additives to the mixture like fertilizers as that can be harmful to your roaches. Food can either be fruits and vegetable scraps or you can use different cricket feeds.

I have found that they like yellow squash, carrots, oranges and apples a lot. Citrus is really one of their favorites and good for them. Cricket feeds will sometimes attract grain mites, which are harmless but annoying. Ground up egg shells can also make a good source of protein for your roaches. For water you can mist your substrate a couple of times a week and keep orange slices in there as they will pull water out of those. Another source is cricket water crystals.

Ailments or sick

If you notice your roaches are nibbling on each other there might be a lack of protein. Egg shells, dog food, cat food or cricket feed are excellent sources of protein.

The madagascar hissing roach actually has a its on type of mite. These mites will feed on the food and saliva of the roach. They are harmless for the most part in small numbers but if you have too many you will need to clean your roaches. The best way I found to do this is put them in a zip lock back with flour. Shake a little and it knocks off all the mites into the flour. Now mist your roach with water to remove all the flour off it. Not fun but it works.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

2009-04-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

To say the least some people in this world can have some very weird tastes when it comes to the different things that they are willing to share their household with and their lives as well.

I mean, come on, we all understand it when people bring that cute little puppy or kitten home (they are just irresistible), and it can even be understood some peoples’ fascination with snakes and lizards, they just touch that inner something that fascinates us (usually men). But what are we to say when a person is found that likes and raises cockroaches, and not only that, when he keeps them as pets?

The most popular type of cockroach pet is the Madagascar Hissing cockroach, also called the Hissing roach or Hisser, this is one of the biggest species of cockroach and it can reach a length of 4-5 inches when full grown! As their name suggests they can be found off the coast of Africa on the Island of Madagascar. Their favorite place to live is in rotting logs, they are wingless but do not let that fool you because they can climb smooth glass with ease! The females carry the eggs inside of her until they are hatched and then she releases the little nymphs after they have hatched; they usually spend some time with the mother after they are born.

One of the things that helped make these little guys such a popular pet was the fact that they hiss, not to mention their big size and ferocious appearance. The hissing noise is in itself unique, they can make it through forcing air through some breathing pores that they have on their abdomen; it is believed that the Madagascar Hissing cockroach is the only insect on the planet that is able to make a hissing noise like this!

Almost all other insects make their hissing noises by rubbing different body parts together. These hisses are used by the cockroaches in two different ways, the first is the disturbance hiss, it is only cockroaches that are in the fourth molting phase that are able to make this particular hissing noise. All males can make the second hiss which is known as the fighting hiss; when they start making fighting hiss noises at each other, one of them will back down signaling the end of the fight.

This type of cockroach is very popular with the crowd in Hollywood, or better said the Hollywood movies, they can be found in the 1975 movie called "Bug" as roaches that make fires by rubbing their legs together, they are also in Dalmatian Alley (1977), in this movie they were portrayed as mutant killer roaches. Fun huh?

These little guys have even been turned into jewelry; they have been used on necklaces and broaches, expensive necklaces and broaches! They have been the driver of a roach-mobile and as everybody should know, these are the cockroaches that grossed us all out in the Men In Black movie (1997).

One of the things that simply amazed me was when I heard that the amusement park called Six Flags Great America has made an announcement that anybody that could eat a live Madagascar Hissing cockroach would get line jumping privileges (it was a Halloween thing). But not only that, the contestant that could eat over 36 cockroaches in 1 minute would receive season passes for four people! Now that is really something, I take my hat off to the person that was able to do such a gruesome thing!
One thing that’s worth mentioning, is the fact that there is a certain mite species called Gromphadorholaelaps schaeferi that lives on this kind of cockroach.

When keeping one of these bugs as a pet, you can rest assured that they do not bite, if fact they will try to hide from you if you disturb them. Coconut fiber or tree bark is the best thing to use for bedding, keep some branches in their rank to keep them happy and climbing…it is also a good idea to keep a heating pad under part of the tank so that they can choose the temperature that they like the most. If your roach seems to be kind of sluggish it is because it has been exposed to lower temperatures. Make sure that there is food in the tank for your pet at all times. Dried dog, cat or mouse food will do nicely and fresh veggies are a favorite of the roach. Keep a soaked sponge in a corner of the tank for the roaches’ water.

Guinea Pig Origins

2009-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

The guinea pig has literally journeyed over seas in order to be here today, as Europe or North America are not the original birth homes of these small, cute creatures.

Guinea Pig Origins

In trying to find out where guinea pigs originate from, it is incredible to think that the Inca tribes in Peru were the first to domesticate this animal, early in 5000 BC. Statues of guinea pigs have been found in archaeological digs in Peru and Ecuador dating from ca. 500 BC. The tribes used the guinea pigs for their fur as well as a source of meat and took great pride in trading with the European traders such as the Dutch.

Researching their origins, it is amazing to see how far they have come from the 14th century up until today, where they are found not only in Europe and in North America, but also in all corners of the world.

The guinea pig is a rather small rodent that hasn’t got a tail and it was originally very appreciated for its meat and fur. The hiding places of this animal were the hills and mountains of the South American Andes. The Inca tribes hunted guinea pigs and used them in fur trades as well as mentioned earlier, for food.

From the South American Andes where it is believed that the guinea originated from, it embarked in a sinuous and adventuresome world journey. It can most accurately be named a world traveler and what is more, the little rodent has caused people to fall in love with it everywhere. However, in today’s society they are no longer used for their fur or meat and are typically found in a cage or dwelling inside a loving family’s home.

Therefore, how this little animal come to be thought of as "pigs" is not clear. They are built somewhat like a pig, with a large head relative to the body, a stout neck, and a rounded rump with no tail of any consequence; some of the sounds they emit are very similar to those made by pigs, and they spend a large amount of time eating. They were transported to Europe by ships and this was possible because guinea pigs did well in small spaces therefore they survived the long trips.

Numerous languages have the same name for this animal, namely calling it a pig. The German word for them is Meerschweinchen, literally "little sea pigs" (sailing ships stopping to re-provision in the New World would pick up stores of guinea pigs, which provided an easily transportable source of fresh meat; Meerschwein = porpoise, another food source for sailors). The Welsh term is mochyn cwta ('little pig'), the French Cochon d'Inde (Indian pig); the Dutch used to call it guinees biggetje (Guinean piglet)

However it is backed up by it’s scientific name as well: is Cavia porcellus, "porcellus" being the Latin word for "little pig". Cavia is derived from Portuguese çavia (now savia) from the Tupi word saujá, meaning "rat".

The origin of "guinea" in "guinea pig" is a little bit harder to explain. One of the hypotheses is that because the guinea pigs were brought in Europe trough Guinea, it is there from where they were labeled as such. "Guinea" was also frequently used in English to refer generally to any far-off, unknown country, and so the name may simply be a reference to the animal's foreignness.

Another theory suggests the "guinea" in the name is a corruption of "Guiana", an area in South America, though the animals are not native to that region. A common misconception is that they were so named because they were sold as the closest thing to a pig one could get for a guinea; this theory doesn't have a solid base because the guinea was first struck in England in 1663, and William Harvey is known to have used the term "Ginny-pig" as early as 1653. Others believe "guinea" may be an alteration of the word Coney; guinea pigs were referred to as "pig coneys" in Edward Topsell's 1607 treatise on quadrupeds.

Regardless of where it comes from, the guinea pig became a pet nowadays, and a very loved one too! If you talk to guinea pig owners you’ll see their satisfaction with this pet around. A rather busy schedule of today’s society can handle adding one more activity like keeping a guinea pig around. It is an easy-keeper.

Groom Guinea Pigs: How to

2009-03-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

While most small animals don't want much grooming, guinea pigs are different. Their teeth, pelt, and nails all want some express attention on a common footing. A guinea pig's front teeth prolong to grow throughout their intact life. If they are allowed to grow without any limit, the guinea pig will find it upsetting to eat and will, therefore, halt intake altogether.

The best thing you can do is to give your guinea pig with hard equipment to chew on: carrots and other hard vegetables, chew firewood or blocks, or even tree brushwood. Even although you offer these resources, however, you will hardship regularly to confirm the guinea pig's teeth to make steady they aren't fitting unmanageable. Check to see if the teeth are spinning private because this is a show of undue growth.

If you do remark that your guinea pig's teeth are receiving too long, then you essential to take him to a vet and get them trimmed down. Never try to lower a guinea pig's teeth yourself! Your vet will have the correct tools and experience to safely sleek the teeth to a typical piece.

Another tricky that sometimes arises with guinea pig's teeth, particularly if they aren't receiving all the vitamins they poverty in their diet, is that the tips of teeth may solve off. This can also make it tough for the guinea pig to eat. Take the cavy to your vet and nosh him a softer diet until the fang grows back suitably.

Guinea pigs' mustache also needs to be taken nurture of commonly. Keep in tended the guinea pigs with longer coat are vacant to require more grooming than little-haired cavies.

For dumpy-haired guinea pigs, you necessary to acquire a small brush and then use it on their wool at slightest once a week. The combing serves numerous purposes. For one, it prevents their whiskers from matting up and tangling. It also removes any chunks of dirt that may become varied up in the fleece. Because their pelt is passing, you maybe will never necessity to slim or cut it.

Long-haired guinea pigs are a different story. They necessary to be thoroughly brushed at least once per day every day. If you neediness to go out of civic for even a fasten of living, You will should to desert your long-haired guinea pig with somebody who can brush it for you since it doesn't take long for the locks to get horribly tangled. In actuality, even combing it once per day won't be enough to impede all the tangles from forming.

You will also should to do something with the curls when it gets too long since it grows another crawl in chunk every month. If you intend on viewing the guinea pig, You will should to wrap up the garnish curls so that it doesn't get trapped up around the animal's feet or mixed up in the urine and feces. Special wraps are presented, but You will want to link a breeder or guinea pig bash to find out where to goods them. If you don't idea on screening your guinea pigs, You will need to edge your guinea pig's curls every pair of months. Don't cut the curls too small. You want it just tiny enough so that it won't interfere with your guinea pig's movement.

Regardless of the font of guinea pig you have, You will also want to do periodic inspections of its coat to test for bedbugs. Lice are small sallow parasites that look like tiny worms. Guinea pigs often contract bedbugs from hay and from other guinea pigs. If you do see bedbugs on your guinea pig, you don't have to be alarmed. Generally, the bedbugs will sojourn on the guinea pigs and will not soar against your children or into your home. However, the lice do need to be treated rapidly. Your vet should give you with a shampoo that will slaughter the lice. Shampoo your guinea pigs and thoroughly hygienic their cages, then recap seven living later. You must recur the manner because it takes a week for lice eggs to produce and you want to make really to execute any of those remaining babies.

Finally, your guinea pig's nails need to be trimmed regularly also. While rowdy guinea pigs' nails are obviously worn down to an appropriate strip, this does not appear in enslaved guinea pigs. Lengthy nails can be sore to the guinea pig and to the people who practice him, bonus they can decode off or get snagged which can begin promote injury to your cavy.

You should tolerate your vet or professional guinea pig groomer to show you how to clip their nails the first time because it is more complicated than extra your fingernails. Like most animals, guinea pigs don't like to be restrained. It makes them feel vulnerable, and they'll resist as much as they can which makes garnish their nails tiring. Your vet will be able to show you ways to restrain the animal so you safely downright the garnish.

More importantly, the guinea pig's nails contain blood vessels much like a dog's. If you neat too brusque, You will cut into one of those vessels and your guinea pig will bleed copiously. When this happens you must impede the flow immediately! It won't take long for your small pet to bleed to casualty if you do nothing. Many pet supplies advertise a powder that stops the bleeding promptly. You may want to ask your vet what he recommends.

If you're anxious about hurtful your pet's toenails too short, you may be better off trimming them just a little bit but more frequently.

Except for combing the guinea pig's pelt, all other parts of the grooming process should be done by an adult, not a youngster. Clipping nails, trimming hair, and inspecting teeth should never be done by a teen. The guinea pig could become uneasy and could puncture out of fright for their own security. Or the child could make a misstep that could ground nuisance or injury to the guinea pig.

Take Care of a Guinea Pig

2009-03-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

Guinea pigs, or cavies, are cut, fun-loving, and clean animals. They make great pets. However, they aren't as easy to care for as many others.

Food

First, you need to learn what to feed your pet guinea pig. Pellets made specifically for cavies should be the staple of your pig's diet. Make sure he has access to pellets throughout the day. It's also important that you feed him fresh fruits and vegetables. You can feed him kale, collards, apples, lettuce, tomatoes and others.

He will also need a constant supply of fresh hay. Hay helps them grind down their constantly growing teeth. If the teeth are allowed to grow excessively, it will be too painful for him to eat other types of food.

Supplements

Guinea pigs can't make their own vitamin C, so they need to get it from their diet. It's very important that your pig gets this important vitamin, or he will develop scurvy. The brand of pellets you feed him may contain additional vitamin C, but this is often not enough. Give him either liquid or tablet supplements of vitamin C to be safe.

Nails

When learning how to take care of a guinea pig, it's important that you know you need to trim his nails regularly. If they aren't cut, they will keep growing and start cutting into your pig's pad. This may cause an infection. At the very least, it will be very painful for your cavy. Therefore, try to trim his nails about once a month.

Housing

You need to buy your guinea pig a cage large enough to give him ample room to move around. As a minimum, try to provide about four or six square feet of space. Make sure that the floor of the cage isn't raised. Cavies have very sensitive feet.

Bedding

You will also need bedding for your pig's cage. Some of the most common bedding options include wood shavings, hay, and paper products. Make sure that you don't use bedding that's too hard on your pig's feet.

These are a few tips on caring for a guinea pig. If you're new caring for cavies, then there are many things you need to learn about proper guinea pig care.

Guinea Pig Bedding

2009-03-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

Cavies need comfortable bedding to sleep on and will also use it as a bathroom. There are many types of guinea pig bedding you can choose from. Some of these include shavings, paper, and hay. This article will discuss some of the common options for bedding for guinea pigs.

Wood Shavings

Wood shavings are a very popular choice for pigs. You can use pine pellets, pine shavings, and aspen shavings. Although using these shavings can lead to a lot of dust, it's one of the cheapest solutions. If you use pine shavings, it's best to air them out before use and use them in a well-ventilated cage. You should know that some cavies suffer an allergic reaction to shavings.

Paper

Another popular option for guinea pig bedding is shredded paper. Pigs love it because it's very comfortable. Its softness also assures that your pig won't get hurt. Shredded paper is also a good option if you have problems with a lot of dust since it won't produce any. It's important that you use shredded paper that's ink-free so that it won't be toxic to your pig.

Hay

One of the next bedding options is hay. Cavies need plenty of fresh hay in their diet. You can kill two birds with one stone and also use it for bedding. It's important that the hay isn't damp or moldy because that would be harmful to your pig. Some of the disadvantages of using hay is that is must be changed daily because it doesn't absorb liquids very well and molds easily.

Warning

There are a few things you should never use for guinea pig bedding. Sawdust is too fine and will easily be inhaled by your pig leading to health problems. If you choose to use straw, you should make sure there are no stiff stalks in it. Your pig may get stuck in the eye or suffer some other type of injury from it.

Great Exotic Pets For Your Children

2009-03-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a great pet for your kids? While the traditional cat or dog can both be great pets for kids, you may be looking for something a bit more exotic or unusual. In this case, you will be happy to know that there are many other types of pets

that can be a great choice for households with children.

The Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs can be excellent pets for children, though it should be noted that they do need to be handled gently in order to prevent injury. Since they are easy to handle and are usually quite tame, gentle handling is generally not a problem. Guinea pigs have a tendency to be quite active throughout the day as well as during the nighttime, which means they can provide entertainment to your children throughout the day. They do need to have a large living space, however, and they require fresh vitamin C-rich foods each day in order to stay healthy. In addition, they should always be kept in pairs in order to prevent boredom and loneliness.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches

Although most people don't think of cockroaches when they think of pets, Madagascar hissing cockroaches can make for a very unique and low-maintenance pet for a child. Of course, they are not cute, cuddly, furry little creatures, so you should make certain your kids are interested in this type of pet before you make a purchase. If so, you and your children will be happy to find that the cockroaches are docile creatures that can be easily handled. In addition, the hissing noise they make - which is not a sign of aggression - can be quite endearing.

Leopard Geckos

If your children are interested in having a pet lizard, the leopard gecko is a great choice. Not only are they easy to find when compared to other types of lizards, they are generally less expensive and far easier to care for. It is important to keep in mind, however, that leopard geckos do require a special tank set-up that can be a bit costly to get started. Once you have the tank set up properly, maintaining these creatures as pets is pretty simple and they are quite docile. Therefore, they can be easily handled by a child. After handling the pet, make certain your child washes his or her hands thoroughly with soap and water in order to avoid the possibility of becoming infected with salmonella.

Gerbil

If you are looking for a soft and fuzzy critter to buy for your children, you might want to consider a gerbil. Gerbils are smaller than guinea pigs, but they can also become quite tame if handled on a regular basis. It is important to note that they are very social creatures, so you should keep more than one at a time. In addition, they are quite active and can be a great deal of fun for your children to watch and to play with - just be sure to caution your children about grabbing the gerbil by its tail, as this can be quite painful for the pet.

Exotic Pet Insurance

2009-03-13T06:10:00.000-07:00

The reason that people seek exotic pet insurance is to be sure that the health and welfare of any exotic animals owned by individuals will be covered, as well as to avoid putting extra financial burdens on the owner.

One of the reasons that such coverage is even more important for exotic animals, is that many species are more susceptible to more types of illnesses than the more common, domestic breeds.

The care for exotic pets is also more expensive, as some of these animals require a veterinarian with specialized knowledge and skills in order to properly care for the them. This is one reason why many owners of such animals seek out insurance. Some have even declared that they would never again be without such coverage because of the amount of money that they have saved due to unexpected veterinary pet bills.

Recent studies have reported that approximately 40% of all reptile owners have needed to take their pet in for an unplanned veterinarian visit at some point during the previous two years. The study went on to report that over one third of these cases ended up requiring three or more veterinary office visits during that same time frame. This is just one example of how pet insurance for exotic creatures is very beneficial, because for some people, such a level of care would not be affordable.

One of the common misconceptions about exotic pet insurance is that it only covers health related costs, such as veterinarian fees and prescriptions. However, most of the insurance policies for exotic pet coverage will provide for many additional benefits as well. Much of what is covered will depend on the type of coverage you choose and the cost of such coverage and how it fits within your own budget constraints.

Of course, the primary benefit of all pet insurance is the pet health insurance aspect. This is the part of the coverage that will pay for veterinary pet visits, vaccinations, health screenings, yearly checkups and booster shots as needed. Some of the policies will completely cover all of these costs. Other types of policies will only cover emergency types of care, such as surgery due to an accident. Some policies require you to make a minimum co-payment for each veterinary visit, while others fully cover such costs. Each of these variations, in addition to an annual deductible, will affect the cost of the insurance premium that you'll pay.

In addition to covering veterinary expenses, insurance policies for an exotic creature can also cover thievery, in case it is stolen. If you own a very valuable exotic pet, it is strongly advised by experts that you carry this type of insurance in addition to the pet health insurance coverage. You will want to be sure that the policy you choose provides for sufficient replacement coverage in the event of a theft.

Insurance can also provide coverage in the event of death of the exotic animals because of fire, natural disaster, accident, injury or illness. For owners who have invested a great deal of money in acquiring an out-of-the-ordinary kind of pet, this type of pet plan can help to offset the cost of replacement. Most policies will cover the value of the purchase price of the pet and some will even cover the needed vaccinations that were required. Of course, such coverage cannot compensate for the value of the relationship that has been developed with the beloved exotic creature, but it can minimize the financial impact of such a loss.

Most of the policies for exotic pet insurance coverage are written either for a one year period or are written as a lifetime policy. In general, a yearly pet plan is more budget friendly but it can also be riskier. There is added risk because they often provide lower coverage limits and there is also the potential that the pet insurance company could decide not to renew coverage, based on developing health problems with the pet or because of advanced age.

With the rising costs of health care, it should be no surprise that veterinary pet care costs are also on the rise. This has given pet owners renewed motivation to learn about their options in veterinary pet insurance. While pet health insurance is not new, it is certainly not as well-known as the health care insurance that is available for human patients.

It can be very helpful to do some background research on the insurance company itself, to see what kind of reputation they have. You want to be sure you are dealing with a company that has long-standing experience and solid history in pet health insurance. Asking your veterinarian about their experiences with the company and if they pay the claims promptly and reliably can also provide valuable insights into the company.

Keeping Degus

2009-03-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

A small caviomorph rodent native to Chile is the Degu. The caviomorphs are characterized by their large heads, plump bodies, slender legs and short tails. They are also distinguished by the formation of their jaws and massafer muscles. The degu is sometimes also called the glitter-tailed rat though it is not related to the rat family.

The rodents are highly social creatures living in burrows. They dig together communally to make larger and more elaborate burrows than what they could do individually also. There are chains formed by degus digging together and coordinating their activities. The social behavior is also observed in case of the females who live in the same group who not only nest communally but also nurse the young of each other.

Caring for Degus Kept as Pets

The degus can indeed become very tame if handled from an early age. It is best however that they be kept with other degus as they are social animals. These are playful creatures and are active during the daytime i.e. they are diurnal.

If encaged, the degus need a large cage. A couple of degus ought to be kept in a cage that has the minimum length, breadth and height of 24 inches, 18 inches and 24 inches respectively. The larger the cage the better it is. The cage should be made of wire so that the degus who are avid chewers cannot chew and damage the cage. However, the floor should not be made of wire and should be solid and shelves and ledges should also be made of solid material. This will ensure that the degus do not have foot problems.

It is important that a solid surface exercise wheel is introduced in the cage of the degus. There can be thick branches placed in the cage helping the degus climb on to them and chew them for fun and exercise. There can also be placed thick cotton ropes for climbing purposes. Within the cage the use of ceramic dishes that are chew proof and a water bottle with sipper tube with chew guard is required. Since degus love to chew very much some chew toys can also be placed in the cages.

The degus need regular dust baths to keep their skin and coat in good condition. So, a shallow bowl is to be placed in their cage with an inch or two of sand a couple of times per week and left for around half an hour for the degus to enjoy sand bathing.

To feed the degus high quality of chinchilla or guinea pig pellets can be given together with rodent blocks. Grass hay like timothy hay should be made available for munching of the degus all the time. A little of alfalfa hay can also be provided. Small hay racks to keep the hay stocked can be arranged for in the cage. Fresh vegetables may also be given to the degus preferably in small quantities because otherwise they may be causing diarrhea. The vegetables which are members of the cabbage family should be fed in very small quantities if not avoided altogether. The water in the bottles placed should be changed on a regular basis.

Can You Be Allergic To Chinchillas

2009-03-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Chinchillas are very adorable and provide many years of companionship for the owner but can you be allergic to chinchillas? A not so well known info is that chinchilla do release proteins that make a person allergic. It is expulses in the form of urine and saliva and over and above, they discard their fur once every few months.

The cause for a person being allergic to chinchillas is primarily due to the hay and dust from the chinchillas. If you happen to be allergic to hay and dust, then buying a chinchilla as pet is out of question. It is a well known fact that most warm-blooded animals that liberate protein have fur in their body. Furry animals have the habit of licking their fur and the saliva, once dried will set of the protein hovering about on different material in the home.

Some who might not be attuned of such things will have to contend with their allergies and eventually give away their pet chinchilla. It is not just the owner who has to put up with the inconveniences but the poor chinchilla as well. They will have to do without their hay and dust bath and then sooner or later they have to be re-homed. It can be upsetting and distressing for the pet chinchilla, not just for the owner who is suffering from the allergy.

You can get allergic just by getting close to the chinchilla and rubbing your eyes and skin is widespread. One little fact that we need to know is that allergy might takes weeks, months or even years to occur and there are cases that some owners might entail inhaler to cure their breathing problem. If you are one such person who ultimately becomes allergic to the hay and dust, then re-homing is necessary for your pet.

To avoid from developing lasting allergies from the hay and dust, there are many ways and cover the cage of your chinchilla with a sheet by keeping it in a room with closed door is one of them. If there is a need to apply dust, keep the fans away, then wrap it with a sheet and close the door to the room for a little more than ten minutes as it will allow the dust to settle.

Asides from the necessary safety measures, you can buy for your pet chinchilla certain brand of bath sands that diminish the impact of the dust from flying around. While it is helpful to reduce the dust, it is not cost effective for those who are on a tight resource. The measures you take to minimize the allergies from your pet chinchilla are all steps necessary but if you do eventually develop allergies or are severely allergic to fur and dust, then re-homing is the best option.

Exclusive Pet Chinchillas

2009-02-27T06:05:00.000-08:00

Chinchillas are squirrel-like animals from the mountains of Chile. Their name Chinchilla means "little chincha".

Ironically their name was derived from people from the Andes who are distinctly known for wearing garments made from the Chinchillas fur. In 1923, Engineer Mathias Chapman brought eleven wild Chinchillas to the United States to preserve their species by breeding and domestication.

There are two kinds of Chinchillas. Royal Chinchilla (Chinchilla Brevicaudata) Short-tailed, stockier in build and more rounded to the eye. These species still live in the mountains and domestication of this specie is rare.
Chinchilla Lanigera or the Long-tailed are streamlined in appearance and have been kept as pets in the United States since the 1960's. Only recently has the popularity began to skyrocket.

Keeping Chinchillas as pets requires the same commitment and dedication as other pets. These species are nocturnal in nature; they are rarely active in daytime and reserve their energy for playtime at night 'till dawn. Chinchillas are skittish and very playful, making them suitable pets for adults and adolescents but not younger children. These species aren't like dogs that appreciate being hugged. These furry creatures are curious by nature and need to be let out of their cages often to exercise and satisfy their eagerness.

Chinchillas have their own communication; they make a different noise depending on how they feel. These noises range form calm chirping, aggressive barks or startled/ excited squeaks. When housed with other Chinchillas, they are generally peaceful and don't fight among each other.

Chinchillas are voracious chewers, having chew toys and wood pieces help satisfy their habit. Wood chips should be Birch, Willow or Apple. It is best to avoid wood like Cedar since they contain toxic resins that can harm Chinchillas digestive tract. Chew toys are available in material that suits Chinchillas; it is advisable to give one, which is recommended for your pet. Housing them requires a wire cage and be sure to avoid plastics in any part of their cage. It is important to note that Chinchillas don not sweat. So their cage must have good air circulation, or else your Chinchilla can suffer from heat stroke.

Chinchillas come in gray, beige, ebony, silver and sometimes with markings. They keep clean by taking dust baths with store bought Chinchilla dust. This is a special mixture that replicates the dust a Chinchilla will have available to it in the wild. These creatures treasure their bath time since this is one way they clean themselves. Rolling in the dust makes their fur soft and bright. Another reminder for future Chinchilla owners, giving them water baths causes their fur to grow fungus. This would in turn cause an infection in the Chinchillas respiration system. In case your pet accidentally gets wet, emergency treatment would be blow-drying in low setting until its fur is relatively dry.

Chinchilla's digestive systems are rather sensitive. They cannot digest sweets or fatty foods making them prone to diabetes. A strict and rigid diet of hay pellets must be followed. Though they are close relatives of Squirrels, nuts are not to be given to Chinchillas due to it's fatty content. Just like most pets, regular hydration is required. Keep a bottle of clean water near your Chinchilla at all times.

Chinchillas live for around 15 to 20 years and can be a very loving pet. As soon as you choose your little Chinchilla, it is best to handle it gently. This initial contact is like a child's formative years, it is imprinted and makes training easier to do.

Gerbil Care

2009-02-21T21:33:00.000-08:00

Gerbils belong to the family of rodents and are a favorite pet nowadays. They have a resemblance with rats but there are certain facial features that are different. The weight of a gerbil is approximately 500 grams and they have red or brown eyes.

Gerbils are available in various colors. They are very social animals, since they do not have a tendency to bite. They are very entertaining pets and can play around with adults as well as the kids of the family.

The Mongolian gerbil is very popular though there are many kinds that are available. To keep your gerbil happy and healthy it is necessary that you take good care of it. The gerbil care guidance is not very common since they are not as common pets as dogs and cats. But here we have some guidelines for you so that you can take care of your gerbil in the best way possible.

Tips for Gerbil Care

Remember to provide food and water for the gerbil in its cage so that it has enough to eat whenever it is hungry.

Whenever you want to buy food for them make sure that you buy good quality fruits or seeds since these animals eat very less so whatever they eat should be nutritious.

Clean the cage of the gerbil after two weeks and if it requires cleaning early then do so. Unclean pets might bring many kinds of diseases so it is better to keep them and their surroundings clean.

Do give them things to play. Give them such toys on which they can climb and gnaw on it so that their teeth do not overgrow and they are not bored.

Try not to expose your gerbil to excess light. They like a place where they can silently hide and sleep peacefully.

It is important to spend some time with your pet and play with them otherwise they would not be tamed and used to you or the environment.

Get some tissues for them to sleep on. This way they can sleep on something that is comfortable and also you can throw the tissues away if they have dirtied them.

Gerbils are such pets for which you do not need to visit the vet time and again but then they are also living creatures and are prone to diseases, if you find anything unusual in the behavior of the gerbil or in its health conditions, do consult a vet. Follow these tips and have a happy time with your cute gerbil!!

Is a Hamster Right for You

2009-02-16T05:12:00.000-08:00

Despite what many people think, buying a pet hamster is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Though it is a small and inexpensive pet whose care is relatively easy, one must be prepared to give that hamster the best care possible including possible veterinary visits if the need arises. Unfortunately, many people today are buying hamsters on impulse for their children or for themselves without careful considerations.

If you're considering adding a hamster to for family, there are a number of things you must keep in mind before making this decision. Though it may seem to be a small decision to you, it's that little hamster's whole life you're deciding!

Do I have time?

Though hamsters don't require the time that a cat or a dog might need, they still take time and energy. Their cages must be kept clean, water must be changed, food must be kept fresh, and they must get some play time outside their cages every day or two as well. If you want your hamster to become tame when held, it takes a long time for it to become used to you and the concept of being picked up. Before buying a hamster, make sure you'll have enough time to care for the little guy or gal.

Do I have the money?

Hamsters don't cost much to keep, but you must be prepared to pay veterinary costs in case your hamster were to fall ill. Like a cat, dog, or other pet, a hamster deserves proper medical attention when it gets sick. Just because the vet bill might be more expensive than the hamster itself doesn't mean that a vet bill isn't worth it! It's necessary for your hamster's well being.

Do I have the patience?

Most pet store hamsters (though I highly recommend looking in to adoption instead) are not tame upon purchase. Taming takes time and practice. Some hamsters are more tamed than others at first, but almost all hamsters will come around eventually if you are patient enough to work with them.

Will he/she get along with the kids?

It should be noted that hamsters are NOT good pets for small children. A small child could easily hurt a creature as delicate as a hamster and if they hold the hamster wrong and spook it there's a possibility of the child being bit. A child aged eight or older can handle a hamster but should not be left solely responsible for its care.

Will my dog/cat get along with the hamster?

This depends on your dog or cat, but the hamster should be physically kept away from dogs and cats at all times. Some dogs and cats will ignore the hamster's cage or possibly sniff it and nothing else. Others will do whatever they can to get in that cage. Unless you've got a space where the dog or cat is unable to access, you should reconsider buying a hamster. You wouldn't want to come home and discover your hamster has become somebody's snack!

What can I expect from my hamster?

Hamsters bring so much joy to the lives of their owners! They like to be pet, which is beneficial for relaxation and lowering blood pressure in humans. They are often fun to watch as each hamster will have its own amusing antics and habits that will make you laugh over and over. They are curious and will enjoy exploring as they crawl all over you. Most importantly, they are among the cutest little pets there are!

If you're considering bring a hamster in to your life, don't forget to keep these questions in mind. If you feel you're ready, don't forget to do extensive research on proper hamster care and choosing a healthy hamster. There are a number of excellent books available as well as sites on the Internet, too. The more you learn, the better hamster caretaker you'll be. Most importantly, however, is that you enjoy the company of your cute new pet

Hamster As A Pet

2009-02-11T20:57:00.000-08:00

Cute and small, the hamster is a great and a rather quiet pet. However it is fun! This furry little friend comes in a variety of types so you have where to choose from!

The hamster is probably one of the cutest pets, although the hamster is also one of the smallest pets you can find. There are several types of hamsters you can get to be your best buddy; the best known species is the Syrian hamster (or golden hamster) you can find the Syrian hamster under several names though because pet stores have taken to calling them by different names depending on their color and if they have short hair or long hair.
Note: the long hair variety usually needs special care because it can grow quite long.

There are several other types of hamster though, not just the Syrian; there are four other types or species to be more exact. There is Campbell’s Dwarf Hamster, some people call this the Russian Dwarf, there is also the Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster; a very interesting hamster actually because this hamster’s coat turns white during the winter when the days become shorter. A true athlete of the hamster world is the Roborovski Hamster, he is without a doubt the most active out of all hamster species, and the only hamster that has a real tail is the Chinese Hamster.

Everybody knows that in the dog world you have "show" quality dogs and "pet" quality dogs….did you know that this is true in the hamster world as well? That’s right, there are hamster breeders out there that are breeding towards producing hamsters of excellent health and temperament. If you are looking for a hamster to buy but don’t want to give the extra money on a show quality hamster do not despair because there are plenty of people out there that are breeding their pet quality hamster…and if all else fails there is always the petshop.

There are two types of cages that you can get for your hamster one is the normal everyday cage, you know with bars and everything else the other is the terraria (looks like a fish tank). Both types of housing have their pluses and their minuses, the cage provides plenty of climbing (the bars) but the fish tank keeps all the litter inside and provides a more sheltered interior then the ordinary cage does. I guess you can always get both and connect them with one of those hamster tubes, that way your pet has the best of both worlds.

Regardless of the cage type you decide to get for your little friend, make sure that he is kept in a nicely lit room that has a constant temperature….too much heat and your friend can die of heat stroke, or a temperature that constantly varies can make your hamster sick and animals that small usually do not do too well when they are sick.

One way to make sure that the little guy is nice and comfortable in his home is to make sure that he has a nice thick bed of litter, there are a lot of different types that you can get from your local pet store, try to get something that has not been perfumed…never use cat litter as it can seriously injure your animal.

To avoid serious health issues get an exercise wheel for the little guy because hamsters are usually hyper active and they love to run and run and run, this not only keeps them in shape physically but mentally as well. Avoid wheels that have individual rungs because this will provide unsure footing and it is possible that the hamster will hurt himself. Some people just put their hamster in plastic pet balls for a while to provide the necessary exercise, but if you are going to do this, make sure that you are going to keep a close aye on your pet because he can injure himself very easily.

Food that can be bought at any pet shop usually consists of dried seeds and sometimes fruits, but it is always a good idea to supplement their diet by giving them vegetables and fruits.

The hamster may be little but he makes up for it in the happiness he brings to anyone that wants to take care of him; even if they don’t make a sound during the day the hamster sure will make up for it as soon as the lights go out!

Cockatiels as pets

2009-02-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

Cockatiels are the smallest member of the cockatoo family and are native only to Australia where they are found largely in arid or semi-arid country, but always near water. Sometimes hundreds will flock around a single such body of water.

Male cockatiels do not display any obvious courtship rituals. Females do not talk, however, male cockatiels can learn to talk and are quite vocal.

Male cockatiels often have a very deep yellow face and bright orange cheek patches at maturity. Female cockatiels will retain their immature coloration and the barring of the underside of the tail.

Both males and females that share incubation responsibilities. Cockatiels are prolific breeders and they will breeding in captivity all year long, if allowed to do so. However, clutches should be limited to no more than 2 per year, the amount that avian veterinarians consider normal.

Playful and easily amused with simple toys cockatiels are a lot easier to care for because of their size. You don't need a very large cage like you would need if you had a cockatoo. However, cockatiels live for about 20 years, so a long term commitment is required.

Cockatiels are playful birds, and adding toys such as bells and mini ladders (a cockatiel favorite) are important. Because cockatiels love to chew, toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. A cockatiel will gladly entertain themselves in front of a mirror for hours while whistling or talking. Keep your cockatiels *away* from any electrical wires and equipment!

Cockatiels are naturally dusty birds because of the powder down they produce. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a HEPA filter running near the cage, especially if a member of the household has asthma, allergies, or respiratory disease. One or two birds that are bathed often and whose cages are kept very clean are not much of a problem, but of course the amount of dust will increase with each additional bird.

Cockatiels are reluctant to accept new foods and will accept few fruits and vegetables. They do tend to enjoy whole wheat bread, grated carrots and shredded greens. Lots of water and sun light are needed to keep cockatiels happy.

Cockatiels are very susceptible to strong smells such as insecticides, smoke and air fresheners. Their respiratory system is so delicate some of these can kill a cockatiel.

Cockatiels are a great first bird along with the Budgie and Parakeet. A tame hand-fed cockatiel will most likely be loving and gentle. Cockatiels are the gentle ambassadors of the bird world. Many aviary lovers owe their passion for birds to a pet Cockatiel they owned or encountered in childhood.

Cockatiels are very intelligent social companions and will provide you with love and enjoyment throughout their life (20+ years) if you care for and love them properly!

Care tips for your Exotic Pet

2009-01-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

Having your exotic pet on a normal prove up with a veterinarian is an important part on your exotic pet . There could be important things that you would like to know to keep the trait of vigor of your exotic pet.

Make effective that you growth good communication with your veterinarian so that it would be easier for you to contact him in rationale your pet needs a prove up or medicine. You may find your exotic pets having harms with their fitness. The most universal illness for most exotic pets like snakes is anorexia. Factors caused this like the husbandry where low temperature may cause exotic pets to elude their desire. Snakes have the drive to lessen metabolism when it reduce.

Anorexia among snakes is also caused by the low property of food fed to them. Another motive could be the dishonest way you introduce food to the pet. It is important that you should know the right way on how to work the right food for your pets to make them eat well.

If anorexia isn't correctly treated, this may main to other diseases for your exotic pet. It is important that you should have skill on how to give your pet good wellbeing. Here are some tips to keep your exotic pet strong.

1. Make certainly that you carry your meander to your village veterinarian if symptoms of bemused eagerness is seen.

2. Observe the bend whether there changes in his intake practice and if it can eat the same total of food that you generally give.

3. Make reliable that you offer roast in its enclosure by locale up a heating organism that will provide the needed temperature for its body metabolism. Low temperatures is the familiar brains why snakes evade their hunger. Their body metabolism tends to tumble.

4. You should know the decorous mode of plateful food to your exotic pet. You should also pay notice to the class of food that you serve.

5. Make persuaded that your husbandry is suitably maintained and you have to keep it launder.

Exotic pets like snakes should be examined if there is no progress in its appetite. Your veterinarian may reevaluate his findings and make new clinical diagnosis to buttress if there are lice affecting the health of your exotic pet. If required, x-energy and ultrasounds may be conducted to shape the sincere health hindrance of your exotic pet.

Dog Grooming

2009-01-18T21:47:00.000-08:00

Dog grooming has its own significance in pet care. It not only improves the look of your pet, but also provides it with better health.

All things such as brushing, bathing, and cleaning of the ears need to be carried out regularly, and by doing so, you can keep your pet healthy.

It is important that you brush your pet every day to keep your pet's hair dirt free. It also spreads natural oil, which in turn prevents tangling of hair and keeps the skin clean and irritation free. If you make grooming a routine, then your pet will eventually begin to enjoy it.

Another important part of your pet that needs cleaning is the nails. It is important that you trim the nails of your pet once a month. Always use a clipper that is specifically designed for the type of pet you have.

To cut the nails, make your pet sit beside you. Next, place one of your pet's paws in your hand, and then trim the nails gently. Trim carefully, making sure you stop before the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the quick does get harmed, then use a moist cotton ball with clotting powder and press it for a few minutes to stop the bleeding.

You also need to always keep your pet's ears clean. Unclean ears may result in infection, which is not only painful but can also cause hearing loss. Infection can be identified by recognizing signs such as redness, scratching, head shaking and odor.

You should check your pet's ears twice a month. The skin of the ears must be pale pink in color. If you notice a foul odor or change in color, take your pet to a veterinarian.

Use moist cotton balls with lukewarm water or mineral oil to clean the ears.

Cleaning of your pet's teeth is another important aspect of grooming. Your pet may get cavities in his or her teeth that can develop into periodontal disease. Clean your pet's teeth twice a week with a soft, small pet toothbrush.

Bathe your pet at least once a month or as required. In order to remove all the matting from your pet's coat, brush your pet before and after each bath.

Place a rubber mat or a small towel in a bathtub so that it is not slippery for your pet. Use cotton balls to prevent water from going into your pet's ears, and use warm water to bathe your pet in. You can use a spray nozzle, but be sure that you keep the nozzle close to your pet's body when spraying, and do not spray your pet in the face.

Use shampoo that is made specifically for pets. Use a small quantity, and wash from head to the tail. Clean the rectum, between the toes, backside of the ears and under the chin. After washing, rinse your pet thoroughly with warm water, and then dry with a drier, or pat dry with a towel.

It is important that you regularly give proper attention towards the grooming of your pet. It will keep your pet healthy and active, both physically and psychologically.