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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

If you are like me and millions of other pet owners you want to make sure your pet is safe and healthy. One of the things we generally don’t think about with our pets is their ears. The most common health related issues among dogs and cats are their ears. If you were to ask your vet what they treat most often at their clinic, they would probably answer you the ears. When you have a dog or cat it can be difficult to see the true infection.

In fact most of the infected ears are deep in the inner ear canal. This doesn’t mean you should give up in checking their ear from issues though. A good policy when you own a dog is to check their body, ears, teeth, feet, and other sensitive locations after letting them play outside. They can get into danger when you aren’t looking or carry in some travelers. The ear infections usually start as a result of bacteria working its way into the ear canal.

If you are up on pet hygiene you may be able to see these little parasites before they decide to take up residence in the inner ear. Parasites, especially bacteria are very small. It is best to use a magnifying glass, and you may still miss them. Another leading cause of bacteria in the ear is water.

When you wash your pet either once a month or when they need it, you should take extra care not to get water in the ears. You can clean the ears out with a wash cloth to the exposed part, working at getting the dirt out. This is the safest and gentlest method. Some outer ear issues you could see with your pet are burst blood vessels or blood clots. This is usually seen with itchy ears, smelly, reddened, bloody, or crusty. They may also be inflamed. These are of course on the external ear. The smell, itch, or blood could also be an infection deep in the ear. It is best to clean out the ear to determine the origin. If it is from within the ear you should seek a vet right away.

They will offer three methods of fixing the issue. The first is a topical cream or ointment that is used on the outside of the ear. It is an antibiotic to kill the bacteria before it gets deeper in the ear. Sometimes the antibiotic is not too successful, so vets may offer an oral antibiotic. Combined with the topical cream this can be very successful in helping the ear heal.

Flushing the ear with water at a high pressure can work. The pressure is not high enough to hurt the ear, but to flush out puss and other build up. Humans have a similar procedure for removing ear wax. It is best that flushing the ear be done by a professional. Most pets need to be sedated in order to lie still for the procedure.

The last method of helping your pet is surgery. If the other options have not worked or your pet has seen a great deal of infections in their lives there could be an underlying cause that you don’t realize. Some dog or cat ears can grow with a defect or just have a small inner ear. This can cause a build up of debris like bacteria. The scar tissue which can result from multiple ear infections can also trap the bacteria to the point of causing severe pain for your pet. When this happens surgery to remove the scar tissue or to correct the imperfection in the ear canal is suggested.

Your vet should explain the entire procedure to you and the benefits you pet can gain. With most dogs or cats after the surgery and healing process you can see a significant change. First your dog or cat will no longer be in pain. They will be happier after the surgery. They may also have an improvement regarding their hearing. They may answer you more often or come when you call at a softer voice. Also, you will be protecting your pet from future dog Illness, dog sickness and your cat too.