วันเสาร์ที่ 15 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2551

Parakeet Bird Care

Parakeets, or Budgies, as they are nicknamed, are wonderful pets and quite hardy to raise and easily tamed.**Parakeet bird care isn't rocket science by any means,...

Parakeet Bird Care

Parakeets, or Budgies, as they are nicknamed, are wonderful pets and quite hardy to raise and easily tamed. They require some hands on however and until you're well versed in parakeet bird care, they may present you a few small problems.

Parakeet bird care isn't rocket science by any means, but they do take some extra touches, just like any other pet.

FOOD: You budgies diet should be a seed mix that has been fortified with vitamins. It should usually include canary seed, millet, and some larger seed such as oat groats. While some seeds come with a lot of extra additions such as veggies or dehydrated fruits, in reality, it's often difficult to get your parakeet to each of those. Do keep away from any type seed that seems to be colored using artificial means. Buy seeds that use natural ingredients, or if colored that use natural colorants such as beet juice for your parakeet bird care.

Seeds can become prone to a parasite called a seed moth, when it gets a bit older. If this happens discard it and purchase new materials. Freeze the seed overnight after you bring it home from the store to avoid future moth problems with your seed. Parakeet bird care is something that will take some time to grow accustomed to.

For instance, not all folks realize that in the wild, seeds are not the only thing their budgie would be eating and in captivity, or in his cage, that's not all he wants or needs either. Proper parakeet bird care in fact requires that he have a few extras. Those birds that live only on seeds will probably live a much shorter life span and may be victim of malnutrition. You should add some fruits and veggies to your parakeet's diet, and although it may take a bit to get him or her to accept them, it will most likely double their lifespan.

Parakeet's which live on seeds alone can be expected to survive about 4 years, while those which have other things added to their diet many times will survive to be about ten years old or more. Offer your parakeet some variety. Give him fresh fruits or vegetables at least one time per day. Carrot tops or leafy greens will be things he will most likely accept readily, however steer clear of those such as iceberg lettuce which are primarily watery. They may cause loose stool.

Parakeet bird care requires that you also keep fresh water in his cage at all times and don't skimp on the food. Keep the cage as clean as you can, and remove droppings daily. If you give your parakeet bird care the same attention you would give to any other pet he will be with you for many years to come.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author.
To learn more about parakeet care, please visit Caring for Birds for current articles and discussions.

By Ian Pennington
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Why Stainless Steel Can Save Your Parrots Life!

Why Stainless Steel Can Save Your Parrots Life!

Whether you have a parrot are or eagerly awaiting the arrival of your new winged companion one thing is constant, you need a place for them to stay when you're not at home. You need a cage, a stainless steel cage. This is true no matter what size bird you have or what breed. Even if your bird has the most cuddly and affectionate personality, they need a place to go to sleep, to eat, to play, and to have basic downtime. Every parrot needs a cage.

Unfortunately, many parrot cages end up injuring or even killing the bird it's supposed to protect. This happens for many reasons:

1. The bars are too widely spaced and the bird gets trapped
2. The door to the cage is unsafe and slams down on a parrot trying to leave the cage
3. The cage is made of a toxic material and poisons the bird.

The third common cause for injury and death can be easily avoided by simply buying a cage made out of stainless steel.

Benefits of stainless steel cages

Unlike any other cage material, stainless steel is 100% safe for your bird. A parrot can chew and chew on the cage bars and in the end, the only thing they may have is a sore beak. Other caging materials flake off causing stomach distress, vomiting, internal bleeding and death.

In addition, many cages are manufactured from metal blends which can include a number of things including zinc and lead - yes lead! Despite being dangerous for your bird, these metals are very toxic for humans causing learning disabilities and autoimmune issues.

This means that while the cage may be labeled stainless steel it is in fact a combination of metals. The key is to look for 304 gauge stainless steel. This means you can be relatively confident there are no other metals in your precious bird's cage.

Why worry so much about toxins?

Here's what a little bit of a bad thing can do to your bird:

* Anemia
* Loss Of Balance
* Blindness
* Rapid weight loss
* Bloody Feces and diarrhea
* Paralysis
* Bloody Urine
* Difficulty Breathing
* Rashes, feather loss, skin irritation
* Convulsions and seizures
* Vomiting
* Depression
* Respiratory Problems

After reading this you may be thinking, we'll then I'll just get a wooden cage. They won't be full of toxins. Unfortunately that's not true. Wooden cages, despite being very easy for most birds to destroy with their beaks, are treated with toxic chemicals like arsenic. Even simple varnishes and stains are deadly to your bird.

Return on investment

If you've already started the search for a cage then perhaps you know that the cost difference between a stainless steel parrot cages the cost difference can be several hundred dollars. That's a lot of money to put out assuming you're also stocking up on toys, bird food, perches, a scale, training materials and of course the veterinarian bill.

So of course it is tempting to buy the cheaper cage. However, consider this...

A stainless steel cage can last the lifetime of your bird.
A stainless steel cage will not rust, chip or peel.
Resale value on a stainless steel cage is very high (if for some reason you have to get rid of your bird or perhaps get another bird and need a larger cage).

Your veterinarian bill will be significantly less if you're not rushing your bird to the emergency room due to poisoning.

Stainless steel goes with any room d?cor and you won't regret buying that pink powder coated cage three years from now.

Stainless steel cages are in fact, when you look at the replacement cost of a cheaper cage, quite a bargain. Really, if you buy one stainless steel cage for $850-$1500 or you have to replace that $350 cage three or four times over the life of your bird (which probably won't live that long because they've died from toxins) then you're actually saving more than $500 and that's just in cage replacement costs. We haven't factored in the cost of taking your bird to the vet again and again.

How to care for stainless steel parrot cages

One of the biggest advantages to stainless steel parrot cages, besides not killing your bird, is that they're tremendously easy to clean and take care of. A washcloth, some mild disinfectant and some warm water will quickly and easily clean the cage. No scrubbing, no toxic chemicals necessary to remove the stains and bacterial. Just wipe it down and you're good to go.

If you're serious about being a bird owner and you want to save yourself time and money in the long run, opt for stainless steel bird cages. It's the best solution.

The folks at http://www.stainlesscages.com are all bird owners and understand the trials and joys that go with that. We are dedicated to bringing you the highest quality cage on the market that is safe for your parrot.
By Jason Macek
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Start Early Seeking a Reliable Pet Bird Supply Outlet

Start Early Seeking a Reliable Pet Bird Supply Outlet,Do You Have All that You Need ?,A Few Good Reasons,Stay Ahead of the Game - Start Early,...

Start Early Seeking a Reliable Pet Bird Supply Outlet

So, you finally have your pet bird safely in its cage hanging or standing in your home or apartment. Its healthy and happy. Your healthy and happy, so all is good for now. Of course you are going to need the proper food for your new found feathered friend, but that's no problem, because the place that sold you your pet bird also hooked you up with a huge sack of their special blend.

Do You Have All that You Need ?

Have you stopped to consider for a moment that there may be something missing from your picture? Is there anything that your bird can use to more effectively maintain its health and happiness? The fact is that being that you are completely responsible for your pet birds complete environment, there is most likely something that you have missed. Also, it is inevitable that at some point your happy feathered friend is going to need some type of medical attention.

A Few Good Reasons

These are just a few of the reasons why now is the time to get yourself connected with a good, reliable online pet bird supply outlet. For one thing, that problem with so many local pet stores is that they aren't specialized. That is, that they tend to carry a wide array of birds and animals, so this means that they tend to specialize in none of them. Because they are pet stores, you will also find that most of them only feature bird supplies as a sideline.

Stay Ahead of the Game - Start Early

Online bird supply sources are where you are going to find not only your best variety of bird supplies, but also your best prices as well. Another thing that you will find, is that they are more likely going to be able to cater to your specific bird species unique needs. These online sources are also a great source of great tips on how to best care for your specific species of bird as well as how to recognize any health problems in their early and most treatable stages.

Written by Johnathan Trammil. We provide you with the very best knowledge regarding Pet Bird Supply as well as Pet Supplies

By Johnathan Trammil
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Basic Backyard Bird Feeder Guide - Six Feeders You Need to Have

Basic Backyard Bird Feeder Guide..Seed Tube Bird Feeder:Nyjer Thistle:Hopper Bird Feeders: Platform Bird Feeders: Ground Feeders:...

Basic Backyard Bird Feeder Guide
Six Feeders You Need to Have


1. Backyard birds have different feeding requirements. Different styles of feeders will attract different and a larger variety of birds to your backyard. These are the basic bird feeders for an all around good backyard bird feeding program:

Seed Tube Bird Feeder:
Open port seed tube bird feeders are considered exclusive bird feeders meaning, they exclude many larger birds. These feeders primarily attract a variety of smaller birds. However, when a seed saver tray is added, it will allow larger birds a place to perch and feed.

* Exclusive bird feeder. Excludes larger birds. Primarily feeds smaller birds such as chickadees, finch, and nuthatches.
* Made from a variety of materials. (PVC, Polycarbonate, steel, acrylic) Most PVC and Polycarbonate tubes carry a lifetime guarantee.
* Preferred feed to use is black oil sunflower seed, sunflower hearts, safflower seed, or other nut based mixes.
* Easily hung, but can be post mounted.
* Seed saver trays can be attached to the bottoms.
* A good starter feeder for the backyard

Nyjer Thistle:
A very specialized feeder for Nyjer thistle or finch mixes which primarily attracts birds of the finch family such as Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin. Indigo Buntings will feed on these feeders if those birds are in your area.

* A tube feeder that is designed for feeding Nyjer thistle, a small imported seed.
* Attracts goldfinch, house finch, pine siskin, purple finch. Indigo buntings and other finch like birds.
* Made from a variety of materials.(PVC, Polycarbonate, steel, acrylic, and wood. PVC and Polycarbonate tubes usually carry a lifetime guarantee.)
* Use Nyjer thistle or a quality finch mix.(Best Finch Mix: 50% Nyjer seed and 50% fine sunflower chips.)
* Hang thistle feeders near small bushes or trees with lower branches.

Hopper Bird Feeders:
This is a good all around feeder for attracting a variety of both large and small backyard feeder birds. It is considered a non-exclusive bird feeder since it does not exclude any birds. If the feeding area is large enough occasionally ground feeding birds will feed on this type of feeder, especially if the ground is covered with snow or ice.

* Non-exclusive feeder which attracts both large and small birds.
* Storage capacity for holding quantities of feed.
* Available in a variety of durable materials. (Cedar, metal, recycled plastic, acrylic)
* Recommended feeds: black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed or any nut based mix combination.
* Can be hung or post mounted.
* Good basic backyard bird feeder.

Platform Bird Feeders:
Elevated platform bird feeders are another of the non-exclusive bird feeders. It does not exclude any birds. Large and small birds alike can access it very easily along with some birds that typically feed on the ground.

* A non-exclusive bird feeder that is very versatile.
* Can be hung or mounted on a pole or post. Some have a roof to protect the seed from inclement weather. Screen or perforated steel or nylon bottoms prevent water from accumulating in the feeder and helps to dry out seed if it becomes wet.
* Available in a variety of durable materials. (Cedar, metal, recycled plastic and acrylic)
* Recommended feeds: Black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed, sunflower hearts, or any nut based mix combination. Also a good feeder to use with general wild bird mixes.
* Excellent bird feeder for peanuts in the shell, meal worms, and fruits.

Ground Feeders:
Ground bird feeders are the perfect feeder for ground foraging birds such as native sparrows, juncos and doves. Also attractive to the more opportunistic birds such as Cardinals and Jays. These feeders keep the bird seed off the ground reducing spoilage. Besides being more sanitary for the birds it is also keeps debris off the ground and is easier to dispose of the shells.

* Ground feeders are just that, feeders which sit on or near to the ground for ground foraging birds such as mourning doves, native sparrows, Juncos, and towhees.
* Screen or perforated bottoms prevent water from standing in the feeder and allows the seed to air dry after rain & snow. Available with or without roofs.
* Use safflower seed and white Proso millet in this feeder which will attract a variety of the birds you prefer while deterring squirrels and the Common Grackles. (A good feeder for general wild bird mixes if squirrels are not a problem.)
* A variety of other birds will also feed at ground level such as northern cardinals and house finch.
* Keeps seed off the ground to prevent spoiling.
* Can be located under an existing feeder to catch seeds dropped by birds.

Suet Bird Feeders:
Suet bird feeders using either commercial suets, or suet from your local meat market, provide a great source of year round protein. Placed on or near a tree this feeder will attract Nut Hatches, Brown Creepers, Chickadees, and a variety of woodpeckers. Wrens will occasionally feed on the suet as well. Suet is in high demand for these birds during the spring and summer months.

* Suet is for the birds of the tree trunk zone.
* Commercial suets of 100% rendered beef fat are preferred. There is a large variety of commercial suets which contain various products from seeds and nuts to fruits mixed into 100% tallow.Pure suets, mixtures which do not contain nuts, seed and other products are least attractive to squirrels and European Starlings.
* Feed suet year round. Although it provides a great source of energy during the winter months, birds will actually consume more animal protein between March and August during the stresses of nesting and raising their young. Oftentimes woodpeckers will bring their young to the suet feeder once they have fledged the nest.
* Up-side down suet feeders will help to reduce Starlings from over-powering the feeder. Suet feeders surrounded by cages will repel Starlings as well as squirrels.
* If using a simple hanging wire suet basket, simply leave the hard plastic shell on the suet cake so the suet is only exposed one side. Then hang the basket at a steep angle or directly upside down. If Starlings land on the top they cannot peck through the plastic shell.

2. General wild bird mixes are best placed on or near the ground for ground feeding birds. Reserve elevated feeders for the nuts or nut based mixes. Avoid general bird mixes containing Milo, red millet or wheat. These are filler seeds which bulk up the weight thus lowering the price. While game birds and house sparrows consume these products they are not desired by song birds. Read the label for key ingredients.

3. Thistle seed has an extremely short shelf life of 3 to 5 months. This is the result of heat sterilization of the imported seed by the USDA. This method is used to avoid introducing non-native plants into North America. A newly purchased bag of thistle seed does not guarantee freshness since many merchants may stock large quantities for long periods of time. Songbirds will reject feeders containing old thistle seed is the primary cause in failing to attract birds to a thistle feeder. Inquire about the freshness of the seed you purchase, or purchase from reputable suppliers.

4. To deter squirrels and grackles, use safflower seed by itself in any of the bird feeders with the exception of thistle tube feeders. Safflower seed is attractive to cardinals, house finch, chickadees, doves and other birds, yet grackles rarely feed on it if at all. A feeder filled with safflower seed may be hung in a tree next to a squirrels nest and they will totally ignore it. Make it a part of you feeding program. It may take up to a week for your birds to become accustomed to safflower seed if it has never been offered to them before.

5. Although winter is the traditional bird feeding period, many people have established year round bird feeding programs. Natural foods become scarce after winter until a new crop of seeds and berries ripen in late summer. Wildlife biologists have found that birds nest earlier, quicker, and have more successful nestings when supplemental foods are offered. This is due to less time spent foraging and competing for low food reserves after winter. For example: Woodpeckers during the nesting season eat more suet between March and July than all winter long. You can attract a large variety of birds through-out the year by establishing a year round bird feeding program.

6. Providing a fresh source of water for birds is an important feature during all seasons. Puddles of rain water contain pollutants and toxins that are harmful to birds. In winter, open water is a rare commodity. Searching for water in frigid temperatures can waste precious energy needed to get birds through cold winter nights. And clean feathers provide valuable insulation to help keep them warm. Motion created in water, either by a waterfall or a dripper, attracts high flying birds, and is heard at a great distance.

These are the six basic bird feeders for a well planned backyard bird feeding program. For more information on additional kinds of bird seed to use with these bird feeders, and what birds you can expect to attract, please refer to the Bird Seed Preference Guide.

Dave Titterington of the Wild Bird Habitat Stores. Providing bird enthusiasts with quality backyard bird feeding products and information since 1993. With two locations in Lincoln, Nebraska, or at http://www.wildbirdhabitatstore.com

By Dave Titterington
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

African Grey Parrot Information - What You Need to Know

African Grey Parrot Information,There are two types of African grey parrots - greys feed on fruits, seeds, nuts and the berries of native rainforest trees. ..

African Grey Parrot Information - What You Need to Know

If you are interested in getting an African grey parrot for a pet, there a few things you need to know first. The following tidbits of African Grey parrot information may help you decide whether or not you are ready to take on the responsibility of looking after such an exotic and unusual bird.

Types

There are two types of African grey parrots - one is known as the Congo, which is the larger of the two and the other is called the Timneh. Congo parrots can be identified by their bright red tailfeathers and black beak, while the Timneh's tailfeathers are more a blend of maroon and grey colors, and they have a red/brown colored beak.

Feeding

This is an area in which many owners of African greys tend to fall down, so it is wise to acquire a good knowledge of the types of foods that greys love to eat, and which will help to keep them active and healthy. In the wild, greys feed on fruits, seeds, nuts and the berries of native rainforest trees. In captivity, they can become easily bored with their food if there is not much variety, so a good mixture of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as different types of seeds and nuts is advisable. You can either ask your vet, or search online, for exactly which types of fruits and veges to serve up to an African grey.

Cleaning

Like all caged birds and animals, regular cleaning is vital to maintain the health and well being of your pet. It is particularly important to, daily, take out any uneaten fruit and veges from the cage and wash the feed dish, as rotting residue from these can be unhealthy for your parrot.

Time

The most important aspect of keeping and caring for your African grey parrot is that you spend quality time with him/her. These birds are highly intelligent, affectionate and crave company. Almost immediately, you will notice your parrot's desire to form a strong bond with you - this is completely normal and one of the most endearing qualities of this wonderful species. So, if your present lifestyle does not allow you to spend enough time bonding with your pets, then perhaps you should re-think buying an African grey parrot at this stage.

We hope that these few tidbits have been helpful to you in making a decision to get an African grey. However, these are just a snippet of the African grey parrot information that is available to you online.

Want to find out heaps more? Then visit http://www.AfricanGreyParrots.net
By Kevin Daly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

African Grey Parrot Rescue - How You Can Help

African Grey Parrot Rescue - How You Can Help

Lovers of parrots would certainly be familiar with the African grey, as it is considered, by many, to be the most intelligent and affectionate bird in the world. Its popularity amongst bird lovers is such that there are now several African grey parrot rescue organizations, which have been specifically set up to rescue these wonderful birds from any danger, neglect and abuse they may be facing and adopt them out to loving families as pets.

If you are interested in helping out one of these organizations, or in adopting an African grey parrot for yourself, there are several things you can do. The first step would be to find out as much information as you can about the African grey and share that information with people you know, especially those who are considering keeping one as a pet. The grey is a highly exotic bird and many people do not really know how to properly care for such a magnificent creature. As such, these birds often end up in neglectful circumstances, not being well looked after, simply due to people's lack of education and preparedness.

Another way that you can assist with African grey parrot rescue is to tell everyone you know that rescued parrots can be adopted through these organizations. The screening process for adoption is very thorough and people will not be considered as 'parrot parents' unless they are suitably qualified to take care of the bird, so remember, education about caring for an African grey is vital.

Last, but not least, you can help with parrot rescue by donating your time or money to a reputable organization. These organizations are usually self-funded and staffed by willing volunteers, so any help you could offer, in these areas, would certainly be much appreciated.

The African grey parrot would make an ideal pet for any family, large or small. Its intelligence and affectionate nature means that you would end up with a pet that is just as concerned about you and your well being as you are about it and it's well being!

Support of parrot rescue organizations is vital for the health and preservation of these wonderful birds. You can find African grey parrot rescue organizations over the internet or perhaps in your local telephone directory.

To discover all the information you need to know about these amazing parrots and more visit http://www.AfricanGreyParrots.net
By Kevin Daly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/