People adopt pet birds for different reasons. There may be some who find feathered friends extremely relaxing and love the colourful plumage. While, there are others who take interest on the ability of some birds to adapt human language.
Pet birds can be both those common and domesticated breeds of birds. People have taking care of birds since three to four centuries ago. These birds graced numerous kingdoms and palaces before it entered out living rooms.
So, if you are thinking of getting a feathered friend and unsure about what to pick out, there are some considerations that you have to think about. This would include ability to handle additional financial obligations and taking care of a pet. Birds are not easy maintenance pets, unlike what most people think.These animals ar social and they need attention from their owners.And you will be surprised to know the facts of their life span!
If you have fully considered taking care of a bird but indecisive of what kind you can take care of, here are some information about the most popular bird choices:
• Parakeets – this bird can also be called a Budgerigar or sometimes Budgies.If you are a new bird owner, such kind of birds are most ideal since they are sociable towards each other and to humans. Their size range from small to medium making it easier to care for compared with big birds. Their life expectancy is about 12 to 14 years. But they tend to be noisy sometimes and destructive of their surroundings.
• Cockatiels - are birds members of the parrot family making them capable of learning human words. Ther are also pretty much advanced in their singing and whistling capabilities. They are also very much capable of copying sounds like a car alarm, ringing phone or other bird calls. There are different colors for these birds and can live up between 15 to 20 years.
• Canaries- are also very popular birds.Pet owners who have less time to spare and also can not pay maximum attention, such kind of birs are most ideal for them. These birds pay little attention to humans and prefer to live in small flocks.Approximately 10 years would be their life span. What‘s great about canaries is that they sing beautifully. Male canaries have richer voices than females.
• Lovebirds – these birds are ideal if you live in a place where you are very close to neighbours who do not want too much bird noise. They can keep silence and may leave up to 20 yers. They are also part of the parrot family. Some pet owners would rather have a single lovebird rather than a usual pair, so that the bird can bond more with the owner than the other bird.
• African greys- are said to be the most intelligent of the birds, especially in terms of their vocabulary. This intelligence is why it is important for an African Grey to have a lot of stimulating toys around their cage. Birds of these type normally have a life span from 50 to 70 years.
But not all pet owners are happy with having domesticated pet birds. There are pet owners who prefer exotic birds which are usually from countries in Asia, Africa or Australia. Most of pet owners would choose birds from the parrot family since they would have very delightful colors and can show supreme intelligence.
But when importing birds from other countries, there are important regulations and rules which should be followed. Smuggling birds in countries can have an effect on the number of birds in their natural habitat (which sometimes lead to endangerment) and worse health for the birds and humans too.
Serious diseases happened in the United States because of failure in undergoing the proper procedure for bringing exotic and wild birds in the country. Examples of these diseases would be avian flu or the exotic Newcastle Disease.
When bringing in a bird in the country, make sure that you birds have been checked by veterinarians and avian experts for diseases. They should have a health certificated from the veterinarian and at the same time the permit issued by the government. Most cases of aviary disease and their outbreak can be traced to birds who have entered the country by illegal means.
There are many options when picking out the right pet bird for you. Regardless of its breed, size, or appearance, the most important thing is to take into consideration is that they would be around for a while. So make sure to pick the bird that you can enjoy, because they are not just commodities that you can throw away if you no longer want them to be around.
Technorati Tags: African greys, Cockatiels, Parakeets, Pet birds, taking care of a pet, taking care of birds
Dec 14, 2009 | | bird care tips
If you have children at home, instead of buying them toys that they will only outgrow, you can instead teach them good values in caring for pets. To make sure that they will enjoy the process, you can give them animals that are easy to handle. For this purpose, you can choose to give your kids pet birds. But you also have to be careful about the species that you should give to your kids. To start with, you can bring them along with you at the pet store where you will buy the birds. Let them choose based on appearance and guide them by telling the pros and cons of such choice.
Kids are usually fascinated with pets. Your role here is to make sure that they become good providers and friends to their birds. This learning process will only be successful if you will serve as a good leader. You must teach them good values regarding the process. You may also choose to reward them for the good deeds that they will be able to share with their pets. You should also help them in choosing accessories for their birds. About the value of money also you can teach them. You can give them certain amount that they can allot for the expenses that they have to spend on their pets.
To help your kids more about the deciding phase, here are some types of birds that you may want to suggest to them. These are easy to handle and they will surely learn a lot from them. And they will also be able to share vital lessons to these birds.
1. Budgies or Parakeets. Kids like such types because they are colorful and pretty. They can be touched and can tolerate the petting that your kids may subject them to. They are small and easy to carry around even by your small tots. They are gentle in nature and develop good bonding with their masters. Your kids will surely be delighted to have them around as companion. These are sweet in nature and they will easily oblige to your child's requests, making the relationship harmonious between the bird and your child.
2. Finches. Very less interaction is required by these kinds. This attitude is perfect for kids who tend to engage themselves in so many things and activities. These birds will not mind even if their owners spend little time with them. Young kids will surely enjoy the soothing music that these birds can create. They can emulate chatter and soft chirps that will sound like beautiful noise to your kids' ears. You can opt to get more than one finch so that they will have companions even if your kids don't have much time to allot with their pets. But these types should not be taken out of their cages. That is a vital factor that you must teach your kids from the very beginning.
3. Cockatiels. These types are ideal for young and even older kids. But the owners must be able to spend quality time with them for the birds to be happy all the time. Your children will be delighted with the attitude of these birds. They will certainly like tobe with them after a hard day at school. They can teach these kinds to talk, making it such a delight for your child especially when they have become successful in the project.
They can also teach them to whistle their favorite tunes. These birds can also learn simple tricks if your child spends enough time and attention to teach their pet birds.
Technorati Tags: birds soft chirps, kids pet birds, Pet birds, types of birds
Sep 29, 2009 | | bird care tips
When I first initiated looking for a large bird cage for my two parakeets, I wasn’t sure how big it should be or whether my birds, Charlie and Sweetie really needed a bigger cage. So I started to ask acquaintances in a chat room about what they thought. One of them suggested that I look for “flight bird cages”. I really didn’t know what that was, but he told me that it was for my birds so that they could actually fly in the cage.This is the reason that it has that name.I know it was silly, but I didn't know! When I looked online, I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted quickly enough.I have dedicated this website to all about why larger birdcages are important for your pet birds.
I have since found more and more information about why birds really should be able to fly inside of a cage, rather than all the time just out of their cage in the house. Charlie and Sweetie have loved their new cage and really do seem much happier. Some of my points of why this type of cage is good for them are below.
Why I think Flight Bird Cages are best for birds:
My birds are much happier when they can fly around in their cage. It keeps them much healthier because they can get their exercise whenever they want. It keeps their little bodies strong!
They are a lot safer in their cage if there are other pets in your house, such as a cat or dog. Especially so when you can not be home with them all the time, they can still fly about in their cage. One word of caution that I read somewhere, so use your own judgment on this, don’t put your birds in a round cage because it doesn’t give them any points of reference and they will be confused. That’s why a lot of bird cages probably are hexagon or at least have corners.
The right bird houses are perfect for breeding birds.After finding out that birds that could fly would breed, I did observe Charlie and Sweetie doing just that. So, if you have had no success with breeding your birds, the reason might be because their cage is too small. Birds need to fly to breed!
It makes your birds feel free. During the spring and summer months, I sometimes put their cage outside on my patio. I think when they whistle at the people that go by is a very funny and cute thing.Everyone seems to chuckle when they hear it, and my next-door friends actually adore it.
Cleaning is much easier, giving you more room to maneuver. I found that the easier cages are to clean, they get changed and cleaned a lot more often. Even my husband doesn’t mind cleaning it, and it takes less time than it used to with the smaller cage.
The flight bird cage I got for Charlie and Sweetie is on a pedestal, so they are at eye level with us. They love being able to be right there with us and talk to us a lot more often. That way they can join the family more often and still be very safe. They got used to being with all of us when they were in their smaller cage because I could pick it up and move it. Even with this larger cage for them, it still makes it so easy. Don’t forget, birds like to be part of the family too.
To help figure on what size birdcage you'll need, remember my Charlie and Sweetie are parakeets. Their cage is 32” width by 22” depth. The height is 59”. The flight cages are a bit more expensive than just the small little bird cages that you probably had when you first got your birds. But believe me, Charlie and Sweetie are such happy, healthy and breeding birds now that they have their new birdcage. I hope you will are here often, as I am going to be adding more info to this small site.While you are still here, if you would like to leave a message about some of your tricks, please do so. Again, thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again.
Technorati Tags: antique bird cages, bird, bird cage, bird cages, bird supplies, birdcage, birdcage veil, birdcages, birds, cheap bird cages, decorative bird cages, discount bird cages, finch bird cages, flight bird cages, Pet birds, round bird cages
Aug 14, 2009 | | bird care tips
Choosing a pet bird is very different compared to shopping for clothes. This is because it requires a lot of commitment to make sure that this creature will get all the love and care that it needs so consider a few things when you decide to go to the pet store.
Birds come in all sizes. There are big ones and there are small ones. It must be kept in mind, that if they are bigger, you will have extra commitment in keeping it. Bigger birds are louder and messier so if you are not up for that, better stick to a small or medium sized bird.
Some birds can come out of the cage while there are those that should always be locked up. Two distinct examples of birds which best illustrate this is the African Grey and the Canary. Although you may not get either of the two, part of choosing a bird is based on their behavior and temperament.
Another thing you should know about birds is that some of these can chirp, sing and even talk. While some of these are noisy there are others that only talk on occasion.
Pet birdshave special diets. While some eat pellets, there are others that require fruit, nectar and pollen. it will not be a problem in choosing a bird with such needs, if you don’t mind spending a little more to feed your birds.
Aside from special diets, ask yourself do you want a pet bird that requires a lot of attention or one that is low maintenance? People who are too busy with work and other responsibilities should get one that is easy to care for birds otherwise there is no point in buying one.
When you go out looking for a pet bird, give some consideration to where you are buying it. While most will choose to go to a pet store, you can also find one by talking to a breeder or from private persons. Regardless of where you get it, find out if whoever is selling it can assure you that the facility is free from communicable diseases like bird flu and other infections?
The biggest issue that you have to consider when choosing a pet bird is how much you are willing to spend for it. Buying a pet bird is one thing but there are other things you have to invest in like their cage, food and veterinary care.
Before buying the pet bird, have it checked by a veterinarian because they know better when it comes to the health of these creatures. If it is alright with the owner, pay them first with a post dated check for the next day so whatever happens, you can make a decision whether or not to get it.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that you have to consider when you decide to get a pet bird. Once you have figured out the right one, you will undoubtedly enjoying having it around.
To ensure that it is healthy all the time, the pet bird you decide to get should not only be fed but also given some attention because this could be a very food friend.
So take the time out to do some research before choosing one from the pet store. With the right information, you will not regret buying this pet bird on the spur of the moment.
Technorati Tags: care for birds, Choosing a Pet Bird, Pet birds, pet store
Aug 13, 2009 | | bird care tips
