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    How To Stop Treating Parrot Feather Plucking Now

    Friday, December 18th, 2009

    If you parrot is feather plucking then it is a serious behavioral problem. The real problem is that once it had started it is nigh on impossible to get your parrot to stop. It is a very stressful situation for the bird and the owner. [youtube:8-8roiWE9io;[link:Parrot Plucking];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-8roiWE9io&feature=related]

    Try to spot a feather plucker early by inspecting the upper chest area to see whether feather are missing if there are then this is a sure sign that you have a plucker, and you have to step in to treat them before the problem gets worse. You should provide lots of toys and branches in the cage. Put your parrot in a noisy part of the house an spend more time with them.

    Other illness in a hand reared baby parrot is quite rare, but action must be taken immediately if you feel that your bird is not 100%. This could be indicated by simply not adhering to his normal routines, i.e. if you feed him a certain item in the morning, say toast, if he fails to eat there may be a problem. Droppings are also a large indicator and I believe that an experienced parrot keeper can tell precisely the condition of his birds without even seeing the birds providing he can look at the droppings on a daily basis. If your bird is on a dry diet then obviously the droppings will be more solid green and white. If birds have a fruit diet this will be watery and not as solid as a bird on dry seed. If you feed your bird pretty much the same routine on a daily basis then the droppings will be easily identified as different to the previous day and therefore should causing some alarm. Very watery and dark droppings are a sign of ill health. It is always better to be trigger happy in terms of visiting your vet rather than leaving it too late. Birds deteriorate rapidly once they are ill, if you cannot maintain a level of fluid intake and food consumption.

    Finding a good avian vet is extremely difficult and before any problems loom on the horizon, it is worth checking out vets and establishing their track record in regard to parrots. Ensure you have available the appropriate pet carrier to take your bird if he requires any vetinary care. Intraveniously is the only way to treat a pet parrot. They are so aware of the slightest changes in their diet, i.e. the water tastes”funny” and he will not drink it or food which normally has the taste of fruit changes slightly. This can be offputting for a bird, particularly if his appetite is poor. Fortunately, with good management visits to the vet should be few and far between.

    Parrots then are not the easiest birds to care for. You need to keep a careful eye on them, and make sure you take them to a highly qualified vet at the first sign of illness. These are lifelong companions and deserve your care.

    For further information on parrot care please visit http://hubpages.com/hub/Parrot-Care-How-to-Care-for-Parrots-in-the-Wild After you learn how to care for wild parrots you will better understand their captive needs

    Questions to Ask Your Parrot Breeder First

    Saturday, December 5th, 2009

    This may seem a bit odd, but if you ask the correct questions, you can learn volumes about your new potential buddy. A good breeder will help you out along the way. A good breeder’s sole motivation is not to make money. A good breeder very much wants his baby parrots to go to good homes. So if in the process you forget a few of these questions, he’ll probably jump in and answer them anyway. These simple questions can help increase the chances that the baby parrot you bring home with you is healthy.

    When were these birds hatched? You want a baby bird who is old enough to leave the nest. If he’s not old enough a good breeder will tell you this. He’ll also tell you when you can return to adopt your friend.

    Ask the breeder whether he kept the bird in a closed aviary. This is ideal as it reduces the chances that diseases will spread. With avian diseases spreading through the air they spread quickly so it is best to get a bird from a closed aviary.

    Has the bird been tested for any diseases? This is an especially good question to ask if you discover the babies have already been sexed. Many times breeders will have these two activities performed at the same time. If the breeder answers positively to this question, then ask to see the documentation or the certificate from the lab which processed the results.

    Has the parrot’s sex been determined? The sex matters little when it comes to the quality of your companion pet. Both a male and a female make wonderful companions. But, to many individuals the sex of the bird really does matter. This is especially true if you’re taking the bird home to be with other parrots.

    Make sure that you ask what your parrot has been eating and continue this diet once you bring it home. It is very important that you don’t cause a baby parrot undue stress by bringing it home and making sudden changes in its diet.

    You should always ask whether you can view the baby’s parents, and most of the time you will find that they are on the same premises as the baby and you can indeed view them. Don’t expect to be able to handle or hold them, as breeding parrots are not as tame as some others. However, do inspect them carefully to check that they look generally healthy.[youtube:O_Fpad20Zbk;[link:Clever Parrots];http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_Fpad20Zbk&feature=related]

    You can ask whether the baby been hand fed or parent raised, but don’t get hung up on the answer. Even parent raised birds can make great pets if they are socialized by the breeders.

    If you are interested in sexing parrots then view http://ezinearticles.com/?Sexing-Parrots—How-to-Tell-If-Your-Parrot-is-Male-Or-Female&id=2257223

    Are All Parrots Easy To Train?

    Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

    Parrots make amazing pets. Teaching them to sing can be a joy to listen to. They live a long time, sometimes up to 100 years. So, you can be friends with them for the rest of your life. Training these 3 parrots will achieve you the best results. Get our parrot training newsletter for more info.

    African Grey Parrots

    These parrots are medium sized and are usually of a greyish colour. Sometimes they have non standard colouring. This is best parrot for talking. Parrots speak in a multitude of voices. Unfortunately not all Grey’s will speak. It has been known for Grey’s not to show any sign of talking. They can be very loud and scream a lot so need much attention. Once you make friends, the bird will be the most loyal pet you could ever hope for.

    Parrot Type: Conure

    These parrots are small sized and have very big tails attached to their bodies. They come in many colours and are extremely intelligent. They are real clowns who love to mess about. They can be quick learners and good to train. They will be happy if you teach them to talk. This parrot is not suitable for anyone with a busy lifestyle, you need to be able to spend a lot of time with them.

    This is because they need several hours of training every day to learn how to socialize, not bite the owner and correct behavioural defects. You need to train these birds early in order to stop them screeching a lot.

    Parrot Type: Macaw

    These parrots have been known to survive for about more than fifty years and knowing this you should be ready for a long relation with your bird. You will want to get this parrot a big enclosure as it is large. You need to get a high and wide cage to make this parrot comfortable. Keep this bird out of its cage as much as possible.

    it has a powerful snapper and ike to bite on things. Therefore they turn out to be great furniture destroyers though with the help of toys this can be completely stopped. Stimulate this parrot constantly with toys.

    Remember parrot training is vital, never neglect your parrot or you could end up with parrot behaviour problems.

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    Do I Need To Train My Parrot?

    Saturday, August 8th, 2009

    That question is a good one!

    The answer is a definite YES whether you have an African Grey, Cockatoo, Macaw or even a Budgerigar.

    In captivity and the wild Parrots are highly social and intelligent creatures that need attention. They learn quickly and continue to do so all their life. A young bird will copy a behaviour from its parents and will do the same from its owner. Parrots of all ages will learn to interact with their own species and will learn important issues such as recognising a predator or how to find food.

    In captivity, parrots still have that natural instinct and desire to learn either from their parents or in the case of most captive birds ” their owners.

    What if I don’t train my parrot?

    Well quite simply this is often how unwanted or problem behaviours develop. A parrot that is deprived of attention is going to try to get some whenever it gets the opportunity. Any reaction from their owner is a positive experience to the parrot and will encourage the parrot to repeat the behaviour. So when your parrot starts screaming like crazy late at night it is trying to prompt a reaction from you. If you start screaming (and often swearing!) back then your parrot will be very pleased, as he has managed to get you to respond. This unwanted screaming will then increase over time as the parrot has been rewarded for doing it.

    The owners of parrots are the usual cause of behavioural problems. Your parrot can be accidentally rewarded without you realising it.

    What you need to realise when training your parrot is that everything that you do while you are close to your parrot will affect his behaviour in either a positive or negative way. When your parrot does something and you react to it then that behaviour will either increase or decrease.

    If you try to take your parrot out of his cage to give him a treat but your parrot is in a bad mood. He will probably move away, be reluctant to come or be aggressive towards you in which case he is telling you he does not want to come out. Giving up but still giving him his treat will reward this anti social behaviour and so he will be more likely to do it again in the future.

    Everything you do needs to be thought about carefully when you are with your parrot.

    Training is a vital ongoing process to keep your parrot happy and healthy. You just need to make sure you are rewarding the behaviours that you want and avoid rewarding the bad ones (easier said than done!).

    Once your parrot understands what YOU want from him it will bring your relationship to a whole new level which in time make a much happier relationship between you and your parrot.

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    Bird Cages: Save Money By Choosing Premium Bird Cages?

    Saturday, July 18th, 2009

    If you keep birds in your home, then you kow the joys of owning a bird as a pet. Birds are beautiful, have their own sweet personalities and depend on you for everything. You take great care in making sure that your feathered friends are getting the best food possible to ensure that they will be around with you for a long time to come.

    The bird cage is probably the most important thing you’re bird needs, so making sure you buy a quality cage is essential. And since quality cages are one of the best things for the bird, this is no time to cut corners.

    There are a lot of bird owners who will provide their bird with the very best things, but when it comes to the cage they live in, they think that all cages are the same. The problem that lies there are that the people that own the birds haven’t done the proper research on what’s best for their bird, because they come in so many different styles.

    The biggest worry about purchasing a cage, is making sure that the bird will be safe and happy in it. This will come at a price, however, the price is well worth it because it will save you money in the long run. You will be able to tell a cage that is cheaply made because it will have bars that are easily bendable. Bars that are easily bendable will give the bird an easy way to hurt itself.

    The best bird cages on the market do not use boring wooden dowels as perches. They choose to use fine rosewood or other quality wood that fits perfectly inside the bird cages. An great bird cage will also leave plenty of room between the grate and the tray so that your bird’s beak and feet will stay clean.

    The main reason you do not want the bird unhappy is that it will get restless. Once the bird gets restless its going to want out, and if you have a cage that is not properly put together then it could be very easy for it to accomplish that. Make sure you get a stainless steel cage to prevent the bars from being easily bent.

    A superior bird cage is also constructed with screws and bolts which is a very good thing. Most bird cages are made by drilling holes and bacteria builds up and grows in these holes which is not healthy for your bird. A superior bird cage is tested in a laboratory for toxin levels. The manufacturers of these bird cages go to great lengths to be sure you bird is safe and secure.

    Investing in a quality bird cage will save you money in the long run. It will keep your bird healthy and safe, and the durability will make it so its probably the last cage you will have to buy. Going to bed at night knowing your bird is happy and safe is a great feeling for any owner. Hopefully by reading this article you now realize that buying a quality cage is the only way for any bird owner to go.

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    Thinking Of Buying A Parrot? Here Are Some Tips!

    Thursday, July 16th, 2009

    There are many bits of advice that can make parrot care very easy. The grooming for parrots is much different than for cats and dogs as your parrot is a bird and has a beak and claws. Be prepared for quite a challenge with grooming, as most of parrot grooming concentrates on the claws, beak, and wings.

    It is highly recommended for you to educate yourself on the various conditions that can result in the beak becoming deformed and try to prevent this. Sometimes problems during birth can cause the parrot’s beak to grow at a weird angle, but accidents can also cause such results. Other conditions to look out for are mites and fungus, which can be found in the feathers and beak.

    It can be very dangerous to cut your parrot’s claws if you have never done so before and have not had the proper instruction. In such a case, it is best to take your pet to a professional who can safely trim his claws. It can also be harmful to let your parrot’s claws grow too long, as it is possible he could break a toe or develop problems walking and perching.

    You must also be aware that a parrot bird will require his wings to be clipped a certain way so as not to injure himself when flying or landing. It may seem cruel to clip a bird’s wings, but in reality, you are doing both yourself and the parrot a favor. As your parrot is not in the wild, he does not require huge wings for flight and hunting. He can hurt himself by flying into items in your home, and you would no doubt have a miserable time cleaning up broken items.

    Like any pet a parrot needs a well balanced diet, though your pet parrot should not be feed like a wild parrot. Seeds are good because they have a lot of protein and fat but your pet parrot may become fat because they do not get as much exercise as wild parrots. Pelleted diets can also be good for pet parrots as this can give them the proper nutrition without getting fat.

    Before you look for a parrot for sale, be sure that you are aware of the parrot supplies that will be necessary for the maintenance of a bird. Some of the items you will find helpful in raising your bird are a parrot cage, food and water equipment, a spray bottle (with a mist setting), and even toys.

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    Bird Cages: Facts You Must Appreciate If You Abide In An Opulence Home

    Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

    If the time has come where you feel you now want to acquire a new feathered friend and of course a lovely cage for your friend to live in, then you should ideally take a few things into consideration. Even though many people, who when in a similar situation, will simply rush off to the nearest store to buy a cage, that’s not to say it’s the best way to go about things.

    Your bird is one that knows in its heart that it wants large open spaces. While you cannot give all of the space in the world to your bird, it is important to make sure that you do take space into consideration when looking through the various bird cages out there.

    Not only should you insist on a bird cage which looks as though it’s an absolute place of luxury, but you need to make sure that the materials from which it has been made are durable and long lasting. Furthermore, a luxurious birdcage should always provide your bird with plenty of space for eating and resting, in addition to an adequate amount of space for playing.

    This is not just for the benefit of your bird but for the over all feel of your home. You certainly do not want all of your home to be clean and luxurious when the bird cage looks as though it came from the dollar store. The right bird cages can do more than just offer your feather friend a place to live.

    Over and above being a home for your bird, a birdcage should also serve as a decorative piece within the home, irrespective of which room you intend keeping it in. Whether you choose to have it in your living room, or whether you choose to have it in your dining room, you need to make sure that it blends perfectly with the other d?cor in that room. Providing you choose an attractive cage, it can go a long way in lending a special kind of atmosphere to any room and you can be sure that you’ll end up benefiting from it.

    You also want to make sure that the bird cages that you consider are ones that are made with high quality materials and very good craftsmanship. Since bird cages do not come with a cheap price tag, you want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money.

    Let’s face it; the last thing you want is to go out and spend $100.00 or more on a prestigious birdcage, only to have it fall to bits shortly after. Essentially, when you go out shopping for a bird cage, you need to find one which you know will last for many years. Of course, it’s just as important to ensure that the cage is well made in order to offer the bird suitable protection.

    Irrespective of whether you’re shopping around between various high street stores, or whether you intend purchasing your birdcage online, you need to ensure that you buy the best cage you can afford. You can be rest assured; you’ll soon see that it was worth it.

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    Parrot Care Is The Key To Your Parrot’s Health And A Long Life Not To Mention A Good Relationship And Years Of Great Fun.

    Sunday, July 5th, 2009

    Having a Parrot is not as easy as just teaching it to talk or feeding it. You also need to realize this will take time, money and patience too. It is a big responsibility.

    Parrots can live as long as a human. With the right effort and care buying a baby parrot can be well worth it. Think hard about it though it is a big responsibility, weigh up the positives and negatives. If it is still yes then go to a parrot breeder to buy your baby parrot.

    Most parrot breeders love their parrots and will help you in any way they can. They will give you the guidance you are looking for, from cages, to diet, health and training your baby parrot. Whereas a parrot breeder who is only in it for the money will not care for their parrots in the same way. Raising a parrot this way can more than likely lead to poor health and behavioral problems in parrots. Do interview breeders and ask around so you don’t get caught out.

    If a baby parrot easily perches on your hand, or walks up your arm and takes food from your hand this is a good indicator that it was hand fed. Hand fed parrots are usually better adjusted. Also, when buying a baby parrot check out and verify its age by looking at the leg band for the hatching year.

    The best parrot breeders raise their parrots by hand feeding them so they are happy, healthy, well adjusted loving birds. Obviously a hand fed parrot will command a higher price. Some breeders cut corners and do not hand feed their baby parrots, yet they might claim they have. You will notice the difference.

    Reputable breeders will have genuine concern for their baby parrots and will happily answer all of your questions. They’ll show you their aviaries and even show you how they feed and raise the birds if you ask them.

    Having a parrot will change your life. Exotic, beautiful, magnificent, intelligent, colorful. A parrot requires care and attention so it is a good idea to really know about parrot care as neglecting this leave you with a problem parrot.

    As a member of your family your parrot will require effort on your part to learn how to train them and make them a part of the family without which you may find this could become difficult.

    It might be tempting to get your parrot home from the parrot breeder and put it straight into its cage and believe that your work is done… it isn’t. If you want to get the most out of your parrot and enjoy many happy years together you have to put some work in first. You need to know how to handle your parrot correctly. You need to know how to spot signs of boredom or irritability and do all you can to minimize stress and upset for your parrot. Otherwise you might end up with a parrot behaving very badly indeed.

    You parrot needs your help to make sure it has a long healthy life through proper care, diet and exercise. Notice your parrot and its habits and behavior when it is happy and healthy. So, then you will notice any change, like lethargy, loss of appetite or even something more serious like diarrhea or discharges from the eyes or nose. In this case get your parrot to your avian vet immediately.

    Looking after your parrot with quick detection and treatment will help them live longer. Paying attention is the key.

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    How To Choose The Right Parrot Breeder

    Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

    Owning parrots as pets is increasing in popularity. Many people have become drawn to their ability to communicate, mimic, entertain, and show unconditional love. Making the choice to purchase a parrot companion is the easy part. Becoming educated about parrot needs, choosing a healthy bird from a reputable breeder, and lifelong commitment are the challenging parts. This article will help to aid in choosing a loving parrot friend and making parrot ownership a wonderfully rewarding experience.

    When choosing a parrot breeder, quality of bird care is important. Healthy and happy parrots depend largely on the way they were reared. Depending on the species of parrot, feeding methods will vary. Hand rearing or feeding while handling the baby parrots is one way that breeders can teach early in the parrot’s life the importance of bonding with humans. Breeders should begin to take on the responsibility of weaning baby parrots at 10-12 weeks of age by implementing into their diet a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, soft foods, pellets, and seeds.

    Another important aspect to a bird’s life is the ability to fly. Most owners prefer to have their bird’s wings clipped. They don’t like the idea of their birds flying around their homes possibly breaking things. But baby parrots need to learn how to fly before their wings are clipped. It is in the best interest of the bird to find a breeder who will allow their babies to learn how to fly. They also need to learn how to land and maneuver in flight. A parrot’s level of socialization and their emotional health depends a great deal upon the care it receives early in its life time from the breeder. Potential buyers can ask breeds how they socialize the baby birds they are selling.

    Most parrot breeders are responsible and caring individuals who love the breed and being apart of a parrot’s life at such a crucial time. But some breeders are just in it to make money. As a buyer you need to be aware of who you should do business with and who you should stay way from. Shipping birds in certain ways through certain companies is illegal. It is also important for a breeder to introduce bathing to their birds at an early age. The best time to introduce bathing is when the baby is partially feathered. Potential owners need to ask their breeders questions. Breeders should allow buyers to view their aviaries. Contract for this very important business transaction is a must. Good breeders will also be available after the purchase to answer questions and give support to new owners. Some parrot species can live between 60 and 100 years old. They are a huge commitment and are worth the effort you put into finding the right kind of breeders.

    Some parrot breeders are more knowledgeable then pet store owners and continue to breed parrots for the love of the breed. If you choose to buy a parrot through a breeder you will have a better chance of purchasing a well adjusted, happy, and more importantly healthy bird that will last a lifetime.

    In addition to purchasing a parrot from a parrot breeder to aid the foundation of the parrot/owner relationship, you will also help to enrich the lives of wild parrots by assisting in the preserving of their species, habitat, and culture.

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    Parrot Supplies – What You Need to Know About Toy Safety

    Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

    It’s no wonder your parrot can get bored so easily. Think about it, all he does is stand around in his cage with nothing to do. This will certainly lead to the development of some very bad habits – even harmful and self-destructive behavior. That’s why having the right toys around is so important. It might not cure all the problems but it certainly will keep him busy and out of trouble.

    It’s no secret that parrots love to chew. If you have been a parrot owner for any length of time you are familiar with this. Since they love to chew, give them something other than their perch to gnaw on. Wooden toys are perfect for this. You can get them in a variety of shapes and sizes for any size bird. They most often are strung together on thin rope or a chain that hangs easily in their cage. Use only toys that have been treated in a natural dye to avoid any toxic chemicals. Check for any rough spots that develop where a toenail could get caught and break off.

    There are also acrylic toys that are virtually indestructible. But as a result they don’t allow the natural chewing and destroying that a wooden toy offers so use a variety of toys. Puzzle toys are very popular. These have treats hidden on the inside requiring the bird to work to get at the treat.

    Make sure that any toy you buy for your parrot is safe for it to use while unsupervised. We all know that while our birds are unattended they can get into all kinds of trouble. Doesn’t that sound familiar parents? Toys with unnatural materials can be torn apart and ingested. Toys such as stuffed animals or toys made from PVC plastic should always be avoided. These are also very good at collecting unwanted dirt and dust.

    Here are a few suggestions when shopping for your parrot. Avoid any toys that have a “jingle bell” attached to them. They may look like fun but your bird can easily catch a toe or beak causing injury. This is especially true of a smaller bird. Flimsy plastic toys can also be easily broken and the small parts can be ingested. Toys that have small parts inside like the clapper on a bell can also cause injury.

    If he wants, any parrot can break a toy that is designed for smaller birds. Make sure the toys you buy are of a proper size for a specific parrot. Ring toys are especially dangerous if they are mismatched. The rings and links that are often used to attach toys to the cage can be a big problem. Many injuries each year are caused by these. The only type of link you should use is a stainless steel quick link available at any hardware store. Never use snap hooks or key rings.

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