Familiarizing Yourself With Different Parrot Species
Fascinated to the world of the fast-talking, fun-loving parrots? Are you contemplating on the idea of getting one as your pet bird? If you have plans of purchasing one in the future, then you must familiarize yourself with the different parrot species existing in the pet trades and pet stores today.
As defined, parrots are a very popular group of birds for possessing high intelligence depending on the degree of its socialization and training. Famous for its ability to imitate human speech and various sounds, these tropical colorful birds are mainly found in Australia and South America.
Having a variety of species, parrots differ in size and color. Some parrots are bigger and grander while others are smaller and typical. When it comes to colors, green is considered the most common shade of parrots and are usually wonderful pets for their amazing talking abilities. Several types of parrots are multi-colored-with a distinctive combination of bright blue, yellow, green, and white mixtures.
These birds are also characterized by having powerful hooked bills and feet meant for tree climbing. Mainly vegetarian, other basic foods of almost all types of parrots are includes fruits, chicken or meat and a lot of seeds. Although they belong to only one family of birds, parrot species have distinctive personalities and nature. Some of them are naturally friendly while some are moody and destructive because they pluck their feathers if they are bored or unhappy.
Parrot species include Macaws, Conures, Amazons, African Gray Parrots, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Budgerigars, and Eclectus. Macaws are one of the most coveted birds in aviculture because of their comical and affectionate nature. Conures, on the other hand, are small cousins of the Macaw that has 2 sub-specie: Aratinga and the Pyrrhura.
While Conures are known for its variety of color and gentle personality, Amazons are famous for their superb talking ability. Considered as the most popular large parrots in aviculture that exhibits distinct personalities, amazons are often considered as delightful pets for imitating sounds well.
African Grey Parrots is probably the most intelligent parrot there is. Despite their intelligence, greys can be hard to handle because they are generally quiet, resulting to stress attacks and reactions.
Cockatoos are considered among the favorites because they are beautiful, smart, playful, cuddly, and good talkers. Although they are generally tame, cockatoos can be hard to handle because they thrive in too much attention.
Cockatiels are most common pet birds because they are easy to breed and are relatively inexpensive pets; Budgerigars or “parakeets” that are usually afraid of humans if not trained properly; and the Eclectus that are “sexually dimorphic” or the male and females look markedly different.
- Low Jeremy
Disadvantages Of Having Parrots For A Pet
Parrots can be pretty hard to take care of. Unlike other pets that can be left alone in their cages, parrots are restless creatures who you have to check up on a couple of times every day. Here are just some things that parrots can do to your home.
Parrots can be pretty messy
If you are the type that would like the house to be spotless, try to reconsider getting a parrot or any pet for that matter. Parrots can be really messy, even a small parakeet.
Their food can be flung everywhere even when they are inside the cage. Your floor can be filled up by pellets, seed, and nutshells. Sticky foods may also be plastered on the walls, on the bars of the cage and even at the ceilings. Foods will literally be everywhere.
Another problem that you may have are their poop, which you really have to clean everyday. And they are not that disciplined to only poop in one place. They actually poop everywhere, in bars, in their food dish and even with the toys that you give them. They may even poop in between bars, which may end up on the floor and sometimes even on you.
If you have a cockatiel variety or the grey breed, you will also have to contend with the powder that they have on their feathers. The feathers will stick everywhere. So, you really have to dust everyday.
Because of this, you have to scrub the cage, their dish and the whole of the area at least once a day to prevent bacteria from settling in and of course the bad smell.
2. Parrots chew on everything
Parrots love chewing wood. In fact, owners of parrots often give them wooden toys to play and chew with inside their cages. Parrots however are not satisfied with just these toys. When they get the opportunity, they will chew on everything that they get their hands on. They will puncture your clothes, your furniture, even your books.
This can be really frustrating especially if you are the type of person who wants a clean house. Parrots are not recommended in homes that have dainty and fragile furniture. They should also not be placed in areas where they can break things and chew on antiques.
Be careful with wearing jewelry because they will sure to grab it or chew it. Parrots love shiny things. They can claw the stone right out of your favorite jewelry.
- Low Jeremy
Confessions of a Network Marketing Junky
Habits you use in network marketing can be a killer. We must be aware of exactly what we are doing that causes us not to find the victory that we so strongly desire. But before we can “fly right and to run great” it might help to examine our lives.
My cause is preceded by a strong vision. This vision is to become completely and totally responsible to earn a substantial weekly income for my family, my church and for generations to come. It is to turn my mission into a ministry as soon as possible, and to do it with the most wholesome of causes: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. If this number one rule is not how you currently feel about your network marketing business, than get out now and read no more, please.
You see statistics show, that before the end of the first year 97% of all network marketing people quit. They quit because they were losing money which might make sense to most, but I disagree. For some, like me, still manage to stay plugged-in and unhappily continue to lose money. You see, I live on SS and spend twice what SS pays me. My hope is in my cause and the vision is so strong I can taste it. I’m a network marketing junky: addicted!
You qualify as a network marketing junky when you have financial hemorrhaging to support your habit. My habit continues to this very day to the tune of at least $20,000 over the last 3 years. This is ridiculous, but the nay-sayers are flat out wrong…This junky will make it, I will see my dream fulfilled, I will know change, and things will change around me.
Over these last 4 years, because of my network marketing pressures I’ve gone back to church, I have been tithing, and I read the Bible and pray each and every day. I have been a born-again-spirit-filled believer for 32 years, but yet no financial independence, not yet anyway. This results in my willingness to change!
I invite you to ponder your life and see what could have possibly caused you to succumb to discouragement and disappointment as many sometimes do. Today you may find that your habits in network marketing are like a butterfly going from flower to flower, promise to promise, opportunity to opportunity. I had 6 opportunities in the last 3 years, but I’m still at it.
For example, when I was 10 years old, Dad bought me an inexpensive model airplane motor along with a huge free flight model. We went back to the hobby shop for help with the motor…It wouldn’t start. My father invented a “U” shaped attachment for our press drill that fit around the prop and we spent hours cranking away all to no avail. Mom used to hound me to get that plane finished. I just couldn’t finish it. The motor never, never started, so we gave up. The model remained unfinished and in plain view for years to remind me, as Mom did, of my failure. I was to discouraged and too broke to finish it.
I think the next venture was raising tropical fish. I had 4 fish tanks and once I had hatched 500 kissing grammies at one point. I think 2 or 3 lived to grow up. How discouraging was that? Then it was parakeets with a large outside aviary that I built, because I wanted to breed and sell them. That lasted about a year and I was soon discouraged and profitless.
Before my first car, it was HO model railroading with an unfinished layout. Next it was automobiles and today I’m still “car crazy”. I had such great plans for a 1934 flamingo pink, 5 window Ford coupe, chopped and channeled, with a V8 engine. I rebuilt the engine on my back porch and could proudly proclaim to be the owner of one of the few hot rods in New Jersey in 1952. I was a junior in high school. I never really finished that hot rod because it needed chrome and interior work and I just couldn’t earn enough to accomplish.
Now as I look back it’s sad to see all these unfinished and unrealized dreams in my life, and I must ask what affect such a pass has in my life today. Are these really negative memories? In truth they are, because completion was never realized. I need the victory over negatives today. Do you as well?
Enough, so lets get over such matters together using this wonderful vehicle of network marketing. Network marketing helps make new people. It is your blessing and sometimes in disguise. If you are loosing money then know that you are simply investing in yourself. You are learning how to better relate to others. The money you are loosing is just paying for your education. Know this and you will find your victory. Don’t give up like I used to. For you see these matters are why today I have been bouncing from one “opportunity” to another like that butterfly. Never seeing things through to completion, without discipline, flighty, easily discouraged and impatient.
Here’s another example and my final point. Mom was in the habit of protecting me. There were lots of things that I had to “be careful” with: Climbing trees, running, swimming, etc, were all things to be feared. she worried a lot.
I’ll never forget one of my first memories. I was told to “be careful” crossing the street and to be sure to look up and down for cars. So there I was standing on the curb and turning to look at my worrisome Mom standing in the window watching over me while I was looking up and down wondering why I was doing such a strange thing,looking up and down. Even at 4 years old I knew cars were not up in the air. Maybe I just didn’t listen. Today it’s laughable, but it was about being careful due to the application of fear.
I really grew up learning more fears than I needed to learn. Fears coupled with all those negatives do not add up to a conducive character for finding my dream today.
Fear, uncertainty and doubt have ruled my life. If you have suffered from much the same patterns in your life than now is the time to kill such characteristics. A new book is out that will help you understand the “Law of Attraction”. Today fears will flee in love and negatives are just ways to know the positives in life.
The Secret will help you fight the negatives. What ever you do you must stay with your quest through to victory, to realize all your dreams and satisfy your cause. Get over yourself, let God, and let your sponsors help you. Be obedient, practice constantly with love, with certainty and with conviction.
Find one “opportunity”, stick with it until it flies, runs, looks great, and then polish it into your dream of financial independence. Be certain to hook a cause to your dream and you will succeed.
- Howard Brooks
Thinking Of Buying An African Grey Parrot? Part 1
One of the most sought after pet birds in the world is the African Grey. This bird, native to Africa, is considered one of the most intelligent of birds. It’s amazing ability to speak and mimic sounds make it an entertaining companion.
African Greys are a medium sized parrot, predominantly grey, with accents of white. The two most common subspecies are Congo, noted as having a cherry red tail and black beaks, and the Timneh, which is smaller in size, darker gray, with a maroon colored tail and light colored mandible. The Congo is considered the better talker, but both are very capable of talking and equally intelligent.
African Greys have a long and rich history being kept as a pet. Egyption hieroglyphics dating back 4,000 years depict pet parrots. Throughout the Greek, and Roman histories Greys were highly valued for the ability to talk, and kept in very ornate cages. King Henry VIII had one, and Portuguese sailors kept them as companions on long voyages. This probably led to the images of pirates with parrots on their shoulders.
In 2007 the Grey Parrot was uplifted to Near Threatened status by some environmental groups. The international community is prohibiting the capture and import/export of wild caught Greys. In America, it is illegal to import these birds. Therefore, all Greys currently sold have been raised domestically. They are readily available, but can be quite costly
THE COST- When you begin your search for your Grey, you are going to be amazed at the wide price range. A bird breeder in Florida will sell a young Congo for as little as $600. Drive a few hundred miles north and the price jumps to $1000. Walk in to a New York pet shop and you will be lucky to find one for $1500. So why the price variations?
The costs start with the bird breeders. A properly raised handfed Grey require constant attention. Babies must be fed every 2 hours, 24 hours a day. This requires a tremendous amount of labor. Once the baby has been weaned, little is needed except to give the bird constant attention. As the bird gets older, this time must be compensated, so the cost goes up. A 1-year-old Grey now costs as much as $950-$1200. Some breeders who do this for a hobby are not as interested in recovering labor costs, as they do it for the joy of it.
Another factor is location. Birds bred in warm climates require little environmental control, and birds can be raised in outdoor flight cages. In northern climates, they can’t handle the cold weather (remember, these birds are native to Africa) so the cost of housing adds up. Therefore, expect to pay a bit more for birds raised in these areas.
Pet stores very rarely breed their own birds, and depend on “jobbers”, breeders or even wholesale dealers to supply them with birds to sell. They may get a price advantage from buying large quantities of birds, but they also must make a profit for themselves. This explains why pet stores sell Greys for as much as $2000.
Therefore, when you begin your search for your new pet, the key to getting a good price is research and negotiation. Whether you buy from a breeder or pet store is up to you. There are good and bad in both groups. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Call around and find the price range that Greys are being sold for, and make an offer.
HOW MUCH ATTENTION THEY REQUIRE?
African Greys are a highly intelligent bird. They will require a lot of interaction from the owner.
If you want your bird to talk, don’t expect it to happen with those DVD’s, tape recordings or other easy methods. It takes human interaction. Sorry, shortcuts won’t work. You must teach your Grey to talk by starting with short, simple phrases. Be consistent, and reward your pet whenever possible. Greys should begin talking at about 1 year old. But be aware that your bird must want to talk, and many times they never will. In our experience they may not say a word for many years, then suddenly will begin repeating everything they have learned. Just be patient. Move your bird to another room, away from his cage, and work with him for 10 minutes per session. Interact as much as possible. Your Grey will devote itself to you and clamor for your attention.
The Grey does not like to be left alone without attention. They have a tendency for feather plucking and self mutilation. This is a clear sign of stress, insecurity or boredom. Move your bird to an area where the family is at. Place it in front of a window. Be sure your bird has lots of toys. But none of these replaces your interaction with the bird. You need to set aside a part of each day to give your bird attention.
CAGES- There is no such thing as a cage too big. But every bird owner will have their restrictions, and in many cases they look for the smallest cage possible.
African Greys require a medium sized parrot cage. It must be able to spread it’s wings, move freely about, and have room to hang toys and food/water dishes. The minimum preferred size is at least 28 inches. Preferably a cage 36 inches tall to allow for lots of exercise room. Bar spacing should be no wider then 1 inch, as the bird can get it’s head stuck between the bars. The material should be of strong gauge wire, because Africans can easily destroy a cage designed to hold parakeets or cockatiels.
When you buy the cage, keep in mind that you need to clean it frequently. Fancy ornate cages can be very time consuming. Metal cages will rust if not dried thoroughly. Stainless steel cages are preferred, but very expensive.
Examine the cage for dangers such as doors that don’t fit properly. Greys have been known to get their feet caught in entry and feed doors, so look them over. Look for bad welds that may have sharp edges. These are all common with inexpensive cages.
Make sure perches are big enough for your bird. Your Grey will spend much of his time standing on them, and improper perches will result in feet problems. A variety of different sized perches is a great start.
Find bird cages that have replacement food/water cups, and by extra sets. This way, while one set is in the case you can be soaking and cleaning the others. Contaminated water dishes is a major cause for disease, but such a simple problem to fix!
DIET- You can talk to ten different breeders and get ten different answers on this topic…all can be correct. My standard answer? African Greys have the same exact nutritional requirements that humans do. What would happen if you ate seeds and nuts all day long? Why would you expect anything different from your Grey?
Grey’s require a higher protein diet then other birds, and a lot more calcium. By feeding your bird a good quality commercial bird pellet diet, and supplementing it with lots of fruits and vegetables, you will never have a problem. There are commercial diets available formulated specifically for African Greys.
I also disagree with many assertions that Greys should not eat meat. Keep in mind the Grey’s ancestral history of coming from Africa. While they do eat lots of seeds and vegetation, they are also part scavengers. Meat is loaded with protein and high in vitamin B’s, which is missing from a seed and vegetable diet. Pelleted foods add these vitamins and addition protein to correct this, but you can do the same by sharing your meals with your bird. Not only does this improve the birds diet, but it increases the interaction you are having with your bird. But just like humans, don’t overdue it.
Another major source of argument between breeders is whether to give birds milk and dairy products. Here is the scoop…
Milk and dairy products contain lactose. In order to properly digest it, your body produces an enzyme called lactase. Birds do not produce this enzyme, and it’s actually toxic to the bird! Too much milk results in diarrhea, which in turn causes severe medical problems for birds. So the uneducated breeder just removes dairy products from the diet.
But milk also contains a huge amount of calcium and other minerals that are sorely lacking from the birds diet. While this can be replaced with supplements such as cuttlebones or other sources of ground up calcium, it’s still depriving the bird of other vital items it needs in the diet.
African Greys can easily handle small amounts of dairy products. Cheese and yogurt, rich in calcium but low in lactose, is an excellent treat. Be creative… Give your birds an occasional slice of pizza, or a splash of milk over their favorite cereal in the morning. Just don’t overdue it!
LIFE SPAN-African Grey’s, like other larger parrots, have a long lifespan. This fact must be taken into consideration by the new bird owner. What do you do with the bird when you die and the bird outlasts you?
Greys reach the age of maturity from 3-5 years old. A properly raised Grey will live from 35-50 years. It is not unheard of for Greys to live up to 80 years old!
So if you choose an African Grey as a pet, you can expect a very long lasting relationship with him.
- Danny Learton
Know the Nature of Birds Before Buying One
a bird for a pet requires more than thinking of it as a cute little thing. Many pet owners commit the mistake of buying out of impulse. It is true indeed that the displays in the pet stores are very interesting and cute. But these factors are not going to be the basis for your decision to pick out any one of the displays. You should get to know the very nature of these animals before purchasing them.
Here are some significant ideas that you have to consider.
The right size. As the general rule goes, the bigger the bird, the more commitments come along. The big animals can be genuine companions for you but they can also be messier, noisier, and more demanding. So if you are yet a beginner when it comes to raising this pet, you need to first start out with the small to the medium size. Its size should make you distinguish the responsibilities that you should execute in terms of housing, food, and training.
The temperament and behavior. Do you prefer one that knows how to socialize or that which is more of an introvert? The way on how your pet would relate to you as the owner calls for your experience to raise it. Hence, the personality of the bird must be carefully looked into before you decide on which breed to pick out.
The nutrition maintenance. It is important that you are able to determine which diet is proper for your pet. Some species requires the diet which is composed of fruit, pollen, and nectar. However, this diet prompts the liquid droppings so that calls for your responsibility to clean the cage more often.
The financial budget. Having a bird for a pet entails a good deal of expenses on your part. The financial requirement depends on the type of bird that you intend to keep. The bigger animals are often more expensive and they can reach up to some thousands of dollars. The cages as well as the accessories to buy are also more costly. But generally, the smaller ones also call for your financial responsibilities. Moreover, veterinary care is very much essential. So, before you choose a specific species of this animal, you should first determine if you can afford all of the expenses.
Your commitment. You just don’t buy a pet and then put it in its cage. You should interact with it. Let it exercise and from time to time let it out of its cage. For your pet to grow happy and pretty close to you, you should be willing to spend some quality time with it.
Below are the bestseller species of birds.
Budgies/Parakeets. They make wonderful pets for kids. These are colorful and call for lesser space as well as maintenance. In spite of being small, they sing, whistle, and can learn to say a few words. It can live between 12 up to 14 years.
Cockatiels. They are medium-sized and can sing and whistle. They belong to the parrot family and can live from 15 until 20 years.
Canaries and Finches. Because they are only 5 inches or even lesser, they would only need a small space. These are perfect for owners who don’t have much time to bond with them.
Lovebirds. They are among the smallest member of the parrot species. They are intelligent and quiet. Their life span covers up to 20 years.
African Greys. These birds are regarded to be the most intelligent. However they are demanding and easily get bored especially if unpaid with any attention.
So there you go. Take a look at these pointers before attempting to purchase any type of bird.
- Chanvit Phupook
A Birdwatching Caribbean Cruise is the Ideal Way to Still Enjoy Your Passion
If you are an avid bird watcher and decide to take a Caribbean cruise, then you can enjoy two pleasures at the same time. This is because not only are there many types of bird species for you to see in the Caribbean , there are also many very rare types of bird species, that you will never have chance to see anywhere else in the world.
Here are some of the places you may wish to visit on your cruise.
The Trinidad Asa Wright Nature Center. Is situated ten miles north of the town of Arima on Blanchisseuse Road. It is a wonderful location for birdwatching, with over 200 acres of rain forest. You can take a walk here on the many forest trials and you will be able to observe many different bird species. If you can make the time, i would try to spend at least 2 to 3 days here as it is an ideal place to enjoy your passion for birds.
The Bubali Pond in Aruba. Is on the north side of eagle beach and just south of De Olde Molen. You can expect to see brown pelicans here in large groups as well as the Black crowned Night Herons. It is best to do your birdwatching here at dusk or dawn.
In Aruba’s Spanish Lagoon. You will have the chance to observe many different species of birds, such as, brown pelicans, egrets, herons and frigates. Do not be at all surprised if you also see large green and yellow parakeets that are twice the size of those you would see in a pet store at home. These birds are mostly seen at sunset.
The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Is a secluded location, this is because the only way to get there is by boat. The use of a birdwatching guide is recommended here. When you get to this location you will be able to see thousands of Fregata Magnificens or man of war birds. The best time to visit here is during the breeding season as you will get to see over 170 species of birds living together.
If your birdwatching Caribbean cruise makes a stop in Jamaica, you should take the time to visit the Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary. Here is a once in a lifetime opportunity for any bird watcher to observe 289 different bird species of which 28 are endemic and 6 have just been introduced. There are also 10 bird species on the endangered list which includes the Black billed and Yellow billed parrots.
There is an entrance fee charged at this sanctuary and you can also pay extra for a guided tour, which is recommended that you do so. Here, you will get to see hummingbirds, Red billed Streamertails, Jamaican Mango, Black and Yellow faced Grassquits as well as their relative the Orangequits. All these species of birds you will be able to hand feed, if you wish to.
These places are just a few that you can visit while you are on a Caribbean cruise. There are many more locations available to you and all you need to do is search the internet to fine them.
The Caribbean cruise packages that are being offered do not come with birdwatching tours, but once your cruise liner docks at port, you can sign up for one as they are readily available to you at many locations. So who said you can not enjoy two pleasures at the same time?
- Greg F Williams
The Secrets of The Red-Rumped Parrot
The Red-rumped parrot is a common bird to the region of south-eastern Australia. They are of moderate size with a length of only 28cm, similar to parakeets. Its tail is long like that of arboreal birds, but they feed primarily on the ground.
The male is a bright jade green with yellow breast, and under parts. The male also has blue highlights on its wings and back that blend perfectly into the green. The male also has a brick red backside and is the only of the species that has it.
The female is a lot less vibrant than the male. It has a dull olive greenish color with dark green wings and back. With the female being less colorful it is very easy to distinguish it from the male, however with the female lacking the characterist “red rump” identify it as a Red-Rump parrot.
Red-rumped Parrots can be found in pairs or flocks in open country with access to water. They avoid the coast and the wetter, more heavily timbered areas. They are often seen in suburban parks and gardens.
Like all parrots, red-rumps nest in tree hollows or similar places, including fence posts. Breeding usually takes place in spring. In the dryer inland areas, breeding can occur at any time of year in response to rainfall.
Red-rumped Parrots mate for life. The female chooses and prepares the nesting site, usually a hollow in a eucalypt tree. Eggs are laid on a decayed wood bed and the female incubates the eggs while the male regularly feeds her from the food he collects.
Red-rumps as pets
Many people, primarily in Australia keep red-rumps as pets. Red-rumps prove to be excelant pets as they are very energetic and social. There call is a soft chirp, so they aren’t as loud as some of the other parrots held as pets. They are also fairly cheap to buy and maintain, because they are so small they do not eat to much or require a large cage like some of the other larger parrots.
Red-rumped parrots are very popular and abundant in pet shops and the wild, although probably more abundant and popular in its native region of Australia. If you are looking to own a red-rumped parrot you can expect to pay more for the cage than the bird itself. You can also expect to have a very pleasant and friendly pet.
- Dane Stanton
The Available Methods for Parrot Gender Determination
Usually, a bird’s gender is unknown to other species of beings; it is a well kept secret for the bird itself and its kind. When nature created the birds, it never took into consideration the human specie and the knowledge that this last one needs.
In some birds, the gender can be identified by the individual’s colors, wither completely, or, in some cases, only when they reach maturity. The eclectus male for instance is green, while the female is red. At maturity, the nasal area (cere) of a parakeet male is blue and the female’s one is brow. However, there are still many species of birds that don’t have different colors depending on the gender.
The importance of knowing a pet’s gender is represented by their owners’ desire to give them proper names or to know what pronouns to use when they are addressing or referring to the animals. It also matters for the breeding of the animals because some people know not to expect babies from a pair of birds of the same sex.
Many methods were discovered so far to determine the birds’ gender, some of them scientific and some of them, most of them, non – scientific, discovered by common people in their own houses. We will show and overview of the scientific methods of discovering the birds’ sex: DNA Sexing, Surgical Sexing, Blood Feather Testing and Fecal Analysis.
Every method of testing has both negative and positive sides and the best one is the one that fits the owner’s needs and the situation.
The DNA Sexing method:
In this procedure, a drop of the bird’s blood is required for a DNA testing. The DNA will show an image that will provide reliable information about the bird’s gender. This method is very accurate but it takes up to four weeks to be processed.
The blood is collected from a vein or a toenail by the owner and placed in a prepared collection of vial. This way it can be sent to a lab even by using regular mail. This method is very easy to be performed and it is not stressful.
A bird’s DNA is unique and cannot be modified. So, as in human DNA, a bird’s one is the same since the moment of birth until death. Those tests performed on birds DNA can also be stored by the labs that own a data bank and can be later used for identification or matching.
This method is thus, very easy to be done, it is not expensive and if the period of waiting for the results is not a problem, it may be the best choice. This DNA test will show a bird’s gender and not its capability of reproducing.
The surgical sexing method:
The second method of discovering a bird’s gender is the surgical sexing. This can be done only by a veterinarian, through endoscopic surgery. The bird is put under anesthesia and through a small cut in the bird’s skin, the veterinarian inserts a small metal tube with a light attached on, called the endoscope. This way, the bird’s sexual organs can be seen and, along with the gender, the veterinarian can determine the sexual maturity, any abnormalities and the possibility of reproduction.
Even though this method is very accurate and quick, it may put the bird under a lot of stress. Unlike the DNA sexing method, this one provides immediate results for the owner, in case this one is interested in breeding the bird. The procedure is quite safe, but, on some occasions, it may generate some post - operative or anesthesia complications. The primary concern was the injected anesthesia because it induced a long period of sleep and vomiting. Researchers have discovered new anesthetics for the birds, gases that eliminate the side effects caused by the injected ones. Those new anesthetics are considered by the experts to have negligible risks and the bird will wake up in a matter of minutes after the gas mask is removed.
In the past, veterinarians used to tattoo birds after their genders were determined through surgery. Males were tattooed under the right wing and females under the left one. More recently, microchips or leg bands were used for marking them.
The Blood Feather Analysis (BFA) method:
This method requires a blood chromosome test. This test is performed on cultured tissue from the bird’s blood feathers. If the bird has no blood feathers, some will be pulled out and in their place new ones will grow in two or three weeks. Those feathers are put in a special container with cold packs and sent via priority mail to the laboratory where their tissue is grown and researched under a microscope. The results will appear in around two weeks.
As in the case of DNA sexing of the birds, this method is accurate and safe; and it works on any bird regardless the age but the results are not prompt. As negative sides of this testing method are the higher costs for priority mail and the impossibility of checking the sexual organs of the birds in the cases of breeders.
The Fecal Method of gender determination:
This method is not as accurate as the others and it depends on more than one factor. It consists in collecting fresh fecal samples from the bird in special conditions and mailing them to the lab. The specialists will determine the gender by the hormones (estrogen and testosterone) level from the fecal sample. This method can only be applied on mature birds and it depends on the health of the birds and on the conditions of the sample’s collection.
The fecal method is not expensive, is safe and should bring the results in one week.
Every person will choose the sexing method for his or her bird as it best fits his or her needs. Probably, the breeders will choose the surgical method because of it’s advantages, while those who own a pet bird will choose DNA or BFA methods.
- Dalvin Rumsey
Pet Parrot
It had been years since I last visited my boyhood chum Ricky. He used to be a teammate of mine on the school baseball team, but he was obviously the better athlete since he was also on the school football team and basketball team. But I actually haven’t seen him practicing much the last few months and when I visited him at home, I discovered why. To my great surprise, Ricky was enamored with his pet parrots.
He had about a dozen of them in one big cage in all colors, shapes and sizes. It was like an explosion in a paint factory. Ricky even had names for all of them and had started buying all the books he could find about parrots. I started reading these books and was absolutely fascinated about what I discovered.
There are actually two groups of parrot families—the cacatuidae or cockatoos and the Psittacidae or true parrots. It turns out that there are exactly 353 species of birds that can fall under these two categories. The common characteristics they share include a curve shaped beak with the upper mandible having limited mobility and an erect stance. Did you know that all parrots have four toes on each foot, two at the front and two at the back?
Wherever it’s warm, you’re likely going to find a parrot there. These include such places like India, Southeast Asia and West Africa. There was also one parrot breed that could be found only in the United States but it is now extinct, the Carolina Parakeet. According to studies, the most number of parrot species can be found in Australasia, South America and Central America.
Among the types of parrots that are usually kept as pets are the conures, macaws, Amazons, cockatoos, African Greys, lovebirds, Cockatiels, Budgerigars and parakeets, mainly because they are richly colored and boast of many different color combinations. People sometimes clip the wings of their pet parrots to keep them earth-bound. Others prefer to keep their parrots flighted. There are parrots that can live up to 80 years, including cockatoos, Amazon parrots, African Grey Parrots and the larger macaws, have very long life-spans of up to 80 years.
- Kadence Buchanan
Pet Products For Birdies At Home
There are so many pet products for birds offered that some people might not realize that there is a difference in the foods that are fed to the various breeds of birds that can be brought into the home. Some of these pet products for birds will come in the seeds sold in bags, and then the pet owner could purchase other seeds that are considered a dessert for birds and it could be shaped as a bell.
The various bird breeds that are covered in the seed category of pet products for bids are parakeets, cockatiels and the tropical blends that are suitable for eating by both parrots and cockatoo bird breeds. Some pet owners use bird pet products to provide additional nutrients through their water supply. There are vitamin drops that are suitable for all breeds and others that specialize in helping birds during their molting periods.
Some pet products are centered on taking care of the nails of large and small birds. There are some clippers that are perfectly suited to cut the nails of small birds like parakeets. If the nail of a bird is not cut properly it might cause the bird to perish due to blood loss so bird owners have to be very careful in cutting the nail at the right depth. There are nail products for birds that will stop the flow of blood.
Many birds love the water and there are many pet products for this purpose. Some of the more decorative bird baths are best suited for larger birds because they are perfectly suited to handle the additional weight found on larger birds. These bird baths can be anchored inside the cage, or placed in a controlled area of the house that is free from other pets such as cats and dogs.
There are pet products for birds that will help to keep their beaks in good condition. Items such as beak conditioners and mineral treats ensure that the bird has what is necessary to keep their beaks trim and conditioned enough so that they will not break off and cause harm to the bird. Many of these pet products for birds are flavored which make them more enjoyable.
There are various feeders that can be placed inside the cage for birds that are kept at home. These feeders can be cups that fit inside doors that are built into the side of cages, and there are other pet feeders that can be hung high in the cage to give the animal exercise. This will also help in keeping the bird from becoming bored with their living environment.
- Jim Brown