Nov
20
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Lance Groom asked:
Birds make great pets and are relatively easy to take care of. There are many different types of birds. There are birds that sing and birds that have beautiful colors. Although there is some work and planning that goes into having a bird.
There are several types of birds that are bred in captivity. A few of the most popular birds are parakeets, canaries, finches, and cockatiels. These birds are comfortable in most homes and are usually pretty well behaved.
Your bird should have a safe secure cage. The cage should be large enough so that the bird can fully extend it’s wings. Finches and canaries need room to fly short distances. Parakeet and cockatiels need room to climb. The bars should be 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch apart. This way the bird cannot escape or get stuck. You should line the bottom with hard wood shaving.
Place the cage away from drafts and away from direct sunlight. Birds are very sensitive to noise, smoke and large activity, so the cage should go in a quiet room. You should also place the bird at eye level. If you have other pets, such as dogs and cats you should make sure you put the cage in a place safe from them.
You should also put all kinds of toys in your birds cage. This will keep your bird occupied and will also keep him active. Another thing that birds like are mirrors. They enjoy talking to their reflection. You need to place different levels of perches around your birds cage. This way the bird can fly from perch to perch and get some exercise.
Feeding your bird isn’t that complicated. You can get a high quality seed mixture that is made especially for your type of bird. These include all the vegetables and fruits your bird will need. You can find that at most pet stores and even some super markets.
You should probably get a cuttlebone for your bird. A cuttlebone is a type of bone that your bird can pick at. There is calcium in this bone. That way your bird will get all the calcium it needs. You will also need a bird grit to help digestion. Another thing your bird will need is a supply of fresh water. You can keep the water in a little dish in the cage at all times. Make sure that it is always available. It is a good idea to give your bird little amounts of fruits and vegetables sometimes.
Birds clean themselves, so you don’t need to worry about giving them a bath. But you do need to clean your bird’s cage about once a week. You should change the saw dust and clean all the toys to get the bad germs off.
Most birds are very sociable. Parakeets, finches, and cockatiels get along with other birds. It would be okay to keep them in the same cage with another bird. But make sure that the cage is big enough for both birds.
You should take your bird out at least once a day. Try to get the bird used to being with humans. Most birds enjoy climbing on your head and nestling in your hair. But if you are going to let your bird out of it’s cage be sure that its wings are clipped. You will know when it is time of a clipping when your bird can start to get some flight.
Birds like everything else get sick. Some signs of sickness are dull and limply feathers, discharge around the eyes and noise, and wet and dirty around the ****. If you notice any of these signs you should take your bird to the vet. The vet will probably put your bird on some kind of medication.
Birds are very enjoyable. They are not that much work, but do show affection. They can be very comical too. They can do some pretty weird stuff. You can also teach them to talk and sing. Birds are very fun.
For More Information & Urgent Bird Care Downloads Please Visit: http://birdlackey.birdbook.hop.clickbank.net
Please Help Hurricane Katrina Victoms below: Visit “RED CROSS” by using the link below… http://www.redcross.org/
Victims of Hurricane Katrina are attempting to recover from the massive storm that is still making its way across the Mid-Atlantic States. American Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to the hardest hit areas of Katrina’s destruction, supplying hundreds of thousands victims left homeless with critical necessities. By making a financial gift to Hurricane 2005 Relief, the Red Cross can provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. http://www.redcross.org/
VALENTIN
Birds make great pets and are relatively easy to take care of. There are many different types of birds. There are birds that sing and birds that have beautiful colors. Although there is some work and planning that goes into having a bird.
There are several types of birds that are bred in captivity. A few of the most popular birds are parakeets, canaries, finches, and cockatiels. These birds are comfortable in most homes and are usually pretty well behaved.
Your bird should have a safe secure cage. The cage should be large enough so that the bird can fully extend it’s wings. Finches and canaries need room to fly short distances. Parakeet and cockatiels need room to climb. The bars should be 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch apart. This way the bird cannot escape or get stuck. You should line the bottom with hard wood shaving.
Place the cage away from drafts and away from direct sunlight. Birds are very sensitive to noise, smoke and large activity, so the cage should go in a quiet room. You should also place the bird at eye level. If you have other pets, such as dogs and cats you should make sure you put the cage in a place safe from them.
You should also put all kinds of toys in your birds cage. This will keep your bird occupied and will also keep him active. Another thing that birds like are mirrors. They enjoy talking to their reflection. You need to place different levels of perches around your birds cage. This way the bird can fly from perch to perch and get some exercise.
Feeding your bird isn’t that complicated. You can get a high quality seed mixture that is made especially for your type of bird. These include all the vegetables and fruits your bird will need. You can find that at most pet stores and even some super markets.
You should probably get a cuttlebone for your bird. A cuttlebone is a type of bone that your bird can pick at. There is calcium in this bone. That way your bird will get all the calcium it needs. You will also need a bird grit to help digestion. Another thing your bird will need is a supply of fresh water. You can keep the water in a little dish in the cage at all times. Make sure that it is always available. It is a good idea to give your bird little amounts of fruits and vegetables sometimes.
Birds clean themselves, so you don’t need to worry about giving them a bath. But you do need to clean your bird’s cage about once a week. You should change the saw dust and clean all the toys to get the bad germs off.
Most birds are very sociable. Parakeets, finches, and cockatiels get along with other birds. It would be okay to keep them in the same cage with another bird. But make sure that the cage is big enough for both birds.
You should take your bird out at least once a day. Try to get the bird used to being with humans. Most birds enjoy climbing on your head and nestling in your hair. But if you are going to let your bird out of it’s cage be sure that its wings are clipped. You will know when it is time of a clipping when your bird can start to get some flight.
Birds like everything else get sick. Some signs of sickness are dull and limply feathers, discharge around the eyes and noise, and wet and dirty around the ****. If you notice any of these signs you should take your bird to the vet. The vet will probably put your bird on some kind of medication.
Birds are very enjoyable. They are not that much work, but do show affection. They can be very comical too. They can do some pretty weird stuff. You can also teach them to talk and sing. Birds are very fun.
For More Information & Urgent Bird Care Downloads Please Visit: http://birdlackey.birdbook.hop.clickbank.net
Please Help Hurricane Katrina Victoms below: Visit “RED CROSS” by using the link below… http://www.redcross.org/
Victims of Hurricane Katrina are attempting to recover from the massive storm that is still making its way across the Mid-Atlantic States. American Red Cross volunteers have been deployed to the hardest hit areas of Katrina’s destruction, supplying hundreds of thousands victims left homeless with critical necessities. By making a financial gift to Hurricane 2005 Relief, the Red Cross can provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. http://www.redcross.org/
VALENTIN
Nov
18
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
John Savage asked:
Birds are the most visible form of wildlife, they are found in every part of the world that is not permanently covered by ice, and you can see them in any weather, any time of day or night, anywhere you go.
Whether you live in the country or the city, there are birds nearby, 835 species of birds spend at least part of the year in North America.
You can go out looking for birds or attract them to your home. Birding is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities all around the world. The Verb ‘To Bird’ would serve as an excellent jumping off point for a feature, which highlights the growing popularity of birding. More than 70 million Americans are feeding and watching backyard birds.
Success in bird watching is, to a large extent, based on location, either by venturing to locations or habitats where birds are plentiful, or by devising ways to attract birds to your own back yard. Birds seen at a distance may be enjoyable to watch, but the true excitement of the hobby is greatly enhanced when you can see the birds up very close.
Some of the most useful tools that enhance your bird-watching experience are those that makes birds easier to see in striking detail.
There are numerous ways to participate in the hobby of birding. Aside from simply viewing birds in nature, avid enthusiasts engage in numerous other activities.
Some of those may include: feeding birds, providing nesting sites or birdhouses, growing specialized plants and gardens to attract birds, traveling to nature sanctuaries and other bird-watching locales, keeping lists and notes on birds seen in the wild, making diagrams and sketches and spending hours trying to snap the perfect photograph of a favorite bird species.
In order to enhance your beautiful experience of bird watching in winter one can learn bird’s song. Birds’ strongest senses are sight and hearing, and they have evolved ways to communicate and to recognize their own species by using signals based on those two senses.
Because we are also creatures of sight and sound, we can tap right into all the fascinating distinctions of color and shape that birds embody, and just as naturally we can appreciate the sounds that are so important in their lives. As you begin to recognize bird songs, your own backyard will become a much more interesting place.
For me, it was like gaining supernatural vision, being able to see through the leaves and around buildings. I was amazed at how many birds were all around me and how much I had been missing out on.
To broaden your bird-watching experience beyond your own backyard, consider incorporating some bird-rich locales into your next vacation. Serious bird enthusiasts actually plan trips around visiting bird sanctuaries, nature parks and other natural locations where they can view birds in large numbers, in diversity of species and in their native habitats.
Traveling to a region of the country other than the one in which you live will allow you to see species you may have never seen before for e.g. • The southeastern Arizona Mountains known as “sky islands” and in particular the Chirachua mountains are home to many impressive species such as the acorn woodpecker
• One of the most distinctive attractions in this area, however, is the diversity of hummingbirds. As many as 14 different species may be observed here. The large magnificent hummingbird can only be found in the Southwest.
Some of the basic tips for bird watching are: • Try to observe the birds so they don’t know you are there. Move slowly, make as little noise as possible, and keep your distance. • Going too close to a nest or repeatedly scaring a bird off its nest can cause the parents to abandon their nest leaving the eggs vulnerable to predators. Do not touch the eggs or young birds. • Avoid trampling fragile natural areas to get a closer look. Stay on paths and trails. • Don’t litter.
Now once you have started on the bird watching its important to build a bird house, start the proper bird-feeding all year around, provide them with water either through bird bath or providing water specially in extreme weathers. In this way the birds would be attracted and would keep coming back to the backyard.
AARON
Birds are the most visible form of wildlife, they are found in every part of the world that is not permanently covered by ice, and you can see them in any weather, any time of day or night, anywhere you go.
Whether you live in the country or the city, there are birds nearby, 835 species of birds spend at least part of the year in North America.
You can go out looking for birds or attract them to your home. Birding is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities all around the world. The Verb ‘To Bird’ would serve as an excellent jumping off point for a feature, which highlights the growing popularity of birding. More than 70 million Americans are feeding and watching backyard birds.
Success in bird watching is, to a large extent, based on location, either by venturing to locations or habitats where birds are plentiful, or by devising ways to attract birds to your own back yard. Birds seen at a distance may be enjoyable to watch, but the true excitement of the hobby is greatly enhanced when you can see the birds up very close.
Some of the most useful tools that enhance your bird-watching experience are those that makes birds easier to see in striking detail.
There are numerous ways to participate in the hobby of birding. Aside from simply viewing birds in nature, avid enthusiasts engage in numerous other activities.
Some of those may include: feeding birds, providing nesting sites or birdhouses, growing specialized plants and gardens to attract birds, traveling to nature sanctuaries and other bird-watching locales, keeping lists and notes on birds seen in the wild, making diagrams and sketches and spending hours trying to snap the perfect photograph of a favorite bird species.
In order to enhance your beautiful experience of bird watching in winter one can learn bird’s song. Birds’ strongest senses are sight and hearing, and they have evolved ways to communicate and to recognize their own species by using signals based on those two senses.
Because we are also creatures of sight and sound, we can tap right into all the fascinating distinctions of color and shape that birds embody, and just as naturally we can appreciate the sounds that are so important in their lives. As you begin to recognize bird songs, your own backyard will become a much more interesting place.
For me, it was like gaining supernatural vision, being able to see through the leaves and around buildings. I was amazed at how many birds were all around me and how much I had been missing out on.
To broaden your bird-watching experience beyond your own backyard, consider incorporating some bird-rich locales into your next vacation. Serious bird enthusiasts actually plan trips around visiting bird sanctuaries, nature parks and other natural locations where they can view birds in large numbers, in diversity of species and in their native habitats.
Traveling to a region of the country other than the one in which you live will allow you to see species you may have never seen before for e.g. • The southeastern Arizona Mountains known as “sky islands” and in particular the Chirachua mountains are home to many impressive species such as the acorn woodpecker
• One of the most distinctive attractions in this area, however, is the diversity of hummingbirds. As many as 14 different species may be observed here. The large magnificent hummingbird can only be found in the Southwest.
Some of the basic tips for bird watching are: • Try to observe the birds so they don’t know you are there. Move slowly, make as little noise as possible, and keep your distance. • Going too close to a nest or repeatedly scaring a bird off its nest can cause the parents to abandon their nest leaving the eggs vulnerable to predators. Do not touch the eggs or young birds. • Avoid trampling fragile natural areas to get a closer look. Stay on paths and trails. • Don’t litter.
Now once you have started on the bird watching its important to build a bird house, start the proper bird-feeding all year around, provide them with water either through bird bath or providing water specially in extreme weathers. In this way the birds would be attracted and would keep coming back to the backyard.
AARON
Nov
16
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Neelima Reddy asked:
Pets are not always that are kept in a cage or locked in your place and adore it. They are some times left free or natural in state and still referred as pets, just like humming birds.
Humming birds come in all colors of the rainbow. A special feature of humming bird which attracted many people is that the color of the humming bird feathers change in sun light. Fortunately, people today have recognized that the feathers look great on the bird, rather than separating them from the bird.
In broad-spectrum, wild humming birds are not good pets, because these birds need a specialized diet and when not fed properly they get sick and die soon. A humming bird has very high metabolism rate.
They eat much food and need 3.14 to 7.6 calories per day. When compared with human’s metabolism, the bird’s metabolism rate is 77 times higher. A humming bird can digest a big fruit in just 10 minutes.
Humming birds prefer to live in large territories, which do not have any limits, where they can use their specialized flying techniques for finding food and mates for company. All these are impossible to provide in a small cage.
How to attract humming birds and maintain them as pets?
You do not need any big set up to attract humming birds; all you need is a garden full of flowers and a humming bird feeder (which attracts wild birds).
There is nothing more relaxing than having a sight of humming birds flying in your garden. Rather than shrubs, plants that bear flowers attract hummingbirds, as they drink nectar from the flowers.
Azalea, Butterfly Bush, Cape Honeysuckle, Manzanita, Mimosa, Red Buckeye, Coral Honey Suckle, Cypress Vine, Morning Glory, Trumpet Creeper, Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Columbine, Coral Bells, Four O’ Clock, Hummingbird Mint, Penstemon, Yucca, Fuchsia, Jewelweed, Petunia and Shrimp Plant attract humming birds to your garden.
It is a myth that hummingbirds are only attracted to red colored flowers. Humming birds apart from red colored flowers attracts to other colored flowers and light colored flowers.
Do not spray pesticides to kill the insects on the flowers. These pesticides can also harm your humming birds because these birds also feed on insects. So, stop bothering about insects that will spoil your plants and flowers. Humming bird will help in removing all the insects from the plant.
Bird feeders:
Usually the hummingbirds are not fed in bird feeders; they can search their food which is sufficient for their appetite. But, in winter, there is lack of food as the flowers shed and bird feeders are necessary to help feeding the birds.
Selecting a proper bird feeder is important. Primary need of a bird feeder is that should be in red color. Providing red color bird feeder will initially attract the birds and once they are used to the bird feeder, the feeder can be in any color. Some times, they can also be hung or kept in between flowers to recognize food source.
The main source of food that is provided in the feeder is nectar and even seeds can also be provided some times. Never use honey or artificial sweeteners in the feeder.
Honey is different from nectar, nectar is pure form obtained from the flowers and honey is fermented form with added sweetness.
Tips for caring bird feeder:
• Feeder should be cleaned every time before it gets refilled.
• Nectar should be changed for every 3-4 days.
• Never use harsh cleaning agents to clean your humming bird feeder.
• Rinse with hot water every time you change the nectar.
• Do not fill nectar in the feeder to its neck, maintain some space. Half fill the feeder, as the birds will not drink all the nectar and satisfy their hunger. Keep in mind that humming birds love to search food.
• If ants find your bird feeder, steps should be taken to control them. Ant moat is a small plastic cup that keeps ants away from the bird feeder.
If the birds find your plants interesting or your bird feeder interesting, they will visit again and again. Maintain a clean and hygienic garden and bird feeder to attract humming bird. Visit Pets Central Blog
ERNIE
Pets are not always that are kept in a cage or locked in your place and adore it. They are some times left free or natural in state and still referred as pets, just like humming birds.
Humming birds come in all colors of the rainbow. A special feature of humming bird which attracted many people is that the color of the humming bird feathers change in sun light. Fortunately, people today have recognized that the feathers look great on the bird, rather than separating them from the bird.
In broad-spectrum, wild humming birds are not good pets, because these birds need a specialized diet and when not fed properly they get sick and die soon. A humming bird has very high metabolism rate.
They eat much food and need 3.14 to 7.6 calories per day. When compared with human’s metabolism, the bird’s metabolism rate is 77 times higher. A humming bird can digest a big fruit in just 10 minutes.
Humming birds prefer to live in large territories, which do not have any limits, where they can use their specialized flying techniques for finding food and mates for company. All these are impossible to provide in a small cage.
How to attract humming birds and maintain them as pets?
You do not need any big set up to attract humming birds; all you need is a garden full of flowers and a humming bird feeder (which attracts wild birds).
There is nothing more relaxing than having a sight of humming birds flying in your garden. Rather than shrubs, plants that bear flowers attract hummingbirds, as they drink nectar from the flowers.
Azalea, Butterfly Bush, Cape Honeysuckle, Manzanita, Mimosa, Red Buckeye, Coral Honey Suckle, Cypress Vine, Morning Glory, Trumpet Creeper, Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Columbine, Coral Bells, Four O’ Clock, Hummingbird Mint, Penstemon, Yucca, Fuchsia, Jewelweed, Petunia and Shrimp Plant attract humming birds to your garden.
It is a myth that hummingbirds are only attracted to red colored flowers. Humming birds apart from red colored flowers attracts to other colored flowers and light colored flowers.
Do not spray pesticides to kill the insects on the flowers. These pesticides can also harm your humming birds because these birds also feed on insects. So, stop bothering about insects that will spoil your plants and flowers. Humming bird will help in removing all the insects from the plant.
Bird feeders:
Usually the hummingbirds are not fed in bird feeders; they can search their food which is sufficient for their appetite. But, in winter, there is lack of food as the flowers shed and bird feeders are necessary to help feeding the birds.
Selecting a proper bird feeder is important. Primary need of a bird feeder is that should be in red color. Providing red color bird feeder will initially attract the birds and once they are used to the bird feeder, the feeder can be in any color. Some times, they can also be hung or kept in between flowers to recognize food source.
The main source of food that is provided in the feeder is nectar and even seeds can also be provided some times. Never use honey or artificial sweeteners in the feeder.
Honey is different from nectar, nectar is pure form obtained from the flowers and honey is fermented form with added sweetness.
Tips for caring bird feeder:
• Feeder should be cleaned every time before it gets refilled.
• Nectar should be changed for every 3-4 days.
• Never use harsh cleaning agents to clean your humming bird feeder.
• Rinse with hot water every time you change the nectar.
• Do not fill nectar in the feeder to its neck, maintain some space. Half fill the feeder, as the birds will not drink all the nectar and satisfy their hunger. Keep in mind that humming birds love to search food.
• If ants find your bird feeder, steps should be taken to control them. Ant moat is a small plastic cup that keeps ants away from the bird feeder.
If the birds find your plants interesting or your bird feeder interesting, they will visit again and again. Maintain a clean and hygienic garden and bird feeder to attract humming bird. Visit Pets Central Blog
ERNIE
Nov
12
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Joseph Kortez asked:
Warm weather means a multitude of things for many different people. For Audubon enthusiasts out there, the springtime means the return of many different kinds of birds. As the weather once again becomes sunny and warm, our avian friends once again return to our skies, and greet them with their many songs. Of course, if you’re a fan of the feathered creatures, adding a bird feeder can be the best thing that you can add to your patio.
A well-placed bird feeder can invite your flying friends to come down for a visit, enjoy a meal, and catch up for a while before they move on to wherever their adventures may take them. But with so many out there, how can you tell which one is right for you? Will an open bird feeder encourage your feathered friends to stop in, or is a suet feeder right for you? Knowing the correct bird feeder for each situation will give you the most enjoyment throughout the year.
The key in selecting a bird feeder is knowing the advantages in each birdfeeder type, and how they can be of benefit to you. For instance, a tray or platform feeder will welcome birds of all kinds, because it is a large and open space. All it takes is clever placement, and a tray full of birdseed. However, birds will not be the only ones coming to visit: depending on what you put in, squirrels and chipmunks could provide competition for birds getting the best of your feeder.
A good bird feeder to protect your seed from other animals in the wild is the hopper-style feeder. This is a simple feeder that works similar to the tray feeder, with the exception that a hopper between two openings protects the seed from pests. The great thing about this feeder is the fact it will dispense seed as you run low, and will also encourage birds of all sizes to visit. However, these types of feeders can retain moisture after a rain, causing unused seed to mold, resulting in wasted seed.
If smaller birds are more your kind of game, consider utilizing a tube bird feeder. Tube bird feeders hang several perches and openings along a hollow tube, that dispenses the seed as the birds eat. This type of feeder welcomes many different birds to come visit your patio at once, as well as replenishes itself as time goes on. However, this kind of bird feeder only welcomes the smaller birds out there because of the perch size - reducing the amount of birds that will come and visit throughout the season.
Depending on the birds you want to attract, another option to consider is the suet cage bird feeder. This style is geared towards attracting bigger birds to your deck. To build, place suet inside a specially-built cage, and hang from your patio, deck, or a nearby tree. Birds will be attracted to the suet mixture, and will be drawn like moths to a flame. While this option will discourage smaller birds to come feed from your bird house, other bigger birds (such as chickadees, woodpeckers, and even nuthatches) will want to feed from your bird diner.
Despite popular belief, choosing the right bird feeder for your patio is not for the birds. Rather, it is a well thought out investment that will help bridge the gap between the great outdoors, and where your patio begins. Buy purchasing the right one for you, encouraging birds to come and enjoy the good weather with you will give you another option to enjoy what Mother Nature has in store throughout the yea
DANIEL
Warm weather means a multitude of things for many different people. For Audubon enthusiasts out there, the springtime means the return of many different kinds of birds. As the weather once again becomes sunny and warm, our avian friends once again return to our skies, and greet them with their many songs. Of course, if you’re a fan of the feathered creatures, adding a bird feeder can be the best thing that you can add to your patio.
A well-placed bird feeder can invite your flying friends to come down for a visit, enjoy a meal, and catch up for a while before they move on to wherever their adventures may take them. But with so many out there, how can you tell which one is right for you? Will an open bird feeder encourage your feathered friends to stop in, or is a suet feeder right for you? Knowing the correct bird feeder for each situation will give you the most enjoyment throughout the year.
The key in selecting a bird feeder is knowing the advantages in each birdfeeder type, and how they can be of benefit to you. For instance, a tray or platform feeder will welcome birds of all kinds, because it is a large and open space. All it takes is clever placement, and a tray full of birdseed. However, birds will not be the only ones coming to visit: depending on what you put in, squirrels and chipmunks could provide competition for birds getting the best of your feeder.
A good bird feeder to protect your seed from other animals in the wild is the hopper-style feeder. This is a simple feeder that works similar to the tray feeder, with the exception that a hopper between two openings protects the seed from pests. The great thing about this feeder is the fact it will dispense seed as you run low, and will also encourage birds of all sizes to visit. However, these types of feeders can retain moisture after a rain, causing unused seed to mold, resulting in wasted seed.
If smaller birds are more your kind of game, consider utilizing a tube bird feeder. Tube bird feeders hang several perches and openings along a hollow tube, that dispenses the seed as the birds eat. This type of feeder welcomes many different birds to come visit your patio at once, as well as replenishes itself as time goes on. However, this kind of bird feeder only welcomes the smaller birds out there because of the perch size - reducing the amount of birds that will come and visit throughout the season.
Depending on the birds you want to attract, another option to consider is the suet cage bird feeder. This style is geared towards attracting bigger birds to your deck. To build, place suet inside a specially-built cage, and hang from your patio, deck, or a nearby tree. Birds will be attracted to the suet mixture, and will be drawn like moths to a flame. While this option will discourage smaller birds to come feed from your bird house, other bigger birds (such as chickadees, woodpeckers, and even nuthatches) will want to feed from your bird diner.
Despite popular belief, choosing the right bird feeder for your patio is not for the birds. Rather, it is a well thought out investment that will help bridge the gap between the great outdoors, and where your patio begins. Buy purchasing the right one for you, encouraging birds to come and enjoy the good weather with you will give you another option to enjoy what Mother Nature has in store throughout the yea
DANIEL
Nov
8
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Joy Boothe asked:
Getting Appropriate Supplies For Your Particular Bird
One thing is certainly unmistakable, bird owners love their birds! As a lover of birds myself, I find that I do not always like to foce birds to be caged all day, I would like them to be able to discover and give them a sense of life in the wild without placing them in any harm. An easy approach to permit your bird to be free from the birdcage, and still be safe, is to get a playstand. Playtop cages and playstands offer your bird with the freedom of being out of the cage while still meeting their desire to explore and fly. Bird lovers everywhere have chosen playstands and playtop cages as an alternate location to enjoy the beauty, personalities and companionship of their pet birds.
The best bird cages are made out of stainless steel. While a little bit more pricey, the cages made of stainless steel can provide the durableness and security that will make them worth the extra cost. Higher quality bird cages don’t need to be replaced for a number of years and will provide your pet safety and comfort during its lifetime. You will discover that these bird cages are harder for your bird to escape from, easier to clean and don’t have lead or toxins that are often found in the construction of inferior birdcages. By investing in a quality bird cage, you’re promising your bird a life of comfort and protection.
Whether you have got Budgies or a Macaw Parrot sized bird, bird toys will supply countless hours of relaxation. A relaxed and happy bird enjoys a longer life and better health. A good toy will help your bird relax and unwind or even offer a challenge or some adventure. Be certain the bird toys you choose are made from high quality material like stainless steel. Don’t buy toys that may be toxic, broken, or easily swallowed, and toys that may entangle your bird. Not all toys are good for every breed of bird. A respectable pet supply store should help you pick the perfect toys for your bird.
We all recognize the value of choosing high quality bird supplies. But digging through numerous products and brand names can certainly be overwhelming at times. So where do you go to find birdcages that are the proper size and soundly built? Swings, bird toys or landing places that are long lasting, non-toxic and safe? You are better off finding an established company, one that understands and recognizes the needs of birds. You will want to look for one that is willing to back up their products. A reliable business will offer customer service to answer your questions and help you get the right product to meet the needs for your particular bird.
Decorative Dometop Victorian bird cages produce an exciting focus to nearly any kind of house. From the quaint, to the extraordinary, there is a cage for everybody’s taste. When choosing a home for your bird, find some time to find something that provides style and comfort as well as safety. Be sure that whatever you choose doesn’t have any toxic paints or finishes that might harm your pet. Stay clear of cages with parts that could break off or sharp edges. Most of all, be certain the birdcage you pick out is big enough so that your bird can be housed safely.
MERRILL
Getting Appropriate Supplies For Your Particular Bird
One thing is certainly unmistakable, bird owners love their birds! As a lover of birds myself, I find that I do not always like to foce birds to be caged all day, I would like them to be able to discover and give them a sense of life in the wild without placing them in any harm. An easy approach to permit your bird to be free from the birdcage, and still be safe, is to get a playstand. Playtop cages and playstands offer your bird with the freedom of being out of the cage while still meeting their desire to explore and fly. Bird lovers everywhere have chosen playstands and playtop cages as an alternate location to enjoy the beauty, personalities and companionship of their pet birds.
The best bird cages are made out of stainless steel. While a little bit more pricey, the cages made of stainless steel can provide the durableness and security that will make them worth the extra cost. Higher quality bird cages don’t need to be replaced for a number of years and will provide your pet safety and comfort during its lifetime. You will discover that these bird cages are harder for your bird to escape from, easier to clean and don’t have lead or toxins that are often found in the construction of inferior birdcages. By investing in a quality bird cage, you’re promising your bird a life of comfort and protection.
Whether you have got Budgies or a Macaw Parrot sized bird, bird toys will supply countless hours of relaxation. A relaxed and happy bird enjoys a longer life and better health. A good toy will help your bird relax and unwind or even offer a challenge or some adventure. Be certain the bird toys you choose are made from high quality material like stainless steel. Don’t buy toys that may be toxic, broken, or easily swallowed, and toys that may entangle your bird. Not all toys are good for every breed of bird. A respectable pet supply store should help you pick the perfect toys for your bird.
We all recognize the value of choosing high quality bird supplies. But digging through numerous products and brand names can certainly be overwhelming at times. So where do you go to find birdcages that are the proper size and soundly built? Swings, bird toys or landing places that are long lasting, non-toxic and safe? You are better off finding an established company, one that understands and recognizes the needs of birds. You will want to look for one that is willing to back up their products. A reliable business will offer customer service to answer your questions and help you get the right product to meet the needs for your particular bird.
Decorative Dometop Victorian bird cages produce an exciting focus to nearly any kind of house. From the quaint, to the extraordinary, there is a cage for everybody’s taste. When choosing a home for your bird, find some time to find something that provides style and comfort as well as safety. Be sure that whatever you choose doesn’t have any toxic paints or finishes that might harm your pet. Stay clear of cages with parts that could break off or sharp edges. Most of all, be certain the birdcage you pick out is big enough so that your bird can be housed safely.
MERRILL
Oct
28
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Cindy Heller asked:
If you are a keen bird watcher, you should seriously consider placing a bird house in your garden. A bird house is a good approach to bring a little bit of nature closer to your home. Perhaps you reason that you can go to zoo or aquarium to enjoy nature. You even can spend some days to go hiking to achieve the same thing. However, it is always pleasurable to be able to enjoy nature from the comfort of your home. Furthermore, by placing a bird house in the garden, at least you contribute to the environment by providing an essential place for birds to nest in.
Choosing the right bird house for your garden
There are many types of bird house that you can choose and sometimes it can become confusing to choose the right one. In this case, the first thing that you should consider is the size of your garden. If you have a large garden, then you can choose a big bird house that can accommodate many birds. On the other hand, it is better to have a small bird house if you only have a limited space.
Another consideration in choosing a bird house is where you want to place it. If you plan to attach the bird house to an existing tree, then it is better to choose the small one. On the contrary, you can choose a big bird house if you plan to have a stand alone bird house instead.
Bird house also comes in different designs and thus you should select the one that can complement the existing exterior design of your house. A bird house will function as a decoration in your garden and thus you should match its appearance with the surrounding environment.
After you find a perfect bird house for your garden, you should also consider the type of birds that you want to attract. You should make sure that the bird house can accommodate or suitable for those birds. Afterwards you can go to local and pet stores to find the right bird seeds to attract birds. In this case, you should know various types of birds in your local area. If a particular type of birds is not available there, it is impossible to attract them even if you buy seeds and prepare a bird house for those birds.
You can prepare special seeds for foreign birds if you know for sure that your area is part of their migration route. It will be interesting to watch these new birds for a change after you watch the same ones for considerable amount of time.
If you have placed the bird house in the proper location and fill the bird feeder with enough seeds, then it is time to relax and enjoy the sight of birds that visit your garden. It is fun to watch these birds play and raise their families. If you have children, this can become an excellent opportunity to educate them about local wildlife. You also can teach them the importance of conserving the environment for our future generations.
If you get bored with the existing bird house, you can customize it or even build your own bird house. You can start finding bird house plans from the internet and choose the design that you like. Make sure that you have tools and necessary skills to make the bird house though. After you find a perfect plan, you can buy necessary materials and start making the bird house. This is also a good project that can be done by the whole family during the weekend.
JOSHUA
If you are a keen bird watcher, you should seriously consider placing a bird house in your garden. A bird house is a good approach to bring a little bit of nature closer to your home. Perhaps you reason that you can go to zoo or aquarium to enjoy nature. You even can spend some days to go hiking to achieve the same thing. However, it is always pleasurable to be able to enjoy nature from the comfort of your home. Furthermore, by placing a bird house in the garden, at least you contribute to the environment by providing an essential place for birds to nest in.
Choosing the right bird house for your garden
There are many types of bird house that you can choose and sometimes it can become confusing to choose the right one. In this case, the first thing that you should consider is the size of your garden. If you have a large garden, then you can choose a big bird house that can accommodate many birds. On the other hand, it is better to have a small bird house if you only have a limited space.
Another consideration in choosing a bird house is where you want to place it. If you plan to attach the bird house to an existing tree, then it is better to choose the small one. On the contrary, you can choose a big bird house if you plan to have a stand alone bird house instead.
Bird house also comes in different designs and thus you should select the one that can complement the existing exterior design of your house. A bird house will function as a decoration in your garden and thus you should match its appearance with the surrounding environment.
After you find a perfect bird house for your garden, you should also consider the type of birds that you want to attract. You should make sure that the bird house can accommodate or suitable for those birds. Afterwards you can go to local and pet stores to find the right bird seeds to attract birds. In this case, you should know various types of birds in your local area. If a particular type of birds is not available there, it is impossible to attract them even if you buy seeds and prepare a bird house for those birds.
You can prepare special seeds for foreign birds if you know for sure that your area is part of their migration route. It will be interesting to watch these new birds for a change after you watch the same ones for considerable amount of time.
If you have placed the bird house in the proper location and fill the bird feeder with enough seeds, then it is time to relax and enjoy the sight of birds that visit your garden. It is fun to watch these birds play and raise their families. If you have children, this can become an excellent opportunity to educate them about local wildlife. You also can teach them the importance of conserving the environment for our future generations.
If you get bored with the existing bird house, you can customize it or even build your own bird house. You can start finding bird house plans from the internet and choose the design that you like. Make sure that you have tools and necessary skills to make the bird house though. After you find a perfect plan, you can buy necessary materials and start making the bird house. This is also a good project that can be done by the whole family during the weekend.
JOSHUA
Oct
25
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Julie Souto asked:
Bird watching can be a very fun and interesting activity once you are familiar with the thing that you need to know when doing it. The first thing that you need to familiarize yourself about bird watching is identifying the bird that you will watch.
This very task is quite challenging because it is not easy to identify them especially when they are so many feet away from the ground. Since birds are energetic and active animals, you need a clear and quick eye to be able to see as many details possible in such as very short period of time.
Aside from being too far away from you, other problems that you might encounter-especially if you are a first time bird watcher-is the dim light shaded by trees, the glint of sunlight that can affect your sight, and the hidden places where birds go to play. So, when you are into bird watching, it is always best to have a general knowledge on bird’s attitudes and observe them carefully. You might not name them properly the first time but you definitely can the next time if you pay proper attention in observing them.
The following are just of the helpful tips that can help you in your very first bird watching session:
- Always keep on eye on one bird. Bird watching is more effective if one uses a binocular. When you are bird watching, try to spot only one bird that catches your attention. Once you have seen one, never take your eyes off it because it might fly to a place where you cannot see it.
In most bird watching centers, beginners are given a field guide in a form of a booklet or brochure so they can identify the bird once they have seen one. Once you know what is it, take time to observe its physical details as well as its behaviors and mannerisms. Make sure that you observe the bird’s movements, markings, feeding habits, songs, color, and size so you can easily identify it the next time you see it.
- Make sure that you listen intently for the bird’s calls and song. Although listening for a bird’s song is easy, it doesn’t stay long in a person’s memory. What you should do is to listen intently when the bird calls or sings and play the bird’s song in your mind repetitively. Listening to a bird’s call and song is important because it can help you identify the bird even without seeing it.
- Take time to estimate the bird’s shape and general size. The average shape and size of the bird will give you a huge clue in finding out the family it came from. In bird watching, make sure that you assess its overall appearance and take note of its approximate size and shape. Once you can tell from the size and shape of the bird what kind is it, then you are doing good.
- Pay attention to the bill characteristics and ****** markings of the bird in sight. This is one of the hardest things to do because the average of almost all birds are small. They also keep on moving so it will be hard to take note any unique markings on their faces. It is also equally hard to take note of characteristics of its bills because most birds keep on pecking all the time.
To get these details, spot a bird that doesn’t fly around that much. Once you found one, start observing it head by looking for any distinguishing hue patches or color strips. These can be present in their eye lines, crowns, napes, and arcs or in the rings.
SALVATORE
Bird watching can be a very fun and interesting activity once you are familiar with the thing that you need to know when doing it. The first thing that you need to familiarize yourself about bird watching is identifying the bird that you will watch.
This very task is quite challenging because it is not easy to identify them especially when they are so many feet away from the ground. Since birds are energetic and active animals, you need a clear and quick eye to be able to see as many details possible in such as very short period of time.
Aside from being too far away from you, other problems that you might encounter-especially if you are a first time bird watcher-is the dim light shaded by trees, the glint of sunlight that can affect your sight, and the hidden places where birds go to play. So, when you are into bird watching, it is always best to have a general knowledge on bird’s attitudes and observe them carefully. You might not name them properly the first time but you definitely can the next time if you pay proper attention in observing them.
The following are just of the helpful tips that can help you in your very first bird watching session:
- Always keep on eye on one bird. Bird watching is more effective if one uses a binocular. When you are bird watching, try to spot only one bird that catches your attention. Once you have seen one, never take your eyes off it because it might fly to a place where you cannot see it.
In most bird watching centers, beginners are given a field guide in a form of a booklet or brochure so they can identify the bird once they have seen one. Once you know what is it, take time to observe its physical details as well as its behaviors and mannerisms. Make sure that you observe the bird’s movements, markings, feeding habits, songs, color, and size so you can easily identify it the next time you see it.
- Make sure that you listen intently for the bird’s calls and song. Although listening for a bird’s song is easy, it doesn’t stay long in a person’s memory. What you should do is to listen intently when the bird calls or sings and play the bird’s song in your mind repetitively. Listening to a bird’s call and song is important because it can help you identify the bird even without seeing it.
- Take time to estimate the bird’s shape and general size. The average shape and size of the bird will give you a huge clue in finding out the family it came from. In bird watching, make sure that you assess its overall appearance and take note of its approximate size and shape. Once you can tell from the size and shape of the bird what kind is it, then you are doing good.
- Pay attention to the bill characteristics and ****** markings of the bird in sight. This is one of the hardest things to do because the average of almost all birds are small. They also keep on moving so it will be hard to take note any unique markings on their faces. It is also equally hard to take note of characteristics of its bills because most birds keep on pecking all the time.
To get these details, spot a bird that doesn’t fly around that much. Once you found one, start observing it head by looking for any distinguishing hue patches or color strips. These can be present in their eye lines, crowns, napes, and arcs or in the rings.
SALVATORE
Oct
15
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Bird Care Guide asked:
If you believe birds are captivating creatures, then we have something in common! There are many birds that make terrific pets, while some of them just need to be left out in their natural environment. There is a pet bird out there for every bird lover. There are some individuals that enjoy large birds, while other people just enjoy little canaries that sit in their cage singing pretty tunes all day. Whatever you do, you should make sure you are completely prepared to take on the responsibility of a pet. If you have any doubts about taking in a pet or you are away from your home for long periods of time, then you may want to reconsider your plans of getting a bird–or any other pet. As you read this article, you will earn what to expect when caring for a bird.
Some of those wonderful creatures are very colorful, while the others are almost humorous. If you know about the type of bird you are looking for as a pet, then you should have a perception of what to expect from your new pet. This means you will need to do a proper amount of research on the bird before you bring it home. Try to look for a basic bird guide online.
When you get this pet, as long as you are ready to take on the responsibility of having a pet, we know you are going to be very happy. This is because birds make great companions. You will find your bird willing to do a lot of the things you do. In fact, when you take a shower, you bird may even want to be there with you!
When you’re eating, your bird may wish to watch you, and in many cases, they’ll attempt to eat from your dinner plate. Can you believe that some birds will repeat everything you say? Some birds are so intelligent that you will fid yourself able to understand complete sentences–which actually make sense!
You should make sure you put your bird in a cage that has a lot of room. This is especially important for those birds that spend a great deal of time in their cage. Your bird is going to require plenty of room to move about. Basically, if your bird is not able to stretch his wings and flap them without hitting the sides of the cage, then the cage is too small and you should get a new one. You might also try to gather information regarding accessories for birds, so that you are better prepared to meet your bird’s needs. Now that you know what to expect when caring for a bird, do you think you’re ready?
KENT
If you believe birds are captivating creatures, then we have something in common! There are many birds that make terrific pets, while some of them just need to be left out in their natural environment. There is a pet bird out there for every bird lover. There are some individuals that enjoy large birds, while other people just enjoy little canaries that sit in their cage singing pretty tunes all day. Whatever you do, you should make sure you are completely prepared to take on the responsibility of a pet. If you have any doubts about taking in a pet or you are away from your home for long periods of time, then you may want to reconsider your plans of getting a bird–or any other pet. As you read this article, you will earn what to expect when caring for a bird.
Some of those wonderful creatures are very colorful, while the others are almost humorous. If you know about the type of bird you are looking for as a pet, then you should have a perception of what to expect from your new pet. This means you will need to do a proper amount of research on the bird before you bring it home. Try to look for a basic bird guide online.
When you get this pet, as long as you are ready to take on the responsibility of having a pet, we know you are going to be very happy. This is because birds make great companions. You will find your bird willing to do a lot of the things you do. In fact, when you take a shower, you bird may even want to be there with you!
When you’re eating, your bird may wish to watch you, and in many cases, they’ll attempt to eat from your dinner plate. Can you believe that some birds will repeat everything you say? Some birds are so intelligent that you will fid yourself able to understand complete sentences–which actually make sense!
You should make sure you put your bird in a cage that has a lot of room. This is especially important for those birds that spend a great deal of time in their cage. Your bird is going to require plenty of room to move about. Basically, if your bird is not able to stretch his wings and flap them without hitting the sides of the cage, then the cage is too small and you should get a new one. You might also try to gather information regarding accessories for birds, so that you are better prepared to meet your bird’s needs. Now that you know what to expect when caring for a bird, do you think you’re ready?
KENT
Oct
14
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Limoeg Veigroeg asked:
If you wonder why you need flight bird cages, which are taller and wider than the average cages, the answer is that if you want your bird to feel comfortably, you should think about that. In flight bird cages your bird will be kept completely healthy. There is more space and your bird will be able to fly freely. Although small flight bird cages also have some advantages, they are good when you travel with your bird or for the night. Here are some arguments for buying flight bird cages instead of general ones.
Everybody knows that exercises are important if you want to be fit, the same is with birds. Their exercise is flying and it is important for their skeletal and muscle structures, heart beating and resistance to diseases. In good weather it is better to put your bird outdoors in flight bird cages which is important for their health, of course it should be done regularly for a while. Screeching or feather picking will not be a trouble any more when your bird is outside on a regular basis.
You will be glad to see your bird flying and you would like to encourage that behavior.If you notice that your bird normally flits side to side, you should consider buying wider flight bird cages where the bird will be happier and more comfortable. Flight bird cages are also ideal for breeding birds because they have several perches and feeders for multiple birds. Birds communicate with their ‘partners’ by flying and their status can be expressed by their flight. How can they understand whether the bird is single or not? What about you? Will you merry someone without dating? The same is with birds. Also flight prevents your bird of being tense .In small cages they may become aggressive with behavioral problems.
It is very important if your bird has never been in flight bird cages to move him slowly step by step. At first gradually move him out of his small cage for a few minutes, then increase the period until the bird feels comfortable.Doing this you will decrease the bird’s stress and nervousness. If there are other birds in the flight bird cage, hang the bird at the highest point to be sure that he can easily watch them. Be aware that your bird has to be in good shape, if he is sick, wait before placing him in flight bird cages because he will use a lot of energy to get around and this could slow down the recovery process. Flight bird cages are easier to clean and make you and your bird happier.
DARRIN
If you wonder why you need flight bird cages, which are taller and wider than the average cages, the answer is that if you want your bird to feel comfortably, you should think about that. In flight bird cages your bird will be kept completely healthy. There is more space and your bird will be able to fly freely. Although small flight bird cages also have some advantages, they are good when you travel with your bird or for the night. Here are some arguments for buying flight bird cages instead of general ones.
Everybody knows that exercises are important if you want to be fit, the same is with birds. Their exercise is flying and it is important for their skeletal and muscle structures, heart beating and resistance to diseases. In good weather it is better to put your bird outdoors in flight bird cages which is important for their health, of course it should be done regularly for a while. Screeching or feather picking will not be a trouble any more when your bird is outside on a regular basis.
You will be glad to see your bird flying and you would like to encourage that behavior.If you notice that your bird normally flits side to side, you should consider buying wider flight bird cages where the bird will be happier and more comfortable. Flight bird cages are also ideal for breeding birds because they have several perches and feeders for multiple birds. Birds communicate with their ‘partners’ by flying and their status can be expressed by their flight. How can they understand whether the bird is single or not? What about you? Will you merry someone without dating? The same is with birds. Also flight prevents your bird of being tense .In small cages they may become aggressive with behavioral problems.
It is very important if your bird has never been in flight bird cages to move him slowly step by step. At first gradually move him out of his small cage for a few minutes, then increase the period until the bird feels comfortable.Doing this you will decrease the bird’s stress and nervousness. If there are other birds in the flight bird cage, hang the bird at the highest point to be sure that he can easily watch them. Be aware that your bird has to be in good shape, if he is sick, wait before placing him in flight bird cages because he will use a lot of energy to get around and this could slow down the recovery process. Flight bird cages are easier to clean and make you and your bird happier.
DARRIN
Oct
10
Filed Under Pets | Comments Off
Kelli asked:
WOOD
Birds need to chew, wood is an excellent material to satisfy this natural urge. Birds play most often with wood toys. Wooden toys are meant to be destroyed. Some bird owners may be frustrated by the destructive nature of their parrots. However, chewing is a natural instinct and vital to birds mental and physical well-being. If you provide only acrylic toys they will often find other, more expensive ways to satisfy their chewing needs (i.e., molding, furniture). It is important to know what woods are safe for your bird. Both soft and hardwoods are commonly used in toys.
Safe Woods (not a complete list):
Pine, Balsa, Birch, Basswood, Poplar, Maple, Walnut, Ash, Apple, Elm, Cactus (Cholla) and Manzanita
Unsafe Woods (not a complete list):
Cedar, Red Cherry, Plywood. Oak
If you like to make your own toys NEVER use pressure treated wood, it is treated with arsenic and will poison your bird. If using natural branches make sure they have not been exposed to insecticides. Also, take care to collect branches in areas removed from highways where plant life may have absorbed toxic emissions from cars. Scrub all branches with a non-toxic disinfectant (dilute chlorine bleach), rinse and dry thoroughly.
If you need to clean wood toys, don’t soak them. It is best to wipe them clean with a damp cloth or sand the soiled area until clean. If your bird likes to dunk his toys beware that moisture can promote bacterial growth and the toys should either be discarded or thoroughly cleaned and dried in a low temperature oven before returning them to the bird.
Birds are able to distinguish colors therefore color makes wood toys more attractive and interesting to birds. Manufacturers usually color wood with food coloring or vegetable dyes. We don’t believe in flavoring wood as the bird should not be encouraged to ingest the wood and, unless properly controlled, the fruit sugars often used provide a perfect medium for bacterial growth. Do not buy toys that have been stained or varnished to add color. If you are interested in a toy with painted parts (ie, ABC blocks) make sure that only non-toxic, child safe paints were used.
ROPE
Several kinds of rope are used in bird toys. Only 100% natural fiber ropes such as cotton, hemp (jute), or sisal should be used in bird toys. Nylon blend ropes should never be used as they can result in serious injury and cuts due to the strength of the strands if the birds get caught in it. Ropes can be safe as long as they are maintained properly and the bird’s beak and nails are kept trim. There have been safety problems noted when excessive fraying occurs. Birds have choked and lost circulation to legs by getting tangled in ill maintained ropes. Rope toys have proven very beneficial in solving feather picking problems and therefore we don’t like to discount rope as a viable material. Bird owners have a responsibility to check their bird’s rope toys daily and to cut back or discard rope toys when they become frayed and present a hazard to their bird.
CHAIN
Chain should have welded not open links. Un-welded chain provides sharp surfaces and narrow openings which have been known to cut toes. Make sure the links are a safe size for your bird, if toes get caught in the links the result can be broken toes or legs. Chain length is also a consideration as a long length of chain could conceivably end up wrapped around a bird’s neck during a vigorous play session. As the wood components are chewed off, a chain hazard could develop. Owners must monitor the status of toys and ensure that as they physically change safety hazards do not develop.
FASTENERS
This is a crucial area of concern as good fasteners are expensive and therefore many manufacturers cut corners and use potentially unsafe items such as split key rings or dog leash type snap hooks. Birds have been cut and lost circulation to toes and tongues on toys utilizing split rings and spring type clamps. For conures or larger birds we recommend either Quick-links (also sometimes called C-clamps) or Pear links to attach toys to the bird’s play area. They come in a variety of sizes and can be tightened with a wrench easily to prevent the bird from unhooking his toys. This type of fastener provides the least potential for injury. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be purchased from your local hardware store if needed to replace unsafe fasteners from existing toys.
Do not use split key rings, spring loaded clips or metal shower rings to fasten your toys. Small hardware pieces can be ingested accidentally. Birds have cut toes and tongues on split rings and spring type clamps.
ZINC
A lot has been mentioned recently about zinc toxicity in birds. Many bird toys are made with zinc coated (galvanized) metal components. Zinc is also commonly found in cage powder coatings. Some avian health specialists have stated that in order for zinc related health problems to result that the parrot must actually swallow the metal components and that “beaking” the parts is insufficient for toxicity to develop unless the galvanized coating is extremely brittle and flaky. If a bird spends a lot of time chewing on toy hardware (i.e., washers, quick links, wire) then it is possible they will ingest enough zinc to build up toxic levels in their systems over time. Owners who are worried about the possible health effects can often find stainless steel replacement components at their local hardware store. This option is also often much more cost effective to the consumer than buying toys constructed with stainless steel parts.
PLASTICS
Acrylics are used in many toys today and if sized properly to the bird are virtually indestructible. If purchasing acrylic toys we recommend the acrylic have a minimum thickness of 3/16?. Recently, there has been a shift back towards wood toys because although the acrylics are durable and attractive they are also not as fun for the bird who likes to chew. We recommend that a few of your birds toys be acrylic or a blend of acrylic and wood, they will be long lasting and the bright colors used are stimulating to your bird.
When considering toys with plastic components a bird owner must consider the nature of the plastic component (i.e., soft vs. brittle) relative to the size of the bird. Brittle plastics should not be given to larger birds because when they break very sharp, cutting edges are formed and if swallowed accidentally could result in ruptured organs. Hard plastic toys specifically designed for parakeets and cockatiels should not be given to larger birds with the beak power to destroy them.
LEATHER
Leather is a great material for birds to safely play with and chew on. Most birds especially like to spend hours untying knots made in leather strips.
Only vegetable tanned leather should be used on bird toys. Do not buy toys with dyed leather or leather tanned with chemicals as most are toxic to birds (i.e., chromium, formaldehyde). For this reason you should also not retire old shoes, belts and pocketbooks to your birds toy chest.
Replace leather if soiled or wet. Bacteria will flourish under these conditions. Many toy companies will sell replacement leather strips.
When hanging toys strung on leather (or rope or chain), avoid leaving a long strand between the toy and the cage. Some birds when rambunctious with their toys can get the leather wrapped around their necks and strangle. It is best to tie the toy close to the bars of the cage.
RINGS
When choosing toys with rings or large plastic chain links make sure that the rings are of a size that the bird can’t get his head stuck in them and choke. Also beware of toys with multiple rings looped directly together as birds have met similar fates when they have been trapped between the rings.
BELLS
Birds love to make noise and bells provide a fun source for their merrymaking. If a bird is mechanically inclined and can remove the clapper the potential exists for swallowing/choking. Make sure the bell clapper can not be removed by the bird. If it is not securely fastened either remove it or weld it (we recommend silver solder). Make sure the clapper is not lead (toxic), if it is lead you will be able to dent the clapper with your fingernail. Do not buys toys that use jingle type bells, toes can become caught and cut in the wide to narrow openings, we recommend the cow or liberty bell design. Appropriately size the bell to the bird so it will be able to withstand the power of the beak.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Just because the label says the product is safe doesn’t mean that it’s OK for your bird. Any toy has the potential to be unsafe if improperly sized to the bird. Ask your toy vendor or bird store owner for help or advice on choosing a toy appropriate for your bird.
As with kids, no toy is 100% safe for all birds. Use common sense and supervise your bird when you first give him a new toy. Observe how he interacts with the toy to determine how best to hang it and where and when to allow him to play with it (some toys are safer outside the cage).
Provide a wide variety of toys and rotate them in and out of the cage or play area. Variety will help alleviate boredom and keep your bird more alert and curious. Keep 2-3 toys minimum in the birds cage and don’t overstuff the cage so the bird doesn’t have room to move.
Don’t assume that if your bird doesn’t like a toy that it won’t play with any toy. Try something different and take the time to observe what your bird finds interesting in terms of design, texture or size.
Introduce toys to baby birds but make them small…don’t intimidate them. Hand toys are some of the safest toys available and they are especially great for young birds as they help to develop hand-eye coordination.
Play with your bird…most birds think it’s great fun to chase balls across the floor or couch, play “catch” or “pick it up” with mom or dad.
This guide is by no means comprehensive but we have tried to address as many issues as possible. When in doubt, ask for help. We sincerely wish you a long, happy and healthy relationship with your bird.
TRACEY
WOOD
Birds need to chew, wood is an excellent material to satisfy this natural urge. Birds play most often with wood toys. Wooden toys are meant to be destroyed. Some bird owners may be frustrated by the destructive nature of their parrots. However, chewing is a natural instinct and vital to birds mental and physical well-being. If you provide only acrylic toys they will often find other, more expensive ways to satisfy their chewing needs (i.e., molding, furniture). It is important to know what woods are safe for your bird. Both soft and hardwoods are commonly used in toys.
Safe Woods (not a complete list):
Pine, Balsa, Birch, Basswood, Poplar, Maple, Walnut, Ash, Apple, Elm, Cactus (Cholla) and Manzanita
Unsafe Woods (not a complete list):
Cedar, Red Cherry, Plywood. Oak
If you like to make your own toys NEVER use pressure treated wood, it is treated with arsenic and will poison your bird. If using natural branches make sure they have not been exposed to insecticides. Also, take care to collect branches in areas removed from highways where plant life may have absorbed toxic emissions from cars. Scrub all branches with a non-toxic disinfectant (dilute chlorine bleach), rinse and dry thoroughly.
If you need to clean wood toys, don’t soak them. It is best to wipe them clean with a damp cloth or sand the soiled area until clean. If your bird likes to dunk his toys beware that moisture can promote bacterial growth and the toys should either be discarded or thoroughly cleaned and dried in a low temperature oven before returning them to the bird.
Birds are able to distinguish colors therefore color makes wood toys more attractive and interesting to birds. Manufacturers usually color wood with food coloring or vegetable dyes. We don’t believe in flavoring wood as the bird should not be encouraged to ingest the wood and, unless properly controlled, the fruit sugars often used provide a perfect medium for bacterial growth. Do not buy toys that have been stained or varnished to add color. If you are interested in a toy with painted parts (ie, ABC blocks) make sure that only non-toxic, child safe paints were used.
ROPE
Several kinds of rope are used in bird toys. Only 100% natural fiber ropes such as cotton, hemp (jute), or sisal should be used in bird toys. Nylon blend ropes should never be used as they can result in serious injury and cuts due to the strength of the strands if the birds get caught in it. Ropes can be safe as long as they are maintained properly and the bird’s beak and nails are kept trim. There have been safety problems noted when excessive fraying occurs. Birds have choked and lost circulation to legs by getting tangled in ill maintained ropes. Rope toys have proven very beneficial in solving feather picking problems and therefore we don’t like to discount rope as a viable material. Bird owners have a responsibility to check their bird’s rope toys daily and to cut back or discard rope toys when they become frayed and present a hazard to their bird.
CHAIN
Chain should have welded not open links. Un-welded chain provides sharp surfaces and narrow openings which have been known to cut toes. Make sure the links are a safe size for your bird, if toes get caught in the links the result can be broken toes or legs. Chain length is also a consideration as a long length of chain could conceivably end up wrapped around a bird’s neck during a vigorous play session. As the wood components are chewed off, a chain hazard could develop. Owners must monitor the status of toys and ensure that as they physically change safety hazards do not develop.
FASTENERS
This is a crucial area of concern as good fasteners are expensive and therefore many manufacturers cut corners and use potentially unsafe items such as split key rings or dog leash type snap hooks. Birds have been cut and lost circulation to toes and tongues on toys utilizing split rings and spring type clamps. For conures or larger birds we recommend either Quick-links (also sometimes called C-clamps) or Pear links to attach toys to the bird’s play area. They come in a variety of sizes and can be tightened with a wrench easily to prevent the bird from unhooking his toys. This type of fastener provides the least potential for injury. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be purchased from your local hardware store if needed to replace unsafe fasteners from existing toys.
Do not use split key rings, spring loaded clips or metal shower rings to fasten your toys. Small hardware pieces can be ingested accidentally. Birds have cut toes and tongues on split rings and spring type clamps.
ZINC
A lot has been mentioned recently about zinc toxicity in birds. Many bird toys are made with zinc coated (galvanized) metal components. Zinc is also commonly found in cage powder coatings. Some avian health specialists have stated that in order for zinc related health problems to result that the parrot must actually swallow the metal components and that “beaking” the parts is insufficient for toxicity to develop unless the galvanized coating is extremely brittle and flaky. If a bird spends a lot of time chewing on toy hardware (i.e., washers, quick links, wire) then it is possible they will ingest enough zinc to build up toxic levels in their systems over time. Owners who are worried about the possible health effects can often find stainless steel replacement components at their local hardware store. This option is also often much more cost effective to the consumer than buying toys constructed with stainless steel parts.
PLASTICS
Acrylics are used in many toys today and if sized properly to the bird are virtually indestructible. If purchasing acrylic toys we recommend the acrylic have a minimum thickness of 3/16?. Recently, there has been a shift back towards wood toys because although the acrylics are durable and attractive they are also not as fun for the bird who likes to chew. We recommend that a few of your birds toys be acrylic or a blend of acrylic and wood, they will be long lasting and the bright colors used are stimulating to your bird.
When considering toys with plastic components a bird owner must consider the nature of the plastic component (i.e., soft vs. brittle) relative to the size of the bird. Brittle plastics should not be given to larger birds because when they break very sharp, cutting edges are formed and if swallowed accidentally could result in ruptured organs. Hard plastic toys specifically designed for parakeets and cockatiels should not be given to larger birds with the beak power to destroy them.
LEATHER
Leather is a great material for birds to safely play with and chew on. Most birds especially like to spend hours untying knots made in leather strips.
Only vegetable tanned leather should be used on bird toys. Do not buy toys with dyed leather or leather tanned with chemicals as most are toxic to birds (i.e., chromium, formaldehyde). For this reason you should also not retire old shoes, belts and pocketbooks to your birds toy chest.
Replace leather if soiled or wet. Bacteria will flourish under these conditions. Many toy companies will sell replacement leather strips.
When hanging toys strung on leather (or rope or chain), avoid leaving a long strand between the toy and the cage. Some birds when rambunctious with their toys can get the leather wrapped around their necks and strangle. It is best to tie the toy close to the bars of the cage.
RINGS
When choosing toys with rings or large plastic chain links make sure that the rings are of a size that the bird can’t get his head stuck in them and choke. Also beware of toys with multiple rings looped directly together as birds have met similar fates when they have been trapped between the rings.
BELLS
Birds love to make noise and bells provide a fun source for their merrymaking. If a bird is mechanically inclined and can remove the clapper the potential exists for swallowing/choking. Make sure the bell clapper can not be removed by the bird. If it is not securely fastened either remove it or weld it (we recommend silver solder). Make sure the clapper is not lead (toxic), if it is lead you will be able to dent the clapper with your fingernail. Do not buys toys that use jingle type bells, toes can become caught and cut in the wide to narrow openings, we recommend the cow or liberty bell design. Appropriately size the bell to the bird so it will be able to withstand the power of the beak.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Just because the label says the product is safe doesn’t mean that it’s OK for your bird. Any toy has the potential to be unsafe if improperly sized to the bird. Ask your toy vendor or bird store owner for help or advice on choosing a toy appropriate for your bird.
As with kids, no toy is 100% safe for all birds. Use common sense and supervise your bird when you first give him a new toy. Observe how he interacts with the toy to determine how best to hang it and where and when to allow him to play with it (some toys are safer outside the cage).
Provide a wide variety of toys and rotate them in and out of the cage or play area. Variety will help alleviate boredom and keep your bird more alert and curious. Keep 2-3 toys minimum in the birds cage and don’t overstuff the cage so the bird doesn’t have room to move.
Don’t assume that if your bird doesn’t like a toy that it won’t play with any toy. Try something different and take the time to observe what your bird finds interesting in terms of design, texture or size.
Introduce toys to baby birds but make them small…don’t intimidate them. Hand toys are some of the safest toys available and they are especially great for young birds as they help to develop hand-eye coordination.
Play with your bird…most birds think it’s great fun to chase balls across the floor or couch, play “catch” or “pick it up” with mom or dad.
This guide is by no means comprehensive but we have tried to address as many issues as possible. When in doubt, ask for help. We sincerely wish you a long, happy and healthy relationship with your bird.
TRACEY