Archive for the ‘Birds’ Category

A pet bird cage is the creatures home sweet home. This home is your birds inner sanctum. It is a place that the bird will feel secure and can be happy in a safe habitat. Just like up humans. Our home is our castle where we can be the king. Pet bird cages allow the bird to be the king of their homes. You should remember this while looking at and selecting a pet bird cage.

When looking, if you are considering discount bird cages, make sure you pick a good one. Besides the previous conditions that should be met, convenience and a pet bird cage that is easy to clean should also be taken under advisement. It really is not all that easy to get all of this. You have to look around and compare many different bird cages to make the right choice.

What size should your cage be?

Obviously don’t get a cage where the bird can’t move. You also do not want a cage that takes up half your living room either. The general rule for picking out the right size pet bird cage is this. Bigger birds, like a macaw, should be able to fully spread its wings in all directions. Smaller birds like canaries are like to fly more than sit on a bar. A bigger pet bird cage would be the choice to allow them to fly around in it. Just remember that a bigger cage requires more cleaning.

How far apart should the bars on cages be?

This is a giant safety issue with the bird that will be occupying this cage. The bigger the cage, the more space between the bars there will be. No bird, and I emphasise this again, NO BIRD should be able to stick its head through the bars of the cage that it is living in. You are just asking for the bird to break its own neck or strangle itself by having bars that are to far apart. A lot of the newer pet bird cages vary the spacing between the bars. This will allow a pet bird owner to purchase a big cage that is safe for a small bird.

What should my pet bird cages be made of?

Metal is the most common and most popular material for bird cage construction. Wrought iron is a popular material for these cages. Because the cages made from wrought iron are usually the least expensive, owners of larger birds tend to buy these cheap cages. This iron is made in mexico most of the time and is painted black. The paint can come off on the bird getting your little friend dirty. You also have to make sure there is no lead in that paint, which there probably isn’t. You can have the pet bird cage sand blasted to take all the paint off. Then have it powder coated for a long lasting and easy cleaning bird cage.

Stainless steal cages are also popular for their easy to clean characteristics. You must make sure that the bird can not get access to the welds. The bigger birds will gnaw at the welds until they break. You will come one day to find the bird out of the cage.

Wood cages. Not advisable to use. They are hard to clean and very unsanitary. The wood is very porous and holds germs. The bird will also chew up a wooden cage. Do not get a wooden cage for any size bird.

What shape should my pet bird cage be?

It can be any shape you like. Round, square, oval, triangle or any other exotic shape you can find. You must make sure that the bar spacing of the whole cage is safe for the bird. Bird cages that have spaces between the bars that narrow will catch the birds feet, toes and wings. This will lead to a seriously injured bird or even a dead bird. Always remember to take into consideration how hard it will be to clean the cage.

How big should the door on the cage be?

The bigger the door the pet bird cage has on it, the easier it will be for you to clean. The downside of a big door is it makes it easier for the bird to get out. The latch on the door should be easy for you to get open but be bird safe to. Bigger birds are great locksmiths. They will figure out how to open a latch. They have all day every day to practice this. If you know someone with a large bird, a padlock on the door may be used. This is just so the bird can’t open the latch.

I love pets. No matter what pet you have, at some point you will be chasing them. Get yourself a nice comfortable and affordable pair of discount basketball shoes to do the chasing. You can find great deals at discounted prices over at http://www.discountbasketballshoes.org/.

Author: James Cropper
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cool mobile gadgets

Bird feeding is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States-second only to gardening. So it is only natural that many people combine these two hobbies into one endeavor. When a garden or yard is planned and maintained with the needs of native wildlife in mind, it becomes much more than just a backyard. It is a “backyard habitat.”

Creating a backyard habitat for birds is an enjoyable and easy process. Birds require four basic things to survive: food, water, protection from predators and the elements, and a safe place to raise their young. If possible, leave some of the land on your property untouched. This allows some of the natural habitat to remain intact. Of course, that may not be a realistic option for many people. Most landscapers are well-educated on how to include natural plants and eco-conscious features in today’s landscape design. Select plants that offer food, fruit, insects, ground cover, shelter, seeds and nesting sites.

Even if your yard is well-established and “starting from scratch” is not an option, there are other things you can do to help attract and maintain birds in your backyard. Find out what plants are native in your region. Native plants will best match the diets and habitat requirements of the birds that live in your area. Call a local gardening club for suggestions. Most gardening enthusiasts are eager to share their knowledge and maybe even a cutting or two to get you started.

The easiest way to attract birds to your yard is to provide water. Fresh water is a magnet for attracting birds. Offer clean water every day, and clean you bird baths and water sources regularly. Birds need water to drink and bathe in throughout the year. Plan on using a bird bath de-icer (a small heated element that keeps water in a bird bath from freezing) if your region experiences freezing temperatures in the winter.

Refill your birdbath every day and clean every other day. DO NOT USE BLEACH! Elbow grease is the best way to clean the bird bath. Regular cleaning will keep mosquito larvae away, which you and the birds will surely appreciate. You can also purchase special devices that create vibrations on the water that will keep mosquitoes from laying eggs. The vibrations are gentle and do not pose any problems for the birds. There are other ways to offer water–such a garden pond or fountain. Fountains are a good choice because they naturally feature moving water that deters mosquitoes and other insects. The sound of flowing water from a fountain or waterfall will also serve the purpose of announcing your “oasis” to the birds in the area. It is also a relaxing and soothing sound that makes your garden a peaceful retreat.

If you choose a bird bath for your water source, it should not be deeper than 3 inches. It is also best if they have a textured bottom and sloping sides. It does not matter if you choose a hanging bird bath or one that sits on a pedestal or the ground. Be sure that you position the bird bath in a location that offers the birds some protection from predators. An open area is the best choice since predators will be unable to sneak up undetected on bathing birds.

Once you have water, you also need to supply food. Not all birds will eat seed. Some eat insects and others, like hummingbirds and orioles, prefer nectar. Offering a variety of feed will help attract a variety of birds. If you are only going to use one type of feed, it’s a good idea to offer a quality mixed seed. Some inferior mixes contain a lot of cheap fillers that birds do not eat. The birds will simply kick this seed out of the feeder and make a mess on the ground below. If you want to avoid a lot of mess below your feeders, look for feed that contains only the meats of seeds. Finches will eat a specific kind of seed called “nyjer” seed (it was incorrectly called “thistle” seed for many years). Nyjer seed requires a special type of feeder, so be sure to know what kind of seed your feeder is meant to dispense.

Offer as many feeding stations as your yard can hold. Space your feeders 30 to 50 feet apart at different elevations. Multiple feeders deter aggressive birds from dominating the stations, and providing ground feeders allow the timid species a place to feed. Make sure your birdfeeders are within short flying distance of cover and perches. Birds need to be able to fly to some place safe if a predator appears. Finally, make sure you frequently clean your feeders so seed will not mold. Thoroughly wash them with soap and warm water. Sterilize with a solution of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Rinse them completely and let dry. Keeping your feeders clean is an important step in ensuring that your backyard birds are healthy and free from disease.

After taking care of the basic needs of feeding the birds and providing water, you can also add bird houses to provide habitats for birds to nest and raise their broods. Buying a bird house that is designed for specific species is a good idea if you are trying to attract a certain species of bird. Make sure that the bird house you are buying is made with untreated lumber or non-toxic paint. Bird houses should have ventilation holes and holes in the floor for drainage. It is also important that the bird house has a panel that can be opened so you can clean out the bird house. Mount your bird house high enough to discourage predators and consider using a predator guard to protect vulnerable eggs and chicks from raccoons and snakes.

Dead trees are considered to be eyesores to people, but for birds they are a terrific food source and offer cavity-nesters a place to build a nest. Only remove them if they pose a safety threat. Excavating species (also called “primary cavity nesters”) like woodpeckers will carve out a cavity that other birds (called “secondary cavity nesters”) will use once they become vacant. It is also important to never use insecticides. They eliminate spiders, caterpillars, beetles and other insects that are a very important protein source for birds and their young. Sometimes the best way to create a habitat for wildlife is to leave the one that already exists as natural and unaltered as possible.

Keeping birds safe from predators is not always easy. Using predator guards is helpful for keeping nests and eggs safe. Natural predators are part of the ecosystem too, and you should not try to interfere too much with the natural order of things, but domestic cats sometimes pose the biggest threat to backyard birds. If a neighbor allows their pet cat to roam the neighborhood, you can ask them to have the cat wear a collar with a bell on it. This allows the birds to have a warning when danger is approaching. If predators such as raccoons become too aggressive or bold, you should call your local Animal Control office to remove the animal safely.

Attracting birds to your backyard is immensely rewarding. You will have the pleasure of watching nature interact. You will become aware of the various subtle changes in bird behavior throughout the seasons. Creating a backyard habitat is not only an environmentally friendly way to share your living space with natural wildlife, it also creates a soothing, restful oasis that can help you enjoy your world more fully.

Since 1998 The Backyard Bird Company has provided high-quality, innovative bird feeders, decorative bird houses, outdoor furniture and backyard decor that provide backyard birders with hundreds of choices to fit every style and budget.

Author: Sarah Simmons
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty

Traveling with your bird can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your bird. Traveling with your bird can also be easy if you follow the guidelines set out in this article.

Traveling In an Automobile

Who wants to go for a ride? If your bird is anything like mine, she loves to hear that question. Going for a ride can be fun and safe if you follow the guidelines of this article. Without making the process sound too technical, there are three distinct stages of travel that you should consider. Those three stages are the Preparation Stage, Travel Stage, and Arrival Stage.

Preparing to Travel With Your Bird by Automobile

You may have a hundred things to plan for before your journey especially on a long trip. However, adding a couple more considerations to allow your bird to go with you will be well worth your time and your bird will thank you.

There are three simple things to consider when preparing for your journey – Food, Water, and Shelter. Simple enough right?

Taking enough food to last the journey is obviously a major consideration. If you are running down to the grocery store then you can forget about this consideration. For longer trips, it is a good idea to make sure your bird has food PRIOR to your journey because your bird probably will not be interested in eating during any short trip. It most likely won’t be interested in eating because it’ll be distracted and/or afraid because of its new surroundings. Providing nutrition prior to travel will also help the bird’s body cope with any travel related stress.

However, if there is a possibility of the trip being extended or the possibility of being stranded away from home (snow, car malfunction, etc) you will still want to make contingency plans. Just take a couple days supply of food, and place it in a Tupperware bowl, or a sealed baggie depending on how much food will be required. Toss it in the automobile and you’ll have it just in case of emergency. The type of food that you take depends mostly on your bird’s normal diet. If your bird will eat pellet food then your food preparation is very simple. If your bird’s diet consists only of fruit and vegetables then your preparation time may take longer. Fruit will generally last a couple days if you wait until feeding time to cut/chop/dice it and most vegetables will also last a couple days. Taking the time to prepare food for your bird will be very beneficial to your mental well being and your bird’s physical well being just in case something goes wrong.

Water is another important thing to consider when preparing for your journey. Much like food, it may or may not be needed depending on the length of your journey. However, just like preparing food in case of an emergency, carrying in a little water is simple and may be very beneficial if something goes wrong which unexpectedly extends your journey. Usually a small bottle of water is all that is required for most journeys. Adding another bottle for longer journeys or in case of an unexpected emergency is easy and may turn out to be beneficial to you and your bird. Fruits and vegetables high in water content provide another means to keep your bird hydrated during travel. Depending on your bird, sometimes they’re more likely to eat an apple slice, grape, orange slice or other food which will provide them with the water necessary to keep them hydrated.

It is a good idea to make sure your bird has water PRIOR to your journey because most likely, your bird will not be interested in drinking during a short trip anyway. It most likely won’t be interesting in drinking because it will be distracted and/or afraid because of its new surroundings. Providing water prior to travel will also help the bird’s body cope with any travel related stress.

Food and Water preparation usually are very simple because we provide our birds with food and water several times a day. Providing for shelter during travel isn’t as common but it can also be very simple. Commercially available carriers for birds are everywhere (online, local pet stores, etc). It is also very simple to convert a small cat or dog carrier into a bird carrier. These can be found at garage and yard sales and usually at very reasonable prices. It is very simple to add a perch to a dog or cat carrier. For plastic rigid carriers, a wooden dowel can be screwed into the carrier using two screws through the side of the carrier into the wooden dowel. For metal carriers, a perch from the bird’s cage can be attached inside the carrier just like it is attached to the bird’s cage.

Whether you’re purchasing a carrier or converting one, there are a couple things to consider. The traveling container should be;

• Large enough for the bird to stretch its wings but it isn’t necessary for it to be large enough to fly inside.
• It should have openings in it large enough to provide good ventilation. Having ventilation on at least two (2) sides should be sufficient. Ideally, the holes should be large enough for you to stick your fingers inside the cage to give your bird reassuring neck rubs.
• It should have openings in it for you to see inside to periodically check to make sure that your bird is ok.
• It should have containers inside it to place food and water.
• It should have a perch inside it for the bird to stand on.
• It should have a handle on it or another means to carry it and to strap it into your automobile seat belts.

Depending on how familiar your bird is with the carrier, you may need to prepare your bird for the carrier. Ideally, you should start this process a couple weeks prior to your departure date. This will allow sufficient time for your bird to get used to the carrier. You can start by letting your bird explore the outside of the carrier with the door open. Eventually your bird will explore the inside of the carrier. You may entice it with a favorite toy or treat. Eventually and gradually, your bird will feel more at ease around and in the carrier. This procedure should be done as far in advance as possible to your departure date in order to give your bird plenty time to get acquainted with the carrier.

To prepare the carrier for travel, all you have to do to the carrier is to put some bedding in the bottom of it such as paper, paper-towels or other suitable bedding and it’s ready to go. On long flights, a favorite toy may be added to the carrier to help distract and amuse your bird during the trip.

One final consideration for your trip should be to include a basic first-aid kit. Though some might find that this is going too far, it is a simple precaution and it takes very little space but may be very rewarding if it is needed.

Here is a short-list summary of the preparation need to take your bird on a journey with you in your automobile.

• Feed & water your bird prior to traveling.
• Purchase or make a suitable carrier and place bedding into it.
• Take enough food & water with you in case of emergency.
• Pack a simple first-aid kit.

It’s that simple. This literally takes minutes to prepare for and your bird will thank you for it in the long run.

Traveling With Your Bird in an Automobile

So you’ve spent the time to prepare for the journey and now it’s time to go. What do you do now? There’s really not much to do at this point. Just place your bird in the carrier and put it in the car. The most important thing to do is to strap the carrier into your seatbelt system. This will be critical in the case of an emergency but more importantly it will stabilize the carrier and create a much smoother ride for your bird. This will prevent the carrier from rolling, slipping, and sliding as you start, turn and stop the automobile. It is critical that you disable the air-bag if strapping the carrier into a seat with an airbag. Most automobiles either automatically disable the airbag or you can do it manually. If disabling the airbag isn’t an option, place the carrier in the back seat where there aren’t airbags.

Arriving at Your Destination in an Automobile

So you’ve spent the time preparing for the journey, you’ve finally finished your journey and you arrive at your destination. Now what? Hopefully you’ve read this article and prepared for your arrival because this part of the process is often overlooked. We are usually so excited and/or worried about preparing and traveling that we forget to think ahead to our actual arrival. Here are some thoughts and tips about your destination that you should consider before arriving.

• Does your destination allow birds? You should call ahead to verify.
• Can your bird get out of the carrier to stretch when you arrive?
• Do you have a larger cage to put it into when you arrive?
• Can you ship a cage, supplies, food, toy to your destination?
• Do you have a harness to let it safely get out of the carrier?
• If visiting a friend, will they allow it to get out of the carrier in their home?
• Do special precautions need to be taken for its safety at the destination? Are there birds, dogs, or cats around that may harm it?

Summary & Concluding Remarks

Traveling with your pet bird can be a fun experience for you and your bird if your plan for your trip. Spending the time planning will reduce your stress levels and your bird’s stress levels. So plan your trip, grab your bird, go for a ride or a flight and most importantly have some safe fun.

The Author is the creator of the InfoSuperFlyway.com. It’s a web page dedicated to Kibibi a Congo African Grey Parrot with parrot recordings, funny parrot videos, top ten lists, parrot jokes, clicker training info and a large database of parrot articles.

Author: David B Weber
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Gadget reviews