Friday, November 17, 2017

Fact Sheet: SWAINSONS TOUCAN - Ramphastos swainsonii

(Original Title: Rainforest Birds - Swainson's Toucan)

English: The Chestnut-mandibled Toucan or Swai...
The Chestnut-mandibled Toucan or Swainson’s Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii) at Antwerp Zoo.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Bird Name:
Swainson's Toucan

Latin Name:
Ramphastos swainsonii

Status:
Least Concern

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Piciformes
Family: Ramphastidae
Genus: Ramphastos
Species: R. swainsonii

General Information:
The Swainson's Toucan, named after English ornithologist William Swainson, is a large near-passerine bird native to Central America and northern South America. It is the second largest of the 37 species of toucan, only slightly smaller than the Toco Toucan. It prefers to be solitary or in smaller groups as opposed to large flocks.

Physical Description:
The male is around 22 inches in length and weighs about 750 g. The female is slightly smaller at about 20.5 inches and 580 g, but otherwise alike in appearance to the male. The Swainson's Toucan's distinctive, brightly marked bill can grow up to 8 inches long. It is mostly black in appearance but has a bright yellow face and upper breast, with narrow white and broader red bands forming a border above its lower breast. Juveniles are of a sootier black color with duller plumage, especially with regard to the red border and yellow bib of its breast.

Diet:
The Swainson's Toucan feeds on fruits, which it plucks from branches with its long beak. It will also eat insects and lizards for protein, especially during the nesting period


Habitat:
These toucans occur in forests ranging from Honduras and Costa Rica down through northern Colombia. They are resident breeders in moist lowland forests, often nesting in tree cavities or old woodpecker's nests.

Reproduction:
Female Swainson's Toucans lays 2 - 4 eggs per clutch and will incubate them for a period of 14 - 15 days. After hatching, the young toucans are fed by both parents and fledge the nest after about 6 weeks.




Wednesday, November 15, 2017

PIGEON RACING - Early History

Carrier Pigeon
Carrier Pigeon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The racing Homer is a descendant of the Wild Rock Pigeon which once prominently populated the continents of Europe and Asia. Although the history of the racing pigeon is fragmented the history of pigeons as message carriers go back over 4,000 years.

One of the earliest recorded pieces of history on the bird and sport can be traced back to 1350 B.C. which shows an Egyptian Bas-relief releasing pigeons from their cages. By the middle of the twelfth century A.D., a pigeon post with postmasters and post offices were successfully being maintained by the Caliph of Baghdad. During the historic Olympics of the Golden Age of Greece, a well-developed system of pigeon communication was being used to rush news of the events to surrounding cities. Since pigeons were fast and able to cover large distances through all sorts of weather, leading newspapers of many countries used them to carry important news and stock exchange quotations.

Although pigeons were being used quite successfully to deliver messages, the ancients knew very little about breeding, but they were thoughtful enough to keep breeding the young of the pigeons whose homing instinct were more prominent than others. As progress in breeding developed, breeders began to look more closely at carriage form, feathers, eye care etc as well as speed, endurance, and vitality when breeding their stock. From this bird, the Antwerp and Liege types were developed in Belgium which are the ancestors of most of the present day homing pigeons.

Through the advances in breeding, pigeons began to be able to fly further and faster and by the eighteenth-century pigeon racing began to grow in popularity and was extended into Belgium. In 1818 the first classic concourse in Belgium was held in Toulouse, France with thousands of birds competing. This was the predecessor of modern-day concourses in which thousands of the best birds in several states and clubs compete in the U.S. Since the object of these concourses was to see whose pigeon returned home first, the name was shifted from the "carrier" pigeon to the "Homer".




Monday, November 13, 2017

An Insight to Pet Keeping - PIGEONS As a Case Study

Pigeon 7
Pigeon - Photo by Flickpicpete (Thanks for 740,000+ views) 
What are pets? As explained by the Oxford dictionary "an animal, a bird etc that you have at home for pleasure, rather than one that is kept for work or food". From the above definition, it will right to say: any animal that eats sleep and breeds inside your home can be referred to as a pet. These animals could be dogs, cats, monkeys, parrots, rodents like hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs etc; in extreme cases snakes, eagles, raccoons, swallows, crocodiles etc. however, I am here to discuss just one of these pets- PIGEONS

As you all know, pigeons belong to the avian family (birds). They can be referred to as social beings. But one stunning thing about these creatures is their humility and the general slogan for which they are noted for "live and let live" a term that sounds ironical to other community of animals, to me this is the quality that makes them the most unique creatures to ever walk the surface of the earth and fly over the skies, and as they flap their wings in humility and in unison spread peace, prosperity and love all over the length and breadth of their habitation.

Now, I got hooked on pigeons a couple of years back, 1996 to be precise, I was still in my early teens at that time, looking back now I find this experience very nostalgic each time I reminisce. Like I said earlier, I got to know about these loveable avian creatures through a friend through many years my senior, however, we were brought together as friends as a result of the common thing we shared: being the passion for pigeons. I visited his place regularly just to study the life pattern of these unique birds and each time I look at them, they got more endeared and fascinating they become to me and my longing to have my own community of pigeons increased, until I satisfied this desire by acquiring two sets of pigeons; two males and two females respectively from whom I built a community of pigeons so large, that I became the envy of many.

On the contrary, I am not writing this article to narrate my personal experiences as a former owner of these pets, rather to present to you a comprehensive documentary on how these animals live, eat, breed and interact with themselves as well as their owners, however, I will narrate most of my personal experiences with these birds. The community is made up of males and females, each male pigeon has a wife, funny it sounds but it is true, the get married just like we humans do, more so infidelity of either of the partners is intolerable. The widely held belief among them is one man, one wife, but most males stray occasionally and their target, young unattached females, another common feature in human societies, the difference being that divorce is the last thing to be considered in this very complex yet organized society; contrary to this assertion, in all my years of rearing these birds as pets I recorded a typical case of divorce. Please read on: a certain pigeon female to be precise was being ostracized for mistakenly falling into hot oil my mum left outside her kitchen, fortunately for the unfortunate pigeon, my senior sister saved it before it was fully consumed by the hot oil.

But with this development, this pigeon became a recluse of some sort as it was avoided and treated with disdain by other pigeons in the community. Now a certain male pigeon finding this situation rather appalling decided to do the unthinkable by interacting with the dejected pigeon a relationship that ended in both pigeons hooking up. Sadly, the female eloped with another male is thought to be finer which led to my banishing this heartless pigeon a decision my family supported, as everybody in my house from my father to my mum loved and adored these birds. So I banished the said pigeon for leaving not only the husband but also the kids it bore to be catered for by the male alone, a responsibility this male pigeon carried out effectively to the latter.

Now, pigeons are a very interesting lot to study, their complexity of character and simplicity is one quality hard to find in any other society of animals from avian to reptiles, from amphibians to Aquarian creatures and even mammals and apes, a community that after a male and a female pigeon hooks up, they start making plans for having a family. They commence mating like every other animal in their care, but one unique thing about how they mate is prolonged foreplay, incredible?! Well, pigeons are similar to humans in many aspects and this is one of them. They kiss with the male putting its head in between its wings occasionally, after this prolonged foreplay the female bends down for the normal copulation which takes place with the two birds joining their organs found at the base of their tails.


Gradually, the female's eggs are developed and ready to be laid, that is when the male starts getting the pen ready for the female to roost. The male starts picking up sticks, straw, feathers to make the place cozy for its wife. During this period it chaperons the wife from place to place and pecks it roughly at times on the neck signaling other males of the danger posed if they ever disturb the wife who is ready for roosting. The eggs after being laid, two maximum, and the two pigeons now take turns to sit on the eggs. Funny enough, they make a roaster for sitting on the eggs. The female sits on the eggs from night till morning, at about 12pm of the next day or so, it leaves for the male to take over from that time to maybe 6pm after which the female comes back and takes charge till the morning of the next day; while the male keeps watch at the entrance of the pen to ward off other impending males that might disturb the female while she sits on the eggs: as rearing a family is a collective responsibility between the male and female pigeons respectively.

Roosting might take an average of seventeen days depending on the prevailing conditions, immediately the eggs hatch into young pigeons; another roaster is drawn between the two parents. This time for feeding their young, with the male playing a dominant role, a role he plays till the female is ready to lay another set of eggs. Now while the female gets prepared for laying another set of eggs, the males continue to feed their young till they get ready for their first flight. Their feeding technique, another delight to watch, the parents after taking insufficient food and water, the two substances dissolve and serves as food to the young who get their nutrition by putting their tender beaks into the beaks of their parents who in turn send the food by vomiting it out into the bodies of these young ones.
Amazingly in all my life, I have never seen any animal be it mammal, reptile, or even birds that their young ones develop as rapid as young pigeons. I have seen young chickens, goats, cows etc tended by their mothers develop, but for pigeons, as soon as they are brought into the world, within a short period of time say two weeks it is ready to join other matured birds in the community for its first flight

Generally, pigeons live a life of equity. Every pigeon regardless of age or color is respected by the other. They do everything in common: from eating, taking their bath, flying and sleeping. Note here that the issue of borders and territory are respected. Every male point and mark out areas and spaces for domination. The other pigeons respect these boundaries and borders. In all my life I have never seen any community be it human, plant or animal as organized as this community. If we humans can take a clue from these creatures, the world will be a better place to live in; devoid of crime, corruption, and domination. As witnessed by the way in which big and strong nations bully the weak ones with many human societies going into extinction, but if we mimic these wonderful birds, the world would be a wonderful sphere where every race, tribe, and the region will live in equity, justice, peace, and prosperity. The world of pigeons!




Sunday, November 12, 2017

Prince Edward Island - A Must for Bird Watching Enthusiasts

Cavendish Beach, Prince Edward Island - Photo: Wikimedia
The Prince Edward Island holds the same name as the Canadian province where it is located. The national park is a haven for many bird species and a delight for bird watching enthusiasts.

Such natural beauty this place has that birds and people flock around to enjoy what the site has in store for its visitor. The rolling hills, untouched forests, ocean coves and its red soil is what makes this place stand out for its beauty. You could only wonder in amazement that such place exists.

Prince Edward Island, the Province
Its government is now trying to enact laws to be able to preserve the place and prevent further damage from happening in the area which was brought about by the lack of zoning and planning for land use within the province that has resulted to some unpleasant aesthetic development in recent times.

Did you know that the author of the classic novel entitled "Anne of Green Gables," Lucy Maud Montgomery, got her inspiration for the settings and backgrounds of the story from the Prince Edward Island? It was done during the Victorian era. What was envisioned in the book can still be felt now? This island seems to be waiting for artists to draw their inspiration from its captivating beauty. Not only that, the place is now a favorite for tourists for relaxation activities like going to the beaches, golfing, eco-tourism experience, while enjoying all the sights and seeing on the cultural events within its local communities.

The slow-paced kind of life in the place rural areas is really what draws in more tourists as they can enjoy their vacation and truly relax in the process. This factor gives the impression of something like an old world flavor for most of the tourists that frequent it.

Most communities in the rural areas of the Prince Edward Island get their living through the small-scale type of agriculture. The reason for this is that the size of the farm areas in the vicinity is indeed small especially if you compare it to the other areas in Canada. Although today, industrial farming is slowly being adopted in the area as the old farms become consolidated and likewise modernized.

The Coast of Prince Edward Island 
This is the frequent stop of bird watchers in the area. The island's coastline has long beaches, dunes, and cliffs made out of sandstone. Rolling hills can be found along its landscape. And it has a lot of bays and also harbors.

The Islanders take their responsibility as guardians of the precious nature surrounding them. They only give back for whatever the place has also bestowed them through agriculture, abundant fisheries and, of course, tourism.

There are said to be about 333 kinds of birds that can be found in the area. There is really something for everyone to enjoy here. The bird watchers will have a feast with what's in store for them at this paradise.

Bird watching is only one of the many things that a tourist can enjoy at the Prince Edward Island. It is really a must-see place to experience such oneness with nature. Don't forget your binoculars and a heart set out for nature once you've had the chance to check it out.



Saturday, November 11, 2017

Little Known Ways to Successfully Setup Your FINCH Bird Feeders

finch
Photo by Dawn Huczek 
Finch bird feeders are a remarkable way of luring finches to your garden. These feeders can get the seed-eating birds right onto your porch if you want. You can choose from a wide array of finch bird feeders. Most bird feeders are specially designed to meet the requirements of a specific type of bird. Finches will definitely benefit from this type of bird feeder.

Finches belong to the family of Fringillidae, under the Phylum Chordata. These birds are easily distinguishable with their medium-built bodies and physically powerful, stumpy beaks. Their manner in flying is somewhat bouncy in nature, thereby, creating a gleeful appearance in the environment. Most finches are good singers as well.

With that in mind, finches are said to be great attractions in one’s backyard. Most finches would love to flock together in various beautifully crafted finch bird feeders. The indistinguishable color (bright red) of the House Finch’s chest and their very genial manners are the ultimate factors that make them feeder darlings. Goldfinches can also enhance your feeding station as they flock hungrily in groups of 30 or more.

Finches are generally seed lovers. They feed on almost any type of seeds but would love to devour on the seeds of trees, such as pine, alder, maple, birch, sweet gum, and spruce. The Nyjer seed is an all-time favorite of feeding finches during the winter season.

Finch bird feeders can accommodate all of these seed types. They come in different styles and types consisting of gazebo feeders, seed finch feeders, and wooden finch feeders.

In general, bird feeders are specially crafted devices set in the backyard or porch to provide bird food to various types of birds. Finch bird feeders are special bird feeders designed to provide seeds to finches since this type of bird are generally seed-eating birds.

Choosing the right type of bird feeder is the number factor in luring birds to flock in the area. The position of the bird feeder, as well as the type of food, will also affect the chances of attracting certain types of birds.

For instance, thistle seed finch feeder will generally attract finches that prefer thistle seeds. Thistle seed finch bird feeder features a drawn-out tube that can hold as much as one quart of thistle seeds. It has a see-through feature, which enables the owner to observe seed level anytime.

Finch bird feeders can also lure other types of birds. Hence, you should not be startled if ever you get to see different types of birds flocked up to your finch bird feeding station. Most finch bird feeders are also best for cardinal birds, redpolls, siskins, and grosbeaks.

To attract beautiful finches in your area, it is important to keep these things in mind:

1. The right position

Setting up a bird feeding station may not be so complicated. However, it is still important to consider some factors to ensure finch-feeding success.

One of the most important factors to consider is the proper positioning of the finch bird feeder. Setting up a finch bird feeding station in your backyard is the ideal place since this is very conducive to most finches. However, it is also recommended that you place your finch bird feeder near your deck or window. In this way, you can easily observe and enjoy watching the finches as they gleefully enjoy their sumptuous meal.

If placing finch bird feeders near the window is not possible, it is best to set the finch bird feeder in an area that is observable from indoors. It is also best to place finch bird feeders near the areas where the finches can easily fly to safety if any danger should take place.

2. Special area for finches

Competition is always at hand whenever there is no specific place for finch bird feeding station. Larger birds may flock the area, thereby, blocking the finches from getting their food. If you have a separate bird feeder for larger birds and a specially made feeder station for the finches, both parties will enjoy their meals as well as you will enjoy their company within your garden.

So the next time you think about setting up finch bird feeder, try to consider these factors to enjoy bird watching. It is definitely one great experience you will never forget.


Lee Dobbins - Article Source: EzineArticles  




Friday, November 10, 2017

Essential Vitamins to Enhance POULTRY PRODUCTION

Chickens being transported in trucks, presumab...
Chickens being transported in trucks, presumably for slaughter. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The principal aim of poultry growers is for their chickens along with other fowls to remain healthy so these may be offered at the optimum price and make utmost revenues. One of the complications you may well experience close to poultry increasing includes the shortage of poultry vitamins and minerals. Poultry demands practically all types of nutritional vitamins other than vitamin C. Some dissolve in fat whilst other individuals in liquid.

Worth of Dietary supplements
Poultry farming has grown to be demanding because of the fees of feeds, raw elements, as well as other supplies, continue on to go up. Even with these developments, it's not necessarily highly recommended to reduce vitamin nutritional supplements from the midst of threats coming from illnesses plaguing your chickens. Dietary supplements are great for hens and bolster the immune devices of poultry are stalked by ailments or have just absent by means of vaccination. Moreover, micronutrients are essential for energy synthesis and boost the electricity of weak birds.

Vitamins B, D3 and E will help chicks and hens improve their resistance to ailments and boost appetite especially for the duration of stressful situations. Enough offer of poultry minerals and vitamins is crucial to poultry nourishment. Other nutritional vitamins obligatory for max poultry wellbeing consist of excess fat soluble nutritional vitamins similar to a, D, E and K. On the other hand, natural vitamins that dissolve in drinking water are vitamin B. The ingestion of such nutrients in ample quantities can increase the well being of the poultry.

Suggested Vitamins and Minerals
Legit suppliers will certainly endorse excellent items to suit your needs to include the Avian Tremendous Pack which boasts of nutritional vitamins A, D3, E, B12, Ascorbic Acid, Riboflavin, Niacin, Biotin and similarly beneficial. This has actually been described as one of several very best natural vitamins currently being marketed out there. You can also try out the pure cod liver oil which benefits up to the fowls' urge for food and aids put together birds for breeding. The GQF Natural vitamins, In addition, include vitamins and minerals, natural and organic acids in addition to live and natural- micro-organisms to complement acid manufacturing that happens to be normally lacking between chicks. These poultry minerals and vitamins are relevant when birds are fatigued or soon after applying wormers and antibiotics.


Diet for Chicks
The Gro-Gel furthermore B ensures speedy nourishment for chicks which have just been hatched. On the other hand, the Poultry Nutri-Drench also enhances the immune technique and beefs up vitamin lack. It enhances antibiotic response and alleviates heat and pressure caused by shipping. A single gallon of Recovery translates to your supplemental supply of iron, cobalt, and zinc. A lot of poultry raisers have previously offered their approval of this particular dietary supplement.

This will help poultry recuperate from pressure due to transport, intense climatic conditions, vaccination, and diarrhea. Just combine just one teaspoon of this health supplement in 4-gallon water. Ultimately, the Pink Mobile liquid vitamin and iron mineral nutritional supplement promotes excellent feathering and will get your hen in peak problem for breeding and display. With each other with all the Vionate Powder feeds, claimed poultry minerals and vitamins may help avoid crooked toes along with other leg difficulties. The stabilizer consists of 21 essential minerals and vitamins needed for protecting nutritious breeders and enhancing the development of chicks.




Thursday, November 9, 2017

First Aid for PARROTS

English: Part of parrots world in KL bird park
Part of parrots world in KL bird park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always a good idea to be prepared! While accidents usually produce obvious injuries, illnesses are often kept well hidden by birds. In nature, if you're sick you pose a threat in making your whole flock vulnerable to predators, so parrots have become adept at masking signs of illness. This is one reason that it's vital to have a "well-bird" check-up annually. Needless to say, once a bird is showing obvious signs of illness, he's often very sick and needs immediate vet attention. First Aid is intended to help you get by until you can see the vet, or in treating minor injuries.

It's helpful to have a "hospital cage" for emergencies - a smaller, easily portable cage where you can isolate a sick or injured bird and easily move him to a warm, quiet, area of your home. It's advisable to have a quarantine area as well - for new birds coming into the home, as well as sick birds recovering from an infection. This area should be well separated from the rest of your birds to prevent air-borne transmission of germs, as well as those spread by direct contact.

Some of the signs of possible illness include: more time on cage floor, talking and playing less, fluffed feathers, lack of appetite, drinking more water, personality changes (such as becoming bitey or not wanting to come out of the cage), tail bobbing, puffy eyes, sleeping on both feet with head tucked, droopy wings, sneezing or coughing, "clicking" in chest, vomiting, diarrhea, soiled vent, etc. I won't go into specific diseases here, but hopefully, you get a general idea - if things are "different," get to the vet! Other problems include broken blood feathers or egg binding.

It's a good idea to put together a first aid kit - Include:
· Eye and skin wash
· Styptic powder
· Corn starch
· Antiseptic wipes
· Cotton Swabs and balls
· Eye dropper
· Assorted bandages - gauze, adhesive, vet wrap
· Scissors
· Latex Gloves
· Forceps or hemostats
· Betadine or iodine swabs
· Adhesive tape
· Penlight
· Heating pad and/or lamp
· Hydrogen peroxide
· Pedialyte (Electrolyte solution for babies)
· Hand feeding formula and syringes
· Phone number for vets and poison control
Generally, with any illness or injury, remove the bird to a hospital cage and put him in a warm, quiet, dimly lit room (bathrooms can work). Provide fresh water (and Pedialyte if needed). Feed favorite foods (healthier things you know he'll eat) plus warm foods like cooked rice or oatmeal. In addition, spray millet is often enjoyed by smaller birds. If he's not eating well on his own, offer some warm food with your fingers or a spoon. If need be, you may have to mix up hand feeding formula and give by cup or syringe. If you've kept your bird in the habit of eating from a spoon or cup, this will be easier. DO NOT use the counter remedies from pet stores. It's too much of a guessing game. I know a Pionus who became psychotic after being given an OTC bird "remedy" and would not stop thrashing around her cage. A little chamomile tea can help the bird relax and ginger tea is good for digestive upsets. If you're familiar with herbal remedies, you can safely use those without causing harm to your bird. NEVER give antibiotics without knowing your bird actually has a BACTERIAL infection (and which bacteria!)

Broken blood feathers (or those accidentally clipped) can be hard to stop bleeding. Do not use styptic powder on the skin or soft tissue - only on bleeding nails. Otherwise, use corn starch as a coagulant. If the blood feather (immature feather with live blood supply) won't stop bleeding, it has to be pulled or the bird can bleed to death.


A note on egg binding: If a hen is on the cage bottom, fluffed up and straining, she may be "egg bound". Put her in a warm, humid place (like the bathroom). You can rub some vegetable oil around her vent. Egg bound hens can die fairly quickly, though, and if the egg does not pass within several hours, she needs to get to the vet immediately (a good diet with extra calcium will help prevent this.)

So get in the habit of inspecting your birds on a daily basis, and being alert for signs of distress. Read up on diseases and gain a basic knowledge of illness in birds. "Bird proof" your home, avoid toxic fumes and unsafe toys. Have a first aid kit and hospital cage available. No what's "normal" for your bird and act quickly if things don't seem right. Find a good AVIAN vet and see them annually. Be sure your house and your bird's cage and play areas are as safe as possible. Feed the best diet you can to ensure your birds' best possible health. Wouldn't it be nice if your first aid kit never gets used?!






Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Go For A BIRD Instead

Untitled
Pet Birds - Photo by Solaika19 
Many families entertain the idea of getting a pet at one time or another. Sometimes it is the children that insist that their lives will not be complete without a friendly pet to have fun with. Other times it is the parents who suggest that adding a family pet would bring focus and responsibility to their children. Regardless of who wants the pet most, it is true that adding a pet to many families is a source of fun, learning and family bonding. Most families immediately think that they can choose between getting a cat or a dog simply because those are the most popular pets to have. Before you run out and purchase the perfect kitten or puppy, consider choosing a bird to be your family pet instead.   

Perhaps many people think that owning a bird is reserved for the wild at heart or certainly for those living in a tropical climate. You'd be surprised, however, to learn that a wide variety of people in almost every climate in the world are proud bird owners.      

Feel a little unsure? Take some time to learn about the different kinds of birds that might be suitable pets for you and your family. Visiting a local pet store can be a great place to begin gaining knowledge. Don't be afraid to ask the store workers any questions you have about owning a bird or about the differences between varieties of birds. Learn as much as you can before you make your final choice.      

Think about the ability of your family to care for a pet and then only choose a bird that you could really care for and enjoy. One kind of bird might require more attention than you can give while another variety of bird might be perfect to fit your family's busy schedule. The worst thing you can do is to bring home a bird that is unsuitable for your family. No one will be happy with a bird that needs to be cared for by the hour and that makes loud noises throughout the night. Consider all of these details carefully.


If you decide to choose a bird as your first or next family pet, take the time to educate your entire family on the bird. After you have taken the time to learn, teach your family important facts about the bird and about the needs the bird will have when it becomes a part of your family. Be honest from the beginning about the serious responsibility and privilege that having a pet is. Especially your children need to have a proper understanding that a pet bird will not be all fun and games. 

Choosing a bird for a family pet can be a unique and fun way to bring an animal into your home. Many birds are easy to maintain and can bring hours of laughter and fun into your home.




Tuesday, November 7, 2017

When You Choose a COCKATOO, Pick the Bird That Selects You

Cockatoo
Photo by Ozzy Delaney
One belief pet owners across the world share in common are: "When choosing a bird, pick a bird that selects you". It is believed that this bird will be cheerful, inquisitive and will readily come to you.

And before you buy a Cockatoo, make sure you know what you are getting into. Unlike other pets, "cockatoos require a lot of time and attention". They will also expect you to interact with them often.
This makes it all the more essential that your pet and you are compatible with each other!

Cockatiels
The first in the list is the Cockatiels. Cockatiels are considered the most popular pet of the cockatoo species all over the world. These gentle and friendly birds make great pets. They aren't moody and demanding like other cockatoo species. They can, therefore, be a child's first pet.

If brought home when young (8 weeks and above), they can be trained to talk, as well as perform tricks such as back flips and rolling over. If hand-fed as a chick, they will quickly settle in their new home. They love having an audience and will keep you amused all the time. These birds are amazing fliers. So make sure you keep their wings well clipped.

But at the same time, they should not be confined in the cage all times. Let them out for some time. Just make sure all windows and doors are shut, fans switched off and electrical appliances like stoves and irons are not running while they are outside the cage.

Umbrella Cockatoo
The Umbrella Cockatoo is a very popular pet. They are gentle, affectionate and will charm you from the moment you set your eyes on them. They get very attached to their owners. They love to please and you can teach your pet many tricks. Although they aren't good talkers, you can train them to dance to the music. They need a lot of physical attention and like a human baby, they need to be hugged, petted and played with. They aren't noisy birds and can be naughty one minute and quiet the next.

Galah Cockatoo
Galahs are commonly kept pets and even Galahs caught in the wild make good pets. They are affectionate and friendly. Galahs are usually pale pink and dark pink. They make good pets. They are independent birds and not needy like other species. They are happy to play on their own and require less time outside the cage.

Galahs make wonderful pets especially when hand-raised. They are extroverted, affectionate, friendly playful and intelligent. And like other cockatoos need to be kept entertained and occupied at all times. They are quick learners and can be trained to perform several tricks.

Often you see them in bird shows, where they fly through several hoops. Galahs are good talkers and males usually have better-talking ability than females. Their talking ability, however, isn't on par with that of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos or the Corellas. So, if you're a workaholic, then Galahs might be the right choice for you!

Goffin's Cockatoos
The Goffin's Cockatoo is the smallest among the cockatoo species. Goffin's Cockatoos are gregarious, inquisitive and carefree birds. They are fun loving and make extremely intelligent pets. Many owners claim that their personality resembles that of dogs. They are active birds that need to be kept occupied at all times. They are more independent than other cockatoo species and don't mind spending a little time on their own. They don't get spoilt easily and if trained properly, they make fabulous pets. They love physical contact and love having their heads scratched. You can train them to imitate human speech but they can be very loud and are not recommended as pets for apartment dwellers.

Palm Cockatoo
The Palm Cockatoo is the largest of the different species of cockatoos. It is a striking black bird with red cheek patches. Palm Cockatoos are gentle, intelligent and love company. They make unique and wonderful pets. They are not as noisy as some of the other species of Cockatoos. In fact, their breeding call is the only loud and noisy sound they make. Palm Cockatoos are much sought after pets, but in reality, kept only in small numbers in mostly private collections.


Moluccan Cockatoo
Contrary to Little Corellas and Goffins, this species is one of the largest of the cockatoo family. The birds are pink to salmon pink with an attractive crest of orange. They make wonderful pets because they are normally very intelligent, friendly and affectionate. They are quite adept at talking and performing several tricks.

Little Corella
As true as the name implies, Little Corellas are one of the smaller cockatoo species. Little Corellas are playful, intelligent and even-tempered birds. They have been kept as pets for many years. These birds can be trained to talk and perform a variety of tricks. They also love to dance and chew. Like all cockatoos, they become very attached to their owners and need to be kept busy.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are affectionate and friendly. Although they have the tendency to become a one-person pet, they make excellent companions. They are more independent than most cockatoo species and are very intelligent. They are quite adept at talking and performing tricks. I hope all these information comes in handy to you when you select your pet cockatoo.

    The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
Jessica Harrison
Geostar Publishing & Services LLC
6423, Woodbine Court,
St. Louis, Missouri,
63109, USA

Article Source: EzineArticles



Monday, November 6, 2017

CANARY BIRDS Have Been Ideal Pets for Centuries

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Canary BirdPhoto by steve p2008 
The value of canary birds as pets was first recognized by the Spaniards in the 15th century. Spain took ownership of the Canary Islands early in the 1400s and noticed the beautiful singing birds. As a side note, the birds became known as canaries because they came from the Canary Islands. Many people think that the islands got the name because there are so many canaries there. But it is the other way around. Canaries are also found in the Azores and Madeira.

The early Spanish settlers and explorers knew that the pretty yellow birds with their melodic sounds would make perfect pets. They also discovered that only the male canaries sing. Clever businessmen that they were, they controlled the market by creating a monopoly on male canaries. As with any controlled product, the price of male canaries was high enough that they were considered pets only for the wealthy.

As with any successful business venture, soon there were copycats and canary birds became available in Italy and Germany and from there, they spread through the rest of Europe. At the same time breeders began refining the breed of canary birds so that the most appealing songsters, those with the prettiest colors, and the best body structure were bred for their attributes.

The domestic canary birds that are available today are different from the wild canaries that the Spanish first brought home for sale due to the long selective breeding process. They are beautiful pets and can bring joy into your home. They live up to 10 years. They are easy to feed as they like human food. It is however a better idea to feed them food designed for their breed. It has more of the full range of nutrients that they need. They also need a lot of water. They have fast metabolism and can get dangerously dehydrated quickly.


If you wanted to breed your own canary birds, they are well suited to raising their family in captivity. All you really need is one pair of birds sharing a cage. Just make sure that they have enough room to live together in the cage. A good size is 2 feet by 4 feet. This gives them space to move around. Canaries are not always in breeding mode. Typically they are fertile when the days are 12 hours long. In many places this eliminates winter and summer when the days are either shorter or longer than 12 hours.

While they are small and delicate in appearance, canaries are fairly hardy. There is one thing that can be hard on them and that is rapid changes in the environment. A draft can be very dangerous to your canary and a sudden blast of chilly air can kill a canary. A rule of thumb is if the breeze makes a candle flicker, then it is too drafty for a canary to live in that spot. Canary birds do like sunlight but not direct sunlight that will overheat them.





Sunday, November 5, 2017

CANARIES Are Social Creatures

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Photo by steve p2008 
The Canaries are, by their very nature incredibly social creatures. Whether in the wild or in captivity, they prefer to spend their time with others of their kind as opposed to spending a great deal of time in solitary confinement.

Ideally, canaries should be kept in pairs (breeding pairs) but if you only have a small handful of birds, you should be able to house them all in the same aviary, assuming that the males don't begin acting aggressively with one another or the hens in the cage.

If you're maintaining a larger, more professional-type aviary, it's a good idea to keep the ratio of females to males markedly higher to avoid any fighting or "unfriendly" competition. While it's very rare for fighting canaries to kill one another, that doesn't mean that illnesses and injuries won't result.
If you're just starting out in the canary breeding and raising sphere, you should also be aware that you can keep canaries with other breeds of birds, like finches.

However, before you introduce a new bird, keep in mind that it's important to opt for a soft-billed variety, as hook-beaked birds can inflict SERIOUS damage on your canaries. You should also keep in mind that if you're maintaining a breeding aviary, you should never house more than two different species of birds inside to make life easier on EVERYONE involved.

Keep a close eye on your canary to ensure that he or she is showing all of the signs of happiness and contentment. If you begin to suspect that your canary could benefit from a little extra toys or interaction, whatever you do - don't procrastinate.

When your canary is dying from boredom, they very well could be LITERALLY dying from boredom...

Birds are much, much smarter than they're often given credit for, and this inherent intelligence demands some type of physical and mental stimulation to maintain optimal health and well-being.
While your children may complain that they're dying of boredom, when it comes to your canary, this is actually a very real risk...


Bored or anxious canaries are prone to a whole host of illnesses and issues, ranging from plucking their own feathers, ceasing to sing, lack of interest in breeding and more... Just as no man is an island, canaries aren't loners either. Make sure that you keep this point in mind when you're establishing your cages and aviaries and you'll be off to a great success!

Until next time, wishing you all the health and happiness with your pet canaries:-)




Saturday, November 4, 2017

CANARY Breeding - Four Tips on Breeding CANARIES

Yellow-fronted Canary - Serinu mozambicus
Yellow-fronted Canary - Serinu mozambicus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Canary breeding can be done for profit or mere enjoyment of the new birds. If you want to breed your own, there are a few things you need to know. This article will give you a few tips on breeding canaries.

Diet
Before you try to breed the two, you need to start feeding them a rich diet. This will help give them more energy for the upcoming egg production and physical activity. It's best to feed the birds green vegetables, apples, and boiled eggs.

Fighting
One of the main problems you may experience when canary breeding is fighting. The male will sometimes clash with the female. The male's abuse may even become life-threatening. Therefore, make sure you keep an eye on things and separate the two if you have to. You can help prevent fighting by keeping the two birds in adjacent cages until they get used to each other.

Nest
You will need at least one nest for each pair of birds when breeding canaries. It may be a bit better if you provide two nests. The nest can be made from materials such as burlap, dryer lint, and shredded paper. Some birds can be a bit picky.


Eggs
Most hens lay five small blue eggs, while some can produce up to eight. A week or so after she starts to sit on the eggs, you should hold each one up to a light to check for signs of an embryo. If the eggs are clear after all this time, you should toss it out. Make sure that you always wash your hands before handling the eggs. Harmful substances can rub off on your hands and cause damage to any developing chicks through the eggshell.




Friday, November 3, 2017

Breeding AFRICAN GREY PARROTS - A Guide For African Grey Breeders

English: Range map for (Psittacus erithacus) A...
Range map for (Psittacus erithacus) African Grey Parrot. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are 2 species of African Grey parrot of interest to breeders.   The Timneh Parrot which is small and somewhat dark in colour and the Congo African Parrot, which is bigger than the Timneh and lighter in colour.

Breeding African grey parrots can prove to be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the entire procedure. You will need to gradually introduce your African grey parrot in a cage with another of the opposite sex, so as to give them enough time to get to know each other. 

African grey parrots need to become companions slowly, so do not try to force things as it will only lead to frustration. In the wild, the African greys choose a small area on a tree so as to breed; this means that you do not need to provide them with a large and open space in order to breed them successfully. They do however some privacy in order to breed, so a well hidden next box is essential.

English: Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus ...
Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) at a bird park in Singapore. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
You should buy a nest box which is large enough. They might not require an open space so as to breed, but they definitely need to be comfortable enough.  A nestbox which is at least twenty-five inches high and wide is ideal.  Boxes shaped as a capital L can work really well for them and is highly recommended for breeding. A bedding of wood shavings should be provided in the box, so as to keep both the bird and the eggs as safe as possible.

While breeding African grey parrots is not difficult with the right breeding stock and good husbandry, the Congo parrots are generally considered the easiest.   The Timneh, on the other hand, is a little more difficult to breed and since they are less popular and less common as pets are best left to experienced breeders.

If you decide to buy an African parrot for breeding, it is strongly recommended that you check accredited African grey breeders first. The birds should be medically tested by a vet - even a DNA test can be done - so as to determine the reproductive ability and maturity of the particular bird. Potential African grey breeders are also advised to use some scientifically proven methods so as to determine the sex of the bird, rather than base their assumption on morphological characteristics, such as the size of beaks.

While breeding African grey parrots you will see that the eggs need hatching for a month; in most cases, the birds lay a clutch of two to five eggs. African grey breeders should be very careful when removing the chicks, because the African grey can become very aggressive and attacking so as to protect the newborns, and can give a nasty bite with their sharp and powerful beaks.