Monthly Archive for April, 2011

Prepping Your Pet Bird

Published on April 30, 2011 in Birds. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Your pet bird needs to be appropriately groomed so it can’t hurt you or others and itself.  Prepping them involves toenails and wing clipping and sprinkling water on your pet.

Grooming your pet is easy.  You will need a pair of animal clippers, scissors, towel and styptic powder.  The styptic powder is a blood clotting agent however if none is available, you may substitute household flour for it.  You would also need someone to assist you especially when clipping your bird’s wings.  If you don’t have anyone to assist you nor are you confident to do the task, have your bird handled by professional care by taking it to your vet.

Start by placing a towel over the head of your pet for safety purposes.  They might get scared with the grooming procedures and there’s a risk of your pet biting you.  Be sure that your bird could still breathe when you place the towel over its head.  Talk with a soothing tone while prepping up your bird to keep them calm.  Hold the bird securely to avoid any mishaps.

Cut the little hook at the end of each toenails.  Cutting further back may cause the bird to bleed.  If bleeding occurs, spread the styptic powder on the affected area and ensure that bleeding stops.  Once bleeding stops, put your pet back into the aviary to calm them down.  Don’t risk being attacked by your pet.

The next procedure is to clip your pet bird’s wings.  This is done to prevent them from flying into windows or mirrors which could give them physical injury.  Secure the bird by restraining it using the towel and expose one wing.  Gently extend the exposed wing to have access to the long row of feathers on the bird’s bottom half of the wing.  This set of feathers is used for flying.

These are also the feathers that will be clipped.  You may either do a severe wing clip or a moderate clip.  For the first method, all ten long feathers at the end of the wing will be removed.  The second method is taking out the last eight feathers leaving the first two intact.

A third method for trimming your pet bird’s wings is called pinioning which is a permanent clipping and should only be made by your avian vet.

Like in trimming the bird’s toenails, clip their wings carefully so as not to cause bleeding.  However if blood loss occurs, pull out the feather and shaft completely and apply styptic powder.  Do the other wing, as well to keep your pet bird’s balance in check.

Finally after trimming the toenails and winds, spray water over your pet.  This cleans them out especially if they don’t bathe regularly. Misting them keeps their feathers sleek and smooth.

These are some of the procedures you need to learn so you have interaction with your pet apart from the regular attention you give them.  And these are the proper methods to groom your pet.  Learning to do these will eliminate the hassle to drive to your vet.

 

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Important Things to Consider In Selecting Your Bird

Published on April 22, 2011 in Birds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

There are different factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing a bird that will fit your way of life.  It is very inviting to get a bird from the pet shop when you see them all comfortable and great when, in fact they are made to look this way to entice people to buy.

However before heading out to check out with your selected pet, think hard if you are really committed to take care of your pet.  It is not just any other purchase as you are dealing with a live creature needing nurturing and taking care of.  You have to ensure that you can give them more than they are getting at the pet shop.

Important Things to Consider In Selecting Your Bird If at all possible, research from different resources tips on how to provide for pet birds, from food to health needs and even bird aviaries.  You can read through pet owners’ personal blogs on how they deal with their pets.  By doing your examining different aspects of bird caring, you’d be able to get a general idea of what you’d be committing yourself to.  By taking these simple steps – of exerting effort in getting necessary knowledge in handling the bird you want, it shows that you deserve to get them.

Below are some tips to aid you if you really are ready to get a pet bird.  See if getting a pet is suitable for your way of living.

1. Commitment.  Birds are social creatures so you must allocate sufficient time interacting with them.  As they need attention, their needs vary depending on different types of birds.  Some birds need exercise to keep them fit and interesting.

2. Bird Size.  Bigger birds require bigger responsibilities.  Bigger species could be messier, louder, and more demanding compared to the smaller birds.  Start with a small or medium sized species and see if you can handle them just fine and if you are still okay to handle bigger birds.  Actual taking care of them will gauge your ability and restrictions as a pet owner.

3.  Maintenance.  You must know the kind of foods for the bird you are buying.  It is necessary to note that such foods will be accessible.  A vet should also be in your proximity to be able to look after the bird when they are sick.  These expenses should be allotted from your overall finances to ensure that your pet is well taken care of.

It is fun to own birds.  Some consider their pets as family members, and you can do the same.  You may treat them as a friend and companion.  Ensure that you take the time to make them contented and cheerful while in your care.

 

Bringing Up Your Bird

Published on April 20, 2011 in Aviaries, Birds and Birds Aviaries. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Birds are known to be social creatures so if your pet bird seems to be showing demeanor problems, then something is amiss and the bird may have social problems, as well.  When your pet bird misbehaves, there is an underlying factor to it.  Birds are affected by owners’ interaction with them so a lack of which will affect the bird negatively.  A sick bird could also misbehave or if there are differences with other pets.  Knowing the reasons why birds misbehave, you’d be able to eliminate this from your pet’s system for a more pleasing character.

An effective way of training birds is through positive reinforcements.  The focal point is to give what birds are after such as a scratch, comfort, verbal praise, food or something to that effect.  This method is more effective and successful compared to negative reinforcements.

When your pet misbehaves, it is never good to punish them as this does not improve anything.  Here are some tips to try to address your birds’ behavioural concerns:

  • As positive is more effective, try rewarding birds for their good conduct with foods that they rarely consume.  However be careful with presenting them sugary and fatty treats.  Also try giving them scratches.
  • To discourage your bird to doing something bad, some owners advise ignoring your pet and turning your back to them.
  • Other bird keepers suggest talking to birds in a low voice when telling them that what they did is not the right thing.  Keep it short and to the point.  Excessive downbeat attention can bring about negative consequence to your pet.
  • Frowning to your bird when they do a unsatisfactory behavior can also do the trick.  Body movements and facial expressions are picked up by birds and somehow the message comes across.  Eye contact is necessary for this.
  • Health is a primary consideration for your pet so doesn’t bargain on it when training your bird.  Neglecting cleanliness of the bird and their aviaries and inadequate food and water are never done to birds.  Doing so may result to bigger issues like physical injuries and emotional disturbance.
  • As punishment rarely works, never strike your pet.  Birds’ bones are easily broken and forceful handling can be fatal.  Birds can get vicious and aggressive when they are subjected to abuse.

Medications to modify mood can be given to birds with relentless viciousness and aggression.  Consult your avian vet or behaviorist when you notice behavioral changes in your pet.  Work hand in hand with your vet to address the reason for misbehaving and providing appropriate treatment.   Some medications may even lead to behavioral issues so check with your vet.

The above mentioned tips are given to provide different ways to train a bird.  Do not be disappointed if changes are not noticed immediately as attitude in not an overnight thing to change.  You need to be consistent to make it more effective.

Balance is another key factor to disciplining your pet bird.  Good behaviors should be pointed out, as well and not just reprimanding and correcting the bad ones.  Again, birds respond more to positive reinforcement.

Hard work and persistence is needed when disciplining your pet birds.  Your effort and appreciation to them will be worth it when you see your pet giving you back the love you shower them.

 

Selecting a Pet Bird

Published on April 16, 2011 in Birds. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

There are a lot of factors to consider when selecting pet birds. It is not like getting an inanimate object that you can forget after purchase. A pet would need care and attention which may take some of your valuable time. Here are some things to take into account when you decide to get a pet bird.

First of, birds come in different sizes.  Having a bigger bird means having greater responsibilities compared to getting a smaller one. If you can only give minimal attention to your pet, better opt for a small or medium sized bird.

Be mindful that birds have special dietary needs. There are birds that feed only on pellets but there are some that need fruits, nectar and pollen. Be sure that you are ready to shoulder the additional cost for your bird’s needs.

Do a research on the behavior and character of the bird that you want. Some birds need to be taken out of the cage and have physical interaction everyday such as the African Grey. On the other hand, a canary requires little attention because they are more “bird-oriented” than “people-oriented” and so caring for them is pretty easy.

Also take into consideration the noise that the bird makes. Birds can chirp and sing while there are some that can even talk. Remember that your pet bird’s care should not be a burden to you rather it should be an enjoyable experience.

One of the greatest concerns in buying a pet bird is its cost. You must include in the budget the cost in buying the aviary, food and expenses for veterinary care.

You may opt to buy your pet bird from breeders or private individuals instead of buying from a pet store. These sellers might give better information on how to take care of your pet. Be sure that the place where you buy your pet bird from is clean and free from communicable diseases and other infections that may afflict your bird.

It is also wise to have the bird checked by a veterinarian before you buy it. In this way, you will be assured that the bird is healthy and disease-free. Make arrangements with the owner and see if you can pay with a post dated check for the next day so that you can return the bird if in case it is not in good health.

Your pet bird should be given food and attention to keep it healthy and enjoyable. Having your pet can be a good stress-buster after a long day’s work.

There are truly a lot of things to think about before you get that pet bird. However, if you have done your research well, you will definitely enjoy the company of your pet bird and you will not regret going out to buy that bird.

 

 

Finding Suitable Bird Doctor

Published on April 11, 2011 in Birds. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Giving food, water and ample space for our pet birds is not our only tasks in caring for our birds.   It is also not enough to just spend time and bond with them.   In caring for our pet birds, it is important that we have a reputable avian veterinarian that can help us make our pet healthy so that it can live a long life.

It is possible that you have other pets such as a dog or a cat and may have an existing veterinarian for them.   However, this vet may not be the right kind of vet for your bird because birds have different anatomy compared to dogs and cats.   Thus, birds may have different needs that should be taken into consideration.

Where could you possibly find an avian doctor?

Try checking the Yellow Pages to get information or if not, you can try surfing the web and logging in to sites that may provide more facts and data that can assist you in selecting an avian vet.  The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) has a list of certified veterinarians that you can choose from.   The local Bird Club and local pet breeders may also be tapped for recommendations. They would most probably give the best advice based on their experiences.  You may also solicit help from the Veterinary Medical Association in your state.

After determining the vet that you would consult, make an appointment to know more about the vet’s work background and experiences.  Inquire about the length of his practice and what kind of animals/birds he has taken cared of.  Do not forget to inform him about what kind of bird aviary you have and ask if he is knowledgeable about the care of such bird.

Know the availability of the vet. Ask if he is amenable to making house calls. A slight difference in your pet birds’ environment can easily distress them which can make them difficult to move or travel. If in case the vet is not available, make sure that the vet who is taking over for the day has the know-how in attending to avian sicknesses and concerns.  Finding Suitable Bird Doctor

It is advantageous to question the vet if he is regularly posted on new methods in the avian medicine, especially if you have an exotic pet bird.  It is important too, that you know how much the vet will charge for his services.   You would want to be working with an expert vet without putting a hole in your budget.

Once you have finally decided to get the vet’s services, ask how often your pet should visit for check-ups.  It is advised to have your pet bird checked regularly in order to diminish incidence of sickness or accidents. A once a year vet appointment is beneficial.

It is also a big plus if the vet clinic has a warm and cozy set up. It would truly be a comfort to know that the pet clinic you visit has nice and friendly staff and you would be confident that your pet will receive the best care possible.

Another thing the vet can do is make a diet plan for your pet. This can help make your bird well nourished, healthy and be in good form. You may ask the vet for ways on how to provide emergency first aid when your pet is not well.  Building a healthy working relationship with your vet is an advantage so you can easily call the vet whenever emergencies happen.

Caring for your bird is a joint effort of both owner and the avian vet.  The vet wouldn’t know if the bird is ill if you, the owner, doesn’t know about it.  Having an avian vet is like having a partner in nurturing your well loved pet.

 

Considering a Bird for a Pet

Published on April 8, 2011 in Aviaries, Birds and Birds Aviaries. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

A pet can be considered part of the family as they give us company at home and this gives us the satisfaction of taking care of them. Birds as pets can be a fulfilling and stimulating involvement. However, getting the ideal pet bird needs consideration and commitment to take care of your pets. Life expectancy of birds will last up to many years when ample care is given to them.

Run through this checklist and see if you’re prepared to get a bird:

• Can you take care of a bird? Like any other pet, birds call for occasion of attention as they are known to be social creatures. Ample time is needed for get involved with your birds and ensure that your pet can get your time they need.

• Are you and your neighbors prepared for bird noises? On different occasions, birds could make a raucous. The noise could be bothersome to your neighbors so ensure that this is okay prior to getting a bird. Smaller birds though are suitable pets as their noise may not be loud enough to reach your neighbors.

• What other pets do you have? Other pets may do harm to your bird especially a dog or a cat. Though some pets get along well with each other without difficulty, we need to consider safety of our pets nonetheless.
Having considered the above questions and you are still decided to get a bird, read through the attributes of a bird to help you choose the right one to get. Some birds are perfect to have as pets though there are some fussy species that may get boisterous and would be best if set free.

Suitable selection of birds to be pets are African greys, parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, canaries and finches. These birds are readily available in pet shops and so does the stuff needed to take care of them. The mentioned bird classes have been raised in captivity ensuing homely variety.

Nonetheless, getting a pet bird whose breed has not been domesticated could be tedious as they can be demanding and noisy. Some species of parrots, toucans, cockatoos and macaws are best abandoned in their natural habitat.

Have a look on the following attributes when choosing your bird:

• Resources and funding – Get a pet you can very well take care of in terms of financial obligations. Veterinary care for birds could be costly. As well as cage or aviary, depending on the birds, needs to be planned. Accessories, maintenance and, of course, food need to fit in your budget, too.

• Size – Rule of thumb is bigger tasks awaits bigger birds. For starters, it is recommended to have a small to medium-sized bird as a pet. The space to be allotted to your bird, as well as substantial obligations will be established by the size of your bird.

• Housing – Take care to choose a cage that has bars amply spaced so your pet’s head will not get lodged in between. Ensure, too, that small birds won’t be able to escape from their cage. Cages and aviaries should provide sufficient space for the birds to fly about.

• Time and maintenance- This include feeding, cleaning up of bowls and living space. Birds are social creatures so they need exercise and contact on a daily basis. If you neglect your pet birds, especially some parrots, they’d pose to be troublesome at some point.

• Nutrition- Birds require more than bird seed. They also feed on vegetables and fruits so ensure that you give them proper diet. Make certain that your birds have sufficient water as this is important to their diet, too. Proper nutrition could add more years to your bird.

Popular Pet Birds Species

Published on April 4, 2011 in Birds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Before getting settling to get a bird for your pet, you have to consider different aspects. You also need to have the passion for your pet birds giving them ample time and resources to ensure they are well taken care of. Below is a list of well-liked bird species considered by many to be good pets.

1. African Greys. Long-lived birds that can live to 70 years, these are perfect buddies. Known to be the smartest kinds, they can learn to about 2,000 words if ample training is given to them. Smart but demanding, they enjoy taking on exciting tricks. They lose interest and tend to get forlorn if you don’t spend time doing interesting things with them. Their warm personality will give you contentment every time you play with them.

2. Parakeets. The Budgerigar, the most popular of parakeets are ideal pets for children. Available in various attractive colors, these are just the right choice for children getting their first pet, and a bird at that. Parakeets do not take much room so you don’t have to worry about space for your aviary. Another bird species that are smart, they can be taught few words as well as screech and croon. These are small and clever pets that could last up to a decade and four years.

3. Cockatiels. These medium sized birds can live up to 20 years. Famous for their charming characteristic, you will have pleasurable moments taking care of these birds. Originating from Australia, they belong to the parrot family. Also available in an assortment of colors, these are also smart birds. Copying the sounds they usually hear like the ringing phone or barking dogs, they would come out as eccentric and amusing. They can sing and whistle and can be taught to talk.

4. Lovebirds. Small-sized birds of about 6 inches; they are one of the smallest of the parrot species. They can live up to 20 years. They possess character and cleverness that endear them to their owners. Great for people living in apartments or condominiums, a comparatively hushed bird, they are not difficult to care for. They are also lovely to look at with their beautiful plumage.

5. Canaries and finches. Life expectancy of these birds can be 10 years. These small-sized birds are not complicated to take care of as they need minimal regard. Growing to about 5 inches or less, they do not need to have large space to move about. They are also branded as softbills or waxbills. This would be the suitable pet for people who could not provide plenty of time to spend with their pets.

Popular Pet Birds Species

Clockwise from top left: African Grey, parakeets, cockatiels, finch, canary and lovebirds

Select from among the popular birds to be as pets. As your pet, provide them the right amount of taking care of take pleasure in the company they give you.