Monthly Archive for July, 2011

Understanding Your Feathered Friend’s Manners

Published on July 18, 2011 in Birds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Building a relationship with our pets does not get established simply because we feed them and clean their living space. It is a friendship and companionship centered on trust and loyalty.  However, if your pet is hostile to you by constantly biting you, do you think you’d be able to build good relationship with them?

We should know how to decipher the behavior of our pet bird(s) which will be the key to identify with them as we cannot understand what their chirping about.  Their body language would enable them to communicate with us.  And once we have established a way to commune with them then we can take care of them, tame and train them appropriately.

Below are a few body languages of birds that we can construe:

  • When a bird is in a pleasant mood, it would have unperturbed feathers and you’d hear them purr in their aviaries.
  • A bird seeking attention or is excited would be shaking its head.
  • Their aggression, excitement or pleasure can also be demonstrated when their pupils are dilating or flashing.  If dilated pupils are accompanied by tail fanning or puffed up feathers, be wary of getting in contact with your bird as they tend to be aggressive and bite you.
  • If your bird sneezes, that is a sign of irritation in the nasal cavity, perhaps dust or small bug or even feathers.  An unusual sneeze with nasal discharge should merit a visit to the vet.
  • A young bird that is constantly biting is normal especially during teething age.  However older birds that tend to bite is a sign of aggression and displeasure.
  • When feeling good and contended, a bird tends to grind its beak.  However when your pet bird clicks its beak, it shows your pet is feeling threatened.
  • Birds bob their tail as they sing or when they are sick.  If you notice your bird bobbing its tail while simply breathing, bring it to your vet for checkup.
  • When your pet bird’s wings quiver, it shows that they are afraid or nervous.  Talk to them calmly and assure them everything is okay.

We, as owners, could get annoyed with our pets bad behavior.  A number of reasons may be behind such and hormones could even be a reason why birds show negative traits.

Like us, our pet birds undergo a phase when they sexually mature. Age of birds to reach this stage varies depending on their size.  Bigger birds achieve this on the fourth year while smaller birds experience it on their twelfth month.  Birds begin to be very susceptible.

Birds are sensitive creatures especially when they have reached maturity.  Changes in routine could stress our birds out.  If there are objects that seem to bother them, take it away where they cannot see it.  Constant interaction and allowing them time to stretch their wings with could improve your bird’s manners.

In order to keep our birds happy, we need to be patient with them and show that we care and understand.  It will affect their manners in a way that having them would be rewarding.

 

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When it’s Time to Move

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

Birds are sensitive and can get easily stressed with slight changes.  If by any chance you rearrange the room where your bird is situated, it can affect them in some way.  However there are times that moving to a different place is bound to happen.  Or even traveling cannot be avoided.  So do you make it easy for your pet bird during these times?

Here are some pointers to reduce the stress on your pet during a move:

  • Relocating can be very taxing to both pet owners and their pets.  When your bird sees you packing and getting busy for the move, they will sense that something is up and about.  This could make them stressed so a good thing to do is talk to your bird as you would with a companion and explain things.  When they see your comforting face and calming words, their stressed are lessened.  They may not fully understand what you’re saying however your body language would tell them a great deal.  Better move your bird in a secured and quiet room while you wrap things up with your packing.
  • As their owner, you’re better acquainted with your bird.   It will provide indication if they are more sensitive than others of their kind.  Some birds enjoy a ride while others are nervous traveler.
  • When the movers are in your place and starting the move, place your bird in a quiet place away from the activities.  Your pet should be in its travel aviary and be the last to leave.  Place the bird first in a quiet place upon arriving at your destination before bringing in the boxes.  Try and relax the bird by putting on music, this also masks the noise of unpacking.
  • If relocating entails a long drive, least stops are better.  Buy food at a drive-thru if possible.  If eating in a resto, take into account the weather as leaving your bird in the car may not be a good idea.
  • When relocating to a different state, this would require a long move.  Check the state regulations about your pets as some state may have laws that ban bird entering their region, especially if you have an out of the ordinary bird.
  • Long distance moves may require you to check in hotels or motels.  Check with your accommodations for regulations on your pets as there may be additional charges.  You would not want to leave your pet by your car.
  • Prepare a health certificate of your pet from your veterinarian when moving interstate or simply to another city.  This will come handy when dealing with a new doctor at your new place.

Travelling with your pet would involve preparations, especially when you are flying.  Ensure that they would allow birds to be on the flight.  If this is permitted, your pet would most probably be placed in the cargo area.  Make sure that your birds would be comfortable during the duration of the flight.

You can get your pet bird used to making trips by taking it to brief day treks.  Bear in mind that when taking your bird for a drive, do not place him on the front seat as the air bag may suddenly open causing severe or even fatal harm.

Again, you are better acquainted with your bird.  Learn your pet’s preference if they want their cage covered when taking them out.  Some birds would enjoy taking in what’s happening around.  Be mindful of the noise in your car, as well as the vapors that they may inhale such as cigarette smoke and/or air fresheners.

One good thing to keep in mind is to make your pet birds snug and comfy during the whole journey.

 

Birds Inspiring Artists

Published on July 5, 2011 in Birds. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Not only do our feathered friends provide companionship however over the years they have also inspired a number of movies, songs and fashion included.  Their feathers have been used by muses in works of art, not simply for owners to enjoy but also for art lovers.

The music industry showcases songs a few songs on birds that has become popular

• Blackbird (Beatles) – Blackbirds are usually portrayed as bad however Beatles turned that misconception about as the used blackbirds as a symbol for hope.

• Free as a Bird (Beatles) – song on the creatures freedom.

• Rockin’ Robin (Bobby Day) – a song that can be enjoyed together by both your pet and you.

• Three Little Birds (Bob Marley) – a happy tune you’d take pleasure in listening to.

• Yellow Bird (Chris Isaak) – an emotional song on soaring high from problems and being free.

Not getting enough of birds thru songs, birds have also become theme for documentaries and movies for their flying abilities and other characteristics.

In 2003, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill was released under the direction of Judy Irving.  It is a touching documentary of a homeless musician who found meaning in his life when he befriended conures, from the parrot family, in San Francisco.  The documentary showcased Mark Bittner being able to preserve the flock; the birds also assisted him in discovering his personal and professional path.

Another documentary made public in 2005, March of the Penguins lead us into learning about the emperor penguins, especially their survival in harsh conditions.  The documentary garnered acclaim for Best Documentary Feature in the Academy Award of same year.  There was dubbing for the penguins like they could talk in the original French version of the documentary.  The American version had Morgan Freeman narrating the story.

The Real Macaw (1997) and Paulie (1998) are among the fictional bird movies depicting their and their owners adventures and misadventures.  Bird aviary owners usually turn out to be children in these motion pictures.

Birds are featured in a number of great photographs.  One of the popular types of nature photography involves birds.  Taking pictures of birds, and those in the wild specifically is quite a challenge to most photographers.   It is a balance of knowing the technicalities of picture taking as well as being familiar and understanding the birds’ behaviour.

Tamed birds could also pose as models.  Set up the background and engage your bird for ease of capturing their pictures.  Ensure to get more than a couple of snap shots for more options in choosing the best.

Fashion has also been inspired by birds creating interesting works.  The designs of Caroline Baker for the Charleston Fashion Week last March 2009 showcased bird-inspired line.  Called the Plumage Collection by the designer, Ms. Barker dubbed her collection as “eco-couture.”  There were 14 bird-inspired pieces in the set.

And who knows what other things could be inspired by our avian friends.  They are not only pets but serve as inspiration for producing great art works.