Caring For Parakeets

Caring For Parakeets
By Nancy Richards

Caring for parakeets is the most important step in keeping
parakeets as pets. Remember their immune systems can be touchy.
This means that at the first sign of illness, you should contact
your veterinarian immediately. Even a simple virus can turn
deadly overnight. A regular care and checkup of your parakeet
can keep you away from visiting the vet too frequently. Caring
for parakeets means

A regular checkup of their plumage - birds keep their plumage
in peak condition by preening. You can encourage this by
occasionally misting it with warm water.
Selecting the right cage for your parakeet - choose a cage that
is large enough to allow it plenty of exercise. Most cages come
with 2 perches. For more specialized caring for parakeets, you
can attach a cuttlebone to the side of the cage. It will help
keep the bird's beak in good condition and will serve as a
source of calcium and other minerals.
A proper and adequate diet – this is the single most notable
aspect in shaping the health, vitality, and permanence of your
parakeet. Give them leafy green vegetables, rice, tofu, some
seeds and fruits like orange and papaya. These would give them
all the required nutrients to keep them healthy.
Regular bathing of your parakeet – give your parakeet a regular
shower of 5-7 times a week in the summer and 3-5 times a week
during the winter. This routine will help you keep your parakeet
clean and avoid skin related diseases.
Proper grooming of your parakeet – proper and regular trimming
of the toenails is very essential. Consult a veterinarian if you
wish to clip its wings.
Lack of parakeet care can result in feather plucking, moody and
ill-trained parakeets at home. It is always a good idea to know
what injuries and what diseases can affect your parakeet, what
is the ideal diet for a parakeet, how many times a week should
you give it a bath. These would help you undertake foolproof
caring for your pet parakeets.

A healthy parakeet is more likely to be immune to diseases and
can stay around for a long time to make you laugh, make you
entertained and give you a moment to smile…

About the Author: The author is a parrot lover for the last 12
years and is the owner of the website http://www.pet-parrots.com
Source: www.isnare.com


Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=838&ca=Pets

Considering a Pet Bird?

Considering a Pet Bird? Ask Yourself These 7 Critical Questions
| by Simon Blake | September 22, 2005
Birds can make wonderful pets and companions and there are many different birds to choose from. Two of the most popular are cockatiels and parakeets. Cockatiels and parakeets make wonderful pets that only require simple daily care. They don't take up a lot of space, they eat small amounts of food, and they don't require a daily walk outside. They love being around people and often want out of their cages just so they can be closer to you. Some even learn to talk.

You're not alone in considering a pet bird. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), birds are the 3rd most popular pet behind cats and dogs.

It all sounds great doesn't it? Slow down a little bit, before you rush out to buy a cockatiel or a parakeet, take some time to think about whether or not you are ready for a bird companion. There are a few things for you to consider before you decide if you're ready for the responsibilities that comes with parakeets and cockatiels.

Do yourself a favor and don't buy a parakeet or cockatiel until you ask yourself the following questions:

Do I have enough patience for a bird? Cockatiels and parakeets are social animals and they like attention. You should give them at least a half an hour of attention a day to keep them happy.

Am I a neat freak? All birds (not just cockatiels and parakeets) can be fairly messy. You're probably going to have some feathers and bird seed to pick up around the cage.

Can I care for my bird properly? You're taking the right first step by looking for information about birds. It's important for you to know all of your cockatiel's or parakeet's needs before you bring him or her home.

Don't make the mistake of assuming that since you already have a dog, cat or some other pet, that you know how to take care of a bird. Birds have very different needs than other pets. I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than sticking your bird in a cage and giving it water and birdseed.

Do I have room in my house for a bird cage and other 'bird accessories"? You need to think about where you're going to place the cage in your house before you walk in the door with it. And remember, the bigger the bird, the bigger the cage. (Be sure to study the do's and don't of cage placement. There are places in your house that are very dangerous for your bird.)

Do I have the time to give my bird what it needs? In addition to the time you should spend with your bird giving him or her attention, you should spend some time preparing meals for your bird. A proper diet for a healthy cockatiel or parakeet includes fresh vegetables and fruits - not just seeds.

Exactly what type of bird (and how many) do I want? Decide whether you want a female or a male bird. Maybe you would like to have a pair of birds so that you can breed them. It's easier to think through these types of questions now instead of waiting until you're talking to a breeder.

Am I ready for a long-term commitment? As I said above, it's not unusual for cockatiels to live 15-20 years and parakeets can live 12-14 years. Getting a pet bird is a long-term commitment. Please don't get a cockatiel or a parakeet thinking that you're going to "try it for a while". There are already too many birds in rescue and adoption centers.

Pet birds can bring a lot of fun and happiness into your home. If you don't know what to expect before you bring one home, you may be in for a surprise. However, if you've gone through the checklist above and decided that you're ready for a new feathered family member, then congratulations! Get ready for a long, loving and happy relationship.
Article Source: http://www.articleset.com

About the Author

Simon Blake is a bird lover and the author of Cockatiel Secrets and Parakeet Secrets. Discover how you can have a happy, healthy and well behaved pet bird. http://www.CockatielSecrets.com/ http://www.ParakeetSecrets.com/

» Read more articles by Simon Blake

Canary

The canary is named after the Canary Islands where they formerly lived undomesticated. Today, domesticated canaries live in all parts of the world. The canary species is S canarius and is a tiny fowl from the finch family Fringillidae. The popular canary is genus Serinus. Wild canaries can sing, but their songs are not as harmonious as those of the domesticated birds which have been bred for the high standard of their song. The canary is approx. 5-8 inches long with a wingspan of approx.7 inches and a weight of 15-20 grams. Wild canaries are a dark green and olive colored. Domesticated canaries are usually a bright yellow, although sometimes they may be orange, reddish, or pale yellow. Canaries construct nests of arid moss and weed. Its habitat is semi-open areas such as orchards and underbrush, where it nests in shrubs or trees.
Canaries should be kept in spotless cages, big enough to let the birds fly. Canaries consume canary seed but also like greens such as dandelion, spinach, green lettuce, and watercress and they can be fed a green leaf twice a week. Make certain you thoroughly rinse greens before giving them to your canary. Remove any left over’s before putting your canary to sleep. Canaries also can be given fruit which they care to peck at.

Attracting Birds

Attracting Birds

As people learn to enjoy the beauty of birds around their home, they may wish to improve the "habitat" in their yard so that more birds will visit their property. You can attract birds by placing bird feeders, nest boxes and bird baths in your yard, and by planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers. These can provide good nesting sites, winter shelter, places to hide from predators and natural food supplies that are available year-round.


Landscaping for Birds

The most surefire way to attract birds to your backyard is to make certain the appropriate habitat is available to them. You may be lucky and already have a good supply of food, shelter, and water available for our feathered friends. In that case, you have to do little more than stand back and watch.