posted by Tess on Dec 3
Inspired by Home Enlightenment by Annie B. Bond (Rodale Press, 2005).
Many birds start to migrate in mid-August, and the demand for nourishment increases at this time. Not only are birds hungrier at this time of year, but as fall draws near, both migrant and nonmigrant birds will establish their winter feeding territory. There is no better time than now to establish your yard as a bird banquet for the winter!
Here is simple, easy recipe for a basic bird seed mix, to get you started.
Basic Bird Mix
* 50 percent sunflower seed
* 35 percent white proso millet
* 15 percent cracked corn
Combine the seed, millet, and corn in a large container. Store in a dry trash can or storage can with a tight-fitting lid. This mixture can be offered in a tube, hopper, or platform feeder.
Black oil sunflower seed is a great choice because it is higher in calories.
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posted by Tess on May 18
As Forest Gump might say “a best friend is as a best friend does.”
We’re all busy these days and if your life is anything like mine it can be a tough life to live. So, I don’t know about you but maybe it’s time for a break. Take a little bit of time to hang with your feathered friend(s) and give them some busy time.
You might have many birds, so don’t think you have to do this with every bird the same day. However, you should get into the habit of doing a short version of this regularly. Your feathered buddy will love you for it. I know mine does.
Your parrot may not have the social manners other birds have, but you can get him to be that way. You probably could come over too my son’s place and pick up to snuggle his African Gray Parrot (Nala) without fear of losing a finger or a nose. But no matter what degree of ’snuggle-ness’ your parrot prefers, you can fine-tune each step to your parrot’s level of comfort.
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posted by Tess on Mar 22
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.
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posted by Tess on Jan 16
Many animal lovers get parrots because they are attracted to the parrot’s unusual personality. Parrots are entertaining and beautiful but they are also quick-tempered, independent and very smart animals.
With that being said is a parrot the right pet for you? There are many things to consider should you finally decide to purchase a parrot.
The first thing to consider is the size of your space. Do you have enough room to keep a large cage to house your parrot? You want to make sure that you and your parrot will be comfortable with the amount of room that you have.
Another thing to consider when deciding if a parrot is the right pet for you is noise. Parrots can be quite loud. You may enjoy the noise a parrot makes when it is trying to get your attention, however, you want to take into account your surroundings. If you are in an apartment or your neighbors are really close, it may be more noise than they can tolerate.
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posted by Tess on Dec 6
Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing day. This is evidenced by the proliferation of Internet discussion lists which provide access to information regarding parrot care and behavior. This upsurge in the number of parrots in homes and the amount of information newly available does not alert the companion parrot owner to a very important and pertinent fact - that parrot keeping is a relatively new phenomenon.
The parrot will live in a cage, so you will need to buy one that is large enough so that the parrot can spread his wings fully. It should be made of wire preferably since the parrot would eat through a wooden one. Make sure the door is large enough so that the parrot can fit through it, and also ensure that the door can’t be opened from the inside. Parrots are very smart so you will need to use a complex door closing mechanism. Remember the bigger the cage is, the happier the parrot will be, so buy the largest one you can afford.
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posted by Tess on Sep 21
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot if left untreated. Find out how to recognize if your parrot is having problem with its breathing.
The most obvious indication that your parrot has a problem can be seen in their tail movement. You should barely be able to see the tail of your parrot moving. If the parrot’s tail is moving a lot, is very noticeable, and is labored, this may be a sign that there is a problem with its health.
If your parrot is having a hard time breathing because it has blocked nostrils, this could be a sign that your parrot has a respiratory tract ailment. You should check your parrot’s nostrils for discharge or even blockage.
It may be possible to relieve the blockage with medication. See your Vet for the best medication for your parrot. They will more than likely instruct you to hold your parrot on its back and put a drop of the medicine in each of its nostrils. If there is a lot discharge there, you can bathe the nostrils with warm water in order to remove the worst of the blockage before you start with the medicine.
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