Misbehaving Greys

The greys have been very naughty lately.  The thing that kills me about them is they know when they're doing something they shouldn't -- and choose to do so anyway.  I had some meetings this week which resulted in Thomas having to be alone with them for a few hours after work.  They seem to particularly act out when there's only one human at home.

I called him to tell him I was on my way home, and he asked me to get home ASAP as the greys were driving him nuts.  When I got home, he told me they'd been going nonstop and "checking off all of the items on their naughty list" including flying to the fridge, fighting with each other, eating magazines, throwing things on the floor, throwing things in the garbage, trying to eat onions...

This picture is dark, but it just makes me laugh.  It's very rare that both greys are on the fridge at once -- they usually stagger this stunt.  Max knows she's not supposed to be there -- as soon as I approached (to take a picture), her foot sprang up because she knew she was going to be removed:


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Thirsty?

Last night, Max was banging Thomas's water glass around.  (As an aside -- we have tons of glasses at home -- not sure why he insists on drinking from a mason jar.)  She was letting us know she was thirsty:


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Max vs. socks

Oh, how I wish I had a video of this, but my description will have to suffice.

Yesterday morning, Max was on her stand in the kitchen.  Thomas came downstairs, dressed for work, and threw his socks on the table while he went to get his shoes.  As he threw his socks, Max flew over and tackled the socks, mid-air.  Then, socks clenched in her feet, she rolled on her back and started attacking the socks.  She rolled over a few times and fell off of the table, landing on the floor, where she continued to wrestle with the socks while on her back.  (For a partial image of what this looked like, see Homeless Parrot's header -- but instead of Titus with a spoon, picture Max aggressively attacking socks.)

We could not stop laughing.  Attempts to recreate this for the camera were unsuccessful.

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Tragedy (barely) averted

Max could have died Saturday. 

Saturday timeline:

6:15-6:45 Max is just fine.  We have the greys out with us as we eat breakfast.  Around 6:45 we put them back in their cages as we have to run.

8:45 We return home from running.  Max is in the far back corner of her cage, playing with her rope perches.  She refuses to step up.  I think, "it took her 9 years, but Max is starting to show some more typical hormonal behaviors -- namely nesting with the rope perches and refusing to step up."

 8:45-11 We're at home; Max is the only parrot who won't come out of her cage.  She is really consumed with her rope perches.  I hope she's not forming an egg.

11-5 We're gone for the afternoon, volunteering at the parrot rescue.

5-6:30 We get home.  Although Max dances excitedly when she first sees me, she still refuses to step up and is playing with her rope perches.  We eat dinner and even that isn't enough to get her to come out of her cage.

6:30 After dinner, Thomas pulls Max's cage out from the wall to get a closer look at her and tell her to come out.  He realizes her foot is stuck in a toy!  That's why she hasn't been coming out of her cage -- not because she didn't want to, but because she couldn't.  And it took us hours to notice anything was wrong.

Thomas got her unstuck and we surveyed the damage.  She is not herself.  We immediately give her a bowl of water and she drinks a lot.  She perches on the water bowl, tucking the leg that had been stuck close to her body.  She puffs up her feathers:


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Stella's adventures

After this weekend, I'm pretty sure that Stella has taken then title of Most Demanding Parrot from the former co-holders of that title: Max and Rocky.  She's been in to everything, causing trouble; explorer extraordinaire.  We can't leave her alone for a second, or she's found trouble.

Sunday, Thomas was blending together a fruit smoothie for us.  Stella flew to his shoulder and then climbed down his arm to get close to the noisy blender:


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Weird fake eating

When Thomas curls up on the couch, Rocky often climbs up and hangs out in the crook of his knee.  This gives Thomas easy access to pet him:


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Goodnight kisses

When it's time for bed, we put all of the non-grey parrots in their cages.  Then, Thomas says, "time for bed, ladies!" and a grey parrot steps up on each of his hands.  The trio comes to find me and each grey gets a goodnight kiss from me.  Then Thomas begins his grey night routine of alternating kisses:


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Brian close-ups

More .  He's been even more adorable than usual lately; wanting to be with me as much as possible.  In these pictures, he's perched on my arm (I'm wearing a very red shirt.)


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Max and Stella

We also did some bottling of beer.  We were hoping the greys would just stay on their stands, but of course that didn't happen.

Here, Max is attempting to tip over the sample from this batch as Stella tries to get to a dark place to nest:


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Weekend birding

Thomas and I attended a birding festival over the weekend, which included a guided hike with experts.  This was fantastic as we are relatively new to birding.  We learned some identification tips and were just in awe of the knowledge/experience of the group leaders.  As we were walking, our guide would stop and say something like, "I heard a Cerulean Warbler in those trees" so everyone would look and sure enough, a Cerulean Warbler would appear.  How can people know so many bird calls?

We didn't take any good pictures of the birds, but here are a couple from the surroundings:


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Hungry greys

Apparently I had no idea how hungry she was!  Of course, she delayed her dinner as I had to take pictures of her antics instead of making it, so she had only herself to blame.

And maybe Stella who had to fly over as soon as she saw me taking pictures:


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Paper rolls

Max was a little upset that she wasn't getting any attention, she so started doing naughty things to make sure we didn't forget about her.  I wrap the greys' pellets in adding machine tape and hide them around their cages.  I had the adding machine tape, nicely rolled up, on the table.  Max pushed it off the table and was delighted when it wound up on the chair.  She followed the tape down and started playing:


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Brian takes a drink

After a morning run, Thomas was drinking Gatorade and Brian was running around the table.  He ran over to the glass and started tapping against it, which we took to be an indication that he wanted to see what was inside.

Thomas obliged him, tilting the glass down, expecting Brian to run away, but instead Brian ran into the glass!


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More hypocricy from me

D. Richard pointed out a while back (though in much nicer terms than I am using here!) that I am a bit hypocritical when it comes to the way I treat my parrots, specifically Brian.  There is a different set of rules for him than for my larger parrots.  The comment was made in reference to Brian eating breakfast off of our plates -- we'd never allow that from anyone else.  The same could be said for shoulders (Brian's the only one ever allowed on mine, though Thomas is a bit lax about that).  This morning, I thought of another incidence of hypocrisy on this front: destroying the newspaper.


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On alert

Thomas was removing Rocky's head feather sheaths last night.  Rocky loves this attention, as he can't reach those himself, but sometimes gets a bit bitey, so Thomas has to be sure to control his head.  In the wild, his warning of, "Hey, you're getting a little rough!" would be a beak full of feathers and his mate would adjust, but when your mate is a human and not a parrot, unintentional bloodshed can occur.  You can see little bits of severe macaw feather sheath on Thomas's pants:


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Blogger problems

My posts from yesterday have vanished!  Supposedly they will be back at some point; if not I will try to rewrite them next week.  In the meantime, here are pictures of two of my ladies at the rescue.

I don't understand how the macaw is still up for adoption.  She's been with us about a year and is one of the sweetest birds I have ever met.  As an added bonus, she's not particularly loud!  How has she not found a home?


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Jumping to conclusions

Thomas and I had an all-day event yesterday that necessitated packing an overnight bag.  We did not stay overnight, but we needed a bag full of stuff for the day, that we packed Friday night.

The parrots, specifically Stella, Max, and Rocky, saw us packing a bag and assumed we were leaving on a trip.  They were very! unhappy! that we were leaving them.

Stella started running after us, attacking our feet.  She also always uses her beak to steady herself when she steps up.  Friday night, she applied way more pressure than was necessary (not enough to break the skin or even bruise, but it was uncomfortable) before stepping up -- just to let us know she was unhappy with what was going on.

Rocky started acting toward Thomas the way he acts toward me -- running after him and attacking his feet.

Max was extra needy, not letting us out of her sight, giving us extra kisses, flying to us unbidden, etc.

Though of course I do feel bad when we leave the parrots overnight (which we were not even doing this time!) Max is the only one who made me want to be around her more.  Note to Stella and Rocky: you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

We also had to leave the house by 4:30, which we usually only do when we have a plane to catch.  All signs pointed to us being away for a week.  They must have been so happy when we got back home in time for dinner.

I doubt they learned their lesson.

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Waiting

phoneladysaid...

that is so cute my quaker would have climbed down those stairs by himself he has already done it here where I live we have a set of stairs to the loft and he climbed down them . He is just too smart for his own good .

May 17, 2011 10:59 AM

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Brian, by request

A friend who reads this blog e-mailed me and asked me to write more about Brian, specifically requesting a video.  Of course I was more than happy to oblige!

Wandering around the newspaper:


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Birding update

Over the weekend, we got out to do some birding.  There were so many American Redstarts out!  Here's a decent shot of a female (obviously we did not get a better camera yet):


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Dirty beak

Rocky had eaten a bunch of vegetables and hadn't cleaned his beak.  He then started walking around the house, depositing little pieces of food everywhere.  Unacceptable!  I didn't get a before picture as I didn't know what Thomas was up to until it was too late, but here's a during:


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Max/Rocky interaction

These pictures are a little dark, and once again I missed the beginning of the confrontation as I really don't just sit with a camera poised to take pictures of the parrots all day long!

Thomas was reading the paper and Max and Rocky were walking around, probably desiring some attention.  Of course, they'd both rather not have to share him.  I'm not sure who started it, but there was some tail grabbing taking place, by both parrots.  Since Rocky's tail is longer, Max is usually more successful.

I am inclined to mostly blame Rocky, while Thomas is inclined to mostly blame Max.

In any case, Rocky ran to Thomas for protection:


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Brian's bathing antics

In another installment of "be careful what you wish for" -- three Brian videos!  My friend may regret ever making this request.  Earlier this week, Thomas was sitting at the table eating his post-run breakfast, including some Gatorade.  As part of a nervous tic, he was moving the glass around, which intrigued Brian to no end, as you can see in this video:



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Why Are Some Parrots Red

Red has been long known as the color love. It also signifies love and passion but also danger. People associate the color red with love, Valentines, danger, desire, speed, strength, violence, anger, emergency exit signs, stop signs, and blood. Its usual attributes are strength, force, power, control, and leadership. Stimulation, warmth, excitement, good health, physical energy, love, sex, passion, courage, and protection are also associated with this strong color. But in pet birds especially in parrots—being red is an entirely different story.



The red in parrots



When it comes to colors in parrots, the most common is green. But did you know that there is no pigment or tinge of green present in parrots’ feathers? According to experts, although parrots appear green, only pigments present in parrots’ feathers are red and yellow.



Red parrots becoming popular pet parrot preferences because they exude mystical beauty. But did you know that some parrots are red because of their melanin chemistry and feather structure?



Studies show that some parrots are red due to Tyndall Effect. During Tyndall Effect, light scatters, thus, reflecting off the feather structure. This process also results to the illusion of a variety of colors.



Another reason why some parrots are red is because specific kinds of this bird have pigments in their feathers called psittacin or carotenoids—the ones that gives carrots and yellow squash their respective colors. These are usually influenced by certain environmental factors and elements like food intake or diet.

Experts found out that red parrots emerge because the colors of the nutritional elements of the food they take are intensified. Although foods don’t usually influence a parrot’s color, it is quite significant in the process because good food will result to good health shown in the sheen of a parrot’s feathers.



Since feathers are parrot’s—generally birds’—most distinctive characteristic, on-going studies about the coloration of parrots are conducted worldwide. Most of these studies have found out that a parrot’s color can mean several things like assertiveness and other behavioral contexts.



The most popular red parrot in pet trades today is the Red-Breasted Senegal. Although is has a moderate talking ability, many parrot enthusiasts purchase this red parrot because they are playful and independent Always climbing, chewing and playing with their toys, red-breasted Senegals are among the favorite selection of parrot pets because they have friendly nature and their ability to learn and perform tricks.



Since they create very low noise, this red parrot is suitable as a family pet bird especially for those who live in city apartments. Although it has a friendly nature, this red parrot should be handled and trained regularly so they will remain tamed.

What You Should Know Before Buying A Pet Parrot

Parrots are great animals. In fact, as a pet, parrots can be pretty entertaining especially with children who just love their mimicry. But like other kinds of pets, parrots are not all sweetness and light. They can also be a bother especially when you are not really much into pets.



Here are some things that you have to take into consideration before buying a parrot for a pet. Read on and think long and hard about each item. Remember that parrots are not exactly cheap. Once you buy them, you won’t have any choice but to take care of them.



1. Parrots are noisy



Mimicries may seem cute for a while but after several weeks of non-stop noise, it would eventually become a bother. If you are the kind of person who values your peace and quiet at home, parrots are not the pets for you. Their songs are not the same as the musical sounds that some birds make. The larger the parrot bird that you have, the louder the sound that they will produce.



Do you know that they can even scream so loud, you’d be running for cover? Your neighbors will even hear it. A normal parrot will probably scream at least two times a day. A screaming match will probably last for about five to fifteen minutes.



2. Parrots love to play with things



Remember that parrots cannot tell the difference between a wooden toy that they are allowed to play with and a priceless wooden furniture that your great great grandparents bequeath you. They can chew at it and you won’t be able to do anything about it.



And sometimes, they won’t even be content with furniture. They can also chew computer and electric cords, books, papers and virtually everything that they can get their claws on. Wallpapers, clothes can also be clawed on. So, be very careful.



3. Parrots can bite



They may seem docile creatures but they are actually not. Parrots can bite and they can claw. Even small birds can do this like the parakeet. And this is not just the ordinary bite that will not result to a big wound. They can actually draw blood and rip the skin.



Some who bite really hard can even break the small bones. This is not to say that parrots are mean creatures. They are just scared of people they do not yet know. Their defense mechanism is of course to bite.

The Talkative Pet Bird

Parrots are very interesting birds because of its mimicking abilities. When petting bird is your concern, it takes a lot difference than getting other domesticated animals for a household companion. A parrot is a noisy bird, more unpleasant if not given due attention and care. It is subject to emotional fits depending on how its instincts and traits developed from former habitat; to compliment or conform, to the lifestyle of the adopting family it embraced.



Reasons People Get Pets into their Households



1. When a person is alone in the house a pet companion is the solution. Individuals find it comfortable to select bird or animal pet because it emits trust. You'll likely distrust more individuals from your own peers than pet animals.



2. Many people choose parrots because they could easily communicate and could return back conversations as they have instinctive qualities to mimic.

3. Pets, regardless of kind have therapeutic implications to the aged, or desperate.



4. A parrot helps to usher the presence of somebody thru noisy enthusiastic antics to welcome a friend it recognize.



5. Birds are nature-groomed, tidy, beautiful, and attractive because of its colorful feathers.



6. Unlike any other pet, parrots never get contaminated easily being caged and are not able to stray on grounds.



TYPICAL PET PARROTS



There are many parrot classifications from so many kinds in various countries of origin. But there are more to a dozen of species for each type mentioned in all those actively trainable birds. To illustrate a few from among the types "Conures," will tell that each one comes from a certain wild place of origin, almost all from the wilds of South America or South and Eastern Africa where vast virgin forest still abound.



- Sun Conure - A type of Conures parrot it is a very beautiful bird in a mixture of yellow, orange and red with a slight touch of green on its wings. Green is more dominant in the young suns and color become brighter in a series of molts. An adult sun weighs 100 to 120 grams. Gender can't be detected easily except when one observes closely. Female birds are more rounded and smaller than the males that are square, flat and larger. Known for being loud and noisy, are possibly easy to train. Comes from the wilds of Brazil (Northwestern), Venezuela, and Guyana.



- Green Cheek Conure - Originated from South America. Body and wings are of olive green colors, and tail of crimson hue. Throat is of grey-green with small flecks of green. Sex can't be distinguished easily.



Things common among parrots regardless of species are loudness in noise, multi-colored, gender are hard to detect, trainable but need attention, otherwise it'll go naughty. Parrots' life span is mostly average.

The Makings of Good Parrot Breeders

If you are looking for a pet that can live and last for so many years, then you should consider buying a parrot for a pet. Because of their friendly nature and interesting personalities, a wide variety of parrots have been in the pet trade for parrot lovers to enjoy.



But, owning a parrot entails great responsibility. You must be able to give proper care and attention so your pet parrot will enjoy long and healthy life.



Taking care of parrots



Parrots are known for creating close bonds with their owner or the ones who handle them. If there were one person that must understand the bird well, that should be the parrot breeder.



Parrot breeders are significant figures in the lives of parrots because they play a major role in taking care of them. In the lives of parrots, the parrot breeders are foster parents because they take care of the bird from the beginning.



Since the parrot breeders are the ones who look over the well-being and welfare of parrots since birth, the overall health and personality of the parrot depends on the methods of breeding they use. Future behavioral patterns, ability to relate, levels of socialization and emotional health of the parrot will also greatly depend on the kind of care it received from its breeder.



One of the major responsibilities of parrot breeders is feeding the parrot. Since there are different parrot species, parrot breeders will have to learn how to respond properly in feeding in each kind. Aside from knowing the kinds of food and the right diet for each kind of parrot, the proper way of feeding should also be paid attention, too. Parrot breeders should know the proper way of feeding each kind so as not to put the baby parrot in danger.



Aside from feeding, “weaning” and “bathing” are other major responsibilities of parrot breeders. Because of the great responsibility a parrot breeder must take into consideration, not everyone can be a parrot breeder.



Time, energy, commitment, patience, and resources should be considered to be successful in this endeavor. Since time and dedication is quite crucial in obtaining healthy, non-hybridized specimens of parrots, interested parrot breeders should prepare themselves for this tedious but rewarding task.



There are actually a long list of parrot and tropical bird breeders available on line. Whether you are located in United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Australia, or in any of the states of United States, there is a directory of seasoned parrot breeders who understand the needs of the parrots very well. You might want to visit these sites in order to ensure the well-being of your parrot.

The Joy of Having a Parrot Pet

Because of their impressive nature, people buy parrots to become their pet on pet stores on impulse. Popular choices are amazons, macaws, and cockatoos because of their adorable traits and characteristics.



But, better be careful in choosing and buying parrot pets on impulse because caring for them can be an overwhelming and stressful task for you. Before you bring home a parrot to become your pet, make sure that you do a little research on its types and caring procedures so you will know what is the most suitable parrot specie for you.



Parrot shopping guidelines



Every parrot—or any pet or animal for that matter—is different. Thus, they require special needs and caring. You must know by now that choosing a parrot for a pet is a lifelong commitment so it’s advisable that you do not make hasty decisions in buying one. Since buying a parrot requires a good decision-making, here are some things that can get you started:



1. A parrot’s “noise” is one of the major considerations in choosing any pet parrot. Majority of the Conure species and Quaker Parakeets produce ear-piercing screeches that you might not tolerate.



Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos, and African Greys, one the other hand, give out information about you that can smear your reputation while Pionus, and some medium-sized Poicephalus like Senegals and Meyers, are known to create lesser noise compared other parrots. Budgies, Lovebirds, and Parrotlets, on other hand, are famous for not having very loud screeches because they do not possess a real ability to scream.



2. The next basic thing to consider when you’re pondering over buying a pet parrot is the mess the bird will create. Don’t be shocked if you see at least one-third of the food you give to the parrot will end up scattered on the floor.



This “food-scattering” is just part of a parrot’s nature of being experimental or just being naughty. Aside from food particles, feathers will also be present everywhere. If you are not used to having pets as messy as parrots and you are about to have one, you might want consider placing its cage where cleaning materials are accessible.



3. You should also consider the attention you can give and the attention your parrot pet will need. Being social flock animals, parrots are known to enjoy utmost attention. You must know when to pay attention to your pet parrot because they become easily depressed, lazy, and untrusting. Give them enough freedom to explore and interact with you.



4. You also be prepared to maintain the cleanliness of your pet parrot. No bird—or any pet for that matter—will be happy and healthy if they are confined in a soiled, dirty cage. Putting newspapers under their cage is the easiest way to get rid off soiled perches but make sure you don’t use colored papers because they contain toxins that can be harmful to your parrot pet.



5. Lastly, contemplate on feeding your parrot pet. Far from common perception, birds—especially parrots—cannot live in birdseed alone. Daily pelleted or seed diet combined with a variety of dark green, orange, and yellow vegetables or cooked brown rice, pasta, and beans are best for your winged pet.

The Basics of Parrot Cages

People who decide to have pets at home should provide suitable housing for the animal. This means getting one that is proportion to the size and type of parrot because this will greatly affect the lifespan of the bird.



It is advisable to get one that is very large. Most of these birds prefer to climb, stretch and play so there must be enough space for the parrot to do this inside instead of it just sitting on a perch located inside the cage.



The housing should have horizontal bars. This will make it easy for the parrot to grab hold onto the sides whenever it feels like climbing inside the cage. The distance between each bar should also be checked so that the bird will not injure itself during this activity.



Though its true there are some cheap cages that can be found in the market, the owner must not get this based on this criteria alone. This is because the material used in making the cage will not be of good quality that may also pose as a danger for the parrot. It is better then to get an expensive one made of stainless steel or powder coated since these are not toxic to the pet.



Conventional bird cages have doors and latches. People who decide to get a parrot should avoid using this because it can cause injury to the creature’s beak, head, neck or wing. The best to get those are those that are detachable since this has been proven to be safe.



Most animals produce waste. The ideal carrot cage should have a pull out try in the bottom so the owner can just take this off and wash it before putting it back inside. This is better than going inside and to clear the housing of droppings, which will take a long time to clean.



The parrot cage should come have a designated area where the bowl will be placed. Some manufacturers sell this with a plate inside while others have to be purchased separately. This should also be removable because this needs to be cleaned twice a day before and after feeding.



The perch where the parrot sits must be near where the food is located. This will make it easy for the bird to go to when it is time for feeding.



Having a pet big or small is an enormous responsibility. The individual should have a spacious and safe cage to enjoy many years with the parrot.

Taking Care of an African Gray Parrot

To most breeders and pet lovers out there, the African Gray parrot has got to be one of the most charming parrots out there. Known for its wonderful character, the African Gray parrot is also one of the most preferred species for possessing an admirable combination of high intelligence and extraordinary charm.



If you are one of those who were instantly drawn to the beauty of African Gray parrot, it is a must that you supply yourself with enough information about these wonderful birds.



According to taxonomy, there are basically two subspecies or types of African gray parrot that can be found in today’s pet trade: the Congo African gray and the Timneh African gray. The former type is characterized for being slightly larger than latter with bright, red tail feathers. The Timneh, on the other hand, is overall darker than the Congo African.



When it comes to temperament, there are significant differences between the two. Timnehs are believed to be more laid back and less prone to feather picking and other neurotic behaviors compared to the Congo African gray.



Generally, African Gray parrots live from 25 to 50 years depending on the history of the bird, lifestyle, stress factors, diseases, and other aspect that may affect its lifespan. When it comes to intelligence, this parrot specie is considered as an extremely intelligent bird because of its ability to talk or mimic different sounds and noises and for having a unique capacity for putting their words and sounds into the right context.



Despite its admirable traits, there are some behavior issues you have to deal with when you possess an African Gray parrot. Because of their intelligence, this bird is quite demanding because you need to spend a lot of time in giving social contact and for mental stimulation. A lot of patience and attention should be given to these birds. These birds are also known for biting and feather picking when they get bored or depressed.



Here are some dos and don’ts in taking care of your African Gray parrot:



1. Make sure that you know the specie of your parrot because having a good knowledge the will provide you better guidelines in taking care of it.



2. Make sure that you provide you African Gray with the basics it needs like large and safe cage, good and healthy diet, a wide range of toys, a dependable T-stand, as well as a gym or play stand, scale, and a commercial carrier.



3. If possible, take time off to talk to the breeder and pet shop assistants who have dealt with your parrot. Talking to them will give you an idea how the bird has been treated in the past.



4. Make sure that you objectively assess if the African Grey Parrot is compatible to your living space and lifestyle. Since these birds are quite demanding pets, attention and clean environment will keep them healthy and happy.



5. Because of its quite demanding nature, an African Grey parrot is not suitable for everyone. Make sure that you think a thousand times before purchasing it and have a written guarantee of its age if possible.



6. Never, ever buy an African Gray parrot on impulse because it can be quite stressful.



7. Don’t keep questions to yourself if you want to know something about the bird.



8. Don’t forget to make a list before you go to the breeder so you won’t miss out on important information you need to know in taking care of your pet.

Raising Your Parrot Pet in Humane Manner

Parrot as a pet has to be out of the cage once in a while. Now this is quite a big deal raising parrots to abide silent rules of knowing when it must be inside or outside a cage. The reality of having parrots as pet is all about the freedom it can get to interact with its owners. If a parrot is constantly in the cage wailing repeated shrieks all the time, then it is nothing but a talking trophy.



It takes daily minutes of patience to gain your pet parrot's respect. Take note, a parrot is just a bird, but the amount of loyalty you can get out of training it is priceless. By giving it firm orders to climb on its perch up or down is just the start. It is quite an accomplishment to see your bird do it in a command. It means the next tasks are on the right stake.



Freedom and discipline don't go handy with parrots. Just like spoiled brat kids it will have the tendency to abuse freedom. Once a parrot uses its wings on its first fly, it is dominating the situation. It has the tendency to follow around and do unexpected and menacing things like pecking furniture, especially woods.



Once a parrot has gained this confidence while your house is not intended as parrot flying skylines, then it is the start of mess. Do not let your parrot take the full control, but never attempt to punish it harshly at the same time. It takes a lot of patience to watch again and again until the bird settles down with closed wings, picking it up and putting back on its perch constantly, until the bird understands the meaning of getting behaved.



After taking control of your parrot's behavior, you cannot avoid being nipped once in a while, especially if your parrot is younger and curious. Parrots must be trained not do this as habit by giving a "NO" command. You can also blow its face after biting you or giving it an earthquake shake while settled on your palm.



In extreme cases, deprivation is the best solution to erase the habit. Any strong pecking must be followed by effective punishment of putting your pet parrot in an isolation cage for 15 minutes or so. By constant practice, the parrot will finally understand why it loses freedom after a bad behavior like biting.



As part of being amused, parrots scream with all their might as a sign of boredom. To avoid too much of this, distract this parrot's habit by placing it close to a TV where it can watch. Provide playthings at a tender age and make sure not to neglect its need for fun.

Parrots for Sale

It is clear some people want to have parrot as pet. If you are that person, you may be anxious about getting the finest one for your personal satisfaction, care and business. Parrots are for sale all around, and selling such pet is 100% different from selling home commodities. It will need time and dedication.



This will be a guide if you want know what species you would prefer. Here are the descriptions of selected parrots perfect for sale:



1. LOVEBIRDS - very adorable little small breed from Africa, lovebirds can be tamed like common parrots except for the aggressiveness towards opposite sex, the male rubs the perch as a distinct sexual behavior, which is quite disturbing to some owners. They have to be housed in different cages. Generally, lovebirds are excellent in parenting their siblings and very good in breeding.



2. AFRICAN GREYS - More than vanity, this parrot specie is the best sound imitator from among the species. It doesn't mean this parrot has to be on high sale just because of the talking qualities. Owners getting disappointed with non-talking African Grey specie often tends to neglect their pets afterwards.



3. COCKATIELS - Lovely because of the distinct pointed crown, this specie can learn tricks easily, very affectionate, and can live to a life span of 15 to 20 years given the proper care. The coating on its feather can cause allergies. Cockatiels have this distinct behavior when left in dark, which can cause self-injury.



4. SENEGAL PARROTS - Medium-sized specie good for apartments because of its more quiet behavior. Much adept in imitating sounds of surroundings than distinct speech of people. It is not recommended for outdoor and spacious free walks as it can fly farther and get lost.



5. PARROTLETS - Comes in tiny sizes, this specie have no problem with dark places, considered brave. The voice is quite small, best if you only tolerate chirping when bred in a small flat or room. Prone to accidents, they must be looked after all the time when out of the cage.



6. CANARIES - Specifically attributed to Canary Island, after Romans named it. Canaries have three types. Song Canaries are known for the distinctive voice and singing. Color Canaries have attractive and bright colors, making the collecting of several varieties popular to breeders. Canaries are territorial and not so sociable. From among the parrots, this specie has the sweetest voice.



The sale of parrots worldwide happens silently. It comes with interest and passion, but believe it or not, thinking about the small world you can give to these lovely birds is a journey. Living with parrots is worth a quality life.

Parrot Pets in Edmonton

Known as the Gateway to the North, Edmonton in Alberta, Canada is a popular commercial, manufacturing, and transportation center situated in an agricultural and mining area. Having a rich agricultural area, Edmonton is known to be one of the best places to breed and buy a pet parrot.



Indeed, if there were one type of bird that is preferred by many pet lovers, that would be parrots. Over the years, parrots have become a popular choice for pets because they colorful, beautiful, entertaining, and impressive pets to have.



And since they can be trained to “talk,” or imitate sounds from their environment, parrot pets are considered wonderful companions by many seasoned animal lovers. If you’re planning to buy a pet parrot in Edmonton—or in any place for that matter—here are some of the basic things that you have to purchase to give your parrot pet a healthy and happy environment:



1. A decent and loving home. Just like any other parrot, Edmonton parrots pets are known to thrive in attention. Giving the bird a decent and loving home will keep it healthy and closer to its owner.



2. Good healthy diet. It is quite important to feed your pet parrot the best diet that you can. Try to change its diet and make it as interesting as possible.



3. A large and safe cage. Although large pet parrot cages are advisable, it’s not really necessary. What’s important is you provide your pet parrot the proper or medium-sized cage it needs to explore and sleep in. For Edmonton parrot pets, it is advisable that you buy cages that can be transformed into a play area to keep your parrot amused and safe.



4. A good range of toys. It is a must that every bird posses a variety of toys to play. At least three sets of toys are recommended to keep your pet parrot interested. Try to choose toys that are non-destructive and are large or small enough to fit into your parrot’s cage. It’s not really necessary to buy expensive toys because they can be home-made as long as the parrot enjoys it.



5. A dependable T-stand. T-stands are actually training tools, thus, they should not be placed where the bird can use it often because they can do tricks you might miss.



Other must haves include the gym or play stand, scale, and a carrier to transport them safely.



The ultimate Edmonton parrot pet site



To acquire more knowledge about Edmonton parrot pets, visit the Edmonton Pet Parrot Association (EPPA) website. The site aims to educate the general public about the proper way of taking care parrots.



To update themselves, its members conduct meetings every month. The site also features different parrot monthly and conducts talks and discussions regularly. The guest speakers present research reports and also conduct toy-making sessions.



The EPPA mainly focuses on aspects of keeping healthy and happy pet parrots. In their meetings, helpful information on topics like parrot nutrition, health, and behavior are featured. Round table discussions on suggested topics and experiences of Edmonton parrot pets are also shared. The site also features the parrots they breed like Alexandrines, Amazons, Macaws, Quakers, and Ringnecks. The site accepts interested parrot pet owners for membership.

Knowing Your African Grey Parrot

African Grey parrots have been popular pets since the time of King Henry VIII of England. Because of its ability to speak, more and more affluent families adopted the possession of this parrot.



Today, countless of African Grey parrots are being hand reared by various breeders for because they are amazing and loving companions not to mention one of the in demand species in different pet trades for possessing high intelligence.



Despite its superb characteristics, African Grey parrots are not suitable for all environments—especially those with children—because they can be strong, they can bite using their pointed beak, and they can scratch with their daunting claws.



If you are planning to buy an African Grey parrot or planning to have one, it is a must that you know almost everything about this specific type of parrot so you would know what to expect.



African Grey Parrot Basics



Considered as the best mimics of all parrots, African Grey parrots are known for causing people to place a lot expectation on their eventual performance because of their phenomenal gift of speech, for their problem solving and reasoning skills and their ability to understand the human language.



Although they are considered as one of the superior types of parrots there are, African Greys are the most neurotic, temperamental, nippy, and one of the shyest parrot species.



Usually, African Grey Parrots are medium-sized parrots native to Africa. Primarily grey with accents of white area around the eye, African Greys are also famous for their red or maroon tail.



Basically, there are two subspecies of African Greys: the Congo—which are about 12 inches to 30cm long, with light grey feathers, deep red tails and black beaks—and the Timneh race—which are smaller, have a darker charcoal gray color, a darker maroon tail, with a horn colored beak. Today, there is also known a third and fourth sub specie—the Ghana African Grey that is similar to the Congo African grey but darker and smaller and the Cameroon African Grey or the “big silvers.”



Determining the sex of an African Grey parrot will sorely depend on their physical traits: males are generally bigger in size, round eyes, have a flatter and broader head while females have longer and slender neck, small rounded head and elliptical eyes.



These relatively quiet parrots have an average lifespan of 50 to 65 years and are known to feed primarily on nuts and fruits, usually supplemented by vegetables. These birds are known for having a tendency to pluck their feathers if they get bored and tend to bond to only one person if they are not used to interacting with different people on a regular basis.



Like any pet parrot, African Grey parrots require a large commitment and dedication. If you’re planning to buy one, African Grey parrot prices ranges from $ 750 to $1000 in the market today.

Information on Buying a Parrot Cage

Buying a cage for your parrot is not just something that you do on a whim. A cage is important especially with this kind of pet, who can be really restless and messy in the house. Besides, the cage will have to also depend on the kind of parrot breed that you have.



For instance, breeds that are bigger will of course need a bigger cage. This will not only ensure their safety but also your things safety as parrots can get really wild when they are out of their cages. They will claw on your sofa and chew on everything that they can get their hands on.



How big will it be?



The size is one of the most important consideration when buying a cage. You don’t just buy a size that will fit the current size of your pet parrot, you will also have to think about the other things that you have to put in there. Will he be able to move freely? Will he be able to fit in there when he grows?



Owners actually recommend that you buy the largest that you can find on the market. Some pet shops will recommend some cage sizes but remember that these are minimum sizes. If you want your pet to be comfortable and have peace of mind (which will also leave you with a peace of mind), then buy something bigger.



Also, make sure that the cage you will buy have bars that your parrot will not be able to get through. For instance, for large parrots, spacing that are wide can be good to minimize the feeling of being caged in but try to also see if they can fit into it. Small spaces in between bars are recommended for parrots that are small like doves and finches.



What’s the shape?



Although some people think that the shape of the cage is purely for aesthetic pleasure. It is not. The shape of the cages will depend on the kind of parrot that you have. For instance, if you have a small parrot, they will be doing some flying from side to side so the length of the cage is more important than the height.



The case is not the same with large parrots, which need the height of the cage for climbing, stretching and playing. Still, you also have to make sure that the width of the cage is enough for the parrot.

Happiness With A Blue Parrot

Parrots are known to be one of the most entertaining, loyal, and fun-loving pets any person or pet lover can ever have. Through the years, the popularity of parrots—no matter what kind or color they may be—has grown into large quantities.



Although the type of parrot—the specie and family—is important for a starting owner or breeder, one of the growing preferences among the so many kinds is the color—specifically blue.



Blue parrots—or those that bear the shades of blue in their feathers, eyes, or beaks—are one of the favorites among parrot owners especially those that are first time owners because they look lovely as they grow older and bigger.



Why choose a blue parrot?



Blue is one of the most popular and favorite colors because it signifies calmness and placidity. In its different shades, blue is always associated with tranquility, relaxation, peace, harmony as well as cleanliness, loyalty and depression.



Among the so many parrots that have a shade of blue color are the Quaker Parrots. Although this specific breed also comes in a variety of colors like green and yellow, the blue ones are quite in demand because they are rare and usually expensive.



In pet trades today, blue baby parrots cost around $400 while the pallid blue females are about $600. Quaker pairs in shade of blue or pallid blue (those with dark eyed cinnamon blue) are sold for $1350 because they are guaranteed to split to pallid male with an unrelated blue pallid female pair and can also produce pallid blue female babies.



Single breeder Quakers namely blue females range from $400 while the blue make parrots that are guaranteed split to red eyed cinnamon ones cost $800. The blue male parrots that are guaranteed split to pallid male can be brought for $750. The pallid blue females cost $600 while the pallid blue males cost $1250.



The most popular blue parrot of all times was the Macaw-Glaucous or known as “Blue Macaw.” Originating from Argentina, this blue parrot was known to shy, talkative, social wild bird, and pet. Often mistaken for Lear’s Macaw for having a similar size and build, the Blue Macaw stands out for having different coloration. This blue parrot is quite popular because its feathers are blue and could easily change tones with different shades.



Its plumage was a brilliant greenish-blue, the back of its neck has a unique gray-blue color, the head and nape has a bluish-gray color, and the undersides of its wings and tail were black but the topside of the wings exudes a bright sky blue color. Unfortunately, this blue parrot is extinct for less than a century now.



If you’re interested to be a parrot color breeder, books that are comprehensive, thoroughly up-to-date, with illustrations are available in the market now.

Foods that you can Feed your Parrot

When children hear about parrots, the first thing that comes to mind is that this bird is usually on the shoulder of a pirate and it can talk.



Though this creature has a habit of wanting and eating a cracker, studies have shown that this magnificent and colorful animal needs more than that in order to maintain a healthy diet.



By following these simple tips, the person can find other things, which are also essential to the parrot’s diet.



1. Parrots should have also have some vegetables, cooked meats and grains just like humans. This is because these creatures need the same nutrients that people get from eating such produce.



2. A healthy diet also means giving the parrot the right portions in each meal. If the owner gives too much, this should be reduced. This will take some time to get it right so the individual should just monitor the volume each time this is given to the animal.



3. Parrots get sick very easily. If there is excess food in the plate, this should be removed because this becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and molds.



4. Aside from food, the parrot must also be given a fresh supply of water daily. This will avoid making the bird dehydrated, which can also cause it to get sick.



5. Many people see pet owners giving seeds and nuts frequently to the parrot. Studies have shown this should be done sparingly because it does not provide that much nutrients, which are needed for the bird’s diet.



6. Though parrots may eat almost anything that humans eat, these following should never be given. These are chocolates, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, kidney and lima beans.



7. Parrots should be fed twice day and enjoy it if the food is mixed in water in the bowl. It is advisable for the pet owner to wash the dish first before and after each meal to make sure it is free from bacteria and other germs that could endanger the life of the bird.



These are just a few tips in feeding the parrot. The owner can read up more by buying a book or doing some research on the Internet.



Before buying any food for the parrot, it will also be a good idea to seek the advice of a veterinarian. This specialist can check on the bird and recommend the proper items to be bought from the pet store.

Familiarizing Yourself With Different Parrot Species

Fascinated to the world of the fast-talking, fun-loving parrots? Are you contemplating on the idea of getting one as your pet bird? If you have plans of purchasing one in the future, then you must familiarize yourself with the different parrot species existing in the pet trades and pet stores today.



As defined, parrots are a very popular group of birds for possessing high intelligence depending on the degree of its socialization and training. Famous for its ability to imitate human speech and various sounds, these tropical colorful birds are mainly found in Australia and South America.



Having a variety of species, parrots differ in size and color. Some parrots are bigger and grander while others are smaller and typical. When it comes to colors, green is considered the most common shade of parrots and are usually wonderful pets for their amazing talking abilities. Several types of parrots are multi-colored—with a distinctive combination of bright blue, yellow, green, and white mixtures.



These birds are also characterized by having powerful hooked bills and feet meant for tree climbing. Mainly vegetarian, other basic foods of almost all types of parrots are includes fruits, chicken or meat and a lot of seeds. Although they belong to only one family of birds, parrot species have distinctive personalities and nature. Some of them are naturally friendly while some are moody and destructive because they pluck their feathers if they are bored or unhappy.



Parrot species include Macaws, Conures, Amazons, African Gray Parrots, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Budgerigars, and Eclectus. Macaws are one of the most coveted birds in aviculture because of their comical and affectionate nature. Conures, on the other hand, are small cousins of the Macaw that has 2 sub-specie: Aratinga and the Pyrrhura.



While Conures are known for its variety of color and gentle personality, Amazons are famous for their superb talking ability. Considered as the most popular large parrots in aviculture that exhibits distinct personalities, amazons are often considered as delightful pets for imitating sounds well.



African Grey Parrots is probably the most intelligent parrot there is. Despite their intelligence, greys can be hard to handle because they are generally quiet, resulting to stress attacks and reactions.



Cockatoos are considered among the favorites because they are beautiful, smart, playful, cuddly, and good talkers. Although they are generally tame, cockatoos can be hard to handle because they thrive in too much attention.



Cockatiels are most common pet birds because they are easy to breed and are relatively inexpensive pets; Budgerigars or “parakeets” that are usually afraid of humans if not trained properly; and the Eclectus that are “sexually dimorphic” or the male and females look markedly different.

Disadvantages of Having Parrots for a Pet

Parrots can be pretty hard to take care of. Unlike other pets that can be left alone in their cages, parrots are restless creatures who you have to check up on a couple of times every day. Here are just some things that parrots can do to your home.



Parrots can be pretty messy



If you are the type that would like the house to be spotless, try to reconsider getting a parrot or any pet for that matter. Parrots can be really messy, even a small parakeet.



Their food can be flung everywhere even when they are inside the cage. Your floor can be filled up by pellets, seed, and nutshells. Sticky foods may also be plastered on the walls, on the bars of the cage and even at the ceilings. Foods will literally be everywhere.



Another problem that you may have are their poop, which you really have to clean everyday. And they are not that disciplined to only poop in one place. They actually poop everywhere, in bars, in their food dish and even with the toys that you give them. They may even poop in between bars, which may end up on the floor and sometimes even on you.



If you have a cockatiel variety or the grey breed, you will also have to contend with the powder that they have on their feathers. The feathers will stick everywhere. So, you really have to dust everyday.



Because of this, you have to scrub the cage, their dish and the whole of the area at least once a day to prevent bacteria from settling in and of course the bad smell.



2. Parrots chew on everything



Parrots love chewing wood. In fact, owners of parrots often give them wooden toys to play and chew with inside their cages. Parrots however are not satisfied with just these toys. When they get the opportunity, they will chew on everything that they get their hands on. They will puncture your clothes, your furniture, even your books.



This can be really frustrating especially if you are the type of person who wants a clean house. Parrots are not recommended in homes that have dainty and fragile furniture. They should also not be placed in areas where they can break things and chew on antiques.



Be careful with wearing jewelry because they will sure to grab it or chew it. Parrots love shiny things. They can claw the stone right out of your favorite jewelry.

Dealing with Macaw Parrots

Among the parrot family, Macaw parrots are known to have the largest number of members. According to studies, these colorful, flamboyant, and captivating birds have inhabited the planet ever since and there are actually at least 18 species of macaws recognized today.



Characterized by their playful nature, Macaw parrots have earned a hefty reputation of being one of the most interesting birds because of their high intelligence and beauty. Hailing from South and Central America as well as from the Caribbean islands, macaw parrots have been legendary for possessing a unique personality and lovable characteristics, which makes them loyal and great companion parrots.



But, despite of its superb potentials, most people say that Macaw parrots are not good pets because they possess destructive tendencies, raucousness, demanding, and very noisy large birds.



Macaw parrots are not among those most favorite parrot pets because they screech so loud that most owners cannot tolerate. Aside from being creating loud noise, macaw parrots also have a reputation of being very demanding birds.



If you are planning to purchase a Macaw parrot for a pet bird, you have to have a great deal of knowledge and research about the nature and characteristic of macaw parrots species so you would have an idea how to take care of them. Although this parrot specie is not the most suitable parrot pet an owner can have, these large birds can live from 25 to 80 years and even beyond if taken care of properly.



Understanding Macaw parrots



Among the so many species of macaw parrots, the most popular include the Blue and Gold Macaw, Blue and Yellow Macaw which are the most available and popular kind of macaw parrot for being adaptable, playful, curious, and fun loving;



Scarlet Macaw, Red and Yellow Macaw which are considered as among the top ten of the worlds most beautiful parrots; Greenwing Macaw, Maroon Macaw, Red and Green Macaw, Red and Blue Macaw which are extremely intelligent and inquisitive ones;



Military Macaw that has fine talking skills and a pleasant behavior;



Red Fronted Macaw, Red Crown or Crowned Macaw which are among the sweetest and amiable parrots;



Hyacinthine or Hyacinth Macaw which is the largest among the parrot family;



Hahn's Down which are full blooded Macaws which are talkative and thrive in attention and Severe Macaw which is an uncommon pet bird because of its small size.



Here are some points to consider before buying a macaw parrot:



1. Talking Ability. These parrots are not considered excellent talkers but have high capabilities for speech and can be very good at language interaction.



2. Personality. Macaw parrots are among the most demanding pet parrots there are so you better make sure that you can spend enough time to interact with your parrot. Because of its violent tendencies, owning a macaw parrot is not advisable for parents that have little children.



3. Basic necessities. Since they can be quite demanding and destructive if not given the proper care, you must make sure that you can provide the things the macaw parrot might need such as toys, acrobatics and love ropes, big and secure cage and proper diet.



4. Biting and Taming. Because of its complex personality, macaw parrots can be extremely aggressive if not handled properly. Bear in mind that macaw parrots’ temperament changes as time goes by so you better brace yourself for the best or the worst attitude this bird can exhibit.

Criteria in Purchasing a Pet Bird

The African Gray parrot originated from the wilds of Western and Central Africa. Their existence dates back history 4,000 years ago, seen in Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting parrot pets of ancient pharaohs. Royalties and affluent Roman families kept parrots in ornate cage, so, with the Portuguese sailors who have African Gray pet parrots when the travel on their colonial conquest voyages.



African Gray has two sub-species; the (1) Congo African Gray (Scientific name - P. e. enthacus), and (2) Timneh African Gray Parrot (P. e. timneh). Both sub-species of the African Gray resemble in color, the difference is that the Congo African Gray color shades are deeper than that of the Timneh African Gray.



Obviously, dominant plume hue defines its descriptive-name "Gray;" full tail is red (crimson), bills are charcoal gray, and white background surrounding its eyes. It's a bit smaller than the Blue and Gold Macaw, and measures 13 inches (33 cm) in size. Weight ranges from 380 to 550 grams.



Acknowledged among the most intelligent birds on earth, it is reputed to excel in talking abilities. It has a life expectancy of 50 to 60 years; twice or thrice compared to any other animal pet, favorable to pet selection for one who desires to get life-long pet companion. Sex is indistinguishable among its kind except if it under goes surgery, or thru DNA tests.



Birds are on sale for so many reasons. There is a great demand for any kind of pet in the entire world. Rich nations whose citizens are not endowed with big families resort to pets for companions. In cases like it, birds who have extended life span comes first in the list of relevant life-time companions to ease pain and loneliness of being alone.



Reasons for Patronizing Sales of the African Gray Parrot



1. This parrot is best in mimicry, regarded most intelligent of all birds.



2. The lengthiest life span among birds; some only last up to 30 years, maximum life of African Gray is 60 years old.



3. Could adapt easily on common fruits, vegetables and nuts as in the wilds, in its human captivity environment.



4. Capable in associating human words with their meanings to certain degree.



5. Claimed by long-time owners as comparable to having a 5-year old child as a companion.



6. Very faithful and devoted for its tendency to bond to only one person, when there were no chances of intermingling with different peoples.



The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species announced that sale of all parrot "catch," direct from the forests, are illegal.



Breeders of the African Gray parrots in captivity hand-rear them for the benefit of pet traders. Hybrid African Gray parrots are promoted on pet shops, on the websites and seldom by individuals who incidentally are forced to part with their bird due to unavoidable reasons in their lives.

All About Senegal Parrots

If you are looking for a pet parrot that is best for the whole family, then you must consider a Senegal parrot. Most pet lovers and parrot pet traders agree that Senegal parrots have been popular family pet birds because of their lively and engaging personality.



But, before you finally purchase a Senegal parrot and make it a family pet bird, you must be knowledgeable about its traits and characteristics for you to have an idea how it should be taken care of.



According to parrot experts, the Senegal parrot one of the best-known members of the entire Poicephalus family for having compact and cuddly physical traits and a very playful attitude. Frequently seen in pet shops around the United States and Europe, Senegal parrots originated from the north central part of Africa.



Unlike other parrot species, parrots posses an entirely different nature which are extremely playful, gentle and sweet in temperament that is perfect for its charming personality, cleverness, clear speech, and manageable behavior. They are also quieter but are good talkers if taught and trained properly. Since they possess much tamer nature, are known to be less demanding especially if they are given daily attention and interaction.



SENEGAL PARROT 101



Senegal parrots are the most commonly kept Poicephalus birds there are. Identified for being a green bird with a gray head, Senegal parrots are famous for sporting different colored under parts, either its belly or vest with a bright yellow iris.



Senegal parrots can be divided into three sub-species that can easily be characterized by the color of their bellies as well as by their following names that include Poicephalus senegalus senegalus hailing from Southern Mauritania, southern Mali to Guinea and from the Island of Los, these are known as the nominate race and has a yellow belly; Poicephalus senegalus versteri originates from the Ivory Coast and Ghana east to western Nigeria and has red belly; and Poicephalus senegalus mesotypus coming from Eastern and North- eastern Nigeria, northern Cameroon into south-western Chad and has an orange belly.



These parrots live in moist woodlands and on the edges of the grasslands. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and grains particularly the seed of locust beans and newly formed buds of a various trees.



A Senegal parrot’s diet should consist of a good quality seed mixture of nuts, seeds, lean meat, biscuits, fruits, and vegetables—either raw or cooked. Vitamin and mineral supplements are also given to meet the nutritional need of the parrot.



Hand reared Senegal parrots are the most suitable pets because they are small enough to handle and can be placed in a medium sized parrot cage. These should be kept in cages or aviaries where they can eat and sleep. Preferably, Senegal parrots should be housed in relatively small cages manufactured for “small birds” and should be provided with lots of toys, T-stands and swings.



Senegal parrots are not as great talkers like the African Grey parrots but have the ability to learn a vocabulary depending on the owner’s patience to teach. Senegals can be bought from $149 to $500.

A Way of Handling Your Pet Bird

Bird trainers have developed skills or techniques, and become experts in understanding the behavioral nature of the parrot. Several books, manuscript, and guidelines in promoting the positive angles to be on the win side in behavioral conquest of the bird have helped a lot of amateurs and pet owners.



Parrots are the most misunderstood birds in existence. It's up for you to get thru better relationships with your bird, for it is, what you make it so. Before knowing it, at a slightest trait overlook, this bird in your cage could create havocs of anxiety and frustrations in your life. Basically, parrots need real training, otherwise, you will one day find out, it becomes an undesirable annoying character stealing away every bit of your peaceful, chaos-free moments.



Basics in training start with the bird's character traits and instincts. Your first approach is to notice its biting habits and screaming. These are inherent to parrots especially if it seemed likely to be ignored. Like humans they develop into emotional outburst, and their tendency is to find an object to threw out their fits.



Instinctive biting and screaming loudly distract. Try to find out what causes such behavior. Every bit of undesirable action could be a reaction that actually comes from its surrounding environment, either from your very self, or from anyone among your companions inside the house.



Behavioral Aspects in Training



1. Let us deal into terms similar to psychology in humans.



- Operant conditioning, situation in training, on other domestics or your bird pet; reacting well in order to gain something positive, or to evade from something negative. Example: Directing your bird to whistle, if it mimics the action, you hand in its food. Next time, instinct to eat allows impulsive choice to obey, whatever you want it to do, a whip of your finger, or cue from your mouth.



- Bridging stimulus set an example, when a hand is raised to command the bird to perch in one corner of the cage, the demonstrative actions serve a bridge for the parrot to choose in abeyance following the hand cuing, because a toy is ready at reach.



2. Do not punish pets for any negative attitude or actions done previously.



Example: When it unties cage's knots (birds do kept biting and untying); long time before you discovered it, don't whip or deprive it of meals. Birds or animals do not know of past and future. Bird's instinct is to live or act "here" and "now," and never aware of anything done ostentatiously. Turn to let a parrot obey you on what it does at the moment.



A large scale of parrot species need to be captivated to insure you with one of the best pet favored by many households. Research where your pet originated in order to pursue utmost care in mutual relationships between humans and birds.