4 Reasons Why You Should Adopt Your Next Parrot

Most folks have the misgiven understanding that adopting a parrot means trouble. The general consensus is that if a parrot is up for adoption in the first place, it must be problematic. Naturally, like in every species of animals (including us humans), there are problematic parrots. However, it would be immensely naive to think that this is the primary reason people abandon parrots.

FACT #1 - Parrots have a very long life span.

In fact, some would argue that they're on the verge of discovering the secret to immortality. The small ones live for up to 20-30 years. Larger ones can go on to a ripe old age of 60-90 years. Just imagine: If the scheming investment bankers of Merril Lynch knew this, they'd probably convince the birds to buy a dozen retirement homes.

My point is because of their lifespan, they tend to outlive their owners. As a result, many parrots at the rescue centers are only there because their previous owners are no longer in this world. Not because they're particularly ferocious.

FACT #2 - It's not the parrots fault.

I think it's safe to say that humans are the primary cause for most of the bird's problems. Here's why. Mr. New Fish suddenly decides he likes parrots. He thinks that they're gorgeous because of their amazing blend of colors. Also, he reckons that within a few days, he'll have his parrot on his shoulder, squawking instructions to imaginary pirates in his living room.

So he buys one, purely on impulse. He does little to no research beforehand, and just dives in head first. So what happens? The parrot takes one look at Mr. New Fish and realizes that he's nothing but a nutcase. The problem is, the parrot can't actually tell Mr. New Fish this, because well... most parrots don't speak English all that well now do they? Although that's debatable, considering the insults certain parrots have hurled in my general direction.

The parrot makes a mess, because it doesn't know better. The parrot sometimes shows signs of aggression because Mr. New Fish thinks that it's OK to poke it all over. What's next? Mr. New Fish, thinking his parrot is the one with the issues, ignores it. He gives it no attention, no affection and puts no effort in caring for it. Next thing you know, the parrot, along with the cage, is chucked in the deepest, darkest corner of the garage.

So yes, the parrot will naturally go rather bonkers after this ordeal. But is it really at fault? Eventually, the parrot is rescued by a center.

FACT #3 - Living arrangements change

When people get married, have babies, or just have a new set of priorities in life, often times companion animals end up forced into the backseat. This has been the case with numerous parrots. Hence, they end up getting sent to a rescue center.

FACT #4 - Some people are profit motivated.

Pet stores and breeders have realized that parrots are flat out popular. So what do many of them do? They breed them like there's no tomorrow. They sell them without matching up the right people to their bird. The end result? Too many parrots for potential owners to handle, especially in certain countries like the United States. So the parrots get treated like commodities, and a large number of these parrots end up in shelters.

A disturbingly sad ordeal isn't it? I know.

Now, don't get me wrong. There are many terrific breeders and even pet stores that I can freely recommend with a good conscience. But just like everything, there's plenty of not-so-great groups as well.

Naturally, the best way to minimize this problem is to educate potential owners. All they really have to do is read extensively on parrot care, and do their part to spread the word (in fact, you might want to let people you know read this article). However, today I'm going to focus on what you can do to help right now. If you are looking into buying a parrot, you should seriously consider taking part in the parrot rehoming process.

Here's a fact for you. Because of the explosive parrot breeding, rescue centers are flooded. A large number are filled to the brim, and even more are overflowing. Unfortunately, this results in a very nasty irony. Rescue centers can no longer give the parrots the necessary attention and care. They just can't. They are cash strapped organizations that are stretching their resources to the breaking point. As such, some rescue homes are no longer able to serve their purpose. Naturally, they're becoming just another vortex for these unlucky birds.

If you're really interested in owning a parrot, let me take this opportunity of sharing a few perks of adopting one.

REASON #1

Buying a large parrot (African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos) from a pet store in the United States can cost anywhere between $3000 and $5000. Macaws are known to cost even more than this. It's a lot of hard earned cash isn't it? Guess what? Adopting a large parrot, like a Grey, would probably amount to no more than a few hundred dollars.

REASON #2

The common misunderstanding is that parrots will only bond with you if you're the one who has been taking care of it since its adolescence. This is flat out wrong. In the wild (and your parrot is no different from a wild one), parrots may bond with several different partners in their lifetime, well into their maturity. Most parrots that are up for adoption are already somewhat mature. And if you take up a mature bird that came from a relatively good family, the main issue you're going to have is helping the parrot get used to you. Because when a parrot gets attached to someone, they mean it.

REASON #3

Naturally, adopting a bird would be a huge help to the rescue organizations. They are in desperate need of help from people like you. And if you're able to provide a good home for a parrot, they'll be eternally thankful.

REASON #4

Rescue centers are fundamentally sanctuaries. Many are equipped with the means to rehabilitate birds. And on top of this, they're not profit motivated. You're less likely to be scammed by a rescue home as opposed to a pet store.

Naturally, the story has a flipside as well.

1) Some parrots are bound to have been overly neglected or even abused. As such, they may already be undergoing a great deal of mental trauma. And it can be quite scary. These parrots have an extra aggressive nature. They usually don't hesitate to bite the hand that feeds. Some even go on self-mutilating rampages. And if you're lucky, you'll see one that does nothing but scream it's lungs out. Don't forget though: Adoption is fantastic, but it's not an obligation. You don't have to adopt a bird that is in an extreme condition already. Go for one that would be easier to work with.

However, if you have some parrot keeping experience under your belt, taking on a parrot with existing behavior problems and guiding him to become a friendly, social bird is immensely rewarding to both you and your bird. These birds were often the most abused and deserve a life where they are cared for and thrive.

2) Parrots are sociable animals. That said don't be surprised if they come with their own package of trust issues. You may get a little flustered if the parrot you adopt simply refuses to acknowledge your existence. However, don't forget: Just like people, parrots value trust a lot. They need you to give them a reason to trust you. But once you do, the bond may as well be forged by a goldsmith.

When all is said and done, parrots are truly remarkable creatures. They're very intelligent and you can easily learn a lot about yourself around them. If you're keen on getting one for yourself, seriously consider adopting one. However, just with every important purchase, remember to do your share of research. This way, you will save both yourself, and your parrot a wealth of trouble.

Live with Passion, Purpose and Parrots,

Clara

Getting A Pet Bird? 7 Things To Consider Before You Make Your Decision

If you've decided on a bird for a pet, choosing the right one the first time is the best thing that can happen for you and the bird. Here are 7 important things to think about before you bring your feathered friend home.

Life Span---Some parrots have a life expectancy of 70! This is a huge factor when adopting. Your age and general health should be factored into this decision. If you are older, adopting a pet that is expected to have a shorter life expectancy would help insure that you would always be there to take care of it. In matters of the heart, we don't always get to choose who or what we love do we?

Clean Up---All pets are going to create the need for extra cleaning. However, there are some species of birds (powder down) that create a white dust that is a natural part of their growth and development.

Needless to save, this can become overwhelming in terms of trying to literally keep the dust and dander down. These birds include the African Grey, Cockatoo, and Cockatiel. As gorgeous as these birds are, if you want low maintenance, look elsewhere.

Size---Size does matter because it is direct proportion to how much space your pet will need to stay physically and emotionally healthy. The bigger the bird, the larger the cage needs to be.

The ideal cage should allow enough space for it to fly inside both vertically and laterally without damaging its wings. If living space is limited choosing small rather than large is a better choice. If space is not an issue a large bird or two may work for you.

Personality---This is such an important factor to consider before you bring your pet home. Observing and interacting with it at different times during the day will give you a pretty accurate idea of what to expect.

Even though personality traits are generalized by species, each one is different. Taking time to get to know individual traits will make for a happier match and hopefully save the heartbreak of finding out that you are unable to live with issues that were not apparent before you brought it home.

Life Style---Here's where doing a little research about the type of bird you're considering will pay big dividends. If you have plenty to spend then choosing a bird that needs a lot of attention from its human is a great match.

If, however, you travel a lot or work long hours and lack the time and energy necessary to satisfy a more social bird, maybe fish are a better choice, or a pair of birds that can entertain themselves. This is a crucial piece of information to know before you finalize your decision.

Noise Level---Find out what kinds of sounds your avian friend makes, and consider your living conditions. If you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse where walls adjoin, loud and/or continuous shrieks can cause everybody to become unhappy.

Most importantly, remember that regardless of what the general description is of the variety you are looking at, each pet is an individual and you should do everything you can to get to know what that means for the bird you are considering.

Social Graces---As with people, some pets are more able to get along with people, small children, and other pets. Consider who is going to live with you and this pet and do a little homework about what to expect. If the research shows that a particular type of bird is not good with family members that you know it is going to be exposed to, better to know up front than after you have made your decision.

Your Beloved African Grey

African Greys are one the most wanted parrot species as a pet. It is due to a simple fact that they talk and are extremely intelligent. Most people want a parrot that talks, which is a misconception because not all African Greys talk.

Most times the end result leads the person to give up the parrot because of the responsibility an African Grey can be. There is a lot of responsibility with owning one of these special species.

They are known to be one of the smartest animals; yes I said animals, like chimpanzees, dolphins and even a human toddler. Not that a human toddler is an animal but they are correlated with a child. Their production of human speech is amazing. They talk in the third person, like a human.

Sparky, our three year old Grey, will answer a question when one is asked or respond when my wife and I are talking. I was asking my wife a question and she had not responded and Sparky replied "What?" just as she would say "What?" I can go on the many things Sparky says, responds and finishes off in a sentence, which even surprises me.

A notable African Grey N'kisi, a Timneh a African Grey, who in 2004 was said to a have a vocabulary of 950 words. When Jane Goodall came to visit him in New York he greeted her with "Got a chimp" He knew Jane Goddall from watching TV and seeing her in pictures with chimpanzees in Africa.

There is also Alex the famous African Grey, which was a Congo, that Dr. Irene Pepperberg worked with in a scientific setting. He had the ability to associate simple words with meanings and intelligently apply abstract concepts of shape, number, size, color, and zero-sense. The day before he died Alex's last words to Dr. Pepperberg was "You be good. I love you." May Alex rest in peace. Yes these two notable Greys displayed an outstanding sense of intelligence for an animal.

Please keep in mind that not all Greys talk or show such intelligence. This should not be reason to get this type of parrot. Greys require a lot of love, attention, stimulation and responsibility. Due to the intelligence you need to keep them stimulated, occupied and showered in love. Yes all parrots require this, but Greys seem to need more of the stimulation and being occupied than other parrots.

Misconceptions of an African Grey

Misconceptions of Greys are arguable. Many people say an African Grey is neurotic and one person birds. Some say they scream, pluck their feathers, are high strung, nervous and they bite. This depends on your household and how you raise your Grey.

Greys need to be socialized. This is a very important factor to know when you get it from the bird store or the breeder. Having a socialized baby Grey will build its confidence and disposition. When you bring it home have everybody and I mean everybody interact with it. Like any parrot don't let it be favored by one individual person, everybody in the household needs to interact with the baby.

Some people agree and disagree to let a baby Grey keep their flight feathers for a month or two when bringing it home. Some critics say that Greys are awkward and clumsy and will hurt themselves. Others believe it helps them build self-confidence and security. With the latter we decided to let Sparky keep his flight feathers when he came home, yes he flew from the cage across the room to the couch but he never hurt himself. However, after a short period of time he soon began to copy our Amazon and would run around on the floor, chasing him and this continues to this day. We felt he was ready to have his wings clipped and with end result being a positive one. Severe wing trims when a Grey is a baby can lead to insecurity and no self-confidence. It can lead to further insecurities and fears as they grow up.

Sparky is probably one of the most confident little guys I know and has no fear of anything. You can bring a new toy and he is at it with a vengeance, new food is a great treat to him and digs in and new situations are a little weird at first to him but he settles right in after a couple of hours. We have moved two times in his short threes of being with us and we have had none of the preconceptions of a Grey and have gone on two vacations, which one was for ten days. He had a blast at the babysitters, not as much fun as home but he was fine when he came back home.

Neurotic Behaviors

Neurotic type behaviors are formed when they are stressed, have insecurities and a lack of self-confidence. African greys are hardwired for to flee from danger and we are expecting them to understand all the strange things about its environment we have put them in. They do not have their flock to protect them. African Greys live in large flocks that forage on the ground together. They go from their roost and find food on the ground and trees. Keep in mind that baby Greys remain in their family unit much longer to develop emotionally then when they are being hand-fed. They are still wild animals and still have that sense in built in them. Parrots have not been domesticated over a long period of time. Many parrots that are domesticated are one or two generations in. Greys must be entertained and kept busy or they become stressed and will show self-destructive behavior.

One Person Birds

Many people will say that an African Grey is a one person bird. In our home this is not true. Sparky loves my wife and me. He may favor my wife more but she is mommy of the house and that happens in most human households, until they realize mommy lays down the rules. This is a complete fallacy that African Greys are one person parrots. They will interact with anybody that interacts with them. They interact with you as a toddler would interact with a parent. Your African Grey is very rewarding and the reciprocation of love is never ending.

Diet

In my opinion there isn't anything a Grey won't eat when introduced. Sparky eats seed, pellets, fruits, veggies and yes our food. He loves bones may it be chicken or the bones from our steak. You need to take into consideration their calcium levels. Talk to your avian specialist as it is more complex than just feeding your Grey calcium enriched foods. They will recommend a wide variety of foods, a calcium/phosphorus supplement and/or pellets. It is imperative you speak with the doctor about it and not take it upon yourself.

Toys and Cage

These are the two most important things you have to think about when you have an African Grey. The cage needs to be the biggest you can afford. At minimum the cage needs to be 32 inches by 23 inches. Toys, toys, toys and more toys; you can never have enough toys for Greys. Change them out weekly. This is great for stimulation and keeping their busy minds occupied. Play music or put on the TV for them when you are out of the house, though I do warn you to be careful on the TV shows they choose. They may pick up something you don't want repeated. I like to put on cartoons. They are family friendly.

Speech

Does an African Grey mimic? Some say yes and some say no. I am one of those disagrees and would say no. Sparky can put sentences together from hearing my wife and I speak to each other. They can copy human voices; appliance sounds and put speech together with speaking in the 3rd person. In the wild Greys would mimic other bird calls and chainsaws. In our home it is almost like a practical joke with his telephone ringing sound or if the phone rings he answers it and starts to have a conversation.

When your African screams as if they are dyeing when playing with a toy or swinging from a perch wildly you know you have a happy parrot. People wonder why Greys scratch at the bottom of their cage, there is no explanation. Sparky even scratches in the corner of the couch. I don't know if he is trying to dig a hole to china like any five year old or if he is searching for something, it is just unexplainable. Some people believe it is a sign that they want out of their cage contrary to belief they do it when they are out of the cage.

Subspecies

There are two Subspecies of the African Grey. There is the Congo that is larger, lighter gray, red tail and black beak. Then there is the Timneh who is smaller in size, dark charcoal grey, maroon tail and horn-colored upper mandible. Of course you have heard of the Cameroon, the ever elusive Cameroon. There is no such thing; it is just a way of getting you to pay more money. It is also called the Silveback or even the Ghana. It has not been scientifically proven of these other two subspecies. There are only subspecies and they are the Congo and Timneh African Grey. When we got Sparky we fell into the Cameroon trap but my wife would not pay the price they were asking. Some Congo's just happen to be larger than others.

African Greys are one of the most delightful animals one can come across and become companions with. The gratification you get will only grow as each day passes. There is so much to learn from these great creatures. They love to learn and we can show them how by being patient and understanding their needs. Your new addition is a five year old with the emotional needs of a two year old, only it is feathered. I love Sparky to the end and you will too, with your Grey.

3 Signs of a Sick Bird

It can be pretty frustrating to deal with a pet being sick. The thing, your pet is of the winged variety. Birds are rather fragile creatures, and they would need a whole lot of attention paid to them in order to make sure that they're well taken care of.

The last thing you want to deal with is a sick pet, which is why you need to be aware of the signs or symptoms that can help you determine if they really are experiencing any illnesses which would require immediate medical attention.

1. Diarrhea is a sign which can be caused by infections, germs or bacteria which may have been introduced to your birds. This would cause all sorts of necessary fluids to be provided to them in order to get them to feel a whole lot better. Sometimes, food can move way too quickly through their intestines, and that is brought about by a certain disruption in their digestive processes. Nutrients aren't properly absorbed due to the rate at which the food is moving in their tiny little tummies, and this can lead to dehydration. If the stool is greenish, there may have been a case of metal poisoning.

2. Another symptom you need to watch out for is eye discharge. This is something which usually suggests Psittacosis. This is a disease which is not limited to affecting other birds, but even bird owners as well, so it is highly essential that you get to your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible, since this is a disease which can result in a quick death for your winged friend. In the event that any other humans or birds have come in contacted with the afflicted pet, it would be wise for you to get them screened just in case they were also infected with the disease. If this condition is discovered in time, you can simply have it treated with just a few antibiotics for a full recovery.

3. One of the most evident signs of your pet bird being sick is lethargy. Of course, this can be amounted to a lot of different causes, and each one of them are not good at all. When your pet bird becomes quite lethargic, it would simply mean that it is ill and should be taken to the avian veterinarian as soon as possible. This can be brought about by some possible infection from viruses, bacteria, germs, or even organ dysfunctions. With the vet's aid, tests can be performed to come up with the best possible treatment.

Caring for Society Finches

For the homeowner or pet owner who wants to have a pet bird to bond with and play with, Society Finches may be your best answer. This finch birds are called that simply because of their extremely sociable nature. These birds, unlike other types of finches are willing to sit and bond with their owner. What makes them even more remarkable is that they get on pretty well with other types of birds, not limited to their own species. They are also known to breed quite easily, and make for very responsible and good parents. They are the ideal birds for the homeowner looking for companionship, or a first time finch breeder, who want to have an easier time at taking care of their pet.

Should you want to keep this kind of bird in your home, here are a couple of tips to ensure their overall health and well-bring.

Tips for Keeping Society Finches

1. Keep Society Finches in pairs or colonies- As their name suggests, these little pets are very social in nature. They really need the company of other birds to thrive and survive. It will be pointless to keep a lone society finch for it will not survive for very long. If you have limited space, then just keep a pair of the birds. If it allows, it may be better to invest in a small group. Always make sure your pets have someone to play and interact with.

2. It is best to provide society finches with a varied diet- not quite sure what to feed your finches? We suggest a diet made up of seeds, greens, egg food and cuttlebone. These birds also love millet, so make sure to incorporate all of these things into their diet to keep things exciting for your feathered friends.

3. Society Finches love to bathe- For your pet to enjoy this little ritual, be sure to keep a bird bath inside their enclosure or cages. Don't make their baths too deep, as they may drown, and be sure to keep a separate container for their drinking water. Lastly, remember to replace both water in the bird bath and water in their water dishes regularly. You would not want your finches to drink dirty or old water.

These are pretty simple ways to keep your Society Finches happy. If you apply these tips, then you can rest assured that your beloved pets will thrive under your care.

You Can Build a Chicken Coop for Yourself

There is a common misconception that building a chicken coop is too difficult for the average person to do. When someone needs a small coop, their first instinct is to purchase a coop from somewhere else. This results in them spending more money than necessary on their chicken coop. If you're on a tight budget, however, you might find that buying a coop won't make sense for you. If this is your situation, then you should learn how to build a chicken coop yourself. Don't worry, with the right tools and a positive attitude, you can do this!

The first thing that you need to consider is the safety of the chickens, which is a major purpose of all backyard chicken coops. While shelter is important, safety is paramount.

Surrounding your chicken coop should be a run. This is an area that should be enclosed where your chickens can spend time outdoors.

You need to determine how many chickens you're going to want in your coop. Too small of a coop and you'll end up with chickens that won't lay eggs.

If you're unsure of what size you need, consider providing a nine-inch perch and four square feet of space for each chicken that you plan to keep. Your chicken run should be at least eight square feet per chicken.

You'll want to be able to tend to the coop with regular cleanings and, of course you want access to the eggs. You should ensure that you have a way to get into the coop. The door for entrance should swing into the coop, not outwards.

You also want to ensure that your coop provides plenty of air exposure as well as light for the chickens. You'll need an area for storage and a hatchway.

For materials you'll need: •3/4" rectangular plywood boards •Shingles for the roof •Chicken wire •PVC pipe •Door latches •Window catches •Acrylic sheeting •Mesh •Log pieces •Wood shavings

Because everything that you use will be exposed to the elements, make sure you purchase quality products that are already treated against moisture, mold and other problems caused by the elements.

The roosts need to be made from 2"X2" or 4"X4" planks. For the safety of your chickens, make sure that you blunt the edges so that they aren't sharp. The wood shavings will be laid out onto the floor so that cleaning simply means a quick sweeping.

When building your coop, whether it's going to be a stationary or movable chicken coop, remember the elements. If you're exposed to a lot of heat, moisture, high winds and so on, take all of these things into account when selecting the materials.