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Rosellas Make Great Companions

Editor — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 10:26:31 +0000

Rosellas (genus Platycercus) can be found in the wild in various countries around the world, but are most commonly found in Australia. They tend to remain near the coast, inhabiting coastal plains and mountain regions, but can also be found in city parks and in the gardens of local residents. This beautiful and colorful parrot has also become popular as a pet bird, and there are a few facts and care requirements that future pet owners should be aware of before they decide to take on a Rosella as a new member of the household.

Growing to approximately thirty centimeters in size, Rosellas are one of the smaller parrot species. They are divided into two general groups, namely the white cheek and blue cheek group. Within these groups are various different Rosellas, such as the Tasmanian Eastern Rosella and the Golden Mantled Rosella that fall under the white cheek group, while the Crimson Rosella and the Adelaide Rosella are in the blue cheek group. They make wonderful pets as they have a lifespan of more than twenty years. Housing a Rosella in a metal cage or aviary is advisable, as they enjoy chewing on timber and wood. Cages and aviaries should also be large enough so the Rosellas are able to fly and get a certain amount of exercise. They do enjoy human companionship, but need a little freedom to enjoy a fulfilled life. A small bath is also recommended, as Rosellas enjoy bathing and playing in water.

These magnificent birds have a wide variety of dietary needs, so owners should be vigilant in offering their Rosellas more than just the usual mix of grey striped sunflower seeds, canary seeds and hulled oats. Rosellas also eat seeding grasses, berries, fruit and nectar, which are essential to their wellbeing. Breeding pairs should be kept on their own, as this will prevent the production of hybrids and birds should only be allowed to breed when they are between eighteen to twenty-four months old. Breeding pairs have been known to raise young until the age of ten years old. Over and above being spectacularly beautiful, Rosellas are very rewarding birds to have as pets. They are colorful companions and make wonderful additions to the family.

Spectacular Species at Jurong BirdPark

Editor — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:14:14 +0000

Bird lovers looking for something new to try might consider visiting the beautiful and exciting country of Singapore. This colorful country is home to the Jurong BirdPark, a carefully landscaped park that spans an area of 202 000 square meters. The park is situated in the Jurong district on the western slope of Jurong Hill and is a delight to almost all bird enthusiasts who venture here.

This beautiful bird park was the brainchild of Dr Goh Keng Swee. He arrived at the idea of a place where people could relax with nature in Jurong, which was then just an industrial zone, in 1968 after visiting a zoological garden in Rio de Janeiro and viewing their free-flight aviary. Later that same year the western slope of Jurong Hill was selected as the site for the park and work began on the bird park. While this massive structure was busy being developed, park officials urged dignitaries and ambassadors to contribute birds for the park. By the time the park was opened on 3 January 1971, birds had arrived from 40 private donors and 7 zoos from 12 different countries. Jurong was built at a cost of S$3.5 million and is now the second largest bird park in the world in terms of land area. It has more birds than any other bird park on the planet and there are currently more than 9 000 individual birds living in the park. The birds that can be found in the park come from all over the world and there are approximately 600 different species of bird living in this protected environment. This includes 29 endangered bird species and 101 flamingos. To be sure, the selection of animals is absolutely magnificent and bird lovers will find themselves absolutely overwhelmed by the variety and abundance of birds in this beautiful park.

The park was updated to the cost of S$10 million in 2006, giving visitors access to newer facilities and ensuring that the birds enjoyed the most comfortable environs possible. The upgrade has also resulted in the park gaining a new entrance plaza, a gift shop, a restaurant and ice-cream parlor, a bird hospital and an African wetlands exhibit. The extensive renovations combined with the parks massive size and open-park concept makes it the best bird park in the world. While birds from across the globe can be found in the park, Jurong BirdPark mainly specializes in birds from Southeast Asia. Visitors will find that there are four main aviaries – including the largest walk-in aviary in the world complete with the tallest man-made waterfall. Bird shows are held regularly for the public at the Pool Amphitheatre and Fuji Hawk Walk and all the exhibits and aviaries are designed to closely mimic the natural habitats of the birds they house. All this is beautifully complimented by large, open, landscaped areas that are filled with colorful flowering plants. Little wonder then, that the bird park has been the recipient of several awards including the Aseanta Excellence Award in both 2004 and 2007. Clearly bird lovers will not be disappointed when visiting this exceptional bird park in Singapore!

Pay a Visit to the National Aviary

Editor — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:28:40 +0000

Situated on the historic North Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the National Aviary is an absolute bird-lovers paradise. Open every day of the year (except Christmas) the National Aviary offers the perfect opportunity for the public to become better acquainted with an incredible variety of birds. With an annual attendance of more than 100,000 visitors since opening in 1999, this multi award winning attraction is actively pursuing their goal of inspiring respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.

The National Aviary is home to a collection of more than 600 birds, representing over 200 species from around the world, many of which are threatened or endangered in their natural habitats. Visitors are encouraged to interact with free-flying birds in the large walk-through exhibits, and this up-close interaction, including hand-feeding of the birds, makes for an unforgettable experience. Visitors are able to observe the birds in nature-identical habitats, as they go about their daily activities of eating, bathing, grooming, flying and playing. Daily events such as the Penguin Encounter, Raptor Encounter and feeding times serve to enhance the experience of a visit to the National Aviary.

New residents are continually being welcomed at the National Aviary. Some of the more recent arrivals include the Blue-bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster), Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), Green Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus), Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) and Shama Thrush (Copsychus malabaricus).

Numerous bird-related events are hosted by the National Aviary throughout the year and interactive programs provide loads of family fun. Lories and Friends is an interactive nose-to-beak encounter with a flock of friendly, curious, and often cheeky, rainbow lorikeets. Visitors can purchase nectar treats to feed the birds at the Lories and Friends exhibit. The Penguin Connection has guests sitting in a circle with a penguin walking around freely among them as the trainer imparts interesting facts about these fascinating birds. For younger visitors, Little Peepers presents craft activities, stories, and age-appropriate facts about birds and conservation.

The National Aviary takes its responsibility as an environmental organization very seriously and plays an active role in avian research projects and conservation with the emphasis on saving endangered species by means of habitat preservation, as well as participating in scientifically controlled breeding programs. There is no doubt that the National Aviary makes every effort to ensure that visitors enjoy their stay and leave with a deeper appreciation for the many colorful feathered creatures that share our planet.

Keeping Waxbills in an Aviary

Editor — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:35:24 +0000

Waxbills belong to the same family as finches (Estrildidae) and there are sixteen species of these lively and entertaining little birds. Keeping waxbills is not a complicated undertaking. However, they do have specific requirements to maintain optimum health and these should be taken into consideration before deciding to buy one (or preferably two).

Waxbills are gregarious, curious and energetic birds that thrive under the right conditions. They need at least one companion, but flocks of four to six birds generally do very well. Each waxbill in a flock will develop its own personality and they enjoy interacting with each other as well as their human companions. It is difficult to determine the sex of a waxbill, but observing their behavior may assist in differentiating between male and female. Males tend to display their colors and hop around the perch in front of the female. The female may move away from the male, sending him hopping along after her, sometimes for prolonged periods of time. Another clue to the sex of a bird is that it is only the male that will truly sing.

Although waxbills are small, they do not fare particularly well in a small cage. Bearing in mind that waxbills originate from the grasslands of Africa, factors such as temperature, lighting and diet are very important. In the wild, waxbills use the grasslands to find their food, to build their nests and to hide from predators. An aviary that provides a similar environment will be ideal. Either an aviary planted with some wild grasses and shrubs, or if this is not practical, then an aviary with dried grass bundles and plastic plants will suffice. The aviary needs to be warm and free from drafts. Waxbills need at least 12 hours of light per day which can be natural lighting, artificial lighting, or a combination of both.

Waxbills need a high protein diet and enjoy live food – such as worms and bugs – as a supplement to a good seed mix. If live food is not practical, waxbills should be given a high protein mix. However, they are not likely to breed if live food is not available. This is possibly an instinctive reaction, as they will need live food to feed their hatchlings. Fresh sprouts and greens, such as cabbage and broccoli, as well as treats such as a little cooked rice, peas and beans can be given, but should not form the bulk of their diet.

Cuttlefish bone and oyster shell should be made available to aid the waxbill’s digestion and maintain normal calcium levels. If these are not available, there are calcium supplements that can be added to their drinking water. Clean drinking water must be available at all times and waxbills love to bath in their drinking water. If they do this, replace the drinking water when they are done splashing around.

If you are considering buying waxbills, why not chat to other waxbill owners for first hand information on how these little birds can add a new dimension to your life.

Birds of Eden – A Little Piece of Avian Heaven

Editor — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:38:11 +0000

The lush Garden Route area along the coast of South Africa can readily be described as a piece of paradise. The world’s largest free flight bird sanctuary, Birds of Eden, is situated in the heart of this piece of paradise. A single birdcage spans two hectares of indigenous forest, including a gorge, and is home to more than 2,000 birds of 180 species from various continents. These include parrots, parakeets, toucans, hornbills, thrushes, conures, cranes, flamingoes, ibises, swans and many more.

This unique sanctuary has been designed to allow the birds to live as they would in the wild – but with no predators. The aviary was constructed with 27 masts of varying heights, linked by a series of cables to form a grid, which the wire mesh rests on. One hundred kilometers of cable and 3.2 hectares of bird mesh, all painted green, were used in the project. Special features incorporated into the sanctuary include an irrigation system that simulates rain together with sound-system thunder, a walkway behind a stunning waterfall, a 200-seater amphitheater and 1.2 kilometers of paraplegic-friendly walkways. Birds of Eden in South Africa incorporates several dams, with the largest featuring a floating bridge with seating for visitors to relax and enjoy refreshments. There are also two restaurants in the sanctuary, both strategically situated to allow visitors to enjoy the beauty around them to the greatest degree.

The Birds of Eden sanctuary was initiated and developed by Tony Blignaut who is the CEO of the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary situated nearby. Blignaut saw the need for a sanctuary to accommodate birds as well as smaller primates, such as marmosets and tamarins, which could not be safely incorporated into Monkeyland. Birds of Eden would also serve as a safe haven to release captive bred and ex-pet birds. A surprising number of birds from the parrot family are discarded after a year or two with an owner who no longer wants the responsibility of caring for them. These birds are carefully and gently rehabilitated, bearing in mind that many of them have come from small suspended aviaries or indoor cages. After a quarantine period, the new bird is exposed to other birds and then moved into an indoor aviary. From there they are moved to a larger free flight aviary to allow for development of its flight muscles. Only after a bird has successfully adapted to these various environments, will it be released into the sanctuary area.

The fact that many of the birds in the sanctuary were once pets means that they generally have no fear of humans. This allows visitors to get really close to the birds, but be warned that sometimes up close and personal comes with a friendly nip of the finger or ear and there are a couple of “thieves” who will try and get away with something shiny, such as an earring, if they are given half a chance. Visitors have expressed amazement at seeing different species of birds like macaws, starlings, toucans and doves sharing a communal dinner table, often in the company of a tamarin or two. Fresh food catering to each species’ needs is provided twice a day, so there is no need to squabble to establish a pecking order – there is plenty for all.

Clearly the people behind Birds of Eden are animal lovers in the superlative sense and this is what visitors to the sanctuary will come to appreciate. Most certainly all the ex-pets living in this piece of paradise have found a home like no other.

Keeping an Outdoor Aviary

Editor — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:45:12 +0000

Many bird enthusiasts around the world have found creating outdoor aviaries a truly rewarding experience. A variety of birds can be kept in an outdoor bird aviary and it is a great option if you are interested in breeding and rearing. There are however, numerous considerations when it comes to keeping an aviary and it can be a lot of work.

The first thing to consider is what bird species you are planning on keeping in your aviary. Are you interested in keeping more than one species? You will require a larger area if you are keen on keeping several species so as to prevent conflict and unnecessary stress. You must also be careful only to mix social species and avoid keeping hookbills with passerines. Many pet bird species will cope in an aviary. However, some species may require sources of warmth and lighting during winter months.

Where should an aviary be situated? Choose a level area that is sheltered and easily seen from your house. You may also consider placing the aviary somewhere where your neighbors will not be disturbed, otherwise you may get complaints. Good drainage is also important for your aviary. It is advisable to install a safety porch entrance way, so as to prevent any of your precious birds from escaping when you enter and exit the aviary. A separate sheltered room that the birds can access at any time is also a good idea. Concrete makes a good floor surface as it is easy to clean and disinfect. The size of your aviary will be determined by the size and number of the birds you will be keeping. For example, if you want to keep finches and canaries you need about 1 or 2 cubic feet for each individual and 6″ to 12″ of perching space for each bird.

After your aviary structure is up you can begin adding aviary equipment, such as hoppers, mineral blocks, seed trays, perches and so forth. Keep several drinkers and feed cups or trays in the aviary so as to reduce competition. Don’t place any trays or hoppers under perches as they will be messed on. Aviary plants can add a nice touch. Be careful what plants you get and ensure none are toxic for birds. Shrubs can be used by smaller birds for nesting. Annuals give the aviary a splash of color and draw yummy insects for the birds to devour. It’s a good idea to keep the plants potted so they can be removed whilst the aviary is being cleaned.

Indeed, keeping an outdoor bird aviary can be very pleasurable and a great way to enjoy the delightful antics of birds.