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Top Three Parrots for Kids

ElizaKuklinski — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:07:24 +0000

Most people purchase their child a parrot without realizing the full responsibility of caring for these creatures. While this does not mean parrots make poor pets, they are a challenge to care for, especially the larger ones, who easily feel neglected, bite hard, and can scream loudly. There are a few birds that can be considered suitable as a first time bird, however.

Budgies

These little parrots have been pets for a long time, and great ones at that. The small birds easily learn to step up and will love spending time with you. However, they need to have their cage washed every two months, have the papers changed every day, and such. If you would like an easy-to-work-with little friend, these are the right birds for you. English budgies live for about 7 years, while American budgies usually live about 15/20 years.

Cockatiels

Cockatiels are another favorite with young bird owners. These friendly birds are not as colorful as other parrots, but they learn to talk more readily than budgies (well, males talk; a talking female is rare) and are very sweet. They are also good at tricks and can learn step up, wave, and can be potty trained. They usually live at least 15-17 years, but more commonly live about twenty years.

Parrotlets

Parrotlets are small – but they make it up with huge personalities. These little guys are feisty and can have a big bite, but are great pets – usually for slightly older kids. They are energetic little green machines and are sure to charm anyone. They are good at talking, especially males, but can learn tricks too. They are fine pets, and once you get to know them you are sure to adore them. They live 20+ years – the oldest on record was thirty years old.

Explore what would be right for you and your child’s lifestyle. Always be sure the parrot is getting adequate care from your child. If you would like a parrot for your child, go to a local parrot shelter or a breeder. There will always be a right one for you.

Article contributed by: Eliza Kuklinski.

Macaw Mountain Bird Park – A Haven in Honduras

Editor — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:13:51 +0000

Consisting of nine-acres of old growth forest, the Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve offers visitors the opportunity of viewing a wide variety of tropical birds in their natural environment. Located near the town of Copan Ruinas in Honduras, the large flight aviary is home to just about all the species of parrots and toucans to be found in this beautiful South American country, and many of its feathered inhabitants are so tame that visitors are able to interact with them at leisure.

While providing a haven for rescued, abandoned and endangered birds, the Macaw Mountain Bird Park is dedicated to educating the public about these beautiful animals and their vulnerability caused mainly the by destruction of their natural habitat. In a region known for its excellent birding opportunities, the Macaw Mountain Bird Park offers an unforgettable bird watching experience. Visitors to the park will enjoy strolling along the network of pathways which allow easy access to the entire area throughout the year. Interaction with the park’s birds allows visitors to appreciate their beauty and intelligence, while at the same time being made aware of the obstacles and dangers they face in the wild, which have brought many species to the brink of extinction.

Quite a number of the parrots and macaws found in the park were at one time household pets, but oftentimes people who buy these birds have no idea how long they live – parrots have a lifespan or 50 to 60 years and macaws can live for a century – or that because of their intelligence they require a lot of attention. So, when the birds become too much to handle at home, they are donated to sanctuaries such as the Macaw Mountain Bird Park & Nature Reserve. Birds to be seen in the park include the scarlet macaw, buffon’s macaw, green-winged macaw, yellow-lored Amazon, white-fronted parrot, red-lored parrot, mealy Amazon, yellow-crowned Amazon, white-crowned parrot, olive-throated conure, red-throated parakeet, keel-billed toucan, chestnut-mandibled toucan, grey hawk and great-horned owl.

The Copan region of Honduras is home to more than 330 species of birds representing 51 families, and has become a popular destination for keen birders from around the world. Although birds can be seen in the wild in the vicinity of the park, bird watchers should include Macaw Mountain Bird Park in their itinerary to experience up-close interaction with the birds of Honduras.

Keeping a Pet Caique

Editor — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:20:39 +0000

The Caique is known by a variety of names such as the Seven Color Parrot, Yellow Thighed Caique, Black Headed Caique and the Dancing Parrot. There are, however, two Caiques, namely the Black Headed Caique (Pionites melanocephala) and the White Bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster). Over the years they have slowly become more popular as pets, as they are known for their playful personalities, curiosity and entertaining talents. Their wonderful coloring is another beautiful feature that they offer, and more bird owners are starting to warm up to the Caique as a pet bird.

Growing to a length of approximately nine to ten inches, the Caique is a relatively small parrot. The Black Headed Caique has black plumage on its head, with green just below the eyes and orange cheeks. Green plumage covers the upper tail feathers and wings, while its belly is beige, with grey coloring to its beak and legs. The White Headed Caiques feature pink legs, yellow and orange head plumage, white bellies and green on the tails and wings. They can live an estimated twenty years and are very energetic.

Caique parrots crave the attention of owners, so owners need to be very interactive with them. These clever little parrots are able to quickly pick up and mimic tunes whistled to them. They do have the ability to talk, and speak in tiny high pitched voices. They need a lot of activities and toys to keep them stimulated, as they bunny hop, swing and roll to keep themselves entertained. Bells, ropes, swings and hoops are recommended toys for Caiques, as well as toys they can destroy by chewing and biting. They are able to adapt to being alone in a cage, or with a mate, but do not do well in a cage with other bird species, as they are known to become aggressive towards them and can deliver a harsh bite when provoked.

Nutrition wise, the Caique can be fed the same as any other pet parrots, supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables. If bird owners are searching for a pet bird that they can cuddle, love and play with, the Caique is the ideal bird, as it is interactive, excitable and always ready for attention and love.

Birds Down Under 2010

Editor — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:25:13 +0000

The captivating The Birdman’s Birds Down Under Bird Show, kicked off on 3 July 2010, and will be ending on 15 August 2010, so now is the time to get down to the Blank Park Zoo to ensure you do not miss out on this birding spectacular. The show, which is hosted by Joe Krathwohl (aka The Birdman), will introduce a variety of Australian birds to the public, such as parakeets, Kookaburra, wonga pigeons, diamond doves, silver gulls, eclectus parrots and much more.

For more information, visit the Blank Park Zoo website at http://www.blankparkzoo.com/index.cfm?nodeID=18240&audienceID=1.

Date: 9 August 2010
Venue: Blank Park Zoo
City: Des moines, Iowa
Country: United States

Tropicana Bird Show 2010

Editor — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:17:20 +0000

When in Las Vegas, birding enthusiasts should not miss out on the opportunity to see Meko, Mango, Mariah and Dorothy perform live, with bird trainer Tiana Carroll. This colorful and highly entertaining group, has audience members in fits of laughter and amazement, as Meko (Congo-African Grey Parrot) and Dorothy (Yellow-Nape Amazon), perform their duet version of How Much is That Doggie In The Window. Meko (Moluccan Cockatoo), shows off his rollerblade and motorbike skills, while Mariah (Green-Winged Macaw) assists Tiana throughout the show.

The show takes place at the Tropicana, at 11 am, 12:30 pm and again at 2 pm. It is an exotic bird show for the entire family to enjoy.

Date: Every Day
Venue: Tropicana
City: Las Vegas, Nevada
Country: United States of America

A Bird’s Touch

Editor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:45:35 +0000

Nature not only surrounds us with sheer beauty but also offers an abundance of fascinating new discoveries that continue to amaze us. Just when we think we know everything about an animal or bird, they seem to prove us wrong. More recently, birds have revealed that crests and beards are not merely used for finding a mate, but serve a greater purpose, allowing them to explore their surroundings as well. Research on birds, such as the auklet, has opened up a new door into the world of birds and their feathers.

Professor Ian Jones, St John’s Memorial University, and Dr Sampath Seneviratne, University of British Columbia, shared their insights and suspicions that certain feathers on a bird’s body could serve to heighten the sense of touch. When looking at birds, such as the auklet, which have intricate feathers on their heads, scientists found that by putting them through a simple navigational test, much was revealed in regard to the role that crests and head feathers play. Using a dark maze, as this breed tends to breed in dark crevices, it was found that when the birds navigated the test, they succeeded in completing the maze with less difficulty than when researchers flattened their head feathers. It was also noted that in general, if birds have ornamental feathering, they tend to be birds that are active at night.

Researchers then looked at bird species that do not feature elaborate feathering, including pheasants, kingfishers, parrots, penguins and owls. They suggest that even if some birds do not have crests and rectal bristles, longer wing feathers may also serve as a means of touch. Many birds use their feathers and coloring to show off their abilities and to either startle or camouflage themselves from their predators, but there is good reason to believe that feathers have various other functions that we have not been aware of until now. The new insight into facial feathers and flamboyant feathering could lead to further studies,to confirm these findings and the preliminary research. This use of their feathers for touch and orientation has revealed a more complex side to birds, and will have us gazing a little more intently whenever we look at these colorful creatures of the skies.

State Bird Fair and Expo 2010

Editor — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:48:41 +0000

Due to the ever increasing size of the State Bird Fair and Expo, this years’ event has moved to bigger premises, the RNA Showgrounds. Breeders come from far and wide to attend this fair, as it is the largest of its kind, which is held in Queensland. Exotic birds of all shapes and size will be on display, with many birds being available for purchase. Visitors to the show will also be able to purchase bird related products from the vendors and can look forward to fun events, such as the monster raffle and rare parrot expo.

The State Bird Fair and Expo 2010 is hosted by the Parrot Society of Australia, and will take place on the 28th of March 2010, from 10 am to 1 pm. For more information, visit their website at http://www.parrotsociety.org.au/.

Date: 28 March 2010
Venue: RNA Showgrounds
City: Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Country: Australia

Eclectus Parrot Ownership is Rewarding

Editor — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:50:12 +0000

When people look for a pet bird to join their family, most owners want a one that can be affectionate, a great companion and that has the ability to fit into their daily routines. The Eclectus parrot is often overlooked as a pet bird, and owners unknowingly miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a bird that is loving, intelligent and easily manageable, if they know what their basic needs are. This breathtakingly beautiful bird is not demanding at all and is actually one of the best pet parrots on the market today.

The most distinguishing feature of the Eclectus parrot is the fact that they are dimorphic. Dimorphic means that one can distinguish between the males and females just by looking at them. In the case of the Eclectus, it is the vastly different coloring that makes it easy. The male Eclectuses are covered in green plumage with variations of orange, blue and red under their wings. Their beaks are also unusually orange in color. The females are just as attractive as the males, but have bright red plumage covering their heads and neck, with their backs and chest being purple in color and their wings displaying variations of purple and blue underneath. The females have smooth black beaks. Another unique feature is the fact that the Eclectus parrot has hair-like feathers on their heads, back and chest, opposed to the smooth, locked and contoured feathers on their wings and tails.

As pets, owners will find their Eclectus parrot to be extremely gentle and fond of interaction, even though they will never demand it. They are able to integrate into the daily routines of their owners quite easily and will sit quietly while daily duties are being performed. Through enough love and care, Eclectus parrots will be able to learn a large vocabulary and their inquisitiveness makes them quick learners. They are highly intelligent birds and will quickly notice small changes in their environment. The Eclectus species is generally a healthy bird with a life span of approximately fifty years. They have simple dietary needs of fruit and seeds and enjoy changes made in their food, such as grapes one day and maybe apples the next. Owners will not regret adding an Eclectus parrot to their family, as their gentle and friendly natures make them a pet family and friends can enjoy.

FWCAS Parrot Symposium 2009

Editor — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:32:59 +0000

The second annual Florida West Coast Avian Society Parrot Symposium will be held at the Sarasota Hyatt on the 7th and 8th of November 2009. Everything bird enthusiasts might want to know will be discussed at the 2009 FWCAS Parrot Symposium with guests speakers such as Cassie Malina talking about Operant Conditioning Training, behavior being discussed by Sally Blanchard and Glenn Reynolds bringing conservation awareness to the symposium, from the World Parrot Trust. The FWCAS Parrot Symposium is a celebration of birds and an opportunity to promote awareness and correct care for exotic birds.

Date: 7 – 8 November 2009
Venue: Sarasota Hyatt
City: Sarasota, Florida
Country: United States of America

RAAVE Bird Expo 2009

Editor — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:39:34 +0000

Visitors to the RAAVE Bird Expo will most certainly hear the call of the wild the moment they enter the doors to the hall. Birds of all shapes, sizes and colors will be on display this year, and visitors will be able to marvel at a variety of species, from small finches to massive parrots such as the macaw. The expo does not only offer visitors the opportunity to view magnificent birds, but has a great number of vendors selling toys, birds, cages and bird related accessories.

To enjoy a day of birding splendor, bird enthusiasts are advised to make their way to the RAAVE Bird Expo which is guaranteed to have something for everyone. For more information in regard to the expo visit the website at http://www.go-reno.com/raave/calendar2.html.

Date: 12 September 2009
Venue: Reno Livestock Event Centre Exhibition Hall
City: Reno
Country: United States of America