On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a cage for the living room floor.

 On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two Parakeets, and a cage for the living room floor.

 On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets, and a cage for the loving room floor

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets and a cage for the living room floor.

 On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five cages more! Four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets and a cage for the living room floor.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six pairs for breeding, five cages more! Four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets, and a cage for the living room floor.

 On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven lists on feeding, six pairs for breeding, five cages more! Four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets, and a cage for the living room floor.

 On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight chicks for weaning, seven lists on feeding, six pairs for breeding, five cages more! Four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets, and a cage for the living room floor.

            On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine more cups for cleaning, eight, chicks for weaning, seven lists on feeding, six pairs for breeding, five cages more! Four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets, and a cage for the living room floor.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten Vitalites, nine cups for cleaning, eight chicks for weaning, seven lists on feeding, six pairs for breeding, five cages more! Four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets, and a cage for the living room floor.                       

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me, eleven toys free of toxins, ten Vitalites, nine more cups for cleaning, eight  chicks for weaning, seven lists on feeding, six pairs for breeding, five cages more! Four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets, and a cage for the living room floor.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve nesting boxes, eleven toys free of toxins, ten Vitalites, nine more cups for cleaning, eight chicks for weaning, seven lists on feeding,  six pairs for breeding, five cages more! Four Cockatiels, three Lovebirds, two Parakeets, and a cage for the living room floor.

 

Selecting A Pet Bird Part 3: Conures, Pionus, Senegals, Jardines, and Ring-necks

 

MEDIUM TO MEDIUM LARGE BIRDS

1. Conures and smaller Macaws: Suns, Red Headeds, Blue Crowned, Nobles, Severe, Yellow Collared etc.

 

“Comparative Impact Statement”

 

Size=4 to 6, Space=4 to 6, Noise level=6 to 8, Playtime=5 to 7, Destruction=5 to 7, Talking=3 to 7

In many ways mini-macaws and conures are smaller reflections of their larger cousins, the large macaws. Properly hand-fed chicks almost always make friendly playful pets but many tend to become nippy. Screaming often becomes a constant element in the household environment containing these birds. Their fearless temperament can be problematic for strange humans or even much larger birds. It is comical to watch a little Green Cheek conure pester or even drive away a much larger Blue & Gold macaw or cockatoo from it’s perch with absolutely no hesitation!

This is one large group of birds that is not nearly as plentiful in the pet market as when they were wild imports. Prices were so inexpensive and numbers so plentiful there was little incentive to attempt captive breeding. As a result there are far fewer birds available than before and prices have risen.

As breeders realized their oversight and turned to breeding conures and mini-macaws more chicks have become steadily available and so prices are leveling off. Today domestic raised chicks of the “mini’s” are less expensive than the larger parrot types but still provide alot of play and entertainment for their owner.

Most all the macaws and conures are heavily influenced by the “Pecking Order” law. Whoever is unlucky enough to be perceived as “lower” by the bird will be put in their place by beak and claw. Pet owners must constantly prove themselves worthy of the “flock leader” role by assuming a dominant but nurturing relationship. Be consistent in your rules and rewards and always keep the bird below eye-level. Read a good book or two on training and follow it.

Talking is usually not prevalent but mischievous playfulness is! If you want a good value in a pet bird look into this group but do be fully aware of their penchant for noise-making before bringing one into an apartment or near close neighbors.

2. Medium sized Africans (Poicephalus): Senegals, Meyer’s, Red-Bellieds, Jardine’s, etc.

 

“Comparative Impact Statement”

 

Size=3 to 6, Space=3 to 6, Noise Level=4 to 6, Playtime=5 to 7, Destruction=4 to 7, Talking=5 to 7

This splendid genus of birds contains some of the most practical pets around. Being somewhat smaller and stockier than the conure or mini-macaw group the poicephalus parrots do well in medium sized parrot cages. In addition they lack the raucous screams so common among the parrots and instead vocalize much like a miniature African gray would. This makes them a relatively suitable apartment pet.

Talking abilities are high when compared to similar sized birds and most are not near as costly as the African gray tends to be. These are basically friendly, inquisitive, playful, birds that are not as shy as the typical gray. Some can become a bit nippy during weaning or adolescence as they seek their place in the flock structure but with good management techniques this soon passes and the end result is an outgoing sociable bird.

The Poicephalus were also cheaply imported in the past and as wild fearful adults proved to be untamable. No one knew the pet qualities of a hand-fed baby so the market was not the best. Once again breeders did not invest in these smallish, skittish, all-to-common adult imports but with a rising appreciation of hand-fed chicks breeders are enjoying a steady demand and so more babies are becoming available.

The Jardine’s stands out among the four commonly kept poicephalus. Their size is closer to a Timneh gray. Talking ability is very good but Jardine’s can become little bullies. They also have large beaks for their size and must be provided with wood to destroy. Jardine’s are still one of my favorite birds. Once through the “biting baby” stage Jardine’s have the potential of developing into a playful amusing pet second to none.

All Poicephalus need toys to play with and chew on. All need plenty of time with their owners. Do not ignore the bird for long periods. It will not appreciate it if habits formed by lack of contact and bored isolation are disrupted by sudden whims of attention. Be fair and consistent with the bird and it should remain a fine pet.

3. Pionus: White Cappeds, Blue Headeds, Maximilians, etc.

 

“Comparative Impact Statement”

Size=4 to 5, Space=4 to 5, Noise level=6 to 7, Playtime=5 to 7, Destruction=5 to 6, Talking=3 to 7

Pionus parrots from South and Central America are somewhat larger than the African poicephalus but smaller than the amazons. Many consider them to be a relatively quiet bird but all pionus can and will scream at times. Pionus parrots are thought by ornithologists to be related to the amazon parrots. Both share many of the same mannerisms and feather structures.

Pionus have a color scheme uniquely different from the amazons and many other parrots of the world. At first glance a pionus may look like a rather dull dark bird but closer examination reveals a beautiful palette of dark iridescent green, blue and purple highlighted with a red vent. Head colors commonly include a brighter contrasting blue or white. Every species is striking in its own way.

Pionus are more “laid back” by nature than amazons, macaws, or cockatoos which is something to consider with children in the home. Most are not to “testy” or “feisty” so can be handled relatively safely by younger supervised kids.

Pionus have a musky odor which tends to be quite strong in an enclosed area. My sensitivity to this smell has prevented me from keeping them. One pionus can affect the odor of an entire room full of birds, especially if it is not regularly bathed. Some people like the scent but consider this with care when thinking of a pionus as a pet.

Talking ability is a highly individual matter. I knew of a white capped pet that learned a wide vocabulary and never seemed to stop talking. Yet, for the ones that do talk there are just as many that say very little.

If you are looking for a pet parrot but don’t have the space, time, or finances to deal with something as active, vocal, or large as an amazon a pionus might fit the bill for your home.

4. Psittacula: Ring-necks, Indian Ring-necks, Alexandrines, Moustaches, Derbyans, Plumheads, etc.

 

“Comparative Impact Statement”

 

Size=4 to 7, Space=6 to 8, Noise level=5 to 7, Playtime=4 to 7, Destruction=5 to 6, Talking=3 to 8

Ringed-neck parakeets are all graceful looking long-tailed birds native to Asia and Africa. They are all sexually dimorphic but it takes 1 to 3 years for the attractive ring to show up on the necks of the cocks. Hens are usually dominant over the cocks in a normal pairing situation so oftentimes males make the best pets. Some hens are sweet too though so don’t let the sex be the sole criteria when choosing your bird. Juveniles all look alike so it is necessary to have youngsters blood-sexed to know which is which.

Owners of these birds rate them as very good talkers. Many claim some species of ringneckeds can rival the amazons in this regard. All the psittacula genus can produce a call note which, to our ears, translates into a high-pitched piercing scream but ringnecks are usually not overly noisy.

Due to the ringed-neck’s long slender length and flight requirements true physical and psychological well-being can only be provided for in long flights capable of allowing unencumbered flight from one perch to the next. Ringneckeds are predominantly flying birds rather than climbers so the normal “parrot cage” is not really adequate unless the bird is given flight time each day outside of the cage.

None of the ringed-necks pair-bond for life but ,unlike many other parrots, will select new partners each breeding season from the flock. This behavior translates into a pet that tends not to favor one person over another as long as they are perceived as “flock members”. Let everyone play with the bird and there should be minimal problems with favoritism among family members.

To see this and other articles on pet birds complete with pictures visit http://birdpets.onenessbecomesus.com

Birds As Pets: A free booklet describing the pros and cons of pet bird selection

The science of aviculture, the keeping and propagation of birds in captivity, has made great advances within the last few decades. Seldom do we see what was once commonplace. Instead of wild parrots being taken from their natural habitat, shipped in crowded crates, sold to pet shops and then put into a totally terrifyingly alien area enclosed with walls and cage bars forever isolated from their own kind; now birds are reared by competent breeders dedicated to their craft, producing babies that can adapt to life with humans.

Being in this field for many years, I have witnessed these fundamental changes. Raising and having birds successfully reproducing in my home has been a never-ending source of joy and fascination. One of he outcomes of my years with the birds is the writing of articles related to the selecting, keeping, and breeding exotic parrots and finches. I offer you a booklet I used to hand out before I sold birds. Also feel free to visit the website on “Birds As Pets”.

Below you will find the links.

“Birds As Pets: A free E-booklet covering species ranging from the large macaws to tiny finches.
Do you want an interactive pet? A talking bird? A calm bird that will sit on your finger? Maybe you would rather observe a pair doing what members of their species do. Is breeding a goal or just enjoying the color and pleasant sounds of compatible species flying about an aviary?

The booklet (2.3MB) can be downloaded by >clicking here. Or, for more on the subject visit http://birdpets.onenessbecomesus.com.

Common Sense Pet Bird Selection: Introduction and Overview to a booklet

http://birdpets.onenessbecomesus.com

Click on the link above to see the complete booklet and much more

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A general pet bird impact statement

for the average busy modern family home.

Many thanks for the countless friends, breeders and contacts who contributed to my lifelong love affair with birds and, especially, the birds themselves who gave me many years of enriching fulfillment. May you find the same pleasure in birds and in doing so come to know knowledge, gain experience, increase in awareness, find wisdom and continue to develop appreciation, love and humility coupled with a growing, nurturing respect towards all life on this uniquely beautiful Earth.

David

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The number and variety of exotic birds available for the pet trade has changed within recent times to such a degree that the average person entering a pet shop to pick out a pet bird for their home is not fully aware of the options available. The selection of good quality domestic-bred birds has grown. With this increase the potential purchaser is faced with numerous choices. Yet, armed with up-to-date information, the wise shopper can ascertain how a bird will fit into their lifestyle and can then choose a pet accordingly. Since the trapping and importation of wild parrots has all but ceased, the day of the relatively inexpensive captured survivor forced into a terrifyingly alien world of overcrowded confinement, forcibly administered drugs in quarantine; who is then shipped, sold and ultimately kept in a solitary limbo, apart from it’s own kind, in a threateningly small walled trap-like enclosure full of the very creatures responsible for these recent events; is thankfully over. These birds were not suitable pets. They could never be happy in their new “homes”. But times have changed. Many of these old import birds are successfully producing young in well managed modern facilities reflecting recent advances in the science of Aviculture.

Breeding essentially wild birds in a captive environment involves a big investment of spacious uncrowded aviaries, suitable caging, a good diet (which is not cheap), veterinary care, and lots of patience with a little luck thrown in. The resulting high overhead, along with increasing demand, has driven average pet bird prices dramatically upward. Many popular birds are going for five to ten times the rate of just a few decades ago. Prices on easier to breed birds such as blue & gold macaws, umbrella cockatoos, eclectus, some amazons, etc. have peaked and are starting to fall but the cost of obtaining the more challenging subjects like the African waxbilled finches, some softbilled (fruit, pollen, nectar, and insect eating) birds and harder to breed parrots continues to rise as they become less available to aviculture.

Today’s domestic hand-fed baby parrot is far different from yesterday’s screaming, biting, mostly untamable bird dragged out of its natural habitat. A well-fed, properly socialized, competently weaned parrot is naturally tame and truly enjoys the companionship of humans. This is because a chick fed by humans is imprinted on humans and so thinks it is human. The species most suitable as pets to be interacted with are all gregarious flocking birds with a high degree of intelligence and adaptability. Many have mimicking abilities and naturally pick up the flock dialect around them. Many like close contact and will play with a group of flock members. On the other hand, many will pick only one favorite individual as a companion and keep a discreet distance away from all others. Most if not all parrots will retain the natural urge to scream at times and express a fundamental need to chew.

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Before you buy that bird realize: 1. ALL BIRDS MAKE MESSES:

This includes both inside their cage and out of it. A bird in the house equals a floor that could use a vacuuming!

2. BIRDS LIVE A VERY LONG TIME:

Some large parrots can live nearly one hundred years and even small finches can live to be twelve years or so. This makes a bird purchase a long-term investment.

3. ALL BIRDS WILL VOCALIZE (SCREAM):

Often especially at dawn and evening when it is inconvenient for humans with a normal work schedule.

4. PARROTS CAN BITE HARD:

And may do so if threatened or protecting their mate or favorite person.

5. PARROTS CAN CAUSE DAMAGE:

to your home by chewing through wallboard, two-by-fours, paneling, power cords, upholstery, draperies, etc.

6. BIRDS ARE INQUISITIVE AND NEED ATTENTION: (somewhat like a three or four year old child that never grows out of getting into things or playing with Mommy!) In addition, birds can climb and fly. Many of the larger parrots are much stronger than a human child.

7. BIRDS ARE DUSTY:

Beware of allergy problems in your family.

8. BIRDS ARE ADDICTIVE!!!

Bird people are not content with one or two or three pets but may soon find themselves with as many breeding pairs occupying each wall of a room in the house – including the bedroom and kitchen!

9. BIRDS CAN BE OUTSTANDING PETS:

If you pick the right species for your needs a bird or two can be a never ending source of enjoyment for you and your family.

I have dealt with all the above and yet I could hardly imagine life without a bird in the house. There is something captivating about a parrot lying on its back playing with a toy, calling to the dog, asking for an apple; or a pair of finches displaying in courtship or a canary singing in the living room. Whether it is for beauty, brains, relaxation, song or companionship I believe the right bird could possibly best fulfill your needs for a pet.

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…But do I really want a bird in MY house though?…

This is the question you must ask yourself when you are serious about adding an exotic bird or birds to the home. The right choice will reward you with many years of relaxation and pleasure while the wrong bird for your needs can result in pain, frustration, or indifference. How much time can you devote to socializing with a pet? Would you rather simply enjoy watching an aviary of compatible birds? Do you mind cleaning house? Is noise a problem with close neighbors or yourself? How much space can be given to birds? What about finances? How about dust? How long are you prepared to keep that long-lived parrot? Obviously no decision should be made until all the above concerns are answered.

Below is a listing of some of the common types of pet birds available. This is followed by a realistic viewpoint of their long-term compatibility status with the needs and lifestyles of the average pet owner. These generalizations are based on my own experiences with these birds. Since birds are dynamically interacting living things there will always be certain individuals who do not fall neatly into the descriptions set forth. A particular bird’s own special nature must always be carefully weighed when adoption of a possible lifelong companion is involved.

Birds are grouped according to size, space requirement, noise level, playtime needs, destruction quotient, and talking potential. Included is a rough comparative “1 to 10” rating system with “0” representing the baseline of no pet in the home and therefore no impact to “10” describing an unlivable situation in which the pet completely takes over ,or in some applications, the rating of a remarkable talent! A wide rating range of numbers reflects a wide range of individuality within a given group.

Only the commonly kept “mainstream” birds requiring relatively easy care are included here. This is only an introduction, not an encyclopedia! For those seeking further knowledge and advice (highly recommended) there are many books on specific species.

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Click on the link below to see the rest of this booklet and much more.

http://birdpets.onenessbecomesus.com

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