Parrots as Pets
Why I Love My Parrots
Ever since I can remember, I have kept birds. I have always enjoyed them more than any of my other pets, and found them to make excellent pets.
The types of birds that I have kept have included budgies, cockatiels, an Amazon Parrot and a Bare-Eyed Cockatoo. The bird that I would never do without is definitely the cockatiel. I have been without bigger parrots, but never once since I can remember have I not had a cockatiel or two.
I presently am down to one cockatiel and one cockatoo (pictured below) and they give me such joy, as they each have their own little personalities and quirks. No two pet birds have ever been the same.
Of course the more attention you give your bird, the more the bird's character and personality will shine through. They do need lots of attention and patience to train, but once the training part is over, you will have a companion for life.
These Are My Pets
These are my pets at present - Casper who is a bare-eyed cockatoo and Skyla the cockatiel. Casper is very playful and Skyla is very vocal. They both love having their heads scratched and Casper even lifts his wing for a tickle.
The vie for attention all the time, and have personalities and characters just like little humans. I don't know what life would be like without them.
Cockatiels as Pets
Cockatiels have and always will make great pets. They can be trained to talk as well as become very close companions. As a child I had one constantly glued to my shoulder. They thrive on attention and love to be taken out and given attention.
Cockatiels are easy to look after. All they require is a large cage, clean water and food daily and attention. I normally layer the bottom of the cage with newspaper and just remove layer by layer each day to clean the droppings.
If you want your cockatiel to talk or whistle, you will need to buy a male bird. The males have bright red cheeks and yellow faces whereas the females are more grey. Both make lovely pets, but only the males will learn to talk.
Cockatiels have many mutations that breeders have achieved over the years. The most common is the grey, but they can also come in mottled colours, white, yellow and silver.
If you would like your birds to breed, you will need to put a breeding box into the cage and ensure that you have a male and female pair. The cage will also need to be a good size.
Cockatiels tend to be most vocal early in the morning and in the early evenings. If you are a late sleeper be sure to cover them with a cloth or towel at night if they are kept inside.
Bird Resources For You
For more information about parrots, go to http://parrotsaspets.profitonlinefromhome.com
For your Online Cockatiel Encyclopedia, visit: http://cockatielsaspets.com
Merging Your Bird With Other Pets in Your Home
Because birds and parrots are smaller types of pets, you will need to watch that your other or existing pets can't do harm to your parrots.
In most cases dogs will not be a problem for your parrot, as they generally tend to ignore caged birds. However, if your dog takes to chasing your bird, you will need to separate them.
Cats on the other hand are more likely to harm your bird, as they are natural predators, and birds are one of their favorite food sources along with other rodents. They will tend to lurk and wait for the bird to be removed from the cage before attempting to catch it. Some will even be so bold as to climb onto the cage and attempt to reach it through the mesh. Although this may not cause direct harm, it could upset your parrot, which may injure itself by flapping around its cage.
A tame bird is especially vulnerable to a cat, as its natural fear is lessened. If at all possible, keep your parrotl in a room away from your cats, and always check on your cats whereabouts before letting your bird out of its cage. Never be tempted to leave the bird unsupervised in the room, even for a short time, especially if you have children. They could open a door and let the cat in by accident, which could well spell the end of your bird.
Open fish tanks can present another hazard for your parrot. If the bird falls into the tank, its plumage will become saturated, which will cause it to sink and drown. Avoid the risks by making sure the aquarium is covered by a tray at all times.
If you own a parrot or bird of another species, you will need to introduce them very slowly to any new birds you acquire. The established bird may call loudly while you are working with your new parrot, and if new parrot lands on his cage, he will attempt to bite his feet through the meshing. If the cages are placed close together, the established bird may also try to bite the new parrot through the cage bars.
In order to reduce conflict, try to spend more time with your established bird. Taking both birds out together may reduce aggressiveness, and in time they may form a close bond, perhaps even roosting side by side in the same cage.
Foods For Your Pet Birds
Parrots
| Cockatiels
| Foods To Avoid
|
---|---|---|
Nuts and Seeds
| Sunflower Seeds
| Avocado
|
Fruit -all types
| Budgie Seeds
| Chocolate
|
Vegies - Cooked and Raw
| Fruit and Vegies
| Lettuce
|
Pasta and Potatoes
| Carrot Leaves
| White Bread
|