1. Good hygiene – regularly clean the bird cage and the appliances in it. The cleaning must be accomplished minimum twice a week.

2. We mustn’t let our birds have contacts with wild or free – living birds, who are the main carriers of diseases and infections.

3. Do not put the bird cage exposed to draughts – the birds can catch a cold , and they should be exposed to the sun no more than 1 – 2 hours, because they can get overheated and can suffer from hypothermia.

4. If you have other pet animals – a dog , a cat, first get sure that they are not aggressive towards the birds and only then you can leave them in the same room together.

5. Examine the bird cage for protruding parts and objects that can hurt the birds.

6. A very important factor for the good health of the birds is the proper and balanced feeding. Except for grain mixture, they should get enough quantity of fruit and vegetables, from which they will supply themselves with necessary vitamins.

7. Also, with great importance for the health of birds is the proper supply with minerals. You can buy them from the zoo in combined form.

8. It is also necessary that your birds get small stones and sand in a separate container, which contributes to the good digestion and food – assimilation.

9. Overfeeding the birds with proteins of animal origin is very dangerous for them and it can cause podagra and lead to abnormal appetite .

Geomil Georgiev is owner and editor of http://www.birdscomfort.com where you can find information on every type of pet birds. BirdsComfort provides detailed information in decorative, large, custom, acrylic, antique, wooden, and discount bird cages sale, as well as cage covers,bird cage playstands, bird perches, bird toys, bird swings and bird foods

Presenting a gift to a bird lover is not actually very difficult, as the main thing that has to be remembered is to present him with something that is either related to birding or has a picture of a bird on it.

One of the best gifts to give a bird lover is a birdhouse, as someone who really loves birds loves different types of birdhouses, too. However, keep in mind that some birdhouses are made for specific birds, while others can be used by multiple types and sizes of birds.

Birds love to play in water and drink and bathe in it, so buying a bird lover a birdbath or a fountain as a gift is not a bad idea. But even here, avoid bright colors like red when buying a birdbath or fountain; birds may get scared by the color. Also try to avoid birdbaths with shiny things that reflect the sun, as this, too, may scare the birds.

Watching birds eating happily in the backyard is another thing that a bird lover enjoys doing. So buying a birdfeeder for this purpose is yet another great idea for the bird lover.

Apart from presenting the bird lover with one of the necessities of birding as a gift, you could also present him with an apron, mug, hooded sweatshirt, notebook, cap or stickers with a picture of a Macaw parrot, African Grey parrot or any other bird for that matter. In other words, giving a bird lover bird-themed items is a good choice. For those who like stuffed toys, there are also many avian species of stuffed toys like the puffin, owl and wood duck. So, head down to the gift shop or perhaps the bird store to choose the perfect gift for your bird lover friend.

Birds provides detailed information on Birds, Bird Feeders, Bird Baths, Bird Houses and more. Birds is affiliated with Aquarium Lights.

I’m frequently asked; “Why should I pay twice as much for a stainless steel bird cage?” That’s a completely legitimate question, and I once asked the same question myself. Hopefully this article fully answers that question for you, because that is the purpose of this article.

The very first and most influential answer I can give you is that a stainless steel bird cage will have three to four times the lifespan of a powder-coated bird cage. So in the long run, you are truly saving money. A quality stainless steel bird cage will be solid stainless steel all the way through, and the fact of the matter is that stainless steel will outlive the iron or mild steel used in standard powder-coated bird cages. The old saying “you get what you pay for” definitely stands true in the bird cage market.

So, beyond a longer life, what additional benefits come with stainless steel bird cages?

Here are some additional benefits to consider:

So when you’re ready to buy your next bird cage, you should definitely consider a stainless steel cage. The only words of caution I can offer are to make sure you’re getting a decent brand name. Some “fly by night” companies will offer stainless steel cages that they claim are 304 grade solid stainless steel, but they are not. Do not purchase a stainless steel cage unless you are completely positive that it’s 100% solid 304 grade stainless steel. Some of the top brand names are Kings Cages, Avian Adventures Cages, and Everything Birds Cages. If you’re buying anything besides these brands you need to make sure that the stainless steel is true stainless steel.

Note: This article can be copied and republished on other websites as long as it stays complete, isn’t modified, and the active hyperlinks stay in place.

Article written by Dave Hermansen, a true exotic bird lover. I urge you to further research stainless steel bird cages by clicking here.

Before we get into specifics, let’s start with the basics. Emergencies aside, if you’re planning to travel with your bird, get the travel cage a few weeks in advance. This will give your bird time to get accustomed to the new cage. Also measure – measure – measure. Make sure it will fit in where ever it will be going car, travel trailer, family vehicle, motor home, commercial airliner, vacation cottage – just make sure it fits.

We don’t have a flock, we have one small Indian Ringneck – Sunshine. Sunshine is 17. Catherine acquired him as a baby. He loves being with mom. We know about traveling with a bird. At home he has a 30 x 30 California cage (1), a large playstand (2) in the dining room and another playstand (3) in the kitchen. Every work day Sunshine climbs into his custom, 18 inch long carrier (4) and comes to work with us.

We open the carrier, he climbs up his Booda perch in to his 26 x 20 HQ cage (5) and finishes breakfast. Afterwards he’ll walk back out via the Booda perch onto his King’s acrylic playstand (6). When he gets bored he fly’s onto his Prevue playstand (7) or his Prevue 20 x 20 wire cage (8) where he’ll stand so he can watch mom oversee the shipping of packages to our customers.

We spend many of our summer weekends at a campground. When we get there he usually goes right into his 18 x 18 (9) Prevue cage. We modified our small travel trailer so the cage fits nicely into a closet where we removed the top of the door and provided a gentle light. When we’re outside the trailer, we have a large canopy/tent where Sunshine spends time in his 32 x 21 HQ aviary (10) under the canvas. He always has one side of his cage against a wall for his own privacy.

If you’ve been following my notes, you’ll see our little 3 ounce bird has 10 cages and stands. We’ve never had a problem getting him into a new cage because 1) we don’t make of an issue of it and 2) he’s happy just to be with us.

A travel cage can be metal, fabric or plastic like – rigid or collapsible. Because it’s a travel cage only makes it slightly different than his home cage. If it’s metal, bar spacing should be appropriate. If it’s fabric, the fabric should be durable enough and well designed to discourage chewing. Clear plastic cages allow for great vision but may be confining for extended travel periods. It may only have one perch instead of three or four. Make sure it’s comfortable on the feet. Stopping and starting in traffic should not cause your bird discomfort. A couple of small toys should be introduced to keep birdie boredom down. If you’re traveling by auto, keep the bird in the back seat away from airbags in case of “god-forbids.” Keep it strapped with a seatbelt to avoid sudden movement.

If your driving at night, cover the cage, the intermittent glare of auto lights can be scary, especially if its after bed time. If you’re taking a road tip stopping at motels, find a place to put the travel cage where you bird can sleep with as little disturbance as possible through the night. We usually find the bath room counter to be the best spot, it’s out of the way and once the cage is covered, affords privacy. In terms of temperature, it’s simple – if your comfortable, your bird is comfortable. No hot cars with the window cracked or in front of air conditioners in hotel rooms.

If traveling for the first time, we suggest a few trial runs before the big trip. Go to a friends, the vet or even just a ride, the bird gets accustomed to the procedure, travel process and change in general. If you let the bird out of the travel cage while in the vehicle don’t forget to put him back before any passengers open the door. Some birds don’t like to poop in their travel cage. This is a judgment call. Choose carefully where you’ll let them out to poop. You also may want to check out the nearest avian vet to your destination, before you get there – just so you have the info.

Remember. birds in the wild are natural travelers. Larger birds will fly 50 or miles per day seeking food. Many migrate thousands of miles twice annually. It’s usually less of an issue for the bird than for you. Lastly, we know you love showing off your bird. Unknown places would not be the time to do it. Unscrupulous people may have ulterior motives. While traveling with your bird it’s no ones business but your own. Have a great trip.

Mitch Rezman operates http://www.windycityparrot.com with his partner Catherine Tobsing. They are companion to their Indian ringneck Sunshine. This article can be re-printed and/or published online or offline for free, provided the website; http://www.windycityparrot.com, is posted along with it. The article must remain intact without any alteration. Questions or comments are welcomed and should be sent to mitch@windycityparrot.com

The African Grey parrot is the most popular pet parrot kept today. They are extraordinary speakers and are also very lovable and sweet. However, they do require lots of love, patience and time. Make sure they are the right bird for you.

The African Grey parrot originates from Central Africa. It is medium grey in color and the feathers on the head have white edging. It also has a bright red tail and a solid black beak.

One of the things African Greys are most well known for is how well they speak. Their speech is very clear and easy to understand. They can even learn over 2000 words and can mimic any sound! However, don’t buy an African Grey just for this reason. Some of them never speak at all.

African Greys are extremely intelligent. It is said that they have the intellectual capacity of a five year old child and are probably the most intelligent of the parrot species. Some have even been known to understand concepts like color and shape. This also makes them very demanding pets. They require constant attention and many toys to keep them busy.

African Greys form very strong bonds with their owners and can even respond to our different emotions. When you are sad, a bonded African Grey will comfort you. They learn so much from their owners! Once you win the trust of an African Grey, they will be your best friend. They are not very outgoing with strangers though. They are very loyal and dedicated birds.

The minimum cage size for African Greys is 18 inches long by 18 inches wide by 30 inches tall. Try to get the largest cage you can. Place the cage in a well lit area that is free from any drafts. You will need to get plenty of toys for your bird so they can get the mental stimulation they need.

A good diet is very important for any bird. Seeds should not be the only thing you feed. African Greys need a good pellet diet as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Some fruits and vegetables that are good for them include broccoli, green peas, black eyes peas, brussel sprouts, banana and cantaloupe.

A major problem that many African Greys develop is feather plucking. This is actually a form of self mutilation. It can be caused by many things such as medical problems, behavioral problems, or stress. If you see your bird doing this, take him to the vet as soon as possible before it becomes really bad.

The hardest thing about keeping African Greys is the amount of time you must spend with them. Once your bird bonds with you, it will not want to be without you. Your bird will demand attention from you all the time. If this bird doesn’t get enough attention or mental stimulation, it will likely form behavioral problems. Make sure you aren’t going to be too busy to spend time with this bird before you purchase one. This bird is not right for everyone.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Driving Tips

Cockatoos are sweet, loving, beautiful birds. They make great pets if they are given the proper care. However, they can be a handful. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you bring one home.

The first thing you must do before even thinking about getting a cockatoo is to consider cockatoos to be like children. You would not leave a child alone all day. Cockatoos also cannot be kept alone all day. They need plenty of interaction. If no one is going to be at your house during the day, then I would not recommend getting one of these birds. The cockatoo is the most emotional bird species and needs human interaction every day.

Another thing you must realize is that cockatoos live for a very long time. They can live to be 100 years old! You will be taking care of this bird probably for the rest of your life. This is also a very expensive bird. The bird, cage and accessories really cost a lot!

Cockatoos need a very large cage. Many people even suggest you keep them in an aviary! The minimum cage size for these birds is 36 inches long by 36 inches wide by 48 inches tall. Inside the cage they will need perches, toys, food and water.

Toys are something that your bird must have. If they do not have toys then they will not get the mental activity they need. This can lead to serious health problems. You also have to change the toys as least once a month. Birds get bored if they have the same toys all the time.

For your bird’s diet, you cannot just feed seeds. A little bit of seeds is okay but buy a food that is mostly pellets. You will also need to prepare fruits and vegetables every day. Take out any fresh foods once they have been in the cage for a while.

Cockatoos have dust in their feathers and must be given weekly baths or showers to prevent dust accumulation. If you have allergies, this bird is not recommended for you. Also, the wings, beak and claws need to be kept trimmed.

Every day you will need to clean out the food and water dishes and also wipe off feather dust from the cage bars and perches. Twice a week you need to clean the bottom tray of the cage. Once a week you will need to clean the whole cage and all accessories.

Cockatoos do not do well with small children. Some birds have even been known to attack small children for no reason. If you have small children, never leave them alone with the bird.

Cockatoos develop very strong bonds with their owners. They are extremely lovable and affectionate. However, they are very much like small children and will demand your attention. If you aren’t giving them attention then they will scream, knock things over, or even bite to get your attention. Someone needs to be home most of the time with this bird.

If you give lots of attention to your bird, you will be greatly rewarded with a very sweet, lovable bird. Just be sure you have enough time to spend with the bird. These birds can cause serious problems if they aren’t given enough attention. Many people buy these birds not knowing what they are getting themselves into and then end up having to give them away.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Driving Tips

Just like dogs and cats, birds also require grooming to maintain optimum health and happiness. The basic essentials to bird grooming are wing clipping, nail clipping, beak filing, preening and bathing.

Wing clipping is one of the most important parts of bird grooming. Not only does it help prevent the bird from flying away or flying into something and hurting itself, it helps the taming process and builds a bond between bird and owner. Be sure, however, that an alternative form of exercise is available since they will no longer be able to fly easily. Big cages and play pens are great for a bird to walk and climb around. The best method for wing clipping is to clip the outer primaries of both wings below the level of the primary coverts. When the new feathers grow in after a few months, wait until they are completely mature before clipping again. New feathers contain a pulp of blood vessels and nerves that will cause profuse bleeding and pain for the bird if clipped.

Nail clipping is essential for both the bird’s and the owner’s comfort. The bird won’t enjoy walking around on long nails and it will be uncomfortable for the owners arm skin if the bird decides to perch there. Be sure not to wait too long before clipping so that the quick doesn’t get any longer. Don’t cut the quick or just as in dogs there will be a lot of pain and bleeding.

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters

Visit Elizabeth Austin Wholesale for Wholesale Dog Clothes and Wholesale Pet Supplies

When people think of the term “house breaking” they usually think of training a dog or cat where to properly relieve themselves. There is how a technique available to train a bird proper pooping manners. Even though bird poop has no odor, it still makes living with a bird so much easier if they have some sort of training. Life is easier without lots of bird poop on your shoulder.

The main principle behind this technique is that birds need to relieve themselves every 15 to 20 minutes. Right after your take your bird out of its cage, put it in its play pen and wait for it to eliminate. While waiting, say a command word or phrase of your choice like “go poopie”. Repeat this word until your bird does go; this will help it learn to associate the command with eliminating. If your bird does not go within 2 to 3 minutes, take the bird off the playpen for a few minutes and then place it back on until it goes. When the bird does go, its reward is being with you. Don’t let it off for extended periods until after it’s relieved itself. It’s important to return the bird to the playpen every 15 to 20 minutes and repeat the command word until it eliminates. Once it’s trained, you can say the command and your bird will poop before it leaves the cage. This is also helpful at others homes. You can command your bird every 30 to 45 minutes to go over the sink or trash, saving carpet, clothes and headaches.

Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters

Visit Elizabeth Austin Wholesale for Wholesale Dog Clothes and Wholesale Pet Supplies

Birds are great additions to your backyard. Putting up bird houses is an excellent way to attract them. However, not all birds opt to nest in bird houses. Birds differ in their habitat preferences and only cavity-dwellers are probably interested in the bird shelters in your backyard. As it is, these cavity-dwellers also have their own specifications about the kind of house they like. These are minor measurements or feature issues but they are important for the birds. However, there are general guidelines in building these houses.

First, it is important to identify the species of birds that visit your backyard. It is also necessary to distinguish which are the cavity-dwellers from the tree and burrow dwellers. Common cavity-dwellers are wrens, chickadees, bluebirds, and flickers. Choose one you like best and focus your bird house design on it. Even if the idea of building multiple bird houses appeal to you, refrain from doing so because birds are territorial animals.

Second, determine the required dimensions of your chosen bird. Forget asking the birds for these because you’ll get no answers. Dimensions of bird houses include entrance-hole, height, depth, and floor size. Smaller birds like wren and chickadees usually prefer 4×4 floor size and a reasonable 8″ depth. Consult a bird book or the internet for information regarding the measurements of your bird house.

Third, it is better to use untreated wood and lumber for bird houses. Aside from mimicking the birds’ natural habitat, natural wood also minimizes risks of poisoning and overheating. Treated and processed wood like plywood contains preservatives like formaldehyde, which poses serious health hazards to your feathered friends. Lumber that is classified as pressure-treated often contain toxic chemicals which can poison the nesting birds. Paint is also a no-no. Chipping paint can be mistaken by the bird for food and eat it. Also, metals and plastics are not suitable for building avian shelters since they are both prone to overheating. You would want to provide the birds shelter, not an outdoor oven.

Fourth, in drafting or designing a plan for your bird houses, it is important to consider the birds’ safety against the elements and predators. Slanted roofs are preferable so rain, dirt, and moisture would not collect on top and rot the wood. It is also preferable that the roofs extend over the sides and front. Perches are not really necessary since cavity-dwellers do not perch. Consider drainage and ventilation needs. Drill small holes on the floor but make sure that these are smaller than the bird’s feet. These holes are also best placed on corners to help in draining water out in case of rain. Baby birds drown easily and a bit of collected rainwater in their shelter is enough to send them to their deaths. Aside from the relatively larger entrance holes, place ventilation holes along the house’s walls or back. These let heat escape to keep the structure comfortably cool. Placing the bird house atop a pole is a good way to discourage predators like cats and raccoons.

Fifth, maintenance and cleanliness are also factors in bird house building. Unkempt bird houses are causes of diseases, according to experts. To help you in maintaining cleanliness in the bird house, add a backdoor. This way, you can easily remove unused nest and disinfect the vacated house. Droppings and other dirt also contribute to the contamination and cleaning these out limits risks of infecting other birds.

With these tips, you are on your way to designing and building your own bird houses. Help the birds by treating these houses as if you live there. Considering the birds’ safety in your bird houses ensure you of longer years with your feathered friends.

For more valuable information on Bird Houses, please visit http://www.birdhousesbylaura.com

Some of the best gifts you can give to a bird lover are those that have to do with birds!

Here are a few favorites of all bird lovers:

* Bird Houses

You can find a wide variety of bird house designs and styles. Usually anyone that really loves birds also really loves different types of bird houses too. Also, when shopping for a bird house, keep in mind that some bird houses are made for specific types of birds, and others can be used by multiple types and sizes.

* Bird Baths and Fountains

These also make wonderful gifts for bird lovers because they tend to attract more birds to the yard. Birds love to play in water as well as drink and bathe in it. So these make fantastic gifts for bird lovers. Something to know when buying bird baths and fountains though: Birds are easily scared. So try to avoid any bright colors – especially red – and try to avoid shiny things that reflect the sun.

* Bird Feeders

Another nice gift for bird lovers because this also tends to draw birds in from miles around. Birds also remember their feeding spots over the winter… and when they come back to their feeding spot the following spring they’re likely to bring more birds with them.

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is brought to you by The Bird House Shop Section of The Garden Source Network. Attract Wild Birds to your Garden this Spring with Bird Feeders, Bird Houses, & Bird Baths!

This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.