Why Birds are Great Pets. 

Owning a Parrot Companion has Many Health Benefits!

Did you know that having a Parrot or Parakeet companion that you interact with every day will give you a better quality of life? It's true. Studies have shown that people with pets are less prone to depression and disease. In fact, in some cities bringing pets into the Hospitals helps the patients recover faster! A bird that talks is always happy to see you, loves your attention, and will give you thousands of hours of pleasure and a lifetime of fun.

Not only is a bird good for your health, but it will provide friendship and enjoyment for you, and everyone who visits you. Carefully study the birds I describe here. There is a good chance you will find a loving and entertaining companion.

Parrot Taming, Training, and Talking. 

Parrot Training Rules by Lee J. Bergman

The Rules of Parrot Training are simple. Although not mandatory, you will typically have much better results if you have your parrot's wings clipped. The cage should have a large door, which allows you to easily remove the bird from the cage. The parrot taming session is best done during a quiet time with subdued lighting.

Speak in a calm and soothing manner. Always move slowly. If your parrot flies to the floor, pick it up with cupped hands and transfer it to your shoulder. Be gentle and slow.

In the initial taming sessions only one person should work with the bird. Two people make the bird nervous and tend to distract one another. The best trainer is one who has time to devote to the task. Some parrots take much longer to tame than others. If you are impatient or inconsistent, your parrot may never get trained properly.

You'll learn that most parrots have the ability to communicate better than you thought. Words, however, won't be enough to tame your bird, for parrots prefer to show their affection in a physical fashion. They love to touch and be touched in return. Parrot Training requires words AND action.

As your bird gets to trust you more, he will start to sit comfortably on your finger, shoulder or hand and may want to play with you. Now you can change the parts that you touch, from the head to the back of it's neck and towards the face. Then touch under the wings and over them.

Repeating this touching and fondling will build up an attachment or "bond". This "bonding" builds trust, which helps make the training much faster and easier.

Parrots have a natural ability to imitate speech and sounds, and this can be enhanced by talking and singing to the young parrot. The more you talk to your parrot the more quickly it will learn to talk. During feed times, repeat it's name clearly. The short span of concentration of the young bird means that the talking lessons are only a few minutes long. Give him an easy name which has "ee" sounds separated by a hard consonant, like "Peter".

The methods for teaching parrots are the same as those used for children. They learn to talk by listening to their parents and by looking at their face.

Parrot training has begun when your bird steps out of it's cage and onto your finger.

For complete information about Parrot Training and to sign up for some really good FREE training videos ... [Click Here]

Quaker Parrots (aka Monk Parakeets). 

Quaker Parrots - A Great Pet for a Reasonable Price - But Illegal to Own, in Some States.

Quaker Parrots, also known as Monk Parakeets, are great talkers and give you a small parrot with lots of talent for a very reasonable price. The common green quakers generally can be purchased for around $200---but be careful because the very rare blue quaker can be as much as $1200 or more.

Sadly, there are a several states where it is illegal (or legal with restrictions) to own a Quaker. Those states are: California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wyoming.

Why??? Some wildlife authorities believe that if enough pet Quakers escape from captivity, they will reproduce in large numbers and harm our native birds by competing with them for food. Laws were passed that disallowed ownership of these birds in some states.

Studies prove this reasoning to be faulty. To date, it cannot be substantiated that wild Quaker colonies are a threat to agriculture, nor, has it been proven that they are invasive to native avian species.

Happily, some of the antiquated laws against Quaker Parrots may be repealed soon. We will keep you informed about the the latest changes.

For information on the best way to train a Quaker ... [Click Here]

The Indian Ringneck Parrot (aka Indian Ringneck Parakeet). 

Although Officially Classified as a Parakeet - Indian Ringnecks are True Parrots.

Indian Ringnecks are comical, very intelligent, and make great pets. They learn quickly and love to be the center of attention.

Arguably, the Indian Ringneck's talking ability is superior to every bird except for the African Grey. They are able to pronounce words with amazing clarity and easily compete with Quakers and Amazons.

Prices for Indian Ringnecks run between $200 and $500 - with the higher prices going for hand-reared birds that are already talking.

For the best way to train an Indian Ringneck ... [Click Here]

The Amazon Parrot. 

Personality and Talent from The Amazon Rain Forest.

There are 27 species of Amazon parrot, Prices vary from $400 to $1600 with the higher prices generally being associated with those known to be better talkers. Amazon parrots are very good at talking and imitating sounds. In fact some owners feel their ability compares with that of the African Grey --- but unlike African Greys --- Amazons don't generate any noticable amounts of pet dander or "dust". They have been shown to be very intelligent and they form a very close bond with their owner over time.

For the best way to train an Amazon Parrot ... [Click Here]

African Grey Parrots. 

The African Grey - The World's Best Talker.

African Grey Parrots are known as the best talkers of all the parrots. Prices of African Greys run between $650 and $2200 - With the higher prices being paid for Greys that are already talking and have large vocabularies.

African Grey parrots can imitate almost any sound with complete clarity. But with all this talent comes some trade-offs that you should be aware of. African Greys generate their own "dust" also known as pet dander. Many people are allergic to this type of pet dander and it can really make an unbelievably large dusty mess over time. Additionally African Grey's are very demanding and will imitate the most irritating noises they have heard if they are upset or want attention.

There are two distinct varieties of African Grey Parrots. They are the: Congo African Grey (pictured here) and the Timneh African Grey.

The Congo African Grey has a completely black beak and a bright red tail. the Timneh African Grey is slightly smaller, has a mostly bone-colored upper beak and a dark maroon or grayish tail.

Which is better? That depends on your point of view. Congo's typically cost 20 to 40% more than Timneh's - probably because they are more colorful and are mostly are pictured when African Grey Parrots are the topic. But, the Timneh is smaller, more gentle, and less demanding than the Congo. Yet the Timneh's speaking ability is just as good as the Congo.

Keeping in mind my strong statement about their "dust" or pet dander, both types of African Greys can and do make wonderful pets. If you have your heart set on owning an African Grey - then you are the only one that can decide, whether a Congo or a Timneh is best for you.

For the best way to train Congo or Timneh African Greys ... [Click Here]

The Parrotlet - "Mini Parrot". 

A Small Parrot with a Big Personality.

Parrotlets are quickly becoming one of the most popular companion parrots. Their comical behavior, beautiful colors and---most of all---the parrotlet's inability to scream and irritate their owners, make them very desirable as pets.

Parrotlets are considered "true parrots" which means they have all of the desirable attributes of the larger parrots - but none of the negatives (like pet dander or screaming). Because of this, Parrotlets are very easy to live with - and make wonderful pets.

They easily learn to talk and quickly develop a loving bond with their owner. Prices for Parrotlets run between $100 to $700, depending on the color, age, and rarity of the bird.

For the best way to train a Parrotlet ... [Click Here]

Pionus Parrots. 

The Pionus Parrot - Mild Mannered and Delightful Companion.

Pionus Parrots are very calm and blissfully quiet compared to most of the other parrot breeds. A pionus parrot it the perfect parrot for those who want a loyal friend that doesn't scream and make a fuss.

Pionus Parrots make great companions. There size is smaller than Amazons and not nearly as loud. They can talk and they are outstanding at mimicking sounds.

Just like Parrotlets - Pionus Parrots are excellent choices for people who live in apartments because they do not produce loud and obnoxious noise levels. Prices for Pionus Parrots run between $300 to $800.

For the best way to train a Pionus Parrot ... [Click Here]

Eclectus Parrots. 

Georgous Colors, Great Disposition and Very Good Talkers.

Eclectus come in strikingly beautiful colors and make wonderful pets. Additionally they are very good talkers.

They love to mimic their favorite sounds, such as various sounds heard around the house. Eclectus Parrots will sing, watch television and love to listen to the radio. They love to explore new places and people. Eclectus understand many commands and their speaking ability depends upon the individual, the strength of it's human bond, and how much time is spent speaking directly to the bird.

Eclectus prices range between $800 to $1200 depending on the type. Solomon Eclectus are at the low end. Red-Sided Eclectus are a little higher. Vosmaeri Eclectus are at the high end with the Vosmaeri females commanding the highest prices.

For the best way to train an Eclectus Parrot ... [Click Here]

The Plum Head Parakeet. 

Beautiful, Delightful, and Smart.

The beautiful Plum Head Parakeet, pictured here, is from the Psittacula genus, more commonly known as Ringneck Parakeets. These birds are very social. They have a pleasant nature and tolerate other birds housed with them.

In time, Plum Heads develop an amusing vocabulary and are easy to handle and become very attached to their owners. Once tamed, they are very sweet and gentle, and make wonderful pets.

Plum Head Parakeets currently cost between $250 and $350.

For the best way to train a Plum Head Parakeet ... [Click Here]

Conures. 

Intelligent and Good Looking - but Noisy.

Conures are a very diverse, so trying to characterize them is difficult - if not impossible. Conures do not currently constitute a natural, scientific grouping.

The Nanday Conure, pictured here, is the most popular pet conure species. For relatively small birds, Nandays - and most other Conures - are noisy. So I don't recommend them if you live in close proximity to neighbors, or in an apartment. Conures are also extremely intelligent birds, capable of learning tricks, mimicking sounds, and learning a small vocabulary.

Conure prices range between a low of $100 to as much as $500 - depending on the rarity of the bird.

For the best way to train a Conure ... [Click Here]

How to Care for your Birds. 

by Lee J. Bergman

Just like people, each bird is an individual and has a unique personality. All birds need proper nutrition, human interaction, and the right type of environment.

The next few Squidoo modules are meant to be a general guideline for your bird. Whether you are a first time bird owner, or an experienced bird owner, these guidelines will give you specific information that will help to keep your bird healthy and happy for years to come.

Your First Bird. 

By Lee J. Bergman

Whether you get your bird from a pet store, a breeder or an individual - you need to ask the right questions and use good judgment before you make a commitment.

Here are some important things to consider before you buy your bird:

Environment.

Take a close look at the conditions where the birds are housed. You want to see a clean cage where the bird has plenty of space. Dirty cages, small cages or dirty food and water containers should make you look to get your bird somewhere else.

Origin of the Bird

If it's a pet store, find out exactly where they get their birds. Only a disreputable store will try to hide the origin of the bird. If they got it from a breeder, then get the breeder's experience and qualifications. The more expensive the bird, the more important are the breeder's qualifications. Never pay big money for a bird without looking into the background of the breeder. If they don't know, or won't tell you - then walk away.

Help After the Sale

Will the seller agree to help you after the sale? Reputable sellers will be happy to offer after-the-sale help including answering your questions about feeding, behavior, health concerns - or anything else.

Warranties and Guarantees.

Has the bird been checked by an avian veterinarian? If so, ask to see a written report or certificate signed by the vet. If they don't have one, make sure you get the phone number of the vet and call him to verify that he has actually checked the bird in question. Can you get a refund if it is found to be unhealthy or sick? Can you get a refund if the bird is healthy but you change your mind after living with him for a few days? Make sure you get all guarantees in writing - before you buy the bird.

Emergencies.

Find out where to take your bird in the event of an emergency. Get the names of qualified avian veterinarians in your city or town. Many vets are not qualified, or do not accept avian cases. Don't wait until you have an emergency to get this vital information.

Types of Birds. 

by Lee J. Bergman

Before you bring home your first feathered friend, you need to decide which bird is best for you.

Some birds are very demanding and need to interact with you a lot. Other birds are very content entertaining themselves.

Buying the right type of bird - in the beginning - is much better than getting the wrong bird and having to go through the process again. So consider the following information, when choosing a bird:

Birds can be classified into three groups. 1. Starter birds; 2. Intermediate birds and; 3. Advanced birds.

Starter birds include finches, lovebirds, parakeets and cockatiels. They are relatively easy to care for and require only a minimum of attention. You get experience handling them, learn about feeding and care, and begin to understand what is involved in raising birds. Cockatiels - which, some people consider an intermediate bird - are are actually excellent starter birds because they are not too fragile, love to be handled, and very much enjoy sitting on your shoulder. They are great with kids too. Most of the starter birds are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased for under $100.

Intermediate birds include Conures, Pionus Parrots, Parrotlets, Indian Ringnecks, Quakers, and Eclectus. These birds typically cost more than "starter" birds and require more time and attention. You would be wise to own one or more "intermediate birds" before moving up to the more expensive and more demanding "advanced" birds.

Advanced birds include Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos, and African Greys. These "advanced" birds are only recommended for bird owners who have had some prior experience with some of the less demanding birds. Besides being very expensive, they require a lot of attention, patience, and commitment.

For complete information about all aspects of Parrot Training, and to sign up for some really good FREE training videos ... [Click Here]

Teaching Your Bird To Talk. 

by Lee J. Bergman

Before you start, check out this outstanding Parrot Talking Course. Your bird will be talking faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

This remarkable course also works to teach big or smaller species, older birds or birds with difficult personalities, and even teaches tough, stubborn, 'Non-Talkers' to speak clearly, sing beautifully and whistle a happy tune.

Using this 'Real Speech' system for only 15 minutes a day, teaches your parrot how to speak more words, phrases and songs than you can ever imagine. Even species that can't talk whistle your favorite tunes.

If you really want a talking bird, you should consider birds that have remarkable talking ability. At the top of the list should be African Greys, Yellow Naped and Blue Fronted Amazons, Indian Ringnecks, Quakers, and to a lesser extent - Macaws.

It is very important for you to interact directly with the bird. You need to actually have a conversation with him. Don't expect to teach your bird with tapes, dvd's or computerized programs. Birds learn to talk the fastest when the owner takes the time and effort to really talk to the bird.

It is best to teach the bird out-of-sight of his cage. He needs 100% of his attention on you instead of trying to get back to the safety of his cage.

Make sure you get some "props" to help you communicate with the bird. Use simple objects such as colored blocks, balls or other shapes to keep the bird interested. You can also use distinctive foods like apples, bananas and grapes as teaching aids to help them associate the words. Saying the words while showing them the objects or foods will help the bird to learn much faster - and before you know it - he will be associating the object with the word.

Don't just repeating the same words over and over. You must really talk to the bird - just as you would talk to a baby. It's much better to actually have a conversation with the bird while using the objects to intensify the birds interest. For example, when offering a treat, make sure to clearly show the treat, while at the same time clearly pronouncing the name of the treat - so the bird will remember it.

By keeping the sessions short, fun and interesting - the bird will learn faster.

For the 'Real Speech' Course [Click Here]

The Importance of Keeping your Bird Clean. 

by Lee J. Bergman

Captive birds rely totally on their owners for their survival. You have a big responsibility to properly care for them. That includes providing them with clean and sanitary living conditions. You must spend some time - daily - cleaning their cage and looking after them.

Water and fresh food should be changed frequently. To prevent your bird from splashing his food out of the bowl, you should use specially developed deep bowls, or deep bowls with seed catcher wings, or even half to three quarter inch "hardware screen" (available at hardware stores) that you can wrap over the top of the bowls.

If your cage is kept clean there is never a need for mite protectors and other devices that could potentially harm your bird.

Some birds, such as Cockatoos and African Greys, produce a tremendous amount of dander from their feathers. This white, powdery dust will cover everything in the room, and will require lots of extra vacuuming and household dusting in order to keep it under control. Pet dander can be minimized by "misting" your bird with water occasionally. Limit this misting to once or twice a day.

Never force your bird to take a bath. Instead, offer your bird a small bowl of water - making sure the bird has a perch or a toy or something secure above the bowl to grab onto.

Be very careful about putting your bird in a bathtub or sink. I do not recommend that method. Use a small bowl instead - with a birdie grab bar above the bathing bowl.

It is best to use just clean water to bathe your bird. If you own a Cockatoo, African Grey or other bird that produces lots of pet dander, it is helpful to add a drop of baby oil to the bathwater. Nothing else.

How Noisy are Various Types of Birds? 

by Lee J. Bergman

Some birds can produce an ear-piercing screech that can be heard a quarter-mile away. Not only will this make your hair stand-up, but your neighbors are going to be very unhappy. If you live in an apartment - or in close quarters to your neighbors - then you would be wise to get one of the quieter birds.

The noisier birds include Macaws, Cockatoos, and many of the Conures.

The quieter birds include Parrotlets - who are great talkers but are physically unable to scream, and Pionus Parrots, who are good talkers, and never scream.

African Greys and Amazons are comparatively quiet, but are very demanding - and will show you their most irritating noise imitations when they are upset or want attention.

Unless you own tens or hundreds of them - small birds like canaries, parakeets, lovebirds, cockatiels and finches simply can't produce a high enough volume level to cause a problem with the neighbors.

How to Stop Feather Plucking. 

by Lee J. Bergman with Chet Wolmach

First, it is important to note that feather plucking does not normally occur in wild bird populations. This destructive bird behavior typically only occurs with captive or caged birds.

One of the main reasons parrots pluck, is because they get nervous around their owners. Lots of parrot owners have stopped their bird's plucking, by simply training tricks as a way to overcome this nervousness.

But that doesn't mean trick training would help a parrot that picks it's feathers due to a medical condition, allergic reaction to airborne illnesses, or any of the other 12 basic reasons parrots pluck. That's what makes feather plucking so frustrating... you have to know what's causing the plucking, before you try to fix it.

Sadly, what most people do, is take their bird to the vet to see why he's plucking. The vet says the bird is in perfect health, and can't do anything to solve it's problem, and then figure there's no helping their bird!

These Veterinarians are unwittingly misinforming thousands of bird owners, because only a small percentage of parrots pluck for medical reasons. So to fix the problem, you need to pinpoint which of the 12 major reasons is causing your bird's plucking, and then try the two or three techniques best known for fixing that type of plucking.

Here is THE link to a remarkable system that GUARANTEES to put a complete stop to your birds feather plucking ... CLICK HERE for more Information

Cage Size and How much Attention Does Your Bird Need? 

by Lee J. Bergman

***CAGE SIZE & SPACE NEEDED***

Get the largest cage you can afford. There is no such thing as a cage too large. The more room your bird has the healthier he will be.

***HOW MUCH ATTENTION SHOULD YOU GIVE YOUR BIRD?***

The short answer is to give your bird as much time, attention, and human interaction as is possible. Healthy birds in captivity REQUIRE human interaction.

Many bird breeds demand lots of attention. Macaws, Cockatoos, and African Greys need a lot of attention, just to stay healthy. To make matters worse, they can be spoiled very easily. Cockatiels and Conures are somewhere in the middle of the attention scale and will stay healthy with a moderate amount of attention. On the other hand, small birds like Finches and Canaries require much less time and attention.

It's important to REALLY talk to your birds as often as you can - at the very least once or twice EVERY day. You can also offer a treat whenever you pass by their cage. The more attention you can give your bird - the healthier your bird is going to be.

How to Tame Parrots that Bite. 

From the Parrot Care Handbook*...

Birds bite for a totally different reason then dogs and cats. Instinct puts them into the "fight or flight" mode. When an untamed bird perceives any threat it will attempt to bite.

To train a bird not to bite - you must first develop a trust between you and the bird. With no trust there is no training.

The first step to training is to offer the bird one of its favorite treats. Each time you come near it, the bird will quickly learn that your presence will have a positive effect on the bird, because you are giving it something that it likes.

If the bird does not readily accept your hand, you can use a stick perch, and give the order to "step up" command. Gently press the perch up under the belly and say "step up". Once the bird has mastered this command, start training the bird in another part of the house where it can not see his cage.

(Do not attempt to train the bird within sight of the cage because he will not concentrate on the training, and instead will seek the "safety" of his cage. By working in a "neutral" area - out of sight of the cage - you will have better success because you will have the complete attention of the bird).

Next, begin offering your hand with the "step up" command. If the bird continues to bite, use NO physical discipline to the bird. Firmly say the words "No Bite". Since birds pick up on human emotion, they don't want their owner to be upset.

Continue to try to get the bird to stand on your hand. If they still will not cooperate give the bird a "time out" by placing him back in his cage. Continue to work with the bird. It will take time and patience to teach the bird these commands.

Here is a link to the ONLY Parrot Taming System 100% Guaranteed to stop your parrot or parakeet from biting. It is beautifully explained by my friend Chet Wolmach in his latest ground-breaking Parrot Taming Course ... [CLICK HERE] for more information.

I highly recommend this training course as it is the best one on the market - in my honest opinion. Just click on the link above to get the details.

*Courtesy of TheTameParrot.com/blog

How to Cure Screaming Behavior in Parrots. 

From the Parrot Care Handbook*...

All parrots make noise. From the small parakeet/budgie to the large macaws. The only difference is the sound level.

For purposes here, parrot screaming is a loud, purposeful, often lengthy yell that is annoying to ear-piercing and can occur at any time of the day.

It is important to understand that most parrots "call to the flock" several times per day, usually in the morning, around noon, at dusk, which is a completely natural behavior since birds are social animals. You cannot, and should not, attempt to stop this natural process. This flock calling is a parrot's way of determining which flock members are present or not present. It's the constant, ear-piercing, nerveracking, blatant screaming that needs to be corrected.

Parrots scream for many different reasons. Screaming is usually a symptom of something amiss with a bird medically, environmentally, physiologically or psychologically. It becomes a process of elimination in order to determine the basic cause of the problem. It often helps to think back to when the negative behavior first started and what happened in the bird's life/home environment at that time, such as loss of the bird's mate, loss/gain of a human in the home, cage location change, remodeling, addition/death of another pet, etc..

Before attempting to resolve any screaming problem, make sure there's no medical reason involved by seeking medical evaluation by a certified avian veterinarian. If no medical reasons are involved, one must look at other possibilities, such as a bird in pain for some reason, nutritional deficiencies, improper lighting, stress, poor diet, improper cage size, lack of/not enough mental stimulation or human attention, insufficient sleep etc.

Some birds scream when they run out of food or water or when their cages need to be cleaned. Some birds scream when they see strangers outside or who come into the home, when they dislike or mistrust someone in the home.

Here's a great trial offer that will teach you exactly how to stop your birds screaming - and other bad habits. CLICK HERE for more Information

*Courtesy of TheTameParrot.com/blog

Health and Feeding. 

From the Parrot Care Handbook*...

***HEALTH***

All birds have an inherent trait. That is - they try not to show when they are sick. A sick bird is the target of predators. It is very important to learn and understand the subtle signs that your bird may have a problem. Once you start noticing obvious signs of a sick bird, it's usually too late to help. Immediate care by a trained avian veterinarian will be needed.

Many times you can simply stand on the other side of the room and observe the bird. Look for birds with fluffed up feathers, sitting on the bottom of the cage or having problems perching, lethargic, lack of appetite, weight loss, or watery stools. Note that many veterinarians do not treat birds, so be sure you have the name of those vets in your area who are avian trained.

It is highly recommended that you have your bird examined at the time you purchase your bird. DO NOT depend on the word of the pet store or breeder that a bird was "vet checked". This may cost you some money, but the long term health of your bird is worth it.

***FEEDING***

Be sure that you understand your birds feeding requirements. Some birds, such as African Greys, require a high protein diet. Amazons are better off with a low protein diet with more fruit. Birds will not survive long on an all seed diet. Many bird owners simply feed their birds seed because they do not want to invest the time in preparing other foods. Others simply fall onto folklore that birds were designed to eat seeds, and it's improper to deprive them of their favorite food.

It's important to note that parrots and parakeets are more delicate than humans and have special dietary requirements. Pay special attention to the next three information modules which are about the dangers of toxic foods and plants, as well as types of foods that we recommend for your bird.

*Courtesy of TheTameParrot.com/blog

TOXIC FOODS - Foods to keep away from your bird - *IMPORTANT* 

From the Parrot Care Handbook*...

*** FOODS THAT YOUR BIRD SHOULD NEVER EAT ***

Avocados, chocolate in any form, caffeine in any form, raw or green potatoes, alcohol in any form, rhubarb, plums, salted chips, pretzels, crackers (these are made with super iodized salt), any greasy foods (such as fried chicken and chips), dried fruit that has been treated with sulfur dioxide, peanut shells (unsalted peanuts are fine), salt, butter, any of the cabbage family, grapefruit, lemons or lemon juice, onions, mushrooms, seeds from apples, pears, cherry pits, nectarine pits, etc.(they contain cyanide). These are all very toxic and indigestible for birds.

Your bird will survive on an all seed diet, but seeds lack the necessary vitamins and minerals that your bird requires for a long and happy life. Seeds are also high in fat, which is very hard on your bird's liver and kidneys. Seeds also can cause your bird to get sores in its mouth making it difficult, if not impossible for him/her to eat. Seeds, however, can be used as a reward or a treat, providing that you do not give your bird too much.

While a pelleted diet is recommended, an ALL pelleted diet is not good for your bird either. When feeding your bird pellets, be sure to read the label. Most pellets on the market contain traces of arsenic and other natural toxins. Although the levels are very low, they do build up in your bird's body which can eventually poison your bird. Fresh food and water needs to be given every day, sometimes several times a day.

It's best not to leave fresh food or water in a cage more then a few hours. It will develop bacteria which will harm your bird. Never let your bird eat foods that you would not eat yourself. If that fresh, cut up fruit were sitting on the counter for 7 hours, would you eat it? Then why would you let your bird have it?

Be sure to give your bird a lot of variety in his/her diet daily. Your bird should be offered different human foods each day and sometimes several times a day.

Here's a link to a really good organic Parrot Food Program that has been shown in clinical studies to allow your bird to live a longer and healthier life. [CLICK HERE for more Information]

*Courtesy of TheTameParrot.com/blog

TOXIC PLANTS - Plants to keep away from your bird - *IMPORTANT* 

From the Parrot Care Handbook*...

***HOUSEPLANTS***

People do not think about houseplants as being toxic to birds because plants are a natural part of a bird's life in the wild, however, THERE ARE SEVERAL HOUSEPLANTS THAT ARE EXTREMELY TOXIC TO YOUR BIRD IF INGESTED.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THESE TOXIC PLANTS ARE NEVER AROUND YOUR TREASURED PETS.

***LIST OF TOXIC PLANTS***

Amaryllis, Andromeda, Azalea, Avocado, Baneberry, Bean Plant, Belladonna, Bird Of Paradise, Black Locust, Bleeding Heart, Box Wood, Bulb Flowers, Buttercup, Braken Fern, Caladium, Clover, Coffee Plants, Cherry Tree, Clematis, Coral Plant, Cowslip, Crownvetch, Daffodil, Daphne, Marigold, Felt Plant, Ficus, Firethorn, Flame Tree, Four O'Clocks, Foxglove, Heliotrope, Holly, Honeysuckle, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Iris, Ivy, Jasmine, Jerusalem Cherry, Jimsonweed, Juniper, Milkweed, Delphinium, Dieffenbacha, Elderberry, Elephant Ear, Eucalyptis-dried, Euonymus, Mistletoe, Mock Orange, Monkshood, Morning Glory, Mountain Laurel, Mushrooms, Prune Trees, Purple Seabane, Ranunculus, Red Maple, Rhubarb Leaves, Rhononendrons, Narcissus, Nectarine Trees, Nettles, Nightshade, Oak Trees, Oleander, Peach Tree, Periwinkle, Philodendron, Pigweed, Plum Tree, Poinsettia, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, Pokeweed, Potato Plants, Pothos, Privet Hedge, Rubber Plant, Sandbox Tree, Shamrocks, Skunk Cabbage, Snowdrop, Sorrel, Spurges, Sweet Pea, Tobacco, Trumpet Vines, Tomato Plants, Vetch, wattle, White Cedar, Wisteria, Wild Sunflowers, White Cedar Tree, Yews, Nutmeg.

--------------------------------------------------

***LIST OF SAFE PLANTS***

Acacia, Corn Plant, Jade Plant, African Violet, Crab Apple, Kalanchoe, Schefflera, Aloe Plant, Dandelion, Magnolia, Sensitive Plant, Asparagus Fern, Dogwood, Eucalyptus, Spider Plant, Baby's Tears, Donkey Tail, Monkey Plant, Snake Plant, Bamboo, Dracaena, Nasturtium, Swedish Ivy, Begonia, Dragon Tree, Oregano, Thyme, Boston Fern, Easter Cactus, Palms, Thistle, Bougainviella, Ferns, Pittosporum, Wandering Jew, Chickweed, Figs, Petunia, Wax Plant, Christmas Cactus, Gardenia, White Clover, Grape Ivy, Rose, Zebra Plant, Rosemary.

***SAFE TREES AND WOODS THAT CAN BE USED FOR PERCHES AND TOYS***

Almond, Apple, Ash, Bamboo, Cottonwood, Crabapple, Elm, Fir, Birch, Dogwood, Hazelnut.

*Courtesy of TheTameParrot.com/blog

RECOMMENDED FOODS. 

From the Parrot Care Handbook*...

***FOODS THAT SHOULD BE OFFERED***

Cooked pasta and rice, well cooked beans and peas (high in protein), millet spray (which is a sweet treat for your bird), apple pieces, seedless grapes, whole grain breads and muffins, well scrambled eggs, green leafy vegetables such as, kale, spinach, dandelion greens (which seems to be a big favorite for birds), romaine lettuce, corn, carrots, pears, mangos, berries, broccoli, honey sticks, cooked oatmeal, tiny amounts of cheese (not too much as dairy products can cause diarrhea), cooked mashed potatoes without salt or milk (non-dairy coffee creamer may be substituted), cooked squash and zucchini. Head and leaf lettuce can be offered, but there is no nutritional value as they are made up mostly of water.

Your bird can also have lean meats such as fully cooked chicken (white meat only and skinless), fully cooked lean beef (but no intestines such as liver), and fully cooked pork (make sure that it is not fried). These all have protein, however, they should be fed in moderation.

Birds also like orchard grass and alfalfa, but be sure not to feed too much as these can be binding for your bird. Fruits should be offered less than other foods as they can cause your bird to have diarrhea.

Dairy products are difficult for birds to digest but They can handle small amounts of milk or cheese. Dairy products are high in calcium and contain some vitamins and enzymes that are important to a birds health. An occasional piece of cheese is fine.

Make sure to thoroughly rinse any fresh fruits and vegetables to make sure that they are free of dirt and pesticides. Store your bird's food in a cool, dry place to keep bugs and mold out of the food.

Here's a link to the best organic Parrot Food Program I have found. It actually guarantees your bird a longer and healthier life. Moreover, it takes all the guesswork out of how to keep your treasured friend in perfect condition for years to come. CLICK HERE for more Information

***WATER***

Tap water is NOT recommended for your bird --- unless your tap water is really good quality. BOTTLED WATER IS BEST, but do NOT use distilled water - because it absorbs minerals away from your bird.

*Courtesy of TheTameParrot.com/blog

Einstein The African Grey 

Performing On Pet Stars - a TV Pet Talent Show.

Alex the African Grey - Showing Another Example of Parrot Intelligence. 

Being IQ Tested by Dr. Irene Pepperberg - his teacher.

Parrot Pictures 

Here's a variety of parrots updated daily from Flickr Pictures.

IMG_4941

IMG_4911

Parrots Nests

no peeking please

lovebirds

twosome

come fly with me

Watch This Very Bright Indian Ringneck Parakeet Performing Some Great Tricks 

Another Demonstration of Parrot Training Results.

Goliath the Hyacinth Macaw Can Talk! 

Hyacinth Macaws are the largest parrots. Also known as "Gentle Giants"

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*** READER FEEDBACK *** 

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We are committed to improving this site every day! Here's how you can help make this lens better too. If you've found the information and pictures contained interesting, useful, enjoyable, informative, or fun --- Please:

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dkdaniel Have your birds ever listened to this: "Music Birds Love: While You Are Gone"? I wonder how much effect music has on birds...Very nice lens, by the way. Daniel Posted July 30, 2008

beachbum_gabby recommended this to my cousin 'coz she owns a lovebirds. :) Posted July 15, 2008

Aice very cute parrots (^_^) and awesome lens you got here hope you drop by and see my What you need to know about BLOGs lens 5 stars for you and added you on my favorite (^_^) Posted July 14, 2008

Amanda_Blue This lens is both fascinating and comprehensive. Thank you. 5* of course! Posted July 03, 2008

Barbara

I very much enjoy the information for birds. I have love birds
and have gave some to friends. Your info on Toxic foods
is very good and this will be email to them.
I try to fine information on Love Birds. Its always useful
for family who no little about bird care.
Thank you and keep up with new info for Parrot care.

Posted June 29, 2008

alicesy Excellent Lens. I like the quality insight you have provided here about Parrot Taming and Training Plus Teaching a Parrot to Talk. Keep up the good work. Please check out my Reverse Cell Phone Lookup and Unlisted Number Search Site. Posted June 26, 2008

LeeCS Cool! This is a wonderful lens! Thanks for bringing it to us! Please check out my site about low cost car insurance, how to obtain cheap classic car insurance and car insurance for females 5 stars for your wonderful lens!! I really appreciate your effort. Posted June 26, 2008

Matthew_Ferry Very exciting lens you made..love reading it.. 5 stars for you. Posted June 24, 2008

ms-giggles What a wonderful life you've lived to be able to work with these beautiful Parrots!! I love watching videos and I watch the one with Einstein, amazing!!! Thanks for sharing this fantastic lens. Cheers Beth www.squidoo.com/biblejuice Posted June 10, 2008

maristo is the best! Posted June 02, 2008

Great information, very informative, thanks alot. InternetSurvey secret affiliate code Posted May 23, 2008

jzorro Great lens. I love parrots. Thanks for sharing this useful information. Mike Geary Posted May 22, 2008

LDWorld Congratulations on making TOP 100! Useful and helpful info. Posted May 22, 2008

Elaine-Tan Hi, you have great and very informative lens. 5 stars of course. Posted May 18, 2008

 

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