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How To Choose A Pet Bird?

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 9 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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A bird is an ideal pet for people who prefer more sedate activities, and who do not have the time or inclination to play fetch with their dogs or pay attention to their cats. In other words, birds are ideal for people who have not much time to devote to pets but would like to own a pet nonetheless. However, even if you are suited to owning a pet bird, it is worth taking some time to think about to what bird you will be ideally suited rather than just picking any bird. You will want to choose the type of bird which will be best for you and your lifestyle.

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Choosing Your Pet Bird 

If you are short of time, it is probably wisest to choose a small or medium sized bird as they do not require as much attention. While it is true that larger birds usually make for a better companion, the downside is that they tend to be more of a handful to look after, and can be quite loud and messy.

Another consideration is whether you want to choose a bird that you can get out of its cage and pet, or if you would prefer a bird that you just look at and stays within its cage.

Parrots are one of the most popular pet birds but these are also one of the loudest ones. A compromise is to get a parrotlet instead. Parrotlet are a smaller version of parrots but they do not lack intelligence or energy.

Another parrot version is the parakeet. Parakeets are smaller than standard-sized parrots but they are still very intelligent and highly trainable, if reared properly. They are fun to have around, very colorful, and beautiful to look at.

A good choice if you want a medium-sized bird is a cockatiel. These are very clever and precocious birds, and you expect them to learn mimic just about any sound in your house.

Unique Selection Of Pet Bird Photos 

Pet bird in a cage by Dave Horne

Pet bird in a cage at the Raleigh Durham Caged Bird Society 18th Annual pet bird...

Pet Bird by Al Giordino

My mother's pet bird. It wistle the andy grifeth theme song.

Villi my bird pet by rosalof

It is hard work to take a photo of my bird pet, Villi because he like to be on t...

It's preening time....on Feathery Friday!! by makeupanid

Oh somewhere there is a better pic of her preening I'm sure, in fact I know Orca...

Pet bird by dj.makk

Thought it might be fun to photograph my bird...

Arwen (Mamma Bird) Jungle Background by shon.miles

Mamma posing in front of the jungle background we have hanging in the bird room.

Bird Watching by shon.miles

Catchin some rays.

I Am Beautiful by makeupanid

no matter what you say........words can't bring me down

bamboo with vegies 2 by ocbird

Our pet toucan loves to graze on our appetizers!

I am Woman, Hear me Roar! by makeupanid

This weeks theme at

On the edge........ by makeupanid

of sleep Loki just about to get into the position of the pic as Start Bird but ...

Find another subject please! by makeupanid

Enough pictures for today, sleepy time now

Hey Perr by Northwest Montana

Montana Perry. the macaw from Animal Charmer

Roofus by nybird

Roofus is a light pied cinnamon female cockatiel. She belongs to Alek, a young ...

Freshly Showered Parrot by humming

it was her choice

Pet expo bird - Macaw by sfink16

Sadly, many of these animals have been mistreated and are now looking for good h...

Bird by Arlette

The family dog ran away from the camera; the bird walked up to it and started wh...

PARAKEET DVD! + Train your Bird to Talk Bonus Video 

train pet bird talk

Choosing a Bird Cage 

When you decide to get a pet bird, you will need to provide your new pet with a suitable home to live in; a cage is a must where our pet birds are concerned. Choosing a cage can be quite a daunting task as there are a wide variety of cages in different shapes and sizes to choose from.

Here are a few main points that you will need to consider before buying the cage:
  • Your bird's cage must be the right size for your bird. It should not be too small as to restrict movement and flying around. But it should not be so big as to curtail your own comfort by appropriating more space than your bird requires. To make the correct decision on the right size of cage for your bird, you have to consider your bird's size as well. The rule of thumb is, the smaller the bird the smaller the cage. You also have to remember that once you have the food bowls, perch and toys are in the cage your bird will have less space.
  • You have to consider where you are going to position the bird cage in your home. You will need to locate the cage away from windows or any dark and damp places. It is best to place your bird in part of your home that is frequented a lot by yourself and others, as this helps your bird feel like part of the family, which will in turn help its social skills develop.
  • You also need to think about the spaces between the cage's bars. The bird's cage must have appropriate spaces between the bars so that your bird won't slip through or get trapped in between.
  • You should choose a cage that is sturdy and easy to clean.
  • In short, you need to choose a cage that suits both your and the bird's needs.

Pet Bird Cages on eBay 

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Criteria In Purchasing A Pet Bird 

The African Gray parrot originated from the wilds of Western and Central Africa. Their existence dates back history 4,000 years ago, seen in Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting parrot pets of ancient pharaohs. Royalties and affluent Roman families kept parrots in ornate cage, so, with the Portuguese sailors who have African Gray pet parrots when the travel on their colonial conquest voyages.

African Gray has two sub-species; the Congo African Gray (Scientific name - P. e. enthacus), and Timneh African Gray Parrot (P. e. timneh). Both sub-species of the African Gray resemble in color, the difference is that the Congo African Gray color shades are deeper than that of the Timneh African Gray.

Obviously, dominant plume hue defines its descriptive-name "Gray;" full tail is red (crimson), bills are charcoal gray, and white background surrounding its eyes. It's a bit smaller than the Blue and Gold Macaw, and measures 13 inches (33 cm) in size. Weight ranges from 380 to 550 grams.

Acknowledged among the most intelligent birds on earth, it is reputed to excel in talking abilities. It has a life expectancy of 50 to 60 years; twice or thrice compared to any other animal pet, favorable to pet selection for one who desires to get life-long pet companion. Sex is indistinguishable among its kind except if it under goes surgery, or thru DNA tests.

Birds are on sale for so many reasons. There is a great demand for any kind of pet in the entire world. Rich nations whose citizens are not endowed with big families resort to pets for companions. In cases like it, birds who have extended life span comes first in the list of relevant life-time companions to ease pain and loneliness of being alone.

Reasons for Patronizing Sales of the African Gray Parrot
  1. This parrot is best in mimicry, regarded most intelligent of all birds.
  2. The lengthiest life span among birds; some only last up to 30 years, maximum life of African Gray is 60 years old.
  3. Could adapt easily on common fruits, vegetables and nuts as in the wilds, in its human captivity environment.
  4. Capable in associating human words with their meanings to certain degree.
  5. Claimed by long-time owners as comparable to having a 5-year old child as a companion.
  6. Very faithful and devoted for its tendency to bond to only one person, when there were no chances of intermingling with different peoples.
The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species announced that sale of all parrot "catch," direct from the forests, are illegal.

Breeders of the African Gray parrots in captivity hand-rear them for the benefit of pet traders. Hybrid African Gray parrots are promoted on pet shops, on the websites and seldom by individuals who incidentally are forced to part with their bird due to unavoidable reasons in their lives.

New Amazon Plexo 

Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan

Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan

Barrons Books Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot0 points

African Grey Parrots: Everthing About History, Care, Nutrition, Handling, and Behavior (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by Maggie Wright

African Grey Parrots: Everthing About History, Care, Nutrition, Handling, and Behavior (Complete Pet Owner's Manual) by Maggie Wright

African Greys have a deserved reputation for extre more...0 points

African Grey Parrot Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks) by Mattie Sue Athan

African Grey Parrot Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks) by Mattie Sue Athan

The African Grey can acquire a larger vocabulary t more...0 points

Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior by Mattie Sue Athan

Guide to Companion Parrot Behavior by Mattie Sue Athan

A companion parrot is to a bird lover what a favor more...0 points

Parrotlet Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks) by Matthew M. Vriends Ph.D.

Parrotlet Handbook, The (Barron's Pet Handbooks) by Matthew M. Vriends Ph.D.

Keeping parrotlets has become popular among bird l more...0 points

Eclectus Parrots by Katy Mcelroy

Eclectus Parrots by Katy Mcelroy

Native to Indonesia and New Guinea, these handsome more...0 points

Cockatoos Complete Owner's Manual by Werner Lantermann

Cockatoos Complete Owner's Manual by Werner Lantermann

Books in Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals ser more...0 points

The Second-Hand Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan

The Second-Hand Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan

Two expert parrot owners point out the pros and co more...0 points

Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family by Mattie Sue Athan

Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family by Mattie Sue Athan

A relatively quiet parrot, the domestic African Se more...0 points

My Parrot, My Friend: An Owner's Guide to Parrot Behavior (Owner's Guides ( Pets )) by Bonnie M. Doane

My Parrot, My Friend: An Owner's Guide to Parrot Behavior (Owner's Guides ( Pets )) by Bonnie M. Doane

My Parrot, My Friend is a straightforward book tha more...0 points

Exciting Video With Pet Birds! 

The Importance of Training a Pet Bird 0 points

Beginner Birds : Choosing & Buying a Pet Bird 0 points

* Einstein the famous talking African Grey Parrot! * 0 points

kakariki pet bird typing an e-mail 0 points

Guitar Playing parrot 0 points

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eccles1

How beautiful these birds are

Posted March 08, 2008

GoodInfo

Excellent lens! Birds are amazing creatures and they make wonderful pets.

Posted October 24, 2007

gpower2llc

Great information. Thank you.

Posted October 23, 2007

Karendelac

I love birds, I run a bird rescue group in the Los Angeles area. Great lens, 5 Stars!

Posted October 19, 2007

Invisible_Disabilities_Advocate

Fun site! Thanks!

Posted October 19, 2007

DogWhisperWoman

5* I am a little unsure with birds. But they sure seem to like me. Aggressive Dog

Posted October 19, 2007

palmbeachgems

This is a GREAT lens! Lots of good information.
--Brett

Posted October 19, 2007

Broganorama

Hi jodeven, I love your site, especially the article on the African Grey as you can see here African Grey. Keep up the fight the animals need us to talk for them.">

Posted October 19, 2007

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If you are interested in a pet bird, there are many things you need to consider before you settle on a species.

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