Bird Feeder Types

There are many different kinds of bird feeders out there, and if you are a fan of birds and having them eat out of your feeder, then you will definitely benefit from knowing more about the designs and purposes of different types of feeders. Even a very basic understanding, you will find, will give you more insight as to how to attract your favorite birds to your feeding ground for your enjoyment.

The most common type of feeder is the seed feeder. This type of feeder has seen inside of it, and employs a way to dispense the seed to the birds that want to eat from it. You can usually put all kinds of different seeds in these bird feeders, such as sunflower seeds.

Another type of bird feeder is called the hummingbird feeder. These feeders hold a sugar solution instead of sugar, which tastes a lot like nectar to hummingbirds. Hummingbirds love these kinds of feeders, and you will be surprised at how many you can attract with a simple feeder like this.

Another type of feeder that you might enjoy is a suet feeder. This feeder is like a metal cage that houses a suet, which is like a block of food that attracts birds like flickers, woodpeckers, and nuthatches. This type of feeder will be especially popular during the winter months, as the fat found in the suet can help keep birds warm.

Some bird feeders are prone to being broken into by squirrels. If you have this problem in your area, then you might want to get an anti-squirrel bird feeder. These have mechanisms built into them that will keep squirrels out. Squirrels will often carry the food away, leaving none for the birds....which is why a lot of people like to take measures to keep them out.

Attracting Birds Without Bird Seed

Many people think that the best way to lure birds to their yard is with bagged bird seed. While this does draw in birds to their yards, there are alternative ways to entice our feathered friends without visiting the store every couple of weeks.

A good water source will attract a wider range of animals than bird seed because only certain species eat seeds, but all of them require water. In the summer months most species like to bathe. Moving or dripping water will tempt them to visit even more. They are lured to the splashing sound, and the mosquitoes will be unable to lay eggs in the moving water. To accomplish this you can buy a wiggler or a pump of some sort, and if possible one that is solar powered so it does not rely on an outlet. Another way to create moving water would be hanging a bottle with water and punching a small hole in the bottom to drip into the bird bath. The water should be cleaned at least once a week to reduce disease transmission between the birds. If there is no moving water it should be cleaned every other day to prevent mosquitoes.

Another way to attract birds without any bird seed is to stop raking your yard. The added leaf litter gives insects more places to live, which will attract the birds that feed on bugs, such as Eastern Towhees. If you do not like the look of leaves all over your yard you can just rake them to one corner or under a bush. These leaves will also compost and creates good soil for plants.

Planting native plants in your yard will attract birds, sometimes more than store bought bird seed. Plants with berries are good for fruit eating birds, for example Cedar Waxwings; and plants with bright and colorful flowers will attract nectar feeding birds, including Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Before planting any plants in your yard you should do a lot of research, making sure it is native to the area and not invasive. The best source to check would be with your state's Department of Natural Resources.

These tips will help attract birds to your yard with less money and can attract more birds than the basic store bought bird seed.

YourBirdOasis.com will help you transform your garden into your own bird oasis with a variety of beautiful Bird Baths, Bird Feeders, and Bird Houses. With exquisite artistic Bird Bath Fountains, Bird Bath Bowls, Decorative Bird Feeders at your convenience, you can add a unique touch to your garden and create a haven for the birds in your area. Buy a Bird Feeder Today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chantelle_Simoes

This article has been viewed 28 time(s).
Article Submitted On: December 01, 2010

Basic Parrot Information

Parrots are one of the most intelligent, beautiful pets known to mankind. They are becoming vastly more popular throughout the United States of America because people really want a pet that is very social. Dogs and cats are fun to play with and take on walks, but they lack the ability to speak works. Some parrots can learn to respond and have conversations with their owners and family members. Here is some basic parrot information that will explain why you should buy one and make it your newest family member.

Some people buy a pet because they are bored and have nothing better to do. Not only is this stupid to do, you could also be putting the animal in great danger. If you buy a pet with no intention of truly raising it or caring about it, then it is going to live a miserable life and probably die at a younger age. If you are seriously thinking about buying a pet such as a bird, then you should think about all of the reasons that you want this animal. Are you lonely? Have you lost a pet in the past and want to be happy with a new one? Do you love birds for some reason?

All of these questions should be answered before you even consider buying a parrot. They are living beings that need love and patience. Here are some great reasons to buy one of these magnificent birds.

Parrots are incredibly smart. They will put you in a good mood even on your darkest of days. If you go into a pet store searching for an animal that is going to make you laugh and be very social, then you need to check these birds out. Parrots can learn to mimic different words and phrases that you say. They often love to entertain big crowds of people such as you and your family. The thing that you need to remember is that every animal is different.

You need to spend time with the animal you are thinking about taking in, before you purchase it. This way you will immediately be able to tell if it is well-behaved, healthy, and if it likes you. You can usually also tell if it has the type of personality that you are looking for.

Parrots are very easy to train and they have very simple diets. If you train them once or twice a day, they can retain a lot of information. You just need to be positive and slow with your teachings. When eating, parrots usually finish their entire meal. So if you find that they are leaving leftovers, then you are feeding them too much. Also, parrots like to eat a variety of foods, so you will never run out of ideas when trying to feed them!

How to Protect My Feathered Friends From European Starlings and House Sparrows

It is a terrible thing when you go out to your yard or garden and find a whole family of native songbirds killed by other aggressive birds. This is done so the aggressive birds can take over the nest or bird house. They uproot the family and destroy any eggs that they find. Two in particular who do this often, are the European Starling and the House Sparrow. Is there anything you can do about it? The answer is yes there is, we will talk about the passive and active measures that can be taken along with the benefits and drawbacks of each method. First we need to read a little history, to see how this problem started.

Both the European Starling and House (English) Sparrow were introduced to the United States between 1850 and 1870 from Europe. These aggressive birds who actively compete for nesting spots with our native birds, have spread north to cover most of Canada and south throughout most of Mexico. Because they are not native to North America they are not protected under the Landmark Migratory Bird Treaty Act which was enacted in 1918. This is important because of the stiff fines and penalties for tampering or impeding the daily activities of our feathered friends who are protected by this treaty. Thankfully the House Sparrow and European Starling are two of the three species not protected. The other is the common pigeon. Because of the laws protecting most species, it is important to be certain that you are dealing with European Starlings or House Sparrows. The following links are to biography s of each species to aid you in identification.

European Starling Bio: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/nestinginfo/bios/sp_accts/eust

House Sparrow Bio: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/nestinginfo/bios/sp_accts/hosp

Passive controls are not as effective as active controls but do help. These include keeping the entrance hole less than 1 and ? inches in diameter. Continually removing nesting material before the nest is finished. Tampering with eggs by either shaking vigorously, freezing, boiling, or poking a small hole in the egg. Then returning the egg to the nest where the female will continue to incubate the dead eggs, thus leaving the other birds alone. Although these methods work for a while, eventually the birds will get wise and just start a new brood. Usually in a new location where there is the possibility of uprooting an existing nest. Active controls means to physically remove the birds from the area. Trapping is the preferred method over shooting or poisoning. Remember that most birds are protected and you don't want to kill an innocent bird. The traps that work the best are the in box trap, funnel trap, trio trap, and repeating (elevator) trap. Once you have caught your predator, you can either relocate or dispose of the unwanted bird. You can also take them to a local raptor rehabilitation center. There, these birds are fed to injured and recovering birds of prey.

The best way to ensure that you don't have a problem with these unwanted birds is continual monitoring of your area. Bird watching is a very popular hobby and can be very enjoyable. It is a lot of fun to watch your feathered friends carry out their daily business and raise their families. The music sounds great and this is a great activity to share with your children. You are sure to get a ton of enjoyment out of this great hobby.

How to Take Care of Parrot Chicks

When passion makes you choose to raise a parrot you can choose the easiest way, that is buying an adult, or the more complicated one, raising a parrot chick. This choice will likely depend on the supply of the local pet shops in your city. You must think of the species of parrot that you want to buy and grow, and keep in mind that many species have a long life time, some of them exceeding the life of a man, so you may choose to raise parrots that will have to be handled to your grandchildren.

One aspect that should not overlook is socialization. Parrots are very sociable birds, and even if the baby parrot does not seem to interact with you first, you must try and make a constant effort to communicate with your pet, because the bond formed between you two is very important. Usually, parrots can easily learn to talk and sing in this period of infancy. They need attention, love and a lot more interaction from human to not feel alone and unhappy. Keep in mind that cleanliness must be maintained continuously and the temperature must always be warm enough during the night, especially if the parrot has only one week.

Other useful tips to remember are as follows:

- Never create confusion in the minds of parrot chicks by stressing or scaring them. They will not respond to you with openness and friendship. They will become timid, fearful and with behavioral problems.

- Give them comfort and safety by putting their cage in a corner of the room. Thus, the two sides of the cage will be facing the wall. They can retreat into the corner when they are afraid or insecure. Meanwhile, the two sides of the cage will be facing the camera, allowing them to be constantly connected to the action of others.

- Give them a varied parrot meal and avoid overheating the food.

- Do not ever take a baby parrot in hand in his first days of life. You can begin to take him in hand with great care after the 4th day of life.

- Monitor the amount of food they eat daily in order to prevent diseases.

- 10 minutes a day spent with the baby parrot is enough to make it respond to verbal commands and learn new words or tricks. You can also spend some time with paying attention to the young parrot's reactions, making sure it does not get too tired.

Cedar Waxwing Bird Profile

Characteristics: A medium-sized bird (approx 32g) with distinct plumage coloration. Overall, waxwings are grayish brown with a large crest and black facial mask and chin patch. On the tips of their secondary feather, adults have bright red wax-like feathers. Cedar waxwings have yellow on the tips of their tail feathers. This coloration is dependent on their age and their diet - individuals that forage on introduced honeysuckle fruits have bright orange feathers.

Distribution: Cedar waxwings breed as far north as central Canada and as far south as central United States. Throughout most of their breeding distribution in the US, they are also found year round. Waxwings winter throughout the US and although rare, are found as far south as Panama.

Movement: Waxwings are migratory, but their movement patterns are poorly understood. Banding data suggests that there are western and eastern populations, but some mixing occurs during the winter. They engage in eruptive nomadic movements, which is thought to be related to unpredictable food availability.

Food: They rely heavily on fruit throughout the year. During the winter, they eat cedar berries, mountain ash, toyon, mistletoe, madrone, and juniper depending on the location. More recently, waxwings have been found foraging on introduced ornamental fruits, such as crabapple and hawthorn.

Sound: Songs are not complicated in this species. Their song sounds either buzzy or high-pitched whistles.

Nesting: Waxwings breed between June and September. Their nest is an open cup constructed of various materials and eggs are pale blue or gray with dark blotches.

Similar species: Cedar waxwings are similar to Bohemian waxwings but are distinguished by their white undertail coverts. Bohemians have rusty undertail coverts, a gray belly, and white and yellow in their wings in addition to the red.

Interesting fact: They are only 1 of 3 species in this family in the world! Their population has increased significantly over the past 20 years, probably due to the increase in food available from humans in urban areas.

A Pigeon Story

Surrounded by German troops, 500 American soldiers faced the prospect of imminent death. Although the German threat was significant, a greater threat loomed on the horizon. Believing they were helping the trapped soldiers, the American command ordered a barrage of artillery to break up the German onslaught. Unbeknownst to higher command, the shells were falling directly on the trapped American troops. By day two, more than half the soldiers had perished. Just when all hope seemed lost, the last carrier pigeon named Cher Ami was dispatched.

German troops quickly responded by filling the sky with bullets. Flying erratically, the injured bird somehow persevered and began to gain altitude. Cher Ami flew 25 miles in 25 minutes where the now covered in blood bird finally collapsed. Attached to his foot was a canister containing a message:

We are along the road parallel to 276.4.
Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us.
For heaven's sake, stop it.

Cher Ami saved the lives of over 200 Americans that day. Although Cher Ami completed his mission, the bird ended up losing a leg and was blinded in one eye. For his service, our French ally gave Cher Ami the Croix de guerre medal of honor. Less than a year later, Cher Ami succumbed to his injuries and is today on display in Washington D.C. at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

This sad tale of avian determination and endurance raises the question of how exactly do you train a pigeon to deliver a message across enemy lines? Pigeons are usually devoted to their mates and will fly hundreds of miles without any break if necessary to reconnect with them. In fact, for reasons still unknown, pigeons can make their way home without any knowledge of their location. Although they will use visual cues if available to streamline their flight patterns, they do not require prior knowledge of a flight route to complete their journey.

Once air born, pigeons will circle their launch point a few times to gain their bearings. Afterwards, it is speculated that they rely on a combination of sun orientation, magnetic sensory, scent cues and if available, memory recognition of landmarks to quickly compute their location and optimize their flight plan.

This amazing behavior has not gone unappreciated by scientists who today study their incredible mental processing capabilities. Although their brains are small, what they do have they use well. In lab tests, pigeons can easily decipher the sex of a human face even with 95 percent of the image blocked (a feat that would challenge many of their human counterparts).

In flight, a pigeon's heart beat can increase to 600 beats per minute. Their amazing endurance, mastery of vertical flight and cognitive ability at facial recognition and uncanny knack to find their way home from virtually anywhere, puts them in a class by themselves. They may not be the prettiest of birds, but this monogamous and loving species that greets its mate in what can only be described as an avian kiss is one of the great wonders of our world that deserves respect despite the sidewalk presents they often leave behind.

Found a Hurt Bird - Here's What You Should Do

For many of us, when we witness a fellow creature writhing in pain, our altruistic instincts urge us to rush to their aid. However, in the case of an injured bird, curb that compulsion momentarily and consider the following.

Let's entertain a hypothetical situation where a bird is injured from flying into a front or backyard window - an example universally relatable for homeowners:

You notice or suspect that a bird has just collided with your window and sustained an injury (likely to the head). Chances are that some of his fellows are waiting in the wings nearby, assessing the situation with their own birdlike cautious curiosity.

If the bird appears mobile, keep a watchful eye on it from nearby. If after a minute or so the bird has not moved on, fetch a pair of gloves - preferably latex gloves or something just as soft and dexterous - and a medium size container: perhaps a cardboard box padded with a towel for cushioning. Approach slowly with gloves on and container in hand.

Tip the container on its side with one hand, and gingerly coax the bird into the bottom of the cardboard box with the other. If he tries to make a run for it, put down the container and gently grasp the bird by its sides with both hands, transfer it to the now-upright container, and close. Enclosing our flightless inpatient in a dark, relatively spacious cardboard box provides a safe environment from which it may potentially regain composure, away from the opportunistic eyes of resident predators.

Once the bird has been contained, leave it alone for an hour. Depending on when the bird first injured itself, this period should be set aside as a sort of golden hour, where the symptoms of injury may subside, worsen or remain the same.

Because we want to handle the bird as little as possible, the hope is that upon removing the bird from the container it flies away without further assistance.

Unfortunately, if the symptoms do not improve or the bird is unable to fly, there is really only one intelligent and legal option on the table: consult a recognized animal rescue/rehabilitation hospital near you. Without the proper documentation, it is illegal to care for most every indigenous bird species'.

Not to worry: most animal rescue and rehab centers are well-equipped and more than willing to take-on a new patient!

Ways of Offering Wild Bird Food to Attract Birds

Bird feeding is one activity that a lot of people find fun to do. They find themselves taking pleasure with just simply watching these beautiful creatures right at their own backyards.

During the winter or harsh weather conditions, many birds have a hard time finding food and this is when feeding them is very helpful. You are able to provide them with that they need while enjoying watching them.

There are a lot of different types of foods available and they can and should be offered in different ways. There are those types of birds that prefer feeding on the ground while there are others that prefer feeding from feeders.

Feeders are readily available in stores and they also come in different styles and designs. The most commonly used feeders are seed feeders and peanut feeders. Seed feeders are readily available for wild bird food such as seed mixes as well as individual seeds. Feeding birds with the right type of wild bird food but making sure that the feeder is clean is important as well.

There are also specialist product feeders available such as niger feeders. Wild bird food such as niger seeds can be placed on niger feeders but these are light in weight so they can easily be blown away when these are placed on the ground or on a table. Other handy food like fat balls should be placed on fat ball feeders, while suet blocks are best placed on suet block feeders. There are also foods that can be offered by placing them on bird tables or bird baths.

No matter how you feed these birds, it is still important that you ensure that the containers or feeders you use are clean.

The Best Way To Find And Raise The Perfect Parrot

Parrots have been considered one of the most magnificent and beautiful pets that can be owned. They are usually very easy to care for, and they are normally very social. So how do you find the perfect parrot and raise it?

The perfect parrot is one that is beautiful, social, and easy to care for. It will obey your commands, be polite to your company, and make the children in your family laugh. Now, as difficult as this may be to believe, it is not hard to find a perfect parrot!

You see, the difference between pets in many different households revolves around three main points. One: the age at which the animal was purchased. Two: the time that the owner spends with the animal and how he or she treats and trains it. Three: the food that is given to the animal to keep it healthy.

As you probably already know, many people do not feed their animals right, and do not spend enough time with them. The fact that some people buy adult animals versus babies is another major reason that they don't turn out exactly the way that the owner wants them to. In order to raise the perfect pet, you need to make sure you buy the animal at a young age, and you need to feed it right while spending a lot of time with it. If you do those three things, you will have no problem in having an amazing animal.

When you go to a pet store or a breeder, all you have to do is ask for their youngest parrot. After handling and making sure it looks healthy, you may decide to buy that parrot. Once you own that bird, the training starts right away. You need to train it every day and spend plenty of time with it. Always have your parrot around many people so that it learns to be social and comfortable with everyone it meets. The last thing you need to worry about is its diet. The diet should consist of a mixture of many different foods that are very nutritional such as fruit, seeds, veggies, meats, and nuts.

One thing that you do need to remember is that all animals have different needs. Therefore, your parrot may be very different from other parrots. All you need to do is keep training it and spending time with it so that you can learn how your parrot operates. If your bird is not very social at first, that means you need to have more interaction time with it. If it is misbehaving, then you need to spend more time with training during the week.

The Super Spatial Memory of the Blue Jay

The common Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is among the most familiar of companions to bird feeding enthusiasts across much of Canada and the United States of America. A bold beacon of loud blue energy and occasional bully at the feeding station, the Blue Jay is always fun bird to watch. These birds are not only beautiful beyond the imagination, they are also thought to be quite intelligent.

For example, Blue Jays are a perfect example of a bird that stores food in caches for when the pickings get slim. This requires a special kind of spatial memory that most of us never even dare try to conceive. Imagine putting 80% of the pieces of every package of cookies, chips, peanuts, or candy you buy during several months time, in a different place around your house, neighborhood, and place of work, with the full intention of barely going grocery shopping for several months and relocating as many of those bites of metabolic energy as you possibly can so that you may live to see another day. Sounds like an activity that would require a super spatial memory that just goes to work like the rest of your being and rarely warrants any conscious passing thought.

Every individual Blue Jay has a different caching style, handles a different volume of food, and has a different rate of success relocating those items. One study that tracked six birds with radio transmitters estimated that each bird stored anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 individual food items. How many people do you know that lose their sunglasses, cell phone, and/or car keys every single day? Could anyone you know remember where they had hidden each piece of popcorn from the movie theatre vat on the walk home from the show...three months from now? Surely not, but what if it was a matter of life and death? Probably not even then could you imagine the task at hand. So how does the Blue Jay do it? Scientists believe these birds have a super spatial memory, in which Jays use visual landmarks such as rocks or trees to remember where food sources were hidden. Total beauty and competitive intelligence go to the Blue Jay who makes you reconsider the definition of "bird brained."

YourBirdOasis.com will help you transform your garden into your own bird oasis with a variety of beautiful Bird Baths, Bird Feeders, and Bird Houses. With exquisite artistic Bird Bath Fountains, Bird Bath Bowls, Decorative Bird Feeders at your convenience, you can add a unique touch to your garden and create a haven for the birds in your area. Buy a Bird Feeder Today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chantelle_Simoes

This article has been viewed 22 time(s).
Article Submitted On: December 15, 2010

Build a Chicken House for Your Chickens

If you are search for ways how to build chicken coops, then here are some important tips to know. Remember that there are plans that need to be carried out in order to build the correct coop. Remember that a hen house is not just any ordinary chicken coops. Not all designs would be best for your chickens.

Many people have tried to build a chicken house and most of them have committed the same mistakes as I did.

The very first thing that you have to remember when building chicken houses is their safety. There would be several environmental elements that could affect chickens like predators and weather. The safety of the chickens will rely on the hen house that you have built for them.

Second, place the hen house where the sun could easily hit the coop. This is to ensure that it will remain dry. This could also be a protection for the chicken most especially during cold or rainy seasons. The chickens should not stay in a place where is damp with rain or snow.

Third, secure an emergency electric light source. During cold seasons, make sure that the chickens will have an alternative heat and light source to keep them safe all throughout the cold or winter season.

Those are the things that you need to consider or bear in mind to secure your chicken's safety. However, that isn't over yet. Aside from that you also need to maintain and clean the chicken shed to keep them secure all the time. There are many bacteria or parasites that could harm the chickens. It is very important that the chicken shed will be placed in an area that is safe for them. It is very important to clean the surrounding and the coop itself. Provide a sloped floor. It should be redirected to the main door of the chicken shed. This way, the water will drain out of the shed easily.

Lastly, if the material you used when you build a chicken house is wood, never miss to use proper wood-protectant. This way the wood that being used will not easily rot.

These are the important things when you build a chicken house for your chickens. These are tips to secure the chickens that you are raising.

Types of Birds: Raptors, Birds of Prey

Birds are sometimes classified by the type of food they eat. For example, birds that are carnivorous in nature are known as birds of prey or raptors. Differences also exists among these types of birds with regard to the animals they feed upon, however, one commonality is, the bigger the bird, is the bigger the prey it feeds upon. The size of animals that these birds feed upon is reflected in the bird's physical appearance. Those which feed on larger animals tend to have a bigger and strong beak and nails for tearing their prey.

Some birds feed on insects. These spend most of their time on the ground pecking around for larger insects such as praying mantises and grasshoppers. American kestrels, merlins, owl and Mississippi kites are examples of such birds. There are also some raptors that feed on aquatic animals like fish. These typically live near the coastlines. Bald eagles are an example of such birds of prey. Many of these birds even take the fish from other animals that also eat fish. Thieves!

There are some types of birds which feed on small mammals. Such animals as mice, shrews, gophers and voles constitute food to these birds of prey. Hawks of different types, such as red-tailed hawks, cooper's hawks and others are among the types of birds of prey that feed on such mammals. Other raptors that do feed on such animals include barn owls, merlins, and northern harriers to mention but a few. These birds catch their prey by skillfully hunting them from above. They either perch and watch out for their prey to appear or they hover in their air in search of their prey.

Surprisingly, there are some types of birds of prey that actually feed on smaller birds instead of on other animals. They can pursue their prey while they are flying, or alternatively, they can catch them on the ground. There are other types of birds of prey that feed on large birds like doves, ducks, pigeons, chickens and others. Such birds of preys include peregrine falcon, goshawk and others. Some other birds of prey feed on animals as large as rabbit, squirrels and others. There are others that feed on carrion, like vultures, who prefer to not take chances on live prey.

Bringing Your New Parrot Home

Lets assume you have decided to finally make a purchase of the perfect parrot companion. You researched breeds and characteristics and you found a breeder and purchased the bird. Whats next? You can't just turn it loose in the living room and expect you parrot to thrive.

The first issue is what is the best cage for my bird? You can research this information on the internet and I find that cage manufacturers will offer this type of information for your review. The more active your bird the larger the cage you will usually need. Putting a Macaw in anything but a very large cage is actually cruel. The Macaw is 30+ inches in length and requires a large cage to satisfy its active nature.

The African Grey Parrot likes a more intimate cage and prefers the cage against a wall or in a corner. Don't put them in a high traffic area of your home because it will make them very nervous. At first I could not understand why this was the case but upon further research I found that some species of parrots are actually considered prey. By nature these parrots are constantly on alert for potential predators. If you understand this principle you will see why proper cage placement will make for a much more calm bird.

Purchase several cages. If you do so you will give your feathered friend more options for socialization. I keep one cage in my home as his primary residence and one outside on my covered porch. He loves his time in that cage and squawks and chats incessantly as he hears the sounds of nature. If you try to move the cage from inside to outside you could upset your bird. I have a smaller third cage I use to move my parrot from inside to outside and back again. I use that same cage when I travel to the vet or on vacation to my summer home. It is a perfect size for this activity and I am able to actually buckle the cage into the backseat of my SUV.

I used my smaller cage when my bird was very young. My vet told me to use the larger cages until it became more mature. He had seen several birds that had injured themselves by flying into to the side of their cage before they had learned to fly with control. When my bird grew into the larger cage it was a treat for him to explore his new surroundings and adapt to the larger environment. Your larger cage has to have perches, food and water bowls as well as chew toys for the more aggressive and active breeds.

Get at least one T-stand. My parrot loves being placed on the T-stand when I have guests.This stand allows my parrot to be part of the social scene at my home. Additionally, you will need a T-stand for training purposes.. I always use a T-stand on all of my training endeavors.

The secret to a happy, healthy and well-adjusted parrot is advance preparation. If you prepare for your parrot's homecoming your bird will react favorably to its new surroundings.

About the Author: Michael Joseph is a parrot enthusiast. He enjoys sharing Parrot care tips. Check out his videos at: [http://www.youtube.com/theparrotprofessor]. Michael Joseph is the author of the Learn About Parrots system consisting of 2 eBooks: Raising Polly-Everything you need to know about raising a healthy, happy and well adjusted Parrot and Training Your Parrot-12 simple tricks your parrot can learn. For more information about Parrot Care and to get your FREE 10-part mini ecourse on how to care for your parrot, please visit http://www.learnaboutparrots.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J_Joseph

Racing Pigeon Loft: One Key Element You Must Have!

Just imagine after building the pigeon loft of champions you find out that you overlooked a vital element to your pigeons racing success. To make matters worse you found out because of this missing element you have lost several key races and if nothing is done your pigeons will continue to lose. You may be thinking to yourself this is an extreme what could be that important. Let me tell you my friend in racing pigeon's one key element off of your loft can be the means to winning or loosing.

Okay I think I given you enough reason to at least keep reading to find out what the key element is. The element I am referring to here is the pigeon perch. Now believe me, I didn't realize the importance of this element either but believe me it is pivotal for your loft since the comfort of your pigeons depends on it.

Now the exact type of your pigeon perch will be different due to your breed of pigeon. In most cases racing pigeons and fancy pigeons that look like racers will and should have the same kind of perch. The most common measurements for these perches are approximately 10 inches square, with a depth ranging about 5 inches. These kinds of perches are commonly known as "box perches". In more cases than not these perches can be built in units and will fit smoothly into the wall space at the back of your loft section.

Now take note these box pigeon perches are not really made for fancy pigeons with more fluffy feathered legs. The reason being their feathers would easily become dirty from the droppings. For this factor you should make a pigeon perch that will allow your more feathered fancy to stand comfortably, without risking his plumage getting damaged or dirty.

Now since the box perch will not be suitable in this case it is highly recommend that you should think of designing the inverted "v" perch. These are the best for the fancy breeds.Depending on your preference and what seems like the norm of most fanciers many perches are designed as floor units. There are pro's and cons to this design but ultimately the decision is yours.

Falconry Gloves - Essential Falconry Item

A falconry glove is an essential product which an enthusiast requires before he starts with falconry art practice. It is one of the important items which ensure safety of the falconer especially when the contender is engaged with bird of prey. For few days many new birds never miss the opportunity to put down gloved hand of trainer. These birds should be handled carefully all through night and day, then only one can make these beautiful birds learn something innovative and new. Well the trainer talks to these birds very politely and carefully through out the day, but strokes them very gently. Falconer also requires training so as to learn the tricks of handling the birds of prey nicely. Trained birds are obedient and docile and if you handle them respectfully and carefully then there are chances they will hurt the falconer in future.

Some falconry goods like whistles, hoods, jesses and anklets, creance equipment, knives etc. are regarded as the best falconry products.

Arabian falconry is one such name which offers great products and service to their client. They have all types of falconry supplies like falconry bells, swivels, falconry glove, falconry hoods, falconry jesses, falconry perches and block. To know more about this falconry supplier then visit their official website and browse their different sections. This site has all the important information about the falconry region. You can learn on how you can purchase the best product. In fact we also give you the chance to win cool falconry kit. Over the years we have gained so much popularity and respect in supplying the best products. We offer the best falconry equipment from Arabian region at a very affordable price. Our products are reliable and incomparable.

This site also has all the vital information about the falconry region. In fact, we also give you the opportunity to win cool falconry kit. Over the years we have gained a great deal of popularity and respect in supplying the best products. We offer the best falconry equipment from Arabian region at a very affordable price.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Braden_Fre

This article has been viewed 29 time(s).
Article Submitted On: December 24, 2010

Information on Runner Ducks

The Indian Runner Duck has to be one of the most fascinating of all water fowl and they were introduced into Europe around 1800 and the first evidence of the Indian Runner in Britain was about 1830. The Indian runner Duck has a perfect upright stature and is often referred to as the penguin bird simply because of its waddle.

The Indian Runner has a slim neck and a long, narrow head, the legs and shanks of the Indian runner are also incredibly short which is why the Indian Runner walks and runs very upright and straight.

The Ducks are delightful birds and do make excellent pets, they are also quite hardy, meaning they suffer rarely from any serious illnesses. Ducks will need a larger house than a normal chicken coop, especially as they stand quite tall and need to be able to get in and out of the house easily. Each Duck will need a space of 2sqf per Duck in the house to ensure they have enough room to sit. Many people prefer to lay a concrete base for the floor of the house and then build around the floor with wood to provide a good solid Duck house. Concrete floors are fine as long as there is plenty of bedding to keep the Ducks warm and straw is a perfect example of good, warm bedding. Runner Ducks are renowned for being slightly messy and their bedding will become soiled quicker than a standard chicken coop and for this reason you may need to remove bedding and disinfect the floor before replacing fresh straw and depending on how many Ducks you have, you may need to clean them out twice a week.

Runner Ducks will not usually use a nest box and will simply lay their eggs wherever they feel like it and for this reason you need to be aware that eggs may get lost in the bedding. Runner Ducks are fantastic at foraging for their own food and as well as the food you provide, they will find a lot of their own food. Ducks will eat Layers pellets and crumb and mash should be avoided as Ducks have a problem picking this up. Ducks are best fed twice a day and you can also feed some corn late afternoon which your Ducks will look forward to. Water should also be available readily and your Runner Ducks will drink plentifully throughout the day and so making sure their water supply is readily available is very important.

Runner Ducks are fantastic pets and are sweet natured and for this reason they make excellent pets for children.

Things That You Should Take Note When Buying or Building Chicken Houses

If you are going to raise chickens, one thing that you have to do first is to plan and build a home for your chickens. Whether you buy or build your own chicken houses, there are several things that you need to know about them. Knowing these things will help you keep your chickens safe and secure, as well as enable you to better take care of them.

One of the first things that you should note whenever you build or buy your chicken shed is its design and overall appearance. You would not want this to be a distraction for your whole neighborhood. When you build a chicken coop, make sure that your design is aesthetically pleasing. And to make sure that the shed does not look like a distraction on your surroundings, you might want to remove any of the garbage or weeds that may be near your chicken coop.

When you buy or build your own chicken houses, you should also make sure that its design is practical. You should make sure that the house that you get for your chickens is built with sturdy materials that would last. You should also make sure that it is made out of materials that can easily be cleaned and disinfected. The fixtures on the coop should also be easy for you to use. Make sure that the doors on the house open inwards and not outwards, so that it would be harder for the chickens to go out. Another useful feature that it should have is a slanting floor so that it would be easier for you to wash it out.

You would also want to have a hen house that will protect chickens inside it from weather, predators, theft and injury. You should make sure that your chicken runs have screening systems on its windows and doors. In order to protect your chickens from predators and possibly even theft, you might want to put chicken wire around the coop about 1 foot deep. This will prevent animals from getting to your chickens.

Aside from keeping your chickens safe, you should also make sure that they are comfortable. One of the ways to keep your chickens feeling comfortable is to make sure that the coop is properly ventilated. Chicken houses should have enough fresh air and oxygen for the chickens as well as a way to remove the excessive moisture and carbon dioxide. It should also have a way of keeping your chickens warm. Insulation and electrical lighting are some of the ways that you could keep your chickens warm.

If you consider building a chicken coop, you should also make sure that feeders and water containers are accessible on the chicken house. This way, it is easy for the chickens to feed, and it would also be easy for you to refill the feeders and water containers if they run out. Always be sure to change the water on the containers regularly so that your chickens would be drinking clean and safe water.

When building or buying chicken houses, you should always make sure that it is built practically and it can provide your chickens a safe place to dwell in. It should also be easy to clean and sturdy enough to withstand the elements to keep your chickens safe.

About Plans For A Chicken Coop

When you look for plans to build your chicken coop be sure the plans cover everything from soup to nuts. You should not be left standing there wondering what to do next or why you are doing something. You should be told why you should do it that way so that you will do it correctly the first time. They should answer all of your questions so that when you are done you will not need to go back and make revisions or changes.

Here are some of the things you should find in the plans you choose.

You need to know why it is important to decide on the size of your flock before you decide on the plans to choose.

About the materials and supplies you will need, explaining which materials are the best to use and why. They should talk about the cost of the different materials and why you should use one instead of the other.

How to build a large, easy to clean chicken house big enough for 50 chickens.

How to build an inexpensive chicken house for four chickens.

The different types of chicken coops so that you can decide which you want and which will work best for you.

Information on how to set up your building site and position the coop on the site.

Expert tips on building the flooring all the way through the roofing and everything in between.

Help you choose the correct breed for the climate in which you live, in the space you desire and about the desired egg production.

How to breed chickens yourself and take care the baby chicks.
How to design a coop so your chickens will be warm even in the coldest climates.

What you will need to do daily, monthly and yearly to keep your chickens healthy, happy and laying eggs.

What you will need to do when building the coop to protect your chickens from predators.

Your chickens can and will eat leftovers from your table but you need to know which ones are dangerous for them.

Learn what you need to do if your chickens get sick and the two most common problems and how to cure them.

And much more.

The plans should include step-by-step easy-to-follow to scale diagrams and dimensions. If the plans you choose do not offer all of the above and more than you could run into a lot of trouble and expense. Without the proper instructions and information all of your time and effort could be wasted. You need to know about chickens you are going to be raising and how to care for them or you will be standing there with nothing but an empty coop. You need the whole story. You need the plans that will give you the whole story.

Jody Fischer is interested in helping folks learn more about raising chickens and how to build the proper shelter for them. Many people are researching the possibility of raising chickens so it is her hope they will find the information they need here. Please go here for additional information.

chicken-coop-plans

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jody_Fischer

Carbohydrates and Racing Pigeons

It's the time of year when we can light the stove in the evening again. That is the woodstove or the fireplace rather than the central heating system. Cozy, those dancing flames in the living room. In order the light the fireplace first I have to gather some kindling, kindling lights easily and burns quickly. Later we add bigger pieces of hardwood. Sometimes these big pieces of wood don't even fit in the stove. Reluctantly, I put on my coat to go outside and chop and cut these large pieces into smaller ones. When cut to the proper size the will fit into the stove.

Actually our bodies are a type of stove, which keeps us warm. The fire wood can be made up of carbohydrates, proteins, or fats. Above all, carbohydrates are fast acting fuels. They can be compared to the kindling we use to start the fireplace. Carbohydrates are sugars, which originate in large quantities in plants. They are produced during the process of photosynthesis. The bodies of humans or animals can only burn monosacharides. These occur in glucose (grape sugar), fructose (fruit sugar), ribose (sugar made up of 5 carbon atoms) and galactose (made up of glucose and part lactose).

Besides warmth these sugars also provide nourishment for the brain. Without this glucose syrup our beloved pigeons cannot survive. The fuels are divided into two groups. We will begin with the kindling.

Mono-sacharides(dextrose and fructose)

Glucose is also known as dextrose or grape sugar. Monosacharides

are the simplest carbohydrates. These are again divided into different groups. For us it is important to know that they provide the most direct fuel for warmth and fuel for muscle activity (the alfa-1, 4 linkages). There are also sugars that only become active when for example during a race the fats are used up (the alfa-1, 6 linkages).

The Disaccharides (lactose, maltose and sacharose)

These are again the smaller pieces of wood from the tree. If we split them in two they will fit in the stove and we can burn them. Some of these twofold sugars are for example lactase from milk and maltose from sprouted barley. Sacharose also belongs to this group. It is found in carrot and beet sugar. Tests have shown that more than 4% lactose on the feed or in the drinking water should be avoided. Lactose arrives in the large intestine where it can only be partly converted by the intestinal bacteria. This process drains a lot of water from the intestine. Too much yogurt or whey on the feed can be the cause of watery droppings.

The Polysaccharides (Cellulose, starch and glycogen)

These are the entire trees that still have to cut up into firewood in order to fit into the stove. For the pigeons they are the grains and legumes such as corn, peas, barley and wheat. They belong to the starch group. There is also a cellulose group. This raw cellulose helps in the digestion of different types of carbohydrates. It is easier to cut up some grains then others.

Alfa-1, 6 linkage between 2 glucose molecules

Alfa-1, 4 linkage between 2 glucose molecules

We did the following test: on a loft with three sections. Section 1was fed a normal breeding mix. Section 2 was fed 80% corn and 20% breeding mix. Section 3 was fed 80% peeled rice and peeled barley (pearl barley) + 20% breeding mix. The birds were all exercised together. The pigeons fed breeding mix only were always the first birds back. They exercised just above the loft. The corn pigeons fly much higher and the "rice and pearl barley" looked like dots in the sky. There were three layers of pigeons flying at different heights. After half an hour to 45 minutes the "corn" pigeons were flying the highest.

When we switched the breeding mix section over to the "corn mix", we saw that after a few days they were the ones flying the highest after 45 minutes. We kept rotating the feed mixes between sections. The results were always as we have written above. From this we can conclude the following that the energy (fuel) provided by corn becomes available later then the energy out of white rice and peeled barley and that corn apparently is made up of more types of polysaccharides then white rice. Perhaps this explains, why pigeons that are to be sent to longer races, usually have extra corn added to their diets.

Glycogen

All these forms of sugar together are called glycogen. When energy is used in the stove the wood turns black and what is left over is called ash. When the bird uses energy the same type of process takes place. It is called phosphorylyse. The enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylyse process breaks the Alfa - 1, 4 linkages down. These are the "Kindling" carbohydrates. For this process vitamin B6 is necessary. Glycogen is found in the liver and muscles.

During the races

During heavy exertion humans use up 60% carbohydrates, pigeons are different. The liver produces glycogen in order to keep the body warm. If we feed more glucose and glycogen then the daily needs of the pigeon, then the liver also can manufacture fatty acids from them. The blood transports these fatty acids to the red muscle fibers. A portion of the glycogen is transported by the blood to the white muscle fibers. A pigeon has approximately 15% white muscle fiber and 85% red muscle fiber. That is much more than a chicken that has practically all white muscle fiber. We can find many red muscle fibers in the breast of the pigeon.

If we make sure that just before the contest proportionally a high percentage of glucose is found in the glycogen then the fuel will burn faster. Also the liver will produce more fatty acids. This is the result of a makes sense.

Actually it only provides a small advantage on short races. After 10 minutes the fuel in the white muscle fiber in the breast is used up. The fuel stored in the white muscle fiber (glycogen) is used by the pigeon to reach flying height and speed. After this it uses the fast sugars "kindling" (Alfa- 1, 4 linkages) stored in the blood and liver are used. When the glucose is depleted then the enzymes process the Disaccharides and finally, the Polysaccharides are split and turned into monosacharides.

When "fast sugars" are all used up then the fatty acids that were built up by the excess sugars in the feed, which the liver turned into fatty acids become the fuel supply. Some of these are still present in the blood. They were on way to the red muscle fibers but had not yet been stored there. These will be used first.

After a short period of time the fatty acids stored in the red muscle fibers come into play. After 40 to 60 minutes of flying the pigeon is using the fatty acids stored in the red muscle fibers exclusively. Fats have the advantage of leaving little waste in the blood stream after being burned as fuel, although they burn slower than glycogen. The pigeon can fly fastest (wing beats per minute) on glycogen, but the fatty acids deliver more energy. Fats are 9.2 kilocalories per kilogram whereas carbohydrates are 4.0 kilocalories per kilogram.

The wood box

When the pigeon is using fats as its fuel and a bird of prey comes along then the pigeon will use any available glycogen (Alfa 1, 6 linkages) in order to quickly get away. These are what we could call "kindling" in the wood box. It is ready for use whenever we quickly need to light the stove again.

After the race

The pigeon uses firstly glucose and glycogen (the Alfa 1, 4 linkage), after that the fats. When the bird has used all its fatty acids then it will use any remaining glycogen (the Alfa 1, 6 linkages). When these are depleted then the pigeon will begin to use it "character". That is, it starts to use its own body; it burns its own muscles, the protein. There are many pigeons with little character. These will go down to rest and look for water and food. If they still come home it will be much too late. The "character birds" keep going. Burning protein or muscle is paired with muscle cramps and is very unpleasant for the pigeon. A pigeon that goes through this often will need weeks to recuperate.

Feeding carbohydrate rich food after a race is very important. The pigeon having used all its glycogen has a need to rapidly relight its stove

Making a Bird Feeder With Proofing for Squirrels

I regularly feed the birds in my yard and, I know that the biggest pests in my garden are the squirrels. Squirrels enjoy eating bird feed and, scaring away the birds. If you have a feeder, then proofing for squirrels is necessary if you want your birds to carry on coming to your garden.

With a bird feeder, proofing for squirrels is done by enclosing the entire feeder in a wire cage with small openings like chicken wire. The openings let the birds in but, not the squirrels. This can make the feeder look awful and possibly reduce your enjoyment.

Instead of altering the bird feeder, proofing for squirrels can achieve the same results, by moving the feeder. Moving it somewhere which is uneven or, where the squirrels can't easily jump on to the feeder, the squirrels will go elsewhere to look for food.

You can also change the bird feed which will stop the squirrels from attacking. Firstly, squirrels have an irresistible temptation to gnaw through wood and plastic, so choosing a bird feeder that is constructed of wire is best. Also, look for bird feed that is designed to taste awful to squirrels. This won't stop them when they initially taste it but, it will send a strong enough message to ensure they don't come back.

So that you can enjoy your garden and the birds, you must make sure that you scare the pesky squirrels away on every occasion that they visit so that the birds aren't tempted to fly to someone to elses back garden.

Cages For Birds: The Different Kinds To Choose From

Having a pair of birds as pets at home certainly has its benefits. Nothing beats their melody whenever they feel like singing around, and their continuous chirping can be relaxing for some people. When buying a bird though, one should take note of its needs to survive. One of the basic needs of a pet bird is to have a home for itself. Bird cages should definitely be on top of the to-buy list for pet bird.

There are a number of cages for birds available nowadays. One can go to a pet shop and browse through a number of options to choose from. Someone who does not know anything about these cages can easily get all confused with the unlimited options available. The best way to be prepared for the task and hopefully find exactly what one needs for the bird is to learn a little bit more about the different cages available these days.

One of the basic types of cages for birds is the breeding cage. As the term itself implies, this is the cage one should highly consider if one has a pair of birds and wishes to make them make their own little ones. Basically, this type of bird cage is actually two bird cages which are connected to each other. The space of the two cages are separated with the use of a panel, which can be removed anytime of the day for the purpose of letting the birds coexist for breeding reasons.

Another popular option of cages for birds is the dometop bird cage. It basically has a dome top, which gives it more space for the bird to go around. An added advantage of this cage is how it allows the birds to get a view of the top of the cage. For large birds, the most common type of cage is the parrot perch. This comes in varied makes such as rope, wood and concrete. To keep the pet birds' feet and claws healthy and good-looking, one can add a number of perches for them to play on. For someone who owns more than just a couple birds around, a flight bird cage is a good option to consider. Although one can keep the birds in their own personal cages, nothing beats having a larger space to fly around with the other birds. It gives them a feeling of being in their natural habitat compared to being in a smaller cage. Flight bird cages are generally bigger in both width and height, and they are equipped with a number of feeders and cages.

Another variation is the playtop cage, which comes with ample space for the bird to fly around outside of the cage itself. A travel bird cage, on the other hand, is a smaller bird cage. Since it is not used to contain the bird for a long period of time, it does not have to be made of highly durable materials. Its size is also limited for ease in carrying around during one's travel.

The different kinds of cages for birds available in the market makes it easy for bird lovers to choose the specific ones that fit what their pet birds need in terms of a place to live in. it is important to consider the bird's comfort when choosing the bird cage for them.

Pigeon Loft: 3 Steps You Can't Forget in Building One

Let me ask you this question. Did you know that there are 3 steps in building your pigeon loft that you cannot forget? You'll be surprise to discover that many newcomers forget these three steps and their building ideas never really take shape. This does not have to be the case since the steps are so simple in nature and are many times overlooked. So what are the steps?

Step 1: Decide first hand how much money you are willing to spend and stay to budget.

In beginning any building project it is crucial to keep costs to budget projections. Building a pigeon loft is no different then any other construction project. It needs to be taken seriously. Without a plan on how much money you are able to devote to your pigeon loft and sticking to that amount you will never get your hobby off the ground. The costs should be divided into three areas: Materials for construction, secondary items for pigeon needs and growth, and insulation costs. These costs may vary on your size and construction of your loft so be mindful that larger may not always be feasible at first.

Step 2: Start small and know the building code of your state.

To many times newcomers get large ideas but don't take into consideration that starting small is ideal. Since the building of your loft has to be up to code measurements for your state its best to begin small. In the case of your loft not meeting state requirements it's easier to correct code errors in smaller lofts. As a rule of thumb 6m is a good starting size and should be aligned with most state codes. It also goes without saying checking with your neighbors and discussing your building plans would be ideal. You would hate to have your building plans shut down when a simple conversation could suffice.

Step 3: Building of your loft should be done in sections.

No matter how much money you have in your budget to spend your loft should be built in sections. If you are starting small as I suggested in step 2 your first loft may just be one room with next boxes, some perches, food trays and water hopper. This would be defined as your main section. The next section can consist of putting in a partition wall in. Again this is just basics but it expresses perfectly the idea of sections. Section building allows you the ease of developing bigger in the future if you choose to. It also provides an added bonus of being easier to maintain.