Beaks and Barks

Top Parrot Bird

Caring For Your Pet Parrot

Parrots are a lot different from dogs and cats as pets. Unlike dogs and cats, parrots do not need blowdrys or spa treatments. Grooming a parrot should maintain clipped nails and wings and a beak in perfect shape. But this is not something easy to do. A pet parrot owner should be trained by a professional avian veterinarian to make sure that they know what they are doing. If not, never attempt on grooming Your Parrot because it might cause serious injuries.

BEAK

Be cautious certain types of conditions like an upper or lower beak growing off to the side is one. This can be defect acquired during birth or an injury from an accident. Cleaning and caring the beak might prove to be difficult in such a condition. Some illnesses might also cause problems in growing your parrot's beak such as mite or fungal infections.

NAILS

The first thing to know in cutting your parrot's toenails is to identify the desired length that the nails should be cut. For this procedure, you will need an effective bird holder or a method of safe restraint, a cutting device and a styptic powder. Never attempt to cut the nails if you are unsure and not properly trained to do it. In case you are, you will only get used to the right length as time progresses. The cutting device should be appropriate to the size of your parrot. For smaller ones, human nail trimmers will do but for larger ones, a pet nail trimmers or the guillotine-style nail trimmer is most appropriate. If in any case you cause your parrot's toenail to bleed, be ready with the styptic powder but be cautious because this is very painful when applied to an open wound so you have to restrict your parrot from moving wildly effectively.

Nails are important to be cut because this can cause injury to your parrot. Long toenails might get caught in rugs, carpets, toys and cages and can be the cause of a broken toe.

WINGS

A properly clipped parrot's wings can prevent a serious injury to your pet parrot. In an attempt to fly during play sessions, parrots can avoid falling to the ground hard with correct clipped wings. Not only that they will also not be prone to serious wing, leg and head injury because of crashing into doors, mirrors, windows and ceiling fans.

True, full-winged parrots are very nice to look at and add to the beauty of the parrot but keep in mind that your parrot is a pet and not left out in the wild where they can boast off their wings while looking for food, flying to safety, protecting their young and shelter or finding companionship. You would not want your parrot to wander and fly off just like that would you! So be sure to trim the wings of your parrot and trim it correctly. Never attempt to trim the wings for the purpose of style and wild appearance because this might cause your parrot to fall hard on the ground and go circles in the air. Aim for wings that will help Your Bird flutter harmlessly to the ground.

Feeding your parrot

Like in grooming, perhaps the one important thing you have to keep in mind is that your parrot is a pet and you do not compare or imitate the lifestyle of the parrot in the wild because the environment is totally different.

In feeding the parrot, you have to make a total conversion of the parrot's diet. Do not be carried away by books or petshop owners who are saying that seeds are the best diet your parrot could ever have.

Parrots like humans need to have a well-balanced diet. Seeds are great for wild parrots because they are high in fat and protein. But wild parrots activities are not similar to pet parrots. Wild parrots get much exercise out there, flying here and there to look for food and find a shelter. They need all the weight, energy and fats they can get to do these activities. Pet parrots just stay home and only get exercise during very limited time of play sessions.

The acceptable diet to home-bound parrot pets is 70-80 percent "pelleted" diet and with the remaining 20-30 percent composition of fruits and veggies diet. It will also help if you go and ask your avian vet to make you a list of foods to avoid by your parrot. Some examples are raw onions, guacamole, chocolate or any milk products, avocado and rhubarb.

Cages and accessories

Parrots need a big cage so that they can have enough space to swing their wings fully and cling and hang as much as they want to. The best cages are those that are made of stainless steel, no paint chip off or rust that your bird might feed on. Plus they are great for cleaning considerations. They can be easily cleaned by a bleach solution and rinsed.

Feeding bowls that are stainless steel are ideal too. The perch should be thicker in size so that your bird can avoid toenail injuries and do not feed on it.

Parrot safety

Having a parrot at home means you have to make your home much safer for your bird companion. Toxic fumes released by appliances with non-stick surfaces are deadly for your pet parrot. So use them with caution or do not use them at all. Other dangerous household items that can cause serious damage to your parrots are scented candles, incense, cigarette smoke, cooking smoke, sprays, aerosol fumes and carpet powders, metals made of lead and zinc, toxic plants, electrical cords, hot and boiling foods and other pets.

Make sure that you have all the necessary information from your avian veterinarian before having a pet parrot. Ask him for a list of things you need to remember and avoid while having a bird companion. It may not be easy but you will get the hang of it later on.

About the Author

Lee Dobbins writes for http://pet-birds.pet-breeds.com where you can learn about
parrots and other pet birds
.

Help! My baby parrot / bird might have a splay leg , what should I do!?

Hi!

I had two lovebirds, and the female laid five eggs, witch of whom three hatched. So the two oldest seem to be fine but the youngest, i suspect he has one or two splayed legs.
He will be 16 days old in a few hours. When i put him on paper his legs go apart but when i put him on the rug and push his legs together he seems fine, until he starts walking which is when one or both legs split to his sides.
Is it normal for such a young bird?
He does have two older siblings about 21-20 days old , so it's possible they've been on top of him which then injured him.

And if he has in fact splayed legs what is the best way to make him better, and i rather not pull him out of the nest permanently, i dont want to separate him from his siblings and parents.

Help! Answers Appreciated.

Sometimes even with the greatest of care, a baby can develop splay legs. Preventive measures are best (such as making sure that there is enough nesting material in the box and that the diet is nutritionally complete for the parents), but every once and a while, the mother hen will sit too tight on a baby and cause one or both legs to appear to stick out from the body. Here is a tutorial on a very effective way to remedy this problem in baby lovebirds.

Please take your baby bird to an avian veterinarian if you are unable to do this procedure. If caught at an early age, splay legs are very correctable. Don't let it go for more than a day or two if you are having difficulty creating a hobble yourself.

Use a makeup sponge in the wedge shape. These are the proper thickness. You will have to trim down the wider end so that it is even.

Use scissors to trim down the wider end so it is flat across the top. It doesn't have to look pretty, just be even.

Make two slits in the sponge using the end of a scissors point. Turn the scissors to make a hole somewhat round. The two slits should be just wide enough that the legs will go straight down from the body. Don't put them too close together as they will tear into each other.

First push one foot through a slit, then pull it through the other side. You need to be careful, but you will have to pull it. If it is too hard, you may have to make the slit a tiny bit larger. Once you get one leg through, push up the sponge past the leg joint so it is against the body, then push the other foot through the second slit. You have to find a balance here. You don't want to harm the bird's legs by overforcing it, but you will have to pull on them a bit to get them properly situated.

This will be very awkward for the baby. It will try to drag itself around. Therefore, it is a good idea to set them in a cup with soft material on the bottom. Kleenex (ONLY unscented Kleenex please!) can make a nice soft padding for them. Bigger birds will crawl out. You may need a deeper bowl. Some do okay with their siblings (but not in the nestbox with the mother as she will remove the sponge).

Check the sponge a few times a day to make sure it is high against the body so it doesn't come off. If it gets soiled, change it every couple of days. But it is best to leave it on straight for a week if you can.

I recommend leaving the sponge on for one week. It may need to go on for longer if the bird is older. The prime time to catch splay legs is between 8 and 14 days of age.

eclectus talking parrot the best "georgie"

Brand New Parrot Bird Wrought Iron Cage Play-Top On Wheels L22 x W22 x H61 *Green* $169.95 22 x 22 x 61 inches...

New Large Play Top Bird Cage Parrot Finch Macaw Birdcages Heavy Duty $199.99 Want to buy a Large High Quality Non-Toxic birdcage for your birdie without spending over hundreds of dollars for it? Introducing our new LARGE 37x27x63 IRON PLAY TOP Parrot Bird Cage. Comes with play top area, a ladder, 2 Stainless steel bowls and a perch to stand on. With 2 Large Stainless steel bowls and 2 perches within the cage, large front door and snapping door lock, 2 removable sliding met...

New Large Open Play Top Bird Cage Parrot Finch Macaw Cage Premium Quality Birdcages $199.99 Want to buy a Large High Quality Non-Toxic birdcage for your birdie without spending over hundreds of dollars for it? Introducing our new LARGE 39-1/2"x26"x56" IRON OPEN PLAY TOP PARROT BIRD CAGE. Comes with open play top area, 2 Stainless steel bowls and a perch to stand on. With 3 Large Stainless steel bowls and 1 perch within the cage, large front door and snapping door lock, 1 removable slidin...

African Grey Parrot Flip Top Lighter Chrome flip top lighter! Wick, flint and fluid fuel lighter. Measures 2.25"(H) x 1.5"(W) x 0.5"(D).Comes in a gift tin box.The image is printed directly onto the metal and coated with a top quality, waterproof enamel to insure long wear. FOR THE TRUE BIRD LOVER!...

African Grey Parrot Flip Top Lighter Chrome flip top lighter! Wick, flint and fluid fuel lighter. Measures 2.25"(H) x 1.5"(W) x 0.5"(D).Comes in a gift tin box.The image is printed directly onto the metal and coated with a top quality, waterproof enamel to insure long wear. FOR THE TRUE BIRD LOVER!...

Bamboo Parrot Unique Kitchen Sponge $3.49 We are certain that you will be completely delighted and satisfied with our product. Sponge Color may vary as we carry ones with a Blue, Pink or Yellow Base, this does not affect artwork in anyway. All purchased Items will arrive via USPS and a the tracking # will be sent to you. We also offer matching Drawer Knobs, Nightlights, Mousepads, Wall Tiles, Outlet Covers, Double Size Switchplates, Tripl...

Top Quality Tropical Parrot Hawaiian Aloha Shirt $55.00 This beatiful Hawaiian shirt was made by Robert J. Clancey (RJC) with the best quality fabric in Hawaii. RJC was established in 1953 and it is one of the oldest and best known manufacturers of Hawaiian shirts. ** Add $2 for 2XL and add $4 for 3XL...

World of Animals T-Shirt $30.00 The Mountain T-Shirts are premium, hand-dyed shirts screenprinted using environmentally safe, water based inks. They feature a leather feel label so comfortable there is never a need to cut it out.Washing Instructions: Prior to wearing, wash separately in cold water. 1)Turn garment inside out. 2)Set Wash temperature to cold. 3)Line dry or tumble dry low. 4)Do not bleach or dry clean....

Top Quality Black Parrots Hawaiian Aloha Shirt $55.00 This beatiful Hawaiian shirt was made by Robert J. Clancey (RJC) with the best quality fabric in Hawaii. RJC was established in 1953 and it is one of the oldest and best known manufacturers of Hawaiian shirts. ** Add $2 for 2XL and add $4 for 3XL...

Perky the Parrot's Bird Facts (Teacher's Pets) ...

Pink Parrot Bamboo Man Bird Toy $6.67 Product Highlight(s): Pink Parrot Bamboo Man Bird Toy An outrageously fun combination of bamboo and rope for conures and other medium birds. Your bird will go nuts for hours on end exploring and chewing on this exciting toy. Made from 100% bird safe materials. Hang from the top of your birds cage using the Quick Link connector.

Barron`s Guide To A Well-Behaved Parrot Bird Book $8.39 Product Highlight(s):Mattie Sue Athan This expanded new edition of a popular parrot-training book explains parrot psychology and discusses the ways in which parrot owners can apply it to solve behavior problems. The author cites the most common problems—screaming, biting, and feather-chewing—and tells how to remedy them. She also stresses the need for periodic reinforcement of desirable parrot behavior traits and advises on many aspects of good parrot care, including proper nutrition and providing the bird with steady companionship. The text is complemented with many attractive and instructive color photos and line art. From the Reviews: Praise for the previous edition “Rated #22 on the Top 25 Avian Books list for Pet Bird Owners.” —Bird Talk Magazine, February 2007 About The Author: Mattie Sue Athan is a widely respected expert on parrots and their care. She contributes regularly to bird-care periodicals and is also the author of Parrots: A Complete Pet Owner’s Manualand co-author of The African Grey Parrot Handbook, both published by Barron’s. (0764136674) Paperback / 160 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2007

The Parrot $3.98 Smart and outgoing, parrots are the chosen bird of people who want a feathered cohort. An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet is the series to turn to when you want a basic reference that's reliable, up-to-date, and complete. These guides feature:Expert authors, plus renowned guest contributors on specialized topicsFull-color photos throughoutBasic information on the breed, species, or topicComplete coverage of care, health, grooming, training, and moreTips and techniques to make life with a pet more rewarding

The Parrot (An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet) $5.99 Discover easy ways to provide the very best in care and training for your parrot. An avian expert offers straightforward advice so that you can create a thriving relationship with your new family member. The Parrot offers: Completely up-to-date resources, including top Web sites of interest to bird owners; Information on choosing the best parrot for your lifestyle; Ways to mentally stimulate and entertain your quizzical pet bird; Advice on the best nutrition to keep your parrot healthy and long-lived; Answers to your most pressing bird-behavior questions; Full-color photographs of parrots in a variety of settings.

The Complete Parrot $4.98 A gorgeous celebration of this intriguing bird, The Complete Parrot is the ideal guide for the contemporary enthusiast of macaws, Amazons, lories and all the other members of this large, varied family of living feathered jewels. The Complete Parrot is abundantly illustrated with a lush collection of vibrant color photographs representing species from around the world.

Vitakraft Menu Daily Parrot Formula Bird Food $4.99   Your parrot will love the variety of seeds and grains, all enhanced with the sweetness of pure honey!   Vitakraft Menu Daily Parrot Food has exactly what your bird would crave in the wild, specially supplemented with the specific vitamins your species requires for proper feathering and general health.

Parrot Hat $19.99 Polly want a cracker? Show off your fine feathered self in this pretty parrot hat! This funny hat features a large colorful bird, complete from its big black beak to its lovely layered tail.

North American Pet Wood Parrot Ladder 8 Inch $2.97 Product Highlight(s): North American Pet Wood Parrot Ladder 48 Inch These high quality hardwood ladders feature no sharp edges and are sanded to a smooth finish. Adds a new dimension of fun to any cage. Excellent for use on multi level cages. Ladders allow your bird to climb up and down safely. Can also be used outside of the cage to give your bird access to the top of the cage. Two cup hooks are provided to attach the ladder to the cage bar. Each ladder is approximately 4-1/2" wide. Available in parakeet (for parakeets and other Small Birds) and parrot models (for small parrots and hookbills). Parrot models use thicker dowel rod for construction.

North American Pet Wood Parrot Ladder 18 Inch $4.77 Product Highlight(s): North American Pet Wood Parrot Ladder 18 Inch These high quality hardwood ladders feature no sharp edges and are sanded to a smooth finish. Adds a new dimension of fun to any cage. Excellent for use on multi level cages. Ladders allow your bird to climb up and down safely. Can also be used outside of the cage to give your bird access to the top of the cage. Two cup hooks are provided to attach the ladder to the cage bar. Each ladder is approximately 4-1/2" wide. Available in parakeet (for parakeets and other small birds) and parrot models (for small parrots and hookbills). Parrot models use thicker dowel rod for construction.

North American Pet Wood Parrot Ladder 24 Inch $5.47 Product Highlight(s): North American Pet Wood Parrot Ladder 24 Inch These high quality hardwood ladders feature no sharp edges and are sanded to a smooth finish. Adds a new dimension of fun to any cage. Excellent for use on multi level cages. Ladders allow your bird to climb up and down safely. Can also be used outside of the cage to give your bird access to the top of the cage. Two cup hooks are provided to attach the ladder to the cage bar. Each ladder is approximately 4-1/2" wide. Available in parakeet (for parakeets and other small birds) and parrot models (for small parrots and hookbills). Parrot models use thicker dowel rod for construction.