Bird Information

The study of birds is a very popular hobby for many people throughout the world. No special equipment is needed for bird study other than a notebook to list the number and kinds of birds observed and a guidebook to aid you in bird identification. However, a good pair of binoculars is recommended. Photography of birds can also be a rewarding hobby but it demands skill, patience and requires purchase of some expensive equipment.

There is an abundance of bird information available to the enthusiast. Let’s begin with a bit of history.

Evolution of Birds

Most ornithologists believe that birds evolved from dinosaurs. The first known species of bird, the archaeopteryx, lived about 150,000,000 years ago. Although it had feathers and wings, it also had reptilian features, such as teeth, claws on all four limbs, and a long, bony tail.

Fossil birds of North America were the ichthyornis, which resembled a gull, and the hesperornis, a water-dweller about five feet long with sharp teeth. By about 75,000,000 years ago, the types of birds we know today had already begun to develop.

How Birds Are Classified

Referenced bird information shows that birds form the class Aves of the phylum Chordata. There are also two subclasses: Archaeornithes, which consists entirely of extinct birds (including the archaeopteryx); and Neornithes, which includes three superorders as follow:

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· Odontognathae – Extinct birds that had teeth. Examples are the ichthyornis and hesperornis.

· Impennes – This consists of only one living order, Sphenisciformes or penguins.

· Neognathae – There are 28 orders to this superorder, including:

1. Struthioniformes

2. Rheiformes

3. Casuariiformes

4. Dinornithiformes

5. Apterygiformes

6. Tinamiformes

7. Gaviiformes

8. Colymbiformes or Podicipidiformes

9. Procellariiformes

10. Pelecaniformes

11. Ciconiiformes

12. Anseriformes

13. Falconiformes

14. Galliformes

15. Gruiformes

16. Diatrymiformes.

17. Charadriiformes

18. Columbiformes

19. Psittaciformes

20. Cuculiformes

21. Strigiformes

22. Caprimulgiformes

23. Apodiformes (formerly Micropodiformes)

24. Coliiformes

25. Trogoniformes

26. Coraciiformes

27. Piciformes

28. Passeriformes

Bird Care Tips

There are a myriad birds that make good pets. In fact, birds are among the most popular common house pets. Care must be taken though in the choosing of birds and in bird care. Here are some tips:

Choosing a Bird

While small birds, such as parakeets and canaries, require minimal care, large birds, such as parrots, cockatoos, and cockateels, can require a great deal of care and demand a lot of affection. Make sure you know about the requirements of the bird you’re considering.

Avoid buying a canary between July and October, which is the canary’s molting season. A sudden environmental change during that period may send it into shock.

Before buying a parrot, be prepared for a lifetime relationship – it may live longer than you do. Parrots become extremely attached to their owners.

Caring for Birds

When holding a pet bird, be very gentle. Bird bones are fragile – even the slightest pressure on the wrong spot can cause a fracture.

Never let a pet bird loose in the kitchen.

If a pet bird breathes through its open mouth, you know it’s sick. Buy a bird antibiotic at the pet store, pulverize it, and add it to your bird’s drinking water. If this doesn’t help, get it to the vet right away.

Bird Cage Stand Reviews

Copyright (c) 2011 Sandra Tiffany

There are two types of bird cage stands: one is a tree-like structure with branches, ladders, circular stairs with perches that may also have a swing attached: two is a stand beneath the cages which supports it and may have mulitple shelves for accessory storage.

The tree-like bird cage stand allows the bird to get out of its cage and enjoy the freedom of the “playground.” Most birds truly enjoy this type of stand because of the freedom and it gives them the opportunity to fly around the house, exercise, stretch, flap their wings and socialize and interact with the members of the household. You may not like to clean up the bird droppings but you will have one happier bird. The “playground” type stand is very popular and one can purchase a relatively simple stand or top of the line with many accessories.

The bird cage stand beneath the bird cage that supports it comes in many colors, made of different materials, different shapes, have wheels or castors for mobility and can match the household décor. The stand is simple and effective.

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The “playground” stand is usually a table, varies in size, is on castors and stands about 36 inches in height. These stands take up more room in the house and if you live in a warm climate, you may want to put the stand in a enclosed patio or day room. They usually have ladders with a variety number of steps. These ladders tend to very popular, particularly with parrots. The circular stairs are more popular with smaller such as the parakeet. However, all birds, big and small, like the perches and swings.

A cage stand is usually at least 28 inches in height and may be rectangular, square or round in shape with four legs and sometimes with wheels. If you buy a round bird cage stand that is small, it usually sits on a pedestal. A popular color is white, but they also come in black.

If the cage stand has shelves, there are usually two of them. The shelves can be made of wire mesh or they can be solid. The upper shelf is usually for the cage or “playground” and the lower shelf is usually for food or other supplies.

Following are some of the major manufacturers of cages and bird cage stands:

1. Hagen Vision-medium bird cage and stand: .
2. Preveu-Penthouse curved front bird cage and stand: .99.
3. Blue Ribbon Pet-Universal bird cage stand: .
4. A&E Cage Co.-Deluxe bird play stand: 2.95.
5. A&E Cage Co.-”O” parrot play stand: 1.95.

Now that you know about various bird cage stands you may want to further research their price ranges and models.

TrainedParrot.com How can I get my parrot to go back into the cage without biting? This video mentions some things to consider for putting your parrot back in the cage so that it would not develop an aggression around going back. Don’t forget to use methods mentioned in other videos to tame your parrot and train it to step up to facilitate going back. Read the taming guide linked above for more details about this kind of taming and training. TrainedParrot.com http TrainingPerch.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Breeder cages Parakeet Canary Finch small bird #2463S**

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Bird Cage Stand

If you want to imitate a tree with offshoots where birds can play on and climb, you should have that free standing perch, called a bird cage stand.Often it is difficult for the birds to stretch their wings to full span,to exercise and play. The stand gives them socialization and freedom and variety in life, something very important to the health of your bird.

Sometimes if birds are unoccupied or bored they may start feather picking or screeching, which shows that they are nervous. If there is plenty of playtime, this misbehavior could be prevented, so a bird cage stand could be the solution of the problem.

There are stands from plastic, wood or metal material. To choose what stand to buy, you should consider the size of your bird and its destructiveness. It will not be good for you to buy a new stand every time your bird damages it. Stands could be just a single perch or plenty. We have them in two styles – in a play gem style with many different perches and levels, and in mimic natural environmental style, which allows your bird to feel as it is flying from branch to branch.

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If you want to place your parakeet or parrot on something where they can climb or just for human interaction and freedom,you will need a stand. It will prevent your bird to become bored, depressed and stressed if it is confined to a cage all the time.Your bird will feel more vital if it exercises or plays, it will be with better physical and mental health. The exercises for birds are flight and climbing.They provoke a good healthy skeleton, heart and muscles and also keep your bird healthy and happy.

There is another kind of bird cage stands, where stands are placed under your bird’s cage.It helps you to move your bird’s cage from room to room in case you  have a large cage.Also you can give your bird  the opportunity to be outdoor more regularly,something very important for a healthy bird. These stands are also in different sizes and from different materials. Always when you buy a bird cage, you will be able to match the stand with it.

If your bird cage is already bought, then you just have to fit the stand with it. These stands are better in case your bird is a messy eater or if you don’t want it hanging from the ceiling or on a side table.Water spills or other accidents like some wood tables will not damage those stands. Anyway, what ever type of stands you buy, your bird will be happy and healthy with it.

Daci Georgieva writes for www.BirdCagesBlog.com who specialize in Bird Cages and Bird Stands . Visit the website for more details.

Mango is a three year old Parakeet who was surrendered to the Spartanburg Humane Society with her sisters (Kiwi and Tinkerbelle) because their former owner did not have time for them. Cats aren’t the only dangers bird face. If you’re thinking about bringing a pet bird into your life and your home, make sure you “bird proof” your home. Here is a list of items than can be potentially dangerous to your bird: • Windows — an open window is never a good idea with a bird in the house • Glues — some fumes from craft projects are toxic to birds • Lead paint — chipping paint in older homes and some antique bird cages can be fatal to birds • Electric cords — consider investing in a plastic hose that encloses the crods to shield your bird from a potentially fatal shock. • Ceiling fans • Teflon pans — the fumes emitted from cooking with Teflon and other nonstick cookware can be fatal to birds. Turn on your oven fan and ceiling fan and keep Tweety far away while you are cooking. • Some houseplants are hazardous to birds health if they are ingested. Check with your vet if you have a plant you are concerned about. • The potty, a water-filled sink and a boiling pot of water — curious birds are interested in what their people are up to. These common household tasks can be fatal for birds if you’re not careful. Adapted from petfinder.com

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JW Pet Company Insight Bird Bath Bird Accessory

JW Pet Company Insight Bird Bath Bird Accessory

• Healthy and fun
• Convenient and easy to install
• Fits small and medium cages
• Not for use with round or curved wall cages
• Suitable for parakeets and other similar sized birds

The Insight Bird Bath is designed to fit on the main door of most small and medium cages. This bath has a brightly colored base and a clear cover so you can watch you bird splish and splash. The easy screw on attachment makes this bath not only fun and healthy for your bird but convenient and easy to use for you.

List Price: $ 9.39

Price:

Buying a bird cage? Keep these tips in mind?

Some species of pet birds even have specific needs when it comes to appropriate dimensions and type of bird cage. However there are some general guidelines, which would help you choose a new home for your winged friend.

First off, one must decide where will your new bird cage be placed and buy according to the area you have reserved. It is preferred that the area is a fair distance away from any circumventing air drafts coming from windows or other openings. However, one should keep in mind that in order for a pet to become an active part of any family and develop a social relationship, bird cages should be placed in an active part of the home.

When you have reserved the right spot for your new bird cage, it is important to choose a cage of the right size and dimensions. When it comes to bird cages, bigger is always better, as long as the bar spacing is appropriate for your bird. While birds like a Finch or a Canary can be placed inside a small cage, other larger birds need more room to walk around with ease and fully extend their wings. One should also remember that food bowl, bird toys and bird perches will take a substantial amount of space inside a cage and this has to be taken into account.

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The bar spacing of a bird cage is very important for your pet’s safety and security. One should look for a small bar spacing in order to prevent the smaller birds such as parakeets to squeeze through or become stuck in between the bars. When it comes to larger birds such as a parrot, bar separation can be wider and preferably have a horizontal orientation to allow birds to climb on the sides of the cage and exercise.

When it comes to shape and style, one should try and avoid round, cylindrical bird cages, as studies have shown that these can affect a bird’s psychological health. As most birds get most of their exercise flying within a cage from side to side rather than up and down, the length of bird cages is more important than the height. If you’re considering placing bird toys then one should try and find a cage which complements the activity resulting from the use of this toy.

If your new bird cage is to become a prominent part of your home decor, you should get the best quality cage you can find. It needs to be sturdy and solid, and have no loose parts or cutting edges. Stainless steel is often the preferred material as it is non-toxic and would pose no threat to the bird’s health. It is also easy to clean and will not chip away. As a bird cage’s primary function is to protect its host, one should avoid features such as fancy scroll work or designs which could increase the risk of a bird’s head, wings or feet to be caught in.

A well-built bird cage gives bird and owner many years of use and enjoyment. One must remember that just like us, a bird will appreciate a nice living environment, given it will spend most of its time in the same location.

Shop and buy small, medium, and large bird cages for you pet parrot and pet birds. All types and sizes of parrot cages and bird toys for your pet birds – http://www.birdcagesrepublic.com/

my parakeet cage
Video Rating: 2 / 5

Breeder cage Parakeet Canary Finch small bird #2473S**

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JW Pet Company Activitoys Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy

JW Pet Company Activitoys Hol-ee Roller Bird Toy

• TOUGH 100% Natural Rubber Bird Toy
• Fill with your bird’s favorite treats
• Intellectually and physically challenging
• Activate your bird’s body, mind and soul!
• Suitable for parrots of all sizes

The Hol-ee roller for birds is a creative self play toy designed to challenge your birds intellect and provide a reward when they learn how it works! This 100% natural rubber toy hangs from a chain and is designed to be stretched and filled with treats.

List Price: $ 8.99

Price:

Spray Millet Bird Treat 5 Pound Bag

Spray Millet Bird Treat 5 Pound Bag

• Spray Millet Bird Treat.
• The appealing texture and delicate taste of this nutritious golden-yellow spray millet is always a crowd pleaser for feathered friends.
• Approximately 12-14 pieces per pound.

The appealing texture and delicate taste of this nutritious golden-yellow spray millet is always a crowd pleaser for feathered friends. Approximately 12-14 pieces per pound.

Price:

Feathered Phonics The Easy Way To Teach Your Bird To Speak Volume 1: 96 Words and Phrases

Feathered Phonics The Easy Way To Teach Your Bird To Speak Volume 1: 96 Words and Phrases

• Award-winning audio CD teaches parrots how to speak quickly and easily
• Choose preferred teaching track and press “repeat” on CD player
• 96 words and phrases including Hello, Goodbye, I love you, and much more
• Great for parakeets, parrots, cockatiels, and cockatoos
• Entertaining for people, as well as rewarding and fun for the birds

Volume 1: 96 Words & Phrases! This is the CD that has birds talking! It’s easy to teach your bird to speak with Feathered Phonics! Simply choose the track you wish to teach and press “repeat” on your CD player. CD includes 96 tracks of words and phrases including Hello, Goodbye, I love you, Here Kitty Kitty and much more!Volume 1: 96 Words and Phrases

List Price: $ 15.99

Price:

Selecting The Right Bird Cage

Pets are the greatest friends that a human being can have, offering a great way to pass time for their owners. According to the recent surveys, it has been proved that having a pet improves the general quality of health and life in general for the owner. Like many small animals such as ferrets, rats and chinchillas, birds are kept as beloved pets too, with a lot many preferring these feathered friends as pets because of low costs and cleaner environments. Also, having birds as pets can enhance the grandeur of a house. However giving a bird its own private space is a must to keep them happy. So if you want to keep your ‘winged friends’ happy, buying from the variety of bird cages is crucial.  

There are various models, colors and sizes of bird cages available in the pet shops and many of the amateur owners might have a hard time choosing the perfect cage. So here are some bird cage selection tips that would make you and your bird happy:

Size of the Cage: Large birds such as Amazons, conures, cockatoos or African grays require large bird cages. These cages have bars that are positioned horizontally and not vertically. Such design helps the birds to climb and exercise within the cage. The smaller birds such as canaries, parakeets, parrots and finches do well in the smaller or the parrot cages. The doors for all the cages should be large so that the birds can get access easily. There should also be food and water containers within the cage that can be filled from the outside. The bird cages should also be easy to clean to maintain a hygienic environment.  

Shape and Style of the Cage: This is one of the most vital considerations to be made before buying a bird cage. Recent studies have revealed that round bird cages effect the psychological health of the birds adversely. They cram the birds for room and thus they are not allowed free movement. In time the psychological problem grows into a physical health hazard. When buying a cage angled ones should be chosen over the rest of the others.  

Location of the cage: Normally people like to keep the birds within the confines of a room. But it has to be understood that the bird will be happier in a natural habitat. So if you want to keep it within the room then makes sure that it gets enough exposure to light and heat in desired proportions. The location has to be chosen very judiciously. The cages can be hung or placed on a stand as per the requirement of the owners. There are bird cages available in all styles and shapes. There are wooden cages, stainless steel bird cages and many other varieties available in the market.

Some important questions to ask: You should examine the craftsmanship of bird cages carefully before buying. Examine each and every component of the cage from its structure to size carefully. Here are a few important questions that should be asked:

•    Is the cage solid and well built?
•    Are there any open ends or sharp edges?
•    Is the cage made of stainless steel that will not chip?
•    Is the bird-cage easy to clean and non-toxic?

The health and life-span of the bird depends on how clean and ideal its cage is. Hence it is important to pay attention to the even the minutest of details before buying a bird cage.

This video was uploaded from an Android phone.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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Poop-Off Bird 32 oz.

Poop-Off Bird 32 oz.

Instantly dissolves bird droppings 3.00 inches tall x 0.00 inches long x 0.00 inches wide

Price:

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