Natural Pets World

How To Teach Your Parrot Tricks

By genesower on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 | Comments Off

Parrots are remarkable and intelligent birds. Research proves that parrots have the intellectual abilities of a small child. For many, teaching a parrot tricks for entertainment is enough of a reason to own this bird. However, teaching your parrot tricks can have other purposes and functions. It will transform your parrot into a better behaving and more sociable bird.

When teaching your parrot tricks try to keep the teaching lessons short. Long sessions will only tire the parrot and make it a very negative experience for your bird. You also want to keep the exercise sessions positive and wait to start a training session until you are both ready. Choose a room that is quiet and a free of distractions, as this will improve your parrot’s learning potential and increase the chances of the training to be a success. What’s more, the room should be well lit which will make your parrot more comfortable and more open to new experiences. It is extremely important that you are relaxed and be stress-free when starting to train your parrot. Patience is critical when teaching your parrot tricks, as not having enough patience will greatly affect the way your parrot learns new tricks.

Parrot trick #1 – Step Up

One of the easiest parrot tricks that bird trainers recommend is teaching your parrot how to “step up”. Your parrot will use this exceptionally useful trick all the time and for the rest of his life. Teaching your parrot to step onto the object that is placed in front of him is an easy task. Simply place one finger in front of the bird’s feet and ask him in a calm soothing voice to “step up”. For large birds you using your forearm is recommended. You can use his favorite snack or any food to persuade your parrot to move forward. Remember to award your parrot with the food when he masters the new parrot trick.

Parrot trick #2 – Turn Around

Another parrot trick that owners find it easy to teach their parrots is to “turn around”. Just follow these simple directions and your parrot will learn a new trick in no time. While your parrot is in a standing position offer him a piece of food. As he starts reaching for it move one hand slowly to his back, your bird will have to turn his head around to see the food. Some birds make the turn immediately, others will require a little of practice before they learn how to do a full turn, so be patient. Once again, remember to give your parrot the food as his reward for job well done.

Parrot trick #3 – Teaching Your Parrot to Speak

Teaching your parrot how to speak can solve the problem of screeching with birds that are too vocal. Many birds use the screeching to get their owners get attention. Both, you and your parrot will enjoy the parrot’s vocalization more when he can actually say words. By teaching a parrot talk you can enjoy his company more. To make the process easier and more enjoyable for your parrot, remember that you should to start with only one simple – one or two syllables – word. You can of course teach your parrot one of your favorite words. The most popular first word to teach your parrot is “hello”. Repeat the word slowly several times until the parrot sounds the word in response. Once your parrot responds, give him his food reward. The first sound your parrot makes may not be the word that you are trying to teach him. Once again – be patient – the idea is to get your bird to respond to your voice. You can repeat this exercise several times until the parrot begins to mimic the word.

Teaching your parrot tricks is great fun! But, as always consistency, patience, and affection are very important. If you make the effort to train your parrot on a regular basis, the trick’s success rate will be much higher.

For more information on teaching your parrot tricks click here.

African Grey Parrot – High Maintenance But Beautiful And Smart

By genesower on Friday, December 10th, 2010 | 1 Comment

Originating from central Africa, African Grey parrots are one of the most beautiful birds available for taming. They are highly intelligent and known for their exceptional talking and cognitive ability. African Grey parrots are capable of developing a large vocabulary and communicating easily with their owners.

African Grey parrot is a medium-sized bird 10 to 14 inches in length. There are two different types of African Grey parrots: the Congo African Grey with light gray coloring and a red tail, and the Timneh African Grey, of a darker charcoal gray color and a maroon tail. Typically, male parrots are slightly larger than females – 12 to 14 inches in length. Although both sexes look almost the same, Female African Grey parrots normally have smaller head and a slender neck.

African Grey parrots are in for a long commitment

African Grey parrots have a long lifespan up to 60 years, thus they need an owner who can make a long term commitment to them. Because of their high intelligence and sensitivity, African Grey parrots call for a caretaker who is knowledgeable and who can easily recognize their needs. They get bored easily, so a stimulating and interactive environment is a must. Without their intellectual needs met African Grey Parrots will exhibit behavioral problems, become cranky or show signs of self-mutilation.

Discipline your parrot to avoid behavior issues

Typically properly behaved and well mannered, nurturing African Grey parrots brings a few challenges. They pick up behaviors very quickly so teaching them good habits should be an easy task. Still, these parrots need to be disciplined and watch closely; otherwise, they will get into trouble: they might chew wires or bite.

These parrots love affection and attention

African Grey parrots are very social birds. In the wild these parrots typically flock together. In home environment, they will adopt their owner’s family as their flock. African Grey parrots are known to cuddle with their owners. Still, limit your affection to petting and head-scratching, as these parrots do not like intense physical contact. Regurgitation (throwing up small amounts of food with the intention of feeding it to a loved one) may not be considered a pleasant by the owner, but for African Grey parrots is a sign of deep affection and love. They will also try to “kiss” their owners on the mouth.

It is important for their owners to understand these birds’ need for a companion. African Grey parrots express their loneliness excessively, by becoming very vocal, plucking their own feathers, or they may start to bite. Because of these tendencies, African Grey parrots may not be good pets for a family with children. Their beaks are hard and strong and they might unintentionally hurt the children.

African Grey parrots have unique and exceptional human-like personalities. If you are one of the lucky owners, you will enjoy the intelligence and eccentricity rarely found in other animals.

For more information on how to care for your pet parrot click here.

What To Feed Your Parrot To Keep Her Healthy?

By genesower on Monday, November 29th, 2010 | Comments Off

Parrots come in many sizes and breeds but they all have one thing in common: they require a healthy diet that will help them to live longer and a better quality of life.

The common belief is that parrots love seeds and this type of food is enough to keep your bird healthy. However, the latest research shows that a diet containing only seeds is not healthy for the most parrots. Seeds are deficient in many nutrients, such as vitamin A and calcium; they are also too high in fat. Seeds should not go over ten percent of parrot’s diet. Balance the diet and your parrot will thank you.

So, what do parrots eat?

There is no perfect diet to follow for your parrot. Parrots crave stimulation and variety, also in their food. Pellet foods provide a nutritious and balanced diet: grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits plus vitamins and minerals. However, parrots may get bored with eating the same thing all of the time, so be creative.

Healthy and balanced diet is critical to parrots’ well-being

You can include fresh fruits and vegetables in your parrot’s daily diet: chopped for small birds; for larger birds – hang chunks of fruit or vegetables on the side of the cage to hold and gnaw on. Some good vegetables to offer parrots are carrots, eggplant, cucumber, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, cauliflower, sweet peppers, etc. Parrots love fruits and, although some parrots may prefer tropical fruits, they will enjoy domestic produce as well. When feeding your parrot make sure to remove the pits or seeds because they can be toxic.

Grains such as cooked brown rice, oats, barely, wheat, and pasta are also a good source of nutrients for parrots. You can also feed your parrot whole wheat breads and unsweetened whole wheat cereals.

Foods to avoid in your parrot’s diet

Avoid feeding your parrots the following foods: avocado, guacamole, chocolate or cocoa, alcohol, caffeine, and mushrooms as they are toxic to parrots. Parrots should also not be offered foods that contain a large amount of salt, sugar, grease, preservatives, food coloring, and other additives.

Because parrots are such sensitive birds, they develop many health problems that stem from malnutrition. It is necessary to understand the importance of parrot diets and be willing to undertake all of their bird’s nutritional needs.

For more information on how to feed your parrot healthy diet click here.

How to care for your parrot?

By genesower on Friday, November 19th, 2010 | Comments Off

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus Haematodus)

Who doesn’t love parrots? The magnificent colors, adoring personalities, ability to mimic human voice and high intelligence make parrots one of the most desired bird pets. The lifespan of parrots depends on their size: smaller parrots can live 15 to 30 years and larger parrots can stay alive for 40 to 50 years.

Caring for parrots in a home environment could be challenging. Here are some tips to get you started:

Feed your parrots healthy foods

Proper nutrition is vital in sustaining the health of your parrot. Parrots like fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables, parrot pellets, and seed mix. They prefer a few small meals instead of one large meal, so make sure you feed you parrot fresh food fresh and clean water at least twice a day.

Bigger cage means happier parrot

The size of the cage is essential to a parrot’s comfort and safety. Buy a cage that is large enough for your parrot to spread his wings fully. There should also be room for a few safe toys. The door must be large enough – so your parrot can comfortably fit through it, but also secured – so the parrot will not be able to open it from the inside.

How to keep your parrot clean and safe?

As birds tend to be “dirty” pets to own, it is very critical to keep parrots’ cage clean. Perches, dishes and other surfaces of the cage should be cleaned daily. Use water and mild soap, as standard cleaning products contain chemicals that can irritate or burn your parrot’s skin, eyes and respiratory system. Also, inspect the cage for sharp and pointy objects.

Cleanliness is also important when handling your parrot . Wash your hands frequently when playing with your bird, handling his dishes, and preparing his meals in order to prevent infections. Clean the water and the food bowl with every refill. Never allow your parrot’s beak to touch human nose or mouth, as human saliva contains bacteria that will harm your parrot.

Parrots are playful, affectionate, and super smart. They have the ability to form strong bonds with their owners. With proper care, parrots will thrive in a home environment becoming a wonderful, lifelong companion.

Pages

Categories

Archives

Sign Up For Pet Coupons, Discounts, Pet News & More!

Special Offers

Blogroll

Dog Training

Housetraining

Pet Products