By Taylor Crawford

Macaws are large, colorful birds native to Mexico, the Caribbean and South and Central America. They are distinguished by their black beaks and their facial feather pattern. This facial pattern is unique to each bird, much like a fingerprint. The variations of species range from small to impressively large. The Hyacinth Macaw is the longest and has the widest wingspan of any other parrot. Many of the species are now classified as endangered with some even having become extinct. Having this type of bird as a pet takes a great deal of thought and effort. In addition to choosing the right one from the many macaw cages, an owner must be willing to spend a significant amount of time with the bird.

The Macaw is very intelligent and needs a lot of stimulation in the form time and toys. Time is needed to train the bird. They have a knack for talking and can become very loud and boisterous if training is not given. Toys are also important to keep your pet occupied and busy. They especially need chew toys as they can become destructive if they do not have them. Toys should be a prominent part of any macaw cage. This is a very sociable bird. They can and do create bonds with their owners. Educated owners know how to get the most from their pet and in return they have a faithful friend for years to come.

Macaw cages come in a variety of sizes but none are small. There are also double macaw cages for multiple birds or when separation is necessary. Macaw cages need to be large. They also need to be secure. These are smart and strong birds. Macaw bird cages must have a secure latching system so that an escape does not happen. They should be stocked with a variety of perches and toys to maintain an adequate activity level when confined. The spacing of the bars should be form 1″ to 1.5″. This size allows the bird to grasp the bar but not be in danger of getting their beak stuck between them

Even though this type of bird may spend a great deal of time being handled, the choice of a Macaw bird cage is an important one. It is one of the many decisions to consider when planning to make a pet of this majestic avian. If you have the proper supplies and the time and energy to devote to it, being the owner of a Macaw will be a rich and fulfilling experience. Sometimes you may see macaw cages for sale, but a better plan would be to consult a knowledgeable dealer.

For more information on macaw cages, visit http://www.thebirdcagedepot.com.

By Patricia Marchand

Bird Comfort

The size of the cage, its bar spacing and thickness depends on the size of your parrot. A cage must be large enough to enable your pet to spread both its wings freely and hop around in the cage. Make room for toys and other stuff in your bird’s cage to enhance your bird’s environment. The larger the cage size, the better.

100% Safe

A locking mechanism should be present on entry doors and feeder doors, to prevent accidental escapes. Parrots are highly skillful in finding ways to get out. Quick Links (the-c-type links) can be used to prevent parrots, from escaping. Larger birds may require padlocks. Some cages provide locks not only on the door of the cage but also on the back of the dishes.

Easy to clean

The cage should have easy to clean, removable grids and litter trays with removable seed guards to avoid the mess outside the cage. You will need to consider a cage which has the hardest and strongest oven baked powder coating which will withstand the everyday repeating cleaning process.

Easy and safe to move

You will need to move your bird cage for cleaning and to custom your parrot to accept changes. For those reasons you need to make sure the wheels of your cage will not come off. Cages with small rubber/plastic type wheels very often come off after a week or so as the wheels cannot support the weight of the parrot cage.

Birds at Play

The cage should provide not just a secure home for the bird but also a great place for the parrot to play and to hang out Choose a parrot cage which offers a removable play top and a landing platform, so, there will be no need for you to buy and accommodate a separate play stand. The landing platform is very useful when you are trying to get your parrot back into its cage.

In our store http://www.24-7petsshop.com we offer a wide assortment of safe, high quality parrot cages, parrot stands, parrot toys, parrot food and parrot seeds, parrot treats, bird minerals and vitamins as well as gifts for yourself and your friends.

Birds need a wide range of natural food, you can find a list of natural food and their vitamin contents on our site: http://www.24-7petsshop.com/pages/Nutritious-Food-for-a-Healthy-Parrot.html

“What is a good Senegal parrot diet ?”, you may asked.  Well, there are many parrot species out there but before you look for parrot supplies from parrot food stores, knowing a little bit about parrot diet helps. Every parrot needs a different kind of parrot food.  Making sure that they get the right one for their species will help them live longer and healthier.

A diet composed mostly of seeds is not what a parrot needs to survive. Instead, it needs all kinds of fruits and vegetables, as well as other foods, in order to keep it healthy and happy.

Parrots sometimes seem to do well on a seed based diet. This isn’t because this is the appropriate diet for them, but because parrots are relatively hardy birds. Seeds don’t provide enough calcium and vitamin A and are too high in fat. This can result in a bird that is overweight and suffering from vitamin deficiencies.

Large parrots should have only about ten percent of their diet made up of seeds, while cockatiels and budgies, which naturally eat more seeds, can tolerate up to a quarter of the diet in nuts and seeds.

Pellet foods are a better choice than seed mixes for owners who want a convenient, balanced diet for their birds. These are nutritious and easy to offer. They’re made up of all the important components of the wild parrot diet, combined according to species.

However, they can get boring – after all, parrots crave stimulus. That’s why it’s a good idea to supplement a pellet diet for your parrot with other foods, too. Consider making the pellet diet about half to two thirds of the parrot’s total diet, and filling in the rest with other food.

Offer fresh fruits and vegetables, either chopped or in large chunks. You can even hang them on the side of the cage to encourage problem solving. Good parrot vegetables include squash like cucumber and zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, eggplant, corn right on the cob, green beans, cauliflower and sweet peppers.

Choice fruits include melon, pineapple, kiwi, mango, papaya, cherries, apples, grapes, bananas, oranges, pomegranates and peaches. Remove all seeds to prevent poisoning.

Never feed your parrot avocado, chocolate or chocolate products, caffeine or alcohol, or any fungi. These can be toxic to your bird.

Offer only foods that have natural colorings and no preservatives, and avoid food with too much salt, sugar or fat.

Whole grain breads, cereals and pasta are a good idea for many birds, as well. Remember – many behavioral problems with your parrot are actually because it’s malnourished and feeling ill.

A responsible parrot owner will learn to take care of their bird properly, so it’ll live a long and healthy life.

By Roderick Fraser

It’s funny how we refer to the yellow headed Amazon parrot as yellow parrots when in fact they are mostly green. The yellow part of the parrots we refer to is in fact the crest on its head and around the face. When we talk about yellow parrots there are many sizes and species, in this case we are talking about the star of yellow parrots. The yellow headed Amazon parrot.

They are a marvelous talker to be only outdone by the African Grey. Obviously the ability to talk comes down to the individual bird.

The yellow headed Amazon parrot is known to come in about 27 subspecies. In the wild they are considered to be an endangered species and are known to be in the wild throughout most parts of South America, the Caribbean, and parts of North America. Unfortunately they become an endangered species because of the popularity as a pet. Therefore, smugglers tend to target these wonderful birds in the wild and it is believed that as many as 90% of the birds perish before they reach pet shops.

Whereas the largest of all parrots is the Hyacinth macaw of South America, the star has to be the yellow headed Amazon. This wonderful parrot became known to the world from the time of Christopher Columbus. They apparently most commonly see in movies and on TV because of their wonderful abilities as a talker and brilliant mimic as well as their gorgeous colours. They are like the star of the parrot world.

Parrots are quite demanding as a pet any time, the yellow headed Amazon is more demanding than most. They are as intelligent as a three-year-old child and like any child if they don’t get what they want they are certainly known to throw a tantrum. And only demand attention and love this particular parrot requires plenty of room to move about and play.

The best type setup for the parrot of this size and temperament is to have a large aviary or even better a large cage in a room large enough that they can step out to fly and play. They certainly need to be exercised every day.

Like all stars yellow parrots can have a tendency to over indulge. They love food and have a tendency to become well … overweight. If they get bored and don’t have enough toys and activities to keep them entertained they will eat out of boredom. It is strongly recommended you provide your Amazon with a balanced diet of fresh natural foods including things like a good mix of vegetables and fruits and mixed parrot seed.

Amazon parrots make wonderful pets but they are certainly not for the inexperienced. They require the attention and handling of someone who has been around parrots were some time. They can be temperamental and are known to be quite destructive. On the other hand with training and lots of activity they can be an absolute joy. They love lots of variety in their toys, food and environment. To put lots of things in their cages such as branches, leaves, wooden toys, freshwater, and fresh colourful food.

It’s that time of year again and Christmas will be here before you know it. How time flies! Here is your friendly reminder to help keep your parrots safe as we enter another holiday season. Don’t forget to share this with your friends!

A little planning, some supervision, and a few things to watch out for can go a long way toward both you and your bird having a happy holiday. If I have forgotten anything, please let me know and I will build on this article for next year!

Stress

We all know Christmas can be a stressful time for us humans. Our parrots must think we have lost our minds. New people around, strange decorations, etc. Stick to your bird’s regular schedule as much as possible, don’t forget the lovin’ and playtime. Oh, and make sure there is plenty of time for a good night’s sleep for both you and your bird.

Decorations

Be careful of Angel Hair, it’s spun glass and that just can’t be good for anyone that eats it. Tinsel and garland are another big concern, it can cause intestinal obstructions if ingested. I don’t know what kinds of decorations you have at your house, but just be aware that they are unfamiliar to your bird and they may or may not panic at the sight of some of them. Many decorations are made of toxic or potentially toxic materials like different plastics, scented pinecones, hidden wires made of who knows what, stuff that is sprayed on so decorations look “fresh” longer. And don’t forget the common everyday things lying around that could cause problems such as rubber bands, string, ribbon, tape, tacks, little nails, glue, etc.

Candles and Smelly Stuff aka Fragrances

Candles with lead wicks can be toxic, usually you will find them in cheap imported candles. Burning candles with fragrances is very irritating to your bird’s sensitive respiratory system. Those candles with “essential oils” in them that smell great to you are HIGHLY TOXIC WHEN BURNED. Try 100% beeswax candles instead. They are more expensive, but burn five to seven times longer, are not scented and burn cleaner. One other word of caution – burns and wax spills have been known to happen when a wayward bird collides with a candle so ALWAYS watch your candles and your bird, don’t leave either one of them without supervision. I have a rule, IF I light a candle it’s 100% beeswax and the parrot gang has to be in their cages.

Potpourri, air fresheners, and a host of other smelly spraying things irritate the daylights out of your bird in so many ways. (They also irritate me, so it is not a problem for my birds because I don’t use them in my home.) Try and go for something more natural if you feel the need to “scent” your house. Heat up some water in a pan on the stove and throw in a few organic cinnamon sticks, that smells yummy. Oh yes, can’t forget this one NO SMOKING AROUND THE BIRDS – PERIOD!

Lights and Electrical Cords

Make sure these are concealed as well as possible so little birdie brains don’t get any smart ideas and want to play with them. They could get shocked (as in probably killed) or burned by chewing on them. If they are loose, they could get tangled in them.

Plants

I think most people with parrots know by now that Poinsettias and Holly are dangerous if eaten, but did you know that Philodendron, Ivy and Mistletoe are also. In case you didn’t there’s is no excuse now. These plants have the potential to cause life threatening problems for your parrot if eaten!

Dressing up Birdie

Not that you would do it, but watch those little ones. They seem to think it’s a good idea to stick bows on (ouch) or drape ribbon over and around birds. Talk about a strangulation hazard. Ribbon or string may cause intestinal obstructions if they eat it.

Food and Drink

Alcoholic drinks, hot chocolate, coffee, and the ever-present eggnog are popular drinks at Christmas time. If your place is anything like mine, there are yummy fattening human goodies everywhere like cookies, candy, cakes and deserts. Watch that your birdie doesn’t get into the holiday spirit this way! I like to put some water in a dark coffee mug (a duplicate of mine) and give the fids sips out of that. I don’t know what they think it is, but it’s in a coffee mug like mine and they are happy to drink it. Keep some nice fresh treats on hand for your birdies to munch on. I like pea pods, birdie bread, almonds and a little fruit. That way they won’t feel left out and I have to keep Zeke (African Grey) from saying “Mmmm, want some?” all night long.

Non-Stick Coated Surfaces

Be extra careful not to overheat any non-stick cookware or anything with a non-stick surface! Those toxic fumes can kill birds in no time flat. I know this warning has been around for a long time, but with extra cooking going on, I thought I would remind you all again.

People

Having guests over? I know you would never feed your bird anything it’s not supposed to have or subject it to extra stress, but watch your guests. Make sure they don’t give your bird anything to eat or drink that could cause a problem. Of course, for us bird lovers, it almost goes without saying to make sure they are not causing the bird any undue stress like poking their fingers in the cage or just generally annoying your bird. Show them where the acceptable bird treats and give them a rule run down about being nice to parrots.

Fire

Want a nice warm fire in the fireplace? Is your fireplace in good shape or is this the first time you will be using it this year? What type of wood are you burning? Is the damper open? Check those “instant fire logs” and make sure they do not contain lead or arsenic. DO NOT BURN WRAPPING PAPER OR PRESSURE TREATED WOOD EVER! It’s fine to have a fire as long as your fireplace is working like a should, has some type of guard across the front, and is being vented properly.

Wrapping Paper

Wrapping “paper” is a stretch. Lots of these innocent looking colorful papers contain toxic substances. Do not allow your bird to eat it and DO NOT burn it in your fireplace. If you are going to wrap a present for your bird, please use plain paper. If worst comes to worst, use a sheet of a black and white section of a newspaper.

Trees

May scare the daylights of your feathered friend. Take it slow and never place the tree where your parrot can chew on it.

Artificial Snow or Flocking

I couldn’t find anywhere that said these were definitely a hazard, but they are not meant to be ingested and I am pretty darn sure they are not good for your bird if they inhale the fumes of that stuff either. When if doubt, just skip it. It’s just not worth it.

Open Doors / Windows

With all the extra commotion going on around the holidays a little extra precaution about open doors seems to be in order. People going in and out, packages and food being carried in and out, point is that your door will probably get a workout. Not only that, but new things like trees or big boxes, might startle your bird and they may panic and fly. Just make sure you little feathered friend is out of harm’s way and not in the direct path of the chilly air.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

Please, I don’t want to hear about any accidents this holiday season. You all know what to do. And a message to your bird: (It’s not you. The humans really ARE out of their minds for a couple of weeks a year.) Remember, a little precaution and supervision go a long way in keeping everyone safe and happy!