ABOUT BIRDS

ZEBRA FINCHES

Zebra finches are a hardy, inexpensive to maintain long-lived, active and attractive bird. They will breed even in a relatively small cage. They are quiet at night; they don't smell. They come in several color patterns and get along well with each other and with many other cage birds. They are good for beginners, but are nevertheless favorites of many advanced aviculturists.

Zebras will be active most of the daytime. They will flitter and twitter and preen themselves and each other. Adults will feed their young and the young birds will screech for food as though they were starving. Still, there will be some quiet periods during the day when the birds perch singly or in small groups and snooze or just look around. Zebras will bathe daily or even twice daily. They will eat on and off all day, only slacking off about an hour before they go to roost for the night. At night they seem to prefer a closed place, often roosting together in their nest with eggs, fledglings or in a spare nest of the fledglings use up all the room.

Zebras are curious, finding a new item in the cage, they will be on it and, if possible, in it within minutes.

Zebra finches get along well with other birds as well as with people. They are also a tough bird that lives for years without disease. They have been known to live from six to ten or even twelve years.

In the nest, juveniles are quite hairy and when the nest is lined with feathers, the newly hatched birds are frequently indistinguishable from their bedding. For the first 8 or 10 weeks after leaving the nest, the juveniles look like females except that their bills are brown-black and gradually become coral or orange as they mature.

The diet of the zebra finch is simple. Basically, the diet is millet seed. Standard finch mixture seems to supply the required elements for healthy zebras. Supplements that may be enjoyed are honey, oranges, mineral grit, green foods such as lettuce, spinach, celery tops, egg food, and occasional soaked seeds. A cuttlebone should be kept in the cage and a vitamin powder included in the diet.

Zebra finches love to have bathing water close by at all times. ½ inch of water in a dish is sufficient. Keep all water clean and fresh, as zebras may bath in their drinking water and drink their bathwater.

Do not spray strong pesticides or other toxic chemicals in the room with your birds. Be aware that the fumes from a Teflon pan left to overheat on the stove can kill your birds within minutes.

Should a bird get loose in the house, do the following: Turn off ceiling fans and close the drapes on any large picture windows if possible. Remove cats or dogs from the area, cover any large open containers of water (i.e. shut toilet lids). Take a pistol grip sprayer with clean water in it and squirt the bird until he is wet enough that he can no longer fly well. You should then be able to pick him up with a net or your bare hand. Yes, he may nip you, but that tiny finch beak cannot do you any real harm. There are many type of finches, but this is the most common.

THE BUDGERIGAR

The budgerigar is the most popular cage bird in the world. The inexpensive little budgerigar can become a most faithful companion because of its cheerful personality, its adaptability to new surroundings and the ability to chatter in a very short time. It can be easily trained, has a great talent for acrobatics and has an incredible capacity for mimicry of many sounds, including the human voice. The budgie will generally learn to talk (both sexes have the ability to talk), and become more affectionate if it is kept by itself, due to the attachment formed with family members.

The sex of mature budgerigars is easily distinguished. Adult birds have a waxy skin around the nostrils, called the cere, which is a rich blue color in the male. In the female it is whitish, tan or brown. Young budgies can easily be distinguished from adults by their coat feathers. Young birds have striped markings running from the back of the neck extending over the crown of the head to the top of the bill. When their first adult plumage appears (between 3-5 months), the immatures molt out these barred patterns, replacing them with a clear colored mask, yellow in the green birds and white in the blue birds. The ideal purchase for an indoor pet should be a healthy male baby bird, one around 6 weeks of age and still in its juvenile plumage. With proper care, your budgie may live 12 to 15 years.

HOUSING and SAFETY: Cages should be a large as possible, since the budgie is a very active bird. Even the smallest cage should at least allow for complete clearance of the tail and OPEN wing feathers; one in which it can flap its wings, fly from one perch to another and have room to explore. If your bird will be spending a good deal of time outside its cage or on a playgym, the cage may not need to be as large as one for a bird that will be spending most of its time inside. Birds fly back and forth, not up and down. Keep this in mind when looking for a cage. Avoid tall, narrow or round cages even though they may be appealing to the eye; your budgie will do better in a cage that is longer than it is high. The cage should be at least 15" wide, 17" tall and 14" deep. A cage 24" by 18: by 24 inches is the most suitable. It must be equipped with wooden perches and preferably have a sliding metal or plastic tray at the base to enable easy cleaning. Budgies like cages with horizontal bars since they love to climb. The cage should contain the basics: food and water dishes (or a drinking tube), a treat cup, a cuttlebone and perches. Budgies should be allowed a daily minimum of 2-4 hours outside the cage. However, be aware that a variety of tragedies may befall budgies because of their small size and bold, inquisitive nature. They can be stepped on or sat on, shut in a cupboard or refrigerator, drowned in the toilet of even in a narrow, partially filled drinking glass. For your budgie's safety as well as to aid in taming, have its wings clipped evenly on both sides by an experienced person. Watching this being done, it is an easily acquired skill for the owner.

DIET: Budgies, like small children, are notoriously resistant to a change in their diet. However, they must eat a varied menu as youngsters to avoid becoming fixated on seed. Seed provides only about one-half of the nutrients that budgies need daily. The Association of Avian Veterinarians recommends that fresh seed, along with other grains and legumes (bread, cereal, peas, beans, rice and corn), make up no more than 50% of the budgie's diet. The next 45% should consist mostly of dark green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (grated carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, winter squash, cantaloupe and carrot and dandelion greens, Spinach, Chickweed, and even broccoli which provides nutrients as well as beak activity). The remaining 5% of the budgie diet should consist of meat or meat substitutes, eggs and dairy products. While not hearty meat eaters, they may accept water-packed tuna, raw tofu, some hard-boiled egg, and low fat, low salt cheese. Alternatively, avian pellets for small hookbills contain a balance of nutrients in every bite. One successful method to convert a budgie to pellets is to mix them with a favorite table food and/or add diluted fruit juice to pellets that aren't already sweetened.

GENERAL: After you bring your budgie home, tame it. Training sessions should be held early in the day when the bird is fresh and eager. You can tame your hand-fed young budgie in a relatively short time, especially if its wings have been clipped. For initial trust, a training perch may be used prior to fingers. Once the budgie is familiar with perches, it will then be ready to step on your fingers. At the beginning the budgerigar may be scared enough to bite, but it is important not to retaliate, its reactions must be ignored. Thereafter, it may be taught to step from one hand to the other, or to step on an arm or shoulder. When giving these basic lessons, one must move slowly close to the body and talk with a soft voice so the bird feels secure. Then, allow your budgie to come out of its cage to explore, play and interact with you. Speech training lessons should be short, frequently repeated and concentrated on the same material until the budgie masters it. The first lesson should be restricted to words of one and two syllables such as "Hi" or "Hello". It is easier for the bird to duplicate high-pitched sounds like the ones in a woman or child's voice. Training records or tapes may be effective also. For entertainment, homemade toys are equally appreciated as the commercial ones. Budgies love shredding computer paper strips and loofa sponges. They entertain themselves with simple items such as paper-clip chains, marbles, natural wood toothpicks, thimbles and other colorful household objects that "shake, rattle and roll."

CANARIES

The canary is a good companion that will give you endless hours of sweet melodies and a warm spot of color to add beauty to your surroundings. Any color or type will do well as a house pet. Whether it is a song canary, a color canary or a type canary, ask your breeder to let you know which is the best for your home. There are many booklets on the different canary breeds and how to care for them as well as on the fascinating hobby of breeding canaries. The subject is far too vast to cover on a single page.

A good male canary should sing well. Songs are as varied as the birds. Their songs range from the deep metallic sound of the wild cry of a Yorkie, the free, fast-flowing rock-and-roll-like sound of a colorbred, the soft melodious sound of the American singer and the whisper of the Roller.

The minimum cage requirement is 15" long by 15" high by 12" deep. The cage should be placed away from drafts, not in direct air-conditioning and not in full sun. The cage should have a feed cup for seed and a small cup for treats. Cuttlebone and mineral grit should always be available. A water tube which fits though the bars of the cage is the best type and should be filled with fresh water daily. A birdbath should be available as grooming is an important part of canary behavior.

A good canary diet consists of a balanced quality commercial seed mix. Lack of seed or water for 24 hours may cause a bird to starve or become dangerously dehydrated. A canary actually can consume one fourth of its weight in 24 hours. The treat cup should contain no more than one teaspoon full per day of egg foods (CeDe or Protein 25) three times a week. Canary song food, dehydrated greens and fruit treats can also be offered. Soft fresh foods are welcomed, but should not be too large a portion of the diet. Again, not offered every day. Greens clipped to the side of the cage are also appreciated.

A canary can live for 10-14 years. The canary is a peaceable bird and can share its cage with other types of bird. Sarah Stuart's "Greenbird" has provided company for a variety of finches, though he is now enjoying retirement in his own flower bedecked cage with an overview of the Birdroom, next to his friend "Moptop" the Glouster. While we don't know Greenbird's exact age; he is over 8 years old. He enjoys singing to the radio, the television, the vacuum cleaner and the sunshine.

COCKATIEL

Of the many parrots and parrot-like birds available, the cockatiel appears to be one of the ideal pet parrots. In popularity it occupies a position between the budgerigar (parakeet) and the larger exotic parrots. Their popularity is well deserved because of their gentle nature and elegant beauty.

An apartment dweller that does not have much space to spare and has neighbors to consider can choose a cockatiel as a pet. The cage takes up very little space and the bird does not have a raucous and irritating voice. The cockatiel is easily tamed. The cockatiel has a relatively long life span of about 15 to 20 years or more in captivity. IT is a good idea to choose either a young or hand-fed chick as a pet.

Cockatiels are approximately 13 inches in overall length and need to be housed in a suitably large cage. The ideal pet cockatiel should be taken into the household as soon as it is feeding on its own (approximately 7 to 8 weeks after hatching). Some are naturally tame and friendly, while others may require coaxing and patience. When the bird comes home, it should be left for a few hours to explore and adjust to its new cage without disturbance. The bird will usually settle down after a few days. The owner can then teach his pet to talk; its name is usually the easiest to learn, followed by short, uncomplicated sentences. Cockatiels are very social birds and will appreciate time out of their cages every day. Time spent in a cage will be more fun for your bird if you provide it with toys and something to watch or listen to. Cockatiels see colors and like to chew and manipulate moveable objects. If left alone, they like to listen to the radio. They will enjoy watching TV with the family.

Cockatiels thrive and breed well on a simply prepared commercial diet of seeds or pellets. Both young and old birds are partial to ears of small millet seeds. They need a regular supply of various fresh green foods such as chickweed and seeding grasses, spinach, lettuce, cabbage hearts, brussel sprouts, watercress, slices of apple and carrots. All green food should be given fresh daily and obtained from clean sources. Ample supplies of grit and cuttlefish bone are recommended as well as a mineral block.

Most cockatiels like to take baths. Large, flat, shallow dishes are best suited for this purpose and should be in addition to the bird's normal drinking vessel. Tame birds frequently bath in the kitchen sink or bathroom under a slow dripping cold water tap. They also enjoy being misted with a clean plant mister containing warm water.

Cockatiels grow down feathers that disintegrate into a fine dust. Keep this in mind when considering cage placement. Neither bookshelves nor electronic equipment are appropriate roommates for cockatiels.

Because Cockatiels are prone to thrashing at night and can hurt themselves, it is a good idea to have a night light near their cage. A cover is optional, not necessary especially in warm clients.

LOVEBIRDS

One thing that makes lovebirds appealing is their small size, they're perfectly proportioned parrots with short tails and rounded heads. A tame lovebird can easily perch on your finger or settle in the palm of your hand. However, the diminutive lovebird is mighty in strength and personality. Lovebirds that have been hand-fed or tamed at an early age will even go to strangers and are often content riding on somebody's shoulder. They're full of energy, whether greeting the beginning of a new day or building a nest. Watch a lovebird emit its shrill vocalizations. It doesn't just open its mouth to sound off; its entire body appears to vibrate with the energy involved - its head actually jerks with the effort. There are three commonly available species of lovebirds: the peachfaced, the masked and the Fischer's lovebird. The Peachfaced is the most readily available, the least expensive and considered the liveliest of all the common lovebird species.

A hand-fed lovebird makes a wonderful pet. Males tend to make the better companion bird because they are usually less aggressive and less nippy than females.

Newly purchased young lovebirds must be given extra attention when they arrive home. Place food and water dishes at perch heights so they can be utilized easily.

Lovebirds appear to be confirmed seedeaters. However, there are pelleted diets now available that provide a more complete nutritional balance. Some will initially hardly touch any greens, however, greens and pieces of apple and other fruits should be offered constantly in addition to the small hookbill seed diet. Also include soft foods such as cooked beans, corn and fresh whole-wheat bred. These foods encourage the lovebirds to get away from a dry-seed-only diet and have more nutritional value. You can also easily add powdered vitamins, calcium and other supplements to them.

Busy and active, the lovebird needs a cage that allows it room to exercise and play with its toys, since the lovebird is a very active bird. It should be one in which it can flap its wings, fly from one perch to another and have room to explore. If your bird will be spending a good deal of time outside its cage or on a playgym, the cage may not need to be as large as one for a bird that will be spending most of its time inside. The size of the cage and the number of toys (bird rope, swings, ladders, etc) are particularly important if your birds are to be left in their cage(s) for long periods of time. The cage should contain the basics: food and water dishes (or a drinking tube), a treat cup, a cuttlebone and perches.

LORIES

Comical and inquisitive, the "clown of the birdworld", the unbelievably beautiful lory has long been given a bad rap as a messy, and undesirable bird, particularly because of difficulties with their diet. Now that this has been overcome, the lory is now becoming a very popular family pet. Lories make ideal house pets because of their size, being smaller than macaws and most amazons, and yet large enough to make an impressive display of their gorgeous plumage. Native of the islands of the South Pacific, Australia and Tasmania, there are 55 species and 63 subspecies of lories which range from the tiny red-flanked lorikeet (6 inches) up to the black lory (121/2 inches) The lory also rarely develops the habit of screaming at dawn or dusk as do many larger parrot species.

Because lories are unable to digest seeds and are accustomed to a liquid diet, their droppings can be quite liquid and they are capable of shooting them horizontally as well as vertically. The new lory diets thicken these droppings considerably. In the wild they crush flowers with their beaks and then suck the juice produced. John Vanderhoof who developed one of the powdered diets, recommended 70% dry food, 15% nectar and 15% fresh fruit. He notes that they do need more carbohydrates than seedeaters do. Fruits and vegetables that can be offered include apples, pears, bananas, papayas, mangoes, oranges, grapes, fruit cocktail, corn-on-the-cob, squash, beans, carrots, and spinach, endive, romaine lettuce and Swiss chard. Whole wheat bread soon becomes a favorite. Linda Greeson has limited the amount of nectar in her bird's diets. As she states, " healthy humans on a diet of nectar and fruits would soon be looking for the Pepto Bismol(tm)!" Because lories are so active, they tend to tip over food and water dishes. Provide them with heavy crocks or dishes that clamp onto the sides of cages.

All lories are known for their new and ingenious acrobatic tricks. Linda Greeson's Roja, a red lory, delights in lying on his back, balancing a plastic sink strainer on his feet and throwing it up in the air. He also finds great pleasure in standing on his head in his food bowl and hanging by his toes, or even by his neck, from his plastic rings. Lories will play for hours with just about anything they can find. Margaret Wissman and Bill Parsons are emphatic in their statement that no lory should be without a swing. They have observed, as have others, that lories set the swing in motion by rocking and they may swing for hours on end. Toys should have no little jingle bells or small pieces that could trap delicate toes and beaks. As rough as a lory will play with its toys, it will only be a matter of time before it gets into trouble if allowed to play with dangerous toys or left to wander the house unsupervised. Unfortunately these playful birds are also very curious and care must be taken so a bird doesn't get into trouble by chewing on dangerous items or finding hazardous places to hide. They love to climb on anything, including ropes, curtains and pantslegs. Let your visitors beware. Some lories have developed extensive vocabularies, while others barely learn a few words. Many dusky lories are known for their exceptional talking abilities.

Lories have extremely strong feet and legs. Their nails are needle sharp and their grip is very strong, not unlike raptors. It is not uncommon that they pierce right through the skin. Irregular branches can be used for some perches and the lories love to play on and around them.

INDIAN RING-NECKS & OTHER PSITTACULA

Psittacula is an impressive genus that includes a number of large, graceful parakeets of pastel shades with colorful rings adorning both throat and neck. These parakeets have long tapering tails, and nearly all the males have red beaks. Among the varying types are the Alexandrine Parakeet, Rose-Ringed Parakeets (the African and Indian Ring-Necked parakeets), Plum-Headed Parakeets, Blossom-Headed Parakeets, Slaty-Headed Parakeets, Moustached Parakeets, Derbyan Parakeets, Malabar Parakeets and the Long-tailed parakeet. Hand fed youngsters can make excellent pets. Daily handling is important to reinforce their tameness or you may find that they will revert to a less tame state.

Many ring-necks can acquire an extended vocabulary if properly taught. Their voices, perhaps not quite as clear as the larger parrots, can be better than that of a cockatiel or smaller bird. These birds are feisty, playful and very intelligent. They can be voracious chewers and should be provided with a variety of challenging toys. One female Derbyan parakeet could demolish tough macaw-sized toys in an afternoon.

These Asian parakeets are built for speed and are strong fliers. Pet birds should have their wings clipped to thwart escape and to help maintain tameness. Cages should be tall enough to accommodate their long tails.

DIET: Most members of this genus thrive on fruits, berries, seeds, grains, nuts, leaf buds and blossoms in the wild. In captivity, they may be fed a diet similar to that provided for lovebirds and cockatiels, being sure to provide fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. A particular treat is fresh or dried fig, which is jealously held and stripped of all its seeds. Spray millet is also a part of the Psittacula diet.

INDIAN RING-NECKED PARAKEETS are frequently recommended as an excellent choice as a "first" bird. The Indian ring-neck is readily available, reasonably priced and easy to care for. They are playful and sociable, and not difficult to breed.

AFRICAN RING-NECK PARAKEETS are often confused with the Indian cousin, but are somewhat smaller with a plum-colored (as opposed to orange) beak. They make excellent pets and are good talkers.

ALEXANDRINE PARAKEETS are the largest of the Asian parakeets, and is probably the calmest and most adaptable. They have good talking ability and can become quite bonded to their owners.

MOUSTACHED PARAKEETS are a medium-sized bird, which gets its name from the wide black "moustache" on the sides of its face. It makes an amusing, feisty, sometimes-opinionated pet with considerable talking ability.

PLUM-HEADED and BLOSSOM-HEADED PARAKEETS are smallest and considered the most beautiful of the Psittaculas.

DERBYAN PARAKEETS are large and exotic looking with a green body and wings, lavender breast and neck and brilliant blue head. They are incredible chewers and breeders have had to reinforce nest box openings and wood aviary rafters with metal sheathing. The Derbyan can be a challenging pet. It possesses excellent talking ability, but can also be very loud. They enjoy bathing and will often empty their water dishes in the process. They are very intelligent and active and should be provided with toys and other diversions, such as attention from their owners, television programs and a view of the outdoors.

SENEGALS AND MEYER'S (POICEPHALUS) PARROTS

These charming little African parrots are among the most charming of pet birds. Quiet and playful, they are compact in size, yet very "parrot looking".

The Senegal Parrot is a stocky 9-inch bird with a short, squaretail. The majority of the plumage is green. The breast and abdomen are bright yellow tinged with orange, creating a V-shape of green down the front of the body. The amount and shade of yellow and orange differs within the species and within the individual. The eyes of the adult are the most striking feature of this bird. The iris is a glowing yellow color that stands out against the dark gray of the head. The ear coverts are slightly silvery in color and the bill and legs are dark gray.

The Meyer's Parrot is mainly dark grayish brown, with the rump and underparts bluish green. Again, individual birds can vary in shade. Adult Meyer's have yellow on the bend of the wings, thighs and under the wing. The iris is orangish red, and the beak is dark gray.

Both species must be surgically- or DNA-sexed as males and females look alike.

A good diet is very important for these birds. They need a basic seed diet of large sunflower seed, safflower seed and parakeet mix, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Most seem to favor apple and corn as their favorite soft foods and will eat their soft foods before their seeds. It is important, therefore, that they receive a varied diet to keep them in good health. Soft foods can include apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, peas and corn (fresh or frozen), grated carrot and beet, squash, peaches, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, and other fruits and vegetables in season. Freshly sprouted seeds and a good powdered bird vitamin and calcium supplement helps to round out all the necessary vitamins needed.

A large, good-quality cockatiel cage is quite adequate for these little parrots. Be sure that the bar spacing is not too far apart in their cages. They should NOT be able to stick their heads between the cage bars, as tragic accidents could occur. A tame Senegal or Meyer's will like to have some freedom to come out of the cage to play on the top or on an open playpen. Be sure to place some food and water on the play area, along with some treats and toys to keep the pet occupied. A frustrated and bored bird can become a feather-picker. Rotate toys so boredom will not set in with the same old toy.

These parrots are extremely intelligent, not loud and make excellent pets. They quickly learn who to bond to. Some can bond to an entire family, but there are others that may bond to one person only. In selecting a pet poicephalus, be sure your future pet enjoys being played with and handled by you. If the bird you are thinking of buying bites, growls and will not sit happily on your finger, consider looking for one with a more outgoing, friendly disposition. Take time and choose prudently. Each bird has its own personality. Your instinct will tell you when you have truly found the feathered friend for you.

AMAZON PARROTS

Of all the choices mankind has for non-human companionship, birds are rapidly becoming the most popular. Those of the parrot family are the ones that are the most naturally suited to becoming part of the human family. Many people consider the Amazon parrot the world's greatest pet. They point out that their size is perfect, and their talent for talking is rarely surpassed. Their intelligence can be astounding, their colors brilliant and their sense of humor never-ending.

The first thing to do after making the decision to have an Amazon as a companion is to determine which type. There are many varieties available: The yellow-crowned varieties include the yellow-nape, double yellowhead, yellow front and Panama. The blue-fronted which are the Brazilian blue front and the yellow-winged or Chaco blue front. Then there are the lilac crowned, orange wings, Mexican redheads (green-cheeked), yellow cheeks, mealies, and white fronts.

Amazons should be fed a varied diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. A diet of only "parrot mix" (containing primarily sunflower seeds, peanuts, hard corn and dried red peppers) is unhealthy for Amazons and will eventually lead to malnutrition and related problems. Seeds or pelleted diets may comprise a portion of an Amazon's diet, but this bird's high requirement for vitamin A makes dark green and yellow/orange vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, carrots, yams and yellow squash important dietary items. Other foods such as sprouted seeds, nuts, rice, dog kibble, fruits, boiled corn and/or wheat and parboiled beans and peas are excellent. A vitamin/mineral powder should be added to the soft foods.

Amazons enjoy climbing and chewing wood. These activities keep body and beak in good condition. Because they need a good climbing environment, a large cage is essential. Appropriate cage dimensions are at least 12" x22" x33" with 1"-11/2" wire and a door hinged at the side that is 12"x12" or larger. For the bird that spends his days in his cage, a larger cage is more desirable. A cage with a play area on top will make a delightful home for your pet. Remember that Amazons also delight in solving the complex problems of a cage lock. Be sure that the locking mechanism is "your bird" proof.

As pets, Amazon parrots have very strong personalities and often equally strong voices. Many Amazons are considered among the best talkers of the parrot-type birds. Most will gladly demonstrate their talking abilities for anyone who will listen. However, they also have the ability to screech rather loudly, but this varies from individual to individual.

AFRICAN GREYS

African Greys come from a rain forest region in Africa. There are 3 types of African Greys. The largest measuring about 11 inches from head to tail is the Congo. The Ghana is usually an inch shorter but most people are not even aware that they own Ghana, as these two types are so similar. The males of these types are usually a little larger than the female, have flat square heads and are a darker grey. The female can be almost a pale dusty gray with a more round head and long slender neck. Both sexes have bright red tail feathers. The smallest of the Greys is the Timneh, which measures about 9 inches long from head to tail. Darker maroon tail feathers also characterize this bird and a horn colored upper mandible. Timneh African Greys are less nervous and can handle stress better than their larger cousins.

The intelligence of the African Gray is their most remarkable quality. A European study found them to have the intellectual capacity of a 5-year-old child and the emotional development of a 2-year-old. These parrots can think and communicate. They can also be very strong willed. African Greys are sweet and cuddly as babies, but often by the age of one year their independent ways become apparent and they may no longer desire to be held or touched. African Greys are such individuals that their personalities are hard to predict but typically by one year they have chosen who they will allow to pick them up or kiss them and who to bite if he or she comes too near. Their first words are spoken usually at 1 year but, again, this has varied any time from 6 months to 2 years.

It is a good idea for all members of a newly adopted parrot's family to participate in caring for the youngster. This will encourage positive behavior toward all members of the family. Don't be alarmed if efforts to socialize baby to everyone fails and he selects his favorite human(s) excluding others. This is always a possibility with the Grey but he will still enhance any family and provide hours of entertainment. Most African Greys are less than graceful and a little on the insecure side. For these reasons they prefer a small to medium size cage but room must still be allowed for plenty of toys and for vigorous wing flapping. A medium parrot cage that measures 24 " by 24 " (by approximately 5 feet including floor stand) is the ideal size. A round cage is not suitable, as these parrots desire corners. Due to the intelligence of these creatures all doors of the cage must have a bird proof latch, such as a quick link. Dishes need to be secure to keep them from becoming toys. Provide a variety of brightly colored durable toys for your little feathered Einstein and rotate them to avoid boredom. If he seems afraid of the new item set it out side of his cage where he can see it for a few days then move it inside of the cage.

African Greys are good eaters and have a high metabolism. A diet based on good colorful pellets such as Pretty Bird or Kaytee with some fresh parrot seed mix added, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables daily, is the basis of a healthy life. The African Grey has a tendency toward calcium deficiencies. This problem can be avoided by a diet including a cuttlebone fastened in the cage, plenty of broccoli and a supplement sprinkled on the food. African Greys tend to fall hard and are not extra-ordinarily coordinated, so it is important not to overdue it when having his wings clipped. It's often better to have an expert clip their wings (someone who knows Greys) anyway as they have a tendency to hold a grudge for a little while. Plan on a lifetime companion with this 2-year-old child. Finally, if you don't have it already, be prepared to be taught patience.

COCKATOOS

Many experts who specialize in studies of parrot behavior agree that Cockatoos exhibit the most intelligent behavior of the entire parrot family. Though their talking ability is far from outstanding, the Cockatoos more than make up for this lack by their other pleasing ways. Cockatoos originated on the islands of the South Pacific: Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand, New Guinea, and Australia. There are over 40 varieties of Cockatoos. The most commonly known are the Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, the Medium Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, the Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, the Citron, the Umbrella Cockatoo, the Galah or Rose Breasted Cockatoo, the Moluccan, the Goffin and the Bare Eyed Cockatoo. Probably the most recognized is the Sulfur Crested Cockatoo. This species was made famous by the bird "Fred" on the TV show "Barretta", and the high wire bicycle rider and performer at Parrot Jungle in Miami. "King Tut", a Moluccan, is the geriatric Official Greeter at the San Diego Zoo. King Tut who is blind and over 65-year old, still works every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. He recognizes the voices of some of the zoo's regular visitors and obviously enjoys basking in patches of sunlight that filter through the trees surrounding his perch in the Dryer Flamingo Lagoon.

The Cockatoo is the feathered teddybear of the parrot world. They love to be touched and scratched on the back of the neck by their chosen human. Their great sense of curiosity also makes it most amusing to watch a Cockatoo examine any new object placed in it's cage. However, these playful creatures possess an enormous amount of dexterity and as a result, locks on cages are often a challenge happily accepted and conquered.

An additional characteristic of this parrot is its vanity. Cockatoos seem to know just what a beautiful picture they present and they will display their wings and toss their heads to achieve positions designed to give an observer the most beautiful possible view. At such moments their crests are usually raised and displayed for the edification of admirers. Unfortunately, if one should fail to notice this display or if the owners back is turned, a loud scream will immediately attract his and everyone else's attention. In addition, if the cockatoo is not satisfied with something (anything) he will raise the feathers around his beak almost hiding it in an attempt to look as pathetic as possible. In his opinion this will surely bring the proper response he feels he deserves. As you can see, care must be taken with this parrot, especially as a youngster, in order to assure that affection lavished on him is not overdone. If this parrot gets used to a lot of attention and other things start to occupy his owner's time, the cockatoo will become not only emotionally distraught, but frequently very loudly so. Cockatoos are capable of very loud screams, which are mostly to announce sunrise, sunset, and to let the world know what fun their having at play. They seem to feel this is their duty and won't be denied. An unhappy Cockatoo can be even more vocal.

To maintain health the food and water dishes must be scrubbed daily with hot water (no soap) and the cage must be kept clean. The diet of Cockatoos must be varied to ensure plenty of nutrition and fuel for this energetic parrot. A good pellet mixture with some seed and lots of fresh water is the basic start. Adding plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and soaked beans to his daily diet will help ensure his health. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, nicotine, aerosols, smoking and anything with fumes as these things are very toxic to all birds. An occasional bite of human food is fine but be very careful about temperature of the food. The Cockatoo's cage must be large enough to allow for a lot of wing flapping without striking the cage bars.

Cockatoos must have a lot of room and toys to chew on and play with. This is especially so if the family is a working one and he must be left alone for most of the day. In addition, if they are not supplied with wood to chew, they are more than happy to help themselves to what is available in your home. When out of the cage, they can be powerful flyers and therefore they should have their wings clipped to avoid crashing into walls and windows. The Cockatoos have short tails and for this reason they cannot stop in flight quickly.

The Cockatoos are the most long-lived of parrots and have a life expectancy comparable to humans. There are documented cases of Cockatoos who have lived into their 80s. Your Cockatoo will live a long and happy life with a lot of care and love, so when you obtain one of these charming avian companions, be prepared for a lifelong friend and make arrangements in the event he outlives you.

LARGE MACAWS

The large macaw is certainly among the most awesome and breathtakingly beautiful of birds. However, the owner must have the time and space that these handsome birds need. Choosing a "first macaw" will be the biggest challenge. Base your decision on your lifestyle, the bird's health and availability and, inevitably, the cost.

Perhaps the most commonly available large macaw is the Blue and Gold. It has an ideal personality, loving social situations and have the ability to rise to the occasion, whether it be a simple dinner or an elaborate wedding. They are highly sociable and quickly become members of the family. Frequently seen in films and commercials, they are quickly recognized. Equal in personality when raised in a loving environment is the Scarlet Macaw.

Greenwing a poor name for that species of macaw: the bird is essentially a rich crimson red bird with a green patch on its wing. Greenwings may be the smartest of the large macaws. Because of this, they are prone to mischief. Only a person with a good sense of humor should own them. As with many large parrots, the cage lock is a wonderful mystery, which must - and frequently is - solved. The greenwing is among the largest macaws.

The Hyacinth is the largest of the parrot family, nearly 4-feet in length and with a wingspan that frequently exceeds 4 feet. A gentle giant among large birds, its placid disposition makes it a popular, albeit very expensive, favorite. Remember that this bird has an appetite to more than match its size.

Equally popular are the Military Macaw, the smallest of the large macaws, a bird that comes in bright Christmas colors, and the Red Front, also a smaller macaw with a musical voice and affectionate nature.

As pets, macaws will be a lifelong companion provided they are given a healthy diet, allowed freedom and given lots of attention. When purchasing a macaw, be sure it gets a complete health examination by your avian vet. If all the tests (including a CBC, throat and vent cultures and a Chlamydia screen) are negative, you can feel confident about your purchase.

Your macaw should be housed in a cage at least 30" x42" by 5 feet high (currently the most popular size among macaw owners). It must allow room for your bird to flap and stretch its wings. Rectangular or square cages provide more space than round ones. Cages with playpens on the top are helpful for both bird and owner. Since the ideal cage should be twice the wingspan of the bird, and since most commercial cages do not meet this requirement, a climbing tree perch, for when your bird is outside the cage and socializing with the family, soon becomes invaluable. A stand that has at least two levels of perches and something to hang toys from will help to prevent boredom and the inadvertent destruction of some of your furniture.

Provide your macaw with a well-balanced diet including seed, nuts, fruits, vegetables and whatever healthy food the family is eating. Small portions of pasta, cooked chicken, turkey or chicken thighbones, fruit salad, cooked legumes and other leftovers are great for macaws. Treats, which challenge and entertain, include peas in the pod, green beans, watermelon or any other melon with the seeds, pomegranate, yams, oranges and their favorite, corn on the cob. A typical macaw feeding can consist of a cup of regular large hookbill mix with 4 or 5 large nuts on top and pint of fruit and vegetable salad.

Reprinted by Pretty Birds from Birdkeeping Naturally by Eb Cravens @feathers.org

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