You cannot always entertain your pet bird,  that is why your pet bird should have accessories and toys to entertain them. Actually bird toys and other cage accessories are not just there for boredom, they are also mental stimuli which help in the development of our avian companion.  Birds are intelligent animals, the need an active environment to keep them active and healthy.

Birds without enough stimuli in their environment can lead to depression and behavioural issues.  This is typical to caged birds who have stayed inside their cages for a long time.  This is why bird owners are recommended to provide their birds enough time outside their cage.  But it is unavoidable, let us say that pet owners are working from eight to ten hours a day.  That is a long time for a bird to stay in a cage without other people to socialize with.  This is where accessories and toys come in handy.

Challenging toys are great to enhance your bird’s intellect.  This would include puzzle toys and other accessories which encourage problem-solving skills.  Also choose toys which are very engaging, in loud and vibrant colors, toys with different kinds of textures, and toys that have sounds like bells.

When choosing bird toys, consider the size of your bird.  Big birds can break small things with their beaks.  While smaller birds can get overwhelmed by the accessories bigger than them.

There are also some necessary precautions that you need to know when getting toys for your birds.   These items can also pose some danger to your animals.  Your bird can get toxic substance poisoning from the toys.  There are toys which have high zinc and lead content which can lead to heavy metal poisoning.  Dyes and paints can also be sources o toxic materials.

Birds can also get entangled in some toys, while birds can chew and swallow some parts of it. Some toys which can cause entanglement are rope toys or hanging chain toys.  Aside from being entangled with it, they can also get seriously injured by trying to get out of it on their own.  Not only should you watch for ropes, chains and links, there are instances where toys have holes in them and your bird can get trapped in it.

So, upon purchase of a new toy, it should only be tried with the complete supervision of the owner.  This would ensure that the bird would not get tangled or swallow any part of the new toy.  There are items which a bird can swallow some parts o it, like wood, plastic and fabric toys.  Also, there are periods where a bird undergoes a “teething stage” and tends to bite and eat anything that comes in contact.  So, pet owners should be cautious during this period.

Here are some toys and accessories best avoided:

• Concrete perches claim that they were able to trim the bird’s nails authomticcalh.  But the sad thing is that this product harms the birds feet and can leave nasty wounds and scratches.

• Mite protectors are said to help in shielding birds from parasites.  This protectors emits fumes which can be bad to your bird’s health. When attacked by parasites you can help out the bird by bringing the, to vet or an avian professor immediately.

• There are some pet owners who choose to put a cover on the floor of the cage.  It is best to avoid styro-coverings or similar to this.  This kind of flooring may get into the digestive system of the bird once it starts picking and eating it.

Getting your pet bird accessories and toys are not just a treat, it is necessary to make sure that they are developing mentally and physically.  But it is also important to take necessary precautions when choosing.  We just don’t pick the one in bright red or green, we pick something since it is beneficial and safe for our avian family members.

Your pet bird is sick and you are completely at lost how could that possibly be.  Your pet bird spends most of the times inside your home and not exposed to any bad environmental conditions at all.  Here is some thought, your house may not be that safe as you think it is.

If there child unfriendly homes, then there are avian-unfriendly homes.  Actually, there are different kinds of dangers your bird can be exposed to even if you try to make it danger-free.  Birds have sensitive respiratory systems, can be very small in size and they also have fast metabolism.  These are also factors for bird dangers inside your home.

As a pet owner, you have to be vigilant and alert on anything that you notice in your house.  Here are some common dangers which you can easily avoid by being attentive and cautious.

• Poisoning

Birds can get poisoned by things that they have eaten or inhaled.  Inhaled poisonous materials can come from aerosol, insecticides and other cleaning products that you are using at home.  Even those air fresheners can be dangerous to your bird’s respiratory system.  Other common fumes which can be poisonous to birds are glues, nail polish remover, perfumes, and paint.  So, if you will be doing some cleaning, better move your bird away from the area.

Non-stick cookware when over-heated also emit fumes which are bad for your health.  If your bird is located near the kitchen, then move it out of there.  You are not just cooking your bird with the heat from the oven, but also slowly killing it.  Another thing you can avoid is using scented candles, there are some birds allergic to certain odours.

Another thing you have to be cautious with is cigarette smoke.  It is not only bad for the smoker and the people who inhale it, but also deeply affects your pet birds.

Inappropriate food can also kill your birds.  Avoid feeding your birds with food with high sugar, fat and salt.  This would certainly kill your birds, if not immediately, in the long run.  Avoid feeding avocado and chocolates to your birds. Prevent your bird in biting and eating the newspapers in the bottom of the cage, newspaper ink is poisonous for birds.

• Open water (like toilet)

Birds cannot swim.  It is easy for small birds to fall in cooking pots, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, buckets and other water containers and drown.  Make sure to put the lid down of toilet seats.  You can just close the bathroom door altogether.

• Ceiling fans, windows/doors and mirrors

Birds are easily stressed by things moving above them, it is better to relocate a bird’s cage if there are ceiling fans near it.  A bird can easily fly through a moving ceiling fan and cause serious damage.  Open windows and doors can give the birds a chance to fly away.  But if it is closed, the birds can fly and collide into it, creating serious physical injuries.  So if you are going to let your bird fly out of the cage for a while, it would be better to let the curtains down.

Birds think that they can get through glass, they do not know that it is a transparent solid.  But if the curtains are down, they know for sure that flying through the curtains is altogether, impossible.

Pet birds are very intelligent and are very curious about exploring and tasting.  Since their size can permit them to have access in every nook and corner of the house, it is important to watch over them and make sure that would not get injured by simple things in the house.

If you have been pondering about owning pet birds, you must think hard about the decision before you settle into anything final. There are many factors that you have to relate in your own situation to make sure that you will be able to give your pets the best kind of nurture and commitment that they truly deserve.

You may want to indulge first on some research to gather more information about what you want to get into before you choose the kinds of birds that you want to own. Each species vary in terms of talents, time requirements and other vital factors that you must be ready to face once you accept the role or being their master.

You can easily do your research at home. Engage some time browsing the Internet about the many aspects that you may want to know about the matter. You can choose to read websites that are dedicated to the topic. You can also read blog posts which are written by pet owners. And you can also join in online forums to engage in conversations that can help you know more about the matter. You can also check these forums when you already have the pets and you want to ask for help from your fellow pet owners.

To help you think about what you are about to get into, here are the vital factors that you must think about as you decide about this.

1. Budget considerations. The prices of birds depend on their kinds and where you will buy them. But your expenses don’t end once you have bought them. Actually, it is only starting because through time, you will have to engage your birds in various activities to stimulate them. In doing so, you must buy necessary toys and other things to help them become more active and happy. You must also include on your budget their food.

You must be able to sustain their nutritional requirement so that they will have the energy to last long as your companion. You should also anticipate that they may become sick that you have to take them on vets and buy the medicines that they need. In buying birds, you must choose the right store and the right breeder so that you won’t run the risk of acquiring birds that are unhealthy and sickly.

2. Time commitment. If you cannot afford to allot time to show care for your birds, you might as well not continue with the purchase. You can also ask the store for the breeds that do not necessarily have to be pampered if you cannot really attend to them that much. You can also choose the types based on their life spans. This way, you can opt for those that can last longer if you want something that can be with you for as long as you want.

3. Noise level. In choosing your birds, you must also mind your neighbors. Larger parrots like macaws and cockatoos tend to be more noisy. If you want the kinds that you can keep in setting like townhouses and condominiums, you may want to opt for lovebirds and budgies. Or to be more on the safe side, you may want to settle for the likes of doves, canaries and finches.

These are all essential in choosing the kinds of pet birds that will be ideal for your lifestyle and the quality of commitment that you can master to give in the process.

Imagine what it is like living in a cage? Chances are, you will feel bored after just a few minutes so you can probably understand how your pet bird feels like being locked the whole day. That is why to prevent them from doing anything harmful to themselves, you should know how to choose the right toys for them.

When looking for a toy, make sure that this is the right size for your bird. Small toys are not good for large birds because they could break this, swallow and choke on it.

One safe toy for both small and big birds is the swing. This will allow them to sway back and forth to pass the time.

If you want to give your bird some exercise, it will be nice to put a ladder which will enable them to climb up or down.

Large birds like to play with puzzles and mazes. As an added incentive, see to it that there are nuts inside which they can get as a reward for being able to finish the game.

Let’s say your bird loves to pluck its feathers. Now this can be harmful to them so the best toy to get is the kind that preened. Most of the preened toys are made of cotton fabric. The downside to using this is that type of toy is that it will eventually fray due to wear and tear.

When this happens, remove it immediately and have it replaced with a new one because the threads could tangle around their neck or toe.

An option to the preened toy made of cotton is the one made from feathers that are considered to be safer since loose threads will never happen.

Other toys you can give your pet bird include children’s wooden blocks, paper towel tubes and tongue depressors.

If one or two of the toys interest you and having more is better than having one or two around, you can create a play gym for your pet bird by buying several of these, putting it together and placing this inside their cage.

You should just be sure there is sufficient room so the bird can rest and do some other stuff when they don’t feel like playing.

Now that we know what toys are nice for the bird, it is important to know what toys are not safe for birds. These include mirrors or anything that has a reflective surface because this may make the bird bond to its own reflection thus no longer being tame and friendly to people.

Toys with small parts should never be given because they could swallow it and there could be fatal consequences. It should also not have any bells or split rings.

Your pet bird needs time to unwind and providing them with toys is one way to keep them from bring unhappy and bored especially when you are not around to be with them.

Most of these toys can be purchased from the toy store or grocery so will not have a hard time finding a few things to keep them busy until you get home. If you want toys exclusive for pet birds, try looking online and in other specialty stores. Just remember, the best toys to give them are those that are solidly built.

If you happen to visit a pet store, it is very easy to get enamored with pet birds. Once you have fallen in love with them and choose to purchase the kinds that you like the most, you must first think about the decision before you pay for them and take the birds at your home.

Are you sure that they can fit on the kind of lifestyle that you are leading? Look at your space. The size of the birds that you will buy should fit perfectly well to your allotted area. You should also consider your neighbors. There are the kinds that create so much noise which may cause trouble with people living near your house. You may want to opt for the kinds that are quiet most of the time, especially if you are living in a condominium or apartments.

So why should you opt for birds as your pets? Here are some vital reasons that can help you regarding the matter. Take a look at this list that contains the top reasons why people choose birds as their pets than the other kinds of animals.

1. Birds are social creatures. The extremity depends on the species that you choose to acquire. They can be affectionate, a good reward for all your hard work and commitment. You can get the satisfaction that you will also gain from owning a pet dog or cat. Birds can be loving as long as you also show them that you care for them and that you love them. There are some owners of birds that choose to be inseparable with their pets. They bring them along wherever they go and where birds are allowed.

2.  They are intelligent. Birds are known to be smarts. They have the capacity to learn and they are also inquisitive with their surrounding and nature. When you make them your pets, they will learn a lot from you depending on how you treat them and how you interact with them. Your dogs or cats can never learn to say hi or good morning. But your birds surely can, especially if you have allotted enough time and effort to teach them how.

3. Training your birds can be fairly simple. Your birds are eager to learn from you. So if you will be able to teach them what you want them to know, they will easily get what you want them to do. You can start with simple tasks like whistling. Then you can proceed in teaching them few words to start widening their vocabulary. If you want, you can get a trainer for your pets. But it will be best if you can provide such training even if you don’t have much experience about the matter. This is your chance to bond with your pets and to develop nurturing emotions toward each other.

4. They are easy to handle. You don’t have to take your birds with you for a brisk walk in the morning and afternoon. You don’t have to bathe them and groom them all the time. If you have to leave your house, all you have to do is keep your birds on their cages and serve them with enough water and food that will suffice until you come back.

You must only make sure that you keep the cages of your pet birds clean all the time to keep them away from sickness and other injuries that they may incur in the process.

When you decide to have a pet bird, you should remember that it requires adequate living space. In fact, this is one of the things you have to consider when you plan to buy one.

Bird cages come in different and sizes. The general rule when buying it is that this should always be a lot bigger than your pet bird. Keeping your pet bird in a small cage that is too small for them is bad because it often leads to undesirable behavior like biting, feather plucking, screaming and certain psychological disorders.

The ideal bird cage should allow the bird walk around comfortably and fully extend or flap their wings. Give also some consideration when you also put inside food, water and toys since these also take up some space inside the cage.

Bird cages are very open since there is bar spacing all around. Pay attention to the spacing in the bird cage because if it is too wide, your bird may squeeze and escape through the bars. For owners who have small birds, spacing should not be more than half an inch apart. If you have a big bird, see if you can get a cage that has bars not only vertically but horizontally as well.

While inspecting the different bird cages, check the latch or the lock which keeps it closed. Can this be easily opened by the bird? Believe it or not, some birds can do this so be sure that this can’t happen.

As you probably already know, bird cages also come in different shapes. When you are shopping for it, try to get angled cages instead of round ones as some studies have shown round cages are not good for the health of the bird. You should not worry when you decide to get an angled cage because these can still be hung or placed on a stand.

Another thing to consider when shopping for bird cages is if this can easily be cleaned. Yes this has to be cleaned and washed especially when the bird droppings accumulate so you should not have any problems removing and returning it.

Whenever you go shopping, you want value for your money and the same goes when you are buying a bird cage. It should be made of superior quality and solid. If the material used is metal, naturally it must be stainless steel which is easy for you to clean and non-toxic.

The last thing you have to consider when choosing a cage for your pet bird is where you will be putting it once you bring it home. The ideal spot should be spacious and far away from drafts and windows.

Knowing how to choose the right cage for your pet bird will ensure that it will live for a very long time with its new owner namely you. If you are working, make sure that there are a few things inside the cage to keep it entertained by buying the bird some accessories, perches and toys.

While some birds can stay in the cage the whole day, find time to bring it home every so often so it can fly around the house and get a little workout. Just be sure that the windows and doors are closed when you decide to do it otherwise this could fly out and you will never see your bird again.

Owning a bird is one thing and taking care of them is a different matter. This is why every responsible bird owner should understand that there are certain things that must never be feed to the pet bird.

First one the list happens to be chocolate. Yes this delightful treat is great to eat but did you know that this has a disastrous effect on your pet bird’s digestive system? Most often it will cause the bird to suffer from diarrhea or vomiting. The problem then spreads from the digestive system to the central nervous system first by causing the bird to have seizures until eventually death.

Certain fruits should never be given to birds. These include apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and pears because the seeds of these fruits have trace amounts of cyanide which as we know is harmful. Aside form cyanide, there could also be other harmful chemicals present in the fruit if pesticides were used in making it grow.

One special fruit that should be mentioned and never given to your pet bird is the avocado. This is because the skin and the pit of this fruit may cause cardiac distress and heart failure in certain bird species. Since it is better to be safe than sorry, don’t even bother letting them try it.

Certain vegetables are also harmful for birds. Onion which we know as a flavoring causes digestive problems for birds. Mushrooms that are a type of fungus are also harmful because it can lead to respiratory distress, kidney failure and then death.

While some veterinarians and pet owners are concerned and concerned about giving pet birds certain vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes and other nightshades, there are some who say that it can be given without any harmful effects as long as it is cleaned and slice before giving it away.

A few drinks we humans take for granted must never be given to birds especially products that have either alcohol or caffeine content in them. This is because caffeine causes cardiac malfunction in birds and in some cases, may cause arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, hyperactivity, and increased heartbeat. Alcohol on the other hand depresses the bird’s organ systems which in turn may prove fatal.

Aside from water, it is best to give your bird some pure fruit or vegetable juice which also provides your pet bird its nutritional requirements.

Salt or any products that contain it should never be given to birds. This is because this often leads to dehydration, kidney dysfunction, thirst and death.

Lastly, you must never give your pet bird dry or raw beans because it contains a poison called hemaglutin. If you want to give it, make sure this is cooked first.

There are certain things that your pet bird can and cannot eat. Knowing what these are will ensure that they will live for a very long time rather than only surviving a week or even less which is pretty bad especially when you spend a great amount of money buying this and other accessories.

So what should you feed your pet bird? To play it safe, it will be a good idea to give them a diet consisting of seeds and pellets. If after an hour there is still some left, it is best to remove it and throw it away.

A pet and the owner relationship does not just evolve around feeding and cleaning the cage, it is companionship and friendship which is based on loyalty and trust.  How can you build this kind of relationship, with your pet bird in this case, if your pet keeps on biting you?

The key here is to understand your pet bird’s behaviour and body language.  Since we cannot understand what their vocalizations mean, we can understand what they want and they are feeling through their movements.   Ability to communicate between owners and pets enable the owners to train, tame and care for them adequately.

Here are some bird movements and how we can interpret them:

• Flashing or dilating pupils can either mean aggression or excitement and pleasure.  When pupils are dilated pay attention to other movements like tail fanning or raised feathers and some growling, these are aggressive signs.  So beware of contact, you may get bitten.

• Purring, on the other hand, along with relaxed and puffed up feathers means that your bird is in a good mood.

• Beak clicking indicates the bird is feeling a threat while beak grinding can be a sign of contentment and good feeling.

• Biting reasons depend on the age.  A young bird would most of the time bite anything especially during its “teething age”.  An older bird biting is a sign of displeasure or aggression.

• Birds sneeze the same reasons human do, like exposure to dust, irritation, small bug and feathers on the nasal cavity.  An abnormal sneeze, which typically includes nasal discharge should be consulted immediately to a vet.
• Head shaking is not associated with disbelief in cases of birds.  This means excitement or just seeking out attention.

• Quivering wings would should fear or being nervous.  Assurance is needed when talking to these kind of birds.  They should know that there nothing to be nervous around with you.

• Tail bobbing sometimes can be a sign of sickness or just singing. When the tail bobs while the bird breathes, then that could be a sign of sickness and should be taken to the vet.

There would be instances when pet owners would be exasperated with their pets because of their bad behaviour.  There are many reasons why birds would act the way they are.  Hormones can be responsible if your bird is displaying negative characteristics.

Birds mature too! Just like people, they would undergo a stage where they would sexually mature.  During the stage where they begin to be sexually mature, birds begin to be very sensitive.  This stage differs on the bird size.  Normally, big birds would have this on their fourth year.  While, smaller birds would experience this on their twelfth month.

Also, observe your pet birds if something is bothering them.  If there are some items in the house that are starting to bother them then remove it from the space. Birds are sensitive to routine, some changes on it can be stressful for them. Also, paying enough attention to your pet and letting them stretch their wings more through exercise are great ways of improving bird behaviour.

Pet birds are extremely rewarding and wonderful companion, it is important to display or show the understanding and patience.  In every relationship, understanding is the key.  So does in animal and human relationship.

Pet birds are very sensitive in moving or changing locations.  Small changes in the rooms can make a big impact on birds and can even stress them out.  But sometimes moving is inevitable and travelling is unavoidable.  There would be times when you cannot afford not to move.  How can you make moving and travelling easy on your pet birds?

To make changing addresses easier on your pets, here are some tips to lessen stress:

• Moving is extremely stressful not just for pet owners but also for the pets as well.  The birds will sense that something is going on just by seeing you packing and getting busy.  This would already start the stress, so you can talk to your bird and explain things.  Seeing your assuring face will somehow ease the stress.  Your pets may not understand you, but they can read and understand your body movements.  If you are calm, they would also calm down.  It would be better to move your bird in a quiet and secure place while finishing the rest of the packing.

• Your companionship with your bird will give you hints if your pet bird is more sensitive than other birds.  You can identify if your bird is a nervous traveller.  There are also some birds who find riding a vehicle very enjoyable.

• Once the movers are already in your house and picking up your things, put the bird away in a quiet and calm place.  Your pet bird should be the last to leave and should be in travel cages.  Upon arriving in the new home, put the bird in a quiet place first before bringing the boxes and the things inside your home.  To relax and calm the bird, you can play some music.  This would also lessen the sounds coming from the unpacking.

• If moving to a new place requires a long drive, the stops should be kept to minimum.  You can just buy food at a drive-thru.  If you prefer eating in a restaurant, consider the weather conditions when leaving your pet in the car.  It may get too cold or too hot for them to be left inside.

• If you are moving from state to another state, it would require a very long move.  You also have to check the state regulations about your pets.  Sometimes, a certain state might have laws that could prohibit your bird, especially if you are taking care of an exotic bird.

• For long distance moves, check hotels or motels you would be sleeping in if they have pet regulations.  They can charge additional for bringing pets.  You do not want to leave your pet outside in the car at the mercy of predators.

• Also when moving, whether it s state to state or just to another city, make sure to have a health certificate from your veterinarian.  You would find this handy when getting a new vet in the new location you have moved to.

When travelling with your pets, preparation is an important factor.  If you are going to fly for instance, it would require a great deal of preparation.   Make sure that the airlines you are flying with allow birds, if it is international flight birds are mostly placed in cargo area.  You have to make sure that the birds are comfortable throughout the flight.

Actually, you can help your pet get used to travelling, you can take it out in short day trips.   Just remember that when taking your bird out for a drive, do not put him in the front seat.  If the air bag suddenly opens, the impact could result to severe, even fatal, injuries.

When taking your pet bird out in car, be sensitive.  There are some birds who prefer to have the cage covered, while there are some birds who would like to know what is happening around him.  Be careful with the noise inside the car like the music and also be careful of the fumes they can inhale like air fresheners or cigarette smoke.

When travelling or moving, it is important to make sure that your pet birds are comfortable throughout the travelling period.

Your birds not only served as feathered companions, for years they have played a great role in inspiring some of the most popular songs, movies, and even fashion.  Pet birds do not just display their feathers for their owners and family but are also muses for works of art.

In the music industry, here are some popular songs about birds and what they were about:

• Three Little Birds -  this song was by Bob Marley and is a very upbeat tune that you would surely love listening to.

• Blackbird – the song popularized by Beatles defeated the usual misconception about blackbirds.  Blackbirds are usually taken in a bad way but was used as a symbol of hope in this song.

• Rockin’ Robin – who would not know this song by Bobby Day?  This popular song can be both enjoyed by you and your feathered friend.

• Free as a Bird – another Beatles song which refers to bird’s freedom.

• Yellow Bird – this song by Chris Isaak is full of emotions and is about being free and flying away from problems.

It seems that people cannot get enough out of birds, unsatisfied with songs about their flying ability and other characteristics, birds became subject of movies and documentaries.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill was released in 2003.  This movie directed by Judy Irving was a touching documentary of a rock musician who turned into a conure caretaker in San Francisco.   This movie is great for bird and non-bird enthusiasts.  In the documentary, not only did Mark Bittner help in preserving the flock of birds, these birds also helped him find his personal and professional path.

In 2005, the March of the Penguins guided us to a wonderful and educational world of emperor penguins.  This documentary won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.  In the original French version of the documentary, the penguins were dubbed as if they were talking themselves.  In the American version, it was narrated by Morgan Freeman.  The documentary revolves around the survival in extremely hard conditions of the emperor penguins.

Fictional bird movies would include Paulie (1998) and The Real Macaw (1997).  Most of these fictional movies would be about the adventures and misadventures of birds and their pet owners, who are usually children.

Not only did our birds graced the silver screen but they were also features for some great photographs. Bird photography is one of the most popular kinds of nature photography.  Bird photography, especially taking pictures of birds in the wild is very challenging.  Bird photographers should not only know the technical aspect of taking pictures but should also be knowledgeable and understanding of bird behaviour.

But domesticated birds can also post as models.  You just have to know how to set up your background and engage your bird so you can easily them pictures.  Just make sure when taking pictures to take several snap shots so that you can choose the best one.

Speaking of bird models, our avian friends have also served inspiration for some interesting fashion.   Designer Caroline Baker has shown bird- inspired clothing in the Charleston Fashion Week last March 2009.   She have referred to her fashion line, the Plumage Collection,  as “eco couture.”  The collection was consisted of 14  bird inspired outfits.

It looks like of feathered friends are not only pets after all.  The next time we look at our pet bird, maybe they could serve as inspiration for us to make a work of art.