Tailfeathers Bird Community - General Bird Talk http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/ en Tue, 21 May 2013 03:41:49 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/images/misc/rss.png Tailfeathers Bird Community - General Bird Talk http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/ My bird is scared of my false nails. http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79716-My-bird-is-scared-of-my-false-nails.?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 23:39:57 GMT Hi, I'm wondering if this has been an issue for other bird owners.

I have never had long nails and rarely wore polish, I'm a chronic nail biter and a couple of days ago decided to have some false nails applied. They are not the standard square ones but are an elongated egg shape,with the narrow end of the egg extending about a centimetre beyond the fingertip. They are painted a metallic bronze colour ad I like them, and they are so far succeeding in preventing me from biting my own short nails.

The problem is that I have a seven year old budgie called Lawrence, and he's acting as if he's new again. He might for a couple of seconds go on my fist if I hide the nails but he flat-out refuses to go near my hand if the nails are visible. The nails ae the only thing that's changed about my hands, (or me in general.) He wont let me put a finger close to him to step up, and when I opened his cageto bring him out for a fly, he almost flew into the all, circled twice, and then alihted as far from me as possible. I opened up his cage and he flew back to it, and went back in (eventually) but this is worrying me. What if I need to take him to the vet? How do I transfer him to his hospital cage if he won't let my fingers near him? As he recently started letting me transfer him frim on o the other on a finger, I'd rather not lose rust by grabbing him or throwng a towel or napkin over him.

I'm going to try the millet trick, hoding it so he has to step up to recieve it and hope it works, because if it doesn't, no matter how much I like them, it will have to be bye bye articficial nails. (however he reacted similarly when I cut my finger and had to use a sticking plaster.) Has anyone else noticed this ehaviour with a bird, did you manage to deal with it, and if so, what worked for you?

Any advice or experiences would be welcome: surely I am not the only person who's gone through this.

Thanks,

ArticunoGail ]]> General Bird Talk ArticunoGail http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79716-My-bird-is-scared-of-my-false-nails. Parakeet Pics. http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79686-Parakeet-Pics.?goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 09:54:48 GMT Ricky Eastern Rosella Parakeet.


Dexter & Mango Alexandrine Parakeet.
]]> General Bird Talk clawnz http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79686-Parakeet-Pics. Bird Nutrition http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79685-Bird-Nutrition?goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 08:56:51 GMT Sorry that this is a lot to read! First is from Avian Web http://www.avianweb.com/birdnutrition.html And below that is a chart of vitamins and... Sorry that this is a lot to read!
First is from Avian Web
http://www.avianweb.com/birdnutrition.html

And below that is a chart of vitamins and what they can be found in.

Bird Nutrition
It is a very good read for anybody who wants to up skill feeding their Fids.

Bird Weight is the Primary Indicator of Health or Disease. Click here to find out what diseases / health problems are associated with either weight gain or weight loss.

What Should I Feed My Bird?

As a general rule, any nutritious food items (plant-based - fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains) that you and your family eat, can and should be provided to your bird. (There are some exceptions - please visit this webpage to find out what foods are toxic to birds.)

Base Diet: Start with a QUALITY dry mix. The dry mixes that are typically available at pet stores contain cheap fillers and harmful additives. It is important to provide a quality, organic and natural dry mix (in addition to foods listed on this page)

I would look for preferably "organic" or at least "all-natural" dry bird mixes. "Fortified diets" are not necessarily good as often inferior, artificial additives are used, which may have no health benefit at all or indeed may even be harmful. It is far better to buy unfortified mixes and add a good quality bird supplement instead.

Dr. Harvey's Bird Food Mixes or Lafeber are convenient options that lack the harmful additives that are commonly found in commercial mixes and have a great variety of quality ingredients (including dried fruits, veggies, herbs / greens and even superfoods, such as bee pollen!) - in short: myriad nourishing ingredients that are not found in other commercially available bird mixes, However, our biggest grievance with their products is that they use sulphurated dried produce (a process which also requires chemicals), but it is very difficult to find mixes with unsulphurated fruits and veggies. You could just buy the seeds, nuts and grain mix and buy human-grade unsulphurated dried produce / greens as well as bee pollen and mix them in. Even organic trail mixes (WITHOUT CHOCOLATE!) work great. With a little creativity you can put a mix together that offers superior nutrition without the chemicals typically found in commercial brands.

Harrisons is another dry mix that vets commonly recommend; however, it is a pelleted food and not all birds will easily accept it. It usually can only be purchased at vet offices.


Fruits, vegetables (including leafy greens), sprouted seeds should account for approximately 20 - 25% of your bird's diet. Please note that pale vegetables, including celery or iceberg salad, offer very little nutritional value.

Organically grown fruit and vegetables can be given to your pets with its skin on; otherwise remove the skin or wash very thoroughly to remove pesticides, insecticides and other toxins, and cut into manageable pieces depending on the size of your bird.

Fresh is always best, but fresh vegetables and fruits are not always readily accepted or feasible

Mashed fruits & veggies: Organic baby food that consists of mashed fruits & vegetables (i.e. Gerbers) is a convenient food item when there is no time for preparing produce for your pets.

Dry Fruits / Veggies: When fresh fruits and vegetables are not available, dehydrated fruits and vegetables work wonderfully. Many birds love their crunchiness, or they toss them into their water dish (creating a "soup" of some sorts) and then eat them once they are rehydrated. Be prepared to change the water more often throughout the day. Dried fruits & vegetables have the advantage that they don't go off. You could literally leave them in their cages for days (unless they get wet, of course). This surely comes in handy when traveling. Dried fruits & veggies also help convert "seed junkies" to a healthier diet. When you are at home, you can moisten the dried fruits & veggies with warm water to rehydrate them. Birds tend to LOVE warm fruits & veggies, maybe because it gives them flashbacks to the times when they were chicks and were fed warm regurgitated food by their bird parents.
It is important to keep in mind that some companies add artificial coloring to their dried fruits and veggies to make them visually appealing, but may be detrimental to your pet's health.
Only purchase naturally dried fruits without any sulfur dioxide, as this preservative is known to increase hyperactivity, aggressiveness, feather shredding or picking due to allergies.

There aren't many fruits and vegetables that will hurt our birds; but one of the most well-known is the avocado, which is highly toxic to birds in any shape and form (including guacamole).

Sprouted or germinated seeds are usually more easily accepted by "seed addicts" than fresh fruits and vegetables.
Sprouted seeds are healthier as the sprouting changes and enhances the nutritional quality and value of seeds and grains. Sprouted seeds are lower in fat, as the process of sprouting utilizes the fat in the seed to start the growing process - thus reducing the fat stored in the seeds.
Sprouted seeds will help balance your bird’s diet by adding a nutritious supply of high in vegetable proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll.
Soaked and germinated "oil" seeds, like niger and rape seeds, are rich in protein and carbohydrates; while "starch" seeds, such as canary and millets, are rich in carbohydrates, but lower in protein.
It is an invaluable food at all times; however, it is especially important for breeding or molting birds. Sprouted seeds also serve as a great rearing and weaning food as the softened shell is easier to break by chicks and gets them used to the texture of seeds.

Vitamin A deficiency is common in birds whose main diet consists of seeds. Vitamin A promotes appetite, digestion, and also increases resistance to infection and to some parasites.

The most obvious sign of a vitamin A deficiency is a feather stain above the cere. The staining of the feathers above the nostrils reflects a discharge from the nostrils. Subtle differences may be seen as far as the color intensity of the cere and feathers is concerned - and the overall condition of the plumage. A bird deficient in this vitamin may have pale, rough-looking feathers that lack luster. The cere may look rough instead of smooth, and you may see an accumulation of a yellow dry scale on the sides of the beak.

Vitamin A occurs naturally in dark leafy greens and orange-colored produce, such as apricots, cantaloupes, carrots, red peppers, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. To resolve Vitamin A deficiency, try adding foods like sweet potatoes (either cooked or steamed until soft), mashed up with other fruits will be both loved by your pet bird, as much as it is good for her or him. Many birds also enjoy fresh carrot juice - or try offering shredded carrots. Natural sources are preferable over synthetically produced nutrients, which may not be absorbable and could easily be overdosed).


Medicinal Herbs offer a convenient and ever so nutritious addition to a bird's diet.
Many of us don't grow herbs in our garden; but nowadays dried herbs present a viable option. I offer my bird's dried herbs and dried fruits/veggies mixed in with their seeds, and also in a separate dish.
Heavy Metal Poisoning poses a real risk to pet birds, specifically because of their strong urge to chew. But even we are exposed to heavy metals on a daily basis. There are some tests kits available if you suspecting heavy metal poisoning. But even for prevention purposes, I regularly make (and eat) something that has been termed as the "Poor Man's Chelation Therapy" -- which is basically a very tasty pesto sauce - the most important ingredient of which is the medicinal herb cilantro.
For both testings kits and the above recipe, please click here. This pesto sauce is not only incredibly healthy, but it's safe for our birds and very effective.
Alternatively to making this delicious pesto sauce, providing your pet with a few fresh leaves of cilantro a day is a great way to hopefully prevent heavy metal poisoning.


Healthy foods that are often tossed away ... Bird owners don't realize that their birds would enjoy the fresh seeds in our fruits and vegetables, such as:
Fruit Seeds:
Pomegranates (a HUGE favorite of many parrots that is very healthy too boot -- but it's VERY messy! - best be eaten in an outside enclosure or in an area that is easy to clean)
Figs
Grapes
Guavas
Melons, such as cantaloupe, watermelon
Papaya
Vegetable Seeds:
Bell peppers (green, red, yellow, orange)
Cucumbers
English peas (in the shell)
Hot peppers (green, red)
Okra (long pods of fat, round, slippery white seeds)
Pole beans
Pumpkins (fresh seeds or dried Pepitas)
Squash (the larger yellow Crookneck squash contain large, moist seeds)

Avoid:

Milk Products: Most birds lack the enzyme lactase to break down lactose. It is recommended, in most cases, not to feed milk products to birds. This being said some birds do not suffer from lactose tolerance. I have fed small pieces of cheese to my parrots without problems. If milk products are fed, please look out for symptoms of indigestion and diarrhea.

Grain Products, such has cereal, bread and, in fact, most other grain products, are often fortified with iron. Birds can't tolerate iron supplementation and they are susceptible to iron overload disease - an untreatable and deadly condition.

Fortified Bird Food: Some researchers voiced their concern that "fortified bird seeds / pellets" are also to blame for the increased occurrence of Iron Storage / Overlead Disease.


Carbohydrates: The best sources of carbohydrate content in the diet of seed-eating birds are cereal grains such as: canary seeds, millets, wheat and oats. Softbills, lories and similar feeders require fruit. It is not recommended to feed other carbohydrate foods to your parrots.

Calcium: Incorporate plenty of calcium-rich foods into your bird's diet.

Even though most dark leafy greens are rich in calcium, broccoli, rapini, turnip greens, collard greens and mustard greens are better sources than spinach, chard and beet greens because of the high oxalic acid content that blocks absorption of the calcium in spinach, chard, and beet greens.
Calcium-rich vegetable / fruits and greens are: bok choy, kale, parsley, mustard greens, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, dandelion greens, apricots, figs, endive, okra, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), pinto beans and kidney beans. Please note that large raw beans - such as Anasazi, Black, Fava, Kidney, Lima, Navy, Pinto, and Soy - can cause toxicities when fed raw, causing digestive upsets for people and potentially for birds. Some experts recommend that large beans should be cooked to make them safe and digestible. Others counter that soaking beans for 24 hours starts the germinating process and that soaking makes the beans safe and digestible. For those who do not want to take any risks, it's best to cook large beans thoroughly before feeding to your birds. These beans are not recommended for general sprouting purposes. Certain uncooked dried beans contain enzyme inhibitors, are indigestible , and may cause visceral gout in birds. These enzyme inhibitors may prevent or decrease the utilization in the body of substances, such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, to produce nutritional deficiencies. Beans that can interfere with proteolytic enzymes are lima, kidney and soybeans. Cooking these beans for at least 2 hours destroys these enzyme inhibitors. Other dried beans do not appear to contain these enzyme inhibitors or, if present, are in low concentrations. To be on the safe side, it's best to cook ALL varieties of beans.
Other food sources of calcium: Baked eggshells, crushed and sprinkled over the food; oatmeal, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, and tahini - "nut butter" made of sesame seeds.
Supplements: If you incorporate foods high in calcium (as listed above), your pet probably won't need any supplements, except if it is an egg-laying female. However, if your pet refuses to eat calcium-rich foods, supplementation may be necessary.
Cuttlebone is often provided to birds as a calcium supplement and some birds will eagerly eat it, while others ignore it. If your bird is not eating from the cuttlebone, there are a couple of ways to handle it.
You can scrape off shavings every day with a knife and mix those shavings in with your bird's soft food.
Another method is to smash cuttlebone up. One easy way is to place the cuttlebone into a Ziploc bag, close it up and wrap it in a dish towel (or other strong cloth). Take a sledge hammer and start smashing it until it is in pieces. Then you can pulverize it with your mortar and pestle. Put it through a sieve to get out any sharp pieces and put it into a salt shaker for convenient daily use.
NOTE: Care must be taken with vitamin supplements not to provide too much calcium. It has been shown that calcium levels in the diet of over 1% decrease the utilization of proteins, fats, vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, zinc and manganese. At a level of 2.5% in the diet nephrosis, hypercalcemia, hypophosphotemia, visceral and renal gout, and decreased food intake have been observed.
Relevant Article: Natural Calcium for Birds - Sources and Absorbability


Picky Companion Bird? If your parrot doesn't show much interest in his vegetables / fruits, you can try taking his or her dry food away first thing in the morning and offer nothing but fruits / veggies in the morning. Secondly, parrots are "social eaters." My parrots, for example, show special interest in food when they see us eating. If they can, they will come right up to our plates and pick at our food, which I allow them to do provided the food is good for them. Mostly it is, as we generally eat a healthy diet ourselves.

One little trick that works well is to place a shallow dish (saucer maybe) that fights snuggly on top of a bird dish (preferably inside) right over the existing seeds. Your bird is used to eating from this food dish and is more likely to give new food items a try. If you don't have a dish, replace the current dish with one filled with healthy foods for a few hours in the morning or in the evening. Whenever your parrot is most likely to be hungry and eat


Special Dietary Needs for Molting Birds: Since molting can be stressful and uncomfortable, some birds experience a decrease in appetite. However, an increase in metabolism to accommodate the production of several thousand new feathers can cause an increase in appetite. Whether they lose their appetite or eat more during the molt probably depends on their comfort level. Molting birds benefit from more quality protein in the diet which can be provided in the form of well done eggs, well cooked meats and seafood, as well as cooked beans and rice, which together form a complete protein. Nuts provide additional protein and the good fats needed to create strong and lustrous feathers. This is a good time to grind and sprinkle flax seeds over the birds' food. Hemp seeds also provide beneficial oils and the essential fatty acids (EFAs) necessary to produce quality feathers. (*Hemp Seeds are often referred to as "super-seeds" as they offer a complete amino acid profile, have an ideal balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and provide an impressive amount of trace minerals - they also have the highest concentration of protein in the plant kingdom.)

Probiotics:

Very important for molting, stressed or sickly birds, chicks or elderly pets, as well as those who have undergone antibiotic treatments. Antibiotics destroy "friendly" bacteria in the gut, allowing harmful pathogens to grow unchecked. Probiotics suppress the growth of potentially harmful organisms and boost the immune system. Acidophillus also helps to restore the microbial balance within the digestive tract. The probiotic strains acidophilus and bifidum release anti-fungal enzymes and alkalinize the body, so pathogens, such as candida (a big problem with chicks and stressed birds), can't flourish.
Avi-CultureŽ - The #1 Probiotic that actually works!! A Live Probiotic Specifically Developed for the Avian Gut and Intestine
Yogurt not a good alternative: The live cultures found in yogurt are beneficial to the humans; however, these strains are different from those found in the gut and intestines of birds and, therefore, cannot provide the clinical therapeutic gut recolonizing strength needed. Opinions differ, but some experts recommend against feeding yogurt to birds, as the colonies may indeed be harmful to them.


Avoid pellets as much as possible: (Other than, at best, Harrison's which vets commonly recommend and sell - and even then pellets should only be part of a healthy diet, not an exclusive diet).

Most pellets contain chemicals such as artificial coloring / flavoring / preservatives, etc . Parrots may be able to tolerate these for a year or two, but once these chemicals build up in the "system" to a certain degree, symptoms such as feather plucking, aggression and, in some species, toe tapping and wing flipping, aggression may appear.

Pellets may cause kidney problems, particularly in birds that don't drink much. Also, there is s enough anecdotal and circumstantial evidence that pellets may cause major health problems for mutations, the reason of which is not quite known.

*Please note: If your bird's diet does include pellets, please be aware of the fact that overly feeding citrus fruits (including oranges) to your birds can lead to "Iron Overload Disease."


The Dangers Associated with Grit in a Parrot's Diet: Grit is an important aid in helping certain birds, such as finches, canaries and other passerines, digest food - but this does NOT apply to parrots. Parrots have a smaller exit opening from the stomach into the intestines, so grit remains trapped in the stomach causing internal blockage. The birds may show neurological symptoms, weight loss, and eventually death.

Foraging enhances your birds' environment

Species-specific Diets:

Species-specific Nutrition: African Greys (African Parrots) Diets ... Amazon Food ... Budgies / Parakeets ... Cockatiels / Lovebirds ... Cockatoos ... Conure Diet .... Eclectuses ... Finches / Canaries ... Macaw & Large Parrot Diets ... Softbill / Lory Food.
Species Nutritional Requirements ... Dietary Requirements of Commonly Kept Psittacines and Converting Seed Junkies

Sprouting For Health: Sprouts - A Healthy & Simple Way to Provide Fresh Green Food
Dietary Sensitivities: Please also refer to this webpage for food items that may cause allergies / dry & itching skin.

Generic Diets & Additional Food Items:
Healthy Bird Treats & Snacks
Superior Nutrition Food: Herbs Specifically for Bird Health & Healthy Dried Fruits & Veggies - Make Excellent Healthy Bird Treats & Food!
Cooked Diets ... Healthy Sprouts ... Herb Salad
Splay Millet & Millet Accessories ... Mineral / Calcium Blocks & Accessories

Relevant Web Resources: Toxic Foods (includes fruits, veggies & other items) ... Use Food to Heal and/or Prevent Disease ... Nutritional Diseases


Converting Seed Junkies


Nutritional Disorders & Holistic Treatment:

Most digestive problems can be traced to the quality of food we serve. In the wild, animals eat raw food that is abundant with the digestive enzymes. Not only is the most commercial pet food heavily processed, which eliminates most of the natural enzymes, but many brands also contain artificial colors, preservatives and other chemicals. These ingredients have a negative effect on the bacteria in our animals' digestive tracts. Like us, our pets' intestines contain "friendly" and "unfriendly" bacteria. Ideally, the friendly bacteria should outnumber the unfriendly by a healthy margin, but typically, "bad" bacteria have taken over. This overabundance of bad bacteria leads to digestive disorders or organ failure. Consider switching your brand of pet food to one that is all-natural, with no added sugar or preservatives. Raw vegetables are a wise choice. Carrots and other veggies are chock full of natural enzymes and can really aid digestion. Additionally, try topping off your pets food with a teaspoon of plain yogurt. Yogurt that contains friendly bacteria like acidophilus, which can help keep the ratio of good and bad bacteria in check. Be sure to read the label to make sure it contains live cultures and is low-fat.
Nutrition is an important factor as deficiencies will ead to serious health problems, including impaired immune system, weak bones, cardiovascular problems, even feather picking.

If your birds have health problems of ANY kind - look at the nutrition! Research done by Laurie Hess, a vet at The Animal Medical Centre in New York, came up with the following figure for major nutrient deficiencies in USA pet birds: Calcium 98% ... Vit D 97% ... Vit A 67% ... Vit E 27%


And A vitamin Chart from
http://www.lineolatedparakeet.net/go/foodchart.html
Nutrient Function Foods Vitamin A/Beta Carotene Maintains tissue lining, respiratory, reproductive, digestive and urinary tracts. Yellow/winter squash; sweet potatoes/yams; carrots; egg yolks; alfalfa sprouts; endive; kale; cod liver oil; collard greens; mustard greens; turnip greens; broccoli; beet greens; chicory; chard; green peppers; chili peppers; red sweet peppers; pumpkins; dandelion greens; parsley; mango; cantaloupe; persimmons; apricots; papaya; Brussels sprouts; asparagus; zucchini; peas; fish-liver oils. (The darker the flesh, the higher the vitamin A/beta carotene.) B Vitamins* Participates in metabolic reactions and energy at cell level and other internal growth. Eggs; cheese; nuts; sunflower seeds; millet seeds; green leafy vegetables; cereals; grains; asparagus; broccoli; lemons; bananas; wheat germ; yogurt; brewer?s yeast; Brussels sprouts. * This list is only partial as there are eight B vitamins that work as a team. Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) Most important for stressful situations, an anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, antioxidant and anti-stress nutrient. Potatoes; broccoli; red peppers; green peppers; tomatoes; asparagus; peas; radishes; Swiss chard; zucchini; guavas; kiwi fruit; oranges and juice; papayas; cauliflower; strawberries; cantaloupe; Brussels sprouts. Vitamin E Antioxidant protecting cell membranes Egg yolk; green leafy vegetables; alfalfa sprouts; oats; wheat germ; almonds; cashews; corn; lima beans; sunflower seeds. Protein Provides amino acids (the body?s building blocks). Egg yolk and white; soybean meal; low fat plain yogurt; low fat cheese; low fat cottage cheese; well-cooked chicken and chicken bones; fish; turkey; water packed tuna; brown rice; enriched pasta; nuts; quinoa; amaranth; rice/bean combinations; peanut butter; tofu. Calcium Maintains growth and support of bone structure (particularly important for Greys). Egg shells; low fat cheese; low fat yogurt; mineral block; collard greens; turnip greens; mustard greens; chicory; kale; dandelion; broccoli; almonds; brewer?s yeast; buttermilk; oats; kelp; cooked dried beans and peas; sesame seeds; tofu; oranges; berries; parsley. VitaminD Promotes proper calcium and phosphorous absorption and utilization. Also important for the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Egg yolk (boiled at least 15-20 minutes); sunlight; Vita-Lites; fish-liver oil; salmon; sardines; sweet potatoes; dark leafy vegetables; cold water fish. Phosphorus Important for RNA/DNA synthesis, nerve health, heart/muscle contraction, kidney function, as well as many other functions. Phosphorus should be in equal amount to magnesium and both half that to calcium. Foods high in protein, such as hard boiled eggs; brown rice; yogurt; cheese; well-cooked chicken; legumes. Magnesium Involved with many metabolic processes; helps regulate acid-alkaline balance and promotes absorption and metabolism of other minerals, particularly calcium. Magnesium should be in equal amount to phosphorus and both half that to calcium. Whole grains; dark-green vegetables; corn; apples; legumes; seeds; nuts; almonds; natural feeds; wheat germ. Iron Combines with protein and copper to assist in hemoglobin production and is required for stress and disease resistance. Legumes; eggs; green leafy vegetables; kelp; seeds (sesame/sunflower/pumpkin); nuts (almonds); grains; raisins. Vitamin K Promotes blood clotting, and is useful for normal functioning of liver and maintenance of strong bones. Kelp; alfalfa; green leafy vegetables; eggs; soybeans; beet greens. Zinc Assists with enzymatic reactions, carbohydrate digestion, facilitates the action of the B vitamins, circulation, liver function, immune system function, protein synthesis and cell growth, skin, bone, joint health, wound healing and growth of reproduction organs. Peas; legumes; nuts; leafy vegetables; seeds (sesame/sunflower/pumpkin); egg yolks; whole grains (sprouted). Selenium It?s an important antioxidant, commonly combined with vitamin E. It protects the immune system from damage by preventing the development of free radicals. Eggs; sesame and sunflower seeds; whole grains; vegetables; garlic. Iodine Necessary for normal cell metabolism, metabolism of excess fat and thyroid function. Kelp; sesame seeds; soybeans; summer squashes. ]]> General Bird Talk clawnz http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79685-Bird-Nutrition Redmoor wood for a perch? http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79680-Redmoor-wood-for-a-perch?goto=newpost Sun, 12 May 2013 15:43:48 GMT Hi guys,

Does anyone know what red moor or redmoor wood or root is?
And whether it's safe for little birds

It's the stuff often put in fishtanks and vivariums - and it comes in such cool shapes... every time I see it I think what a great play stand a good chunk of that would make for little Sammy lovebird.

So, anyone know if it's bird safe? ]]> General Bird Talk pixibubbles http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79680-Redmoor-wood-for-a-perch I need a Distraction! http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79667-I-need-a-Distraction!?goto=newpost Fri, 10 May 2013 00:06:41 GMT I finally received the news I'd been waiting for for months...I'm getting a Blue Crowned Conure! :clap

The bad news...although I have the cage, these birds are summer breeders (and I might not have one till August!)

When it comes to birds...I'm impatient. ;) I need a distraction, something to keep my mind off of the birdie I want SO BAD!

Have any of you gone through this before? It's only been a day and I can tell these months will be pure and utter torture! I'm sorry if I sound like a five-year-old...I just want my bird so bad. :O

Anyway, I'm going to have to set up the cage (pictured here: http://www.wayfair.com/AandE-Cage-Co...7-AEC1043.html ) which might prove a nice distraction, but it's not going to last 3 months. I fear I'm already hounding the 6-7 breeders I've contacted. :lol

Anyway, I guess I need some help. :O ]]> General Bird Talk FidFlock578 http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79667-I-need-a-Distraction! Parakeets http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79664-Parakeets?goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 07:53:54 GMT Just a little dig at those Americans (and maybe a few others) who always talk about their Parakeets. In most cases they are talking about their... Just a little dig at those Americans (and maybe a few others) who always talk about their Parakeets.
In most cases they are talking about their Budgie/s.
Not about the other Parakeets. Like my Alexandrine. Then there are Ringnecks, or Conures, and any number of Keets in Australia, to mention just a few.
The only reason I bring this up as I am often seeing the question "What is the difference between a Parakeet and a Budgie".
Yes it is a Parakeet, but it is only one of many different Parakeet.
It can make it very hard when try to help them if they do not say what Parakeet they are asking questions about.

Quote:
Parakeet is a name for any one of a large number of unrelated small to medium sized species of parrot, that generally have long tail feathers. Older spellings still sometimes encountered are paroquet or paraquet.
Contents

Species

The Budgerigar Parakeet, also known as "Budgie" or English Parakeet, Melopsittacus undulatus, is probably the most common Parakeet.

The term Grass Parakeet (or Grasskeet) refers to a large number of small Australian parakeets native to grasslands such as Neophema and Princess Parrot. The Australian rosellas are also parakeets. Many of the smaller, long-tailed species of lories may be referred to as lorikeets. The term Ringnecked Parakeet refers to a species of the Psittacula genus native to Africa and Asia that is popular as a pet and has become feral in many cities. It should not be confused with the Australian Ringneck.

In aviculture the term conure is used for small to medium sized parakeets of the genera Aratinga, Pyrrhura, and a few other genera of the tribe Arini, which are mainly endemic to South America. As they are not all from one genus, taxonomists tend to dislike the term. Other South American species commonly called parakeets include the Brotogeris parakeets, Monk Parakeet and Lineolated Parakeets, although Lineolated Parakeets have short tails.

Some species, especially the larger parakeets, may be referred to as "parrot" or "parakeet" interchangeably. For example, Alexandrine Parrot and Alexandrine Parakeet are different names for the same species, (Psittacula eupatria), one of the largest species called a parakeet.

Many different species of parakeets are bred and sold commercially as pets, the budgerigar being among the most commonly sold in the United States". ]]> General Bird Talk clawnz http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79664-Parakeets Here you go boomer girl, pictures of my falcons for you :) http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79663-Here-you-go-boomer-girl-pictures-of-my-falcons-for-you-)?goto=newpost Wed, 08 May 2013 05:33:48 GMT Okay Deanna, here are my falcons for you :) First, Diamond Image:... Okay Deanna, here are my falcons for you :)

First, Diamond






Next, Ceylon







Then, Duncan







And Isis



]]> General Bird Talk FalconFlyer http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79663-Here-you-go-boomer-girl-pictures-of-my-falcons-for-you-) Queensland Bird Shows - Upcoming? http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79659-Queensland-Bird-Shows-Upcoming?goto=newpost Tue, 07 May 2013 14:18:51 GMT Not actually sure if this is the proper category for this, but we'll see.

Any Australians know of some bird shows going on in SE QLD? I know of the June Ipswich Bird show in June, but I was looking for a few around the place. I like going to them as shows, cos sometimes they have some really interesting birds (Ipswich had a blue and gold last year, and some of the larger cockatoos), and provide good photo opportunities, but also I'm looking for places to expand my pet-portrait audience, and animal shows seem like a good option. Might be able to make a few connections too, who knows :P

So, anyone know of any upcoming ones? Do tell, I'm most interested in them :D ]]> General Bird Talk Boonze http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79659-Queensland-Bird-Shows-Upcoming Congratulations to Diamond!!!! http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79657-Congratulations-to-Diamond!!!!?goto=newpost Tue, 07 May 2013 02:25:03 GMT I haven't been online in a few days but I am thrilled to say that on April 30th, diamond, my peregrine falcon completed her 500th flight free this season (since last year's molt). She did all her flights without me having to go find her.
If you have the chance to fly your birds free after proper training I promise you there is nothing more rewarding in having birds. Terrifying and a risk ye, but soooooo rewarding.
Thank you Diamond, you are a fantastic falcon!!!!! ]]> General Bird Talk FalconFlyer http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79657-Congratulations-to-Diamond!!!! <![CDATA[Moved & Divided My Flock Today]]> http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79653-Moved-amp-Divided-My-Flock-Today?goto=newpost Mon, 06 May 2013 03:52:48 GMT So today was interesting. I had to move my flock of budgies from off location to on location so now I am happy to be with my birds again! I took a... So today was interesting. I had to move my flock of budgies from off location to on location so now I am happy to be with my birds again! I took a little while to get everything sorted out while I was moving but it eventually worked. I have a friend that ended up buying 2 of my baby budgies so they will be going to a new home soon. I currently have 5 in my room that I am renting from a friend, 2 at my boyfriends house, 4 at my best friends house & 4 more that will be divided between my boyfriend & I. We had to move to different location due to the fact that he wanted to finish school & I was wanting to pursuing my music career (which is really picking up!) He told me how much he misses the birds so I told him if he wanted to take some of them he could.

The story with my best friend is that he has always wanted a couple birds & I told him if he ever wanted to try it out, to let me know & I would walk him through step by step. So he is doing a kind of trial type thing to see if he really wants birds or not. I am over at his house all the time anyway so I will know if they are being taken care of correctly. It is pretty cool that now my friends are delving into the world of birds as well.

Just wanted to send everyone an update on how my flock was doing! ]]> General Bird Talk rr5rocker http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79653-Moved-amp-Divided-My-Flock-Today This months Bird Quiz http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79647-This-months-Bird-Quiz?goto=newpost Sat, 04 May 2013 05:59:19 GMT http://www.birdchannel.com/quiz/quizpage-5955.aspx As per usual you do not have to reply with your score. And another point I would make is that,... http://www.birdchannel.com/quiz/quizpage-5955.aspx

As per usual you do not have to reply with your score.
And another point I would make is that, sometimes the questions and answers can be up for debate! But is a good thing as well.
And I admit to getting a couple of these wrong.
One was because I did not read the answers correctly, so cocked it up. The other was a word that I have never heard before. ]]> General Bird Talk clawnz http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79647-This-months-Bird-Quiz What bird is this? http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79640-What-bird-is-this?goto=newpost Thu, 02 May 2013 00:23:22 GMT It came through my window and i have no idea what it is. Image: http://uploadffs.nl/images/2013/05/02/aoIX3.jpg It came through my window and i have no idea what it is.

]]> General Bird Talk Shadowz http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79640-What-bird-is-this Add me..... http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79639-Add-me.....?goto=newpost Wed, 01 May 2013 23:51:10 GMT Hi I am gcaratti add me I own four budgies.... Please see my post new start budgies in introduction Add me gcaratti thanks add me as your friends... Hi I am gcaratti add me I own four budgies.... Please see my post new start budgies in introduction

Add me gcaratti thanks add me as your friends :) ]]> General Bird Talk Gcaratti http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79639-Add-me..... Warm weather - finally! http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79635-Warm-weather-finally!?goto=newpost Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:47:12 GMT Your birds enjoying the warm weather? We FINALLY had a break in the cold and got a warm day I could take my tiel outside. He spent 30 minutes... Your birds enjoying the warm weather? We FINALLY had a break in the cold and got a warm day I could take my tiel outside. He spent 30 minutes chirping and bouncing all over his travel cage before I brought him back inside, he overheats easily and it was sunny (he has half shade half sun when I take him out, but he's used to 70-72 and it is 81). He even had a wild bird fly over the to the porch to see what was up. :)

Just glad the cold is over (hopefully!) ... it snowed last week. Yikes. ]]> General Bird Talk Marrie http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79635-Warm-weather-finally! On the verge of tears today :( http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79631-On-the-verge-of-tears-today-(?goto=newpost Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:47:54 GMT Big mean tough biker, that's me..... Yeah right.....
Today my wife and I were out on our bikes. Going down a nice side road doing about 50mph with her in front of me. I see a bird diving across the road and poof, feathers come flying all around my wife's bike. With a lump in my throat is catch up and get her to pull over. She didn't even realize she'd hit a bird, she thought it made it past and it took about a mile to get her to pull off. I told her she'd hit a bird. I walked around the front of the bike to see a male robin wedged in between the engine and frame. I was sad but figured it had to be dead so I reached down to pull it out. When I pulled it out it started flapping. I didn't let it go, I cradled it in my hands to keep it from moving and stood there trying to figure out what to do. I was terrified it was injured and suffering and didn't want to let it go. In all honesty had it not flapped but was still alive I probably would have closed my eyes and end any suffering but because it flapped I had hope. So I took off my face mask and wrapped the little guy up while choking back tears. I had my wife give me her sweater so we could wrap it in that too and we put him into a saddle bag on my wife's bike and headed to the zoo where my Falconer friend does shows. He knows more about birds than anyone I know and I knew there would be a pen there we could put him in. Anyway, we got there and I carefully unwrapped the robin in a dark pen so he wouldn't freak out and bash around. He just laid on the ground until I gave him a nudge and he jumped up. His wings weren't drooped and he was walking around fine so we left him there to calm down as he was shaking pretty bad. A couple hours later my friend walked in to check him and he flew right past him and out to sit in a tree. He called me to let me know. Relief washed over me like a wave.
I could have dealt with it if he had just been killed when he got hit, but worrying that he was suffering had my stomach in knots.
Yup, real tough biker I am. A little bird that I have no attachment to brings me to tears.
Wherever you are little robin, I hope you live a healthy happy life. ]]> General Bird Talk FalconFlyer http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/community/showthread.php/79631-On-the-verge-of-tears-today-(