http://www.webvet.com/main/showArticles/page/19 This feed contains articles about Bird Breed Finder en-us Copyright 2009 Webvet, LLC 2009-11-07T11:20-05:00 advertise@webvet.com advertise@webvet.com Bird Breed Finder hourly http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1543 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1543">Lory</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your Lory</h4><p>Lories are brilliantly colored, playful birds with extroverted personalities and entertaining antics. Due to their curious nature, these birds are often subject to traumatic injuries in captivity. Although they have limited talking ability, they can be noisy, making a variety of high-pitched sounds. Because of their high-carbohydrate, liquid diet and relatively loose droppings, lories may be best appreciated in outdoor aviaries in a temperate climate. Because the birds also enjoy frequent baths, this environment provides the opportunity for them to play in light rains. Lories can be housed in colonies with known birds, but they may attack and kill newly introduced species. The primary consideration for the long-term health of lories is their diet. Improper feeding may lead to stress-induced disease.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Body length: 6-13 inches (15-33 cm)</li><li>Body weight: 100-300 g</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: 1-3 years</li><li>Maximum life span: 15 years</li></ul><h4>Is your Lory a male or a female?</h4><p>In most lory species it is impossible to distinguish a male from a female; therefore, surgical or laboratory methods must be used for sex determination in breeding facilities. Lories and lorikeets are somewhat of a challenge to breed but the offspring are easy to hand raise.</p><h4>What do Lories do all day?</h4><p>Lories are playful and can chase, retrieve and roll over. They are easily amused with simple toys. Because they love to chew, any toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. Providing fresh-cut branches from nontoxic, pesticide-free trees is suggested. Check with local authorities for recommendations of safe trees.</p><h4>Are Lories tame?</h4><p>Young, hand-raised lories adapt readily to new surroundings and handling procedures. They should be exposed early in life to novel situations (car travel, hospital visits, multiple visitors in the household, other household pets) so they are well adjusted to these events. Lories tame easily and seek the company of their owners. Lories are the companion bird species least likely to revert to a &quot;wild'' state if the level of attention is reduced.</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your lory in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Lories that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wing is not to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. Your lory or lorikeet will require additional trimming 8-12 weeks after the start of a molt cycle. Birds maintained in outdoor aviaries (with double safety doors) may not require wing clipping.</p><h4>How to keep your Lory healthy, happy and safe</h4><ul><li>Give lots of attention.</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, pesticide-free diet formulated specifically for lories.</li><li>Limit supplementation to pesticide-free fruits and vegetables.</li><li>Grit is not necessary with modern captive bird diets.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water (try using water bottles).</li><li>Remove and replace food and water containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.</li><li>Provide an occasional opportunity for a bath, shower or misting (at least weekly).</li><li>Avoid spraying the house with insecticides.</li></ul><h4>Housing for your Lory should:</h4><ul><li>be as large as possible.</li><li>be clean, secure and safe and easy to service.</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material (avoid zinc).</li><li>contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>have food and water containers placed at opposite ends of the enclosure.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>offer occasional opportunity for protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight (not through glass) and exercise.</li></ul><p>Lories are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>ceiling fans</li><li>hot cooking oil</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>leg chains</li><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>pesticides</li><li>toxic fumes</li><li>easily dismantled toys</li><li>dogs, cats and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles</li></ul><h4>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy Lory</h4><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges or bald spots</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><h4>Most common disorders of Lories</h4><ul><li>Liver disease</li><li>Hemochromatosis</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Circovirus</li><li>Fungal infections</li><li>Bacterial infections</li><li>Injuries</li><li>Parasites</li><li>Reproductive disorders</li></ul><p>Many common disease conditions in lories and lorikeets are the result of malnutrition. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your lory or lorikeet. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.aav.org" target="_blank" title="American">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background information</h4><p>Lories and lorikeets are native to areas in Australia and the South Pacific islands. Because they are not legally exported from Australia, most companion birds are obtained through quality domestic breeders. In general, lorikeets may be slightly smaller than lories in size. Lorikeets have pointed tails; lories have rounded tails. The Blue Mountain lorikeet and blue-streaked lory are species commonly maintained as pets due to their cheerful, affectionate nature. Lories are distinguished from other psittacines by their tongues, which have elongated papillae that form brush-like tips adapted for the collection of pollen and nectar. In captivity, their dietary requirements are specialized. Your avian veterinarian can recommend the appropriate diet for your lory or lorikeet.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1514 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1514">Conure</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your Conure</h4><p>Conures are usually gregarious, playful, animated birds that enjoy and seek attention. Some conures may be considered short-tempered, and their noise level can be irritating. The less common dusky-headed and green-cheeked conures are somewhat quieter than the more familiar jenday, sun, mitred or half-moon conures. Conures generally have a cavalier attitude about investigating anything new in their environment; thus, they often suffer from injuries. These birds are generally poor talkers, but they can be very vocal in the early morning and late afternoon.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Body length: 9-12 inches (23-31 cm)</li><li>Body weight (most): 80-200 grams</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: 1-3 years</li><li>Maximum life span: 35 years</li></ul><h4>Is your Conure a male or a female?</h4><p>It is difficult to reliably distinguish a male from a female conure based on physical characteristics; therefore, endoscopy or laboratory methods must be used for sex determination in breeding facilities. Conures are prolific breeders and the offspring are easy to hand-raise.</p><h4>What do Conures do all day?</h4><p>Conures are playful and easily amused with simple toys. They often lie on their backs and chew at their toes or may play hide-and-seek with a towel or brown bag in their enclosure. Because they love to chew, any toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. Providing chew toys or fresh-cut branches from nontoxic, pesticide-free trees is recommended for conures. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations on locally available safe trees.</p><h4>Are Conures tame?</h4><p>Young, hand-raised conures adapt readily to new surroundings and handling procedures. They should be exposed early in life to novel situations (car travel, hospital visits, multiple visitors in the household, other household pets) so that they are well adjusted to these events. Discipline, leadership, patience, hooding (covering the head), a sense of ritual and the offering of rewards are necessary to modify the behavior of conures. Even then, they are not completely trustworthy and may bite when they are angry or don&rsquo;t get their way.</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your conure in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Conures that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wings is not to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. Additional trimming may be required 8-12 weeks after the start of a molt cycle.</p><h4>How to keep your conure healthy, happy and safe!</h4><ul><li>Give lots of attention (with leadership).</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free formulated diet with daily supplementation of small amounts of chopped vegetables and fruit according to manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations.</li><li>Grit is not necessary with modern captive bird diets.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water (try using water bottles) and replace twice daily.</li><li>Remove and replace food and water containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.</li><li>Provide an occasional opportunity for a bath, shower or misting (at least weekly).</li><li>Avoid spraying the house with insecticides.</li></ul><h4>Housing for your Conure should:</h4><ul><li>be as large as possible.</li><li>be clean, secure and safe and easy to service.</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material (avoid zinc).</li><li>contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>have food and water containers placed at opposite ends of the enclosure.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>offer occasional opportunity for protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight (not through glass) and exercise.</li></ul><p>Conures are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>ceiling fans</li><li>hot cooking oil</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>leg chains</li><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>pesticides</li><li>toxic fumes</li><li>easily dismantled toys</li><li>dogs, cats and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles</li></ul><h4>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy Conure:</h4><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><p>Most common disorders of Conures:</p><ul><li>Behavioral problems</li><li>Feather and skin disorders</li><li>Injuries</li><li>Black splotches in feathers (malnutrition)</li><li>Bleeding syndrome</li><li>Bacterial infections</li><li>Chlamydiosis</li><li>Polyomavirus</li><li>Papillomatosis</li></ul><p>Many common disease conditions in conures are often the result of malnutrition. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your conure. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.AAV.org" target="_blank" title="Association of Avian Veterinarians">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background information</h4><p>The group of birds known as conures consists of several separate genera. They are small to medium-sized parrots with long tails and proportionately broad, heavy beaks. They have a body shape similar to macaws. Free-ranging conures are found from Mexico to Central and South America. Most conure species are very sociable and live together in small groups, spending time grooming each other. Some species are considered nomadic. Most have a loud, raucous call that can be heard for some distance in the forest. Conures are generally hardy and popular aviculture and pet birds, bringing to captivity their sociable nature and loud voice. The most commonly seen species are primarily of the Aratinga genus. Larger conure species, such as Patagonian and golden (Queen of Bavaria) conures, are relatively rare in captivity.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1515 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1515">Eclectus Parrot</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your Eclectus parrot</h4><p>Eclectus parrots are in high demand as pets, primarily because of their beauty. They are generally calm in captivity, especially in the presence of strangers. They may exhibit a &ldquo;pensive&rdquo; nature when considering novel items or situations in a secure environment. However, individuals may be playful and rambunctious when they are comfortable with family members. To a greater degree than other companion birds, they may be fearful of anything new. This fear may be reflected in the high incidence of feather picking, especially in timid males.</p><p>Male eclectus parrots tend to be more docile than females, especially when hand-raised. Both genders have mimicking ability, although the male may be a better talker. There are reports of eclectus parrots developing a nervous habit of &ldquo;toe tapping&rdquo; or &ldquo;wing flapping.&rdquo; The cause is unknown, but if the birds are otherwise healthy, the condition usually abates with time. There have been some suggestions that this behavior in eclectus may be associated with preliminary infection with a viral disease. Working with an avian veterinarian is paramount, as early therapy has been considered a potential success.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Body length: 12-14 inches (30-35 cm)</li><li>Body weight: 380-450 grams</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: 6 years</li><li>Maximum life span: 20 years</li></ul><h4>Is your Eclectus parrot a male or a female?</h4><p>It is easy to determine the gender of an eclectus parrot, not only because of behavioral characteristics, but because the male is bright green and the female is red. Because of the distinct color difference, eclectus parrots were originally believed to be two separate species. They are prolific breeders and the offspring are easy to hand-raise. </p><h4>What do Eclectus parrots do all day?</h4><p>Toys offered to eclectus parrots must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. Fresh-cut branches from nontoxic trees may be offered. Check with local authorities for recommendations of safe trees. Eclectus need to feel they are a part of the group. They are nosy and interested in what is going on around them. </p><h4>Are Eclectus parrots tame?</h4><p>Young, hand-raised eclectus parrots adapt readily to new surroundings and handling procedures. They should be exposed early in life to novel situations (car travel, hospital visits, multiple visitors in the household, other household pets) so that they are well adjusted to these events. Discipline, leadership, patience, hooding (covering the head), a sense of ritual and the offering of rewards are necessary to modify the behavior. Even then, they are not completely trustworthy with strangers and may bite for no apparent reason (especially the female).</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your eclectus parrot in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Eclectus parrots that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wings is NOT to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. An eclectus will require additional trimming 8-12 weeks after the start of a molt cycle.</p><p>How to keep your Eclectus parrot healthy, happy and safe!</p><ul><li>Give lots of attention.</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free formulated diet with daily supplementation of small amounts of chopped vegetables and fruit according to manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations.</li><li>Grit is not necessary with modern captive bird diets.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water.</li><li>Remove and replace food and water containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.</li><li>Provide an occasional opportunity for a bath, shower or misting (at least weekly).</li><li>Avoid spraying the house with insecticides.</li></ul><p>Housing for your eclectus parrot should:</p><ul><li>be as large as possible.</li><li>be clean, secure and safe and easy to service.</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material (avoid zinc).</li><li>contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>have food and water containers placed at opposite ends of the enclosure.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>offer occasional opportunity for protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight (not through glass) and exercise.</li></ul><p>Eclectus parrots are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>ceiling fans</li><li>hot cooking oil</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>leg chains</li><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>pesticides</li><li>toxic fumes</li><li>easily dismantled toys</li><li>dogs, cats and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles</li></ul><p>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy Eclectus parrot </p><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><p>Most common disorders of Eclectus parrots:</p><ul><li>Feathering picking</li><li>Hypovitaminosis A </li><li>Proventricular dilatation disease</li><li>Chlamydiosis</li><li>Bacterial infections</li><li>Annular toe deformities (neonates)</li><li>Female aggression, male docility</li><li>Wing flapping and toe tapping </li></ul><p>Many common disease conditions in eclectus parrots are often the result of nutritional disorders. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your eclectus parrot. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.aav.org/" target="_blank" title="Association of Avian Veterinarians">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background information</h4><p>Eclectus parrots originate from Australia, New Guinea and other South Pacific islands. Of the ten Eclectus subspecies, the three most commonly seen in captivity are the red-sided (Eclectus roratus polychloros), Vos (Eclectus roratus vosmaeri) and Solomon Island (Eclectus roratus solomonensis). Eclectus have the most pronounced sexual dimorphism of any psittacine: the males are green and the females are red. Scientists who have studied these birds in Australia have determined that this color distinction is related to their sexual roles in the wild. Females spend up to 11 months each season in their nest hollow, and their red color makes them less conspicuous against the tree trunk. However, males differ from females by spending a much larger proportion of their time foraging among the rainforest canopy. Their green color favors reduced visibility to predators against leaves. In captivity, eclectus females generally tend to be more aggressive than males, both in companion bird settings and in aviculture. In breeding situations, a female may sometimes even traumatize her mate.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1834 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1834">Cockatoos</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your Cockatoo</h4><p>Cockatoos are appreciated as companion birds because they enjoy &ldquo;cuddling.&rdquo; Cockatoos are like small children &mdash; they can be charming and may try to &ldquo;steal the show.&rdquo; Care must be taken to avoid spoiling these birds. They require so much attention that they can be extremely noisy and destructive if improperly socialized. Because of the potential noise level, cockatoos are best suited to single family dwellings without close neighbors. Imprinted cockatoos may become excessively possessive of their owners, leading to aggression toward others, unpredictability and other vices, such as feather picking. Cockatoos have some capacity to mimic but their voice is not as clear as other parrots. Of all the companion bird species, they are the most reluctant to change their eating habits to a healthy diet. Most cockatoo species produce abundant powderdown, which is shed as feather dust in the cage, on furniture and clothing and found circulating in the air. The feather dust may cause respiratory problems in susceptible individuals or other birds. A high quality air purifier is recommended for the home.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Body length: 12-28 inches (30-71 cm)</li><li>Body weight: 300-1100 grams</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: Small: 1-2 years, Medium: 3-4 years, Large: 5-6 years</li><li>Maximum life span: 80 years</li></ul><h4>Is your cockatoo a male or a female?</h4><p>In most cockatoo species, the gender can be determined by the color of the iris: those of adult males are black and adult females are reddish brown. However, this does not hold completely true in all individuals; therefore, endoscopy or laboratory methods may be desired to confirm the gender in breeding facilities. Males are known to occasionally brutalize or kill their mates, even in pairs that have been previously compatible.</p><h4>What do Cockatoos do all day?</h4><p>Most cockatoos are playful and can be amused with simple toys. Because they love to chew, any toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. Providing chew toys or fresh-cut branches from nontoxic, pesticide-free trees may prevent some cockatoos from destroying their perches as quickly. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations on locally available safe trees.</p><h4>Are Cockatoos tame?</h4><p>Young, hand-raised cockatoos adapt readily to new surroundings and handling procedures. They should be exposed early in life to novel situations (car travel, hospital visits, multiple visitors in the household, other household pets) so that they are well adjusted to these events. Discipline, leadership, patience, a sense of ritual and the offering of rewards may be necessary to modify behavior problems relating to screaming for attention to demand the presence of a family member.</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your cockatoo in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Cockatoos that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins as well as cause significant damage from chewing; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. Some additional behavioral benefits result from clipping the wings, as the human is perceived as dominant in the relationship. The goal of clipping the wings is not to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. Additional trimming may be required 8-12 weeks after the start of a molt cycle.</p><h4>How to keep your cockatoo healthy, happy and safe!</h4><ul><li>Give lots of attention.</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free formulated diet with daily supplementation of chopped vegetables and fruit according to manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations.</li><li>Avoid feeding nuts, seeds, sweet items (corn, apples, oranges) and salty foods, as these may contribute to feather picking, screaming and aggression.</li><li>Grit is not necessary with modern captive bird diets.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water.</li><li>Replace food and water containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.</li><li>Offer toys, social interaction, and foraging and problem solving opportunities.</li><li>Provide an occasional opportunity for bath, shower or misting (at least weekly).</li><li>Avoid spraying house with insecticides.</li></ul><p>Housing for your cockatoo should:</p><ul><li>be as large as possible.</li><li>be clean, secure and safe and easy to service.</li><li>be particularly secure because cockatoos can be escape artists</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material (avoid zinc).</li><li>contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>have food and water containers placed at opposite ends of the enclosure.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>offer occasional opportunity for protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight (not through glass) and exercise.</li></ul><p>Cockatoos are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>ceiling fans</li><li>hot cooking oil</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>leg chains</li><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>pesticides</li><li>toxic fumes</li><li>easily dismantled toys</li><li>dogs, cats and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles</li></ul><p>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy Cockatoo:</p><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><h4>Most common disorders of Cockatoos:</h4><ul><li>Behavioral - screaming, biting</li><li>Feather picking, self mutilation</li><li>Cloacal prolapse </li><li>Pododermatitis</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Lipomas</li><li>Metabolic bone disease (chicks)</li><li>Fatty liver syndrome (chicks)</li><li>Upper respiratory disease</li><li>Anti-social behavior, esp. mate aggression</li><li>Oral abscesses</li><li>Fungal infections</li><li>Idiopathic liver cirrhosis</li><li>Psittacine beak and feather disease virus</li></ul><p>Many common disease conditions in cockatoos are the result of malnutrition. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your cockatoo. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.aav.org/" target="_blank" title="Association of Avian Veterinarians">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background information</h4><p>Cockatoos are native to Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific islands. Most free-ranging species are considered threatened or endangered, and efforts to protect these birds have resulted in a ban on importation for pet purposes in the United States. High quality companion birds are available from breeders. The &ldquo;white&rdquo; species (eg, umbrella, sulphur-crested, citron) are in high demand because they are such good quality companion birds. The personalities of cockatoos range from the &ldquo;reserved&rdquo; demeanor of the Moluccan to the comical and playful corella. All are affectionate and highly intelligent birds that can easily be house-trained. They love attention and can be taught to perform tricks.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1835 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1835">Quaker Parrot</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your Quaker Parrot</h4><p>Quaker parrot are medium-sized parrots with long, gradated tails. They are intelligent, extremely hardy and generally friendly with strangers. Quakers are considered to be one of the best talkers, with extraordinary ability to mimic and speak with cognition. Hand-fed domestic Quakers often rival African greys in their ability to acquire huge vocabularies, and sometimes will repeat words before they are even weaned. The behavioral characteristics of Quaker parrots can run the gamut from aggressive, biting, noisy and obnoxious to charming, comical, cuddly and engaging. The difference is in how they are raised and trained. Quakers are best professionally hand-fed and weaned so they are well socialized before going into a home situation. An untrained, unsocialized Quaker may not be recommended around children. On the other hand, hand-fed Quakers are considered almost to be a domesticated species with second and third generation offspring less noisy and more talkative than parent-raised birds.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Length: 11 inches (28 cm)</li><li>Weight: 127-140 g</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: 1-2 years</li><li>Life expectancy: 25-30 years</li></ul><h4>Is your Quaker a male or female?</h4><p>There are no obvious physical characteristics to identify your Quaker parakeet as a male or a female. Therefore, surgical or laboratory methods must be used for sex determination.</p><h4>What do Quaker Parrots do all day?</h4><p>Quakers bond strongly to an individual or location, so controls must be maintained to minimize this territory-related aggression. Play areas should be provided away from the enclosure so the bird does not establish its territory as the cage. To further reduce potential hostility, one can occasionally rearrange perches and toys in the cage, move the location of the cage, take the bird to unfamiliar territory, and house the bird lower than a person&rsquo;s head.</p><p>Aggression can also be reduced in an environment enriched with toys. Quakers actually play with toys, moving them around to control their placement in the cage. Simple toys like paper towel centers, coffee stirrers, bells, twigs or branches prevent development of boredom-related behaviors such as screaming and feather chewing. Opportunities for baths or showers should also be provided. Sexual behaviors directed at toys or humans are common and should be regarded with neutral response. Noise control of a screaming bird is accomplished by covering the cage. </p><h4>Are Quaker Parrots tame?</h4><p>Because they are territorial, Quakers may be nippy in and around the cage, but are often docile away from the cage. Nipping or biting should not be rewarded by attention, but rather should be ignored, especially when the young bird is beginning to express independence. Quakers respond easily and quickly to common behavior modification techniques. Teaching the young bird simple behaviors, such as &ldquo;up,&rdquo; will establish a positive relationship within the family. Children&rsquo;s play with Quakers should be supervised.</p><p>It is best to start training a Quaker as a juvenile bird, keeping the wing feathers trimmed as they grow, and moving the bird from place to place on your hand rather than allowing it to fly. It is important to start with the level of attention you are able and willing to provide long-term and to encourage the bird to play independently.</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your Quaker in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Quaker parakeets that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wings is not to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. Additional trimming may be required 8-12 weeks after the start of a molt cycle.</p><h4>How to keep your Quaker Parrot healthy, happy and safe</h4><ul><li>Give lots of attention.</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free formulated.</li><li>Limit supplementation to small amounts of chopped pesticide-free dark green or yellow vegetables and fruits.</li><li>Grit is not necessary with modern captive bird diets.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water (try using water bottles).</li><li>Remove and replace food and water containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.</li><li>Provide an occasional opportunity for a bath, shower or misting (at least weekly).</li><li>Avoid spraying the house with insecticides.</li></ul><h4>Housing for your Quaker parrot should:</h4><ul><li>be as large as possible.</li><li>be clean, secure, safe and easy to service.</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material (avoid zinc).</li><li>contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>contain toys and accessories that are moved around occasionally to prevent boredom and aggression.</li><li>offer occasional opportunity for protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight (not through glass) and exercise.</li></ul><p>Quakers are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>ceiling fans</li><li>hot cooking oil</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>leg chains</li><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>pesticides</li><li>toxic fumes</li><li>easily dismantled toys</li><li>dogs, cats, ferrets and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles.</li></ul><h4>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy Quaker Parrot</h4><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><h4>Most common disorders of Quaker Parrot</h4><ul><li>Self-mutilation syndrome of unknown cause</li><li>Hypovitaminosis A</li><li>Infectious diseases</li><li>Parasites</li><li>Chlamydiosis</li><li>Bacterial infections</li><li>Fungal infections</li><li>Polyomavirus</li><li>Circovirus</li><li>Other viruses</li></ul><p>Many common disease conditions in Quaker parrots are the result of malnutrition. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your Quaker parakeet. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.AAV.org" target="_blank" title="Association of Avian Veterinarians">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background Information</h4><p>Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) also known as monk parakeets, are native to Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina, but feral flocks have been established in Puerto Rico, the United States and some major cities in Europe. Quaker parrots are highly gregarious and associate in flocks of from ten to one hundred or more. Their nests, which are the roosting quarters and center of the birds&rsquo; daily activity, are enormous communal structures made from thorny twigs and placed in the topmost branches of trees. Each pair has its own chamber or compartment with a separate entrance tunnel. Nests containing up to twenty compartments have been recorded. Free-ranging Quakers have raucous sounds: a loud staccato in flight and a high-pitched chattering when feeding. Because of the potential danger to agricultural interests from feral birds in the United States, it is illegal to keep Quakers in some states.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1512 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1512">Cockatiel</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your Cockatiel</h4><p>Cockatiels are relatively quiet, nondestructive, entertaining birds that are easy to care for. Because they are considered so gentle, they are excellent as companion birds for children. Even though they do not tend to bond with an individual person, they retain better companion bird qualities as a single bird rather than as a pair. However, several cockatiels may be successfully maintained in a single household with patience and attention to each individual. Cockatiels are limited talkers (males may be better), but some individuals are so good at whistling that their tunes are recognizable.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Body length: 12.5 inches (32 cm)</li><li>Body weight: 75-100 grams</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: 6-12 months</li><li>Average life span in captivity: 10 years (max 32)</li></ul><h4>Is your Cockatiel a male or a female?</h4><p>Immature grey cockatiels have yellow stripes under the primary wing feathers. A male loses these stripes around 9 months of age. Head and facial markings are brighter on males. Color mutations (lutino, pied, pearl) may not exhibit the same gender differences in feather pattern. Vocalization is the earliest means of sexing cockatiels &mdash; the male has a melodious call; females have more of a monotonous chirp. Cockatiels are prolific year-round breeders. Their offspring are easy to hand-raise but are reluctant to wean.</p><h4>What should you feed your Cockatiel?</h4><p>For a long, healthy life, cockatiels should be fed a high quality, toxin-free formulated diet with daily supplementation of very small amounts of chopped vegetables and fruit (according to manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations). Some cockatiels, especially those that are highly inbred or those with red eye color, may respond to a pelleted diet change with increased drinking of water and increased urination (called polydipsia and polyuria). In this case the bird should be temporarily returned to a seed diet and an avian veterinarian should be consulted for this condition.</p><h4>What do Cockatiels do all day?</h4><p>Cockatiels are playful and easily amused with simple toys. Because they love to chew, toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. Providing small diameter fresh-cut branches from nontoxic, pesticide-free trees is suggested for cockatiels. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations on locally available safe trees.</p><h4>Are cockatiels tame?</h4><p>Young, hand-raised cockatiels adapt readily to new surroundings and handling procedures. They should be exposed early in life to novel situations (car travel, hospital visits, multiple household visitors, other pets) so that they are well adjusted to these events. Some behavior modification techniques may be necessary to prevent biting by wary adult cockatiels.</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your cockatiel in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Cockatiels that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wings is not to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. A cockatiel will require additional trimming 8-12 weeks after the start of a molt cycle.</p><h4>How to keep your cockatiel healthy, happy and safe!</h4><ul><li>Give lots of attention.</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free formulated diet with daily supplementation of small amounts of chopped vegetables and fruit according to manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations.</li><li>Grit is not necessary with modern captive bird diets.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water.</li><li>Remove and replace food and water containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.</li><li>Provide an occasional opportunity for a bath, shower or misting (at least weekly).</li><li>Avoid spraying the house with insecticides.</li></ul><h4>Housing for your cockatiel should:</h4><ul><li>be as large as possible.</li><li>be clean, secure and safe and easy to service.</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material (avoid zinc).</li><li>contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>have food and water containers placed at opposite ends of the enclosure.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>offer occasional opportunity for protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight (not through glass) and exercise.</li></ul><p>Cockatiels are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>ceiling fans</li><li>hot cooking oil</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>leg chains</li><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>pesticides</li><li>toxic fumes</li><li>easily dismantled toys</li><li>dogs, cats and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles</li></ul><h4>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy cockatiel:</h4><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><h4>Most common disorders of Cockatiels:</h4><ul><li>Obesity</li><li>Obstetrical problems (egg-binding)</li><li>Upper respiratory symptoms (sneezing)</li><li>Eye problems (swollen, runny)</li><li>Chlamydiosis</li><li>Feather picking</li><li>Yellow-colored feathers in lutinos</li><li>Difficult breathing (gasping)</li><li>Lead or zinc poisoning</li><li>Intestinal parasites</li><li>Injuries</li><li>Incoordination (especially in lutinos)</li></ul><p>The most common disease conditions in cockatiels are often the result of malnutrition. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many of the above diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your cockatiel. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.aav.org/" target="_blank" title="Association of Avian Veterinarians">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background information</h4><p>Cockatiels are medium-sized, trim birds that are native to Australia. They are one of the most popular companion birds. They adapt well to captivity and are easily bred when housed as pairs in colonies. Although color mutations are highly valued by some aviculturists, the inbreeding required to produce unusual colors has actually resulted in some negative genetic disorders, including decreased disease resistance, reduced life span and hatching defects. The cockatiels with red-colored eyes are probably the most afflicted, with balding on the head, a nervous disposition and other abnormalities. Cockatiels with black-colored eyes have the best chance for a relatively long healthy life.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1510 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1510">Canary</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your canary</h4><p>Canaries are tidy, nondestructive and easy to care for, but they do not like to be handled. They are appreciated most for their pleasant, melodious song. All male canaries sing, starting as early as three months of age. If a male canary becomes ill, it may stop singing until the following spring even though the initial illness has resolved. </p><p>Canaries are not social birds. One bird kept as a single pet will be content. Males must be housed separately from other males to prevent fighting but may be kept within visual or auditory range to stimulate singing. Group housing with mixed ages and both sexes will work only if the cage has enough perches and many feeding stations.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Body length: 4-7 inches (10-18 cm)</li><li>Body weight: 12-30 grams</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: 5 months</li><li>Life span: 20-25 years</li></ul><h4>Are Canaries tame?</h4><p>Canaries are considered &ldquo;skittish&rdquo; and will fly away when approached. If capture of a canary is necessary, one useful approach is to remove all perches and turn off the lights before reaching into the enclosure. Handling of canaries should be minimized.</p><h4>What do Canaries do all day?</h4><p>Canaries spend a great deal of their time eating and flying from perch to perch. Fresh food and water must be available at all times, and multiple, small diameter branches are important accessories in the enclosure.</p><h4>Is your Canary a male or a female?</h4><p>Appearance alone does not indicate if your canary is a male or a female; however, behavior during the breeding season makes a clear distinction. Males are particularly vocal at this time, and the vent area in the male becomes enlarged and prominent. </p><h4>Can you breed Canaries at home?</h4><p>Canaries are relatively easy to breed in captivity if they are healthy adults and if they have access to an acceptable partner, abundant food and water, and the presence of a nest and nesting materials. A lengthening photoperiod is the primary stimulant to breed, whether natural or artificially produced. To prevent potential injury to the female, the pair should not be housed together until both are in breeding condition. The hen may lay 3-5 eggs, which she incubates for approximately 14 days before hatching. The chicks are featherless when they hatch and are ready to leave the nest in 11-17 days. Canaries are raised by both parents. When the chick first starts to get pin feathers, a closed band is slipped over the toes onto the leg for permanent identification. Once the bones harden, this can no longer be done.</p><h4>How can you keep your canary beautiful?</h4><p>Once a year at the end of the breeding season, canaries replace all their plumage. During this time the diet should be supplemented with high protein foods, such as commercial &ldquo;egg food,&rdquo; mashed hard-cooked egg, finely chopped chicken or insects (either fresh or commercially available powdered insects usually marketed for finches). Feather color in &ldquo;red factor&rdquo; and &ldquo;new color&rdquo; canaries requires dietary sources of carotenoid, which is found in commercial diets that contain spirulina or in plant sources such as grated carrots, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables.</p><p>If there is a continuous source of stress in the canary&rsquo;s life, such as fear, cagemate competition, infection or poor cage design, feathers will not molt properly but instead will be shed over the entire year.</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your canary in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Canaries that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wings is not to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. Additional trimming may be required 8-12 weeks after the start of a molt cycle.</p><h4>How to keep your canary healthy, happy and safe!</h4><ul><li>Quarantine, test and treat new birds for potential diseases.</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free diet formulated specifically for canaries.</li><li>Alternatively, feed a variety of fresh, pesticide-free seeds suitable for canaries. This diet requires supplementation.</li><li>Vitamin/mineral supplements must be applied to moist food, not to seeds or placed in the water.</li><li>Feed a high protein &ldquo;egg food&rdquo; during reproduction and molting.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh, uncontaminated water daily for drinking and bathing.</li><li>Keep nails trimmed.</li></ul><h4>Housing for a single pet canary should:</h4><ul><li>be indoors.</li><li>be at least 10&rdquo; x 10&rdquo; x 18&rdquo; (25 x 25 x 45 cm) long.</li><li>be clean, secure, safe and easy to service.</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material (avoid zinc).</li><li>contain multiple perches of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>be protected by mosquito screening if placed outdoors.</li><li>provide a light cycle that follows natural daylight: decreased hours in winter, increased length in summer. Automatic timers are helpful.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>be lined with newspaper, butcher paper or plain brown paper.</li></ul><p>Canaries are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>mosquitoes</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>fibrous nesting material or fine thread in nest box</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>pesticides and other toxic fumes</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>dogs, cats, ferrets, free-ranging birds and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles</li></ul><h4>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy Canary:</h4><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><h4>Most common disorders of Canaries:</h4><ul><li>Feather cysts</li><li>Baldness</li><li>Other feather abnormalities</li><li>Obesity, fatty tumors</li><li>Mites (air sac, trachea, tasselfoot, scaly face)</li><li>Canary poxvirus</li><li>Egg binding</li><li>Cataracts</li><li>Internal parasites</li><li>Bacterial diseases</li><li>Constricted feet and digits</li><li>Damaged nails and beak</li><li>Leg fractures</li><li>Fungal infections</li><li>Acute dyspnea (inhaled seed)</li></ul><p>Many common disease conditions in canaries are the result of malnutrition. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your canary. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.AAV.org" target="_blank" title="Association of Avian Veterinarians">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background information</h4><p>Canaries are native to the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores, and have been maintained as pets in Europe since the 16th century. Because canaries breed intensively in captivity, pairings over this time period have resulted in many distinct varieties and mutations. These mutations bear little resemblance to their green, free-ranging ancestors. Depending on the qualities desired, canaries may be bred for color variations, size and shape characteristics, feather traits or singing ability. The Norwich and Yorkshire are large, robust birds, while the Glouster, a miniature breed, is known for the cap of feathers on its head. American Singers and Rollers are bred especially for their vocal ability. Because today&rsquo;s canaries come from a small gene pool, mutations may be associated with genetic abnormalities and reduced life span. Birds with undesirable genetic traits should not be bred.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1509 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1509">Budgie Parakeet</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your Budgie</h4><p>Budgerigars (commonly referred to as &ldquo;parakeets&rdquo; or &ldquo;budgies&rdquo;) are quiet, intelligent, nondestructive birds that are easy to care for. They are the most popular and numerous of companion birds because of their relatively gentle, gregarious and entertaining personalities. They do not tend to bond with an individual person and frequently interact with all family members. Budgerigars are capable of developing a large vocabulary (perhaps 200-300 words), but some effort must be made to accomplish this, and their voice is not as clear as other pet bird species. Some individuals are also good at whistling.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Total length: 7 inches (18 cm)</li><li>Body weight: 30 grams</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: 4 months</li><li>Maximum life span: 18 years</li></ul><h4>Is your Budgie a male or a female?</h4><p>Generally, in the normal green budgie, the cere (plump tissue above the beak) is blue in the male and pinkish brown in the female. This gender differentiation is not 100% accurate, nor does it apply to color mutations. Hormonal changes may affect the cere color. The pair bond between budgies lasts until one of the partners dies.</p><h4>What should Budgies eat?</h4><p>The all-seed diet traditionally fed to budgies is deficient in a wide variety of nutrients and results in malnutrition, which may be expressed as unkempt appearance, lack of energy, reproductive failures and susceptibility to disease. It is ideal for budgies to eat a food specifically formulated for parrots and prepared in a size that is appropriate to them. It may be somewhat of a challenge to convert a &ldquo;seed-addict&rdquo; budgie to a formulated diet, but some manufacturers offer suggestions that may help in this process. Until the conversion is complete, the bird may benefit from a trace mineral/iodine supplement.</p><h4>What do Budgies do all day?</h4><p>Budgies are playful and easily amused with simple toys. Because they love to chew, toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks and sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. Providing small diameter, fresh-cut branches from nontoxic, pesticide-free trees is suggested for budgerigars. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations on locally available safe trees.</p><h4>Are Budgies tame?</h4><p>Budgies should be obtained when they are young so that they adapt readily to new surroundings and handling procedures. Budgies are easy to tame; therefore, it is best for them to be raised by their parents in the nest and then removed at weaning for taming. Young budgies can be identified by their large black eyes, pink cere and stripes over the forehead. The more time you spend with your budgie, the tamer it will become. It should be exposed early in life to novel situations (car travel, hospital visits and multiple visitors in the household) so that it is well adjusted to these events.</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your budgie in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Budgerigars that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wings is not to make the bird incapable of flight, but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. Additional trimming may be required 8-12 weeks after the start of a molt cycle.</p><p>How to keep your Budgie healthy, happy and safe!</p><ul><li>Give lots of attention.</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free formulated diet with daily supplementation of small amounts of chopped vegetables and fruit according to manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations.</li><li>Grit is not necessary with modern captive bird diets.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water (try using water bottles).</li><li>Remove and replace food and water containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.</li><li>Provide an occasional opportunity for a bath, shower or misting (at least weekly).</li><li>Avoid spraying the house with insecticides.</li></ul><p>Housing for your budgie should:</p><ul><li>be as large as possible.</li><li>be clean, secure and safe and easy to service.</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material (avoid zinc).</li><li>contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>have food and water containers placed at opposite ends of the enclosure.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>offer occasional opportunity for protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight (not through glass) and exercise.</li></ul><p>Budgies are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>ceiling fans</li><li>hot cooking oil</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>leg chains</li><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>pesticides</li><li>toxic fumes</li><li>easily dismantled toys</li><li>dogs, cats and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles</li></ul><h4>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy Budgie:</h4><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><p>Most Common Disorders of Budgerigars</p><ul><li>Tumors (fat, testes, ovary, liver, kidney)</li><li>Polyomavirus carriers</li><li>Overgrowth of beak and nails</li><li>Egg-binding and other reproductive disorders</li><li>Foot problems</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Feather disorders</li><li>Leg paralysis</li><li>Scaly face mites</li><li>Chlamydiosis</li><li>Internal parasites</li><li>Bacterial or viral infections</li></ul><p>The most common disease conditions in budgerigars are often the result of improper feeding. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many of the above diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your budgerigar. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.aav.org/" target="_blank" title="Association of Avian Veterinarians">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background information</h4><p>Budgerigars (&ldquo;budgies&rdquo;) are small, colorful birds that are found in large numbers in the desert interiors of Australia. Because free-ranging birds are accustomed to going days without water, it is not appropriate in captivity to use drinking water as a vehicle for administering vitamins or medications. The normal free-ranging budgie is green; other colors have resulted from selective breeding, which has actually produced undesirable characteristics, such as a significant increase in body mass and unusual feathering that interferes with normal body functions. Selective breeding has also resulted in genetic predisposition to tumors and other diseases. Budgerigars are very easy to breed in captivity. Green birds are the most disease-resistant and probably have the longest life expectancy in captivity.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1508 <a href="http://www.webvet.com/main/article?id=1508">Amazon Parrot</a><br /><h4>What to expect from your Amazon parrot</h4><p>Amazon parrots are known for their strong personalities, high intelligence and excellent ability to mimic. Double yellow-headed, yellow-naped and blue-fronted Amazons seem to have the most potential for talking, laughing, whistling, coughing or even imitating a baby&rsquo;s cry. The ability to &ldquo;talk&rdquo; or imitate sounds is an individual characteristic even within a certain species. This ability seems to be developed best at an early age, probably before the bird is 2 years old. Males may be easier to teach than females. Amazons tend to be the most vocal in the early morning and late afternoon. They can also express vocalization in a negative way by screaming. Although mealy, white-fronted and orange-winged Amazons are not as lively and talkative as other species, they are usually regarded as more gentle and affectionate. Hand-raised blue-fronted Amazons generally make good companions.</p><h4>Vital statistics</h4><ul><li>Body length: 10-18 inches (25-46 cm)</li><li>Body weight (most): 350-600 g</li><li>Age of sexual maturity: 4-6 years</li><li>Maximum life span: 80 years</li></ul><h4>What do Amazons do all day?</h4><p>Amazons are more sedentary than other birds, so some effort must be made to keep them active. An exceptionally large enclosure would encourage them to move around more as would an abundance of simple toys with which they can amuse themselves. Because Amazons love to chew, toys must be free of toxic metals, hooks, sharp objects or small, easily consumed components. Providing chew toys or fresh-cut branches from nontoxic, pesticide-free trees may prevent some Amazons from destroying their perches as quickly. Check with your veterinarian for recommendations on locally available, safe trees. </p><h4>Are Amazons tame?</h4><p>Young, hand-fed Amazons adapt readily to new surroundings and handling procedures. They should be exposed early in life to novel situations (e.g., car travel, hospital visits, multiple visitors in the household) so they are well adjusted to these events. Adult Amazons tend to become bonded to certain individuals and exhibit territoriality and aggression toward others. They learn quickly to use lunging or biting to relay their negative opinions. Discipline, leadership, patience, hooding (covering the head), a sense of ritual and the offering of rewards are necessary to modify the behavior of Amazons. Even then, they are not completely trustworthy and may bite for no apparent reason, especially after they reach sexual maturity.</p><h4>Is your Amazon a male or a female?</h4><p>In most Amazon species it is difficult to reliably distinguish a male from a female based on physical characteristics; therefore, endoscopy or laboratory methods must be used for sex determination in breeding facilities. Amazons are somewhat of a challenge to breed but the offspring are easy to hand-feed.</p><h4>How to identify your bird</h4><p>One method used to permanently identify your Amazon in case of loss or escape is for your avian veterinarian to inject a custom microchip under the skin. Although individually numbered leg bands or rings may be applied, this method is unreliable and may result in potential damage to the bird. </p><h4>Why the wings should be clipped</h4><p>Amazons that are allowed unrestricted freedom in the home can encounter numerous physical dangers or toxins as well as cause significant destruction; therefore, wing clipping is recommended. The goal of clipping the wings is not to make the bird incapable of flight but to prevent it from developing rapid and sustained flight and to prevent escape. Retrimming is needed after a molt. Even with clipped wings, Amazons can get around quite well by climbing and walking, so they should not be allowed outside their enclosure without supervision. </p><h4>How to keep your Amazon parrot healthy, happy and safe</h4><ul><li>Give lots of attention and leadership training.</li><li>Feed a fresh, high quality, toxin-free, formulated diet with daily supplementation of chopped vegetables and fruit according to manufacturer&rsquo;s recommendations.</li><li>Grit is not necessary with modern captive bird diets.</li><li>Provide clean, fresh uncontaminated water (try using water bottles) and replace twice daily.</li><li>Remove and replace food containers twice daily to maximize activity in a healthy bird.</li><li>Provide an occasional opportunity for bath, shower, or misting (at least weekly).</li><li>Avoid spraying house with insecticides.</li></ul><h4>Housing for your Amazon should:</h4><ul><li>be as large as possible (minimum: 2&rsquo; x 3&rsquo; x 2&rsquo;)</li><li>be clean, secure and safe.</li><li>be constructed of durable, nontoxic material.</li><li>contain variable-sized perches made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free tree branches.</li><li>have food and water containers placed at opposite ends of the enclosure.</li><li>avoid having perches located directly over food containers.</li><li>offer occasional protected outdoor exposure to fresh air, sunlight and exercise.</li></ul><p>Amazons are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment. That is why it is important to prevent their access to:</p><ul><li>ceiling fans</li><li>hot cooking oil</li><li>overheated nonstick-coated cookware</li><li>leg chains</li><li>sandpaper-covered perches</li><li>tobacco and cigarette smoke</li><li>chocolate, avocado, salt, alcohol</li><li>toxic houseplants</li><li>pesticides</li><li>toxic fumes</li><li>easily dismantled toys</li><li>dogs, cats and young children</li><li>cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood shavings</li><li>sources of lead or zinc</li><li>plug-in air fresheners</li><li>heavily-scented candles</li></ul><h4>What your veterinarian looks for in a healthy Amazon parrot:</h4><ul><li>Dry, open nares</li><li>Clear, bright eyes (no discharge)</li><li>Smooth beak</li><li>Alert, erect posture</li><li>Body free of lumps and bumps</li><li>Smooth, bright feathers without color breaks, transparency or ragged edges</li><li>Even, reptilian pattern on the feet, and nails of appropriate length</li></ul><h4>Most common disorders of Amazon parrots:</h4><ul><li>Behavioral</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Respiratory signs (sneezing, runny nose, swollen eyes)</li><li>Vitamin A deficiency</li><li>Discolored feathers</li><li>Lethargy, weakness</li><li>Chlamydiosis</li><li>Bacterial diseases</li><li>Tumors</li><li>Sores on the feet or in the mouth</li><li>Blood in the droppings</li><li>Feather picking</li><li>Cloacal protrusions</li><li>Egg-binding</li></ul><h4>Exposure to toxins</h4><p>The most common disease conditions in Amazon parrots are often the result of malnutrition. Visiting your avian veterinarian for routine health checks will help prevent many of the above diseases and support you in having a long, satisfying relationship with your Amazon parrot. For help in finding an avian veterinarian in your area, contact the <a href="http://www.aav.org/" target="_blank" title="Association of Avian Veterinarians">Association of Avian Veterinarians</a>.</p><h4>Background information</h4><p>Depending on classification, there are approximately 27 species of Amazon parrots (some with subspecies). Their native habitat ranges from South America to Northern Mexico. Nine species of Amazons are from islands in the Caribbean. Deforestation of their natural habitat and capture for the pet trade has greatly reduced the numbers of these once common species. Most free-ranging species are considered threatened or endangered and efforts to protect these birds have resulted in a ban on importation for pet purposes in the United States and Europe. High quality companion birds are available from breeders. Amazons have extroverted personalities and entertaining antics, but these birds don&rsquo;t always enjoy being touched or &ldquo;cuddled.&rdquo; Some may be considered hyperactive or short-tempered. They generally are not good pets around children.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><br />Zoological Education Network Zoological Education Network Bird Breed Finder