CARE OF ANIMALS COMPLETE GUIDE

If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your future, bird cages are undoubtedly on your mind. Bird cages are available in every price range. They are also available in an increasingly diverse range of styles.

Bird cages are made in many different materials. Some of the most popular are wood, metal, and acrylic. Powder-coated and stainless steel cages are also available.

When choosing a bird cage, there are several main considerations. The first is, of course, price. If you are on a limited budget, you will not be able to buy a custom cage. The second consideration should be the type of bird you are buying. Different birds have different needs. Some birds, such as Amazons, cockatoos, conures, or African grays, require large cages. Others, such as canaries, parakeets, and finches, do better in smaller cages.

The next consideration is purely cosmetic. You will need to pick a cage that matches your décor. This is especially important if your bird is to be a focal point of your home. Bird cages are offered now in styles ranging from simple to elaborate, elegant to whimsical.

Keep in mind that the main purpose of the cage is to keep the bird happy and safe. To that end, there are a few additional considerations. First of all, your bird cage should have a large door. This gives you easier access to your feathered friend.

For convenience sake, look for a cage with food and water containers that can be filled from the outside. Ease of cleaning is also important. Generally, metal is easier to clean than wood or acrylic.

Bird Cages Info provides detailed information in decorative, large, custom, acrylic, antique, wooden, and discount bird cages sale, as well as covers and stands. Bird Cages Info is the sister site of Dog Beds Web.

Lovebirds are so named from the way they sit close to each
other, not because they are in love with each other. Lovebirds
can and do mate for life, but it doesn't happen every time.

Lovebirds are social birds and should be kept in pairs.

They are very active and curious birds and can even be quite
aggressive at times. They can chatter all day long with a
sometimes very shrill sound.

Lovebirds are native to Africa and a few nearby islands. In
their native habitat, they are found usually in small flocks
of 10 to 20 pairs.

Lovebirds are of the class Aves, the genus Agapornis and
members of the Psittaciformes, or family of parrots.

Agapornis comes from the Greek words: Agape meaning love,
and ornis meaning bird.

Lovebirds typically live from 10 to 15 years depending a
great deal on the care they are given, some lovebirds have
been known to live to be 20 in captivity.

There are 9 species of lovebirds, of which 8 are available
as pets. They are not related to the South American parrotlets.

Sexually Dimorphic

1. Abyssinian Lovebird

2. Redfaced Lovebird

3. Madagascar Lovebird (Grayheaded)

Sexually Monomorphic (Similar)

1. Black cheeked Lovebired (Blackfaced)

2. Fischer's Lovebird

3. Masked Lovebird (Black Masked or Yellow collared)

4. Nyasa Lovebird (Lilian's)

5. Peachfaced Lovebird (Rosyfaced)

Characterized by Eye Rings:

Without Eye Rings:

1. Madagascar

2. Redfaced

3. Peachfaced

4. Abyssinian

With Eye Rings

1. Masked

2. Fischers

3. Nyasa

4. Black cheeked

What To Look For In A Healthy Lovebird

1. Active, alert and curious disposition

2. 4 well formed toes, 2 forward and 2 backward, nails must be complete

3. Bright, round eyes

4. Nostrils clear of discharge

5. Feathers lay tight against the body

6. Smooth beak that closes completely

What To Avoid In A Healthy Lovebird

1. A bird that sits huddled in a corner or on the floor

2. A bird with feathers fluffed up

3. Deformed toes

4. Vent fouled with feces or badly stained

5. Signs of weeping or runny eyes

6. Excessive plucking or excessive missing of feathers

7. Bald spots

8. A squeak, wheezing or other abnormality when breathing

9. Nervous behavior

10. Lethargic behavior

11. Dull or lifeless feathers

12. A bird too large for it's normal size (birds can and do get fat)

13. Nasal discharge

If you are a first time or novice lovebird owner, don't choose
a bird that you think may be sick, choose the healthiest bird
you can find. Many sicknesses can be cured, but better to leave
these birds for experienced owners. Don't buy a sick lovebird
because you feel sorry for it.

If possible get a certificate of health from the breeder or
pet shop guaranteeing that a replacement will be made if the
lovebird becomes sick or won't breed.

Lovebirds are not rare, there are a lot of them around to choose
from. So take your time and select only birds that you really
like the coloring and personality of.

Keeping Lovebirds as Pets

Lovebirds should be kept in pairs, one female and one male.
They very much enjoy each others company, although don't
be alarmed if they have occasional spats with each other.

If a pair of lovebirds constantly fight, then it's best to
find each of them another mate. If you're buying birds from
a breeder, make sure the breeder will exchange birds if
they are not compatable.

As a general rule, only one pair of birds should be kept
per cage. Keep one or more cages far enough apart from each
other so they do not allow birds to be able to peck at each
other.

When introducing new birds to a home with pre-existing birds,
the new birds may not always be welcomed readily.

Lovebird Behavior

Lovebirds need exercise out of their cages daily.

Remember: Birds Love to Fly

Being cooped up in a cage all the time is not healthy for
them, physically or emotionally. Birds kept in a cage will
often sit on a perch and flap their wings incessantly.

Lovebirds need between 10 to 12 hours of rest a night. Do
not keep your birds in rooms with televisions or other noisy
devices when it's time for the birds to roost. Total darkness
is not advised either, use a small 7 watt bulb in the room
to provide enough night light for the bird to find it's
perch and drink or feed if needed.

Keep all electrical wires, extension cords, etc, completely
hidden and unavailable to the birds.

Never use Kerosene or similar type heaters that give off fumes.
Coal and wood stoves are no nos. No matter how hard you may'
try, a wood burner will emit fumes and smoke into your home
that may kill your lovebird. If you have a home with a wood
burner completely isolate a room only for your birds and
use an infrared or electric heater.

A fairly constant 80 degrees Farenheit temperature is about
right for lovebirds.

It's not a good idea to keep finches, cockatiels, rosellas,
or budgies with lovebirds.

Copyright ©

For more really cool info on all aspects of Pet & Wild Bird Care: visit Petey, Petunia & Tweet Tweet's site and take advantage of their extensive library of f r e e avian care tips & fun info.

http://petcaretips.net/bird_care.html

While a bird is an easy pet to care for, they do require just as much commitment and preparation as any other type of pet. Whether you are buying a small parakeet or an large parrot, you should make sure that you are prepared to care for your new feathered friend properly.

One thing that all pets, including birds need is attention. If your schedule has you working long hours and not spending much time at home, perhaps you should consider a fish tank instead of a bird. A bird cannot be left in it's cage alone all the time and still be expected to be friendly on the odd days when you feel like playing with it. Some birds require more interaction than others, but they are social creatures and need you to set aside some time each day to play with them. You can use this time to teach them tricks and strengthen the bond between you.

When considering bringing a bird into your home, you must think about the safety of your new pet. Are there other pets in the house that could be threatening to the bird? Are there tiny nooks and crannies that a bird could get into and hurt himself? Do the other members of your family leave the windows and doors open where the bird could fly out and be lost? All these things must be considered for the safety of your new pet

The purchase and placement of his cage is another consideration. You must buy a cage that is the right size for your bird. Many parrots become quite adept at opening their own cage doors so you should consider how easy the cage is to break out of. The cage should be made out of a safe material and have bars spaced in such a way that the bird cannot get his head stuck in between them. There should be no sharp edges and their should be appropriate food and water dishes as well as perches inside the cage. Cages can be expensive, but don't skimp on this as it is your pets new home!

Before you buy the cage, consider where you will be keeping it. It is best if the cage can be in a quiet corner but near family activities as your bird really wants to be part of the family. You should keep it out of direct sunlight, and away from any drafts or anywhere that could have a sudden change in temperature like in front of the heater or air conditions. Avoid placing the cage in the kitchen as fumes and hot surfaces can be hazardous. Be aware that the fumes from nonstick pans can be deadly to a pet bird, so make sure you get rid of all your non stick pans before bringing your bird home. Of course, you will want to keep the cage out of the path of traffic so you need to buy a cage that is the appropriate size for your bird as well as the right size to fit in the intended area.

Depending on the size of your bird, you may want to consider the level of noise that he will produce. Parakeets make little chirpy noises that, for the most part, are not annoying. Conures, on the other hand have a shrill call that goes right through you. Most happy birds will not yell constantly, but it is natural for them to call out at times so make sure you (and your neighbors) can handle the level of noise produced by the bird.

Finally, make sure that you want to commit to the care that is necessary to have a happy healthy bird. You'll need to clean out the cage daily and make sure you provide fresh food and water. Food your bird a varied diet and have him checked by a vet (preferably one who specializes in birds) every year.

Birds can be very rewarding pets and take minimal care but they must be provided with a comfortable and safe environment and your companionship in order to thrive. Many birds can live for 20 years or more, so you are making a long commitment when you bring home your new feathered friend. This commitment to care and companionship is well worth it, however, as the rewards of owning these enchanting creatures are many!

Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of ePet Pet Center where you can find information on every type of pet including pet birds.