Song Bird Audio Training App Needed for Serenity and Survival of Nature in Mankind's Domain

Well, I can't say I am a birdwatcher, but then again I wouldn't say that I'm not either. Being into aviation I marvel at the maneuverability of birds, and their incredible design and engineering through evolution. Indeed, I am completely convinced that in the future the aircraft built by humans will have morphing wings allowing them to create more lift during takeoff and landings, and reshaped in a more streamlined way for higher-speed.

However, today I'd like to talk to you a little bit about songbirds, mockingbirds, and other species of birds that seem to have an acute musical ability and a rather vast repertoire for their small sized brain. Over the years, I've traveled to every state in the US, and extensively abroad. Each area and region of our globe has different species of birds, some which migrate, and some which live all year round depending on the area. Many birds live in urban areas and around human civilization, society, especially in our suburbs.

Perhaps you have a yard, some trees, and have noted on occasion the songbirds tweeting away. Have you ever noted that they will mimic the sounds they hear. I've heard songbirds which live in and around industrial areas that make the sounds of forklifts backing up. I've also noted birds that live around construction sites make the same sounds as the tractors with a backup alerts going ding, ding, ding. Often these call signs and sounds are passed on to future generations. A friend of mine lives in a recent housing track, the birds in the area, some five years later are still making that same sound as the tractors which leveled off the area prior to the building of the foundations of all the homes.

This means that future residents of that housing tract will have to listen to that same ding, ding, ding for years to come, but I have a better idea. Since birds like to mimic and imitate the sounds that they hear such as car alarms, cross walking warnings, and other similar sounds, why not train them using speakers and a special audio device with sounds that the birds can easily mimic, but in a sequence that is pleasing to humans. Perhaps you can teach them a couple notes of your favorite song. Every time the songbirds wake up in the morning, thus, also waking you up, you will rise to your favorite tune.

If we design an app for that, and people can hook their iPads to some speakers, they might go away on vacation, and when they come back the songbirds are now singing their favorite songs, melodies which they will pass on to future generations of birds which live in the area. The birds want something to sing, and they like to make noise, as long as we give them cues in the form of sounds they can easily replicate, mimic, and imitate then humans will be happier with the birds around. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it - but please don't teach them to RAP.

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4 Incredible Facts About Pigeon Intelligence and Abilities

You may already be aware of some of the amazing capabilities of pigeons, but there are many more incredible facts that you likely have never heard of before. Below are 4 summarized points on some of the unbelievable things pigeons can do:

• Pigeons have multiple and exceptional intelligences and skills

What is psychology telling us about these amazing birds today? Pigeons have multiple intelligences. These include verbal, kinesthetic, visual, and high memory skills. Did you know that this bird has the exceptional ability of knowing all 26 letters of the English alphabet? Moreover, they have the kinesthetic ability to learn complex actions and sequences and sometimes use them as a response. Numerous scientific experiments conducted in various universities and laboratories worldwide have led to the conclusion that pigeons are able to compare and distinguish between different photographs. The birds are also particularly good with colors, pictures and patterns. It has been found that their memory of images can last up to several years. Pigeons were found to even recognize themselves on the mirror. Indeed, considering these impressive feats of animal behavior, it is obvious that pigeons are intelligent in nature.

• Pigeon's Abilities Compared to Humans

Comparative psychology tells us that a pigeon's brain and functions are comparable to that of human toddlers. When it comes to eyesight and visual abilities however, pigeons far surpass any human. Pigeons can see ultraviolet, which human cannot. They are also faster and better conservers of water. Due to having these incredible abilities, some pigeons are now being trained by special helicopter units of the coast guard to pinpoint the location of people who are drowning or lost in the middle of the sea.

• Pigeons are Life-saving Heroes

Pigeons have been used to save the lives of soldiers and other military personnel who have been lost at sea during World Wars I and II. In fact, numerous pigeons have been awarded in the past and continue to be awarded today for saving lives, delivering messages and using their navigational skills to help people.

• Exceptional Navigation Skills

The navigational skills of pigeons are indeed exceptional and are even able to trace back their routes. This is one critical reason for pigeons being used to deliver messages, guide and rescue people. One of the very first mentions of pigeons being used by humans is from the Old Testament in the Bible. In the story of Noah and the Ark, pigeons or doves were used to determine whether the flood has already subsided. When a pigeon returned with a fresh olive leaf, Noah and his family knew it was time to leave the ark. Also, the earliest large scale communications network was established during the 5th century BCE in Syria and Persia using pigeons.

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Finding The Right Parrot Play Gym

You may or may not have heard of parrot play gyms, but in case you don't know they are a climbing apparatus constructed in such a way that parrots can climb and play on to keep them exercise and interested. These set ups allow them to use their natural physical behaviors outside the confines of their cage.

In the wild parrots tend to spend a lot of time perched on trees and playfully jumping from branch to branch, rather than flying around and this is why the use of a play gym is so beneficial to a parrot.

Why your pet parrot needs this piece of equipment

Every parrot whether large or small requires a something to climb on and have fun with at some point of time. They're happy with their cages and swings while they're very young, but as they grow older, their urge to hop and play in places outside their cages becomes apparent. Parrot play gyms are suitable for having outside the cage and essential for the healthy all round growth of all kinds of parrots.

Good play gyms let parrots enjoy a fair amount of freedom outside their cages. They're the perfect solution to the problem of keeping parrots occupied when they're out of their cages. A well equipped gym ensures that your parrot doesn't try to fly out of the window as soon as you open his cage. This is because all your parrot ever wants from the outdoors is already right there in front of him.

The best parrot play gyms:

- Come with various toys and perches to suite the size of your particular parrot pet - Are made of washable wood with no varnish or stain - Are resistant to chewing or have chew toys on them - Are designed with interesting styles to keep your parrot well occupied - Have safe layouts to reduce risk of injury

What you need to know

This equipment should be bought to suit the size of the parrot that will eventually use it. For example, if you have a Parakeet and a Macaw, there is no way that a single parrot play gym will suit both of them. Macaws require larger and sturdier play gyms, with a larger diameter of perch and they also need something available for them to chew on because they tend to chew a lot and forcefully at that.

Smaller parakeets on the other hand will find themselves at ease on much smaller equipment with toys and perches that are suitable to their size. A parakeet would find it very difficult to hold on to a perch that is the right size for a Macaw. Therefore, the size of your parrot donates the size of the play gym that you should buy for your parrot.

It makes sense to never screw the gym on to the floor. Play gyms tend to get messed up over time and it's easier to clean them when they're not fixed tight to the floor. It is best to set it in a solid square of timber as a base.

If you manage to find a play gym that suits your parrot and has all the above attributes, you can rest assured that your parrot will be kept happy climbing and swinging on its apparatus.

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Gouldian Finches Information

The Gouldian Finch, also known as the Lady Gouldian Finch, Gould's Finch or the Rainbow Finch, is a colorful passerine bird endemic to Australia. There is strong evidence of a continuing decline, even at the best-known site near Katherine in the Northern Territory. Large numbers are bred in captivity, particularly in Australia. In the state of South Australia, National Parks & Wildlife Department permit returns in the late 1990s showed that over 13,000 Gouldian Finches were being kept by aviculturists. If extrapolated to an Australia-wide figure this would result in a total of over 100,000 birds.

In 1992, it was classified as "Endangered in the wild". This was because the viable population size was estimated to be less than 2,500 mature individuals, no permanent sub-population was known to contain more than 250 mature individuals, and that a continuing decline was observed in the number of mature individuals. It is currently subject to a conservation program.

Both sexes are brightly colored with black, green, yellow, and red markings. The females tend to be less brightly colored. One major difference between the sexes is that the male's chest is purple, while the female's is a lighter mauve.

Juveniles also have distinctive colors. Their heads, sides and necks are gray, and their backs, wings and tail feathers are olive-green. Their undersides are pale brown. Beaks are blackish with a reddish tip. Their legs and feet are light brown. Newly hatched Gouldian Finches are pink and naked until about 12 days old when the beginnings of feathers start to appear. Very young birds also have blue, phosphorescent beads on the sides of their beaks to help their parents see them in the dark.

Gouldian Finches are apprehensive birds generally evading populated areas. A relatively quiet bird, the Gouldian has a high-pitched call that cannot be heard over long distances. They have hisses, clicks and weakened whines for their songs. There is an occasional sharp modification of the normal call when startled. During the courtship ritual the male commences with beak-wiping, bobbing, showing off his brilliant colors by ruffling his feathers and holding his body and tail erect. At the same time he expands his chest and fluff the forehead feathers. The female will often do a bit of beak-wiping during the ritual. Much of the courtship takes place on a limb, sometimes followed by copulation in the nest. Both parents brood over the nest during the day, and the female sits the eggs at night. There is always one parent with the nest, they relieve one another with the nesting call.

Gouldian Finches are not ground feeders and favor foraging from upright grasses. Semi-ripe to ripe grass seeds are a major part of the Gouldian Finches' diet. They also eat a variety of insects including beetles, termites, flies, flying ants, and spiders along with their prey right from the web. They drink by sucking.

Guardian health plays a major role in the aviary.

It is not just the cold that causes fatalities but a lack of knowledge of the bird itself.

Although the Gouldian finch comes from a tropical climate it can and it does acclimatize itself to cooler climates and can breed more readily than some of the other Australian finches. Breeding Gouldian finches in colder climates are achievable. They even do remarkably well in England and even in colder places such as Canada, where they breed successfully also. Guardians can be acclimatized to various climatic conditions if you know how to treat them correctly.

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African Grey Parrot

There are two official subspecies of African Grey parrots. The first Congo African Grey "Psittacus erithacus erithacus" is the larger of the two species, growing to 12-13 inches bill to tail. They have light grey feathers, a dark red tail, a black beak and their irises change from grey to light yellow by the time they are a year old. The Timneh African Grey "Psittacus erithacus timneh" is the smaller of the two subspecies and their feathers and tail are darker than the Congo also their upper mandible is a cream color.

The natural habitat of the grey is the primary and secondary lowland rainforest of western and central Africa from Guinea-Bissau in the west to Cameroon in the east. One of the factors of wild flocks being reduced is due to the cutting down of the rainforest. The preferred tree of the Grey is also the preferred tree to cut down for lumber reducing the Greys habitat.

African Grey parrots have been kept as pets for over 4000 years starting with the Egyptians and many wealthy Greeks and Romans had Greys as pets because of their talking ability. During the age of exploration from the 15th -17th century Portuguese sailors kept Greys as companions on they long voyages into the unknown, even King Henry VIII had a pet Grey. Today, African Grey parrots are the most widely sought after parrots. While their numbers are dwindling in the wild and many restrictions are put on their exportation, breeders in the U.S. keep up with demand for the Grey and the black market is minimal here but it is booming in other parts of the world.

African Grey parrots make excellent pets because of their intelligence and sociability. Greys are considered excellent talkers and can mimic many different sounds from telephone ringing to other pet noises. However, individual birds ability to talk varies greatly and can not be counted on when choosing a Grey. Their cognitive ability ranks up among those of the dolphin and chimpanzee and because of this requires a strong commitment by the Grey owner to interact with and stimulate their bird. Greys should get a minimum of 3 hours outside their cage per day and at least an hour of human interaction and playtime.

A physically and mentally healthy Grey will be a source of great enjoyment and companionship. They usually bond to one person, unless constantly socialized with other people. The Grey thrives on a regimented schedule with specific feeding, playing and bedtimes they rarely like to deviate from their structured routine. Greys will live and average of 50 years in captivity, so be sure you are willing to make that type of commitment when choosing this pet. Because of their intelligence Greys require a lot of stimulating toys that can be rotated as the bird becomes bored with them. It is important for the bird's mental health to create a diverse and stimulating environment. If a Grey becomes bored or neglected it can lead to bad habits and health issues like feather picking. One way to help alleviate the chance of boredom is to locate the Grey's cage in the central part of the home where most activity occurs, such as the living room.

The African Grey is an ideal pet for a true bird lover, with their intelligence and social skills they entertain and provide companionship to their owner for many years. Many owners say it is like having a small child around all of the time, but they wouldn't trade them for anything else. Remember Grey's need a medium to large cage with several toys so they have room to move around and interact. Also a play stand gives them an extension of their home and a more diverse environment. Greys need a certain amount of Calcium and Vitamin A rich foods like leafy green spinach and mustard greens.

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Window Birdfeeders

Birdfeeders are a fun and relaxing hobby. They are also educational as you learn more about the birds that live in your area. Window birdfeeders help to bring all of this to your indoor life. They are the ideal choice in many situations.

Not everyone has a yard where they can place a birdfeeder. This does not mean they have to miss out on the bird watching activity in their area. These window feeders are an excellent alternative for anyone without a yard. They are very affordable and you can get them from any pet shop and at most retail stores.

There is an assortment of lightweight birdfeeders that are designed to hang on your window. These window birdfeeders are held in place with powerful suction cups. Window birdfeeders are smaller and more compact than the traditional yard feeders. Their size is designed to be stable on the suction cups and easy on the glass of the window. Even though they are small, there are a variety of shapes and sizes.

Make sure you hang them properly though so they will not fall off the window. Birdfeeders are designed with a tube or container to protect the birdseed and help to keep it dry. This also helps to keep the seed in place on windy days so that it lasts longer between refills.

People that live in apartments and those in college dorms can benefit from the use of this type of birdfeeder. A window birdfeeder can help to pass the time for someone that is bedridden or simply unable to make the walk out into the yard.

Many people enjoy the ability to watch the variety of birds eating the food while they observe from indoors. They may like to eat breakfast while the birds enjoy theirs outside of the kitchen window. Others place them on their bedroom window so they can wake up to the sound of the birds.

The window birdfeeders can be placed on any window in the house. If the livingroom window is the best, or more preferred window, the bird feeder will do nicely there.

A window birdfeeder can be an excellent idea for young children. They get to enjoy the activity of the animals without the usual mess and responsibility of a pet. As they grow, they can share in the responsibility of filling the feeder. Their new outdoor pets will help teach them about nature and responsibility.

Even if you live someplace where pets aren't allowed, bird feeders are not usually restricted. Making this the ideal way to "keep" a pet.

Once the birds learn that the feeder is in place, there will be a flurry of activity right outside the window. Birds start feeding early in the morning and continue throughout the day.

Since birds are available year round, window birdfeeders are a good way to feed them during the winter months when their food is more scarce. You will not have as many, or as large a variety, but bird watching is an activity that can be enjoyed year round.

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Looking for the Perfect Purple Martin Birdhouse!

The Purple Martin; you've probably heard of them! I'm sure you have seen their homes in many yards. Maybe as a child your family had one or your neighbor down the street, but it is always the largest and probably the tallest birdhouses with many residents. The Purple Martin is part of the swallow family of North America. The Martin measures 7 - 8" and weighs 45 - 60 grams. The only difference between the male and female Martin is the female is not as glossy and has a lighter under belly.

Now that you know a little about the Purple Martin let's talk nesting preferences and the Purple Martin Birdhouse. The Purple Martin breeds near and around humans. They actually like to see human activity, as they feel human activity will keep predators away that's why it is important to pick a spot within about 30 - 60 feet from your home for the Martin birdhouse. Air space is vital to the flight path of the Purple Martin. There should be no trees taller than your selected Martin Birdhouse within 60 feet. The home should be 10 to 20 feet from the ground.

Martins are colonial breeders and will share a single large birdhouse as long as there are multiple compartments to it, otherwise called bird condos. A good Martin birdhouse will have a minimum of 4 large rooms; 6 or more inches on all sides with a 2 ¼" entrance hole that is about an 1 ½" above the floor.

Most Purple Martin birdhouses are painted white, they reflect the heat of the sun best and white highlights the darkness of the entrance holes best. So for many reasons, the Purple Martin likes a white painted birdhouse. However, a wooden birdhouse can sometimes be over 30 lbs. making maintenance somewhat difficult. These will not be as easily mounted to a tilt type or telescoping pole as the smaller or light-weight aluminum houses. You can use a shorter fixed pole (10 to 12 feet) and inspect and maintain it from a ladder.

So why do people want to attract Purple Martins? They are beautiful and delightful. They literally fill the summer air singing their hearts out and eating a very large quantity of insects that would otherwise be bothering us. They are friendly in that they enjoy the company of humans and expect to see us around their nesting sites. We will get enjoyment in the evening by watching their aerial acrobatics, which is quite soothing.

Okay, now that you have more factual information on the likes and dislikes of the Purple Martin it is time to get your Martin birdhouse up and running. Knowledge is King so please read as much as you can to give yourself that confident feeling when you see the first of many Martins in your yard. As we have always said, safety is a key factor in having the birds return season after season.

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Want to Keep Him Healthy? What Do Parrots Eat for a Long, Happy Life?

How many times have you gone into your local pet store looking for pet care items and you are greeted by a whistle or simple "Hello there." You look around to return the nice gesture but cannot find the person that it came from. What you see is this beautiful bird staring at you and again you hear "hello there!" It came from the beautiful parrot in the cage next to you. You tell yourself that you want to take him home. But what must you buy for him? What do parrots eat? So many questions!

You are so taken by this little fellow that you spend the next 10 minutes talking to him forgetting just why you are there in the first place. Sound familiar? Wondering how much he costs to take home with you? Now that you've spent the next half hour talking to the salesperson about him and finalizing the purchase, you think that you are done. Nope! Not yet! He will need to eat once you get him home. But there are so many different bird foods in that aisle. There are seeds, peanuts and many different colorful pellets.

Although your parrot would probably eat many of the wide selection there, you must think about the health and wellness of your new friend if you want him to live to his full life expectancy. As you may have heard, parrot species can live anywhere from 10-80 years depending on which parrot type you choose.

You will need to feed your parrot a variety of foods from the seed selections, pellet diet to fruits and vegetables. The different varieties of food available mostly have different ingredients that are essential to your parrot's good health. For example, a diet made up of only seeds does not give your parrot the proper nutrition needed to live long and healthy.

The pellet food available is a more balanced diet that when added to the fruits and vegetables you will provide him will give him what he needs to be happy and healthy. You will choose the food that best suits your parrot's size and weight requirements. A parrot is a wonderful friend that can be a lifelong companion for you if you know how to properly care for and feed him so he can live to his full life expectancy. Taking the time to educate yourself on the basics of companion bird care before you actually go out and purchase one will only set you up for success and give your new family friend a head start to good health and a happy life.

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Breeding Finches Information

If you plan on getting finches and having them breed you will need to first provide them with a nest. Many finch experts will tell you that store-bought nests are best for finches. Generally it is best to give your adult finches the same type of nest they were bred in although some finches will prefer to build their own nests. Once you provide a nest don't be surprised if it is rejected by your finches just get them a different one and see how they react to it. They will eventually take to a nest and you will be on your way to breeding finches!

During the winter months, most of our birds will be subjected to temperatures lower than they would experience in the wild. To survive this treatment the period when they cannot feed must be kept to no longer than ten hours. This means that artificial lighting to fourteen hours must extend natural daylight length. To save the inconvenience of switching the lights on and off manually, automatic time switches and dimming devices can be fitted in due course.

The beginner is best advised to treat his Finches as only semi-hardy and keep them in a temperature not lower than 10°C (50°F). Draughts and dampness must also be avoided. With experience, the balance between daylight hours available to the birds and the minimum night temperatures can be adjusted. Some form of electric heater is recommended, the warm air fan heaters sold for use in greenhouses are ideal. A thermostat, this being adjusted to achieve the desired temperature range, should control the heater. A maximum / minimum thermometer will indicate to the bird keeper the temperatures that are being experienced by the birds during the coldest part of the night. Clearly the absolute beginner may not be able to afford the outlay of such sophisticated equipment, however many well established breeders started by keeping a few pairs of birds in the house, sometimes utilizing a spare room. Here temperatures are reasonable and lighting is easily controlled.

Most Finches will thrive on two types of seed, plain canary seed and a mixture of the round seeded millets. Elaborate feeders are not necessary, small plant saucers are ideal and cost a few pence from garden shops. All seed eaters need grit to help grind their food, and calcium to build up bones and produce eggshell. A mineralized grit and small pieces of cuttlebone will provide these requirements. Finches will rear more and better young if fed an egg-based soft food. This can be fed to the birds on a regular basis; the adults then become accustomed to it and naturally give it to their chicks. A number of different manufacturers produce such foods and discussion with the breeder of your birds will indicate which type they use. Some Finches will not rear their own young without the provision of live rearing food. There are a number of ways of supplying these and most garden insect pests fit the bill very well. An outside aviary is a tremendous advantage to these species. Mini mealworms and well-cleaned pinkies or squats are a valuable source of animal protein.

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5 Interesting Facts About Parakeets

Parakeets or also known as Parrots can make a great pet which is why many people are interested in having one. These are very entertaining pets and the good thing about it is the fact that it does not require much maintenance. The lifespan of these pets can reach up to 14 years which is why it is a great choice if you have separation anxiety. To know more about these birds, here are 5 Interesting Facts about these pets:

Parrots really make great companions especially if you have a kid. These pets are not only colorful but these pets are also friendly and talk a lot too. If you have a kid who has problems communicating, then getting him or her a pet parrot would allow her to learn how to communicate. Parrots are very sociable so if you are looking for something to entertain you, then you just have to get your own parrot and you will certainly have fun with the entertainment that such pet could offer. These pets like to exercise a lot. If you want to have one, make sure that you have enough space for them so they would be able to exercise properly. They are also trainable so if you want to teach them some tricks, you no longer have to hire someone since you can do it yourself. These pets love to bathe so you might want to put a dish that is full of water or make sure that you spray water on them to keep them cool during hot days. Just like kids, these pets love playing with toys so to keep your pet happy and not bored, you might want to get them their own toys for them to have fun. These pets build nests in holes from trees so if you have them as a pet, you might want to get a small tree and make a hole so they would be able to lay their eggs on it. Make sure that you do not feed your pet chocolates because chocolates are known to be poisonous to these types of pets. Larger parrots can live for about 75 years and the small ones for about 15 years so if you want a pet that you can grow old with, then this is your best choice.

These are 5 interesting facts about Parakeets so if you are planning on getting a pet, you might want to give it a try. Make sure that you also make a research on how you could take care of these pets. Check out your local vet to find out more about how you can raise and provide proper care to these types of pets.

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A Short Note on 'Birds'

Things you need to know

There are about 10,000 different species of birds in the world, including more than 900 in North America north of Mexico, probably as many as 300-500 in your state or province, and 100 or more in a large park. How many different kinds of birds come to your backyard depends on where you live. But one thing is certain: If you pay attention to them and make your yard attractive by landscaping and adding feeders, nest boxes, or a bird bath, you will see more than you ever thought possible.

Besides the basic treasures of their beauty and behavior, your backyard birds can offer you a perennial treasure hunt: What new birds will I see today? Will there be a species that has not visited the yard since last winter, or-much more exciting-might there be a species I have never seen anywhere at all?

Watching birds?

People enjoy backyard birds for different reasons. Some seek relaxation in watching them; others focus intently on their visual and vocal beauty. Many learn to identify species. In a spirit of conservation, some help the birds thrive by providing food and shelter. Often, people become inspired to delve into natural history, reading books that deal with ornithology, the science of bird study.

Truly, any path you take in enjoying birds is the correct one. Whichever one you choose, a wonderful world of birding awaits you-starting right in your own backyard.

Birds live everywhere, even in the highest Arctic latitudes and in the hottest deserts-but which birds you'll find in your yard depends largely on where you live. Of the species described in this book, expect to see only those that occur where and when the range maps indicate. Each species has its special place and time.

Geography

Some birds, such as American Robins and House Finches, live in many regions, almost anywhere on the continent. Others can be found only in particular areas. Each bird's geographic distribution-it's "range"-is linked precisely to its tolerance for heat and cold, dryness or humidity, and other environmental conditions. For instance, an American Tree Sparrow is adapted to breed at the edge of Arctic tundra, while a Lesser Nighthawk lives only in arid deserts of the Southwest. They could not trade places and survive.

As a result, the list of birds you will easily see in your backyard depends largely on your local environment- how your surroundings, with their particular combination of food and vegetation, match that which each species prefers.

Birds bring us special ways to observe and celebrate the changing of the seasons. After a long winter with few birds on the bare branches and none in the dried-up grasses, plants blossom and the chorus of birdsong begins, even in the lingering chill of early spring mornings. Birds that vanished for the winter after traveling far southward return, adding their own sometimes dazzling colors to the greening forests and brightly budding trees. Even the backyard's birds that remained all through the winter are newly active and a joy to watch as they pair off for the summer breeding season.

Changing places

If you pay close attention throughout the year, you will see that most bird species follow strict seasonal patterns. Bullock's Orioles and Baltimore Orioles, for example, allow us to see their stunning beauty only during the summer months. By early fall they have departed on a long journey southward to spend their winter in the tropics. When fall arrives in the southern U.S., they will be replaced by less bright but still dapper species such as White-crowned Sparrows and White-throated Sparrows that remain all winter.

Be careful; Watching this lively annual panorama of birds' comings and goings can become addictive!

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Tips to Build a Chicken Coop

Several factors have to be taken into mind if you are going to build a chicken coop that is sturdy and safe. One of the factors you need to think about before you start your chicken coop is the design and size. Do you want a small chicken coop or a large one? Moveable chicken coops are popular as you can easily move the coop to fresh ground every other week. Decide how long with chickens will stay in their coop. If they will be in it full-time or able to roam on open land. Keeping the chickens ventilated for the changing weather is vital, you might want to think about how you want your doors and windows to operate, on a hinge or sliding? How will you lock them at night for proper protection?

The next factor is the location of your coop. Unfortunately many people tend to side step this step and they end up with flooded coops. Constructing your coop on higher ground near a drainage system will save you from hassle down the road. Building your coop with a slight slope towards the door will allow for built up water/waste to drain properly also. Litter collection is another design element to avoid diseases, pine shavings and saw dust seem to be the most popular as they are cheap and absorb odors quickly. Daily stir the mulch as a way of recycling used mulch for the more fresh much at the bottom. Build your coop 10 sq ft per chicken to avoid overcrowding this will make your litter control more controllable.

Many backyard chicken coops need heavy-duty chicken wire to keep harmful animals away from nesting chickens. Digging a hole one foot deep is the minimum depth required to build a chicken coop. This depth will ensure safety from snakes and other borrowing predators. To keep other animals such as dogs and foxes from getting under the fence, placing cement bricks at the base of the chicken wire is a good deterrent. Do not forget your roosting post that must be 4 feet off the ground and preferably dark, it makes it a calm environment for your hens to lay their eggs. The size of the box depends on the size of your hens, they should be able to stand up in the box with no effort.

Lastly if you reside in a climate that tend to change in seasons, insulating your coop is a must. To keep the cost low cardboard and a warming light is great for the winter months and straw in the warmer months to freshen the smell, and maintain the temperature. Recycling old structures works too if you are pressed for time and money. Have an old shed or baby gates? You can easily use them to build a chicken coop in one day using the same steps. Chicken coops tend to be easy to build so do not worry an expert hand is not needed, just patience, and the right tools.

Why Do Gouldian Finches Make for Great Pets?   Minimizing Your Cockatoo's Dust - 5 Things You Can Do To Reduce It   The Cardinal   

Portable Bird Air Purifiers - 5 Reasons It Can Help

The joy that a bird adds to your home is immeasurable. The increase is particles, dust, and dander can be overwhelming. Using a portable air cleaner is an effective solution to the problem. Here are 5 ways the right air purifier can help.

1. Removes Bird Related Particulates---Depending on the type of bird you have, the potential for particle accumulation can vary greatly. All birds shed dander (dead flakes of skin) and it is the protein in it that is such a potent allergen for those who suffer from allergies and asthma.

If you have a powder down bird such as an African Grey, Cockatoo, or Cockatiel you will be dealing with white wing dust in addition to the dander. The production of this dust is a healthy and ongoing process that will continue as long as you have your bird.

If the air that your bird breathes day in and day out is thick with these particles, they will eventually clogged their tiny air passages. Once these airways become clogged, it is often the beginning of disease and infection that is hard to reverse.

2. Removes Gases And Odors---Birds are so susceptible to gases and odors that many years ago, miners would take canaries into the mines as a monitor for air quality.

If the birds died, that was an indication to the miners that air quality was poor and they should leave. And even though birds are not taken into the mines any more, they are still extremely vulnerable to gases, odors and chemicals.

Choosing a cleaner that can remove odors is a huge benefit. Carbon-based filters are well known for their ability to remove gaseous chemicals.

A carbon cloth filter offers dual advantages. Because it is carbon based it can remove gaseous pollutants. And the fact that it is woven like a cloth allows it to eliminate additional airborne particles.

3. Removes Normal Indoor Pollutants---Even without a bird, every indoor space has particulates in the air. Things such as dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores are present regardless of what kind of housekeeper you are.

An efficient filter for particles (high efficiency particle arresting or HEPA) doesn't care about the source of the particulates. So when it filter any airborne particles that are.3 microns or greater with 99.97% efficiency.

4. Keeps Air Quality Stable---When you have a filter associated with the central heating and air conditioning system, it is only cleaning the air each time it cycles on. Having a cleaner that can run all the time means that pollutants are being removed continually. That means that the air quality is more likely to be healthy all the time rather than just sometimes.

5. Can Fit In Easily---A portable air cleaner works by cleaning the air that is closest to it first. So if your main concern is the area where your bird spends most of its time, being able to move the unit close to the bird is a huge advantage.

Having a unit with sturdy wheels makes a change in the position of the unit as easy as a push of the finger.

And a unit that is able to pull air from all sides means that it can operate at maximum efficiency as long as there is about 6 inches of clearance from every side. The benefit to you is that it can work in a corner out of sight and without creating a draft on your bird.

Why Do Gouldian Finches Make for Great Pets?   Minimizing Your Cockatoo's Dust - 5 Things You Can Do To Reduce It   The Cardinal   

Cockatiel Taming Through Positive Reinforcement

So, you've got an adorable cockatiel, but they don't trust you, and don't want anything to do with you. I'm guessing you didn't get a new pet for them to just look pretty, you want to have a real relationship. And, the truth is that your cockatiel won't be happy either until they're hand tame - cockatiels need social relationships to be happy.

I know you're wondering how to turn that shaking, biting feather daemon into a loving companion, so let's get to it.

Step 1: Habituation

To start with, we're going to use the same approach that scientists use when they want to study wild animals. You're just going to spend time near your cockatiel, and let them get used to you being around, so they can see that nothing bad happens when you're near.

Just spend some time near their cage, maybe talking to them softly, and reassuringly, which will help to comfort them. Remain calm and relaxed, and have a gentle energy about you. If you're coming at your cockatiel with excitement, or intensity, at this point, you're just going to make them anxious - and the goal is to have them feel relaxed around you.

In this first step we're not giving positive reinforcement through food treats, sounds, or head scratching. The reward they get is that they end up feeling relaxed and calm in a situation that made them nervous at first.

After a few sessions like this you'll find that your cockatiel doesn't seem bothered by your presence, and it's time to move onto the next step.

Step 2: Hand Taming

This is where it gets fun, because you get to start interacting with your cockatiel more closely. You need to stock up on bird treats - millet spray will do fine - because you're going to be using it to bribe your cockatiel into coming close to you.

To begin with just hold out some millet through the bars, near a perch, and wait for your cockatiel to pluck up the courage to come and get some. It might take a while, but eventually their desire for the millet will overcome their fear of you. Repeat the last part a few times, until you feathered friend is coming over, and taking the millet, right away.

Your next step is to open the cage door, stick your hand in, and offer the millet. This time your cockatiel has to come and get the treat without any bars between you. It shouldn't take them long to come and get some.

After your cockatiel's comfortable with that, just put a small piece of millet in your palm, and offer that. Your cockatiel will have to come right up close, and stick their head in your hand, to get the treat. At this point, your cockatiel is comfortable with your hand being very near to them, so well done.

Finally, it's time to start getting your cockatiel to sit on your hand. To do that, just reach over slowly and put your hand to their lower belly, pushing into them slightly, until they step onto your hand. They have to step on so that they don't fall over, but they'll probably jump off right away the first few times.

If you get bitten doing this part, it's very important not to jerk your hand away or make a fuss. I know those beaks can hurt, but if you give your cockatiel that kind of reaction, they'll just keep on biting you, because it works.

Once your cockatiel will step onto your hand without fuss, you're ready to bring them out of the cage. Well done on getting this far, and I hope you enjoy building a wonderful relationship with your bird.

Why Do Gouldian Finches Make for Great Pets?   Minimizing Your Cockatoo's Dust - 5 Things You Can Do To Reduce It   The Cardinal   

Moluccan Cockatoo

The Moluccan or Salmon-Crested Cockatoo is one of the most beautiful, intelligent and even tempered of Cockatoos. But; as with any other parrot companion, do your homework and research before you whip out the credit card and say "I'll take 'em". They are very affectionate and needy in the attention department. Some aficionados rank them right up there with the African Grey in intelligence. They are interactive and playful - just a joy to have around, if you know how to be a Moluccan pet. Like most members of the Cockatoo family, they are very dusty with continual feather shaft powder flying off them at every scritch. It is for this reason that the Moluccan should be offered bathing time or shower time whenever they seem to want it. This helps to keep the allergens down and there is nothing they enjoy more than a good bath or shower. Without proper bathing the Moluccan can tend toward over-preening and develop plucking and self-mutilation disorders. Never bathe a bird prior to night sleep because they do not have time to properly preen and dry their feathers, which can lead to illness and an unhappy bird.

The Moluccan hails from The Moluccas Island Group and are listed as a threatened, in the wild, C.I.T.E.S bird. Loss of habitat due to logging, farming, and human inhabitation of their home lands are mainly responsible for their dwindling numbers in the wild. A good balanced diet of a salad type morning feeding of carrots, alfalfa, orange, diced apple, pear, banana, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables on the safe food list should be given in a separate cup in the morning and a good pellet diet for day long foraging in a separate cup. It is risky, due to spoilage, to leave the fresh mixture in the cage for more than 2-2.5 hours. At night, they like to dine on a mixture of dried nuts, cooked beans or a few seeds. Moluccans are very large parrots that grow up to 20-22 inches in length and weigh up to 38 or so ounces. They need to have a good strong-barred cage with both vertical bars for stability, horizontal bars for climbing. All cockatoos are masters of the art of escape and good non-toxic locks need to be applied to all doors and other potential escape routes. I have watched several videos of these little mischief makers unlocking their own cage and then freeing all of the other birds in an aviary - never underestimate their intelligence. They need plenty of out-of-cage time when you are home; but, when you are away and they must be inside their cage/house, is exactly the time that they will set themselves about figuring out how to unscrew screws, bolts and locks. Their beaks are strong and they are agile.

Why Do Gouldian Finches Make for Great Pets?   Minimizing Your Cockatoo's Dust - 5 Things You Can Do To Reduce It   The Cardinal