Low Jeremy asked:


The African Gray parrot originated from the wilds of Western and Central Africa. Their existence dates back history 4,000 years ago, seen in Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting parrot pets of ancient pharaohs. Royalties and affluent Roman families kept parrots in ornate cage, so, with the Portuguese sailors who have African Gray pet parrots when the travel on their colonial conquest voyages.

African Gray has two sub-species; the (1) Congo African Gray (Scientific name – P. e. enthacus), and (2) Timneh African Gray Parrot (P. e. timneh). Both sub-species of the African Gray resemble in color, the difference is that the Congo African Gray color shades are deeper than that of the Timneh African Gray.

Obviously, dominant plume hue defines its descriptive-name “Gray;” full tail is red (crimson), bills are charcoal gray, and white background surrounding its eyes. It’s a bit smaller than the Blue and Gold Macaw, and measures 13 inches (33 cm) in size. Weight ranges from 380 to 550 grams.

Acknowledged among the most intelligent birds on earth, it is reputed to excel in talking abilities. It has a life expectancy of 50 to 60 years; twice or thrice compared to any other animal pet, favorable to pet selection for one who desires to get life-long pet companion. *** is indistinguishable among its kind except if it under goes surgery, or thru DNA tests.

Birds are on sale for so many reasons. There is a great demand for any kind of pet in the entire world. Rich nations whose citizens are not endowed with big families resort to pets for companions. In cases like it, birds who have extended life span comes first in the list of relevant life-time companions to ease pain and loneliness of being alone.

Reasons for Patronizing Sales of the African Gray Parrot

1. This parrot is best in mimicry, regarded most intelligent of all birds.

2. The lengthiest life span among birds; some only last up to 30 years, maximum life of African Gray is 60 years old.

3. Could adapt easily on common fruits, vegetables and nuts as in the wilds, in its human captivity environment.

4. Capable in associating human words with their meanings to certain degree.

5. Claimed by long-time owners as comparable to having a 5-year old child as a companion.

6. Very faithful and devoted for its tendency to bond to only one person, when there were no chances of intermingling with different peoples.

The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species announced that sale of all parrot “catch,” direct from the forests, are illegal.

Breeders of the African Gray parrots in captivity hand-rear them for the benefit of pet traders. Hybrid African Gray parrots are promoted on pet shops, on the websites and seldom by individuals who incidentally are forced to part with their bird due to unavoidable reasons in their lives.



Annette

Christine4tw asked:


If you’re not sure about pet birds to be specific, what airlines allow dogs/cats ? Thanks.

Jessie

Peter Shaw asked:


In the world today there are hundreds of pet parrot species. Many of which can be brilliant companions. For the sake of confusion I will include anything parrot like into the category of parrots, e.g. Parakeets. The most popular parrots are often budgies and cockatiels, but if you are looking for something different, there are many more to choose from.

Being the most popular pet bird, a budgie is a great pet for children or people who don’t have the time and money to care for a larger bird. They are cheap to buy and they require only a small/medium sized cage. Budgies can learn to talk although this is rather difficult, but they can be trained to do small tasks. Many owners like to keep them in an aviary or in a larger cage with many more budgies. They live for about 10 years.

Cockatiels are slightly larger and may require slightly more care and attention. It is said that they belong either to the crested parrot family or the cockatoo family. They require a medium sized cage and are quite cheap to buy. They live for about 20 years so a long term commitment is required.

Cockatoos are much larger birds and are very difficult to handle if you aren’t experienced. They must be trained carefully because an out-of-control cockatoo is a recipe for disaster, for instance their large beaks could cause serious damage to the hands or even the face of a human. They require a large cage and lots of attention because they are intelligent birds; as well as a large buying cost. Possibly the most important thing to consider when buying a cockatoo is lifespan as many cockatoos can live well over 80 years.

Macaws are very popular in the large parrot category as they are intelligent, colourful and fun to play with. They require huge amounts of attention to keep them entertained as well as to prevent feather-plucking which is often very hard to cure. Smaller macaws, like the Hahn’s Macaw, are often bought as pets because they aren’t as high-maintenance as some of the bigger macaws, but beware as all macaws will need a large amount of commitment and care throughout their life, as they live 30-70 years depending on the species.

Conures are very popular as medium sized parrots. They again require a large cage and lots of attention and commitment. They are often seen to be like small macaw species, but conures tend to be cheaper, louder and possibly need slightly less attention. Conures usually live to about 25 years.

African Greys are probably the most popular large parrot species. They again require just as much attention and care as the other large parrots. They cost in between the large macaws and the small macaws and conures. They like many of the other large parrots bond strongly to their carer. African Greys also are known for their excellent ability to mimic nearly everything they hear without training. They often live to about 50 years.

Amazons are also reasonably popular. They are fun and social birds but need huge amounts of attention throughout their long lifespan, about 70 years. It is very important to think well before buying one as they live very long lives. There are 27 species of Amazon parrots that come from South America and the Caribbean. Again, a huge cage is essential for these birds.

Lovebirds are small and very popular pets that, surprisingly for their size, need lots of attention, for this reason, it is generally paired with another lovebird to give it the attention and love it needs. They can however be cared for on their own however they need lots of care. They are originally from African and live usually under 20 years.

There are some other parrot species, although they are usually less popular: Quaker parrots, other parakeets, Parrotlets, Senegal Parrot, Eclectus Parrot and more. It is very important to think about the lifespan and attention needed when deciding on a parrot species. Why not read some books about parrot species and care or look over the internet for some more information about each species. If you have already decided on a parrot species, why not look up Names 4 Pets for some pet naming ideas. Good luck on getting a parrot!

 



Steve

Kristin Gabriel asked:


hot weather means that your family and your pets will probably be spending more time outdoors in the yard. The new season can also bring along dangers for our pets, and the last thing you would want is an accident causing the death of one of your beloved pets, which might mean a summertime pet memorial. Here are some tips to help your family and pets stay safe this summer.

Warm weather means it is time to plant pretty flowers in the yard. However, many species of plants and flowers are poisonous to pets. And plant pesticides can also be deadly for your pets. Your veterinarian should have a complete list of plants and flowers in your area that should be avoided. Also make sure to check the labels of gardening products you purchase for pet safety, or use organic pesticides and fertilizer in your garden.

Common flowers that are poisonous include: Amaryllis, Azalea, Chrysanthemums, Cyclamen, Daffodils, Easter cactus, Hyacinth, Lilies, Narcissus, Oleander, and Tulips. Even your pet birds can die from chewing on a Lilly.

Did you know that mulch sometimes contains cocoa bean shells which dogs love to chew on? When ingested this can lead to problems so make sure to check the bags of mulch you purchase see if there are any cocoa beans inside.

Just like humans, pets can get allergies too so keep an eye out for itchy skin irritations, ear infections, loss of hair, or a runny nose and sneezing. Also pets with pink noses can be sensitive to the sun, requiring sun screen if they are outdoors for long periods of time. Make sure to check with your veterinarian.

For outdoor pets, make sure they have plenty of light after dark. Older dogs and cats can begin to get blind so they need light, just like people, to see better in darkness.

Check often for spider webs, mice and rodent droppings in sheds or garages, then make sure you call an expert if needed to remove them. You might want to look around your yard and remove glass, toys and items such as bottle caps, nails, tires or jagged edged tools. Check to see if there are any buckets or toys, like wagons, that could collect water. Then remove all “standing water” and turn these items upside down. Make sure that you change the water often in all ponds or pools.

Holes in the yard should be filled. Check around your barbecue and make sure gasoline, kerosene, or propane is sealed in tamper proof containers away from fire area. Also, the last thing anyone wants is for a pet to escape through a hole in the fence, and get hit by a car – so check fences often to prevent this.

Family members should be prepared for emergencies so have your vet’s number handy for everyone to locate, including housekeepers and babysitters. Almost every town also has a 24 hour emergency clinic, so post that number where everyone can easily find it too.

If an unavoidable accident happens, or an older pet dies, this is also something that your family should be prepared for. Have a serious talk with your family about how they envision dealing with the death of a pet. Think about cremation versus burial. And remember, when a pet dies, children often take this news hard and it can be helpful to let them participate in choosing a lovely garden grave marker, or a pet urn for their friend. Help them through it by allowing them to have a pet memorial service. Teach children that death is simply a part of life, and although it’s very sad, this too will pass as time goes on. You can encourage them to share their memories and photos of their pet on one of the websites especially for grieving lost pets.



Curtis

Mitch Endick asked:


Yes, your pet bird can potentially get you or your child sick. Infectious diseases that can be transmitted between humans and animals are called zoonotic. Unfortunately, birds can carry at lease five different serious illnesses. Not all birds carry disease but the potential is there so you must be cautious, especially with very young children, very old people and immune system compromised people. Immune compromised people would include organ transplant recipients, people in chemotherapy and HIV infected people.

If you think that you or your child has been exposed to or is suffering from any bird disease, your smart move is to consult your physician who can help pinpoint the cause and prescribe proper treatment. This article is for your additional information only. I feel that it is always smart to do your homework before you consult your physician. The more help you can offer your physician on his diagnosis of a problem the better.

First, to help avoid exposure to potential disease, cleanliness counts. To best protect yourself from getting sick, thoroughly wash your hands with running water and soap after contact with birds or their droppings.

Some people use rubber gloves and a mask when cleaning birdcages and habitats. Disinfect the sink after you wash bird toys, perches and food bowls. Do not share bites of food with your pet bird, if you might be swapping saliva. Common sense goes a long way in helping to avoid exposure.

The five diseases that can be carried by birds are Salmonella, Chlamydia psittaci , Avian Tuberculosis, HistoPlasmosis and Cryptoccus. I will explain each disease.

*Salmonella is a bacterial disease associated with many birds, especially chickens, baby chicks, and ducklings. Salmonella live in the intestinal tracts of some birds, humans and other animals. Salmonella can be found in the ***** of some pets, and people can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with these *****. There are approximately 40,000 human cases of salmonellosis per year in the United States (not all contracted from birds) and about 600 of those infected die. Salmonella causes vomiting and diarrhea and sometimes fever. Salmonella infections usually resolve in 5-7 days and often do not require treatment unless the patient becomes severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the intestines. Persons with severe diarrhea may require rehydration, often with intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are not usually necessary unless the infection spreads from the intestines, then it can be treated with ampicillin, gentamicin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, or ciprofloxacin. *Chlamydia psittaci, often referred to as parrot fever or avian chlamydiosis (AC), is an important cause of systemic illness in birds kept as pets and in poultry. This disease has been isolated in 129 bird species, and parakeets, parrots, macaws, cockatiels, pigeons, doves, and mynah birds are the most likely carriers. Birds may carry this disease for years without showing signs of it. Birds that show the disease may have a respiratory infection, eye discharge, lethargy and diarrhea. Human infection with C. psittaci usually occurs through the inhalation of aerosolized contaminated bird urine, respiratory secretions, or dried ***** of infected birds. Other sources of exposure can include bird bites, mouth-to-beak contact, and handling the plumage and tissues of infected birds. Treatment includes Tetracyclines are the drugs of choice for treating psittacosis in humans *Avian Tuberculosis can affect all species of birds. The signs of Avian TB in birds are diarrhea, dull plumage, lethargy and gradual wasting away, even if the birds appetite is good. Avian TB can be transmitted to humans via ingestion or inhalation of contaminated *****. The contaminated ***** can persist in the environment for many years. When cleaning a potentially sick bird, it is best to wear rubber gloves, goggles and a face mask. Always wash arms up to elbows with antiseptic soap even after wearing gloves. People are generally very resistant to these infections. *HistoPlasmosis is a fungus that can be found in earth rich with bird droppings. Transmission to human can occur when they breathe in dust loaded with the fungus. This disease can cause a short term lung infection. This infection generally clears up by itself as long as the infected person has normal immune responses. Fungus killing medicines may be used if the infection is stubborn. * Cryptococcus is found in the droppings of wild birds (such as pigeons). When dried bird droppings are stirred up, this can make dust containing Cryptococcus go into the air and be breathed by people. Pets, such as dogs and cats, can also get sick with cryptococcosis from this dust, but people do not get cryptococcosis from dogs and cats. Most people do not get sick with cryptococcosis, but some people, especially those immune compromised with HIV infection are at danger. For these people, cryptococcosis can cause serious symptoms of brain and spinal cord disease, such as headaches, dizziness, sleepiness, and confusion.

Lonnie

Confused asked:


I have a pet bird and was wondering what dogs are ok with birds.

Amber

starfccker asked:


I just got 2 finches from a friend, and my mother is saying that birds are to unsanitary to be in the same room as the baby. I did not know if this was true or not. I didn’t really think that a pet bird was dangerous, but I would really like to know, I don’t want to put my kid in danger you know. I wanted to keep them with the baby because I thought it would be nice for him. If you know enough about birds please let me know.

Steve

Andri Irawan asked:


It is not only our responsibility as bird owners to provide food, water and spacious cage for our pet birds. It is insufficient to spend more time with our birds and bond with them.  The first thing that we should do make sure our pet birds would live a long and healthy life is choose a good avian veterinarian.

If you have a dog or a cat and already have a veterinarian for them, that may not be necessarily be the vet that you need for your bird.  Birds have different anatomy and different needs compared to your feline and canine companions. 

Where can you find an avian vet?

There is the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) which maintains a directory of  qualified veterinarians.  You can even get assistance from the Veterinary Medical Association located in your state. Yellow Pages are also a great source of information.   If unable to get hold of anybody from these groups, you can check out their websites in the internet or even ask the local Bird Club if they could recommend anybody.  Pet bird owners like you are can give you the best advice based on their experiences. Also check with local pet breeders.  Most of the times, the most sensible advice comes from them.

Once you have identified the vet that you would go to, the next step is set an appointment to further know the practice and background of the vet.  When talking with the avian get, get to know how long has she or he been ion practice and their professional background.  Make sure that the vet that you have chosen is familiar with the pet that you have. 

Get to know the vet’s schedule and if the vet can do house calls.  Birds can easily get stressed in the slightest change in their surroundings, which is why birds find it difficult to move or to travel.  If the vet is unavailable, it is also important to know if the vet who would be filling-in is also capable to treating avian sicknesses and concerns. 

If you have an exotic pet bird, then it would be helpful to ask the vet if they are constantly updated with new methods in the avian medicine.  Also, get to know the financial costs of getting veterinary services from that vet.  You want to have a qualified and good vet within your financial reach.

Once you have settled that you will be getting services from him, ask the frequency of the check-ups your bird needs to have.  To avoid any emergencies or any sickness, it is best to have your bird regularly checked.  Most of the times, you have to bring your pet bird to the vet annually.

Aside from this, it is always a great point that whenever you visit the vet the doctor and the staff receive you and your pet warmly.  It will be great to walk into a pet clinic that provides you an air of assurance and importance. 

Keeping tabs on the health of your beloved bird does not only fall in the hands of the avian vet.  How would they know that your bird is suffering sickness if you are not paying attention?  It is also important to maintain a healthy working relationship with your vet since you would not know when emergencies can happen.

The vet can even help you draw up a diet plan for your bird which would surely improve the disposition and health of your pet. Also ask your veterinarians about any emergency first aid methods that you can do when something bad happens to your pet bird.  An avian vet is your ally in making sure that your bird would live a long and joyful life.



Gladys

Nikky Hughes: Pet Portraits asked:


 

Anyone who has owned a pet knows that buying pet supplies can become an extremely expensive endeavor. Pet needs are almost always underestimated until you actually have the animal living in your home, and you quickly realize that the animal needs proper bedding, toys, a carrier, leash, outdoor containment, grooming tools, as well as medicine and food. Properly taking care of your pet shouldn’t have to cost a fortune.

The resources below will help you find pet supplies, medicine, and food that will cost far less than the retail prices you’ll find at any grocery or department store.

Coupons for Pet Supplies

One of the first places to look for significant savings on pet supplies is through using coupons. Coupons can provide some significant savings on supplies, sometimes up to or greater than 50%. Various outlets, such as PetSmart, even offer free shopping for orders over a certain size. This means that by simply doing your pet supply shopping online, you are saving a fortune.

One of the best coupon providers with the most coupons for pet supplies is Coupon Mountain, with coupons for pet supplies, pet medications, and online deals for most of the major pet supply retailers. A few examples of the deals to be found at Coupon Mountain



$5 to $20 off K9 Advantix at 1-800-PetMeds

Get $15 off orders of $75 or more at PetCo

15% off orders over $40 at PETsMART

10% off any order at DogToys.com

15% off orders over $100 at PetCareRx

15% off Lambert Kay Pet Care products



This is only a very small sample of the long list of coupons and deals provided at Coupon Mountain.

Direct Pet Superstore

Direct Pet Superstore is a large discount retailer of everything you could possibly need for your pet. This includes toys, treats, grooming supplies, flea & tick management, medicines, and even an entire section with additional coupons and promotions.

Direct Pet has an entire section dedicated to saving money on your pet’s prescriptions called “Pet RX”. You can find medicine from Pfizer, Virbac, Boehringer Ingelheim, and other pharmalogicals at impressively competitive prices.

Other ways to save at Direct Pet Superstore:



Sign up and you will be notified of exclusive specials on new products and sale prices for existing products.

A current promotion is a $100 shopping spree for five lucky winners.

Request a free catalog

Discounts on supplies and medicine throughout the website



My Pet Outlet

MyPetOutlet.com is a fantastic discount pet supply website with multiple deals going on every month. A few examples from the main page include Dr Noys Swizzle Teaser for 15% off, a Merrick Meaty Beef Dog Bone at 25% off, and Kitty Hoots “Zoom” Organic cat nip at 20% off.

Categories at MyPetOutlet.com include supplies fro dogs, cats, birds, fish, and even reptiles and small animals. There’s even a clearance section where you can find some rock bottom prices. This week MyPetOutlet.com is offering 15% off every order over 50, as well as a free toy and free shipping. With prices this low, it doesn’t make sense to walk into a retail pet store anymore – shopping online saves so much more.

Pet Portraits, Send 5% Savings to an Animal Rescue Foundation

One of the most unique things you can do to capture the character of your pet, and to show people how much love you have for your furry friend, is to have a pet portrait done by professional artist Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. She will accept photos through the mail of pets, and then create stunning portraits from those pictures. Pet portraits are ideal because they can be done from a photo (as apposed to getting the pet to “pose” at a studio.)

The great thing about Nikky is that she’s a pet lover herself, and this is reflected in how she runs her business. She discounts every commissioned painting by 5%, and sends those savings as a donation to an animal rescue foundation. This shows how Nikky’s love for all animals is not only reflected in her heartfelt portraits, but also in how she runs her business.

PetCo

Of course, another way to save a fortune off of pet supplies that you wouldn’t normally save if you simply visit a brick-and-mortar store, is to visit that store’s website. Petco also has a comprehensive online website where shoppers can shop virtually for all pet supplies. Petco provides internet only discounts to internet shoppers, such as free shopping, some of the lowest prices available anywhere for Frontline products, and each category (dogs, cats, fish, etc.) has a section devoted to sales, where you can find some impressive discounts off all kinds of pet products.



Rosemary

ohyes_itsbekah asked:


i live in Dorset and im looking to buy a small bird, a canary or a finch, but i dont know where i would look for one! can someone tell me anywhere to find them?

Scott