Essential guide to buying the best pet parrot

All bird lovers listen up!! Do you know how many bird species are there in the world? Answer: Over 9000 species. And out of which the parrot group itself consists of about 330 species and are particularly popular with pet owners. If you are also thinking of keeping a pet parrot, read below for the tips I am going to provide for selecting the suitable parrot for yourself and the family. Parrot Buying Tip (1) -- Buy a young parrot ------------------------------------------------ Rearing a new parrot from young helps to facilitate taming. An older parrot can also be tamed just that it takes more time and patience. However, the tricky part is in determing the age of the bird. However, some basic things to look out for are the scales on its legs, color of the eye and the color of the body. A young parrot often has a dark gray iris that becomes white or brown when it grows up. The scales of young parrots are also much smoother than that of mature birds. Their body color also appears initially to be much duller than when they are matured. The best option is to buy one which is newly born which is independent of its parent. Parrot Buying Tip (2) -- Choose the right species of parrot ------------------------------------------------------------ Do you know the characteristics of the parrot you are interested in buying? Do they -make tremendously loud voices which can cause huge disturbance to the neighbours? -have powerful beaks that can damage your personal belongings if let free in the house? -need special accomodation, which will potentially incur higher costs for you. Bigger birds would require bigger cages made of metal so that the parrot cannot damage it. -need special nutritional foods? Some birds such as the lorikeets need special foods since they feed on nectar. This also relates to cost. Parrot Buying Tip (3) -- Check the condition of the parrot ------------------------------------------------------------ If possible, ask for a certified health certificate by the veterinary so that you have assurance of buying a healthy parrot home. If that is not available, dont worry, you can check out the below factors for some tell-tale signs on the conditions of the bird. i) Inspect the living conditions of the bird. Dirty or poorly maintained perches, food and water containers, excess fecal wastes in the cage, all show poor management of the birds leading to bad health. The eyes should also be clear and not showing any discharge. Also look out for any swelling signs which will indicate rising health problems. ii) The bird feathers should be tidy and clean. Any bald areas on the parrot body could indicate an infection which is very unsightly and may not be able to cure, or it may also be due to the parrot being a feather plucker which means it is getting very bored. This activity may stop when you start to show it more attention. Then again, it is better to stay clear of such birds, since they could be carrying diseases on their bodies which you dont want it to spread to your family members. iii) Support the bird on its back and check the vent for cleanliness. Also check for any crusty appearance on and around the beak which could indicate a mite issue subjecting from unclean environments. iv) Also feel the flesh on both sides of the breastbone, and ensure it is solid and not hollowed. If protruding, it also indicates a nutritional deficiency, and should be avoided. v) Ensures all claws are there. There should be 2 toes pointing forward, 2 facing backwards. Check for any protruding leg scales as they could be potential sources for leg mites. vi) Beware of birds that act aggressively towards you when you try to approach it. Symptoms include fluffing up feathers and eyes dilating when you try to move your hand close to it. These birds are probably not young birds, and they will likely bite you if you cross its safety zone. Parrot Buying Tip (4) -- Buy from reputable, reliable sources ------------------------------------------------------------ Buying from well-established and reputable pet shops assures you the best quality services, and often the pets you are buying through them have been certified to be in good health before they release it out for sale. Avoid open markets, and buying through mail order. It is always good to see and feel what you are buying so that you dont regret your buying decisions later. If you dont, how do you implement parrot buying tip 3? Conclusion ----------------------------------------------------------- To summarize, it is great to have parrots as pets, as they can be good source of fun and companionship. However, it is important to know some essential tips on selecting and buying the right parrot, and this can be categorized into 4 great tips namely to buy a young parrot, choose the desired parrot species, check condition of the parrot, and always buy from reputable pet shops. Hope you enjoy this article !!

Marine aquarium care invertebrates only

The care required for an invertebrate only tank is very similar to that of any other saltwater tank; however, the invertebrates are far less hardy than fish. It is recommended that you become skilled with a fish only tank before attempting an Invertebrate aquarium. Most Invertebrates require a specialized diet. Check with the supplier before purchasing and be sure that you are willing to make the commitment to have food delivered if necessary. There are two different types of invertebrates, tropical and cold water. Make sure that the type you are buy is compatible with its other tank mates. A few examples of tropical invertebrates are tubeworms, red hermit crabs, cleaner shrimp and the sea apple. All of this marine life is compatible in terms of water conditions. They require a water temperature between seventy five and seventy nine degrees Fahrenheit, a P. H. between 8.2 and 8.4 and a salinity content of 1.020-1.024. As you can see, there is very little wiggle room associated with these measurements. It is extremely important to check the levels daily, or the results could be costly. These invertebrates are not compatible, however, with their food source needs. Check with the supplier for compatibility before combining tropical invertebrates. Unlike their tropical counter parts, cold water invertebrates are usually not sold in stores. They have to be collected from tide pools. It is important to make sure that these species are not on the endangered species list before removing them from their home. It is equally important to do research in order to verify that you are able to properly feed them and care for their very specific needs. Sea Anemones, prawns, shrimp, and starfishes are a few varieties that have been successfully maintained in an aquarium. They require a water temperature between fifty four and fifty nine degrees Fahrenheit, a P. H. between 8-8.4 and a salinity content of 1.024-1.025. Luckily they do eat the same food. They feed off of a diet of small pieces of raw fish, shrimp, squid and mussels. When keeping cold water invertebrates such as the species mention above, it is a good idea to keep a separate tank full of shrimp, mussels, and scallops to be used as a food source, if you wish to use fresh rather than frozen foods. Be careful when keeping shrimp, as all of the invertebrates listed above feed on shrimp, including shrimp themselves. It is unlikely, however that a healthy live shrimp will be eaten whole by another shrimp or starfish. Invertebrates should be fed more frequently in smaller amounts than fish. Try to feed only an amount that can be consumed in the first thirty to sixty seconds. When setting up an invertebrate tank remember to include live rock, because some invertebrates feed on the parasites that grow on the live rock. A substrate should also be included in this type of aquarium. It will provide a place for the crabs and shrimp to dig and bury themselves. A light should be included as well, if you intend to keep anemones.

Eliminating problem dog behaviors jumping and roaming

Every dog owner must eventually deal with some unwanted behaviors on the part of their four legged companions. Some of the most frequently encountered training problems with puppies and dogs alike are jumping on people and performing those amazing feats of escape. Jumping up on people Jumping up on people can be a cute trick for puppies, but it quickly becomes a problem behavior as the dog gets older, larger and heavier. A very heavy dog can easily knock a child or even a small adult of his or her feet, so jumping on people can be a dangerous problem as well as an annoying one. The reason puppies and older dogs jump on people is obvious – they are excited and happy to see them. Many people are reluctant to discourage this exuberant behavior, but it is important to redirect that happiness and energy in other ways. Many well meaning owners, family members and friends inadvertently encourage this jumping up behavior by picking the puppy up, kissing it or otherwise providing encouragement. This type of inconsistency is anathema to proper dog training, and in order for the dog to be trained not to jump, every member of the family must recognize and accept the importance of the training. If one member of the family allows the dog to jump up while other family members do not, the dog will understandably become confused and frustrated. The training must be firm, kind and consistent in order to be effective. One way to redirect the dog’s happiness and excited ness from jumping is to teach him to lift his paw when greeting you. This “shaking hands” posture is an acceptable way for the dog to show his happiness and his respect. Many people even teach their dogs to do simple tricks, like rolling over, instead of jumping on people. Escaping and roaming the neighborhood A responsible dog owner would never dream of allowing his or her dog to roam the neighborhood freely. Allowing a dog to roam on its own is irresponsible, dangerous (to the dog and the neighborhood), and probably even illegal. Most towns have ordinances which prohibit dogs from being allowed to roam around free, so you could be in legal trouble if your dog is found wandering the neighborhood unattended. Of course sometimes that wandering dog is not the owner’s idea, and many dogs perform amazing feats of escape when left on their own. The temptations for unattended dogs are many, including passing bicycles, joggers, children, cats and other dogs. It is much easier to prevent escapes than to recapture a loose dog, so let’s talk about some preventative measures every dog owner can take. Removing the motivation to escape is a big part of the solution. A bored dog is much more likely to spend his day plotting the great escape. A dog that is surrounded by everything he or she needs, like lots of toys, a soft bed, and plenty of fresh clean, water, is more likely to spend his or her day contentedly sleeping or playing with toys until the owner returns. In addition, a dog with lots of pent up, unused energy is likely to try to escape. Try incorporating several vigorous play sessions with your dog into your daily routine. Make one of those play sessions right before you leave. If your dog has a chance to work of his or her energy, chances are he or she will sleep or relax much of the day. Of course dealing with the dog is only half the problem. It is also important to make the property as escape proof as possible, through proper fencing and other measures. For dogs that dig, it may be necessary to extend the fence underground by placing metal stakes in the ground every few feet. For dogs that jump, it may be necessary to make the fence higher. And if none of these measures work, it may be necessary to confine the dog to the house when you are not at home.

Yorkshire terrier finding your breed and a breeder

The Yorkie, nickname for the Yorkshire Terrier is affectionately called by it's devoted owners and is a pleasure to live with. Content to be stroked and petted, your Yorkshire Terrier will take up residence on your lap whenever possible. Yorkies have a keen sense of adventure. They are brave and loyal and seem to be oblivious to their size - or definite lack thereof. The Yorkshire Terrier has been in the top 10 most registered with the AKC for the last several years. These dogs need minimal space and are perfect if you live in a smaller space like an apartment. Yorkshire Terriers will also get along well with small children. They can be possessive and you should always exercise caution when you introduce your Yorkie to your child. Well trained Yorkies will have no problem adjusting to family life. Yorkies are also excellent dogs to have with cats. If you have already decided that you want a Yorkie then there are various things you can do to make sure you get the best possible puppy. Make sure you have a clear idea of exactly what you want before you start looking for a breeder. There are many things you will want to make sure of like deciding whether you want a male or a female puppy. Would you prefer a dominant or quiet puppy? Your lifestyle and resources will play a large role in your choices. If you are wanting a Yorkie puppy it is recommended that you steer clear of pet store puppies. They are often bred in poor circumstances and have not had enough interaction with their siblings. You could end up with a sickly, badly socialized Yorkie. Choosing a reputable Yorkie breeder is important even if you don't plan to show the puppy. Problems that you will find is the puppy may be inbred or the fancy terms used by certain breeders is called linebreeding. The pet the problems associated with choosing a half-bred or worse is a cruelly bred puppy can cause your family a lot of heartache later. Just like any other big decision research is one of the most significant ways in which you can be sure you are committing to the best breeder. Does the breeder offer a health certificate, vaccinations and other paperwork like the registration documents? The health certificate is the most important paperwork because they can only be issued by a licensed veterinarian. To get the health certificate the vet must exam the puppy and if there is something seriously wrong with the puppy the vet won’t issue the health certificate. Be prepared to pay extra for the health certificate as most breeders charge extra for this. Another thing to consider is there a health guarantee. A health guarantee is needed in case some were to happen a year down the road. Buying from the newspaper just doesn’t offer this. Most of the time its 48 hours and that’s it. If something were to happen to your puppy a week later most will say, it's your puppy now. The standard guarantee on the internet is a replacement guarantee up to a year. However a year is not really a long enough time for some genetic type defects. If possible look for someone that offers a guarantee longer then that. Buying on internet may cost a little more but it is well worth the investment. If having a happy, healthy puppy and a good guarantee doesn’t matter to you then buy from the newspaper. However beware the newspaper has a reputation of where puppy millers and backyard breeders sell their puppies. Are you willing to take the risk and deal with the heartache later? It can be a terrible thing for a family to go through especially if you have children. A guarantee gives you a little peace of mind. Yorkies are amongst some of the cutest puppies on earth. They are so tiny you can put them in your pocket and nobody will be the wiser. Enjoy your puppy and make sure you spend enough time bonding with your Yorkies and you can be assured of many healthy, happy years with your dog.

Toilet training for dogs tips from animal behaviorists

Generally, dogs are very clean animals - they won't soil close to where they eat, or where they sleep. But living in a house is unnatural for an animal whose instincts would be to roam wherever she wants to go, so you will have to help her learn where and when she can relieve herself. It is essential that you form good toilet habits for your dog as early on as possible. Trying to break the habit of a dog is quite difficult and it can be very frustrating. You need to use guidance and encouragement to help the pet. Animal behaviorists have some helpful tips that you can use to help with the housebreaking of your pet. Believe it or not, dogs are sanitary creatures. If a dog does soil accidentally in the wrong place, it is likely that it will be far from his dog dish, at least six to ten feet. This is true for the place where the dog sleeps as well. But, unless you find a good place for her to go and train her in that manner, the rest of your house is okay to them. The process for housebreaking a dog is the same if he is a puppy or an adult dog new to your home. You’ll need to take him outside every few hours and also 30 minutes after he eats. Take your pet to the designated bathroom spot. Stay with the pet until she goes, and then praise her when she does. If she does not go, bring her back inside and try again in fifteen minutes. Watch her though. If the dog starts sniffing and circling take them out right away as this is a sign that she is about to go. Pay attention to her signs and take her out. Soon, she will relate to going outside to going to the bathroom. Some dogs are housebroken much faster than others. Some dog’s personality will cause her to go one way or the other. But, if you take her outside at the right time, it will go smoother. A puppy of less than four months old will need to go out during the night. Older puppies can hold it that long. A dog that cries to be let out has an urgent need. Get up and take her out, she needs every chance to succeed that she can get. Positive reinforcement is necessary for success. How you treat accidents will affect your dog’s overall learning curve. If you catch your dog going in the act, distract her with a clap or call her name. Take her outside calmly at that time and praise her for finishing outside. Clean up any accident that you find on the floor. If the dog approaches during this time, ignore her. Don’t talk to or punish her at this point. The worst thing that you can do is to yell at her or physically punish her. This will cause her to fear you and to not bond as well to you. She won’t connect it to the accident at all. Ignoring her is the best course of action here.

How to correct your dog s stay on the agility starting line

Does your Agility Dog Stay everywhere but on the starting line? My "over the edge Border Collie", started breaking her start line stays after about one year of trialing. I had to go back and examine the cause and what lead to the deterioration of her start line stay. As I pull pieces of the past, I realize that at first I asked my dog, Rip, to Sit-stay at the start line. But she began to lean and scoot, so I changed to a Down-stay. She did this for a while until she began to crawl and creep. Then I would walk away for a lead out, but I would continue to face her, by being face to face, that would help her to hold her position, well it did for a while. Then I started getting breakaways, she would no longer wait at the starting line, as soon as I started to step away from her side, and she would be off. That's when I pulled her from trialing. Why did her behavior get worse at the start line? Because I started to negotiate with my dog, way back when she moved from the Sit-stay, I should have made it clear that the Sit - stay was the only behavior that would bring the reward of running agility. What I mistook as, "Oh, I'm asking too much for my edgy dog to Sit-Stay on the line." She took as, "Mom, doesn't really mean what she says when we're in this fenced ring with lots of people around." So, she began to test every behavior I asked for on the line. Dogs will do what we allow. If your dog begins to break its start-line stay, whether that is a stand, sit, or down, STOP immediately. Don't run your run. I know you've paid your entry fees, but you'll be spending a lot more time and money fixing the problem when it gets worse. For some dogs, taking them off the course is deterrent enough to get back on track. For other dogs you may have to "train" your stay in the ring, of course you also, may be called for training and excused from the ring, but it's most important that your dog know that the fun can not and will not start until the Stay stays.

Looking after your dog part two a comfy bed for your dog

Your dog needs the comfort of a warm bed in much the same way as you do. Purchasing a dog bed is considered by many as being extravagant. However, it’s far from being a luxury item, and is in fact a necessity. You would not want your dog to sneak onto your couch or curl up on your bed. You can avoid such a situation by providing your dog with a comfy bed of its own. As dogs grow older, they tend to suffer from arthritis. Therefore, sleeping on a hard and cold floor can be a painful ordeal for them. Such sleepless nights may in turn render your dog lethargic and unwilling to go for a walk or exercise. Orthopedic dog beds aid in relieving such symptoms. A warm dog bed will provide the much needed comfort for your dog, especially on a cold night. A nice dog bed makes your dog feel a bit more secure, and enhances its health and emotional wellbeing. Dogs are territorial and typically favor a particular area where they like to lie down more often. This is where you should place the dog bed. With an elaborate range of designs and makes, dog beds can be quite fashionable as well. According to need, you can buy a small, large, quilted or water-proofed dog bed. Another aspect that you need to consider while buying a dog bed is its appropriate size. You may have a rough idea of this by gauging the area covered by your dog in its natural sleeping position. Also ensure that the bed type is something that suits your faithful canine friend. Investing in a dog bed is as essential as providing good food for your dog. Don’t choose a dog bed just because it’s easy on the pocket. Your main concern should be durability and comfort. A good quality dog bed may last the lifetime of your dog, while a cheaper one may wear out quickly. Therefore, give the best to your faithful canine companion.