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BIRD
TYPES AND PERSONALITIES
Birds are just like people---no two have the same likes,
dislikes, actiions or personalities. However, within
each species of birds there are "common" predictable
behaviors. On this page we attempt to give you the "common"
behaviors and personalities of the different species
of birds. Obviously this list is not inclusive. There
are indeed other domestic birds that are available -
but these are the most common. We hope this will help
you in determining the type of bird that will best fit
your lifestyle and interests.
African Grey---
African Greys are the best-known
parrot in Europe and perhaps the best mimicking parrot.
They are alert, highly intelligent, gentle and affectionate.
African Greys have been referred to as "the
perfect mix of brains and beauty."
Average size - 10-14" long
Lifespan - 40+ years or more with proper care.
A cage approximately 30" W x 30" D x 36"
H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 3/4"
apart, makes a good home for your parrot. As with all
animals, it is best to provide the largest habitat possible
Normal Behavior and interaction: Able to learn a large
vocabular with human-like inflections.
more to come...
BUDGETING
REQUIREMENTS
So you want a bird---right? Let's get down to serious
business and talk about FINANCES before you make your
final decision. Do you know what a RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER
needs to budget when bringing home a new bird???? Consider
your new pet much as you would the care of a new baby
brought into your home. He would need...crib, food,
supplies, baby exam, more than annual office visits....you
get the idea.
Let's look at the minimum you should be prepared for...
1. The bird itself --- yes, if you rescue from us you'll
be saving somewhere around 50-65% compared to buying
from a breeder or petshop but.. what else is still required???
2. A good cage--- the cage first needs to be in good
condition---no rust or chipped areas at all as this
could easily lead to toxin poisoning in your new pet.
Second, it needs to be the largest cage you can afford...large
enough for you bird to be able to completely open up
his/her wings while inside the cage.
3. Play gym or out of cage perch---they need a place
to be allowed "out of cage time" on a daily
basis.
4. Toys----ongoing. Especially if you have a larger
bird such as a Macaw or Cockatoo---they are chewers
and will chew a new toy up in minutes or hours---not
days or months. The easiest way to keep them in chew
toys is to make them yourself. Be sure to purchase NONTREATED
wood from a lumberyard. Cut the wood into chunks and
drill holes in each piece. String them up on a cotton
yarn and hang inside the cage. You will also need to
purchase new perches and other types of toys several
times a year.
5. Food---birds need a huge variety of food. You need
to provide them with fresh veggies and fruit daily as
well as grains and legumes. They also enjoy seeds, nuts,
nutriberries, etc. a few times a week. If you feed pellets--be
certain that they don't get this in abundance over the
fresh fruits/veggies/grains and legumes. Go to Haven
Mash to see our suggested "main" diet for
your feathered friend. We also encourage the use of
sprouts. There are companies that sell a good quality
sprout mix along with the other supplies. We use www.chinaprairie.com
6. New birdie exam which includes some vaccinations,
tests and bloodwork.
7. Annual birdie exam
Let's not forget about BUDGETING TIME for your new friend.....
8. Be prepared to spend a minimum of 2-3 hours a day
in playing with, hanging out with and caring for your
feathered friend. If this isn't done they will develop
habits that you won't like. Just like a kid---they need
time, love and attention too. Think of them as a kid
in that "terrible two's" stage....only this
one WON'T grow out of it. Can you deal with that for
the next 50-75 years????
THINGS
TO PONDER
Baggage
Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm new bed.
I'd like to open my baggage lest I forget
There is so much to carry - So much to regret.
Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top.
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss;
And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave –
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things -And take me right
back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage, to never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage –
Will YOU still want ME?
- By Evelyn Colbath (c) 1995 Baggage All rights reserved
The Ten Parrot Commandments:
1. My life is likely to last 10 or more years. Any separation
from you will be
painful to me. Remember that before you take me home.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It's crucial to my well being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long. Don't lock me up
as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment
and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand
your words, I do understand your voice when it's speaking
to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget
it.
7. Remember before you hit me that I have a beak that
could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose
not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate,
or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering
me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food or I've been
in my cage too long.
9. Take care of me when I get old; you will get old
too.
10. Go with me on the last journey. Never say "Ican't
bear to watch it" I can't bear to watch it"
or "Let it happen in my absense." Everything
is easier for me if you are there. Remember that I love
you.
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