Basic Facts About Budgerigar Parakeets

By Ionut I Vasile

Budgerigar parakeets are small, long tailed and seed eating parrots. They were from Australia for so many years ago although this has some doubts as the origin is not clear yet. This kind of species is found all over the world, and they are naturally green and yellow, although they have some black marks in some specific parts of their body.

Some of the unique features of the budgerigar parakeets are that they are small, they are sold at a cheaper price, they have the ability to mimic a human being and they have a different playing nature in contrast to the other types of parrots in the world.

1. Budgerigar parakeet's health

Although it is hard for a human being to tell when a bird is sick, there are some of the signs that will tell you when the parakeet is sick or not. They will have the following signs:

• Difficulty in breathing;
• Frequent dropping, which will come in abnormal color;
• Different from the normal sleeping pattern;
• Bleeding on some parts;
• Relaxed and dropping parts like the head and the tail;
• Drinking lots of water, more than normal;
• Unusual discharge from the nostrils or the beak;
• Low appetite no matter how much and different food is provided;
• Unusual picking and plucking of the feathers;
• Staying dirty all through;
• Vomiting in some cases;
• Difference in weight.

2. Budgerigar parakeet lifespan

This kind of species has a unique lifespan and styles as well. It has been noted to live for up to 8 to 10 years with a clean cage, and doing some daily exercises. Eating healthy food and having lots of activities will increase the budgie lifespan.

3. Budgerigar parakeet's sex

It is not easy for one to tell whether a budgie is a male or a female. This is just like from the other bird species out there. If a cere is brown, this is likely a female, but if the cere is blue, it is a male.

4. Budgie diet

Gives your budgie a nice meal and it will have better health than any other bird. Get some seed mix as this is likely to do well in it. Some fruits and vegetables are a part of good budgie's diet.

5. Budgie breeding

The budgie parakeet is often playful and should always be provided with some partners to make sure that the lifestyle is not boring as they grow. Their normal breeding age is 12 months while in most cases is between three to four months.

Take a look to our budgerigar website to find useful and amazing tips about budgie breeding, budgerigar for sale, taming, cages, health, budgerigar breeders.

Feeding Birds In Winter

By Lynne Dickson

Winter can be an unforgiving time for Britain's bird populations. Finding adequate food supplies and ensuring that enough is stored and consumed to survive winter's conditions is the greatest test for birds.

Birds need a layer of fat to ensure their survival during the winter months. Often, the food and nourishment that we provide in our gardens will be the difference between life and death for many of these birds, as natural food will be scarce. Winter's icy conditions and snowfall can also be an obstacle for birds, as food sources will often be covered for extended periods of time.

During winter, birds are more likely to visit our gardens to seek food. People can massively improve these bird's chances of survival by providing food.

Which foods?

Most birds that remain in the area during the winter will be species who predominantly eat seeds. Species like the black bird that predominantly feed on insects and worms will usually migrate to warmer climates as the ground will be softer, and the food source will be more accessible. In winter, it is best to offer a wide range of seed feeders to attract a variety of different birds.

Smaller birds such as wrens and blue tits are particularly vulnerable in the winter and additional energy is required to stay warm. Sunflower seeds and peanuts are full of energy, and provide some fat source, which is perfect for bird such as these.

Seeds
Peanuts are a rich source of fat and are particularly popular with tits, sparrows and siskins. Crushed or grated peanuts are readily available from retailers and will offer great nutrition for robins. Sunflower seeds are a great choice for your seed feeders; as for many species they are the most natural food source. The high oil content contained in black sunflower seeds also makes a great winter food source. Nyjer seed feeders are also popular with bird feeding. Like other bird feeding seed, they contain high oil content, but are particularly small, so this makes them popular with siskins and goldfinch.

Mixed seeds are also a popular choice. Mixtures will often contain seed, maize and nuts. Smaller feed will generally attract smaller birds such as robins and sparrows. Purchasing crushed seed feed will often be a wiser choice, as larger chunked feed will alienate the smaller species. However, birds such as pigeons can consumer larger feed such as whole nuts, dried rice and oatmeal.

Fatty foods in winter

Although many of these wild birds will predominantly be seedeaters, offering a fatty food substitute can be a more nourishing alternative. Birds rely on their body's fat stores to see them through the winter period. Fatty foods like fat balls offer an excellent source of energy.

Alternatively, you can create your own fatty nourishment, by combing things like suet or lard, grated cheese and fruits, with carbohydrates such as cooked rice, pasta and potato. However, there are some restrictions in what you can feed birds, never feed a bird with butter and poly-saturated fats as well as meat fats as they will be a breeding ground for bacteria and can become a problem for bird feathers. Fat balls are a better option and offer an energy rich food source, which can quickly replenish bird's fat stores. Dry mealworms can also be added to seed feeders to provide that all-important fat content.

Other considerations

Birdbaths provide a vital water supply and can be used for both drinking and bathing. Winter's conditions can sometimes cause birdbaths to freeze over so items such as twigs and Ping-Pong balls can be added to prevent this. Antifreeze products must always be avoided, as they will be toxic to birds. Tepid water can be replaced daily.

To replenish lost energy from the previous night, birds tend to feed first thing in the morning. Therefore preparing food the night before is suggested. Additional fruit, such as pears and apples, are a great addition. However, be careful when laying out food for birds as they can sometimes attract rodents. Bird tables provide a great safeguard against rodents and can be purchase widely.

Bird feeding all year round is advised, but providing nourishment during the winter months in particularly important. Fatty foods are best for the winter, as fat stores of a bird is very important in order to maintain a healthy body temperature and provide enough energy when food supplies are scarce.

Written by Lynne Dickson, Marketing Manager at Wild Bird Feeders. Wild Bird Feeders is the global leader in garden bird feeders and wild bird feeding. For more information all about birds, please visit http://www.wildbirdfeeders.co.uk

Facts About Duck Boxes

By Caroline R Partin

One of the best ways to attract wild ducks is through the use of a duck box. The use of the box is particularly to boost the number of ducks in several local populations. Before, wood ducks are abundant in several parts of the United States. However, due to constant hunting their numbers gradually declined. Constant hunting and land reclamations have nearly caused the extinction of this type of bird. Now, because of the changes in the law the wood ducks have increased in numbers. Wild ducks often use the boxes as homes and they often lay eggs on such boxes.

The Importance of the Boxes

The importance of the boxes is that most wood ducks and other duck species usually make it their home. Yes, duck females typically live in wetlands and in wooden boxes. Because of their constant migration, they require homes in various places. When a prospective wooden box is found, the wood duck will often inspect the box and check its contents. Wood ducks often pick their boxes according to their size and shape. Of course, they will also pick a home which is away from any predators. Once they have selected a suitable box for them they will often lay eggs there. The eggs will hatch and then they will then migrate to another location. Basically, a duck box is effective increasing the population of both wooden ducks and other species.

Picking the Right Location for a box

In order to pick the right location for a box, several factors should be strictly considered. One of which is that the box should be away from any known predator which might endanger the tenants of the box. Therefore, the box should have wooden posts and several metal cables in order to prevent any predators from eating the birds. The box should also be found near a suitable habitat and it should not be very far. Usually, wild ducks prefer homes which are a hundred yards away from their habitat. The reason for which is that they require the fertile wetlands for food and for looking for a partner. The shallow wetlands allow them to look for insects and small fishes which in turn becomes their meal.

Using the right materials

Another important factor when making a duck box is to choose the right wood for the job. The ideal type of wood is the rough cut and unfinished lumber since the ducklings have the sharp claws to create an exit hole. Metal or plastic boxes are not ideal since they might impede the ducklings from exiting the structure. At least a couple of wood shavings should also be inserted on the box so that the ducks will have a nest. Once the females see the wood shavings, they will usually use it in order to incubate their eggs. After the winter season, the boxes should have a new batch of wood shavings since the old batch will be damaged by the harsh weather brought about by the winter cold.

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Every Bird in the Garden (English and Spanish)

By Dennis Siluk Dr.h.c.

English Version

Every Bird in the Garden

Every sparrow,every bird in our Patio Garden,

To include the doves and ravines (and there are many),

And those birds with the red tops, that look like Mohawks,

My wife observes-she says: "God is amazing;

Each and every one has their own mannerisms, and Characteristics, their Own looks: Some sleep on branches overnight- quiet as a mouse;

some,

like those doves wobble when they run, fight among

Each other, as if this or that part of the garden was theirs to run, to own,

territorial like;

Still, the yellow sparrow sucks the juice out of the flowers, like the

hummingbird does... !

And the yellow, black and brown sparrows and now even the Doves and Ravines, and even the Mohawks too, and some bird

with long thin stick like legs, too thin to even carry its Own body Weight, like the others:

they all swim and bath in the birdbaths-these are quick

Learning birds-I'll have you know.

Each one eats like a starving horse, a galloping ghost, an elephant,

Even some perhaps as much as a whale, they just never stop, fly from

Branch to branch, then go back down to the seed dish and munch...

Then they lay on branches in the garden, while basting under the sun, as

if they were Queen Bees-each and

Everyone:

and my wife, she just keeps on feeding them wanting their love- and to be frank, they all seem to be hissing, or is it whistling,

some

fancy tune!

Perhaps they are saying in their own way: because of her giving,

every day is:

'Thanksgiving!'

#3465 (Written 11-15-2012/reedited 11-24-2012) This poem is for my wife Rosa

Spanish Version

Cada Ave en el Jardín

A cada gorrión,a cada ave en nuestro jardín,

Incluyendo a las tortolitas y cuervos (y hay muchos),

Y a aquellos pájaros con el moño rojo, que parecen como los Mohawks,

Mi esposa los observa-ella dice: "¡Dios es asombroso!";

Cada uno tiene sus propias características, actitudes, su propio aspecto: Algunos duermen en las ramas por la noche- tranquilos como un ratón;

algunos,

como aquellas tortolitas se tambalean cuando corren, pelean entre ellos,

como si ésta o aquella parte del jardín fuera de ellos para correr, para poseer,

como si fueran territoriales;

Todavía, el gorrión amarillo, se alimenta del jugo de las flores,

¡como lo hace el colibrí... !

Y los gorriones amarillos, los negros y los marrones e incluso ahora las tortolitas y los cuervos, también los que se parecen a los Mohawks,

y algunos pájaros

que tiene piernas tan delgadas como palitos, tan delgadas para incluso cargar su propio peso, como los otros:

todos ellos nadan en la tinita de agua-estos son pájaros

que aprenden rápido-te lo haré saber.

Cada uno come como un caballo hambriento, un fantasma galopante, un elefante,

Incluso algunos tal vez tanto como una ballena, ellos no paran de comer, vuelan de rama a rama, luego vuelven al plato de alpiste y comen...

Luego ellos descansan en las ramas en el jardín, mientras se tuestan bajo el sol, como si fueran las reinas abejas-uno y todos:

y mi esposa, ella solo continúa alimentándolos queriendo su cariño- y para ser sincero, todos ellos parecen estar cantando o es silbando,

algunos

tiene un tono sofisticado

tal vez ellos están diciendo en su propia forma: por su generosidad,

cada día es:

'¡Día de Acción de Gracias!'

#3465 (Escrito 15-Noviembre-2012/corregido 24-Noviembre 2012) Este poema está dedicado a mi esposa Rosa.

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Birds Warm in Winter

By Mary Wyld

As the weather cools down, it's important to remember that birds need additional care in winter. Many of our exotic and pet bird breeds are originally from warm, tropical climates and cold temperatures can be a health challenge. Here are a few guidelines for pet bird owners to keep in mind during cooler temperatures that will help them keep their pet birds healthy and happy.

Bird owners should move the cage to a draft free location, away from windows and doors. Moving your bird's cage to a central location in the home can make a big difference in keeping deadly drafts and cold air away from sensitive birds. Shrink-wrap insulation kits can be used on windows and unused doorways in winter to keep cold air out and warm air in. Increasing the humidity indoors in winter is also good for birds, eliminating dryness and excess dander.

Remember that birds are sensitive to smoke and fumes that can come from wood, gas or kerosene heaters. Some electric heaters are treated with a non-stick coating, which can create fumes that are deadly to birds. Some radiator-style electric heaters can be effective, but be sure to check on possibly harmful coatings.

Bird owners should definitely have a cage cover on hand. Covering the cage at night will help keep birds cozy. Some birds enjoy snugglies and snoozies to help keep them warm at night. Heat lamps can be used, and infrared bulbs will create a glow that does not interfere with the bird's sleep cycle. It's important to choose only a bird-safe heat lamp recommended for avian use. Pay attention to the bulbs used in the heat lamp - any bulbs coated with polytetrafluoroethylene can emit toxic fumes when overheated. There are also ceramic heating elements that can be used for birds - from those that clamp onto the cage to heat panels that are placed around the cage. These are specifically designed for animal and avian use. Infrared heat panels that attach to the cage are also an energy-efficient way to keep your bird cozy this winter.

In addition to keeping your bird warm, you'll want to ensure that heating your home doesn't result in a lack of humidity. If so, there are a few simple things you can do to provide the proper conditions for your bird. Regular baths, showers or light misting should be continued throughout the winter months. You can also increase humidity in the home by using a vaporizer or humidifier designed for birds. Other options include placing shallow pans of water on radiators or in the oven when you're pre-heating it, or simply leaving the bathroom door open when you shower to allow the steam into the house.

Feeding your bird a healthy, vitamin-rich diet throughout the year will help boost its immune system and stay healthier despite changes in temperature. Bird owners should make sure the winter diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables to maintain optimal health.

Of course, keeping a watchful eye on pet birds throughout the winter is important. As you make changes to your bird's environment, be on the lookout for signs of overheating, such as panting, extended neck or holding the wings away from the body. Also keep an eye out for signs of any health problems - exposure to cold temperatures can lower the bird's immunity and result in illness. At any time of year, simple bird care and monitoring will ensure that pet birds stay healthy and happy.

Wyld's Wingdom, established in 1986, is the premier wholesale pet supply distributor for exotic and pet bird products including toys, food, cages, and supplies. We carry an enormous array of avian products at great values that customers can pass along to their retail setting. With its extensive expertise partnered with a tremendous selection of products, Wyld's Wingdom will provide the best information and advice to its customers on the latest bird care, safety, and wellness information. Visit our website at http://www.wingdom.com.