About.com Pet Birds

10 Bird-Safe Houseplants

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:08:15 +0000

There's no doubt about it -- the quickest way to brighten up and refresh any room is to add a decorative houseplant. If you own pet birds, however, you must think twice before bringing just any old plant into your home.

While many plants are toxic to birds and other pets, there are plenty of lush and colorful varieties that are completely safe for your feathered friends.

Check out this list of popular houseplants that are safe for birds for some insight into the types of plants that are safe for bird owners to keep. You'll be surprised at the many exotic and unique looking plants that can grace your home without endangering your pet bird.

Funny Bird Friday: Nikki the Skateboarding Bird

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:12:54 +0000

This week I'd like to feature a cute video that was sent in by Gordon Small of Bowling Green, KY. Gordon writes:

"I ran across this video of a cockatiel on a skateboard and thought that you might like it for Funny Bird Friday. I thought it was hilarious!"

I thought it was hilarious too, Gordon, and I'm sure other readers will feel the same way!

Check out the video of Nikki the Skateboarding Bird on YouTube. And remember, email me at birds.guide@about.com if you run across a funny bird video or image online that you think should be highlighted in next week's feature.

Scarlet Macaws as Pets

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:45:40 +0000

Scarlet Macaws have been popular with bird owners for many years, and it's no wonder why -- they are beautiful, intelligent, and they make exceptional companions.

The Scarlet's striking plumage may be what draws many to the bird, but its personality is what keeps them coming back for more. Confident and friendly, Scarlets are usually eager to take on tasks such as learning tricks, and many even develop vocabularies of several words.

Find out more about Scarlet Macaws and keeping them as pets in this Scarlet Macaw Profile.

Tom Brakefield/Getty Images

What is a Color Mutation?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:41:55 +0000

If you're in the market for a new pet bird, then there's no doubt that you'll come across the term "color mutation" in your search for your new feathered friend. But what exactly is a color mutation? Does it indicate that something's wrong with a bird?

To find out all about color mutations in birds, check out the information in What is a Color Mutation? Learning more about the terminology used in aviculture will help you make sure that you choose the right bird for your family.

Suggested Reading:

5 Ways to Enjoy Summer with Your Parrot

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:12:30 +0000

Most people love it when the weather gets warm, and most tropical bird species do too! For some fun ways to enjoy the warm summer weather with your pet bird, check out my new article on 5 Ways to Enjoy Summer with Your Parrot. Spending a little bit of extra time with your feathered friend might just make this your best summer yet!

Funny Bird Friday: The Crying Amazon Parrot

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:00:43 +0000

In this week's installment of Funny Bird Friday, I would like to share a video that was sent to me by Jane, Yancy, and Sebastian Korbett of Dover, NJ. Jane writes:

"Someone sent this video to me and it is a riot. A lot of people have probably sent this to you, but I wanted to send it anyway."

Well, Jane, you were the first one to share this particular link with me, and it has kept me in stitches since I first viewed it!

Check out this hilarious video of the crying Amazon Parrot that cries as well as laughs exactly like a human baby. The accuracy of the mimicry is uncanny in this example -- and makes for one heck of a funny bird video!

Remember, I'm always looking for more funny birds to share with readers online. If you run across a funny bird video or image on the web, don't forget to send me a link at birds.guide@about.com. Include your name and location so that I can give you credit, and you just might find your pick featured here next week.

Why Do Pet Birds Need to be Misted?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:54:48 +0000

There's plenty of good reasons why you often see bird owners spritzing their pets with a water bottle -- and it's not just because the birds get a kick out of it!

To find out what all the hype is about, check out this short article on Misting Pet Birds. There are actually health benefits that come from giving your feathered friend a nice daily mist. Have a look to find out more!

Should I Breed My Pet Bird?

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:45:13 +0000

Most pet bird owners, at least once or twice, entertain ideas of allowing their pets to have a family. While having a nest full of adorable chirping babies may seem like a great idea at times, owners should know what they're getting into when they choose to breed their birds.

When deciding to become a bird breeder, there are several key issues that should be taken into consideration before rushing out to buy your bird a mate.

Before you jump into breeding pet birds, check out this article on Deciding to Breed Your Bird. After reading it, you might find that it's best to just enjoy your pet's company and leave the breeding to the professionals.

Funny Bird Friday: Moonwalking Manakin

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:24:38 +0000

Sometimes the funniest things that birds do are what they do naturally in the wild. For this week's Funny Bird Friday, I'd like to highlight a video that features a bird doing some very complex "dance" steps to attract a mate.

This bird is known as the Red Capped Manakin. These birds hail from Central and South America, and while they aren't normally kept as pets, their amusing habits provide plenty of entertainment for bird lovers everywhere.

Check out this great video of a "Moonwalking" Red-Capped Manakin. If you're anything like me, this little guy will have you in stitches!

Don't forget, I'm always accepting submissions for Funny Bird Friday. If you run across a funny bird video or image online, remember to email me a link at birds.guide@about.com.

Top Five Cage Accessories to Avoid

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:14:11 +0000

We want to ensure that our pets are happy in their homes, so it's common to want to embellish your bird's cage with every neat cage accessory you can find.

It's alright to "spoil" your feathered friend, but one must take caution when choosing the items that will go in a bird's cage. Not all products intended for birds are as safe as they claim to be, so keep your bird safe by checking out this short list of the Top Five Cage Accessories to Avoid next time you visit the pet store. As always, safety first!