About.com Pet Birds

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Birds

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:20:43 +0000

Thanksgiving is a fun time for all Americans, but pet bird owners should take care to protect their feathered friends from the safety hazards that come along with this beloved holiday.

Even though they may not be apparent, Thanksgiving can present several health and safety issues to pet birds whose owners aren't prepared, including increased risks of choking, burns, impact injuries, stress related illness or injury, and toxicity.

Check out these important Thanksgiving Bird Safety Tips to make sure that your pet and your family have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday this season.

John A. Rizzo/Getty Images

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Birds originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 04:20:43.

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Protect Your Pet from Exotic Bird Theft

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:58:06 +0000

The holidays are closing in on us, and as most are aware, crime rates generally go up as December draws closer. Many people think that the biggest targets for holiday-related theft include electronics, jewelry, and other high dollar gift items. Bird owners need to be aware, however, that each year many pet birds become targets of theft as well.

Exotic bird theft is a global problem that has only increased in recent years. Not only is this a problem for bird owners, who must take precautions to protect their pets from being stolen, but for the victimized birds as well, many of whom suffer due to their captor's lack of knowledge or negligence.

Learn how to protect your pet this holiday season with these important tips on Preventing Exotic Bird Theft. Working in even a few of these theft-repelling tricks can make all the difference in whether or not a criminal could see your bird as an easy target.

Protect Your Pet from Exotic Bird Theft originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 03:58:06.

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Funny Bird Friday: Thanksgiving Turkey Fights Back!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:35:12 +0000

No one knows if the Thanksgiving season was just too much for the Turkey in this week's video, or if he's just got a bone to pick with humanity in general. One thing is for sure, though -- this bird's rampage through a California suburb was enough to stop traffic!

Check out this "Crazy Turkey" video on YouTube and see for yourself just how far these birds will go when they're trying to show people who's boss. You're sure to get a hearty chuckle!

Don't forget, I'm always looking for funny birds to feature here every Friday. With the holiday season coming up, there is sure to be a ton of hilarious pet birds popping up all over the web! If you run across a funny bird video or image online, send me a link at birds.guide@about.com. Your pick might be featured here next week!

Funny Bird Friday: Thanksgiving Turkey Fights Back! originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 03:35:12.

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Feather Conditioners for Birds

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:16:15 +0000

You may have seen them in pet stores -- products that claim to be "feather conditioners" or "bird bath sprays". It can be easy to assume that all products that are labeled for birds are safe to use on your feathered friend, but wise owners thoroughly think it over before purchasing these sorts of products.

Learn the truth about feather conditioning sprays and related products in this short article on Feather Conditioners for Birds. You might be surprised to find that some of these products can actually do your pet more harm than good.

Photolink/Getty Images

Feather Conditioners for Birds originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 03:16:15.

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Bird Treat Recipe: Honey Fruit Bake

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:42:10 +0000

Most bird owners know that there is a proven benefit to feeding your birds as many fresh, homemade meals as possible. Luckily, even those who aren't the handiest people in the kitchen can learn to master a few simple recipes that will be both nutritious and delicious for your pet bird.

If you're in the mood to whip up a delicious and nutritious snack for your parrot, then try out this easy Bird Treat Recipe: Honey Fruit Bake. It's quick, easy, and your feathered friend will be begging for more!

Bird Treat Recipe: Honey Fruit Bake originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 04:42:10.

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Funny Bird Friday: A Parrot's Wedding

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:28:21 +0000

I've worked with birds for a long time, but this week's video features something I've never seen before -- two parrots getting married!

Blue and Xena are two Hyacinth Macaws that made avian history by getting hitched on a television program for Animal Planet. Check out their hilarious parrot wedding video and post a comment below to let other readers know what you think!

As always, if you find a video online that you think would be a good feature for Funny Bird Friday, send me a link at birds.guide@about.com and I'll be sure to check it out!

Funny Bird Friday: A Parrot's Wedding originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 04:28:21.

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Taming Aggressive Parrots

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:09:04 +0000

There is no such thing as a mean bird. It's true! There are, however, birds that are fearful, and birds with emotional problems that cause them to want to avoid handling at all costs. When birds with these problems find themselves in pet situations, it can be disastrous for both bird and owner.

If your pet bird bites you when you try to handle it, it is critical that you address the issue. To do this, you must set aside time each day to work on handling your feathered friend. When working with your pet, use these tips for taming aggressive parrots to help your pet understand that handling is safe and fun.

Taming Aggressive Parrots originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 04:09:04.

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10 Diseases You Could Catch from Your Parrot

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:01:46 +0000

Diseases that can be passed from animals to humans and vice versa are called zoonotic diseases. Those interested in becoming bird owners often wonder if there are any diseases they could catch from their potential feathered friends. The answer is that there are, although it's relevant to point out that owning any type of pet can put you at risk of contracting a zoonotic illness.

Check out my article on 10 Diseases You Could Catch from Your Parrot to learn about zoonotic illnesses that affect pet birds and their owners. While the odds of infection are lowered with proper hygiene standards, its important to be familiar with common symptoms and methods of transmission.

10 Diseases You Could Catch from Your Parrot originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 03:01:46.

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Funny Bird Friday: Boogie the Quaker Parrot

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:59:47 +0000

If you've ever felt overworked and under appreciated, then this week's video featuring Boogie the Quaker Parrot will give you a much deserved dose of hilarity!

Boogie's owners caught this video of Boogie complaining about life, and it turned him into a YouTube sensation. You may have seen talking birds before, but Boogie tells it like it is!

Remember, I'm always on the lookout for good videos to feature here for Funny Bird Friday. If you find a funny bird video online, send me a link at birds.guide@about.com. Your pick might be featured here next week!

Funny Bird Friday: Boogie the Quaker Parrot originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 03:59:47.

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Winter Heating Tips for Exotic Birds

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:34 +0000

Most pet bird species come from areas with warm, tropical climates. Because their bodies are built to endure heat, cold weather can mean big trouble for an exotic bird with no protection.

Check out my article on Winter Heating Tips for Exotic Birds to learn about the best ways to protect your bird from the winter chill as the days grow colder. Preparing yourself before the coldest months hit will help make sure that both you and your bird stay toasty and warm!

Winter Heating Tips for Exotic Birds originally appeared on About.com Pet Birds on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 00:00:34.

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