Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Cockatoo opens locked cage from the inside

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How to clean a bird cage in 3 minutes

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Cleaning A Bird Cage

Cleaning is one of the crucial mechanical components to the bird safety. The regular cleaning of bird cage, bird perches, bird toys, bird stands and other accessories prevents a lot of serious diseases caused by bacterial and fungal contamination. Even it seems to be a boring work you must do it as a routine work that must be done daily and once a week. The secret of the bird physical and mental health is in keeping clean its environment of living.



Signs give warning of disease or injury
During the daily routine cleaning of the bird cage you should observe some basic things that can affect your bird health negatively. That includes also some risky bird cage conditions which you must correct or if it is necessary remove. Keep focus on the following: cage bars and welded portions should be in a good condition; if you notice excessive wear of some bird toys you better discard and replace them with new ones; watch for any regurgitated materials in and on the bird cage; keep an eye of the birds food that you place in the dishes and observe if it is in the normal quantity; if there are any feathers on the bottom of the bird cage observe if they are normal.

10 Steps to Cleaning Your Bird Cage

Step One
First the bird must be removed from the bird cage kept in a place that is safe. Avoid any open rooms as doors and windows.
Step Two
Food dishes, bird toys, bird perches and any other accessories must be also removed from the bird cage.
Step Three
In case your bird cage has a bottom which is detachable, then you should easily remove the bottom and clean it from any loose droppings.
Step Four
If your bird cage has no detachable bottom, take the bird cage and turn it upside down over a trash or any garbage tray to release any droppings.
Step Five
Put the bird cage and the detachable bottom, if there is one, under a hot water and carefully clean them until all excessive soiling is remover from the parts of the bird cage.
Step Six
Sponge off the bird cage and bottom or use a brush or plastic scrub pad for removing the soiling. Use only non-toxic cleansers that have been tested and proved.
Step Seven
Use hot water to rinse the bird cage and then leave the excess water to drain away the bird cage.
Step Eight
If you have a two-part bird cage, you should reassemble it before you proceed to dry the sections using a clean and dry cloth.
Step Nine
Bird toys, bird perches and other bird accessories also must be cleaned before place them back into the bird cage. Place them under a hot water, scrub them using a non-toxic cleanser and rinse them thoroughly. Use clean and dry cloth for drying.
Step Ten
When all food and water dishes, bird toys, bird perches and other bird accessories are dry, as well as the bird cage itself, then place them back in the cage. Return the bird in and make sure that all is well-assembled.

Tips & Warnings
If you are using a shower for cleaning the bird cage and accessories, it is recommended to wash it out after you use it.
If you faced up some difficulties scrubbing the bird cage or the other bird accessories clean, you may try to soak them in hot water and soap or any debris removerwhich is good for birds .
You may lay down several paper tray liners on the bottom of the bird cage so when you notice that the top one gets dirty to remove it and that one which is underneath to remain on the top. It is an easy way to keep the bottom of the bird cage clean.

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How to Find the Best Bird Cage for a Cockatiel

Introduction

As your cockatiel spends a lot of time in its camp, it's important for you to choose a camp sensation which will make your pet feel comfortable and secure.

Steps
Step One
For the bird is important to have plenty of roominside for movements . So you should find a bird cage large enough enabling your bird to spread its wings without any effort or hitting the bird cage’s sides.
Step Two
Find a square bird cage which provides the bird safeness and the opportunity to nest in the corners.
Step Three
Avoid bird cages that are rounded where bars bend to the gathering at the center - the toes or the tip of bird could be caught in them.
Step Four
If you want a bird cage that could be cleaned easily and looks nice, you should look for a bird cage with plastic bars.
Step Five
If you consider buying a block bird cage with welded wires that will be the less expensive option. But you should know that in this case you must use vinegar and water for cleaning the bird cage and removing all the excessive zinc to prevent bird poisoning.
Step Six
Make sure bars of the bird cage are not more than 3 / 4 of an inch distant in order to avoid your bird’s head to be stuck between the bars.
Step Seven
Bird cage door should be big enough so you may stick your hand, with the bird perched on it, inside the bird cage as it is not necessary your bird to hang down.
Step Eight
Bird cage is good to be equipped with several bird perches and bird toys to keep your bird busy and to have entertainment. For the purpose of that the bird cage height should be at least 16 inches to establish two levels for the bird perches.
Step Nine
We advise you to find a bird cage that is wider than high bird cages because birds are used to spend most of their time on the ground floor.
Step Ten
It is more comfortable for your cockatiel and of course more pleasant for the eye if the bird cage is provided with a grid on the bottom for keeping the bird away from its droppings.

Tips & Warnings
Place the bird cage in occupied room where people pass along regularly, as cockatiels are used to be in the middle of a gang.
Make sure the bird cage is placed out of direct sunlight and any drafts or smokes.

7 Steps to Build a Nest Box for Cockatiels

Introduction

There is a variety of choices and options for cockatiel’s nest boxes. You can buy a box ready to use or designed one by your own , made of plastic, cardboard or wood. Nest boxes made of cardboard are inexpensive and you do not have to clean them up or store them. You just can throw the nest box after the babies emerge.

Steps
Step One
Reuse cardboard box from the local shop. Cockatiels niche in almost anything, so make sure that the nest box has a plenty of space so that the male and female sits inside at the same time.
Step Two
Attach tape to all wings closed with duct tape to ensure the cockatiels did not escape.
Step Three
Consider the way of attaching the nest box to the cage and then clip off a 3-inch hole in the cardboard for entering the cockatiel into the nest box. The clipped off small cardboard pieces should be removed completely.
Step Four
Cut a small hole on the top or the side of the nest box so you can take a look inside to check your cockatiels without bothering them. Then carefully cut the cardboard on three sides and fold cardboard along the fourth side to make a door from the hole. Attach a piece of band led to the cardboard to make a label traction for the opening and closing easy.
Step Five
Find appropriate spots of the nest box for cutting holes in order to make it to be easily attached to the bird cage. Depends on your bird cage size, the nest box could be places inside or outside the bird cage.
Step Six
For making the nest box a comfortable and nice place for the babies when they emerge, put approximately 3 inches of material that is an appropriate for nesting, for instance shredded paper, wood shavings or hay.
Step Seven
The last step is the attaching of the nest box to the bird cage by zip ties. Make sure the nest box is blocked and safe so that will not fall down with the cockatiels entering and leaving.

Tips & Warnings
A good nest boxes could be faced up in small appliance boxes or wine boxes.
If you want to make the bottom of the cardboard strengthened, place a duct tape along the whole bottom. Because cockatiels tend to chew the cardboard you don’t have to panic. That problem can be easily solved by replacing the cardboard and the duct tape.


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Sunday, February 3, 2008

Bird Stands

Just as humans are used to do, birds also need time out of the confines of their bird cages. This free time contributes to a happy and healthy bird and allows the bird the required exercise time. One way to accomplish this is to provide the bird with a bird cage stand which is a tall structure with several branches extended from it similar to tree branches on a tree. This structure allows the bird freedom and is a natural place for it to rest. The bird stand can of course have bird toys for the bird to enjoy and play with. The bird stand is particularly enjoyed by parrots since they require a larger area of freedom so they have a large wingspan and require more freedom of movement than most bird cages offer.

Another type of bird cage stands is with a top pole supported by a sturdy heavier base. This type of stands makes it easier to move the entire bird cage and bird stand to other rooms and even outside, which gives the bird the variety of locations that most birds like and keeps the bird from becoming bored or unhappy.
Bird stands that hold the bird cages on top are typically sold with the bird cage as a single unit and can be found for under $150, online and at most pet stores.


Bird Cage Covers

Many birds welcome the morning sunrise with a loud morning song. If you wish not to be awakened to this sometimes endless loud singing as your trying to sleep in you can purchase a bird cage cover and your morning sleep will not be interrupted. These cage covers are not mandatory but they can have a definite advantage for some quiet time but also can block the ambient air around the cage, keeping your bird warmer in the winter months. Also a cage cover can block noises which would help your bird to rest more soundlessly. Most importantly it can block the light and persuade your bird to sleep until you are ready to hear its morning singing.


To avoid any risk of the bird getting tangled in the cover you should only use a cover made for your bird cage and also make sure the material of the cover is washable so you can keep it clean. Cage covers are available at most pet stores as well as online.When using a cover the bird needs to have a routine to feel secure so use the cover about the same time of day every day so the bird becomes used to this sleep period and looks forward to it.

Discount Bird Cages

Depending on the species of birds you have purchased you may find that you have invested quite a large sum of money in your bird and the supplies needed to start up this new member of your family. Fortunately there are also merchants who sell discounted bird cages. Searching on the Internet at Amazon and Ebay are good resources to find these bird cages at often significant discounts as well as informing you of the available bird cages sizes and styles . You should be sure you read carefully the posted descriptions and know wheather the bird cage is new or used and as always when buying online factor in the shipping and handling charges that apply as well as any taxes so you can be informed for comparison of the actual final price. It is also helpful to look for customer reviews on the websites to inform you about the previous customers of the sellers as well as inform you about the situations that will make you a smarter shopper. Make sure you understand fully any return policies and that you agree with the warranty policies that may be stated on the websites. If you do your research, it is possible to find bird cages at a good discount.If you are a reseller or a merchant you can find wholesaler’s who you can purchase from. Typically they will not sell to the general public but some do but normally with a minimum dollar sale amount. As an example The Bird Exchange will sell to the general public but they have a minimum order of $500. Again insure that you understand the terms and conditions of the sales and the shipping charges and taxes if there are any so you can make an informed decision.

Bird Cages for Sale

The choices for selecting a bird cage for your bird can be an overwhelming task taking into account all the options that are available. Sizes of bird cages can be from a few inches to several feet and styles can range from a simple square box to a complex and elaborate house.
The bird cage can be constructed from stainless steel, aluminum, iron, brass, acrylic, wire and wood. All materials are readily available.
It is recommended that you buy the “largest” cage you can afford taking into consideration the type of bird you plan to purchase. Keep in mind that you should buy a bird cage that is safe for your bird and one that keeps the bird happy.


Bird cages can be purchased by various means. Typically you can find bird cages in pet stores like Petco and PetsMart and in discount stores like Family Dollar and Dollar General as well as many department stores. Bird cages can be found at Online pet stores also but when comparing prices be sure to compare costs by factoring in the shipping any applicable taxes to the advertised prices. Bird cages may be found in newspaper ads, flea markets, garage sales and these bird cages are generally safe to use as long as they are thoroughly disinfected prior to putting your parrot in them. Used wooden bird cages should be rejected as they are dangerous for the health of your bird.


Wooden Bird Cages

The wooden bird cage allows today’s bird owners to express themselves and to even make a statement about their lifestyle and taste by selecting a bird cage that is stylish and trendy, conservative or extravagant. Many themes and styles are available from Oriental to Modern, Tuscan to Victorian, even whimsical to simplistic bird cages may be selected. You can have you cage blending into your room or boldly contrasting.
Wooden bird cages can be any style and constructed of nearly any wood including Oak, Pine, Maple, Cherry, even various laminates to match nearly any décor you wish. Wood bird cages can even be made to suit your individual taste.
Wooden bird cages do require a more aggressive maintenance effort so insure you are aware of these sometimes challenging maintenance tasks to protect your parrot. Parrots love to chew wood so you must choose the wood carefully. Wood is difficult to care for as far as disinfecting and sanitizing germs that can get into the fibers of the wood.
There are many sizes of wooden bird cages and you also can have wooden bird cages built to your exact specifications should you wish to do that. You may be tempted to purchase “used wooden bird cages” however this should be avoided to insure that you and your parrot are not exposed to possible health risks pre-existing in the wood.