Saturday, March 19, 2011

The Flying Habits Of A Parrot

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JP Jonathan, the owne of this blog is a finch expert. For great information on breeding finches and free expert advice on gouldian finches, visit http://www.finchesbirdscentre.com

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Have you ever sat and watched a parrot fly? They are magnificent creatures at the best of times, but to watch them fly and glide is a true delight.The sight of a parrot flying has always fascinated the human mind and this mystery was not solved until lately, thanks to technology and research that gave individual definitions to gliding and flight.

Did you know that not all birds fly, and that gliding and flying are two separate actions altogether? Flying is a rather energetically expensive venture and demands special adaptation by a bird. A bird that does not need to fly will lose its flying potential, like birds that do not have predators or have very few places to fly might lose their aptitude to fly.

A parrot flies for a number of reasons and the most crucial being to escape predators. Flying helps a parrot to a great extent to build its nest, hunt for food and search for its resting place. Most of the birds fly to relocate themselves into a better seasonal climate.

Have you wondered how a parrot flies?

Parrots flying past can be a wonderful site but not many know that this flight demands and requires a complex set of feathers which has been segregated into the primary and secondary. The primary wing or feathers are the outer section on the parrot. These primary feathers are moved backward and forward in a figure-eight pattern so that they create a propelling thrust.

The secondary feathers maintain a role of producing a lifting affect to the bird's body while it is pushed through the air. The secondary feathers are located on the inner circle of the wing and play a major role to push the bird off the ground. Birds with smaller wings need to fly faster while birds with larger wings like a parrot flying needs more time to get them off the ground.

What is the difference between gliding & flying?

Many see their parrot moving through the air, but is it actually flying or gliding? To recognize the difference one needs to observe its flight movements. When a parrot stretches its wings out and does not flap them, then it is gliding. When it is flying it is using the figure eight motion and propelling itself forwards. Parrots have a tendon that attaches to the secondary wings and allows the bird to stay off the ground and glide itself through the air.

Since, parrots are prey to many predators; they are very well equipped with the art of flying and this remains a basic instinct.

This is the reason why most of us clip our parrot's feathers. So that they do not fly away. But we only need to clip the longer wings, the ones that actually propel them forwards. In other words, the flying feathers as the smaller, secondary ones will allow it to lope around and still get some exercise.

Parrot flying is an important part of your parrot's enrichment and provides a great stimulating and natural work out which contributes to its happiness as well as its behavioral patterns. Parrots enjoy flying, and helping it to fly better can be the biggest treat you can give your pet. Seeing your parrot flying is definitely a very exhilarating sight for many owners, but the fear of their precious bird flying away is a major concern for many pet owners.

For more valuable information on how to care for a healthy happy parrot don't go further than from parrot expert Kaye Dennan visit http://petparrotsecrets.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kaye_Dennan

Friday, March 18, 2011

Reducing Parrot Dust - 5 Things You Can Do To Get Rid of Bird Dust

Dust from birds such as African Greys, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, and Amazons can seem impossible to get rid of. As gorgeous as these birds are the dust they produce can be a hazard for both birds and humans. Nothing will completely eliminate it, but here are 5 things you can do that will limit the dust you see and breathe.

Provide Water for Bathing---Providing a bowl of water separate and apart from drinking water will encourage your bird to take the proverbial bird bath. Regular bathing will greatly reduce the amount of dust and dander that is available to go airborne when you pet preens, flies, shakes or plays.

You can also make bathing an activity that you do together by installing a shower perch. When you take a shower you can take your bird in with you and give it the opportunity to fly in and out of a gentle stream of water as it chooses. Consult with an avian vet about best frequency for baths and a recommendation for bird-friendly shampoo.

Reduce Fibrous Materials---Curtains, upholstered furniture, wall-to-wall carpet all make great hiding places for dust. Normal daily activities can cause the dust that has settled on these surfaces to go airborne and create a vicious cycle that can be hard to break. Use shutters, wood or tile, and leather than can be cleaned thoroughly and damp wiped to eliminate the particles completely.

Clean With Water----Using a damp mop to clean floors will trap particles and prevent them from being able to go airborne and settle somewhere else. Likewise using a damp cloth to capture particulates on blinds, shutters, and furniture will really take the dust out of circulation.

Give Daily Attention to the Cage----Be sure to change the cage paper each day. Use gloves and mist it first before removing it. This will minimize the amount of dust that is able to go airborne. Put soiled paper outdoors so that pollutants cannot possibly re-enter your indoor air.

Continually Filter Bird Room Air---Having a cleaner run 24 hours a day to constantly keep the level of particles low is a low maintenance, efficient and economical way to literally keep the dust and dander down.

The best type of filter for efficient removal of particulates is a HEPA (or high efficiency particle arresting) filter. Designed to remove particles that are.3 microns or greater, it is a perfect match for your bird's dust and dander.

Using these 5 suggestions to tackle the extra particles that your birds produce will provide cleaner air for both you and your bird. And clean air can greatly lengthen your bird's life span---and yours too.

Continually filter parrot dust from your air with the HEPA Bird Dust Air Purifier at http://purerair.com/bird_dust_air_purifier.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Davis

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Things You Need To Know Prior To Purchasing A Pet Bird

JP Jonathan is a finch expert. For more information on gouldian finches, visit http://www.finchesbirdscentre.com
 
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Many folks want to have a bird as their selection of pet. But owning a pet may not be all that simple. There are many things you will need to look after. Here are a few things you need to know before you go for a pet bird.

Are you prepared to modify your cooking utensils? This is maybe the first focus you will need to bear before you purchase a bird. Your regular Teflon and other non stick pans may be deadly to parrots and other pet birds. These substances release an odorless flame on heating, which could choke your pet bird in a matter of few minutes. Hence if you have got any non stick cookery-ware, then you could need to substitute it with pans made from chrome steel or other safe substances.

You are also required to give up smoking before you can get your pet bird home. The habit is as harmful for you as for any of your pets whether feathered or bushy. Smoking can lead to a variety of health issues including acne. If you can not fight your obsession, at least make it a point to desist from smoking within the house. Also, remember to wash your hand comprehensively after you're done. If you're already afflicted by acne though, you can try and use effective products such as Zenmed Derma Cleanse System to fix the same.

Do you have it in mind to get your pet insured? The pet bird would be a member of your folks, so like other members it ought to have an insurance plan too. Even birds are prone to illness and need due medical aid. To serve these expenses you should get an insurance done. If you don't have the budget for an insurance plan, you must plan your action if your pet requires swift clinical supervision.

Have you got time for unceasing cleaning? This is another thing that you take into consideration before you go for a pet bird. Birds are quite messy. They will be a relentless flow of seed hulls along with the waste which will collect in the cage. Therefore you have to be willing to be up to the task. Also, make sure that you have a good vacuum handy for the same purpose.

Birds are extremely drawn to anything that's shiny or eye catching. Thus, it is important for you to keep them right away from your pet. You must ideally take off any jewelry or sequined clothing before handling the bird. Of course, you might get attacked if you don't. Your pet might also take a swipe at your buttons while you are cosseting him / her and therefore, you have to be prepared for a similar as well.

At the end, whether it's a pet dog or a bird; your adopted animal will need a large amount of love and care. Hence only get a pet bird if you believe you can handle all of the points mentioned above.

Here is some more information on Zenmed Derma Cleanse System and Pet Dog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lashawnda_Godoy