How to Train a Lovebird Not to Bite

Some lovebirds have nasty habits; if you want to learn how to train a lovebird not to bite, read the 3 necessary steps to stop a biting lovebird below. It will take hard work, patience and persistence on your part, but birds are very smart and a lovebird can learn to stop this troubling behavior with some extra love from you.

1. Build Trust: A lovebird may be biting for several reasons, but one of the more common reasons is that they don't trust you. So the very first thing you must do in order to get your lovebird to stop biting is you must build trust between you and your bird. When you work on your relationship with your bird in a calm and consistent manner, your bird will start to realize that they do not need to be fearful of you. Having the ability to interact with your bird with physical contact will not only make your bird happy, but it is bound to make you happy as well, after all it is not fun owning a pet that you are afraid of!

2. Have Patience: While it can get frustrating, every bird is different and you can't possibly know how long it will take to build trust and get your bird to stop biting; it is important to remain calm and to have patience. Work with your bird a little every day, each day making sure that you don't do anything that makes your bird feel threatened; this will only slow the process down. You have to stay calm and be patient and realize that your bird will come around if you stick with it and never give up.

3. Start Small: One easy way to start to teach your bird not to bite is to teach them the command, "touch". To start you can use a pencil and have your bird touch its beak to the eraser. Say the word "touch" and when your bird complies, in a manner you are satisfied with (a nice soft touch, rather than a bite of the eraser), reward them with their favorite treat. Continue on with this training until you can start to use your finger instead of a pencil.

The above article discussed how to train a lovebird not to bite; the 3 necessary steps to get them to stop biting include building trust, having a lot of patience and starting with some small training exercises.

Of course it is going to take a bit more than just one training exercise to be successful with a biting bird.

A Short Description of Wrens

Name Origin

From the Middle English word wrenne, Old English wraenna, attested very early in an 18th century gloss and Old High German wrendo, wrendilo and Old Icelandic word rindill thus points to a Common Germanic name wrandjan- but the further etymology of the name is unknown. The name has been applied to other birds in Australia and New Zealand.

Known also as a kinglet in Old High German. This name is associated with a legend of an election of the king of birds. The legend tells that whoever could fly to the highest altitude would be made king. An eagle outflew all birds burt was beaten by a small bird (wren) who had hidden in his plumage. This legend was known by the famous philosopher Aristotle. Its name is ascribed to other families of passerine birds throughout the world. Such as Europe with regulus, firecrest and goldcrest.

Species Background

About 80 species of true wrens in about 20 genera which are passerine birds in the mainly New World family troglodytidae. Its genus eponymous of the family is troglodytes. Troglodyte means cave-dweller. It got their scientific name from the tendency of some species to hunt in dark fissure.

Description

They are small birds, among the smallest in the world. Its size range is 10-22 cm and weighs 9-20 grams. Its dominating colors of their plumage are dull, composed of black and white, grey, brown and most species show some barring, from its tail or wings. They are distinguished on its barring on the retrices which is absent in all songbirds. The plumage of the wrens is soft. There is no sexual dimorphism in the plumage of wrens, and little difference between young birds and adults.

The various species occur in a wide range of habitats, ranging from dry to rainforests. Vast majority are found at low levels. A few species, particularly the Winter Wren, is often associated with humans. They remain in Central and South America all year round because most species are non-migratory but the few temperate species typically migrate to warmer climes in winter.

Behavior

Although wrens have a reputation for extreme secretiveness, they vary from highly secretive species some frequently sing from exposed perches. The whole family exhibits a great deal of variation in their behavior. Except for their loud and often complex songs they are mainly small and inconspicuous. They have short wings and they can't see at night. Quite a few sleep on the ground and often hold their tails upright. They live eating insects and spiders. They are insectivores but they also feed on fish, rodents and lizards. Temperate species generally occur in pairs, but tropical species may occur in parties of up to twenty birds. Wrens build dome-shaped nests, and may be either monogamous or polygamous, depending on species.

Additional Information

Small, mostly insectivorous birds with finely pointed and often decurved bill, tail variously long and graduated to extremely short; plumage mostly grey and brown, often with rufous tones. Forest edge, scrubland, suburban gardens, marshes, desert brushland, rock faces with 17 genera, 85 species, 407 taxa and 7 species threatened; none extinct since 1600.

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Shopping For Bird Supplies at the Pet Store

No matter what kind of pet you have, you have to go to the pet store for them. Even though they are different from any other type of animal, birds need supplies as well. Knowing what you need for your bird is very important.

Learn As Much as You Can

You need to learn everything you can about what your bird is going to need, preferably before you even buy the bird itself. Going to a pet store to gather information is a great idea. You will be able to find lots of products and magazines that will help you on your way to being a successful pet owner.

What Kind of Bird Do You Have?

There are different supplies for different types of birds. Your shopping cart will look very different if you are shopping for a parrot than it would if you were shopping for finches. It is very important that you get your bird the right products.

When you go to the pet store, just be sure that they carry products for the type of bird you have. If they don't, or if they seem unsure what your bird needs, find a different store.

Buying Food

When you are buying food for your bird, try to get them something that is high-quality and has a variety of things in it. Most of the time providing different seeds, nuts, and fruits to your bird is good depending on its dietary needs. This wide variety is more important for some birds than others. For example, a small breed like a canary needs a good seed mix, but may not require the fruits and nuts that tropical parrots should be provided.

Check out the variety of bird foods that a pet store carries and see how much of it is suitable for your bird. Also, if you don't find what you're looking for, but you like the store, consider asking them if what you are looking for can be ordered.

Toys and Treats

Like any animal, birds enjoy having treats and toys. In fact, considering that birds have to spend so much time in a cage, these are crucial to their happiness.

Treats such as cuttlebone give them something to gnaw on as well as provide nutrients that they need. You can also find toys that provide birds with treats as they play.

The more intelligent your bird is, the more important toys are. A pet store with a good bird section should have everything from small simple toys for simpler varieties of birds, as well as very complex toys for parrots and other highly intelligent birds. Having a few of these toys that can be switched out of the cage occasionally is a good idea.

By finding a good pet store and getting your bird everything that it needs to be healthy and happy, you are helping to ensure that you and your bird will enjoy each other's company for a long time.

Gerrard Floyd is a pet expert who has been writing on the benefits, challenges, and methodology of pet ownership for over five years. His areas of expertise include canine, feline, and reptile care as well as animal psychology. If you are interested in more information on bird supplies please visit bird supplies, a supplier of high quality pet food, grooming supplies, and toys.

How to Set One Up For Your Parrot

Are you considering an aviary for your pet parrot or parrots? Many parrot owners like to have their parrots nearby and will have cages for them set up in the house or on balconies but in some circumstances the parrot parents prefer to set up an aviary.

Parrots come in small and large sizes and some parrot owners like to have several and other parrot owners like to have just one large parrot. With the different requirements in mind some owners will need an aviary.

Here are some of the reasons why a parrot owner may opt for an aviary:

· It could be that the owner wishes the bird to have more room to fly around when in its cage

· The owner may wish to breed the parrots and therefore require a larger cage

· The aim might be to have a number of parrots, either large or small and a larger cage is required so that they can have their own space within an aviary

Whatever the reason, an aviary needs to be set up correctly. Not only are we talking about valuable birds here but we are talking about the health of these lovely creatures.

Here is a list of things to consider before setting up an aviary:

· Parrots do not go well being exposed to cold winds so if the aviary is going to be a stand-alone one it would pay to make sure that the side to the prevailing wind is enclosed.

· When using wire mesh make sure it is small enough so that the parrot cannot get its head stuck in it by trying to reach through.

· Have a door through which you can access the aviary - if you are worried about birds flying out as you go in you can hang thick plastic curtain strips on the inside which will deter the birds from flying out. Care would need to be taken that the plastic is not eaten and swallowed by the birds.

· Depending on the size of the aviary it would be good to have a tray on the bottom, under a grill base, which could be pulled out for cleaning.

· Feeding bowls and water bottles which need regular cleaning so that the birds do not get bacteria from them and affect the health of the bird. Some owners prefer to use water bowls rather than water bottles.

· Bathing bowls if the birds are not going to get a misted spray from the owner.

· Some sort of base on the aviary - straw is good, so is sand and fine bark.

· Perches need to be the right thickness for the parrot that is going to be housed

· Breeding boxes if breeding is going to be carried out

There are various types of aviaries but these are suggestions for setting up an aviary that covers the basic needs of your parrot. Parrots also love to have some green leaved branches, some toys and mirrors to play with.

A large parrot does need plenty of room and an aviary might just be the answer, although if a parrot has not been used to an aviary they might need to be gradually introduce to it through using a cage to help with adjustment. A parrot being moved quickly into a large space that it is not used to can become very frightened. Gradual introduction is the key.

Cockatiel Bird Cages

There are several things to consider when looking for a cage to purchase for your Cockatiel. Cockatiels make excellent pets so you'll want to make the best possible choice for its home to bring out the best in your feathered friend.

When considering a cage for your cockatiel think about the location you will be using. You'll want a place away from drafty areas such as outside doors and away from windows that are used and sometimes left open. Birds are social creatures, so put your cockatiel's home in an area where there is plenty of activity. An engaged bird is a happy bird. Although Cockatiels are one of the easiest breeds to have as a pet, they still will need a good deal of attention to thwart any negative behavior.

You'll want the right size of cage for your cockatiel so look for a cage that is at least 22" X 22". Some say that a smaller cage is better so that the bird will want to get out when you get home. But I believe that if your cockatiel is well socialized, it will want to join its "flock", that is, you or your family when you let it out. And remember, Cockatiels can live for more than 30 years, so give them room to stretch their wings from time to time! You want a happy friend, not a bird that is discontented and screeching all the time.

Some other features you will want to have in your Cockatiel's home include horizontal bars. The bird will climb up and down them and get some exercise. Shape of the cage is also important. Round cages are confusing to a bird and generally more difficult to clean, whereas a square or rectangular cage will be easier to clean and gentler to the birds psyche. Cockatiels also enjoy stands and perches, so a cage with a perch on top will add to your bird's enjoyment of its home.

Finally, when you have chosen your new cage and it has finally arrived at your home, carefully clean and inspect it for sharp or hazardous items that might injure your bird. Remember, craftsmanship counts, so buy the best that you can afford for years of enjoyment. And don't forget to fill your feathered friend's home with colorful toys, soft accessories and a small bird bath with a food tray to spoil your friend with their favorite foods. To see some of the best cages available, please visit our site below.

Many Bird Owners Wonder Whether They Should Trim Or File Their Pet Bird's Beak

Many bird owners wonder whether they should trim or file their pet bird's beak. We as pet owners like to know we are doing the right thing by them, after all we are wholly responsible for each and every animal that we have. It is important to keep an eye on any changes in your bird's beak, from over growing, under growing, discoloured, cracked, changing shape, becoming soft, becoming brittle, too shiny, improper alignment of top and bottom beaks etc, etc. Anything that is changing from what is normal for your bird is best to be checked out by an avian veterinarian. Don't wait until it is too late, as some problems are caused by diet and can be overcome quite easily, just by changing or adding different foods and introducing items that can keep the bird's beak in tip top shape.

Our Quaker Parrot, Charlie, loves to chew on branches from trees that we place around the house, both indoors and outside. Once he has chewed all of the outside layer from them we replace them with new branches. He loves to climb all over the branches and chews to his hearts content, whilst it is very messy it also keeps him amused. We have different shapes and sizes of branches so as he has to open his beak in different ways. We also give him different textures of food, both raw vegetables and fruit along with bird seed that we purchase from good pet stores. We have a cuttlebone placed here and there but he is not very keen on them, along with calcium bells. Charlie is still only young, about one year old, but we are very aware that any bird can have a beak problem, so we keep a careful eye on him. Even when he is on our shoulders on our clothes protector, a bird bib we give him things to chew on.

As I said before many pet bird owners ask themselves should they trim or file their bird's beak, well yes, sometimes it is necessary, but as always prevention is better than cure. Try to give your bird, whether it is a Quaker parrot, Budgerigar, Cockatiel, Parrot, Canary, Parakeet just to name a few, a variety of items including food that will help control their beak and keep them in a healthy state. If you are at all worried about your bird's beak don't hesitate to take it to a veterinarian, an avian veterinarian if possible. The vet is the best person to trim any bird's beak and will show you how you can file it yourself if you ask them. If you want to trim the beak yourself please check it out with the vet first as there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. You don't won't to hurt your pet bird after all.

What to Look For in Your Bird Cage

People who keep pets absolutely love and adore them, especially those who have feathered pets. You might feed your bird regularly, play with it, make it sing; make it speak but have you ever thought about how comfortable the bird is inside its cage? The cage to a bird is like a house to your average human. The fact that the bird is not going to be let out of the cage makes it all the more important for us to choose the right and comfortable cage for the birds.

It is important to provide them with adequate living space. Today, there are several bird cages that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, models and colors. There are innumerable and endless choices but the trick lies in choosing the best one for your particular type of feathered pet. Given below are the most important things to be kept in mind when you buy a cage for your bird.

The location and placement of the cage is very important. If you are scared that your bird might fly away or be restless when the cage is placed near the window, then an apt place should be chosen inside the house itself. This place should not be secluded and should be such that the bird has you and other folks around it and thereby enabling it to develop socially. Once the location is chosen, the shop keeper can give you the apt choice of cages for that location.

The next thing to be looked into is SIZE. Simple logic works here- large birds require big cages and their smaller counterparts require small ones. That does not mean that a small bird like canaries can be kept in cages that are barely bigger than the bird itself. There should be enough space in the cage for the bird to move around. When confined to small spaces, birds tend to get irritated and therefore they might screech, make lot of noise, peck, pluck their own feathers etc. It is important to choose the size of the cage with great care.

Next thing to be looked at is the bars of the cage. Small birds require bars not more than half an inch apart. Several times people have encountered incidents of birds escaping through the bars and also birds getting stuck in between bars. It is also important to decide on having horizontal or vertical bars. Large birds are to be kept in horizontal barred cages as that lets the birds climb up the bars a bit and exercise every now and then.

The shape of the cage is also extremely important. Imagine yourself living in a perfect sphere or circular house- enough to make your head spin? Birds have the same reaction too. Round cages affect them psychologically and therefore the most preferred shapes of cages are angled ones, rectangular or square. These can be styled inside with small mounds; stands etc where the birds can perch up and have some movement.

Today, craftsmanship also finds a place while choosing cages. Cages with fancy stands, perches etc are in demand. One the cage is brought be sure to clean it and check it any sharp items or anything harmful to the bird. Fill it colorful toys, soft accessories and also have a stylish small bird bath inside with a food tray where you can serve food to your lovely feathered friend.