tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5884925970759947722024-03-05T08:59:10.627-08:00Small Pet Birds Stuff by Stanton BirdmanLooking after your small pet birds.
Different pet bird breeds and anything related.
By Pete Etheridge - aka - 'Stanton Birdman'Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-59558571930871056262012-02-09T09:34:00.002-08:002012-03-07T15:29:38.935-08:00Is keeping birds confined justifiable?Received an email recently from a fella who was rather objective to keeping birds in captivity for which I promptly gave the following reply.<br />
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'I always respect other peoples opinions, irrespective of whether they clash with my own opinions or not. Everybody is entitled to an opinion and so should be. <br />
In general I too disagree with wild animals being kept in captivity; they should have the opportunity to live out their life in the most natural way possible, as nature intended, in the wild running free. With regards however to animals kept in captivity, whether birds or anything else I do have my own opinions that go some way to justifying such things... long waffle coming up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/"></a>Many of the animal establishments around the world, zoos, safari parks etc. most often work together in captive breeding programs. For example the breeding of endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and giant panda in captivity can help to some extent to assuring such breeds remain on this earth for years to come; however this only goes part way and should be undertaken with the intention of returning healthy animals to the wild - of course some type of 'close to wild as possible' upbringing would be the only way to make it work. <br />
Of course the most feasible option is for authorities around the globe to focus their attentions on protecting the natural wild habitat of these animals instead of allowing their destruction, and of course stop the indiscriminate hunting of such species.<br />
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The best way without a doubt to see wildlife - including birds - is within its natural environment, totally free for all to see if only they'd get off their respective posteriors and go and take a look. <br />
Idleness is the downfall of society. <br />
As for my speciality, exotic birds, if kept in captivity I believe they should be allowed to live as close to their natural habitat as is possible in a domestic situation and as such a large aviary with lots of space is the most suitable option. I do not keep any birds in cages (apart from the aviary which is just a big cage really) as I think it is cruel and unethical and should only happen on the rare occasion when some type of quarantine or hospitalization is required for their own well-being.<br />
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I do think however that to release an animal into the wild that has only ever known the confines of captivity would be both mentally and physically cruel to that animal, who would perhaps not survive for very long in the wild as a result. On the other hand to take a previously caged bird and introduce it to an aviary can work (and often does) in favour of the bird who would be elated with the new environment, but this should be done through the correct procedure of gradual introduction that progresses a little each day and does take a little time. <br />
To then take that bird who has now got used to the relative freedom of the aviary and then put it in a cage is undoubtedly wrong, like a prison sentence that would most likely have a dramatic effect on the birds mental and physical health. The same would naturally apply to any bird that has only ever known aviary life, or any other animal in similar circumstances for that matter.<br />
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Agreed, the best way is to not have them in captivity in the first place.<br />
It is a sad fact that most small animals kept in domesticity as pets for example in the UK are of tropical origin and as such their chance of survival in the wilds of Britain is somewhat limited, we are neither desert or rain-forest and any native species from such areas would find it very hard going in our temperate climate (global warming aside, we're not tropical yet, although it's only a matter of time) and would most likely find themselves suffering a long painful death as a consequence.<br />
Yes there are feral communities of exotic or tropical birds in the UK and many other western societies but their fortune is a result of their sheer volume of numbers and any solo animal of exotic origin wouldn't last very long.'<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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<script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-90219306058776479372011-10-26T01:57:00.000-07:002011-10-26T01:57:09.186-07:00Zebra Finches: Why They Are Easy to Care For<div id="article-content"><em>By </em><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cody_Jons" rel="author" title="EzineArticles Expert Author Cody Jons"><em>Cody Jons </em></a><br />
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Among many varieties of finches, zebra finches are one of the easiest for keeping and breeding, because of their meek and vivid nature. These birds that originate from Australia are among the most beloved pets in the world. We are sure you are not asking yourself why they are so beloved, you only have to see one of them once just to realize that they are really special, sweet creatures. This makes them very special and simply irresistible. Their appearance has long been a subject of fascination among bird enthusiasts.<br />
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These finches are sincerely recommended for beginners, and they are very suitable for novices who have a wish to breed birds. Naturally, it does not mean you do not have to posses any knowledge about them, it just means that you can easy learn about their needs and get prepared for the challenge. Unlike some other types of finches, zebras are very comfortable in human presence, which guaranties they will not look at you appearance as a form of domestic disturbance. We could never be sure what exactly exists in their world of fantasies and dreams, but no doubt, there is something beautiful, worthy of admiration and respect. It means they would not feel offended if you do not pay them a special attention. Of course, we are talking about at least one pair of finches. In their native Australia, they move in flocks and really enjoy flying over the wide grasslands. Finches of zebra subfamily keep their social behavior during the entire life, and they build interesting relationships with other birds in the flock.<br />
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They remain happy and cheerful during their lifespan, which is usually up to five years. An interesting fact is worth to mention: unlike most of animals that live in zoos, these birds have longer lifespan in captivity which usually ranges from 8 to 10 years. Their cute chirping is simply adorable and there is no real chance for you to feel uncomfortable by them.<br />
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You need to obtain a cage, large enough, that will allow them to make short flights and various exercises. You may also allow them to fly in your home outside the cage, but you have to make sure that doors and windows are closed in order to exclude possibility of their escape. Unlike some other birds, including finches, zebras have no problems with mating because they do not have high demands, which means that male and female are always compatible. The male and the female love each other and spend a plenty of time to kiss and preen each other. Problems are possible but, anyway, most of them are easy solvable. However, little troubles occur from time to time; for example a quarrel is possible when they decide who to sit on eggs. Males can be more aggressive and you can vent their aggression by supplying them toys to play.<br />
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More specific information are needed to care for many other kinds of pets, which means some of them have very special needs and only little mistake can lead to disastrous consequences. Little zebra birds are not among these pets. They are among the hardiest finches and you need only basic information to keep them properly, making their lives full of joy.<br />
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They have to be feed properly, but anyway, their usual menu is not complicated to be learned. You do not need a special experience to make them suitable conditions for breeding and that is why beginners have a great success dealing with these little pets, only by following some basic rules.</div><div id="article-resource"><br />
Cody Jons is a finch expert. Finches Birds Center has the complete guide for <a href="http://www.finchesbirdscenter.com/finches-zebra.html" target="_new">Finches Zebra</a>. Here is a free expert advice on Keeping and Breeding, Beautiful Healthy Finches visit <a href="http://www.finchesbirdscenter.com/" target="_new">http://www.finchesbirdscenter.com/</a>.</div>Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cody_Jons">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cody_Jons</a>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-51805407116420036242011-10-17T06:21:00.000-07:002011-10-17T06:25:19.860-07:00Keeping your birds warm in winterI had an email today in response to <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/worried-about-keeping-you-pet-aviary-birds-warm-enough-during-the-cold-winter-nights-3998475.html">my article on 'Article Base'</a> enquiring about more information; here is the answer I gave:<br />
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<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/"></a>In answer to your enquiry you'll be pleased to know that it is not the cold that causes problems for your birds but wet and draughty conditions certainly will.<br />
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To give you some idea of what I'm on about my birds have nothing more than a standard 6 x 4 shed as their night shelter, but I have made a few minor alterations for their comfort during the winter. <br />
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Firstly I lined the inside of the shed, between the supports, with old carpet underlay which I stuck on with 'No Nails' adhesive but any decent adhesive will do. You don't have to use carpet underlay as I did but any old foam, old carpet or anything you have or can get hold of will do to act as insulation.<br />
I then boarded out the whole of the inside with 6mm ply board, this was reasonably cheap and was easy to cut to shape with either a jigsaw or standard saw, I attached it with normal nails.<br />
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That's basically the only alterations I made, the shed already had felt on the roof so this made it waterproof. I use no form of artificial heating whatsoever.<br />
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I noticed that you have finches and canaries; as small birds by comparison to the others these need to eat more often to build up their fat reserves to help their bodies stay warm so it is vitally important that you make sure their is always a plentiful supply of food, and of course fresh water, for them at all times, and the chances are they will eat considerably more than in the summer to help them to stay warm.<br />
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I also find it helps to provide some type of artificial lighting in the winter evenings; it gets dark by 5 pm and then does not start to lighten until 7 am the following morning, that's a massive 14 hours without light and your birds will only eat if there is enough light for them to see what they are doing. As small birds like finches and canaries need to eat more often to ask them to go 14 hours without food can and often will cause problems.<br />
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Install the light in such a position so as to get light into the night shelter without your birds being able to make contact with the hot bulb and burn themselves; if you have a security area between your access point to the night shelter and the access point to the birds area then install it there, if the barrier is solid then remove some of it and replace it with aviary mesh or clear Perspex so the light will penetrate into the birds dorm. If not then install the bulb in the dorm but fence it off with some aviary mesh to stop them getting to it and of course make sure any power cables are out of their reach too, you know they are bound to chew such things if they can.<br />
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Allow your birds about 7 to 8 hours of darkness to let them sleep by switching the light on and off manually or fit a timer to do it automatically; this is what I do. I bought a cheap electronic timer (only cost me £3) and set it to switch the light on as it gets dark (about 4.30 pm in the height of winter) and off about 7 to 8 hours before dawn (about 11 pm to 12 midnight in the height of winter).<br />
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Of course you will need to get rid of the ice that should be their water and replace it with fresh water about 2 or 3 times a day, and keep checking the food supply. Also try and close off their access points to the outside once they are all in the night shelter if you can, this will help prevent draughts and keep them inside where it's dry and draught free til you let them out in the morning.<br />
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To summarise in the clearest way; I'm sure you have noticed that even when it is bitterly cold if you have your winter gear on in still and dry conditions you're quite comfortable, and it's only when it's windy or wet do you feel cold. It's exactly the same for your birds.<br />
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The above things might seem like a lot of work but they're not really, and are just a few basic and easily achieved precautions, and well worth that bit of extra effort for your birds' sake.<br />
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Last winter we recorded some of the lowest winter temperatures on record, often below minus 10 degrees. With the added precautions above I had no winter casualties whatsoever, and I also have finches (plus budgies, cockatiels and Java sparrows) in my exposed outdoor aviary.<br />
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I know this has seemed quite exhaustive but I sincerely hope the information helps to ensure you have a casualty-free and successful winter of bird-keeping.<br />
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If you'd like a bit more information then please do not hesitate to contact me at <a href="mailto:stanton.birdman@gmail.com"><u><span style="color: blue;">stanton.birdman@gmail.com</span></u></a> or <a href="mailto:Pete@stantonbirdman.com"><u><span style="color: blue;">Pete@stantonbirdman.com</span></u></a><br />
More info about bird keeping can be found on my website at <a href="http://www.stantonbirdman.com/">http://www.stantonbirdman.com/</a><br />
or any of my blog sites: <a href="http://www.stantonbirdman.wordpress.com/">http://www.StantonBirdman.wordpress.com/</a><br />
and also <a href="http://www.stanton-birdman.blogspot.com/">http://www.stanton-birdman.blogspot.com/</a>.<br />
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To your success!<br />
Pete<br />
'Stanton Birdman'<br />
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</script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-63266980573193507442011-10-08T04:08:00.000-07:002011-10-08T12:17:32.539-07:00Small Pet Birds - Australian Grass Parakeets<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes I know it's took me a long time to get around to this as I promised it months ago. I've been so busy it has had to take a back seat for a while and even now it is not much more than a previous post but with pictures and links added in, but at least you will be able to access more info about these beautiful little parrots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/"></a>Australian grass parakeets are popular as pets or aviary birds due to their colourful markings, small size and placid nature. About the same size as budgerigars; they do however command a premium price by comparison but are well within the reach of most enthusiasts. There are about 6 popular species of grass parakeet used in aviculture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">All the species of Australian grass parakeets are closely related to the budgerigar but unique in their own separate ways. When kept as domestic birds they have very similar requirements to budgerigars; same type and size of nest box, same or similar type of food etc. so their requirements are easily met.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Originating from the grasslands of their native land as the name suggests, these are beautiful little parrots in a good variety of colours; often the iridescence of their plumage makes them even more attractive to the bird keeper. Also their calm and placid nature is an added attraction along with the fact that they are not prone to annoying squawking and often emit nothing more than a just audible chirp, making them ideal in flats or apartments where a quiet pet is beneficial.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Grass parakeets are readily available on the market but due to their desirable characteristics and appearance you will find that demand often outstrips supply. So don’t expect to pay less than £30 each and often more; not a bad price really but quite steep when compared to their nearest pet neighbours, the budgerigars which can often be picked up for £10 or even less.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A bit more information about grass-parakeets (or grass parrots as they're also known) is available from </span><a href="http://www.grassparakeet.com/graskeet.htm"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'grassparakeet.com'</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.proaviculture.com/neophemas.htm"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'proaviculture.com'</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, and </span><a href="http://www.avianweb.com/grassparakeets.htm"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'avianweb.com'</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The most common species as pets are the bourke (bourke’s parakeet), scarlet-chested (splendid), turquoisine, elegant parakeet, rock parrot, blue-winged parakeet, and the red-rump. Search for any of these in a good online image search and you will notice immediately why they are so desirable to bird keepers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiFR7UMY8Rq0qKYE2wUGuOvEm0GG6tuuHlrAyhhJ7Kjv_kCnUlmuPbFBTyB2gxVGOByIawNlIdSE-P4xXB5UvgOlOSrqNEYRtGBrLIyUsdq-RBz8L46zTR10mZEdCgJT6Tp72lmuj3-vu/s1600/bourke+pd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="284" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoiFR7UMY8Rq0qKYE2wUGuOvEm0GG6tuuHlrAyhhJ7Kjv_kCnUlmuPbFBTyB2gxVGOByIawNlIdSE-P4xXB5UvgOlOSrqNEYRtGBrLIyUsdq-RBz8L46zTR10mZEdCgJT6Tp72lmuj3-vu/s320/bourke+pd.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Bourke</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Neopsephotus Bourkii</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is claimed that of all the grass parakeets these are the easiest to keep in captivity, as they are very undemanding. They originate from central and south-western Australia and are approximately 7.5 inch 19 cm long. Bourke’s parakeets are considered by some to be rather dull due to their brown colour but they do have a pink front and blue on the wings, there are some brightly coloured mutations however such as the rosy bourke, and all have a calm and charming nature.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Fb5dYPf3U"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> for a related video.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">More stuff on the bourke can be had by </span><a href="http://www.avianweb.com/burkesparrots.html"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">going here</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> or alternatively </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourke%27s_Parrot"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">click this link</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfUSXAHQ3xPXDhowPdM6R7ybyd5zrHTLLyEVSmIZlnZtKZ6_Qs9PkKyoUWKDokWCXiMnFCIT6A4DybLP35XURfiGtJrDEZMbmFi0lN9Sr1WH2VPlMzAKX_WaadQBWxvkpwtoSW3pxisvW/s1600/ele+cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfUSXAHQ3xPXDhowPdM6R7ybyd5zrHTLLyEVSmIZlnZtKZ6_Qs9PkKyoUWKDokWCXiMnFCIT6A4DybLP35XURfiGtJrDEZMbmFi0lN9Sr1WH2VPlMzAKX_WaadQBWxvkpwtoSW3pxisvW/s320/ele+cc.jpg" width="235" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Elegant</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Neophema elegans</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Native to southern Australia the elegant grass parakeets are olive-yellow in colour with a blue band across the forehead and along the edge of the wings and are about 8.75 inch 22 cm long. Very popular as captive birds with many keepers throughout the globe.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&v=lDe8zh-5mU8"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The elegant grass parakeet on video</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">More information from '</span><a href="http://www.avianweb.com/elegantparrots.html"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">AvianWeb</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">' and '</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elegant_Parrot"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wikipedia</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL8HUeTNBWCs0PaIGdDaEfNc7xbQS2aqlNnN-az-AtNFcUyBaQrgRa7dkfyEIUq73XbS3UMYfQ5yaCPOJGOpf-cYAvuBSWSzO2MIi20o6qIh5aD9CkCwCzQcP6yUOzH7HdylECDwXd90b/s1600/rrump+cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="212" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL8HUeTNBWCs0PaIGdDaEfNc7xbQS2aqlNnN-az-AtNFcUyBaQrgRa7dkfyEIUq73XbS3UMYfQ5yaCPOJGOpf-cYAvuBSWSzO2MIi20o6qIh5aD9CkCwCzQcP6yUOzH7HdylECDwXd90b/s320/rrump+cc.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Red rump</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Psephotus haematonotus</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Originating from southeast Australia and found in flocks or pairs in open country, also frequenting suburban gardens and parks but avoiding the wetter heavily timbered areas and coastal regions. A medium sized parrot of about 25 – 28 cm 9.75 – 11 inches and emerald green in colour with yellow underparts, the actual red-rump only applies to the male of the species.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Red rump on video at '</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZocS7cbVs8"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">YouTube</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Red rump at a our old friends '</span><a href="http://www.avianweb.com/redrumpedparrots.html"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">AvianWeb</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">' and of course '</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-rumped_Parrot"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wikipedia</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTiqzyNO88Gfu0hevH2vTLZlRUuJVA7ZbS7of1ZZS3NrW-tUMSKNSc_iRrB85Gb_FkhTraMZvZ2aOcGQZRR62Bz6dB2F55YoiAD1DEUHPKi-LjfjGN6gbC86Pq4YCvrZlxAmviB0zPnFm/s1600/blue+1+cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTiqzyNO88Gfu0hevH2vTLZlRUuJVA7ZbS7of1ZZS3NrW-tUMSKNSc_iRrB85Gb_FkhTraMZvZ2aOcGQZRR62Bz6dB2F55YoiAD1DEUHPKi-LjfjGN6gbC86Pq4YCvrZlxAmviB0zPnFm/s320/blue+1+cc.jpg" width="219" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Blue-winged</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Neophema chrysostoma</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A migratory species that breeds in Tasmania but sees the winter out in southeast Australia, found in flocks of up to 2000 before migration but usually in pairs during the breeding season. These little parrots are about 20 – 22 cm 8 – 8.5 inches and mainly olive green with a blue band to the forehead and edge of wings and yellow belly (very similar markings to the elegant but the blue banding is less profound).</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVknMhz6Oak"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's a video</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> with the blue-winged grass parakeet in it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">More stuff on the blue-winged can be sought from '</span><a href="http://www.avianweb.com/bluewingedgrassparakeets.html"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">AvianWeb</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">' or alternatively '</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-winged_Parrot"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wikipedia</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">', or if you like try both.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bAvL7OFkMMVihMmm0gdZ4hHO6XBiEMbShOePnYKsx3ZJH0frsr7ldFdWWNMw5p9xOMSylWGCq0R9_7Y9T-Xt1Zfmx8Id8bTykPXBsWTHFhHRybhRKcRiXdI2E_Q0MZP4SvquwUL7kMrU/s1600/scarlet+pd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="266" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bAvL7OFkMMVihMmm0gdZ4hHO6XBiEMbShOePnYKsx3ZJH0frsr7ldFdWWNMw5p9xOMSylWGCq0R9_7Y9T-Xt1Zfmx8Id8bTykPXBsWTHFhHRybhRKcRiXdI2E_Q0MZP4SvquwUL7kMrU/s320/scarlet+pd.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Splendid</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Neophema splendida</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Also commonly known as the scarlet-chested parakeet and often confused with the turquoisine due to similar markings. About 7.5 to 8 inches 19 – 20 cm in length. As their name implies these have a scarlet chest but also a yellow belly and underside, bright blue (often iridescent) head and wing edges and a deep green back and rump. Considered by some to be the most beautiful of the grass parakeet species and so making them very popular in captivity. Native to western new south Wales and interior western Australia.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugLQrA-50-8"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Watch splendid grass parakeet</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> at 'YouTube'</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">More details by going </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet-chested_Parrot"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.avianweb.com/scarletchestedparakeets.html"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxFQP24notKmvJZNkV4rf9TV6y1AUMg1Dmlm0FKFGAu3k7Y8RDni-tLr2MwkL_U4gn5V03XiN7Z7gCQab7IYRYzlCym71Z9mMg00Y8WPIQg_HfE8M5Dx86vIl-jj5IRV10-P2dRM4384F/s1600/turq+2+cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxFQP24notKmvJZNkV4rf9TV6y1AUMg1Dmlm0FKFGAu3k7Y8RDni-tLr2MwkL_U4gn5V03XiN7Z7gCQab7IYRYzlCym71Z9mMg00Y8WPIQg_HfE8M5Dx86vIl-jj5IRV10-P2dRM4384F/s320/turq+2+cc.jpg" width="298" /></span></a><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Turquoisine</span></strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Neophema pulchella</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once common throughout eastern Australia but now mainly found in the north eastern areas. Approximately 20 cm 8 inch long. Also a desirable and popular pet due to its calm and placid nature (a trait that seems common in all grass parakeets) and it’s wonderful iridescent turquoise colouring to the crown, face and edges of wings, green back, often orange-yellow chest and red belly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">A bit of a movie star is the turquoisine, here are not one but three vids for you:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgfxdTnLdt4"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Vid 1</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7vPmDZhZpM"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Vid 2</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xyyjkKS14w"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Vid 3</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Of course these entries wouldn't be the same without our '</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turquoise_Parrot"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wikipedia</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">' and '</span><a href="http://www.avianweb.com/turquoisineparrot.html"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">AvianWeb</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">' links.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.246528435397229.79096.178059325577474&type=3&l=4c870f1b1d">View pictures related to this post on 'Facebook'</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope this has satisfied your curiosity, more Aussie birds will be up here one day but I can't promise when, after all it took me long enough to get this one on here, so just watch this space.</span><br />
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</script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0England, United Kingdom53.1408099 -1.274984200000062650.1762514 -5.3420442000000623 56.1053684 2.792075799999937tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-81400436461302071622011-09-12T17:47:00.000-07:002011-09-12T17:47:24.363-07:00All my pet bird keeping articles in one placeJust a quick post to tell you that I have now put all my published pet bird articles together in one document.<br />
<br />
You can download it FREE by clicking on <a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/all-articles.pdf"><u><span style="color: blue;">this link</span></u></a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-37523919392142495872011-09-09T15:05:00.000-07:002011-09-09T15:05:01.972-07:00'Stanton Birdman' gets its own hostingHi!<br />
<br />
Just a quick not to tell you that ‘Stanton Birdman’ on its own hosted site is now live. So instead of ‘StantonBirdman.wordpress.com’ you can now also choose to go to ‘stantonbirdman.com’.<br />
<br />
This is paid hosting and will allow me more freedom with the site to do as I please, I hope not to disappoint.<br />
However the ‘Stanton Birdman’ blog site (the one you’re reading now) will continue alongside the new site.<br />
<br />
I am still working on the new site so at present it lacks some of the material contained here, but the posts will be the same; in fact most of the posts found here are already on there. It will be worth visiting both sites as there are slight differences, as I say, my own hosting gives me much more freedom; but I am still working on the build so there will be many changes in the coming months.<br />
<br />
You’ll find the new site at <a href="http://www.stantonbirdman.com/" jquery16105387481705758372="23"><span style="color: #666666;">http://www.stantonbirdman.com/</span></a> but please continue to visit here at <a href="http://www.stanton-birdman.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">www.stanton-birdman.blogspot.com</span></a> also, and don’t forget my similar blog at <a href="http://www.stantonbirdman.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">http://www.StantonBirdman.wordpress.com/</span></a>.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to a rewarding future!<br />
<br />
Thanks!<br />
<br />
PeteStanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-85994203838080256322011-08-26T11:00:00.000-07:002011-08-26T11:06:07.229-07:00Pet birds - wing clippingToday I received an interesting email from someone who bought a budgie from me recently asking about wing clipping and if I knew how to do it.<br />
<br />
Although I am aware of the procedure, wing clipping is something I have never actually done in practice. I’ve kept birds for well over ten years and never actually clipped any wings. It suddenly dawned on me that for such a simple procedure I wondered myself why I have never actually tried it in over a decade of bird keeping as a main hobby.<br />
<br />
The simple answer is most of my birds are housed in a large outdoor aviary so I’ve never had to, and although I have kept a number of birds in cages as household pets I have never considered actually clipping their wings.<br />
<br />
Some would argue that the procedure is cruel and unnecessary, whereas some would argue that all pet birds should have their wings clipped.<br />
<br />
All I can say is it is a matter of personal preference, the bird feels no pain or loss whatsoever apparently and it does prevent them from flying away as with clipped wings they are unable to get any lift, and also if attempting to fly from a height they’ve climbed would simply glide to the ground with no pain or injury incurred. If they attempt to fly it would go some way to preventing injury by crashing into windows and other inanimate objects.<br />
<br />
So it’s up to you. If you wish to tame your bird then wing clipping will help but if like mine your birds live in an aviary in a semi-wild state then there is no need.<br />
<a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/wingclip_thumb.jpg"></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlu0YOkngjKWz3bVR-DowtWkGW3FHfAm5H3UcQzXMAw2Ca-Zbzqf4YBGgeK9nH-yrsSNOP2XvL_zXxRuhiUH9cg0pUPmxCO0CEA8oxfHHAEeK13pjmeiakS4SrKpW8doCKF1crgyo13ew9/s1600/wingclip_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlu0YOkngjKWz3bVR-DowtWkGW3FHfAm5H3UcQzXMAw2Ca-Zbzqf4YBGgeK9nH-yrsSNOP2XvL_zXxRuhiUH9cg0pUPmxCO0CEA8oxfHHAEeK13pjmeiakS4SrKpW8doCKF1crgyo13ew9/s320/wingclip_thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The procedure is simple with just a trimming of the middle section of the primary feathers on each wing. It would be quite easy to do yourself but if you are unsure then the best bet is to call in the professionals.<br />
<br />
Below is a few videos I’ve found that will show you the procedure, just click on any or all of the links to access them, the diagram above will also show you where to clip.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/eqhxMWBcNO8"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">http://youtu.be/eqhxMWBcNO8</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/NftNrmu3LFo"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">http://youtu.be/NftNrmu3LFo</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/kvXMZ0kgeq0"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">http://youtu.be/kvXMZ0kgeq0</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ehow.com/video_2349545_wing-clipping-parakeets.htm"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><a href="http://www.ehow.com/video_2349545_wing-clipping-parakeets.html"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.ehow.com/video_2349545_wing-clipping-parakeets.html</span></span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></a></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Thanks!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">'Stanton Birdman' - aka - Pete</span></span><br />
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</script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-78352710459747801852011-08-25T17:03:00.000-07:002011-08-25T17:56:37.738-07:00How to be sure your small pet birds can survive the harsh winter conditions that are soon to come<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Autumn will be here sooner than we know it; after all we are already at the end of August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happened to summer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last winter was pretty harsh with heavy snowfall here in the UK, so there's a good chance that this winter may turn out the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your tropical pet birds need to be suitably protected to withstand a harsh winter season.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Larger tropical pet birds are more likely to be able to cope with the freezing conditions but they still need some protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small pet birds however will require good quality protection from the onslaught of winter, as their smaller size means that they will cool down much quicker than their bigger cousins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately your small pet birds are quite hardy and are more than able to stand the cold than you might imagine as long as suitable requirements are met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, in Australia where many tropical pet birds originate from the night time temperatures can become very cold in certain areas but the birds survive OK. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">For more information read my article about this matter at '<a href="http://goarticles.com/article/Worried-about-keeping-you-pet-aviary-birds-warm-enough-during-the-cold-winter-nights/3984870/">GoArticles</a>'.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Have you noticed that when the weather is freezing cold you are usually quite comfortable if there is no wind and you are dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tropical pet birds are the same; they don't mind getting wet, they don't mind cold wind or draughts, they don't mind freezing cold temperatures, but they are not going to take them all at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as your small pet birds have had a good feed and built up a nice layer of cold-protecting fat they are happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So make sure they've got a plentiful and continuous supply of food to help them feel comfortable.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Also don't allow small pet birds like finches to go without light for more than a maximum of eight hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An automatic switch that switches on and off at pre-set times and connected to an artificial light source is a good idea, just be sure your tropical pet birds cannot come into contact with the bulb and burn themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is because due to their small size and active nature small pet birds like finches need to eat on a regular basis to keep up their energy and fat levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will only eat if it is light enough for them to see clearly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">More about this by reading another of my articles at '<a href="http://goarticles.com/article/How-to-help-keep-your-zebra-finches-alive-in-the-aviary-at-night/3649664/">GoArticles</a>'.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Tropical pet birds in an outdoor aviary need to build up their fat reserves to keep their inner bodies warm so if they have been breeding you must ensure that they do not breed during the winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chicks would surely die in the cold conditions and raising chicks certainly exhausts their parents and diminishes their food supply much quicker than if they were not looking after youngsters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best way to prevent your small pet birds from breeding again is to remove the nest boxes at the end of summer regardless of how many clutches they have raised; don't do it until any current babies have flown the nest though.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The tropical pet birds’ aviary will need to be dry and free from cold draughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not a necessity however as long as it is dry and draught free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Artificial heating can be used as long as no fossil fuels are used to provide the heat, so no coal, gas or paraffin for example. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">To ensure the aviary for your small pet birds is in good repair for winter, and to avoid having to work in the cold you need to carry out any repairs during late summer or early autumn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To allow enough time before winter sets in it is necessary to inspect the aviary and fix any issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as your aviary is secure, draught free and watertight your tropical pet birds will be fine.</span></div><script type="text/javascript">
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<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/"></a><br />
<br />
I’ve recently sold some baby budgies and have been asked this question a few times and have always responded with the same answer.<br />
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If you want a companion bird, ie. one you can handle, tame and possibly train then go for a cage. If on the other hand you would like your bird to live out as natural existence as possible then go for an aviary. This is the basic gist of it but of course it does depend on your budget and the space you have available.<br />
<br />
The majority of my birds live in a large outdoor mixed aviary at the bottom of the garden, but when I have babies to deal with I put them in a cage once they have flown the nest to try and keep them as tame as possible ready for sale. This also makes them much easier to catch once new homes have been found for them.<br />
<br />
A caged bird will become much tamer and more human-friendly because it will undoubtedly interact with people more often. Whereas a bird in an aviary will live in a semi-wild state and will only be used to its main owner.<br />
<br />
I do believe however that if an adult bird is taken from an aviary to be re-homed in a cage then this can have a psychological effect on it; after living semi-free in the aviary for so long this would be like a prison sentence to the poor bird.<br />
<br />
On the other hand if a baby bird is first housed in a cage and has never known the relative freedom of an aviary then it will accept its existence as normal. This will not then affect the bird psychologically in any way. If the previously caged bird is then given the freedom of an aviary then initially it will wonder what’s gone off and will tend to stay put to start with. After a day or so however it will then begin to explore its new environment and will soon get used to the change.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately this wouldn’t work the other way and a previously free bird that is now caged will undoubtedly become depressed.<br />
<br />
To summarise moving an adult caged bird to an aviary will generally be fine, but moving an adult aviary bird to cage is not a good idea.<br />
<br />
The only exception to this rule is if the bird becomes ill it will and should have the solitude of a cage whilst it recovers from its illness, this also quarantines the bird so that if the illness is infectious then the risk of the other birds catching it will be dramatically reduced.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
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<br />
Here’s your chance to get hold of a <span style="color: red;">FREE</span> pet bird related ebook.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/"></a>Although I am named as the author of this it is actually a PLR ebook I bought a while ago and added a few pictures and myself as the author, so it’s not brilliant but it does give some valuable information to anyone who wishes to start and keep pet birds.<br />
<br />
I can write much better material and have done so with my <a href="http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=941460" jquery16108695712415248422="21" target="_blank" title="Stealth payloadz"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">‘Pet Bird Keeping Secrets, The Stealth Guidebook’</span></a>. You can also get 'Pet Bird Keeping Secrets, The Stealth Guidebook' by visiting my simple one-page site at <a href="http://www.birdkeepingsecrets.com/">http://www.birdkeepingsecrets.com/</a> where you can get a copy from several other resources. The eBook I’m giving away free however will prove full of useful information to anyone new to the hobby so it is worth the original asking price of $14.97 but it’s now yours for FREE, and you can also get it from <a href="http://www.birdkeepingsecrets.com/">Bird Keeping Secrets</a>, just click on the 'Get Your Free EBook' link.<br />
<br />
It’s FREE so it’s worth having even if it don’t teach you anything, but I’m sure it will!<br />
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Please also feel free to give copies of it away to as many other people as you like, in fact I sincerely hope you do just that! When you read it you will understand why.<br />
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So don’t delay any longer and <a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/survival-manual-2nd-draft.pdf" target="_blank" title="The Pet Bird Survival Manual"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">click this link</span></a> NOW to get your <span style="color: red;">FREE</span> copy.<br />
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You can either click the link and then once the book is visible click the <em>‘Save a Copy’</em> button in the top left corner or right click on the link and choose <em>‘Save Target As’</em> from the dropdown menu.<br />
It is in ‘Adobe PDF’ format so you can read it on any computer that has ‘Adobe Reader’ installed, which is most of them. If you don’t have ‘Adobe Reader’ then <a href="http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/" jquery16108695712415248422="22" target="_blank" title="Adobe"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">click here</span></a> or <a href="http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/otherversions/" jquery16108695712415248422="23" target="_blank" title="Adobe others"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">here</span></a> and get it for FREE.Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-54845113590892370842011-08-10T15:06:00.000-07:002011-08-10T15:06:00.699-07:00Flutter of tiny wingsI will be posting more details about the Australian grass parakeets soon, as promised, although somewhat delayed due to my other commitments.<br />
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I thought I’d take the opportunity to do a little upgrade post about the bird situation at home.<br />
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Stanton Birdman currently has 5 baby budgies for sale to good homes only. They have now been taken from the aviary and placed in a cage ready to go to eager buyers. There was 6 to start with from 2 clutches but one has already been claimed, a beautiful bright yellow from Squeek’s first clutch of the year, go to my earlier post <a href="http://stanton-birdman.blogspot.com/2011/07/nest-box-cleaning-time-again.html" target="_blank" title="Small pet birds – cleaning out nest boxes"><span style="color: #666666;">http://stanton-birdman.blogspot.com/2011/07/nest-box-cleaning-time-again.html</span></a> to learn a bit more about their upbringing and a photo of them when they were younger.<br />
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To try and make sure they go to good homes I'm asking £10 each for them. I am only selling them locally however to minimise the phychological damage that they would suffer should they have to travel far to new homes. If you would like any and live fairly local to Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, UK then please email me at <a href="mailto:stanton.birdman@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">stanton.birdman@gmail.com</span></a>.<br />
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Of the 5 that are left, 2 are from ‘Squeek’ (hen) – not sure who Dad is – and the other three are from ‘Blue’ (hen) and ‘Pied’ (cock), my most prolific breeders.<br />
<div class="wp-caption alignright" id="attachment_306" style="width: 235px;"></div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyq0GyRQqbuO1gHX2FCBFJXA2-fWgyQ5G0HD8XFk8rgIA0JWLOnIa1IvSXM52zqXPDDMjg9AY6Py_OhxjsTipRngccXn535KkYo_a8p5LW5x1OBwu9CIJmQquO1DDeQUaQwKeZg7mc5Y1/s1600/Photo-0208a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyq0GyRQqbuO1gHX2FCBFJXA2-fWgyQ5G0HD8XFk8rgIA0JWLOnIa1IvSXM52zqXPDDMjg9AY6Py_OhxjsTipRngccXn535KkYo_a8p5LW5x1OBwu9CIJmQquO1DDeQUaQwKeZg7mc5Y1/s320/Photo-0208a.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year's first babies ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Check the picture to take a look at them now but please excuse the quality as I only have my mobile phone’s 2mp built-in camera to take photos with.<br />
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They are all strong and healthy birds that are eating well and ready to go, but as they have not yet seen their first molt I can’t tell which are female and which are male.<br />
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So far there’s no cockatiel chicks (although they’ve laid eggs) and no Java sparrow chicks (they have laid eggs also), the Bengalese (society) finches and the zebra finches appear to be struggling with the concept of egg laying – the nests are built but no eggs laid. Meanwhile both ‘Squeek’ and ‘Blue’ have already laid again, but I will only allow my birds to raise a maximum of 2 clutches each per year.<br />
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On a similar note, ‘Squeek’s’ baby from last year – another beautiful bright yellow – which I decided to keep myself because of her colour has also laid eggs but no chicks yet, so good luck to her!<br />
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Apart from the budgies the other birds seem to be struggling but I live in optimism.Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-58186573123295592912011-08-04T03:49:00.001-07:002011-08-04T03:49:34.301-07:00Why I've not been around for a whileHello! I'm back!<br />
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Yes I know it's been a while since I last posted anything on here. I've been rather a busy fella. You see I'm in the process of setting up a website of my own as a platform to sell my stuff on. This is still in construction but will be online soon; hopefully!<br />
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Other than that my main reason for my absence is purely down to my family commitments. 'Family first' is a policy I've always stood by my whole life. Recently a few of my grandchildren have had birthdays, have you noticed how with birthdays they all seem to happen at about the same time of year?<br />
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You see as I am such a great cook and baker, lol, I have been recently commisioned by family members to supply all the baked goods for my grand-kids birthday parties. First it was my youngest grand-daughter only a few weeks ago, next my grand-son last weekend, and still yet to come this weekend one of my other grand-daughters, so my baking commitment as I call it is still on-going. All this coupled with days out (after all it's the six-week's holiday at the moment), my internet ventures, and various other lifestyle pressures something occasionally has to take a back seat; and unfortunately my blog posts are it.<br />
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But I'm back with a vengeance now, or at least from this weekend, yes there's still day trips and my other internet ventures but no more party baking until next month.<br />
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I'll post you soon!<br />
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Pete. <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-33915292169432037012011-07-12T03:33:00.000-07:002011-07-12T03:33:19.016-07:00Small pet birds of Australia - A brief introduction to the grass parakeetsHere is an article I posted on '<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Pet-Birds-From-Australia---An-Introduction-to-Grass-Parakeets&id=6375755">EzineArticles</a><span id="goog_1328673730"></span><span id="goog_1328673731"></span>' as a brief introduction. I will add more stuff about grass parakeets, with pictures and videos soon. Watch this space!<br />
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<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/"></a>Australian grass parakeets are popular as pets or aviary birds due to their colourful markings, small size and placid nature. About the same size as budgerigars; they do however command a premium price by comparison but are well within the reach of most enthusiasts. There are about 6 popular species of grass parakeet used in aviculture.<br />
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All the species of Australian grass parakeets are closely related to the budgerigar but unique in their own separate ways. When kept as domestic birds they have very similar requirements to budgerigars; same type and size of nest box, same or similar type of food etc. so their requirements are easily met.<br />
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Originating from the grasslands of their native land as the name suggests, these are beautiful little parrots in a good variety of colours; often the iridescence of their plumage makes them even more attractive to the bird keeper. Also their calm and placid nature is an added attraction along with the fact that they are not prone to annoying squawking and often emit nothing more than a just audible chirp, making them ideal in flats or apartments where a quiet pet is beneficial.<br />
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Grass parakeets are readily available on the market but due to their desirable characteristics and appearance you will find that demand often outstrips supply. So don’t expect to pay less than £30 each and often more; not a bad price really but quite steep when compared to their nearest pet neighbours, the budgerigars which can often be picked up for £10 or even less.<br />
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The most common species as pets are the bourke (bourke’s parakeet), scarlet-chested (splendid), turquoisine, elegant parakeet, rock parrot, blue-winged parakeet, and the red-rump. Search for any of these in a good online image search and you will notice immediately why they are so desirable to bird keepers.<br />
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<strong>Bourke</strong><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Neopsephotus Bourkii</em></span><br />
It is claimed that of all the grass parakeets these are the easiest to keep in captivity, as they are very undemanding. They originate from central and south-western Australia and are approximately 7.5 inch 19 cm long. Bourke’s parakeets are considered by some to be rather dull due to their brown colour but they do have a pink front and blue on the wings, there are some brightly coloured mutations however such as the rosy bourke, and all have a calm and charming nature.<br />
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<strong>Elegant</strong><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Neophema elegans</em></span><br />
Native to southern Australia the elegant grass parakeets are olive-yellow in colour with a blue band across the forehead and along the edge of the wings and are about 8.75 inch 22 cm long. Very popular as captive birds with many keepers throughout the globe.<br />
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<strong>Red rump</strong><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Psephotus haematonotus</em></span><br />
Originating from southeast Australia and found in flocks or pairs in open country, also frequenting suburban gardens and parks but avoiding the wetter heavily timbered areas and coastal regions. A medium sized parrot of about 25 – 28 cm 9.75 – 11 inches and emerald green in colour with yellow underparts, the actual red-rump only applies to the male of the species.<br />
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<strong>Blue-winged</strong><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Neophema chrysostoma</em></span><br />
A migratory species that breeds in Tasmania but sees the winter out in southeast Australia, found in flocks of up to 2000 before migration but usually in pairs during the breeding season. These little parrots are about 20 – 22 cm 8 – 8.5 inches and mainly olive green with a blue band to the forehead and edge of wings and yellow belly (very similar markings to the elegant but the blue banding is less profound).<br />
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<strong>Splendid</strong><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Neophema splendida</em></span><br />
Also commonly known as the scarlet-chested parakeet and often confused with the turquoisine due to similar markings. About 7.5 to 8 inches 19 – 20 cm in length. As their name implies these have a scarlet chest but also a yellow belly and underside, bright blue (often iridescent) head and wing edges and a deep green back and rump. Considered by some to be the most beautiful of the grass parakeet species and so making them very popular in captivity. Native to western new south Wales and interior western Australia.<br />
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<strong>Turquoisine</strong><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Neophema pulchella</em></span><br />
Once common throughout eastern Australia but now mainly found in the north eastern areas. Approximately 20 cm 8 inch long. Also a desirable and popular pet due to its calm and placid nature (a trait that seems common in all grass parakeets) and it’s wonderful iridescent turquoise colouring to the crown, face and edges of wings, green back, often orange-yellow chest and red belly.<br />
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/" target="_new"><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh6Xi5ca_OdppTmTZa43ni4SamBPBRn3Eo8C3IFy9AXQPRIw4zGm4bDgqBQVhg93Xn30PaingGAc1wLERQ-r3N6sIgVP3qSdkdhzNk3KG1QX4FezfLs85XEiBPE_juPLZfqBT8Q44OWmU/s1600/Photo-0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh6Xi5ca_OdppTmTZa43ni4SamBPBRn3Eo8C3IFy9AXQPRIw4zGm4bDgqBQVhg93Xn30PaingGAc1wLERQ-r3N6sIgVP3qSdkdhzNk3KG1QX4FezfLs85XEiBPE_juPLZfqBT8Q44OWmU/s320/Photo-0195.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Squeeks' babies</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Spent a full hour today cleaning out nest boxes and faeces off chicks feet.<br />
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First I took down one nest box at a time, but only the ones that contained hatched chicks (just 2 fortunately, or not depending how you look at it).<br />
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I opened the end panel of the nest box, took out the three chicks that were in there and put them safely in a cardboard box. Then I removed the concave insert and was forced to scrape the dried up faeces off it with a wallpaper scraper, and then I had to also scrape part of the inside wall for the same reason.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/"></a>After returning the concave insert I got to work on cleaning my baby budgies feet. To do this I had to soak each foot in turn for about a minute in luke warm clean water (no additives or detergents), whilst trying not to give the baby budgerigar a bath in the process.<br />
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Then I needed to carefully prise the dried feaces off the chicks feet and claws - difficult to do without a soaking first, the soaking of the foot loosens the dried up faeces so it's easier to remove, but still challenging as it is important not to injure the baby bird in any attempt to clean.<br />
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When done i dried the chick by padding down any wet with a piece of kitchen roll (highly absorbent and does a better job of drying and soaking up any dampness) before returning the baby budgie to the nest box.<br />
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I then had to repeat the process with the other two baby budgerigars from that nest box, then repeat the whole thing with the other nest box that also contained three budgie chicks; much to the annoyance of the parent birds who were often squawking at me for disturbing their babies. <br />
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Fortunately my birds never seem to hold a grudge whenever I do this and are soon my friends again, especially if I bribe them with some treat.<br />
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Comment</b><br />
If you are breeding your pet or aviary birds this is a process I'm sure you will be familiar with, if you're not familiar with this then you should be!<br />
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Until they fledge and leave the confines of their nest box naturally all their activity is within there, including going to the toilet. Bird droppings, whether from adults or chicks, will dry up into solid clumps that can be very difficult to remove. Even more difficult when trying to remove it from a baby birds feet and claws, which will undoubtedly get clogged up and can in worst cases cause a permanent deformity in your birds as they grow.<br />
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So be sure to check your nest boxes regularly and do whatever cleaning is required!<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-47285103804689293102011-06-24T12:43:00.000-07:002011-08-25T17:39:10.120-07:00Learn more about keeping your own birds and get your free gift into the bargainMy next main post about pet birds from Australia will be published in about a week from now (or less depending on the time I have) and will feature the ever popular grass parakeets, so watch this space!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDLc2dD8jMwrN3W_aW6cLqpucPR1xP2iFcqNRe2WQm0or_gw5ORaVr7ARMnsASm3BezlPpsRFx1_rfKVh5u9iy3v92a6bT0MaCS_lbRdzMdYw7zU_2gCajZK-jMWEmJ-z4uo1N-pnGKO6/s1600/stealth+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDLc2dD8jMwrN3W_aW6cLqpucPR1xP2iFcqNRe2WQm0or_gw5ORaVr7ARMnsASm3BezlPpsRFx1_rfKVh5u9iy3v92a6bT0MaCS_lbRdzMdYw7zU_2gCajZK-jMWEmJ-z4uo1N-pnGKO6/s320/stealth+cover.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>In the meantime if you would like to know more about looking after your own pet birds then pick up a copy of my pet bird keeping ebook available from any of these 4 locations:<br />
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Instant download at <a href="http://www.myebook.com/index.php?option=ebook&id=80653">MyEbook</a> <br />
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Or also here at <a href="http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=941460">Payloadz</a> <br />
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On cd-rom from <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pet-Bird-keeping-Secrets-Stealth-Guidebook/dp/B004WP3OFW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1305890625&sr=8-2">Amazon</a> <br />
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On Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pet-Bird-keeping-Secrets-Stealth-Guidebook/dp/B004WF42OE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305890625&sr=8-1">Kindle</a><br />
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Please email me if purchasing through Amazon Kindle as I do not get notification of any sales at the time of purchase.<br />
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You'll be glad you did, especially as I'm giving away not one but two <span style="color: red;"><strong>free gifts</strong></span> for anyone who makes a purchase. When your purchase has been confirmed your <span style="color: red;"><strong>free gifts</strong></span> will be whizzing across cyberspace to your inbox.<br />
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Stanton Birdman<br />
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Update, 26 August 2011.<br />
You can now get to all the above links from my new one-page website, where I am also giving away a FREE ebook. Go there now! <a href="http://www.birdkeepingsecrets.com/">http://www.birdkeepingsecrets.com/</a><br />
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Thanks for your interest!<br />
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Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-44658673002803314072011-06-24T12:20:00.000-07:002011-10-08T12:20:54.982-07:00Australian birds as pets - More information about rosellasThere are several species of rosella, all belong to the genus platycercus which refers to the shape of their tails ie. broad or flat, a common feature in all rosellas.<br />
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Medium sized parrots averaging about 12 inch in length, give or take a couple of inches either way depending on the subspecies. All are native to Australia and the nearby islands and have distinct cheek patches and a scalloped appearance to the plumage on their backs.<br />
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Absent from the barren outback but quite common in coastal areas where they live in suburban gardens and parks, woodlands and forests, and farmland.<br />
Most live together in flocks or small groups out of the breeding season which is when they then pair up and go their own way. Their natural diet consists mainly of seed and fruit.<br />
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Their bright colours make them popular pet birds and in captivity can live for over 20 years, please note however that they are usually very aggresive towards other captive birds with which they have to share their home. For this reason it is advisable to keep them in pairs or alone although I have kept golden mantle rosellas in a large aviary with budgies, cockatiels, and kakarikis with no problem. If doing this though you must be sure to have a large aviary so the birds can get away from each other if they need to.<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;">WARNING:</span></strong></span> <strong><em>don’t ever keep different subspecies of rosella in the same aviary or cage, they will fight to the death so be sure to prevent them from getting at each other if keeping more than one subspecies. The same applies if trying to keep more than two rosellas of the same subspecies together also.</em></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RqvdyZpkCDdvYtu9aaDs5Ayl88bVhHIeWn5LadSRR5I1N2lwGltXWodGtYe-INuPnwP_OPTwiZbz1YoQ0jsJ__SnShH4BloPsjt4GYj9jglckrclIM6SfIPK-IGAcZuu6SWTc21VyF1f/s1600/green+cc+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RqvdyZpkCDdvYtu9aaDs5Ayl88bVhHIeWn5LadSRR5I1N2lwGltXWodGtYe-INuPnwP_OPTwiZbz1YoQ0jsJ__SnShH4BloPsjt4GYj9jglckrclIM6SfIPK-IGAcZuu6SWTc21VyF1f/s320/green+cc+02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u>Green Rosella</u> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Platycercus caledonicus</span></em></strong><br />
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Sometimes called Tasmanian rosella, the green rosella is not actually native to Australia but to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmania"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Tasmania</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_Strait"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Bass Strait</span></a> islands. This is the biggest of the rosella family averaging about 14.5 inch (37 cm) in length, and is often regarded as the easiest rosella species to keep in captivity.<br />
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The <a href="http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Platycercus-caledonicus" jquery161016924138584995552="6"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">green rosella</span></a> showcase: <a href="http://www.avianweb.com/greenrosellas.html" jquery161016924138584995552="7"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Avian Web</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Rosella"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Wikipedia</span></a>, and not just <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU5vOOIDnkU"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">one video</span></a> but <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-fR3JvaT8k"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">another one</span></a> also.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt3UrS0oHWz68hK9Q-0zS9CHqdrLizBDquvyMOlo7d47yzOGQvfsGtkikSoDNPmVZoqI3_J4y9U9blMDcRpb_eNZGTE_eePE0mjdRqyadqvkr-S7wIVD6DwrVayJDro0O-l9JRkvHBgSd/s1600/eastern+male+cc+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQt3UrS0oHWz68hK9Q-0zS9CHqdrLizBDquvyMOlo7d47yzOGQvfsGtkikSoDNPmVZoqI3_J4y9U9blMDcRpb_eNZGTE_eePE0mjdRqyadqvkr-S7wIVD6DwrVayJDro0O-l9JRkvHBgSd/s320/eastern+male+cc+01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u>Eastern Rosella</u> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Platycercus eximius</span></em></strong><br />
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This subspecies is predominant mainly in the south east of the country but also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasmania"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Tasmania</span></a> and has three recognised subspecies itself. Mainly occupying light woodland areas, but these birds have also been introduced to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">New Zealand</span></a> where feral populations exist in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Island"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">North Island</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hutt_Valley"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Hutt Valley</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunedin"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Dunedin</span></a> in the south island. The <a href="http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Platycercus-eximius" jquery161016924138584995552="8"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">eastern rosella</span></a> is about 12 inch (30 cm) in length and is a very popular pet where the bright and colourful plumage is a big attraction.<br />
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Of course we like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Rosella"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Wikipedia</span></a> and <a href="http://www.avianweb.com/easternrosella.html" jquery161016924138584995552="9"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Avian Web</span></a> so much because we get more information from there, now let's watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NdrrQKcxGE"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">a movie</span></a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyV8R8zHpRq3P7S2zGZqBRf1Dyg7_MKnJ-vO7p-D97XzmPXRwjRCLJyQzVrqSpI50vN5gGo8s7Tc11wQYjNOfkCFfOWubmiXPjsOLUB7HrdmKhwRxm7imDMA8bAk2Dq-HeGaXlzrt_IHL/s1600/crimson+cc+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyV8R8zHpRq3P7S2zGZqBRf1Dyg7_MKnJ-vO7p-D97XzmPXRwjRCLJyQzVrqSpI50vN5gGo8s7Tc11wQYjNOfkCFfOWubmiXPjsOLUB7HrdmKhwRxm7imDMA8bAk2Dq-HeGaXlzrt_IHL/s320/crimson+cc+05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><u>Crimson Rosella</u> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Platycercus elegans</span></em></strong><br />
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Also called Pennant’s rosella and Occupying mainly forests and gardens in east and south east Australia but also introduced to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">New Zealand</span></a>. The <a href="http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Platycercus-elegans" jquery161016924138584995552="10"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">crimson rosella</span></a> has five subspecies, of which three are actually crimson in colour. In the wild they will gather in small groups, pairs of feeding parties outside the breeding season. Found mainly in coastal and mountain forests and woodlands. Popular pet birds that are about 14 inch (36 cm) in length.<br />
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Welcome to the crimson rosella show! <a href="http://www.avianweb.com/crimsonrosella.html" jquery161016924138584995552="11"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Avian Web</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimson_Rosella"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Wikipedia</span></a>, and by special guest appearance <span style="color: #ac6c13;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61q2CtTQn5c">here</a></span>, and <span style="color: #ac6c13;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooM_Kocb0Ic&feature=related">here</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccTizTxeCGXRNslvk9L4f7c3TXWzcwVKv6gM_s2cNiOpw0jlbbvrfpcmtqqDl9Y_jSy4YEv5mIFS5wpIG_OTiK7nHaIvPrUjGQNR9-Nv0WDB-WgzgehlKgoHTEf0tw0UoLd9Pn0KNvnN_/s1600/pale+cc+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjccTizTxeCGXRNslvk9L4f7c3TXWzcwVKv6gM_s2cNiOpw0jlbbvrfpcmtqqDl9Y_jSy4YEv5mIFS5wpIG_OTiK7nHaIvPrUjGQNR9-Nv0WDB-WgzgehlKgoHTEf0tw0UoLd9Pn0KNvnN_/s320/pale+cc+01.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><u>Pale-headed Rosella</u> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Platycercus adscitus</span></em></strong><br />
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Often known as Mealy rosella this species inhabits open woodland areas and is native to north east Australia. The pale-headed has two subspecies and is very closely related to the Eastern rosella. The length is approximately 33 cm (13 inch) long but almost half, about 15 cm (6 inch) of that is the tail. The <a href="http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Platycercus-adscitus" jquery161016924138584995552="12"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">pale -headed rosella</span></a> is also sought after by bird keepers and does make a hardy pet which is easy to keep.<br />
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Pale-headed rosella on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale-headed_Rosella"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Wikipedia</span></a> and <a href="http://www.avianweb.com/paleheadedrosellas.html" jquery161016924138584995552="13"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Avian Web</span></a>, and starring in its own show <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOTJPHvqTRo"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">here</span></a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrfbr7EiD0rra0yw9IR_rFJdM4txmq0w1cYbRP6RZmkmVm4FItKOfJb5LMtj79Oj7w-oyTuVgLlBaI9acdD6wX0xPWYDtondpzecA4ENSMAUX0jCLmu3KepUnTIz-58TyEPI3VAywRM1L/s1600/western+cc+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrfbr7EiD0rra0yw9IR_rFJdM4txmq0w1cYbRP6RZmkmVm4FItKOfJb5LMtj79Oj7w-oyTuVgLlBaI9acdD6wX0xPWYDtondpzecA4ENSMAUX0jCLmu3KepUnTIz-58TyEPI3VAywRM1L/s320/western+cc+03.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Western Rosella</span> <strong><em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Platycercus icterotis</span></em></strong><br />
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Sometimes known as the <a href="http://birdsinbackyards.net/species/Platycercus-icterotis" jquery161016924138584995552="14"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Stanley rosella</span></a> this little parrot is native to timbered areas and eucalyptus forests in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Australia"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">south west Australia</span></a>. Usually found in pairs but will form groups of about twenty or so to forage. The western is the smallest rosella averaging about 10 inch (25.5 cm) with two subspecies. As with many rosellas these are often kept as pets or aviary birds where, as is usual with rosellas, their bright colouring is desired.<br />
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Read about the Western rosella at <a href="http://www.avianweb.com/westernrosellas.html" jquery161016924138584995552="15"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Avian Web</span></a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Rosella"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Wikipedia</span></a>.<br />
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Watch a short movie <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.tv/Clip.aspx?key=D555AA5AC9C7C199" jquery161016924138584995552="16"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">featuring Western rosellas</span></a> in the lead role.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuE-q02HmCRm2bL-dCqrPcqrVhd8XmmfectKegkTU-Kh3a7HVnPGXlr329YfZwwj4PJIUUuiuOTSb4ZefKH153WQe64UazNrW3xqOK_XZvsFQ_2pZ2oS5dqMEFNwQuT9jvs0h5VH0XUUS/s1600/northern+cc+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuE-q02HmCRm2bL-dCqrPcqrVhd8XmmfectKegkTU-Kh3a7HVnPGXlr329YfZwwj4PJIUUuiuOTSb4ZefKH153WQe64UazNrW3xqOK_XZvsFQ_2pZ2oS5dqMEFNwQuT9jvs0h5VH0XUUS/s320/northern+cc+01.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Northern Rosella</span> <em>Platycercus venustus</em><br />
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Also called Smutty rosella or Brown’s parakeet and is native in the north of Australia as it’s name implies, ranging from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimberleys"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Kimberleys</span></a> and through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnhem_Land"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Arnhem land</span></a> to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Carpentaria"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Gulf of Carpentaria</span></a>. The northern rosella is the second smallest of the common breeds at about 28 cm (11 inch) long. They live singurlarly or in pairs throughout the open <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savannah"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">savannah</span></a> country.<br />
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Northern rosella on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Rosella"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Wikipedia</span></a> and <a href="http://www.avianweb.com/northernrosellas.html" jquery161016924138584995552="17"><span style="color: #ac6c13;">Avian Web</span></a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_5PW1dRcUs">YouTube</a>.<br />
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All the above are available to the bird keeper but the desire for birds with colourful plumage has outstripped demand in many areas so a premium price often accompanies the purchase of a rosella. Don’t expect to pay less than £80 for one unless you’re lucky!<br />
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</script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-16216877581644383962011-06-23T16:23:00.000-07:002011-06-23T16:23:33.897-07:00Habitat damage hubWrote a hub a while ago and submitted it to <a href="http://www.hubpages.com/">HubPages</a><br />
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It's about the habitat damage caused by human demand for pet birds please <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/bird-habitat-damage">click on this link</a> and read it!<br />
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Once you've read it please share it with everybody!<br />
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Thanks!Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-28049461640470911982011-06-20T15:46:00.000-07:002011-06-20T15:46:32.935-07:00Australian birds as pets - An introduction to rosellas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Of all native Australian birds used as pets the rosellas are amongst the most sought after. This is due to their wonderful variety of colouring, their size and their unique markings. Their scalloped feather markings on the back is what makes them unique in the avian world. There are several different species of rosella, all of them unique in their own way, and they all have similar requirements when used in aviculture.<br />
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Common in all rosellas is the scalloped pattern to the feathers on the back and all have distinctive cheek patches. A very colourful and medium sized parrot native to Australia and the surrounding islands. On the Australian mainland these colourful birds tend to inhabit areas of farmland, woodland, forests and suburban gardens and parks, in the coastal mountains and plains but not the outback. Specific breeds tend to inhabit a particular area. Most species of rosella live in large flocks in the wild but not all.It is commonly held that their name originates from the area of Australia in which they were first noticed by early pioneers, the Rose Hill area of Sydney.<br />
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The most common species appear to be: Western Rosella - smallest of the species with two subspecies itself and is found in south west Australia. Crimson Rosella - five subspecies and inhabiting east and south east Australia. Green Rosella - the largest species and native to Tasmania. Pale-headed Rosella - two subspecies and found in the eastern part of Australia. Eastern Rosella - three subspecies and although native to the eastern area of the country they are found in many regions including Tasmania and have been introduced to New Zealand where feral populations can be found. Northern Rosella - mainly found in the north as the name suggests but can also be seen in open savanna country and a few other areas, this one is also more likely to be found in small groups or just in pairs in the wild. All these are popular as pets.<br />
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An aviary is the best option when keeping rosellas in captivity as this ensures an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. If an aviary is not an option then they will do OK in cages, as long as the cage is adequately large enough for their requirements. They will need to have regular exercise outside the cage however and should get the opportunity to have a fly around. These birds are not usually talkers and will mainly chirp & squawk, although they could learn a few unique sounds or the odd whistle. A single rosella will form a very strong bond with its owner.<br />
<div style="overflow: hidden;"><div style="overflow: hidden;"><div style="overflow: hidden;"><div style="overflow: hidden;"><br />
<strong><u><span style="color: red;">An important warning with regards to keeping rosellas:</span></u></strong><br />
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<div style="overflow: hidden;"><span style="color: black;">They are best kept alone or in pairs as they can be very aggressive towards each other if a lot are enclosed together, a strange thing about captive ones this is as they tend to live mainly in flocks in the wild. Whether kept in aviary or cage try to only have no more than two, and ensure they are of the same species subfamily. These birds will fight to the death in captivity if different sub-species are allowed access to each other, so make certain that if keeping more than one type of rosella to separate the different sub-species by housing in separate aviaries or cages. If the aviaries are connected together you must at the very least double-mesh so as these birds cannot get any physical contact. Beautiful birds yes, they do have these requirements however, but they are easily achievable.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Most bird keepers will suggest that rosellas are not to be kept in a mixed aviary with other types of birds because of their aggressive nature. This may be so but I have in the past kept a pair of Eastern Rosellas (golden-mantled rosellas) in the same mixed aviary with budgies, cockatiels, grass parakeets and kakarikis and have had no problems, the rosellas tended to keep themselves to themselves and do their own thing. It would be best to get advice from an avian professional if unsure.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">To summarise there are several types of rosella available to the bird keeper, but their demand can often lead to having to pay a substantial fee in order to purchase any. Their physical appearance however is well worth the expense.</span><br />
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</script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-14177134972438942232011-06-20T12:40:00.001-07:002011-06-20T12:40:45.201-07:00UpdateToday's nest box inspection revealed: 6 cockatiel eggs, 9 Java sparrow eggs in two nest boxes, 8 budgie chicks (5 in one box, 3 in another) and 3 budgie eggs. Looking good!Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-78763674987101882482011-06-12T02:49:00.000-07:002011-06-12T04:37:04.940-07:00A great day out for all the family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8Uf1_T2Xl6FIZd7iIav6Vb0ZeEeiDMK-IVks8_K-z98rdbaCSKW9-uyxxVJba2ZfRG3pIP-hGTwMkw_Ve5Ae0BBcv-SIdViu8_OCDjO7U3YCd4uxso4-aIKsif-uw9LXBQg9NEXyD97p/s1600/ELVIS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8Uf1_T2Xl6FIZd7iIav6Vb0ZeEeiDMK-IVks8_K-z98rdbaCSKW9-uyxxVJba2ZfRG3pIP-hGTwMkw_Ve5Ae0BBcv-SIdViu8_OCDjO7U3YCd4uxso4-aIKsif-uw9LXBQg9NEXyD97p/s320/ELVIS2.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>Located in the heart of rural Leicestershire in the UK is the village of Desford. Just a normal English country village apart from one main difference, the residents of Desford are used to seeing all types of foreign exotic birds flying and climbing about the village, many now consider that their village wouldn't be the same without the daily appearance of these birds. You see Desford is also the home of 'Tropical Birdland' (sometimes known as 'Tropical Bird Garden') a small visitor attraction within the village. <br />
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It is a great day out for all the family and especially those who are interested in exotic birds. Many of the feathered residents of 'Tropical Birdland' are free-flying, which basically means that they are allowed to roam free about the area; so don't be surprised when visiting there to find the occasional exotic bird coming along to share your lunch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKB7fhcVE84wXpUwWR9oRxgBUjGLan5eKjmgTGsFgpxJoatl8D-RsSTv4lsi2UEmgyH9Sy8pDCONXavXr3EcE56514tgsUIa9Ia0EStthyphenhyphenimWRTARyri7DqoaSDqMjdq3NJRHzl3Gc-36/s1600/800px-Hybrid_Ara_macaw_-Tropical_Birdland_-Leicestershire-3July07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKB7fhcVE84wXpUwWR9oRxgBUjGLan5eKjmgTGsFgpxJoatl8D-RsSTv4lsi2UEmgyH9Sy8pDCONXavXr3EcE56514tgsUIa9Ia0EStthyphenhyphenimWRTARyri7DqoaSDqMjdq3NJRHzl3Gc-36/s200/800px-Hybrid_Ara_macaw_-Tropical_Birdland_-Leicestershire-3July07.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></div>I don't really have the space to go into detail here but I have visited 'Tropical Birdland' with my family on a number of ocasions and we have always had a great time and returned home with some fond memories.<br />
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For more detail check out their website at <a href="http://www.tropicalbirdland.co.uk/">http://www.tropicalbirdland.co.uk/</a> and then go and pay them a visit. You won't be dissappointed.Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-58976650962210980852011-06-10T13:57:00.000-07:002011-06-10T13:57:31.510-07:00Pet birds - The impact of domestic demand on the natural habitats of exotic and foreign birdsBird keeping is a very popular pass-time throughout the world. However the demand for exotic or foreign birds in the past and mankind’s increasing intrusion has had a dramatic effect on wild stocks and their natural habitats. Fortunately new laws are being introduced throughout the world in an attempt to maintain the ecosystem and put back what has been taken.<br />
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Some time ago many wild birds were captured from wild sources to be kept in captivity with the intention of breeding for the pet, zoo and show bird markets. This unfortunately led to many wild bird species being brought to near extinction. Fortunately nowadays this activity is carefully monitored and policed around the globe which has gone some way to restoring wild stocks. Unfortunately many species are still endangered - to a critical extent in some cases - so careful policing and monitoring methods will need to be ongoing for many decades yet to come - some possibly permanently. However mankind is now beginning to notice the damage done to wild animals, native plant life and natural habitats and is constantly striving to pay back what has been taken so, with optimism, things can only get better for our wildlife, however this will undoubtedly prove to be a very long task. Only with dedication and determination will this ever be achieved.<br />
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Many countries now ban the import of domestic livestock and many others impose a strict regime with regard to the matter. This is of course an absolutely necessary precaution to help achieve the desired results. This does of course mean that many previously easily available exotic or foreign pets now have to be bred in the country to meet the demand in the market. This coupled with inflation, has ultimately had an impact on the availability and cost associated with each species; They're not as cheap as they used to be! However many exotic or foreign pet birds are readily available for the right price with the most popular breeds being the least costly. <br />
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Many people keep birds as pets and many new enthusiasts are appearing all the time so the market is by no means saturated and there is still much demand. This assures that breeding conditions are being improved continuously with new technology being incorporated to improve the chances of success. Also many private breeders are making use of the demand to help fund the cost of their bird keeping ventures. Mass breeding is still going on but fortunately new regimes are often being incorporated to improve the living conditions of birds in captivity, sometimes brought on by the influence of animal rights activity, but this is a good thing and can only help.<br />
<br />
To summarise almost anyone with a desire to keep exotic or foreign birds for whatever reason can find many to choose from and some at little cost. Almost every pet shop in the civilised world will have a stock of pet bird related foods and equipment. Bird keeping is proving to be a desirable pass-time with a massive market to meet demand.<br />
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<script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-14221906886602473822011-06-09T15:00:00.000-07:002011-06-09T15:03:14.208-07:00Archive bird stuffRemember when?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84llabI_wmw">Click to view the Budweiser talking birds TV ad</a><br />
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Cool init!<br />
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</script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-16042884308126723102011-06-09T13:32:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:47:49.504-07:00Today's updateCurrently mourning the loss of my yellow turquoisine cock bird who sadly passed away this morning. <i>See his photo on the right side of the page.</i> <br />
<br />
+ R I P +<br />
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On a happier note; after checking the nest boxes today I was pleased to find 11 budgie eggs, 1 cockatiel egg, and 5 Java sparrow eggs. Good luck to them! This will be the first year that my current Java sparrows and cockatiels have chosen to breed, they were still young last year. I'll keep you posted of any developments.<br />
<br />
Been re-arranging all the branches and perches in the outdoor flight. Now there's more space for me to get around without my birds losing anything. What's more I have made all my re-arrangements secure, so no more unexpected collapsing perches and branches. <br />
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I've also started taking down the walls of the old - now unused - night shelter and replacing with mesh panels, this will allow more sunshine into that side of the aviary.<br />
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If you don't know what I'm on about; when I first built my current aviary two years ago I also built a night shelter into my design because I didn't have a shed or anything similar to use at the time. Last year I extended the flight area and also incorporated a shed that I scrounged, repaired, insulated, draught-proofed, and boarded-out as a night shelter and thus making the old night shelter redundant. However up until now the old night shelter remained with just the front wall removed and became a part of the flight area. I am trying to dismantle it a bit at a time and replace with mesh panels.<br />
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A point or two to contemplate.<br />
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When furnishing your aviary with branches and perches etc. make sure they are secure and don't make the same mistake as I did, unexpected falls will scare your birds. It's sorted now.<br />
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My next point is that sometimes you will lose birds for no apparent reason. Yes it is upsetting but unfortunately you will have to learn to accept it, believe me it gets easier with time. Give them the best you can however and you will undoubtedly limit the risk.<br />
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<script src="http://digg.com/tools/diggthis.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Stanton Birdmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09556464260660755073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-588492597075994772.post-54609065201486379352011-06-04T05:23:00.000-07:002011-10-08T12:23:55.323-07:00Australian birds as pets – Lorikeets<b><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Continuing our world tour of pet birds we are currently in Australia so here’s some essential facts about lorikeets and their suitability as pet birds.</span></b><br />
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Unlike many other breeds of parrot the lorikeets are especially adapted to live on a pollen, nectar and fruit diet. A brush like tip to the tongue, long narrow beak and special digestive enzymes make them unique from other parrot type bird species. Small to medium sized and often brightly coloured there are several species from Australia, all of which have similar requirements. <br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APpOOLvbCqU"><span style="color: #38761d;">An Introduction to Australia Lorikeet Species</span></a> on YouTube.<br />
<br />
There are over 50 species of lories and lorikeets in areas and countries nearby but only about 7 from Australia itself. These are : ‘musk lorikeet’, ‘little lorikeet’, ‘rainbow lorikeet’, ‘varied lorikeet’, ‘scaly-breasted lorikeet’, ‘red-collared lorikeet’, and ‘purple-crowned lorikeet’. Each will be mentioned briefly here with a note about their sutability as pets.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Musk Lorikeet.</u> </strong><em>Glossopsitta concinna.</em></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/519px-musk_lorikeet_2-cre-com_thumb.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-114" height="247" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/519px-musk_lorikeet_2-cre-com_thumb.jpg?w=208&h=247" title="519px-Musk_Lorikeet_2 (cre com)_thumb" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Musk lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> (green keet, red-eared lorikeet) Weighing in at about 60 grams with a length of approximately 22 cm (9 inch).<br />
<br />
The musk lorikeet relies mainly on native flowering shrubs and trees for food and can cause some problems in commercial orchards. In the wild the musk lorikeet inhabits coastal woodlands and eucalyptus forests, often in large flocks of several hundred.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mapmusk-musk_thumb_thumb1.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-118" height="136" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mapmusk-musk_thumb_thumb1.jpg?w=150&h=136" title="mapmusk musk_thumb_thumb" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Habitation area of the musk lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Very rare as pets in America and Europe but a delightful pet in Australia though still not very popular due to government regulations that require a licence to keep native birds.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musk_Lorikeet" title="musk lori wiki"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wikipedia article about musk lorikeet</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span><br />
<div class="mceTemp"></div><div class="mceTemp">Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwJUplydiuw" title="musk lori vid"><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a> for Video showing Musk Lorikeet.</div><div class="mceTemp"></div><div class="mceTemp"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="mceTemp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Little Lorikeet</strong>.</u> <em>Glossopsitta pusilla.</em></span></div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp">(red-faced lorikeet, green parakeet) Approximately 40-45 grams and about 15 cm (6 inch) long.</div><div class="mceTemp"> </div><div class="mceTemp"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/575px-little_lorikeet_kobble-cre-com_thumb.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-116" height="222" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/575px-little_lorikeet_kobble-cre-com_thumb.jpg?w=205&h=222" title="575px-Little_Lorikeet_kobble (Cre com)_thumb" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Little lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="mceTemp">Like others in the family the little lorikeet eats mainly fruit, pollen and nectar but prefers to be high in the canopy of trees. In the wild the little lorikeet inhabits East Australian forests, coastal heath and open woodland, and is very sociable often forming large flocks.</div><div class="mceTemp"> </div><div class="mceTemp"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/maplit-little_thumb_thumb.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-119" height="129" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/maplit-little_thumb_thumb.jpg?w=142&h=129" title="maplit little_thumb_thumb" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Natural habitat of the little lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="mceTemp">Not kept as a pet in its native Australia and a very rare pet in Europe and America.</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Lorikeet" title="little lori wiki"><span style="color: #38761d;">Little lorikeet Wikipedia</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span></div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp">Video of <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3791187336294914747#" jquery16104131016672183463="6" title="little lori vid"><span style="color: #38761d;">little lorikeet</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span></div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Rainbow Lorikeet</strong>.</u> <em>Trichoglossus haematodus Malaccans.</em></span></div><div class="mceTemp"> </div><div class="mceTemp"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/rainbow-lorikeet-trichoglossus_haematodus_flowering_xanthorrhoeapub-dom_thumb.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-121" height="276" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/rainbow-lorikeet-trichoglossus_haematodus_flowering_xanthorrhoeapub-dom_thumb.jpg?w=215&h=276" title="rainbow lorikeet Trichoglossus_haematodus,_flowering_Xanthorrhoea(pub dom)_thumb" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Rainbow lorikeets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="mceTemp">(blue mountain lorikeet, green collar lorikeet, bluey, swainson’s loris) 125 grams approximately with a length of about 30 cm (12 inch).</div><div class="mceTemp"> </div><div class="mceTemp"> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrLnx7n92u2L4LFRErIUKUJ-0O_hhxlaygzJODql5sSWqYiXAtSmfNGrIXVvnuIV6aAVr8wsrCYRP-w7ZwteJbDWoMOGPEAvGk2P7L9JRLnRXx8zT4bwyApaBpt8sb52iGgAa2aWK6V2h/s1600/maprain+rainbow_thumb_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrLnx7n92u2L4LFRErIUKUJ-0O_hhxlaygzJODql5sSWqYiXAtSmfNGrIXVvnuIV6aAVr8wsrCYRP-w7ZwteJbDWoMOGPEAvGk2P7L9JRLnRXx8zT4bwyApaBpt8sb52iGgAa2aWK6V2h/s200/maprain+rainbow_thumb_thumb.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Distribution of the rainbow lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Around flowering trees and sometimes in the company of scaly-breasted lorikeets, the rainbow lorikeet may congregate in noisy flocks of several hundred to roost and eat.</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp">The rainbow lorikeet is very popular as a pet bird in its native Australia and also quite popular in Europe and America. A pet one can be a good source of amusement as they are always playing; a young bird can become tame quite quickly. </div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Lorikeet" title="rainbow lori wiki"><span style="color: #38761d;">Rainbow lorikeet</span></a> on Wikipedia. </div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp">Rainbow lorikeet <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-KlzbAZJSI" title="rainbow lori vid"><span style="color: #38761d;">video</span></a> on YouTube.</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Varied Lorikeet</strong>.</u> <em>Psitteuteles versicolor.</em></span></div><div class="mceTemp"> </div><div class="mceTemp"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpHt-sOXJfM5cnoGp57ljjdq1MIGgklt069fGvI3Rq5sUzO67TPB7Mr56htRTpZfTKEO8BiFDONaaVTHRiHOM8vRevff8QBKnHe-RUtW3ovxjDfvejazNGQ1yE8Dwp4ifCk66b8qvlRmn/s1600/Varied+lorikeet+Psitteuteles_versicolor_-Queensland-8-4c%2528cre+com%2529_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpHt-sOXJfM5cnoGp57ljjdq1MIGgklt069fGvI3Rq5sUzO67TPB7Mr56htRTpZfTKEO8BiFDONaaVTHRiHOM8vRevff8QBKnHe-RUtW3ovxjDfvejazNGQ1yE8Dwp4ifCk66b8qvlRmn/s200/Varied+lorikeet+Psitteuteles_versicolor_-Queensland-8-4c%2528cre+com%2529_thumb.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Varied lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="mceTemp"> </div><div class="mceTemp">About 55 grams and average 19 cm (7.5 inch) long.</div><div class="mceTemp">In the wild the varied lorikeet is mainly found in large flocks in melaleuca and eucalyptus woodlands in the tropical lowlands of Australia.</div><div class="mceTemp"> </div><div class="mceTemp"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mapvar-varied_thumb_thumb.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-127" height="104" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mapvar-varied_thumb_thumb.jpg?w=118&h=104" title="mapvar varied_thumb_thumb" width="118" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Varied lorikeet distribution</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="mceTemp">Virtually unknown as a pet in America and Europe and although there are a few kept as pets in Australia, this is still a rare occurence.</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp">Wikipedia about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varied_Lorikeet" title="varied lori wiki"><span style="color: #38761d;">varied lorikeet</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span></div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><a href="http://vimeo.com/7861055" jquery16104131016672183463="7" title="varied lori vid"><span style="color: #38761d;">Video of varied lorikeet</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span></div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Scaly-breasted Lorikeet</strong>.</u> <em>Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus.</em></span></div><div class="mceTemp"></div><div class="mceTemp"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/scaly-breasted-lorikeet-600px-trichoglossus_chlorolepidotus_-australia-8a-3ccre-com_thumb.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-130" height="239" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/scaly-breasted-lorikeet-600px-trichoglossus_chlorolepidotus_-australia-8a-3ccre-com_thumb.jpg?w=229&h=239" title="Scaly breasted lorikeet 600px-Trichoglossus_chlorolepidotus_-Australia-8a-3c(cre com)_thumb" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Scaly-breasted lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="mceTemp">(green and gold lorikeet, greenie) About 75-80 grams and about 23 cm (9.5 inch) in length.</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp">Although common in urban areas where it makes use of nectar rich garden plants, in its natural habitat the scaly-breasted lorikeet will form large flocks, often in the company of rainbow lorikeets. These flocks will travel from tree to tree in the open forested areas of its native land.</div><div class="mceTemp"></div><div class="mceTemp"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mapscaly-scaly-breasted_thumb_thumb.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-131 " height="123" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mapscaly-scaly-breasted_thumb_thumb.jpg?w=137&h=123" title="mapscaly scaly breasted_thumb_thumb" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Distribution area of scaly-breasted lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>A quiet pet bird which is also playful and affectionate and can be taught to talk really well. This makes it a popular species of pet bird in Europe, America and its native Australia.</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaly-breasted_Lorikeet" title="scaly lori wiki"><span style="color: #38761d;">Scaly-breasted lorikeet</span></a> on Wikipedia.</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp">Scaly-breasted lorikeet <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBf5wSbuGGI" title="scaly lori vid"><span style="color: #38761d;">video</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span></div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><div class="mceTemp"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Red-collared Lorikeet</strong>.</u> <em>Trichoglossus haematodus rubritorquis.</em></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/red-collard-lorikeet-800px-trichoglossus_rubritorquis_-cincinnati_zoo_ohio_usa-8a_1cre-com_thumb1.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-133" height="144" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/red-collard-lorikeet-800px-trichoglossus_rubritorquis_-cincinnati_zoo_ohio_usa-8a_1cre-com_thumb1.jpg?w=243&h=144" title="red collard lorikeet 800px-Trichoglossus_rubritorquis_-Cincinnati_Zoo,_Ohio,_USA-8a_(1)(cre com)_thumb" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Red-collared lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Approximately 125 grams in weight with a length of about 30 cm (12 inch).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mapred-red-collar_thumb_thumb.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-134" height="112" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mapred-red-collar_thumb_thumb.jpg?w=124&h=112" title="mapred red collar_thumb_thumb" width="124" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Distribution of red-collared lorikeet</span></td></tr>
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Unlike most of the other species of lorikeet the red-collared lorikeet prefers to abide as a pair or in a small flock. These move around often due to their food source, the eucalyptus flower being a favourite food so they tend to inhabit the open eucalyptus forests most of the time.<br />
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</div>Although good pet birds they are kept in low numbers because of availability and price.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-collared_Lorikeet" title="red lori wiki"><span style="color: #38761d;">Wikipedia about red-collared lorikeet</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span><br />
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Video of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANeJIwuvlDA" title="red lori vid"><span style="color: #38761d;">red-collared lorikeet</span></a> on YouTube.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Purple-crowned Lorikeet</strong>.</u> <em>Glossopsitta porphyrocephala.</em></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/539px-purple-crowned_lorikeetcre-com_thumb.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-136" height="260" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/539px-purple-crowned_lorikeetcre-com_thumb.jpg?w=218&h=260" title="539px-Purple-crowned_Lorikeet(cre com)_thumb" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Purple-crowned lorikeet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> (blue-crowned lorikeet, purple-capped parakeet) About 45 grams and around 16 cm (6 inch) long.<br />
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Will form large flocks where food source is plentiful, including urban gardens and orchards. Their natural habitat in the West is in forest areas, whereas in the East they tend to go for coastal heath, mallee and open woodland areas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mappurp-purple-crowned_thumb_thumb.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-137" height="124" src="http://stantonbirdman.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/mappurp-purple-crowned_thumb_thumb.jpg?w=138&h=124" title="mappurp purple crowned_thumb_thumb" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #274e13;">Natural distribution of the purple-crowned lorikeet</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Not very often kept as pets or companion birds anywhere, but a little more popular as aviary birds.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple-crowned_Lorikeet" title="purp lori wiki"><span style="color: #38761d;">Purple-crowned lorikeet</span></a> on Wikipedia.<br />
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YouTube video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo3veoLApC8" title="purp lori vid"><span style="color: #38761d;">starring the purple-crowned lorikeet</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Accommodation and feeding</u></span></strong><br />
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A large aviary is not required to keep lorikeets but you really should have a suspended mesh floor on your lorikeet aviary. This is because the nature of the lorikeet diet produces lots of droppings that are difficult to clean from a solid floor (plus you will be constantly cleaning). It is much easier and efficient to have a suspended mesh floor so you can then just hose it down to clean. For the larger lorikeets such as the musk, rainbow, or scaly-breasted an aviary about 8 foot (2.4 metres) long, by 2 foot (0.6 metres), by 3 foot (0.9 metres) is fine. For the smaller lorikeet species like the purple-crowned for example, an aviary of about 4 foot (1,2 metres), by 2 foot (0.6 metres), by 3 foot (0.9 metres) will be sufficient. Don’t forget the suspended mesh floor!<br />
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</div>Remember that unlike most parrots, lorikeets by nature live mainly on a pollen, nectar and fruit diet so you must give these types of foods to keep them at their best. The larger species will eat seed but this should by no means be their main diet and should only be given as an extra on occasion. Of course fresh clean water should always be available to them for bathing as well as drinking and should go without saying. There are commercially available mixes and recipes for your lorikeets but you may need to shop around a little. Both dry mixes and wet mixes should be provided every day along with fruit such as apple, pear, grapes, melon, paw paw, mango, oranges and tangerines for example.<br />
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Here are a couple of recipes suitable for lorikeets:<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dry recipe.</span> </strong>1 dessert-spoon pollen (optional), 1 cup of glucose powder, 2 cups of rice flour, 2 cups of baby rice cereal, 2 cups of egg & biscuit mix, 1 teaspoon vitamin mineral powder. Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.<br />
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</div><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wet nectar recipe.</span></strong> 0.1 litre of powdered skimmed milk, a half teaspoon of calcium carbonate, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 litre of fresh water, a half teaspoon of multi-vitamins, 0.5 litres of high protein baby cereal, 1 tablespoon of pollen. Mix all the ingredients together (the resulting mix should be very watery), freeze the mix in ice cube trays. Serve 1 melted ice cube (1 dessert-spoon) per bird per day.<br />
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Of course if you can get hold of some nectar bearing fresh flowers your lorikeets will love them!<br />
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For more about lorikeets click on any of these three links: <br />
<a href="http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-lorikeet.html" jquery16104131016672183463="8"><span style="color: #38761d;">http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-lorikeet.html</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/lories/" jquery16104131016672183463="9"><span style="color: #38761d;">http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/lories/</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lories_and_lorikeets"><span style="color: #38761d;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lories_and_lorikeets</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.246562485393824.79106.178059325577474&type=3&l=6f8a29bc4b">Take a look at the lory and lorikeet pictures on the 'Stanton Birdman' 'Facebook' page</a><br />
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Pick up your copy of my pet bird keeping ebook on ‘Amazon Kindle’ by clicking <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pet-Bird-keeping-Secrets-Stealth-Guidebook/dp/B004WF42OE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305890625&sr=8-1" jquery16104131016672183463="10" title="Stealth kindle link"><span style="color: #38761d;">here</span></a><span style="color: #38761d;">.</span><br />
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If you prefer the ebook as a ‘pdf’ on CD-rom to use on any PC (including ‘mac’) then <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pet-Bird-keeping-Secrets-Stealth-Guidebook/dp/B004WP3OFW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1305890625&sr=8-2" jquery16104131016672183463="11" title="Stealth cd link"><span style="color: #38761d;">click here</span></a>. If buying the ‘pdf’ on CD-rom I’ll throw in a free bonus as a special thank you, once your order has been confirmed I’ll email it straight out to you so no waiting for the postal service.<br />
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Loads of thanks for your interest!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfLBqWO9sLPuSERScmnzvFSlmtPxzLJQo-uaFaAUoLLJvq2kELbo2WkYQD0Q1fpSelP5hTNQZRsBmAoV9V84Bzqk98tLDlWYWrF_2aDoEzd1gQAzdM7a0CAnCfX-E6u-TSM4bf1RX1vXT/s1600/SAM_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOfLBqWO9sLPuSERScmnzvFSlmtPxzLJQo-uaFaAUoLLJvq2kELbo2WkYQD0Q1fpSelP5hTNQZRsBmAoV9V84Bzqk98tLDlWYWrF_2aDoEzd1gQAzdM7a0CAnCfX-E6u-TSM4bf1RX1vXT/s320/SAM_1273.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zebra finches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lots of popular pet bird species originate from Australia, most of the well-known pet birds are native to this country but not all of them. Many are from the Americas, Africa, and Asia, but the most popular by far and through the sheer numbers in captivity are the Australian species, which range from small finches, right through the range to large parrots.<br />
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Famous breeds like the budgerigar (know as parakeet in some countries), cockatiel, zebra finch, lorikeet, and the cockatoo all became available throughout the world via importation from Australia.<br />
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When our ancestors first discovered the Australian continent they found many types of animals that were unique to this part of the globe, such as the now infamous ‘duck-billed platypus’ and the ‘echidna‘(egg laying mammals! How strange must that have been?); marsupials such as the ‘kangaroo’, ‘wallaby’, ‘koala’ and many new and unique bird species; many of which were very brightly coloured. So they desired specimens of these birds to take home, and in doing so boosted the fondness of exotic pet bird keeping.<br />
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Starting with the smaller breeds; Australian finches that are popular as pets include the ‘star finch’, ‘gouldian finch’ and the well known and readily available at a low price ‘zebra finch’. However there are many more.<br />
Small to medium sized parrot-like species from Australia include the most popular small pet bird of all, the ‘budgerigar’ (or ‘parakeet’). The almost as popular ‘cockatiel’ is also an Australian native, plus no end of other well known pet birds. The list is almost endless: ‘lories’ and ‘lorikeets’ (several types of these), parakeets such as ‘turquoisine’, ‘bourke’, ‘splendid’ ‘elegant’ and ‘red-rumped’ to name a few, there’s loads more. The medium sized ‘eclectus parrot’ also hails from this part of the world.<br />
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The ‘rosellas’ are also medium parrot from Australia and about 6 different varieties are used as pets; ‘Eastern’, ‘Northern’, ‘Western’, ‘crimson’, ‘green’, and ‘pale-headed’. All are unique and different in their own way but are closely related. Rosella are known for their strikingly rich colouring, making them a very desirable pet.<br />
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Finally the big daddy of Australian pet birds, the ‘cockatoo’. There are about 20 different species of cockatoo but not all are popular as pets, and believe it or not the famous ‘cockatiel’ mentioned earlier is a member of this bird family but of course nowhere near as large as some of its cockatoo cousins. All birds in the cockatoo family are distinguishable by the crest of feathers on the top of the head.<br />
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Many breeds of Australian birds live in massive flocks in the wild. The sight of hundreds of budgerigars, cockatiels, finches or lorikeets flocking together is an awe-inspiring sight, and very noisy.<br />
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To summarise there is a massive range of Australian birds available as pets all over the world. Many are very colourful, easy to keep, very hardy and all have unique and sometimes entertaining characteristics. The least costly of exotic pet birds are also native Aussies. Is it any wonder that these pet birds are so popular?<br />
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For more bird keeping related issues please email me with your questions. <br />
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