Does Your Pet Call You By Name?
By Carla Hinsey

Have you ever heard of the African Grey Parrot? African Grey Parrots are becoming one of the all time favorites of bird lovers. These strikingly beautiful birds, who can out talk any four year old child, have charmed their way into many a household across the globe.

The African Grey is truly one of Gods’ special creatures. The Grey’s have the ability to express themselves in human language and emotion. Whatever language you speak, they can learn and actually communicate with you.

Skeptics argue that parrots can only mimic back what they have heard believing that even the most highly trained parrot doesn’t really understand what it is doing or saying. It’s possible that may be true for some species of parrots, but if you live with an African Grey you know deep in your heart that this argument is not a true at all. The African Grey, being a highly intelligent, deeply emotional, and hysterically witty bird would challenge even the hard-line skeptic.

Living with an African Grey takes a great commitment. They have a life span much like a human. If you are going to adopt a Grey into your life, you have to commit to it. As with any intelligent and emotional life form, you have to be prepared to except the ups and the downs that go along with it. We have both a male and a female living in our home.

There are times when it is a huge challenge. They can be demanding and insistent. If they don’t get what they want, they can be total brats. Their ear-piercing screams and demanding behavior will surly test even the most patient of persons. This is the most negative of their traits. Their positive traits far out weight their negative ones. On their positive side, I can’t say enough about them. The Grey knows when you are sad or upset. They will do everything in their power to make you laugh or change your mood. From their class clown antics to all their hugs and kisses, they will completely wash away a bad day.

The African Grey is best known for their talking and reasoning ability. Some are better talkers than others. Some can imitate sounds so real you can’t tell the difference between the actual sound and the bird.

My female is the sound maker. She can talk, but not as well as the male. She is a sweet and loving bird. Her sounds are amazing. I can’t tell you how many times I have answered a phone that never rang or opened a door when a doorbell never chimed. I have heard my dog bark when she was soundly asleep in her bed. I’ve heard doors squeak open that were shut, a microwave oven peep that was never turned on, a police siren and a trash truck backup peeper that was never there. These are only a few examples from a long list.

My male is the talker. So far his vocabulary is around one hundred words. He makes up his own sentences from the words he knows. Studies have shown, that Greys can develop a fifteen hundred to three thousand word vocabulary. When the male can’t see me but can hear me, he calls out my name and asks, “Carla, You alright?” I answer, “I’m alright,” he says, “Ok.” Sometimes, when he starts screaming his head off and the female screams back, he tells her, “That’s too loud, stop being a brat.” He tells me, “Gonna go night night,” when he wants to take a nap. He tells me, “I’m hungry,” when he wants something to eat, then tells me what he wants to eat. He makes up things I can’t understand and laughs hysterically.

My birds have not been officially trained. Everything they do and say is a direct result of living in the same household with my family. They are members of our family, and as with any other family member they need love and understanding. They need quality time inside the family circle, but also some quiet time to themselves. Do not stick them in a room away from the family hub. It will make them feel isolated and lonely. You will be setting the stage for an unhappy bird. Greys are very sensitive and you can easily upset their emotional well being. This can result in behavioral problems in the future.

Greys are full of life and love to play. If you have to be away from home during the day, make sure you supply them with plenty of toys. In the wild they forage for food about eighty percent of their time. Greys get bored easily, so try to keep a verity of toys around so that they can occupy their time alone. Interchange their toys regularly.

In closing, I highly recommend African Grey Parrots as pets. The only thing I would ask of you before going out and bringing one home, is to do some research on their needs. Make sure you have a full understanding of their housing and diet needs. You also need to make sure your house is bird safe. With all of this in mind, if you can provide for their most basic needs, the African Grey Parrot will reward you with a life time of devotion, affection, and love.

For Other Articles Written By Carla, Visit CarlaHinsey.com Save Up To 90% Off Retail On Pet Supplies and 1000s of Brand Name Household Products at http://trader-bobs.com

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Bird Toys – The Varieties of Bird Toys and What They Offer Your Parrot
By Kelli L

If you have a pet bird or are considering getting one, bird toys are an absolute necessity. A bird requires toys for entertainment and stimulation. Even if you often interact with your bird, you will need bird toys in the cage for your bird.

There are many different types of bird toys available for you to buy. There are toys that are meant for mental stimulation for your bird, toys that are designed specifically for destruction and toys that allow your birds to preen the toy, rather than over preening themselves. You should have all types of bird toys available for your bird and should rotate them frequently in the cage.

Bird toys are made from many different materials for your bird to enjoy. Toys that are made from paper and natural materials like woods and natural fibers are good choices for your bird, because it gives them something to chew on. Birds enjoy chewing and breaking things apart. It is not only entertaining to them, but it also helps promote healthy beak structure. Other safe materials for them to chew on and destroy are rawhide and leather, or toys made from food substances.

There are many toys that are also made from non-natural materials. Plastic, fiberglass and metals are common choices of materials in bird toys. They are used often in toys that are for mental stimulation. These toys give the birds the mental stimulation they need to prevent boredom from occurring, which can cause severe issues like feather plucking. Birds must have adequate amounts of mental stimulation and these toys should be rotated frequently to prevent the birds from getting bored with them.

Preening toys offer the birds clean, hygienic feathers or materials for the birds to preen. When birds become to bored, they can start preening themselves too often which can lead to feather conditions. When you offer them toys that will allow them to spend time preening, you can help to prevent these conditions from occurring.

When you choose bird toys, you need to choose ones that are the proper size for your birds. Toys that are small, such as toys for parakeets, cockateils and other small parrots, should not be given to large birds like Macaws or African Greys. Giving a large bird toys that are too small can pose choking hazards. Make sure that when you buy your bird toys, you ensure they are the correct size for the bird that you own.

There are so many bird toys for you to choose from, you will certainly have a hard time deciding which ones to buy! You’ll be amazed how many types of birds toys there are for different species of birds. When you shop for bird toys, you should choose toys in a variety of materials for your bird to enjoy. You should also make sure you buy different toys for simulation, destruction and preening so that your bird will never become bored and will stay a happy bird.

If you read this article and found it helpful, consider stopping by my website
http://www.BirdToys.com

You can also find me and over 17,500+ other parrot owners at http://www.BirdBoard.com where you can ask questions and get immediate feedback.

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A Tutorial on Finding Dependable Pet Parrot Advice
By Leeanne Gallaway

Are you looking for sources of trustworthy advice about you pet parrot? Owning a parrot can be confusing and raise lots of questions, especially for beginners. There are many places to find well-intentioned advice, but when you need solid answers about your pet there are a few great resources that you can really depend on.

Avian Veterinarians: If you own a pet bird, you should have an Avian Veterinarian. These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating birds of all varieties. Your avian vet is the best place to ask any questions you might have about the care of your bird. They may even have literature in their offices.

Zookeepers/Aviary Workers: These people are also highly trained in everything bird related. After all, it’s their job to care for all kinds of birds at one time. Many lead guided tours where you can learn about bird behavior, habitats, feeding and more. This is a great way to get a close look at healthy birds and ask questions.

Non-profit Organizations for Animals: There are a few bird rescue groups who have a wealth of reliable information about the care of your bird. They can refer you to many avian veterinarians as well as literature on bird care. They are there to help!

Books and Magazines: Try to look for books and magazines that are written by people who are either veterinarians or have many years of experience caring for birds. This is an excellent resource when you have a specific question about feeding, safety, training, or if your bird just doesn’t seem to be acting normal to you. Remember to call your avian vet if you think your bird is ill.

The sources listed above are wonderful places to find out more about caring for your pet bird that you know you can trust. Owning a parrot or other bird can be a rewarding experience with the right tools for success.

I have been a bird owner for four years. Please consult an avian vet if you think your bird is ill. If you enjoyed this information, please visit my blog for more here.

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Why Your African Grey Parrot Needs Calcium Supplements
By Azmi Adnan

Feeding the right food is the most important aspect of owning an African Grey parrot. The right diet will determine the health and stress level of your parrot and its ability to be trained to talk. Unlike other birds, different African Greys eat different kinds of food. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that they all have the same diet patterns. If you own more than one African Grey parrot, feeding them can prove a challenge. Just like humans, they have their own preferences. But if you acquire your bird from young, say twelve weeks old, getting them used to feeding a certain kind of food can be fairly advantageous.

Some African Greys will eat soft fruit and others will only eat hard fruits. Some will eat vegetables and others will not. Try giving your parrots a variety of fruits and vegetables and see what they like best, and stick to it. But do give them a good balance of calcium because a lot of African Greys who fell sick seem to lack calcium in their diet. You can get calcium from from hard boiled eggs, watercress, spinach, blackberries or natural yogurt.

If your parrot doesn’t seem to want to eat any of these calcium based food, try giving them calcium supplements three times a week, mixed into their food bowl. Do not mix the calcium supplements into the water bowl because some greys may not drink water in a twenty-four hour period because they already had their water intake from eating fruits. A good calcium diet will ensure that your parrots have fine feather and are stress free. For breeding African Greys, calcium is good for producing healthy eggs.

A healthy diet is important for an African Grey because it will minimise feather plucking and squeaking, both symptoms of stress in a bird. A healthy diet produces a healthy mind and your parrot will respond well to speech training.

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

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Do You Feel Guilty About Keeping an African Grey in a Cage?
By Azmi Adnan

If you have an African Grey parrot, or any other pet bird for that matter, it is going to spend most of its life in a cage. It is like putting the bird in a prison for its entire life. “But wait a minute”, you would say, “a parrot is only a bird.” Yes it’s only a bird, an animal that has been given wings to fly free. Wings that no other animals or humans are privileged to have. And yet, humans keep birds in a cage preventing them from flying.

If you feel guilty of keeping a pet parrot, don’t. Under captivity, a parrot is leading a better life and may live to its full lifetime of 80 years, outliving its own master. In the wild, a parrot may not survive that long. While we acknowledge that it is a beautiful thing to fly and live free, the jungle or forest where most wild parrots are found, are not exactly a haven. Parrots are exposed to all kinds of dangers in the wild. Firstly there is man, who hunts birds for food and don’t care if the bird they catch is a chicken or a parrot. If it was a parrot, he would probably sell it for more money than a chicken considering that a parrot in some countries can be considered exotic. Then there are also poachers, who hunt bird species for their medicinal value that they think the bird possesses or sell them to bird markets who in turn sell the birds to people who have no desire to keep birds as pets.

Besides man, the jungle community itself poses a lot of danger. There are the bigger birds that prey on smaller species. And then there are monkeys to share a tree with. With land clearing that is rampant as more and more countries industrialize and modernize, parrots are losing their natural habitat. The birds are competing with other creatures in the wild for food, not to mention with other birds. It is survival of the fittest, and only the strongest survive.

Then there are diseases. How does a parrot cure itself of a disease, or injury, in the wild? It doesn’t. Most birds die when inflicted with injury or illness. And what happens to their young chicks or eggs when a mother parrot dies? Unlike humans, there are no bird orphanages in the wild. They either fend for themselves or they die too, by hunger or by being eaten by other bigger creatures.

So if you feel guilty keeping your pet parrot and denying it the freedom to fly, think of the good side. What are the chances of your pet parrot living a full happy life in the wild? Your parrot is enjoying life in a cozy home with a great master, feeding on bird food full of nutrients not found in the wild. The love and attention that your bird gets from your friends and visitors, unequal any that they would get living in the jungles of the Amazon or Central Africa. The toys that they get to play with and the professional vets that take care of their health are privileges only found in captivity. If your parrot can speak to you, I am certain it would thank you for giving it a fun, safe and fulfilling life.

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

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African Grey Parrot, What You Need To Know First
By Azmi Adnan

There are two sub-species of the African Grey parrot – they are the known as the Congo African Grey – with light grey feathers, deep red tails and black beaks, and the Timneh African Grey, which are smaller in size with a darker charcoal grey color, a darker maroon tail, and a colored horn beak. There is also the lesser known species known as the Ghana African Grey which is similar to the Congo but smaller in size and darker in color and then there is the rare Cameroon African Grey.

These parrots are relatively quiet birds with an average lifespan of 50 to 65 years living on a diet of fruits, nuts and vegetables. It is a good idea to socialize the birds with humans on a regular basis as they tend to be quiet if left alone and thus would only bond with their owners only. When bored, African Greys have the tendency to pluck their own feathers to amuse themselves. In cold climates, this can really affect the bird in keeping themselves warm.

The African Grey parrot is considered the most talented in the parrot family with their ability to mimic human tonality. This is the reason why they are much sought after parrots by bird enthusiasts to keep as pets and also the reason why their prices are much higher than other species of parrots. They are very challenging pets to keep as they don’t like to be petted upon, are also temperamental and may bite hard if stroked. They are lifelong buddies to their owners because of their longevity and it is not uncommon to see these parrots changing hands when their owners give up on them.

African Greys are commonly being bred by breeders for sale due to their high demand. More and more pet owners are finding the joy of keeping these parrots after watching the famous Einstein the talking African Grey parrot and of course, the late Alex as well.

Unlike cats and dogs, it is not a good idea to have African Greys around families with children as these birds bite. Their beaks and claws are sharp and can injure a child, or even older adults. Whatever species of parrot you intend to buy, remember that they require commitment and dedication to upkeep and you need lots and lots of patience nurturing them.

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

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Tips To Owning A Quiet Bird
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Dean]Angela Dean

When most people hear “parrot”, they cringe and think of days down the road when they’ll be needing hearing aids.  That cute parrot can quickly turn into your worst nightmare. And while parrots can be loud screamers, most owners do not realize that they are usually the reason for the screaming.  No bird will ever be truly quiet; however with a little work from you your bird could become a soft talking feathered friend.  Here are a few tips to help you achieve that quiet dream bird.

Spend Time with Your Bird

Birds will scream if they’re lonely.  They call for their flock mates.  If you and your family are in the living room watching TV and your bird is in the room down the hall, more than likely you have a very loud screamer.  Try moving your bird’s cage to a place where the entire family can get together.

Buy a Bigger Cage

If you and your family are out of the house for most of the day, more than likely your bird is stuck in its cage.  Try getting a larger quality cage that will last, it may cost a bit more but it’s worth it in the long run.  More space allows for more exercise and more toys to help cure some boredom.

Build a Play Area

A play area is a wonderful way to cure screaming.  This can consist of a simple stand with food/water cups to a large tree with toys.  Your bird will enjoy getting to spend time out of its cage.

Don’t Yell At Your Bird

When a bird is screaming to get its owners attention, most of the time the reaction is to yell “SHUT UP!” or “BE QUIET!” at the bird.  To your bird this sounds a lot like you’re joining in on the scream fest! This can create even louder screaming!  Try whispering instead, if a bird is screaming and you whisper then it has to lower its voice to hear you talk.

Don’t Reward Your Bird for Being Loud

Another common mistake owners are guilty of is stuffing a nut or piece of fruit in your bird’s mouth when it’s screaming.  A treat stops the screaming, but guess what?  You just rewarded your bird for screaming.  Your bird will soon learn to scream every time it wants something. Like a spoiled child they want it and they want it NOW!

Try Taking Your Bird with You

Providing your bird has its wings clipped or will wear a bird harness, try taking your bird with on family outings.  If you’re going to the park take your bird with you!  An acrylic bird carrier is an affordable investment and you will enjoy a quieter and happier bird.

And the most important tip -

Don’t own a bird if you’re never home, it’s not fair to the bird.  Parrots can have the mental capacity of a 3 or 4 year old and do get bored, frustrated and angry sitting in a cage all day.  This is the main cause of screaming and biting.

Angela has been working with birds for over 15 years. Along the way she has learned much about the feathered kind and strives to help those with troubled parrots.

More tips and supplies can be found at her website – http://www.birdsandart.com

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Training an African Grey
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Azmi_Adnan]Azmi Adnan

The African Grey is the most popular talking parrot for owners because it is well known for its clear pronunciation of words and sounds. How many words can an African Grey keep in its vocabulary? Well, about 2000. How intelligent is this parrot? It has the intelligence equal to a 5 year old child.
This, in the world of birds, is considered extremely intelligent.

The bird is very sociable and a very curious pet. It needs plenty of attention and training if you want it to become an adorable talking bird. But training can be challenging for the owner, especially if you are new to keeping birds. If you decide to get one you must be willing to stick with a training plan to fully develop its full potential.

The African Grey can learn very quickly, so it is important to only say things you want your bird to mimic. They can copy sounds around the house, like the phone or microwave beeping. If you have a unique cell phone ring tone, be prepared to handle false rings because your pet bird will be able to duplicate that sound pretty quickly.

The bird is also shy especially in the presence of strangers. Gradually introduce your bird to the rest of the family and to people who visit you often for the bird to get used to. Once they are comfortable with the rest of the family, they can be quite an adoring pet and family member.

The African Grey loves to play with toys. But don’t overwhelm them with too many toys all at once. Introduce a toy gradually and let the bird get used to the feel of the toy. If the bird is playful, use training methods with positive reinforcement for better behavior. Use food as a reward for good training and your bird will learn to behave fast. Find out what your bird likes to eat first by watching its food tray. Use that favorite food as your reward for the bird.

You need to spend time with your bird everyday. Talk to your bird and let it get used to hearing your voice. Let your bird out of its cage and socialize with it. Feeding time is a great time to do this. If your bird feels uncomfortable, give it some time by itself to build its confidence.

Consistency and patience will pay off. Over time, your African Grey will feel itself as part of the family and you will have a lot of fun living with it.

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

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How To Understand Your Parrot
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Manuel_Rose]Manuel Rose

Understanding basic parrot behavior will make it easier for you to interact with your bird.
Here are some of the most common bird behaviors that I would like to share with you.

Beak Cleaning.

Just as you brush your teeth after every meal, your bird must clean its beak too.

You’ll see your parrot wiping its beak on the perch or bars of his cage after eating.

Beak Grinding.

Before your bird’s bedtime, you may hear strange grinding noises coming from your parrot.

This is the sound of a contented bird, and is nothing to be alarmed about.

Stretching.

Just like us, your bird needs to stretch from time to time.

You may notice your bird stretching its wings when you approach him.

That’s his way of greeting you.

Catnaps.

It’s normal for your parrot to take a few naps during the day.

Hissing Or Attacking.

Birds are territorial creatures and will defend their environment if they feel threatened.

Sometimes a change in your appearance will make the bird think that you are a stranger.

Preening Each Other.

This is a sign of affection.

Birds will preen (groom) each other or you.

If your bird preens your hair or mustache, consider it an honor.

Screaming.

If your parrot feels neglected, she will scream loudly in an attempt to get your attention.

Once your bird starts screaming, it can be a hard habit to break.

Night Frights.

Some birds are prone to night frights, (I know My Cockatiel Is).

These “night frights” occur when there is a loud noise in the middle of the night that will end up startling a bird into a thrashing frenzy.

If this happens to your bird, leave a night light on near its cage.

If You Find This Article Helpful, Please Link To It!

This article only touches the highlights of living with a parrot.

For much more detailed information, pick up a copy of our new DVD “Parrots-The How-To’s Of Caring, Understanding, And Training” available at http://knowyourparrot.com/

About The Author

Manuel Rose has researched and owned parrots since childhood.

He spent years reading several books and speaking to many avian veterinarians.

Manuel currently owns 3 parrots, his favorite a 13-year-old Blue and Gold macaw named Samantha, which he weaned as a baby.

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