YOUR INFORMATION SOURCE FOR A SAFE, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND WELL BEHAVED BIRD |
THE CUDDLY COCKATIEL IS OUR BIRD OF THE MONTH:
Cockatiels are in the Cockatoo Family and hail from Australia. Unlike their larger cousins, they are not as prone to screaming behavior. Cockatiels have the propensity for large vocabularies and a talent for learning whistle light hearted tunes. The bird pictured above is a Normal Gray Cockatiel (the original coloring of a wild Cockatiel, but; nowadays, numerous color mutations have been developed and not all Cockatiels have the benchmark orange ear (check) patches. These little fellows make excellent first birds and are, by nature, very gentle and affectionate. They are not as fragile in stature as a Budgie (Parakeet), so they are able to be gently handled by children, under supervision of an adult, as always is the case with any pet. They are extremely easy to care for and eat a primary diet of pellets, grains and small seeds. Many Cockatiel food mixes come with various shaped pellet food mixed in. They should be served fresh vegetables each day such as shredded carrots, broccoli, snap beans and peas, in addition to the Avian Veterinarians Recipe for “Birdie Bread”. Their average life span in captivity is 12-20+ years. They do not have a lot of health issues, but; are prone to fatty liver disease so keeping sunflower seeds to a bare minimum is important along with other fatty nuts and seeds. Commercial mixes may be purchased without sunflower seeds because of this. The other most common health issue is egg binding in females. It is important to supply your Cockatiel with mineral and calcium blocks to help prevent this (Absolutely NO Cuttlebone, Oyster Shells or Grit). Their houses (Cages) should be constructed of as many horizontal bars as possible because they are climbers and enjoy climbing as high as they can and then flying back to a lower level and doing it all over again. Cage Bar Spacing can be NO LARGER THAN 5/8 to 3/4 Inch. These little fellows love to chew on bird-safe wood and will often shun other types of toys for wooden ones.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PARTICULAR SPECIES FEATURED, LET US KNOW AND WE WILL ADD YOUR REQUEST TO THE LIST TO BE FEATURED IN OUR BIRD OF THE MONTH COLUMN.
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Affordable quality, These cage covers are made with a very durable, light weight, non toxic, poly-cotton blend fabric.Providing your bird with total darkness for a restful nights sleep.These Universal Bird Cage Covers are Affordably priced and are designed to fit most bird cages on the market. These covers are loose fitting. They cover a wide range of cage sizes. This patented design features a flap that falls over the cage door and allows cage door access without removal of the cover. They are very easy to put on. One person can cover even the largest cage in a matter of seconds.
Machine washable and dryable. (recomend Warm/Cold wash and rinse. Dry on Delicate.
Free Shipping and Satisfaction Guaranteed ! |
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HAVE YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED IN THE NEWSLETTER:
If you have a question for Jan or Kim, drop a line to info@birdcagesgalore.com and we will print your question and the answer to it in the next issue of the Caged Bird Courier. There are many people with the same questions, so let’s share those questions and answers. |
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BIRDLOVE SANCTUARY/ADOPTION–SANCTUARY OF THE MONTH: Jo Gore’s Birdlove Sanctuary/Adoption Center Of Columbia, South Carolina.
“Hello: I'm Jo Gore, a Certified Avian Specialist, through PIJAC, and the Director of Birdlove Avian Sanctuary/Adoption in Columbia, SC. 2007 is our 11th year of rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing abused, unwanted or handicapped parrots. We have been a 501c3 since 2001. For the last 10 years we have been a private foundation funded by me, donations and adoption fees. In November 2006, we became a public charity in order to try for some grant funding. Our expenses are around $24,000 a year for 45-50 birds in residence. In past years, we have built 6 large exercise flights, an extra sun room and a separate building for quarantine & sickbay needs. We also have a 16X20 outdoor aviary with several permanent sanctuary residents. All outbuildings have electricity and water. As you can see, our commitment to these birds is huge! We presently care for 10 tiny finches up to 13 macaws and everything in between. We began in 1996 as a sanctuary, never dreaming the influx of birds would reach such epidemic proportions! We try our best to educate owners who wish to relinquish their birds, so the birds can remain in their homes. However, like most rescues, by the time people contact us, their minds are made up to place the bird. We have a waiting list now, but always take "birds-in-crisis." I will drive 4 hours tomorrow to retrieve such a cockatoo whose owner died suddenly. Our greatest need here is, and has always been, TOYS, TOYS, TOYS! Our birds are only in their cages when we're gone or to sleep, so foot toys, shredders and toys that hang from the ceiling are really welcomed. Nancy and George from Parrot Toy Angels, delivered a van full of toys to Birdlove last year made by caring and loving volunteers from all over the US & Canada. This organization certainly has the right name; everyone involved is an angel.” |
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| Until next issue, never hesitate to contact us for help in selecting cages or asking questions. We are here to help you and your birds. |
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