But how much would a cute kitten or a cute puppy, parrot or fish cost to have in your own family?

Unless you buy a rare breed, the initial cost of the pet is minor. What’s much more costly is maintaining the pet. Beyond to the initial cost of adoption, there’s a long list of expenses that the average pet owner will incur within a year.

The ASPCA has developed a handy tool to make it easier to plan for (and assess the feasibility of) a potential new arrival in the family in the form of a pet.

It is a detailed financial breakdown of annual costs of caring for a variety of animals, by size: small dogs, medium dogs, large dogs, cats, fish, etc. It covers grooming, pet toys, litter, pet health insurance, pet training, and 15 or so more line items, besides…. pet food.

If you sign up for our monthly newsletter, you will receive your own FREE copy of the Financial Pet Care Overview for your use.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Winter and cold weather has come to much of the country. You may not think of winter as a good time to watch birds, but I find it excellent bird watching weather. There things you can do to make their lives easier and your watching more enjoyable. It consists of three simple things: provide food, water and shelter.

Food Supply

With very cold temperatures and snow covering the ground the food supply is the most essential for our feathered friends’ ability to survive the winter. Bird feeders bring large numbers and varieties of birds right to your yard and into your viewing area. Many flocks of birds move through the area including, woodpeckers, chickadees, juncos, nuthatches, doves, cardinals and others. There are different types of feeders to suit the needs and species of different birds. One of the bird feeders I like to use has a roof to protect the seed and the birds from the snow and ice. I also like the use of a ground feeder in the winter as the pole type feeders get to busy to accommodate the crowds and many birds are actual ground feeders. Suet feeders are also important in the winter especially for attracting woodpeckers. Suet feeders provide the fat for the birds so they can generate energy and heat. There was a shortage of berries in nature this year due to an ice storm early in the spring so be sure to get a good quality suet that contains real berries.

At the end of this article I have included my own homemade recipe for suet.

Another great bird feeder especially for winter use is the window feeder. It attaches right to your window and brings the birds up close. Some models can even be filled from inside your home.

Shelter

Shelter for the birds can be in many forms. Natural thickets, evergreens, or shelters you can provide. After the Christmas tree has given us great joy we then place it outside near our bird feeders for shelter. Clean out your roosting and nesting boxes and winterize them by adding wood shavings and plugging vent and drain holes. Create a brush pile- use logs, branches, limbs, corn stalks and others yard cuttings to make a tepee. Attach extensions to the roofs of your feeders.

Water

Water is an important element in the bird habitat that many of us do not think about. Many birds can use a natural source-rivers, ponds, lakes etc. However these sources can freeze over. Cardinals especially use water on a daily basis for not only drinking but also bathing. You may want to invest in a heater for your birdbath for winter.

If you implement these three things-food, shelter and water to your yard, you and your birds will not only survive the long cold winter, but will get some enjoyment out of it too!

Berry-Raisin Suet Recipe

1 Cup Grease from bacon, sausage, other fatty meat or Lard

½ Jar of Peanut Butter (chunky)

1 ½ Cup Oatmeal (not instant)

1 ½ Cup Cracked Corn

1 Cup Raisins

1 ½ Cup Cranberries (any colorful berry)

Melt peanut butter with the grease. Add other ingredients. Cool slightly and pack into plastic containers or milk or orange juice cartons. Refrigerate or freeze. Cut into shapes for suet feeders.

We at http://birdhousesofbeauty.com/ can help you take care of your feathered friends this winter as we offer a large selection of quality bird houses and bird feeders, both functional and decorative for all varieties of birds. Our website has products for Blue birds, Purple Martins, Hummingbirds, Wren, Chickadees, Orioles, Cardinals and Woodpeckers. We also have a good selection of squirrel proof feeders. We use only top quality name brand suppliers including: Audubon, Droll Yankees, Duncraft, Home Bazaar and more. Please check out our website http://birdhousesofbeauty.com/ for your next bird feeder or birdhouse- we also welcome any comments or inquiries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

There are a lot of people today that want a parrot for a pet but there are also many that do not know how to take care of one. There are many problems that can appear when you want to take care of a parrot properly. The biggest problem costs in not providing to our new feathered friend with a proper house. Choosing a cage for a parrot seems to be very difficult because not many people realize that parrot’s needs are very complex.

There are more and more parrot’s owners that complain about different problems that appear to their new pet. There are indeed a lot of behavioral problems that can appear to a parrot but most of the times they have one cause: an unfitted cage to witch the parrot tries to accommodate but of course in vane. Here are some of the problems that can appear: feather plucking, phobic behavior, screaming and even biting and aggression.

We must understand that the cage is in fact the pet’s new home. How would you feel if someone will take you and put you in an unfitted home? Not good anyway. So is the parrot: if he doesn’t like he’s new cage he will complain all the time. These situations will surly bother you for a long time since a parrot’s life can reach even 40 years.

We must have in consideration the needs of a parrot and we must give him the much comfort we can. The cage is the parrot’s home. In his home he must have his water bottle, his bowl of food and his toys. The first thing we must do if we want to provide a comfortable home to our parrot is to buy him the largest cage there is! Some of us don’t understand that parrots are in fact birds and they must stretch their wings! A little cage will not give him this chance. So if you see your parrot under stress you must understand that there is something wrong with his cage.

Even if it is true that you must fit the cage’s dimensions with the specie of the parrot you have, my advice to you is to get the largest cage there is without regarding your parrot’s specie. You may ask why? Let me give you an example: there are a lot of people that have parrots as pets. Although they are a small specie parrots are very playful. You will not see your pet sitting even for a second. For you to provide them the playground they want you must take them a large cage even they are small birds.

Think for a minute that your bird will stay in his new cage at least 20 hours alone! I calculated here the night hours when he sleeps and the 8 hours you are at work. In these conditions he must have a very comfortable cage. Why is the cage important you may ask? Why can’t we let the bird free within the house or why can’t we let the cage’s door open? Well, that is the biggest mistake one can make! There are a lot of reasons why a cage is very important:

- First of all a parrot needs different textures as well as different diameters to be orientated.

- Then if you will let a parrot loss he will immediately go to the highest point in the room and just sit there. In this way he will think he is in control over his flock and territory.

- Also if he was to be free he will not play with his toys. You will not have a playful pet. So, to be sure he gets all the exercises he needs to develop his feet and his legs muscles properly you must get him to play with his toys and play pan. This is possible only when he is in a cage

When buying a cage take in consideration beside your bird’s dimensions, that inside that cage you will have to put also all kinds of toys, at least three bawls and a swing. Also do not be tempted to buy a round cage because this shape will get your parrot psychological problems. Also you must know that the vast majority of commercial parrot products are not made to be attached to a round surface.

If you want to know more about parrot care and about parrot cages or learn about pet parrots just visit my website.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Pet birds are easily affected by unwholesome smells, similar to wild birds. Common household appliances and items such as Teflon pans, aerosol sprays and even innocuous furniture polish can be fatal for birds. The best policy when handling anything that may give off a strong odor is to use it in a well-ventilated area that is well away from your birds.

Pet birds have a strong desire to chew, and this can prove to be a serious danger. Lead poisoning can be caused when a bird chews on soldered joints found on welded items. In addition, birds like to nibble on potted plants. Despite contrary belief, poinsettia plants are not poisonous. It is important to remember that if you are unsure if a plant is toxic or not, it is best to err on the side of caution and move the plant away from the bird. A small pot of innocuous parsley can be helpful to the bird to overcome the desire of nibbling on houseplants as it is a safe substitute.

Fresh food that is fed to your birds will do them a whole lot of good; however, food like coffee, chocolate and avocado are fatal for birds and they should never be given such foods.

As the holiday season approaches, most people will bring a tree into their house. Many people associate a tree with a birds natural habitat and assume that their birds will enjoy climbing it. While the birds may in fact enjoy such an activity, many pine trees are toxic to birds, especially if they have been treated with any type of preservatives. In addition, ornaments and electric lights can pose a safety hazard to your birds.

If your bird does not have its wings clipped, there are quite a few additional safety concerns to be addressed. Firstly, all glass doors and windows should be shielded one way or another. A good bet is achieved by blinds, shades or curtains. Placing safety decals on windows and glass is another option, besides curtains or blinds, to alert the bird that the glass is there and help avoid serious or fatal accidents. Mirrors and other large reflective surfaces should be treated similarly when your bird is out of its cage.

Standing water can pose as a form of danger as well. Your bird can drown in a toilet or full kitchen sink in a matter of seconds. Cooking while a bird is out of its cage is not advised, especially if you have an uncovered pot on the stove.

Finally, always be mindful of the whereabouts of your bird even if its wings are clipped. Even a bird with clipped wings can soar for a considerable distance if there is an upward breeze. It is easy to forget that your bird is perched on your shoulder when your doorbell suddenly rings and you rush to answer it but you must remember never to carry your bird to an open door regardless of whether or not its wings are clipped.

By Moses Wright

Moses Wright is a an experience bird owner. He created a web site to help fellow pet owners with their home pet problems You can get more free information on bird care problems on his site.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Thanks to selective breeding, there’s quite possibly a canary out there to suit every personality and desire. Some canaries are bred for their coloration, some are bred for their shape, and some, of course, are bred to produce a very specific song pattern. What kind of canary you purchase will depend on what canary resources are available near you. If you can find a reputable canary breeder, that will be your best option. Many pet stores now, however, commit to purchasing healthy birds only from reputable breeders, but check first to make sure that your canary was not wild caught or raised in less-than-desirable conditions. If the pet store manager can not account for where your potential canary came from, don’t buy a canary from that store! Oh, and be sure that the canary you purchase is a male, if it’s a strong singer you’re after. The females are incapable of producing the characteristic long trills and melodies that made canaries famous.

Canaries can be quite delicate, so a primary part of learning to care for a pet canary is to realize that prevention is key. If there’s a number one rule of pet canary care, it’s that you absolutely must keep your canary away from drafts at all times. A drafty room can kill a canary without any warning whatsoever, and even a slight draft can prevent your canary from warbling. If a lit candle flickers when held outside your canary’s cage, then you’ve picked a spot that’s too drafty for your new feathered friend!

As far as cages go, your canary doesn’t require anything too spectacular-just enough room to hop about and stretch his wings. Make sure you purchase a cage that is at least two feet wide and three or four feet tall.

Get a cage with a tray in the bottom to make for easy cleaning, and make sure that the bars of the cage are not coated with toxic paint or other chemical sealants. You should clean your canary’s cage thoroughly at least once a week, washing perches, food and water containers, and toys in a mild bleach solution, and washing down the rest of the cage with dish soap and warm water.

By Barry Mcgee

While they can’t stand drafts, canaries do love indirect sunlight. A good supply of natural light will keep your canary singing, and will also interest him in breeding should a female be present. If a draft will kill a canary the fastest, a second runner up is dehydration. Because of their speedy metabolisms, canaries require a lot of water and may die if they go as little as a day without it. Change your canary’s water daily and never leave for more than a day without asking someone to water your canary for you. As for food, seed is the mainstay of a canary’s diet, and there are many good commercially available seed mixes made specifically for canaries. You should supplement your canary’s seed with a little fresh fruit and boiled egg every day. An apple slice and a fourth of a hard boiled egg is enough. You should also provide your canary with a cuttlebone, as he will gnaw on this to attain necessary calcium.

With these basic rules and supplies of pet canary care well in hand, you’re ready to seek out the perfect canary for you. Will you choose a rosy red colorbred canary, an exotic Persian Singer, or something in between? Whatever your decision, your canary will thank you exuberantly for the next ten to fifteen years the best way he knows how-by singing his heart out.

About The Author: Barry S. Mcgee is a pet enthusiast. His site at: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline provides advice and information on all aspects of pet care for all types of pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and others and makes it easier for pet owners to choose the best solution for their companion’s care.

For answers to all your pet care questions, please visit: http://www.squidoo.com/petcareonline

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

One of the main reasons why parrots behave this way may be that they are being left alone by themselves for far too long. This causes them to become withdrawn and would retaliate when approached. Socialize your parrot by introducing it to your family members, friends and even to your other pets to build confidence of being in the company of others. It is natural instincts for a parrot to cause hurt when it feels that its territory is being threatened by strangers. With adequate time, your bird will settle down and feel at home.

As an alternative, give your parrot a toy to nibble at. If it refuses to let go of your fingers, give it a blow on its face as a sign that you disapproves of the bird biting you. Do this over and over again each time this happens and your pet bird will get the message.

Verbally tell your parrot ‘no’ and place the bird back in its cage as a form of punishment. Cover the cage and leave it alone for some time. The parrot, being an intelligent bird, will sense that it is being disciplined.

Observe your bird’s behaviour. African Grey parrots, especially, are temperamental and if you find that your parrot is moody, leave it alone. Just like humans, there are times when it needs to be by itself and not be forced to learn new tricks. Be sensitive to your bird and the biting can be stopped.

Take your parrot to new surroundings for a change, such as different rooms in the house, the balcony or outside on the lawn. Imagine being at the same location all the time, your parrot will lose it sense of balance. Let it enjoy new company and breathe new air. In adapting to different environments, your parrot will become less defensive and unlikely to protect itself by hurting others.

Lookout for mood changes, frustrations and irritations in your bird and avoid coming close to it when this happens. Let the bird overcome this behaviour with time. When your parrot hurts you on the finger, try not to show any reaction because it may do that again just to see the same reaction from you. Gently remove yourself from the situation. Do not retaliate by shaking the bird.

Repeat your training and be patient. Keeping a pet parrot is a lifelong commitment but it will benefit both you and you bird. Your pet bird will learn to stop biting and you will learn to be patient and build character.

ByAzmi Adnan

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

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

These are the most important questions you should ask yourself BEFORE considering owning a bird as a pet. Birds live a long time, depending on the type some live over 20yrs. Birds require a lot of interaction and stimulation. If you don’t have the life style that would be conducive to having a bird as a pet then stop right here! YOU must adapt yourself to the bird, and not expect the bird to adapt itself to you!

Not only having a home that is bird suitable, but having a home that has an appropriate place for a cage is very important. I can’t stress enough the importance of having a suitable cage. Depending on the type of bird will be the factor in the size and placement of the bird cage. Cages can be very costly, the bigger the bird the bigger the cage. Certain bird types need different types of feeders,waters, and toys. Yes, toys, boredom is one of the birds biggest stresses. Boredom can causes many problems in birds, feather plucking, depression and behavior problems.

Being a bird owner is not to be taken lightly. I would rather you find out now then to realize this after investing in everything to have a bird as pet. There isn’t much of a market for getting rid of previously owned birds. Having a bird as a pet can be very rewarding,but only if you are willing to educate yourself on being the best bird owner possible.

Birds are very entertaining and very smart animals, some types can be taught to speak, they can be house broken, and taught to do tricks. Once again it takes a very committed person to own a bird. They are not just play things that can be put away when your tired of playing with them. Owning other pets, having them in the same environment as the birds not a good idea, nothing against cats but cats can cause pet birds a lot of strife. A scratch from a cat can cause a type of bacteria to enter into the birds blood stream and kill just as quick as if the cat had just attacked it.

Birds can very easily get their beaks caught in things,that is why not only having a bird safe home important, but having a cage that is safe too. Birds are allergic to many different types of plants, cleaning solutions, cooking utensils and smoke. As you see it’s quite extensive the amount of knowledge needed BEFORE getting a bird as a pet.

By Nancy Mcdaniel

Nancy McDaniel is a lover and bird owner, she writes on this subject and other related issues. You can learn more by visiting my blog http://new2birds.blogspot.com

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

The quickest and most effective way to teach your bird to speak is to understand how birds learn speech. If you utilize the bird’s natural inclinations and abilities, teaching your pet will be a much more enjoyable experience for both you and the bird. In the wild, parrots are most vocal during the morning and the evening. This is when they would gather with their flock to feed and roost. Since they are inclined to be noisy at these times, it is a good idea to work with your bird then.

Parrots also pick up words much more quickly during heightened states of emotion. When the bird is excited about you returning home from work, he or she is much more likely to retain the words or phrases you repeat. Similarly, if you speak with emotion, the words will stick in the mind of the bird much easier than if you say something in a monotone, bored voice. This is why so many parrots pick up curse words. These are words that are said with emphasis and gusto and therefore the bird remembers them. It is important to remember when working with your bird, that even if your bird is retaining the words you say, he won’t necessarily repeat them right away.

In the wild, birds learn language by listening to other voices that sound like their own. If you imitate the tone of your bird’s voice, you will increase the chance that the information is retained. So if you have a parakeet or a cockatiel than speak to the bird in a very high, squeaky voice. If you have a cockatoo, then it would be best to have a woman teach the birds words, since this type of bird has a smooth, female-like voice. Another great way to quickly teach your bird is to put it with other birds that speak. This is the most natural way for a bird to learn speech.

A parrot can learn the whole vocabulary of another bird in one month. If you don’t have a neighbor or friend with a bird that speaks, you can purchase CDs that replicate this phenomenon. Use Parrot voices that speak a wide variety of phrases. The phrases are repeated several times for a few minutes at random through out the day, just like a parrot would.

Be wary of CDs with human voices that claim they will teach your bird to speak. These CDs do not match the learning style of parrots since they do not match their tone to the particular bird, they do not speak with emotion and emphasis, and by repeating the same words over and over again, they can actually teach your parrot to hate those words!

Parrots pick up words that intrigue them. This is why two birds in the same setting will pick up different words. Every bird is different. CDs that endlessly repeat words will tire the bird, making those words boring and less likely to be retained.

Author: Zevs Borealis. This article is one of many featured at http://www.parrotsite.com – A website dedicated to the world of Bird Lovers. Revolutionary Speech Training Method Will Change How Bird’s Learn To Talk.

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Many birds become very unhappy rather quickly due to the boredom of sitting in an empty cage. Birds have very active minds and strong beaks they need to work out in order to help keep them occupied and happy. Boredom is one of the reasons why many birds become pluckers and pull out their own feathers. This is why it is important to choose the right toys for your new pet bird.

When choosing a toy for your pet bird it is important to make sure that you choose a toy that is the right size. Some toys are specifically designed for smaller birds and are not always safe if you have a large pet bird. Larger birds have much stronger beaks and can easily break apart toys that were designed for smaller birds. This can be a potential choking hazard.

An extremely popular toy for many smaller birds are swing sets and Olympic rings. Many birds get so much enjoyment out of these two types of toys that they will in fact try to swing on both of them at the same time. Some larger birds also enjoy playing on swing sets, but the majority of bigger birds are not as fond of them as their smaller brethren. Toy ladders are a favorite of birds of all sizes but you have to make sure that you have adequate room in your pet bird’s cage.

If you have a bird that has tendencies to pluck a lot, it would be in you and your birds best interest to buy toys which can be preened. Keeping your little buddy busy preening their toys means they are much less likely to spend time pulling out their own feathers. If you purchase a toy that has been made with cotton preening strips you need to pay close attention for any threads that begin to fray. A loose thread could easily tangle around your bird’s neck or foot. Preening toys composed of feathers are significantly safer since you do not have the dangers of any loose threads.

Toy play gyms for pet birds are a lot like the gyms in which children play, and many birds get almost the same amount of enjoyment from their play gyms as children do theres. Most bird play gyms include climbing ropes, perches, ladders, seesaws as well as swings and a small bowl for treats.

There are certain toys you should think twice about giving your pet bird. Any toy that has a mirror or highly reflective surface may cause your bird to become bonded with its own reflection. Also toys with flimsy parts with tiny attachments that are not securely fastened such a small bells can also be a bad idea. If your bird manages to pull off any tiny part from one of its toys it may end up swallowing it, and the results could be fatal.

Lastly worth pointing out is the fact that many birds, just like children are quite happy playing with simple objects rather than expensive toys. For example, a paper towel tube or something like a wooden tongue depressor can be quite a joy for many birds. As always be sure to supervise and watch your pet bird closely to make sure they do not injure themselves with whatever it is that they are playing with.

For more information on caring for your parrot or parakeet or any pet bird visit us at http://pet-birds.lifestyle-web.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stacy_Richford
http://EzineArticles.com/?Choosing-The-Right-Toys-To-Keep-Your-Pet-Bird-Happy-And-Healthy&id=280897

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.

Birds make great pets, but it requires making a good decision before you take on your new companion. A little knowledge before you make your choice can save you lots of headaches down the road and ensure that you and your new pet will get along just fine in the years to come. Purchasing a bird for a pet doesn’t have to be difficult.

There are birds that a very personable, like cockatiels and lovebirds, birds that talk, like parrots and mynah birds, those that sing, like canaries and those that are fun to watch, like finches.

Some of these traits cross over. For instance, male cockatiels can learn to talk and whistle. In fact, a friend of mine had one that liked to ask him, “Where’s my baby?” and even whistle the theme to the Andy Griffith show.

If you like smaller birds, you might go for finches, lovebirds or parakeets. If you are not intimidated by large birds, a parrot, macaw, cockatoo or conure might make a good companion.

If you are on a budget, get a Budgie, which is a Parakeet. They are not only affordable, but they make great pets for kids. Most of them are beautifully colored and they can be very affectionate if you spend time with them. Some even learn to talk.

If you want something more exotic and showy, try a large Parrot. They can learn to talk and do tricks and they love to show off. These brightly colored birds can also be very affectionate once you have earned their trust.

Certainly, this is not an all inclusive list of birds that make good pets. Some people even keep doves and pigeons, among others. One thing you don’t want to do is make a wild bird a pet. They don’t adapt well, they don’t take well to humans and they may carry diseases.

Typically, you can figure the bigger the bird, the bigger the mess. Birds can be messy because they get their food all over the place, especially when they are breaking shells from nuts and seeds. But it’s worth it. You can get supplies to help reduce this undesirable mess.

Don’t be in a hurry when you go shopping for your bird. Plan on spending some time looking at several birds. You will soon discover they have different personalities. If you are a laid back person, you might want a laid back bird. If you are outgoing, you might want the one that is proactive and runs up to greet you as you approach the cage.

Remember, it’s cute to have a bird that talks, but they do not come with ‘on and off’ switches. If you are not prepared for a noisy bird, don’t get a parrot or a cockatoo. Certainly you can usually quiet them temporarily by putting a cover over their cage or putting them in a dark room, but this is not fair. Understand what you are getting into before you make a purchase or adopt your new friend.

Whichever bird you decide is right for you as a pet, be fair and make sure you are going to be dedicated to giving your new friend a happy home. Birds like these enjoy attention and need proper care. If you take good care of them, you may be companions with them for decades, so be prepared to take on the responsibility.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Birds

Copyright 2009 Fine Pet Care.com. All Rights Reserved.