Possible Causes For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpus is derived from the Greek word "karpos" which means wrist. Our wrist is supported by fibrous connected tissues. The space between these fibrous tissues and the wrist bone is the carpal tunnel and the median nerve passes through this tunnel and signals are passed from the brain to the wrist through this nerve. If swelling occurs at the fibrous tissues, it can irritate the median nerve and disrupt nerve communication which will result in numbness of the fingers, medically known as "carpal tunnel syndrome".

The main causes of carpal tunnel syndrome is split up into 2 groups namely the biological causes and the working causes. Although there are 2 groups of causes, it is not easy to determine the exact cause of carpal tunnel syndrome as there are no specific tests that can be conducted.

Biological causes

Biological causes such as inflammation can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Inflammation can occur either through injuries, existing medical problems or insufficient rest between intensive usage of the hand.

Working causes

Preliminary studies have shown that most of the causes are due to working causes. Repetitive usage of the wrist may increase the pressure acting on the median nerve and increasing the chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome. Constant repeated motion such as swinging a tennis racquet or golf club as well as typing on the keyboard for long period of time may aggravate the condition.

Medical conditions

Some medical conditions may increase the risk of contracting CTS. Some examples of them are diabetes, arthritis, osteoarthritis, obesity and pregnancy. One of the complications of diabetes is CTS. Diabetic patients are prone to neuropathy and this can affect basic sensations. Patients who rely on kidney dialysis are also prone to contracting CTS. A damaged kidney will result in the build up of beta 2-microglobulin, a type of protein. This protein will increase the risk of getting CTS.

Genetics

Genetic factors may also increase the risk of CTS. If you have family members who have CTS, you are at a higher risk. CTS can run in the family.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there is an increase in fluid retention and swelling. This will increase the pressure build up in the wrist bone and compress the median nerve, causing CTS.

Leading a healthy lifestyle will decrease the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Ensure that your work space is ergonomic and you do frequent stretches to relieve pressure off your hands.

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Parakeet Pros and Cons of Owning This Energetic Little Pet Bird

Pluses and Minuses of Owning a Parakeet

Before deciding that a parakeet (also known as a budgie) will be a perfect pet you need to do some homework. Talk to people that own one, visit pet shops and go online to get more information on the pluses and minuses of owning these cute little birds. They are full of energy and their activities and chirping will make you smile and feel good.

Pros:

The Parakeet is a smaller member of the parrot family. They are very friendly and like to be handled, stroked and talked to. Most of them can be taught to say a few words but you often have to listen hard as they normally talk very quietly. When you are shopping at a pet store or from a breeder, you want to make sure that the parakeet that you are interested in is an active bird that is socializing with other birds.

You should always get a Parakeet that is young and the way to do this is by looking at the marks on their beaks. Look for a Parakeet that has bar markings in order to determine the age of the bird. A young one will still have its marks and by adopting a young one, you can expect your Parakeet to have a long and fruitful life.

A big plus is that a Parakeet is a pet that requires very little maintenance. You will likely have to care less for for this pet than you would have to for other types of animals. A pet Parakeet won't require daily walks or need to be taken to the park. This is a big plus if you aren't very active or just don't have the time to devote to your pet.

Parakeets are very intelligent birds that like to learn tricks and while it would be good to devote 30 minutes a day to them you can leave them to entertain themselves as long as their cage has a lot of toys in it along with another Parakeet.

If you are looking for a pet and your apartment or landlord does not permit a larger pet, the Parakeet maybe the answer to your problem. This pet can keep you company and will interact with you while you're not breaking your contract with your landlord.

Cons:

There aren't many reasons to for not owning a pet Parakeet. If you let them out of their cages to fly around the house you will find feathers along with droppings around your home. If you forget to cover them at night you will be entertained even if you don't want to be.

Your Parakeet will need a fairly large cage so they will have room to fly around a little bit. There also needs to be room enough for lots of toys and places for them to perch.

Another problem with owning a pet Parakeet is that you have to be concerned with chemicals that you are using within your home. The Parakeet is very sensitive to chemicals in the air as well as to pots and pans that you may be using to prepare and cook your meals on a daily basis. Always make sure to keep the Parakeet a good amount of distance away from the kitchen in your home.

Cleaning your pet's cage everyday may be another problem if you are pressed for time, but it's something that should be done. It doesn't really take much time but it may be more time than you want to put in every day.

Another thing that may be a problem is that it is almost mandatory to have at least a pair of parakeets. They are very social birds and don't do as well when you only have one. It isn't that much trouble to have two instead of one so get a pair. In fact you would have to spend more time entertaining just one instead of a pair as they will entertain each other.

As you can see the pros really outweigh the cons when you think about adopting Parakeets. If you have children, they could be the ideal pets as they are not very hard to care for and the kids can interact with them. Another good thing about these pet is taking care of them will teach your kids responsibility. All in all parakeets are a good pet for the whole household, especially a busy one without an abundance of room.

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Why Do Parrots Sneeze?

Parrots have very sensitive respiratory systems and like humans, sneeze when something "gets up their nose" or cere, in their case!

There are many different reasons why your bird may sneeze and I will list some of the more common ones below along with possible remedies.

Artificial fragrances:

Air fresheners are very dangerous to birds due to their sensitivity. These should be avoided at all costs. Scented candles can also cause respiratory problems and sneezing. Instead, try to fragrance your home with some fresh flowers, mint leaves or a small dab of essential oils on a cotton pad behind a radiator. I personally make my own "freshener" by putting fragrant flower petals such as rose and mint leaves into some distilled water and spraying it on my curtains.*WARNING* May attract parrot to curtains LOL

Furry pet hair:

Just like humans, birds can find pet hair uncomfortable and if it reaches high levels then the sneezing will commence! Vacuum as often as you can.

A change in the season:

Wet to dry, dry to wet....your birds nostrils could be affected by either! At the turn of the season it is quite normal to find your bird with a nail up it's nostril itching away! If the weather is warm and the air is dry, try taking him into the bathroom with you while you bath or shower to give him some humidity. Regular baths will help also. The same is true for the reverse and a dehumidifier can work wonders!

Dust:

Again, dust will get right up your birds cere if he is sensitive! Birds create their own dust also, especially birds such as the African Grey. When your bird moults, the sheaths that contain his new feathers will be disintegrating and causing dust continuously. Vacuum and dust as often as you can, air your home and quickly wipe over your birds cage daily with a damp cloth to help alleviate this. Air purifiers can be bought to help filter the air.

As I have said, there are many causes for sneezing and only you can be observant in your home to get to the source!

If there is nothing obvious and your bird is fluffed up, losing balance, has unusual droppings, nasal discharge or isn't eating or drinking, then you must get him to an avian vet immediately.

It is worth remembering that we all sneeze and as long as your bird is perfectly normal in every other way, then this should pass as quickly as it came on! It is also normal to find your bird releasing a small amount of CLEAR fluid from time to time during a sneeze is nothing to worry about either!

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Building Your Own Bird House

If you are a bird lover, you would most definitely enjoy the company of birds, be it as your own pet or luring the wild ones to your home. From being charmed by their sweet chirps to just gazing at their beauty, complexity and colors. Instead of buying one, it is even better to take some time and invest some effort into building your own avery house. Contrary to public belief, its not actually that hard to build one. I dont consider to be myself to a woodworking expert but with good plans and careful instruction, you can knock something up with relative ease and basic tools. Quite often the plans can be put together with scrap materials found around the house and could save you lot of money over the expensive pet shop versions

Whether you plan to build a full blown birdhouse, or a bird feeder to lure in the wild birds to your place, there are plans that would able to help you build your own. There are some aspects that should be considered when building one, only a true bird lover would know. However, if you want to build your own bird house, it is very important to follow a greatly constructed plan using particular techniques for you to be able to achieve a good one. There are so many do-it-yourself bird house plans on the internet that are designed by amateurs, ending up having many problems like the use of harmful materials to the birds, accumulation of water, and so on. A good bird house plan should be designed by a real bird lover who knows deeply about bird houses.

You might find it surprising that most of the great plans are actually very easy to follow. Most provide intricate details with step by step instruction, even a beginner who had never done any carpentry would be able to build their first own working birdhouse. You only need to put in time and effort to study the plan, and pay attention to the details of the step by step procedures, and you should be able to complete your own bird house.

Once you see the plans, you would also find out that building your own birdhouse is actually low cost, and much cheaper compared to the fancy ones you see sold in stores. The materials are of high quality, and are quite easy to get your hands on.

In fact, you would actually feel much better building a bird house from scratch rather than buying a readymade one. Imagine the satisfaction of seeing your birds, or the wild birds attracted to the houses or bird feeder that you invested your time, money and effort into building it.

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4 Best Places to Buy a Budgie

Budgies are quite beautiful and lovely pets to have. With time, they can grow into lifelong companions, learning your language and sometimes cheering you up. Finding the best places to buy a budgie however can be quite difficult considering that there are many things you have to consider in order to get a decent, healthy one.

Some bird sellers or breeders typically sell unhealthy budgies and unless you are familiar with them, you might not know that there is something wrong with them. This is even more common among budgies as they are tough, resilient and hardly show any sign that they are ill. So, by the time they usually start exhibiting the symptoms, there is need for quick medical intervention. So, if you are looking for the best places to buy a budgie/budgies, the following will help you.

1. Buy From a Reputable Breeder

One of the best places to buy a budgie from would be a reputable budgie breeder or from a pet shop. This is particularly important as a good budgie generally has good temperament and is most likely in great health. Finding a reputable breeder can be a little difficult considering the many options available. But a good rule of thumb is look for someone who has some experience, who has a clean aviary. You may need to pay the person a personal visit if possible.

2. Pet Shops

You can also get your budgies from a pet shop. While pet shops can be one of the best places to buy a budgie from, it is equally important for you to check out the pet shop's breeding practices and procedures. Pet shops are generally known to be shoddy in their breeding of budgies and all pets generally.

3. Check Animal Rescue or Shelter

Some people swear that animal rescue or shelter can be one of the very best places to buy a budgie from. This is because they have strict quarantine policies and vet testing procedures. You are more likely to find that budgies from these places tend to be in overall good health.

4. Check Online

You can also find budgies for sale in online bird marts, websites and classified ads by people willing to sell their budgies. While buying from people online, be careful as the birds may not in such a great shape. If you can, pay a visit to the aviary to see if the budgies were bred in a good and healthy environment.

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Macaw Cages - Make Your Pet Happy

There are no small macaw cages, just as there are no small macaws. Beautiful, boisterous, sassy, flamboyant - and very smart - he'll need lots of stimulation to keep him interested as well as plenty of time with you as he is a social bird. The largest of the macaws is the stunning Hyacinth Macaw which can reach forty inches long, including his tail! So, his cage is going to have to be spacious - search online for information about macaw cages as there are many sites devoted to macaws. All of them agree that the biggest of the macaw cages should be the one you choose; it should be a minimum of five feet in height, three feet deep and four feet wide. For easy movement, consider getting one with wheels - portable and really convenient for cleaning as macaws can be pretty untidy. How much should you pay? A good quality macaw cage is around $2,000 - get the best you possibly can because this is not something you want to replace frequently.

Your choice of macaw cages is super-important - some of the cheaper ones are made of galvanized steel which is extremely toxic to macaws, so ensure that when you research your macaw cages, it's made of solid stainless steel. Check the hinges and locks too - and make certain that the cage has double welds. That powerful beak with up to 1,000 psi bite pressure can break single welds in a heartbeat. There should be a removable tray at the bottom, making it easier to clean up after him. The bars should be an inch and a half apart so that when climbing, he can grab the bars with his beak without the risk of getting his head stuck. Check the thickness of the perches which come in all macaw cages - these should be thick enough for his big feet to curl around. Four to six inches around is not too much for a big macaw and you might consider replacing them with bark-covered ones to keep his talons well groomed.

There's so much to consider when viewing the variety of macaw cages online. If there's a breeder in your area, you can get all the information and tips you need first hand. He or she will tell you that your macaw will also need toys. Untreated wooden blocks to chew on - chewing is his favorite occupation and you can get these at your local lumber yard. And if you wish, you can color them by soaking them in Kool-Aid (the sugar-free kind) and letting them drip-dry. He'll need some strong, braided ropes to climb up and down and some "parrot puzzles." These come apart and you can hide a treat inside for him to discover and figure out how to get at it. When shopping for toys, choose the extra-large size for your macaw - they can play pretty rough.

Some macaw cages come with a "play-top." A ladder, a hook to hang toys on, perches and food bowls. Good-quality ones have a removable tray under the play-top for easy cleaning and your macaw will perch up there for hours enjoying the family interaction as well as taking part in it.

Where's the best place for the cage? With the family - for meals, watching TV, playing games or music. It's stimulating for him, keeping him amused and occupied. A bored macaw will shriek - very loudly - to get your attention and believe me, there's no ignoring that sound.

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Bird Allergies - Relief With HEPA Filtration

One of the biggest triggers for allergies is dust and dander from pet birds. One of the easiest and most effective ways to get relief is to use HEPA filtration to remove the allergens. Here is a discussion about how and why it works.

This overreaction causes a variety of symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, watering eyes, congestion and more. All of these are ways that the body tries to flush out and/or eject the offending substance.

Bird dust and dander contain a protein that is a highly potent allergy. And since dust and dander are a fact of life if you live with a bird, the solution needs to be a continuous one.

Yes, it's true that you can take a pill to reduce symptoms, but medications often trigger other symptoms. But wouldn't it be lovely to reduce the symptoms and the need for medication?

Experts all have differing opinions about how to treat allergies, but one of the few things they agree about is that the most effective and non-invasive way to get relief is to avoid the trigger.

Continually filtering the air of dust, dander, feathers and other bird-related triggers can drastically reduce your exposure to these irritants, and will help you get more enjoyment out of your bird and your life.

HEPA filtration is the same technology that hospitals use to insure clean air. This type of filter can trap and remove particles as small as .3 microns in size. HEPA filtration can easily eliminate visible particulates such as dust and feathers as well as the invisible ones like bird dander.

Typically those with allergies are allergic to a variety of irritants many of which are always present indoors. These triggers often work in concert with the bird-related irritants and create chaos for your body.

Airborne irritants are present in every indoor space regardless of how clean it is kept. These chronic irritants include household dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and dander from other pets, seasonal pollens, bacteria and viruses.

Reducing the dander starves the dust mites which reduces their numbers. And that's a good thing.. Pet dander is so sticky stuff so it can and does adhere to all sorts of airborne particles making it available to be constantly inhaled by all who live there.

Now let's consider how much your bird's quality of life will be improved by breathing air that is fresh, and clean.. Birds that are constantly forced to breathe air that is filled with particles will result in clogged airways. Restricted air passages are often the start of disease and infection that are nearly impossible to reverse. Clearing the air can add longevity and quality of life for your bird as well as its owner.

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The Most Fascinating Parrot Facts

As soon as you step your foot into the colorful world of parrots, you get to know a whole lot of parrot facts that are quite amazing. These birds are one of the most fascinating and intelligent lives from amongst all those who can fly. Earlier, scientists thought that parrots were "hopelessly simple" because they have a very small cerebral cortex, the area of intelligence in animals. But now, they have realized that parrots are quite smart. Research studies have concluded that these birds use another part of their brain and certain parts of their lower brain. It has also been observed that their hyperstriata are quite similar to ours. Probably, this is the reason why they have the ability to communicate and perform tasks that involve logic such as identifying a problem and experimenting with various tools and solutions.

When it comes to their communication abilities, experts reveal that parrots actually make variations on whistling, when they are talking. They do not have vocal cords because of which they actually push the air out of their trachea and create sound. Parrots not only communicate, but they also have the ability to mimic the sounds that are made around them. In this context, it would be interesting to know that an African gray parrot surprisingly had a vocabulary of a thousand words. Now that is an amazing fact.

Parrots are found in different sizes. The smallest parrot in the world is the buff-faced pygmy parrot which is only 3.2 inches tall, almost the same size as an adult human finger. This parrot is found in the forests of Papua New Guinea. While the largest of all the parrots in the world is the hyacinth macaw, which grows more than a meter high. It is found in the jungles of eastern and central South America. Parrots not only vary in size, but also vary in color. However, the eggs of all the parrots are white. Parrots usually live in dense forest areas so that they can easily hunt insects and other small mammals. They also feed on nuts, seeds and fruits. When they eat their food, they hold it in any one of their feet since they are both left and right-handed. Some of the species of parrots have long, brush-tipped tongues to drink nectar. Parrots such as the wild macaw and cockatoos have the ability to fly up to 500 miles a day, when searching their food.

Thus, parrots have proved to be wonderful birds that can impress you with their melody and charm. And once you enter their world, you won't feel like stepping out. You will always have the desire to know more and more parrot facts.

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Bird Room Air Purifier - 5 Best Features To Have

The right air purifier in your bird room can go a long way towards preserving the health of your bird and you. Here are the 5 best features to have in cleaner. These will insure that the air quality and quality of life remain high for both you and your pet.

Fresh Air As The Only By Product - Many cleaners emit ozone or use ionization to clear the air. Both of these technologies have possible side effects that can prove to be harmful to humans and pets.

The debate continues on about the safety of ozone. But the California has banned the production of cleaners that emit any amount and the Environmental Protection Agency has ruled that ozone is unsafe in any amount.

Opt for a cleaner whose only by product is fresh air. Fresh air is the best thing for your avian friend and you.

24 Hour Filtration Capability - Dust, dander and feathers can really add to the amount of particles in the air. These are in addition to the more normal pollutants that every home has such as dust, dust mites mold and mildew spores, seasonal pollen, bacteria, and viruses.

Because none of these irritants take a break, your air cleaner shouldn't have to take one either. Check the technical specifications of any unit that you are considering to make sure it has a split capacitor motor. This type of motor is designed to run continuously, effectively, and safely.

Continuous filtration keeps pollutants low, helps keep bird air passages clear, and helps humans avoid the onset and/or exacerbation of respiratory conditions such as allergies and asthma.

Multiple Particle Filters - Avoid purifiers with one or no filter. Even if one filter could adequately do the job (and it can't), the maintenance would be prohibitive in terms of cost and your time.

Instead, choose a cleaner with multiple filters for particles. One of them should be a HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filter. This technology is able to eliminate 99,997 out of every 10,000 particles down to.3 microns in size.

Pre-filters are also money savers. These trap large and medium size particles and are the first filters through which particle must move. Having the more inexpensive filters trap bigger particles saves the more intricate filter for minute particles. Pre-filters lower maintenance and the frequency of having to replace filters.

Filter for Odor - All animals have a distinctive smell. And love for a pet can make you totally oblivious to it day after day. But when family, friends, and co-workers visit you want a home that smells fresh.

A carbon cloth filter can not only remove pet related smells, but it is also designed to remove gases, odors, and chemicals that can be so hazardous to your bird's health. And because it is a cloth, this type of filter also gives you addition protection against particles.

360 Degree Air Intake - In your bird room you surely want your birds to take center stage rather than the air cleaner. Choosing a unit that can pull air from all sides gives you flexibility of placement. A cleaner like this generally only needs 6 inches of clearance from any surface to allow filtration on all sides.

This means you can put it in a corner up high or down low, rather than having to put it in the center of the room or in some other awkward location. That way the unit doesn't have to be seen or heard.

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Parrot Videos On YouTube

Parrot videos abound. We've all dreamed of our splendid arrivals on the Silver Screen, but most of us will never be that lucky. Parrots, on the other hand, are natural hams, and by now You Tube is inundated with their spectacular talent. All you need these days to achieve that fame (or notoriety) is a web cam and a willing candidate. Pet parrots are among the most popular there are out there. If you aren't interested in the huge responsibility it takes to own a parrot, you can still get in on the fun. Just punch in "parrot" on YouTube, and up will flash videos for just about anything a parrot can do! Mating, even. Chattering in human language, dancing, cursing, even singing in foreign languages. You're bound to find a parrot doing anything!

If you'd like to see the brainiest of the birds, type in Einstein the parrot. You will find him in many videos with his trainer Stephanie showing off his abilities. He could do more than just talk. He could associate words with objects, identify colors, do simple calculations, make simple sentences, and even answer simple questions. Experts don't all agree on whether or not Einstein "understood" what he was doing. Some think his behaviors were due to subtle cues from his trainers, but whether it's real or not, no one can argue its entertainment value!

Another famous (but also deceased) bird you can find on videos is Alex, another African Grey. His trainer was Irene Pepperberg, and she is completely convinced that all this is real, that it emanates from the birds' intelligence. Her assertions have not gone unchallenged, however, and the biggest piece of criticism is that Alex was the only bird she used in her research. After Alex died Pepperberg has taken up a new research subject, named Griffin, who you can also see on videos. Together they work to duplicate her research with Alex, thereby achieving stronger evidence for the birds' natural intelligence. Using a method called Model-Rival Technique, this time she is focusing less on imitation and more on recognition of things such as colors, materials, and objects. Her work is so exciting because of its implications for our understanding of all the animal kingdom, not just bird, which aren't even mammals!

If you'd like to get in on the fun, you could purchase your own parrot, but do realize before you undertake this costly venture that you will be investing much more than just money. Parrots, even untrained ones, require boundless energy and lots of time, just to stay healthy. You don't have to own one to enjoy parrot videos.

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Interesting Pet Parrot Facts

Parrots are fascinating animals, and if you have one, it's important to get all the parrot facts. There are several things that make a parrot a parrot, and not just another bird.

You may notice that your parrot does not blink very often. A parrot only has one eyelid, which actually goes all the way around the parrot's eye. What is most interesting about the parrot's eye is the ability to contract and expand the pupil at will, making necessary adjustments based on the amount of light.

Parrots are most known for their unique ability to "talk." In reality, they are simply mimicking the sounds that they hear around them, which will often be human speech. Pet parrots are also known for making sounds like a ringing telephone, dogs or other pets, and even the vacuum cleaner. They are able to do this because they have a distinctly fleshy tongue, which is thick enough that they can mimic human speech.

In most types of birds, you will find one of two different types of beaks: one for tearing apart food, and one for cracking seeds and nuts. Parrots, however, have a type of beak that does both. They have thick, rounded beaks which are good for cracking seeds and nuts, and a hook on the end which is good for tearing apart their food.

Parrots are also distinct from other species of birds because of their feet. They have four toes on each foot, two forward-facing ones, and two backwards-facing ones. These toes are very strong and because they are facing opposite directions, they allow the parrot to have an extremely strong grip on whatever the parrot is holding onto. Most often, this is a branch or a wire, and such a tight grip allows the parrot to hang upside down, and climb very easily.

In addition to having very strong feet, parrots also use their feet for something that very few other species of birds do. They use their feet like hands, to hold onto food while eating, or for climbing. This is very useful for parrots as it allows them to keep food that other birds may miss out on because they're not able to hold onto it.

If you have not already brought a parrot into your home, be sure to do your research and learn all the parrot facts first, so you are prepared for the uniqueness and wonder a parrot will bring into your home.

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Parrots As Pets for Everyone

Parrots as pets can be a delight for almost anyone. If you don't mind a pet that requires loads and loads of attention, as much as a child, in fact, a parrot might be just the right pet for you. There are many varieties to choose from, and you are likely to find one that will fit well into your family. From small budgerigar parakeets to giant Macaws, and everything in between. You can choose from love birds, cockatoos, cockatiels, and African Greys. There is a special kind of parrot for everyone.

A major thing to consider before you decide to buy a parrot is where you will buy it from. Pet stores are most people's first thought, but a private breeder is also a good choice. Make sure your prospective bird was raised in captivity since it is harmful and illegal to buy a trapped bird. You can get parrots that are parent raised or hand raised. A hand raised bird will be faster and easier to tame. Of course, ideally you should buy a young bird, unless you are doing a rescue and are already familiar with the behaviors of parrots.

If you are searching for a special parrot suited to a young child, then a budgie would be the best choice. Small, easily tamed, and gentle, they come in beautiful colors, and like their bigger cousins, can also learn to talk. They don't require the huge amount of attention that the bigger parrots do, either.

The next size up, the cockatiel, also makes a gentle pet for older children. Requiring a bit more time and care, you can get these for children who are capable of being a little bit more involved in the pet care process.

Love birds are beautiful and their color variety doesn't just stop with the green and peach-faced. You can get them in yellow, too. If you buy a pair, though, don't expect the individuals to be as devoted to you as they are to each other. Most parrots love having a mate and they will always prefer the mate to you.

The larger parrots require much more time and commitment than the three just mentioned. They are also capable of inflicting much more harm because they have huge, sharp beaks and powerful talons. These larger birds are best left to adults who have lots and lots of time to spend with the bird and who are willing to devote a whole lifetime to the animal's care. Larger parrots can live up to 80 years.

Parrots as pets can be wonderful, but be sure to take the time to pick the best one for you.

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Deciding On The Right Parrot Stands

Finding the right parrot stands to work in your house can be difficult because there are so many options. But because there are so many options, it is possible to find the one that is right for your family, and for your parrot.

The most important deciding factor is the width of the branches. This is important because the wrong size will cause pain to your parrot, and can actually lead to some serious leg deformities if left untreated. A stand that is too narrow will cause a parrot's foot to cramp and will not allow them to rest comfortably because they have to hold on tight to remain balanced on the narrow stand. Stands that are too wide will also cause cramps and the parrot has even more trouble balancing because he can't hold on well enough.

The next thing you will have to figure out is what you will be using your parrot stand for, and how long you plan on leaving your parrot there. Your parrot will still need to be kept in a cage when unsupervised to avoid him getting into trouble, so the stand is not the only place your parrot will live. Parrots that will get plenty of supervision and be allowed to stay on the stand for hours at a time will need a lot of toys and multiple levels to climb on, as well as access to food and water. For short training periods, a much simpler stand is needed without anything extra, and you can find everything in between.

Once you have your ideal stand in mind, you need to decide where to place it in your home. It's important to be sure it's in a place that is safe for your parrot in that it's away from direct sunlight, drafty areas, and other pets. You will also need to be sure that it's somewhere that there will be people to watch and interact with him. Leaving a parrot unattended for too long is just asking for him to find bad ways to amuse himself.

The last thing to note is the level at which you will need to place your parrot stand. It's important that your parrot be just lower than eye level with people so that they do feel secure and a part of the family. However, allowing parrot stands to be up too high will put the parrot in a dominant position, which sometimes leads to aggression.

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African Grey Parrot Diet

When thinking about what to give your parrot to eat, think of what he ate in the wild. He ate fruit and nuts. You may think all fruits are fine to give him to eat and most fruits are safe. However, avocado is not good for parrots neither are the seeds of fruit. Most seeds contain cyanide and although it does not contain enough to kill a human, your parrot is a lot smaller than you are and therefore it will cause a lot of damage.

You should give your parrot organic pellets as a main food source. Fruits, nuts and vegetables, cooked or raw are given more as a supplementary food source. Birds in general need a lot of calcium, vitamin A, better known as beta-carotene, and leafy greens and mustard greens are a good source of the two. Broccoli is the best source of both.

By giving your parrot fresh fruit and vegetables, you will boost his immune system as fresh vegetables and fruit contain phyto-nutrients. This is known to help speed up healing and is thought to help prevent diseases. You can also give your parrot cooked rice and a very small amount of cooked (never raw) meat and fish for protein. This must not be given on a daily basis as in the wild parrots do not eat meat. Some parrots have been known to enjoy a bone with tit bits of meat on it.

Apples, berries (all berries that you can eat) banana, oranges, seedless grapes, melons, kiwi, mango, papaya (remove the skin off the mango and papaya), almonds and unsalted peanut or other nuts, are good for your parrot.

Spinach, beans, sweet potato, peppers (red, green and chili), peas, lettuce (not ice-berg or head) celery, collard, kale (excellent source of calcium), butternut, zucchini and cucumber are the right vegetables for your parrot.

Boiled eggs with the shell still on is a good source of protein and calcium.

DO NOT give your parrot coffee or chocolate: as it contains theobromine, this is an alkaloid that is poisonous for your parrot. Alcohol and salty foods must not be given to your parrot. Birds do not have sweat glands and therefore cannot get rid of the salt in their bodies.

Furthermore, if you provide pellets, fruit and vegetables you do not have to supplement your birds diet with other supplements. Too much vitamins can cause a lot of problems. Before supplementing his food, go see an avian specialist, they will be able to tell you if it is needed.

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