As a general rule you should only get another bird if you want another bird. You, as an owner, must accept the responsibility of caring for, feeding and loving additional pets in your home.
There are certain species that may become more involved with each other therefore developing less of an interactive relationship with you and your family.
If you feel your bird is lonely or bored you should first consider providing more pet safe toys and entertainment for the bird or you may end up with 2 bored, lonely birds.
All new birds should be checked by your veterinarian. A physical examination including a record of the current weight, will be performed. Certain tests may be recommended to help screen your new pet for evidence of possible disease. Your veterinarian can discuss this with you.
The new bird should be quarantined in a separate room within the house for 30 - 45 days. A new bird can have a relatively unknown history and may be carrying some disease that other birds may catch. Some people have experienced great tragedies by unknowingly introducing a sick bird without a quarantine period, only to have their own birds fall ill. Any evidence of ill health should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian immediately.
After the quarantine period, it is a good idea to put the 2 cages in the same room. Gradually move the cages closer to each other. Eventually, under strict supervision, the 2 birds may be introduced together while monitoring for bullying or fighting. Remember, the original pet has someone intruding on his/her territory. This may lead to certain challenges. Only the birds can decide who is the 'boss' and establish who is to be at the top of the pecking order.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Your Bird is Smarter Than You Think
In addition to the basics your bird needs - food, water, shelter, sleep, and social interaction - he also requires intellectual stimulation, the kind that can only be derived from play and training. Researchers are finding that birds can solve problems by insight, and even learn by example, as do human children. How much conscious thought is taking place, versus instinctive behavior, is the subject of ongoing study.
Parrots are considered to be the smartest of birds. They can be taught to distinguish colors, shapes, objects, and even people. The African Grey parrot is a bird now believed to have the intelligence and emotional make-up of a 3- to 4-year-old child.
As birds continue to evolve, their capacity for analytical thinking appears to be on the rise:
Birds can be very resourceful - "Tool user," once a term used exclusively to define and distinguish mankind, is today also applied to birds. Wild birds have been observed to lay walnuts in the roadway so passing cars will crack them open. Captive cockatoos will clip off small sticks of wood with their beaks, and then use them to scratch various parts of their body. Keep an eye on how your bird uses his toys, ropes, chew sticks, and similar items. The items just might be put to new uses.
Some birds can understand… and use… human language - At one time parrots where thought only to mimic speech. Hence, the term "parroting" was coined. Now, it appears this was in error. How would you react if, after you clean your bird's cage, he commented, "Looks good"? Alex, an African Grey parrot being studied by Irene Pepperberg, did just that. Reportedly, Alex has developed a 100-word vocabulary and can identify 50 different objects, recognize quantities up to six, distinguish seven colors and five shapes, and understand the difference between big and small, same and different, and over and under. Amazingly, Alex puts words together in new and meaningful phrases. Inspired to engage your bird in speech training? Check out a variety of educational CDs, tapes, and books.
Birds may have exceptional memory - Wild birds can collect and bury thousands of seeds across hundreds of square miles, then retrieve over 90% or them. It is thought that these species have developed a specialized portion of their brain to accomplish the task. In captivity, Alex, the African Grey, can tell you that corn is yellow, even if there is no corn in view. Though Alex's memory is exceptional, his ability suggests you should make every effort to optimize your bird's potential.
Birds take enjoyment in intelligent play - Frolicking in a bird bath may, or may not, be simple instinct. But what about dropping marbles into a water bowl to study the splash? Turning somersaults? Or climbing a rope with their beak? Clearly, birds do many things just for the fun of it. Provided the right interactive toy, they will invest hours in play to satisfy their curiosity, and possibly earn intellectual reward.
Birds may display emotions - According to scientists, birds have the right equipment for emotion. They have a limbic system, a specialized portion of the brain, necessary for true emotional behavior. Other than birds, this system is found only in other higher vertebrates - man and other mammals. Bird owners have long felt they can tell whether their pets are happy or sad, fearful or content. Now research is underway to determine whether birds are aware of their own emotions, and the impact this awareness may have on their individual behavior.
Research is proving what most bird owners already know… their bird is a smart companion. Don't miss an opportunity to open new doors for your pet.
(Sadly, Alex, the African Grey Parrot passed away in 2007.)
Parrots are considered to be the smartest of birds. They can be taught to distinguish colors, shapes, objects, and even people. The African Grey parrot is a bird now believed to have the intelligence and emotional make-up of a 3- to 4-year-old child.
As birds continue to evolve, their capacity for analytical thinking appears to be on the rise:
Birds can be very resourceful - "Tool user," once a term used exclusively to define and distinguish mankind, is today also applied to birds. Wild birds have been observed to lay walnuts in the roadway so passing cars will crack them open. Captive cockatoos will clip off small sticks of wood with their beaks, and then use them to scratch various parts of their body. Keep an eye on how your bird uses his toys, ropes, chew sticks, and similar items. The items just might be put to new uses.
Some birds can understand… and use… human language - At one time parrots where thought only to mimic speech. Hence, the term "parroting" was coined. Now, it appears this was in error. How would you react if, after you clean your bird's cage, he commented, "Looks good"? Alex, an African Grey parrot being studied by Irene Pepperberg, did just that. Reportedly, Alex has developed a 100-word vocabulary and can identify 50 different objects, recognize quantities up to six, distinguish seven colors and five shapes, and understand the difference between big and small, same and different, and over and under. Amazingly, Alex puts words together in new and meaningful phrases. Inspired to engage your bird in speech training? Check out a variety of educational CDs, tapes, and books.
Birds may have exceptional memory - Wild birds can collect and bury thousands of seeds across hundreds of square miles, then retrieve over 90% or them. It is thought that these species have developed a specialized portion of their brain to accomplish the task. In captivity, Alex, the African Grey, can tell you that corn is yellow, even if there is no corn in view. Though Alex's memory is exceptional, his ability suggests you should make every effort to optimize your bird's potential.
Birds take enjoyment in intelligent play - Frolicking in a bird bath may, or may not, be simple instinct. But what about dropping marbles into a water bowl to study the splash? Turning somersaults? Or climbing a rope with their beak? Clearly, birds do many things just for the fun of it. Provided the right interactive toy, they will invest hours in play to satisfy their curiosity, and possibly earn intellectual reward.
Birds may display emotions - According to scientists, birds have the right equipment for emotion. They have a limbic system, a specialized portion of the brain, necessary for true emotional behavior. Other than birds, this system is found only in other higher vertebrates - man and other mammals. Bird owners have long felt they can tell whether their pets are happy or sad, fearful or content. Now research is underway to determine whether birds are aware of their own emotions, and the impact this awareness may have on their individual behavior.
Research is proving what most bird owners already know… their bird is a smart companion. Don't miss an opportunity to open new doors for your pet.
(Sadly, Alex, the African Grey Parrot passed away in 2007.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
