COCKATOO

They do tricks. They talk. They snuggle! Cockatoos are one of the most loving and intelligent pet birds.

Cockatoos are filled with personality and make great pets because of their beauty and ability to mimic speech (copying what is being said). They are very intelligent and can be very good at getting out of their cage. They are sometimes even known as “escape artists.” Cockatoos can be easily trained. Teaching your bird basic commands, “step up” onto your hand and “step down” into their cage will make handling even easier. In the wild, speaking allows Cockatoos to recognize each other, warn of predators, show their mood, and keep the flock together.

Cockatoos require specific bird care in order to stay happy and healthy. You'll notice a white powder coming from their feathers. This feather dust is completely normal, but can make the cage and parts of the room white. These large- to medium-sized parrots want as much attention and playtime with your family as you can give; plan on two hours each day. Cockatoos can get loud at dawn, dusk, or when they want attention. They will get lonely if they are left alone too much, so pay as much attention to your pet Cockatoo as possible. It also helps Cockatoos if they receive attention from many people, so they don't bond too closely with only one person.

Cockatoos like space, so the cage you select should be large enough for your friend to comfortably fly between perches. The bigger the cage, the better. When they're not doing tricks for you, your Cockatoo will enjoy chew toys and other accessories. Your bird will really appreciate it if you rotate toys often.

In nature Cockatoos forage for seeds, fruit, flowers, and insects in pairs or small flocks. Your Cockatoo will appreciate nutritious pet bird food. To simulate natural behavior and nutritional requirements, it is a good idea to have many locations for food, water, and treats. Put multiple cups within the cage to encourage movement, as the bird explores the contents of each dish. Cage-top activity centers have food and treat cups. You can also hang treats from the activity bar atop the cage.

Eleven of the 21 Cockatoo species are native to Australia, while seven species originate on the islands of Indonesia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands. They live in woodlands, rain forests, shrub lands, and alpine forests. Their plumage is generally less colorful than that of the other parrots, being mainly white, gray, pink, or black with some color elsewhere. A Cockatoo usually weighs about 1 pound and is about 18 inches long. They live from 60 to 70 years and are perfect for owners aged 16

FEEDING

The best way to feed and hydrate pet birds is to place their bowls directly inside their cage. Bowls can be made from plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel. Although plastic is inexpensive and great for smaller birds like finches and canaries, larger birds will chew and destroy the plastic. Ceramic bowls are much heavier and virtually chew proof. Try the colorful Super Pet “Scatter-less” Ceramic Bird Feeders as an option. They are also much more stable, will last a long time but require frequent cleaning. Stainless steel is the best but also the most expensive. Some bowls are attached by hooks, bolts, or clips while many cages today have built in bowl holders to keep the bowls secure. There should be a minimum of one food bowl and one water bowl for drinking in each cage. It’s always recommended to have additional bowls available so you can use a fresh one while you are cleaning the others. Dishwasher safe bowls are recommended to ensure thorough and safe cleaning.

Bowls should be easily accessible and at a comfortable height for use from perches. Bowls should never be placed directly under perches to avoid getting contaminated with bird droppings. Food and water should be change frequently to ensure a happy bird. Birds are notorious for making a mess with bowls of water. They try to bathe in them, leave bird droppings, and also drop food into them. The net result is the water get dirty, and bacteria can grow quickly for an unhealthy environment. Water bowls should be replenished many times during the day, while food bowls should be replenished daily. Consider using one of our water bottles for a safer and healthier solution. To avoid unhealthy bacteria growth we recommend you change your birds water bottle daily. Try our Super Pet Chew Proof Water Bottles that are available in various sizes. As a bird eats, it may leave the bowl full of left over seed hulls that are often mistaken for full bowl of food. Don’t be fooled, check the food bowl often! It’s very important to maintain clean food and water sources for your pet.

The best diet is a balanced or complete diet that includes grains, fruits and vegetables. Every bird type has a diet that is unique to its species, so there is no perfect diet that works for all birds. Many bird food manufacturers offer food diets that are formulated for each specific bird’s dietary requirements. Diets can be obtained both in extruded form (often the most complete and nutritiously balanced) as well as in a blended seed and grain mix. Consider the Kaytee Exact, Fiesta Max and Forti-Diet Pro Health fortified foods for a well balances diet. Also include a variety of vegetables, greens, and fruits as a supplement. Don’t forget the mineral supplements like cuttle bones and calcium blocks (more commonly used with smaller species). When feeding an extruded diet like Kaytee Exact the use of additional supplements is not recommended, unless prescribed by an Avian Veterinarian. (note: over supplementation can lead to health issues in your pet bird) Some dangerous foods to avoid include: chocolate, avocados, mushrooms, fruit seeds, alcohol and caffeine to name a few.

All good pets deserve a treat from time to time and birds are no different. Be sure to remember that treats are just treats, and should not be replacement for a balanced diet (Treats should not exceed 20% of your birds diet). Bird treats range from stick treats that will keep a bird busy for hour to loose treats that can be hand fed. Or try putting loose treats in a treat holder. Consider Kaytee Healthy Bits, Munchables, and Treat Sticks as nutritious treat options.



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PARAKEETS

Parakeets, also known as “Budgerigars” or “Budgies,” are one of the most popular pet birds in the U.S. It’s easy to see why! They are curious, loving, and enjoy every member of the family.

Parakeets are easy to care for, and some can even learn to speak! However they are best known for being excellent whistlers. Parakeets are small parrots that are active and love daily time out of their cage to play with people. Affordable and loaded with personality, Parakeets are highly recommended for first-time bird owners. Male Parakeets—look for the dark blue or purple color of the cere (the area between the beak and the eyes)—may make better pets because they are often calmer than females.

It is important to provide your Parakeet with a cage that is large enough for your pet Parakeet move and play comfortably. When they're not singing and playing with you they'll enjoy toys and other

accessories. In nature, Parakeets eat mostly grass and seeds by foraging on the ground. Your Parakeet will appreciate nutritious pet bird food. To simulate natural behavior and nutritional requirements, it is a good idea to have many locations for food, water, and treats. Put multiple cups within the cage to encourage movement, as the bird explores the contents of each dish. Cage-top activity centers have food and treat cups. You can also hang treats from the activity bar atop the cage.

Parakeets are found throughout the interior of Australia and are naturally green and yellow. Some have been bred to produce other colors. A Parakeet only weighs roughly 2 ounces and is about 7 inches long. They live from 15 to 20 years and are perfect for owners aged 8 and up.



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LOVEBIRD

Lovebirds live up to their name! They are social and caring small parrots that bond strongly as if they're falling in love.

Lovebirds can be very interactive with family members and require simple bird care. They are curious, energetic, and charming. When comfortable, a Lovebird will happily perch on your finger or sit on your shoulder. Affectionate and fun, these companion birds are often called “pint-sized pranksters” because of their comical behavior.

Very few Lovebirds talk, but they like to whistle and chatter. They have a naturally loud call. Lovebirds appreciate interaction to prevent boredom and will bond closely with their owner or another lovebird

It is important to provide your Lovebird with a habitat that is large enough for your lovebird to comfortably move around and play. When they're not bonding with you, they'll enjoy playing with toys and other accessories. In nature Lovebirds will mostly eat grass seeds, flowers, and fruit by foraging on the ground. Your pet Lovebird will appreciate nutritious pet bird food. To simulate natural behavior and nutritional requirements it is good to have many locations for food, water, and treats. Put multiple cups within the cage to encourage movement, as the bird explores the contents of each dish. Cage-top activity centers have food and treat cups. You can also hang treats from the activity bar atop the cage.

Most Lovebirds originate from southwestern Africa, living in small flocks and making their homes in the dry wooded areas. Eight species are native to the African continent while the Grey-headed Lovebird is native to Madagascar.

They are considered the most beautiful of the small parrot family, with a stocky chest, a short tail, and a large beak for their size. Lovebirds are mostly green, having a variety of colors on their upper body depending on the species. Lovebirds only weigh about 2 ounces and are roughly 6 inches long. They live from 10 to 15 years and are perfect for owners aged 8 and up.


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COCKTIEL

The Cockatiel is one of the most common companion birds and makes a great choice for a first-time bird owner.

Cockatiels are easy to care for, affectionate and tame. They get along with the whole family and are great around children. Like most pet birds they enjoy activity and exercise every day.

Some Cockatiels can mimic speech (copying what is being said), but they are better at mimicking whistling. These tame, easy-going birds may not be very talkative, but they can make a sharp call to get your attention.

It is important to provide your pet Cockatiel with a cage that is big enough for comfortable movement and activity. They enjoy bird toys and other accessories to prevent boredom and provide enrichment. Be sure to provide your Cockatiel with nutritious pet bird food. In the wild, Cockatiels forage for seeds on the ground and in shrubs. To simulate natural behavior and nutritional requirements, it's good to have many locations for food, water, and treats. Put multiple cups within the cage to encourage movement, as the bird explores the contents of each dish. Cage-top activity centers have food and treat cups. You can also hang treats from the activity bar atop the cage.

Cockatiels are native only to Australia where they spend much of their day climbing, flying, foraging, and interacting with other flock members. The young birds remain in family groups for about one month.

Cockatiels are found in a variety of colors depending on the species, but the wild color is usually gray. Weighing only approximately 3 ounces and being roughly 12 inches long, Cockatiels live from 15 to 20 years and are perfect for owners aged 8 and up.

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MECAW

Spending time with a gorgeous Macaw is one of the most exciting pet experiences you can have. You'll love how sweet they can be and how much they can learn!

There are many different types of Macaws. All are smart and like spending time outside of their cage having fun with people. Most speak quite well, mimicking speech (copying what is being said) of family members and visitors alike.

Macaws require specific bird care to remain happy and healthy. They are easy to train and appreciate you spending as much time with them as possible; plan on two hours each day. Macaws like to loudly express themselves, especially at dusk. It also helps Macaws if they receive attention from many people, so they don't bond too closely with only one person.

It is important to provide your pet bird with a cage that is large enough. Macaws need space to stretch their wings, climb, and play with stimulating toys and other accessories. Your Macaw will appreciate nutritious pet bird food. It may even beg, showing off as much as possible! Provide bite-sized fruits and veggies like bananas, oranges, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and shredded carrots every 2-3 days. To simulate natural behavior and nutritional requirements, it is a good idea to have many locations for food, water, and treats. Put multiple cups within the cage to encourage movement, as the bird explores the contents of each dish. Cage-top activity centers have food and treat cups. You can also hang treats from the activity bar atop the cage.

Macaws are native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Most species live in forests, especially lowland rainforests. Some like woodland or savanna environments. The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most brightly colored and recognizable parrots. These birds nest in hollows in trees, and the young leave the nest after 90-104 days of care by the parents. Blue and Gold Macaws nest in cavities in palm trees laying 2-3 eggs with both parents taking care of the young. The Yellow-collared Macaw, much smaller than most, travels in small flocks or pairs, except during the dry season when they are seen in huge flocks.

Macaws vary greatly in size; some weighing three-quarters of a pound and some are two and a half pounds. Size ranges from 15 inches long up to 34, depending on species. They live from 25 to 80 years and are perfect for owners aged 16 and up.


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AMAZON PARROTS

The Amazon Parrot is one of the most popular pets around the world. It is easy to see why! This companion bird loves people, talks up a storm, and is beautiful!

Both popular Amazon species—the double yellow-headed and the blue-fronted—are outgoing, playful, and require simple bird care. They are affectionate, smart, and make great pets if you like vocal birds.

Amazons are very good at mimicking speech (copying what is being said) and can have a large vocabulary. Although expressive and talkative, Amazons can display an independent social behavior, like a cat often does. An Amazon can become very attached to one person, wanting him/her to do the hands-on bonding, especially outside of its cage.

It is important to find a cage for your Amazon that allows for comfortable movement and play. Because they are very smat, they enjoy stimulating toys and other accessories. Your Amazon will appreciate nutritious pet bird food, and it may even beg for food and become the center of attention! To simulate natural behavior and nutritional requirements, it's good to have many locations for food, water, and treats. Put multiple cups within the cage to encourage movement, as the bird explores the contents of each dish. Cage-top activity centers have food and treat cups. You can also hang treats from the activity bar atop most cages.

In the wild, some species of Amazon Parrots forage in pairs or small flocks throughout the forested areas of Brazil, Bolivia, and Northern Argentina. While flying they are very vocal, screeching as they go.

Amazon Parrots are mostly green with vivid accent colors depending on the specific species. They weigh between three-quarters of a pound to nearly one pound and are roughly 14 and a half inches long. They live from 50 to 80 years and are perfect for owners aged 14 and up and experienced pet bird owners.


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AFRICAN GREY

You will always be entertained by your African Grey parrot. These stunning birds are handsome, gifted talkers, and very smart.

African Greys are friendly bird companions that often bond closely with their favorite person. They require basic bird care and as much of your attention as you can give. They are gentle, affectionate, and highly intelligent. African Greys, also known as Congo African Greys, love learning tricks and playing games.

What is really special about these birds is their ability to talk. The African Grey is definately the big mouth of the animal kingdom! Widely considered the smartest species of parrot, they are excellent at mimicry (copying what is being said) even changing accents for the person it mimics. African Greys not only mimic human speech but everyday household sounds too.

It is important to find a cage that is large enough for your African Grey to easily move around and play. Because they are so smart, they need stimulating toys or other accessories to keep them busy and engaged. In nature African Greys forage for food in the savannah, but are primarily found in the lowland forests. To simulate natural behavior and nutritional requirements, it's a good idea to have many locations for food, water, and treats within your bird’s home. Put multiple cups within the cage to encourage movement, as the bird explores the contents of each dish. Cage-top activity centers have food and treat cups. You can also hang treats from the activity bar atop the cage.

Perhaps the most researched and studied of all companion birds, the African Grey parrot is the most recognized and desired member of the parrot family. In the wild African Greys live in central West Africa. Large flocks congregate at roosting sites in very tall trees along the edge of the forest.

Your African Grey is likely to have dark grey to silver plumage with a striking red tail. They weigh from just less than a pound to one and a quarter pounds, and are roughly 13 inches long. They live from 50 to 75 years and are perfect for owners aged 14 and up.

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