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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

crocodile pictures


How to Draw a Crocodile

Crocodiles are the oldest reptiles (200 million years old) that resemble a huge lizard. Undoubtedly the most intimidating of all reptiles, crocodiles are divided into 23 different species with the biggest ones called 'saltwater crocodile' and the smallest, 'dwarf crocodile.' Most species can be found in Africa and in some regions of Asia.


With a life span of around 50 to 60 years, crocodiles are ambush predators. They patiently wait for their prey to come close enough for the attack and then strike fiercely, leaving not much option for escape. Crocodiles have well-built jaws, fitted with sharp teeth to kill. They mostly feed on vertebrates, like fish, reptiles, and mammals. These cold-blooded animals can stay up to a year without a kill. Crocodiles are inclined to flock in water territories like rivers, swamps, lakes, everglades, wetlands, and saline water.
The steps here guide on drawing these formidable creatures.
Required tools:
1. Pencil
2. Paper/canvas
3. Colors
4. A reference picture
Easy steps to draw a crocodile
Basic outline:
• Face: Trace out an egg shape for the head. Manipulate it to form snout and mouth at the left (narrower) end of the oval. Trace a wavy line in the middle of the snout as a guideline for the jaws. Shape out small eyes, a small black slit for pupil, semi-circular eyelids on the top of eyes, a broad snout, and a bulky neck. Darken the eyes and the nostrils. Draw the rest of the shape of the open bottom jaws by adding razor sharp teeth and a tongue. Depict some tough skin detailing on its head above the eyes.
• Body: Add a long oval at the broader end of the head. This will be the body of your crocodile. Behind the head, supplement with spiky lines going down its back all the way to the tail. Add on wrinkles, lines, and folds around the neck, bottom of the belly, and the toes.
• Limbs: Mark two oval, muscular visible legs & feet at the anterior and posterior ends of the body. Keep them short and stout, full of lines. Draw four sharp claws.
• Tail: At the right end of the body, draw two curved thick lines, joining at the tip, for the tail. Sketch out some razor edged, small triangles until the end of the tail.
• Final changes: Erase all the guiding lines. Darken the bodyline with a black marker. It can be bumpy lines. You can give a waterscape in a dense forest. Indulge with a bit of color and imagination, befitting a real crocodile.
Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. Please visit the website at http://www.Labedzki-Art.com. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited.

largest crocodile ever


Be Crocodile Wise in Australia

Many people have a lot to learn about the dangers of a saltwater crocodile while visiting northern areas of Australia. Many encounters are unintentional and often the results are devastating if not fatal. People should learn more about the crocodile, where they breed, how to spot for signs of crocodile, their most active periods of the year and general safety when camping near water. The following information is to help people realize the dangers of swimming in northern Australian waters.


Many accidents can be avoided with increased awareness.
It's common name, the Saltwater Crocodile, is also known as the Estuarine Crocodile and 'Saltie'. They are found around the coast of Australia anywhere north of the Tropic of Capricorn and inland for up to 100 kms or more. They are the world's largest reptile and have a closing jaw pressure of around 3000 pounds per square inch.
Saltwater crocodile attacks DO happen in Australia on a regular basis, though the majority of attacks occur mainly on cattle and wildlife. Any stories you hear about these creatures stalking other animals and humans, about their size and their strength is probably NOT exaggerated. Many deaths to people have happened over the years due to them not taking the threat seriously enough and ignoring warning signs.
Always read the "observe crocodile warning signs", these are to be taken seriously! They are erected in that particular area where a crocodile is frequently spotted and could still be living or even breeding in that area. These signs are there to warn the people of the risk and should never be ignored!
Just because you don't see a crocodile doesn't mean it's not there!
Their breeding season is from September to May and the warmer weather makes the cold-blooded animals even faster. Be particularly careful at night! A breeding mother is more aggressive, guarding it's eggs until they hatch. The nests are made from plant matter and mud, and usually found above tide level. Keep this in mind when setting up camp or just exploring the bush.
Avoid places where animals or cattle drink. That's where a crocodile would be waiting for an opportunity to attack. Saltwater crocodiles are very conservative with their energy. They stalk their prey and hide underwater and wait to pounce. A crocodile you can see is less dangerous than one you can't see, so stay well away from the water's edge even if you are camping, fishing or just going for an evening walk.
Crocodiles can launch out of the water; never stand on logs overhanging water and always keep your arms and legs inside a boat when fishing.
No warning signs? DO NOT SWIM no matter how hot or inviting the conditions may be. The "saltie" is mostly found in saltwater, but they are also found in freshwater rivers, billabongs and swamps. Consider swimming in any northern waters dangerous regardless if there is a sign or not!
A crocodile sliding into the water from a river bank will leave a characteristic mark; keep this in mind when setting up camp! Never clean fish at the water's edge or discard fish scraps in the water. Most important if camping always keep the camp site clean and free from food scraps and any smelly fish bait. Remember crocodiles are most active at night, food scraps and fish bait left outside your camp site can invite a hungry crocodile and a shocking midnight scare.
Adult males can reach sizes of up to 6 or 7 metres (20 to 23 feet).
Maximum weight varies, but has been known to exceed 1,000 kg in 18 to 19 foot adults. 5 metre adults are closer to 400 to 500 kg.
One of the largest crocodile ever recorded in Australia was 8 metres 64cm (28ft 4 inches) shot by Krystina Pawloski on the Norman River in North Queensland in 1957. Never torment or provoke a crocodile. They are a protected animal to stop poaching and should always be left alone.
Always remain crocodile wise when traveling to northern parts of Australia and always keep the previous information in mind to avoid any tragedies or loss of life.
Be safe and enjoy your trip!
Jamie Stone jamiestone4870@hotmail.com Australian Freelance Writer.

crocodiles


Killer Crocodiles - How One Man Campaigned For Their Survival

Crocodiles have become big business - for the tourist industry and for handbag manufacturers.
These days you can fly into Northern Australia and be treated to a variety of nerve-tingling thrills. On the Adelaide River, just south of Darwin in the Northern Territory, several operators offer close encounters with the hungry monsters.
They dangle pieces of meat off the side of open boats and up leap the crocs to enjoy their lunch, their massive snapping jaws only inches away from the tourists.


At Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin you can enter the Cage of Death, a transparent acrylic box which is lowered into the enclosures of three giant crocodiles. If they are in a bad mood, watch out!
These days thousands of the saurians are farmed for their prized skins and for their meat too. Australia has awakened to the fact that these primeval creatures are not a curse but an asset.
That's quite a change from the time when I lived in Australia's wild north and became friendly with a pioneer in crocodile farming.
Ron Pawlowski and his wife Kris emigrated to Australia from their native Poland after suffering hardship and hair-raising adventures during World War Two. Good training for the tough life in the Outback.
As a new and penniless immigrant, Ron did everything from gold-prospecting to kangaroo hunting. Then the couple based themselves in a remote corner of the Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland and became expert crocodile-hunters.
In 1957 Kris, a first-class shot, killed a monster, 28 feet four inches long, the biggest croc ever bagged in Australia. All manner of far-fetched stories have circulated about monster crocodiles, but in this case there appears to be no doubt about the facts.
Kris's feat made her famous and won her a mention in the Guinness Book of Records. She noted: "I would never shoot one like that again. It was such a magnificent specimen."
Altogether the Pawlowskis shot up to 10,000 salt-water crocodiles, which they sold for their skins. They became legends - and then conservationists, as they realised that the species was endangered.
They started campaigning for the protection of the crocodiles and for the establishment of farms where the reptiles could be raised for their prized skins.
But they were before their time and could get no support from the politicians ruling the state of Queensland. They were forced to give up their own croc farm.
Ron continued his campaign, even giving evidence before members of Australia's parliament. Finally, the national government ordered both salt-water and fresh-water species to be protected
Numbers have swollen dramatically. Crocodile-rearing farms have been established all over the north and are reaping big profits.
If you visit Australia and get to see one of the croc farms, remember the man who helped to save the saurian, Ron Pawlowski, an indomitable survivor of the horrors of war who built a new life in a new land - and made a difference.
Today he lives peacefully in the resort of Cairns, handy for those who want to visit the Barrier Reef.
Journalist and author David Baird wrote a book about his experiences in northern Australia, title The Incredible Gulf. He has worked for publications all over the world. He is now based in Spain. His book Between Two Fires - Guerrilla War in the Spanish sierras has won praise from leading historians. His latest books are works of fiction, Typhoon Season, a nerve-tingling thriller set in Hong Kong, and Don't Miss The Fiesta!, passion and adventure played out in southern Spain. More information at the Maroma Press website, http://maromapress.wordpress.com/

crocodile


Siamese Crocodile: Endangered Species

The Siamese crocodiles, as being defined, are freshwater crocodiles that can be found usually in East Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Burma, Brunei, Laos and Cambodia. It has a scientific name "Crocodylus siamensis", Crocodylus which is derived from the Greek word krokodeilos meaning "pebble worm "and siamensis which means "of Siam". This type of crocodile is considered as an endangered species from many regions nowadays.


Facts and Information about Siamese Crocodiles
There are certainties with this lizard-like wild animal. Here are some of those: 
  • The female Siamese crocodiles can lay their eggs once a year in either month of April or May.
  • There are various common names of this kind of crocodile. These include Cocodrilo de Siam, Buaja, Soft-belly, Buaya kodok, Singapore small grain, Siamese freshwater crocodile and Jara Kaenumchued.
  • Crocodylus siamensis refers to Siamese crocodile's scientific name.
  • One of the most valuable reptile hides of this crocodile is their skin which has small to medium size scales with no osteoderms or bony bumps.
  • This Siamese lizard-like wild animal prefers to live in slow moving waters similar to rivers, swamps, and some lakes.
  • Most Siamese crocodile adults do not tend to exceed their length in three (3) meters.
  • The Siamese freshwater crocodiles are known to eat fish. They perhaps also catch amphibians and reptiles like snakes, frogs, small mammals, insects and other small prey species. Those in captivity are also fed chickens with the feathers removed.
  • Siamese crocs have unknown life span although male crocs mature at 10 years.
  • They are relatively inoffensive compared to other species of crocodile. They are low treat to humans because they attack only when we started to attack them.
  • Siamese crocodiles are now critically vanishing due to excessive hunting and habitat loss.
There are reasons why saving these crocs for extinction is a must. One of those is that, these crocs might possess materials that could be used in medicine for people. Thus, these might add our knowledge of science.
Do you want to adopt cats? Then, read this article and learn more!

crocodile


Never Smile at a Crocodile - The Increasing Number of Crocodile Attacks

Crocodiles - An Ancient Line of Predators
Today there are something like twenty-two species of reptile that make up the Order Crocodylia. Of these species; only thirteen are actually true crocodiles, the remainder are Alligators, Caiman and the extremely rare and endangered, long-snouted gavials, sometimes referred to as gharials. We often get asked how to tell the difference between a crocodile and an alligator. There are a number of anatomical differences between crocodiles and alligators, when observing these reptiles look for a large, fourth tooth in the lower jaw. When the mouth is closed this tooth fits into a notch in the upper jaw and the tooth remains visible even when the mouth is closed. If you can see this tooth, then you are looking at a crocodile.


There are only two species of Alligator left in the world. Firstly, as most people know, there is the American alligator (alligator mississipiensis), which can be found widely distributed across the south-eastern United States, most typically in the Florida Everglades. There is also a second extant species of alligator, although this one is much rarer and confined to the upper Yangtse River valley in China. Scientists had thought that the less aggressive alligator had been "weeded out" of its range by crocodiles, leaving the only representatives of the Alligatoridae family in these isolated pockets. The more efficient crocodiles grew faster and may have been better at consuming food but this is generally regarded as speculation - as in the case of the American alligator, this species competes with the native American crocodile (C. acutus). The American alligator can withstand cold spells far better than the American crocodile, and as a result, has a much more extensive range in the United States.
Crocodylia in the "New World"
The idea of a "less aggressive" member of the Order Crocodylia is also a contradiction in terms. In the USA, once an Alligator reaches a length in excess of 4 feet it is regarded as dangerous to people. Alligator incidents are frequent, beginning in the spring when the warmer weather makes these cold-blooded reptiles more active and they begin to roam more widely. Fortunately, attacks on humans are relatively rare, although they do occur especially where people have been foolish enough to encourage alligators by feeding them. In some parts of the southern United States, special warden teams have been formed who work on a twenty-four call out service capturing and removing alligators that have wandered into areas of human habitation and got into contact with people. Specimens over 3 metres long are exceptionally rare in the wild but these reptiles, with their powerful jaws are still extremely dangerous and should be treated with caution. There is even a countryside code which has been developed by park rangers - a sort of "dos and don'ts" when in American alligator territory.
Crocodylia in the "Old World"
The majority of fatal attacks occur in Asia and northern Australia. Whilst we at Everything Dinosaur, would contend that all species of crocodilian are dangerous and that even a baby crocodile emerging from its egg is quite capable of giving you a nasty bite on the end of your finger - perhaps two of the most dangerous species of crocodile in the world can be found in Asia and Australia.
The "Mugger"
Let us deal with the Mugger crocodile, otherwise known as the Swamp crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). The term "Mugger" does not describe this reptile's habit of attacking humans, the word is a corruption of the Urdu dialect meaning "water monster" and what a beast this creature is. Large specimens can measure up to fourteen feet long and it is a proven man-eater. Although endangered, this crocodile can be found throughout freshwater river systems and marshes on the Indian sub-continent. It is aggressive and large crocodiles specialise in ambushing prey as they come to the water's edge to drink. Unfortunately, people are also attacked by this crocodile, notably children who might be fishing or given the job of fetching water. A number of fatal incidents are reported each year. The Mugger crocodile superficially resembles the Nile crocodile of Africa (Crocodylus niloticus) but it can be distinguished by its shorter, broader snout and the arrangement of prominent scutes (armoured plates) that can be found along the back of this particular crocodile.
The Estuarine Crocodile
The majority of fatal crocodile attacks are put down as being attacks from the Estuarine or "Saltwater" crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). This crocodile can be found across almost the entire Pacific, from Sri Lanka to the Fiji islands, including the northern territories of Australia. This is the largest surviving species of reptile in the world today, with large males growing to more than twenty-two feet in length and weighing more than one tonne. Although, not as big as a dinosaur such as Tyrannosaurus rex, this crocodile is still an extremely formidable predator and it is responsible for a number of fatal attacks each year. Unfortunately, the number of attacks are increasing. This is due to a number of reasons:
1). Increasing crocodile numbers - poaching in the 20th Century led almost to the extinction of this crocodile species in some parts of its range. Once controls on poaching were put in place and hunting restrictions imposed Estuarine crocodile numbers rapidly increased. More crocodiles in rivers and estuaries has led to an increase in crocodile attacks.
2). Decline in natural game - hunting and habitat clearance, as well as over fishing has led to a decline in the natural prey of these large crocodiles. This is particularly noticeable in countries such as Indonesia. As a result, this has led to a number of crocodiles attacking people close to riverbanks and other bodies of water.
3). Increasing human populations - expanding populations in south-east Asia, the expansion of towns and estates in northern Australia has brought more and more people into contact with large saltwater crocodiles. As a consequence, incidents involving crocodiles have grown dramatically.
4). More tourists exploring known crocodile "hot spots" - the growth in the tourism industry in south-east Asia and northern Australia has led to more people visiting and camping in areas where crocodile attacks are known to have occurred.
Recently, a fourteen-year-old, Indonesian boy was dragged from a boat and fatally mauled by a large Estuarine crocodile. Attacks on unwary Australian tourists are on the increase. A dentist, fishing off the coast of the northern Territory was lucky to escape with his life after a crocodile attacked. We read about and indeed we at Everything Dinosaur, report on a number of such incidents each year.
It is difficult to accurately document the number of fatal crocodile incidents each year, we have highlighted the problems with just two species and in writing this article we have not discussed the many crocodile attacks carried out in Africa by the Nile crocodile. Calculating the number of incidents is difficult, most attacks take place in remote areas, most of them impoverished so accurate records are often not kept. It is important that visitors to these areas should heed the warnings of locals and also to consider their own safety when getting close to water. It is worth remembering that a five metre long crocodile can hide in less than 30 centimetres of muddy water!
Remember the old saying "never smile at a crocodile".
Everything Dinosaur is a company run by parents, teachers and real dinosaur experts. It specialises in developing educational dinosaur toys, models, clothing and games and strives to help young people learn more about science through their fascination with prehistoric animals. Many of the items featured on the Everything Dinosaur website http://everythingdinosaur.com/ have been designed and tested by the teachers and real dinosaur experts in the company.
To learn more about the products and services we offer at Everything Dinosaur click on our website links.
Our aim is to help young people learn more about Earth sciences through their fascination with dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals. Team members are happy to provide advice and support supplying free quizzes, drawing materials, puzzles, games even recipes for dinosaur themed biscuits and birthday cakes. With something like 600 products on line including dinosaur party supplies, Everything Dinosaur http://everythingdinosaur.com/ has built up a strong reputation assisting parents, guardians and fellow teachers, helping young people to learn more about science through creative play.

Monday, January 30, 2012

caique parrots


Caique Parrot Care - 5 Tips For Caring For Your Pet Caique Bird

Caique Parrots are delightful little parrots with lively personalities that make them wonderful pet birds. Here are 5 tips for caring for your bird so that it can live a long and healthy life with you and your family.
 


Food-Since Caiques are known for their love of food, starting with this tip seems very appropriate. They need fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouted seeds, some table food, and a high quality pellet mix as supplement. Change water as often as needed for it to be fresh. This will cut down on mold growth and infections that can result from ingesting mold. When feeding fresh food be sure to remove the food from the cage after several hours for the same reason.
 
Cage-Even though small, they are quite active and do best when they can move freely in the cage. Bigger is always better when it comes to the size of the cage, but a minimum size should be 24'" high by 24" wide by 24" deep. Since they are avid climbers, horizontal bars will be greatly appreciated by your bird. Avoid metals that are toxic to birds, and make sure your cage is certified as bird safe. Wood cages should also be avoided as they love to chew, and you would soon find your bird had escaped by chewing through the bars of a wooden cage. Sizing the cage properly keeps your pet happy, and can prevent undesirable behaviors from developing due to boredom. A happy Caique will provide unsolicited entertainment from morning to night, and all you have to do is have time to watch the show.
 
Interaction-These little parrots love people and need people to love them back. They can benefit from at least an hour a day of interaction with humans. They should be closely supervised as they are fearless little birds and can easily get into things they shouldn't. Go slowly and supervised carefully when introducing other pets.  Never leave a child alone and unsupervised with the bird. Small children may unintentionally frighten, or make the bird feel threatened, and you can easily prevent disaster by being there when your Caique is exercising outside the cage.
 
Training-Caiques respond well to training. Most can learn to speak, do tricks, and whistle songs. And once these skills have been perfected they are more than willing to take center stage and perform for you, family, and friends. Training sessions should be short and daily if possible. Always reward your bird and end before your bird's attention span wanes. Remember that training is not only to teach your bird something new, but is a great way to continue to bond with your Caique. Make it a time that your bird looks forward to.
 
Preserving their Health-With proper care these parrots have been known to live for as long as 30 years. Like many parrots they are susceptible to airborne disease and infections such as Psittacosis and other respiratory illnesses unless their air is kept clean. Since birds in captivity are subjected to much more dander, feather particles, and other pollutants found in many households, filtering their air will keep their airways clearer, keep them healthier, and ultimately increase their life span.
An excellent HEPA air purifier to remove airborne pollutants from your Caique's air is offered by PurerAir.com-- the Bird Dander Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html

caique parrot


Caique Parrots As Pets - 5 Reasons Caiques Make Excellent Companion Parrots

Caiques (pronounced khy-eeks) are brightly colored, energetic, and entertaining birds that are small when making comparisons in the parrot world, but have big personalities and a lot of love to give to their humans. Here are 5 reasons you can't go wrong when considering a Caique Parrot as a pet.


Colorful-The division of color on these birds is so striking it almost looks as if an artist used a paint brush to execute it so perfectly. Black Headed Caiques (BHC) have black beaks and gray feet, shiny black heads, a festive and well defined ban of orange around the neck area; their backs and tails are a velvety forest green, their legs and feathers under the tail are orange, and their bellies are snowy white.
The White Bellied Caique (WBC) differs slightly in coloration with a light-colored beak, yellow head, green back, thighs, and wings with yellow coloring under the tail. It is slightly smaller, and is not as common. There are no noticeable personality differences between species, and any differences are probably more attributable to the individuals.
Affordable-Prices for Caiques range between $500 and $1,000 USD with pet stores tending to be on the higher end of the scale. Check with an avian veterinarian or do a looking digging on the internet if you prefer to purchase from a breeder or adopt a slightly older bird. Learn as much as you can about the bird's history, spend time with it, and have it checked by a veterinarian before finalizing the adoption.
Great Personality-These are happy birds that, when healthy, are in constant motion. They love playing with their toys (and you should have a large variety) and with their humans. They are affectionate and tend to respond well to anyone who gives frequent attention. They need human interaction, and if you do not have the time to devote to them perhaps another pet would make a better choice. If you are thinking about having 2 to provide social interaction for each other, make sure they are compatible before bringing them home.
Whistle Happy Tunes-Even though they speech capability is not that of the African Grey, most are still able to speak with their high pitched voice and be understood. They also able to whistle and can learn songs that they hear. They tend to learn songs better if their human whistles the songs for them first.
Standard Diet-They love to eat and their food requirements are simple and uncomplicated. Daily offerings should include fresh fruits and vegetables, pasta, and table foods supplemented with a high quality pellet mix; and fresh water should always be available. Avoid avocado, chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine as they are toxic to any bird. With proper care, these delightful little birds can live up to 30 years.
An excellent HEPA air purifier to remove airborne pollutants from your Caique's air is offered by PurerAir.com-- the Bird Dander Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/bird_dander_air_purifier.html

parrot tricks


Teach These 2 Easy Tricks to Your Parrot

It is a fact that parrots are one of the most intelligent creatures around. According to research, it is very clear that a parrot's intellect functions at a human 2 year old's level. You will find them to be quick learners and you can teach them a lot of things. Teaching your parrot tricks is not one-sided amusement, both the teacher and the parrot enjoy the process. Parrots love the attention you give them during training and they will certainly entertain you with their playful personalities.


The teaching sessions should not be so long that your parrot becomes tired. If you do exhaust your parrot, it will have a negative impact on your bird and she may not enjoy your future training. A quiet place or room is the best option to teach a parrot. It should also be kept in mind that your parrot needs to be comfortable with the environment in which you are teaching and there also has to be enough light. Be patient while teaching your parrot, if you are not, she may become stressed, which again is not a positive experience for her.
"Step up" is one easy trick to teach to your feathered friend. This trick is useful because after they learn it you can use it to tell them where to go. When your parrot has learned the trick, you just need to place your finger near her feet and say "step up" in a very calm voice and your parrot will step onto your finger. If you have a bigger bird you may prefer to teach her to climb on your forearm instead of your finger. To teach them, put your finger on the ground in front of their feet and keep calmly saying "step up". When she makes a move towards your finger give her a reward (her favorite food usually works well). Keep repeating this process until she climbs onto your finger or forearm.
Another favorite trick of parrot owners is the "turn around". This is also an easy trick to teach. Food should be used as reward in this case too. You can teach this trick to your parrot when she is on her perch. Offer her a little food and when she reaches to get the food just move the food around to her back. By doing so, this will make the bird turn around on the perch. Throughout the whole exercise, in a calm voice, keep repeating, "turn around". Continue doing this again and again until your parrot learns to do a full turn. Once she has completed a full turn, give her a little food as a reward. Eventually, you will be able to say "turn around" and then your parrot will simply turn around. Some parrots are able to do this on their first try but some of them require a little practice, so again, be patient.
Ryan Benson is a parrot tricks enthusiast. For more information on parrot tricks, visit http://www.parrottrainingsecret.com/.

parrot tricks


Guide to Teaching Parrots Tricks

Parrots are becoming more popular as household pets. They are smart, witty, funny, and usually very colorful. It is also very fun to teach parrots tricks to further bond with your parrot since they are so easily trainable.


Spending the time with your pet parrot needed to teach him tricks creates a greater sense of focus on you as the owner and creates an overall better socialized parrot. Teaching parrots tricks can also help correct behavioral problems since most of the time, pet parrots have behavioral issues when they are bored or don't have the mental and physical stimulation needed. Spending time with your parrot and teaching him tricks will not only help stimulate him mentally but also helps to result in an overall happier and healthier parrot.
An example of such behavioral issues includes the loud noises or screeching which is very stressful. By training your parrot to speak instead of screech, you will enjoy your relationship with your parrot more and he will more mentally stimulated and focused.
When teaching your parrots tricks, training to speak doesn't have to be a formal classroom lecture. Simply every time you walk by their cage, simply say and repeat the word or words you're trying to teach on a regular basis and your parrot will soon adopt the phrases or words of what you say.
When trying to teach your parrots tricks, make sure you begin to speak very clear and slow so your parrot can grasp the words you're teaching him. Just say one syllable or two at a time, and if he repeats the word, go ahead and reward him with a treat or food. As with training any animal any tricks, you will likely need multiple sessions so give your parrot patience as well as yourself until he has the word mastered and sounds clear.
A word of caution - show caution what words you say around your parrot, as it can be quite awkward when your parrot utters a phrase you didn't want him to repeat.
Another popular parrot trick is called the "step up." This is an easy trick to teach and is also useful when tracking your parrot down at home.  In this parrot trick, you teach your parrot to step up on a branch or perch or even your arm right in front of him. Begin by pressing your finger against your parrot's chest and say the words "step up." Be careful not to poke your parrot with your finger, but rather gently press with the side of your index finger.
You'll want to use food and treats as an incentive to help your parrot learn their tricks a bit faster. Just hold out the treat between your thumb and index finger. Also take note to keep your training sessions as short as possible, as you do not want to repeat the same tricks so many times your parrot begins to lose interest. Also be sure to always end your training sessions on a positive note so your parrot will be encouraged for the next session.
Lastly, never work with your parrot or teach parrot tricks when you are feeling stressed out. Stay calm and patient, as your attitude, voice tone, and gestures are picked up and internalized by your parrot. Keep these tips in mind when teaching your parrots tricks and have fun!
Jessica Peloski is a parrot enthusiast and author of pet parrot care books. For more information on teaching parrots tricks, visit http://www.parrotcareanswers101.com

parrot tricks


Secret Tips On Teaching Parrot Tricks

Parrots are known to be brilliant birds. They are tested for how well they can learn parrot tricks such as talking or obeying commands. One of the most fun things in owning a parrot is teaching it these tricks.
Although these birds are fast learners, it does take some time and patience to teach them as it would any other animal. Also, a parrot that has learned your teachings will be well-behaved and therefore be much easier and more enjoyable to have around.


As with any other animal, owners should keep their teaching sessions very short. If they are too long, the impact on the parrot could be negative because they will not be able to retain too much information at one time. Another thing owners need to do is be positive and patient at all times with the bird. Do not start a training session if you are going to be negative or yell because the outcome will have no benefits.
When starting training, you should always choose a quiet area and be in a positive mood. If you are stressed out, it may not be a good day to train your parrot because you might be impatient. Also, make sure the room is brightly lit and that the bird is comfortable.
One trick that many owners teach their parrots is how to "step up". This teaches the bird something that it will use almost every day of its life. This trick involves teaching the parrot to simply step forward and up onto and object in front of it.
To train your bird in "stepping up", place your finger gently in front of the parrot's feet and say "step up" in a calm voice. If you have a bigger bird, use your forearm instead of your finger. You may also use inanimate objects also. Once your pet has performed the trick, always reward it with a small treat.
Learning to "turn around" is another useful trick that owners like to teach their birds. To teach this trick, you do a similar routine as you would in teaching "step up". Instead of placing your finger in front of the bird however, you move it to the parrot's back so that it has to turn and see it. Holding food would also help get the bird's attention.
One more trick that you may want to teach your bird is how to speak. This may be necessary if you want the parrot to say nice words instead of screeching all the time. Also, by teaching your bird how to talk, it becomes more social and you and others can interact with it more. Start off using one or two-syllable words, and once the bird has mastered this you can increase its vocabulary. Remember, in order for your bird to remember the trick, you may need a treat. Repeating the lessons will also be necessary when trying to get your parrot to remember phrases.
Carl Kastor is a parrot expert. To view more articles about how to teach your parrot tricks visit his site here [http://www.parrottrainingcenter.com/parrot-tricks/]. Also, you can learn more general information on parrots [http://www.parrottrainingcenter.com] as far as breeding, purchasing, and raising them to thrive as they would in the wild.

parrot tricks


Best Techniques For Teaching Parrots Tricks

Most people want to teach their parrot how to do tricks. Parrots tricks are one of the most enjoyable parts of sharing your life with one of these fun and intelligent birds.
Training makes him more focused on you, better socialized, better behaved and can even help in correction of behavioral problems! Since many of these problems arise out of boredom and lack of mental stimulation, learning parrot tricks can be the answer to a healthier, happier parrot.


A good example of this is the loud screeching that can both irritate you and stress you out. Parrots screech to get attention. By teaching your parrot to talk you will enjoy his vocalizations much more than you enjoyed the screeching, it is much more pleasant to listen to.
You don't need to provide a conventional lesson setting. If, when walking by your bird's cage, you stop and repeat the word that you are trying to teach him once or twice on a regular basis he will learn to repeat what you say.
When teaching your parrot to talk make sure to speak slowly and clearly and keep the words short, just a syllable or two. When he repeats the word you can give him a treat as a reward. It may take more than one session, and his first few attempts may not be as clear sounding as later on when he has the word mastered.
It's also wise to be careful of what you say around your parrot. It can prove embarrassing when he repeats a word or phrase around guests that you had no idea he knew!
Another popular trick is training your parrot to step up. This trick is easy to teach and also can be quite useful when trying to catch him. You teach him to step up onto the object right in front of him.
To do this you can start by pressing your finger against your parrot's chest right above his legs while saying "step up". Don't poke with the tip of your finger. Instead, gently press with the side of your finger.
A good technique for teaching parrot tricks is to use food as a reward. For teaching step up you can hold the treat just out of reach to help guide him onto your finger. If you have one of the larger species of parrot you can substitute your forearm for your finger.
Remember to keep training sessions short. You don't want to repeat things so many times that you annoy your parrot and cause him to resent the sessions. Make sure to end on a good note and once your parrot "gets it", even if it only took two or three tries, reward him and end the session.
It's also wise to train your bird in a quiet room with as few distractions as possible. You want to make sure that he is totally focused on you during training.
Another trick that is fun and fairly easy to teach is "turn around." With your parrot standing either on a perch or your finger, hold out a piece of food. Say "turn around." Next move the treat slowly around to a position behind your bird. He should follow it with his eyes and when he can't see it should turn his whole body.
As soon as he does, reward him with the treat. At first you can work on half turns (180 degrees) and then proceed to full turns (360 degrees).
A last piece of advice is never work with your parrot when you are feeling stressed. Always keep a calm and patient attitude and you should have no trouble teaching your parrots tricks.
The author, Karla Deacon, is an expert parrot enthusiast. For more great information on parrots tricks visit ParrotCareBasics.com

parrot tricks


Parrot Tricks

Parrots are amazing and smart birds. They have been tested for their intellectual abilities and have been proven to have the intelligence level of a small child.


For some, part of the fun of owning a parrot is to teach it tricks. But, teaching a parrot tricks is not just for entertainment purposes. Training a parrot will create a better behaved and more sociable bird and may solve some behavioral problems.
When teaching a parrot owners need to keep the training sessions short. They do not want to tire the parrot out and cause the session to be a negative experience for the bird.
Owners also keep their training sessions positive and do not start a training session until they are both ready. Training in a quiet and a room free of distractions will only increase the chances of success.
Another good tip is to make sure that the room is well lit and that your parrot is comfortable in that room. Owners need to be stress free when starting to train parrots. Not having enough patience with the parrot will affect the way the parrot learns.
An easy trick that most parrot owners start with is teaching their parrots how to "step up". This is an extremely useful trick that will be used most often and throughout the bird's lifetime. It is the simple act of asking the parrot to step onto the object that is in front of it.
This act can simply be done by placing one's fingers in front of the bird's feet and asking them in a calm soothing voice to "step up". Use a forearm for larger birds.
Owners can use a piece of food to entice the parrot to move forward. When the act is completed, the food is given as a reward.
Another trick that people like to teach their parrots is to "turn around". As the parrot is standing on its perch offer it a piece of food. As it reaches for it move one's hand slowly to its back so that the bird has to turn its head around to see the food.
Owners have to coax some birds to do a full turn while other birds immediately turn themselves around on the perch. Once the parrot has completed a full turn, the food reward is given to it.
Teaching a parrot to speak can solve the problem of the bird being too vocal with its screeching. Some birds have learned how to get attention this way. By teaching a parrot a word owners can enjoy their vocalization more. Owners need to start with only one simple word that contains only one or two syllables.
Most people start with the word "hello". Owners will repeat the word slowly to the parrot several times until the parrot makes a sound it response. Once the parrot responds, owners give it a food reward.
The first sound it makes may not be the word that the owners are trying to teach it. But, they idea is to get the bird to respond to a human voice. Owners repeat this drill several times until the parrot begins to mimic the word.
Joseph Keith is a writer and researcher on products for weight loss products such as Caralluma Burn. You can save time and money by getting a FREE in depth Caralluma Review at www.carallumareviewer.com

Saturday, January 28, 2012

parrot talking


Talking With Your Parrot

Polly Wants A Cracker' is a phrase notoriously attributed to parrots. But how do you get your parrot talking?
Teaching Your Parrot To Talk
Ideally you want to start teaching your parrot to talk after it's 6 months old. Your parrot will probably outlive you so there's no rush, but don't leave it until it's an adult. You will be using a reward system so have treats on hand.

Put your parrot's cage in a place where it can socialize with people, such as in the family room. Make sure your TV isn't on when you're teaching your parrot to talk as it will pick up words from the TV.
Talk to your parrot and do an action at the same time. In the morning when you take the cage cover off say 'Good Morning'. At night when you put the cover on say 'Goodnight'. Give them shiny objects and say something at the same time and they will attribute that word or phrase with the object. Say 'Hello' when you enter a room and 'Goodbye' when you walk out.
Talk with an enthusiastic voice. Your parrot will begin to learn that this is a fun and interactive time.
It takes time to teach a parrot to talk, so perhaps record your voice if you're out at work for the day and have it play over and over again while you are gone. Be patient with your parrot.
Mimics or Conversationalists?
It may appear that your parrot is having a conversation but in fact it's not. Parrots are mimics. They may go on to learn that certain words are associated with actions or people. Your cat may walk in the room and your parrot will associate a certain word with your cat.
How Do Parrots Talk?
Parrots do not have vocal cords. They use their syrinx and trachea and produce sounds with the airflow. It is much like how a person whistles. Also, by turning their neck they create different sounds, this is why you will often see a parrot turn its head when it's talking. They can also use their tongue to modulate the sound.
If Your Parrot Stops Talking
There could be a number of reasons your parrot stops talking. It might be sick. There could be a change in your environment, for example, a new person or pet might have been introduced. Or it may be bored. The change could be as simple as shifting the furniture around in the room. Parrots like attention so make sure that your parrot hasn't stopped talking because you're ignoring it.
Types of Parrots That Talk
Here is a list of parrots that are good talkers:
African Grey Parrot
Indian Ring Neck
Amazon Parrot
Umbrella Cockatoo
Rose Breasted Cockatoo
Owning a parrot is a huge commitment since their life expectancy is above 50 years. The most important thing is to have fun with your parrot talking, after all they will be around for quite a while as a member of your family. Slow but steady progress in teaching your parrot to talk is going to bring a bundle of laughs and conversation for decades to come.

parrot talking


Why Parrots Stop Talking

Why parrots stop talking is not always the problem. Some people long for their parrots to stop talking, simply because they talk incessantly once they have learned a few phrases. Parrots are very sociable, and want to communicate with other members of their "flock" - which means the people with whom they live. So a talking parrot is probably more common.


There are times, however, when parrots stop talking, and then the worried owner wants to know why parrots stop talking.
Reasons Why Parrots Stop Talking
There are several reasons why parrots stop talking. We cannot give a complete list here, but one of the following may apply to your parrot.
1. Some talking parrots stop talking for a few days when they arrive in a new home. They are adjusting to the change. They find themselves suddenly with a new "flock" in a new environment. Even a talking parrot will take time to sort things out in its mind before it feels comfortable.
2. Sometimes talking parrots stop talking when they are feeling ill. If your parrot has been talking, and stops with no apparent reason, consider health issues. You may need to take it to an avian veterinarian.
3. Talking parrots will "pout" and stop talking when they are unhappy with a change you have made. It may be you have moved the furniture in the room where the parrot spends most of its time. Maybe you are wearing an article of clothing the parrot does not like.
4. Another reason talking parrots may stop talking is the introduction of a new family member, either human or another pet. The parrot must work through the change, and stops talking while adjusting.
5. Sometimes a talking parrot has been frightened, perhaps by a prey animal. The animal may be outside, but visible from the parrot's cage.
6. Finally, a talking parrot may stop talking if it becomes bored with its own chatter, and hears few words from you. Remember that your parrot talks to communicate with you. It is in a "foreign" land, away from those that speak its language, and is trying to learn your language to communicate.
What to Do When Parrots Stop Talking
There are several things you can do to encourage a talking parrot that has stopped talking.
If your talking parrot is in new surroundings, make it as comfortable as possible. Give it time to adjust, but while it's adjusting, talk to it gently and frequently. As soon as it decides the new surroundings are safe, it will probably begin talking again.
If you suspect your talking parrot's sudden silence is an early sign of illness, look at its eyes and feathers. If you detect dullness in either, you may need to have an avian (bird) veterinarian check your parrot.
Sometimes the answer is as simple as finding a change you have made in the previous few days or week. Did you move a vase that used to reflect the light? Did you move the parrot's cage a few feet one way or another? Try to remember what may have changed and put it back the way it was. Your talking parrot may quickly speak up to thank you.
Check for predators, even though you know they cannot reach the parrot. A large, predatory bird flying past the window, or sitting in a tree outside can be the reason a talking parrot stops talking.
The best solution to helping a talking parrot find its tongue is to spend more time talking to and around the bird. Take it into other rooms with you and the family so it will feel like being a part of the conversation.
Talk to your bird as much as you would talk to a family member or very good friend, and before long, it should begin talking again.
©2007, Anna Hart. An avid reader and researcher, Anna explores many parrot species, and offers other interesting parrot information at http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com If you would like to learn more about how to train your parrot, you won’t want to miss Anna’s advice.