Basic Training: A Quick Guide to Teaching Your Bird

Choose a Non-Threatening Training Area

The "Step-Up" command is the most basic and important command for a pet bird to know. Not only will you use this command in daily interaction with your pet, it is imperative that pet birds are able to perform this task in the event of a vet visit. In order to ensure that you have your bird's undivided attention during training, it is important that you choose a suitable location in which to teach him. Follow these tips to choose a training area for your bird that will be conducive to the learning process.

Create a Positive Environment:

Birds are very sensitive creatures, and because they are so perceptive, their emotions often depend upon whether they see their environments in a positive or negative light. To ensure your bird's comfort, try to use a room that is well-lit and brightly colored, yet quiet and away from his cage and similar distractions.

Close Off the Training Area:

When training your bird, always make sure to close any doors and cover any windows that may be present. This will help you hold your bird's attention while at the same time protecting your bird in case he becomes bored with his lessons and attempts to fly off.

If you have just recently acquired your bird, the first few training sessions may be very frightening for him. Choosing a training location that will be comfortable for the bird will not only make it much easier for you to communicate with your pet, but will go a long way in easing the bird's concerns.

Learn mOre AbOut Cat

Facts About Cats

* Cats are born with blue eyes. They change at approximately 12 weeks of age.

* Sometimes your cat will find it difficult to find the treats you throw him on the floor. The reason is because cats can't see directly under their own nose.

* Cats can jump between 5 & 7 times as high as their tail.

* Ailurophobia: the hate or fear of cats

* 80% of all cats, big and small, have the same reaction to catnip, due to their feline genes. Cats that are younger than 6 months and tigers however, do not react to catnip.

* A cat uses it's whiskers to tell if the space they are contemplating entering is big enough for them.

* Cats not only walk on their toes but they have 5 toes on their front paws and 4 toes on the their back paws.

* Killing a cat was punishable by death in acient Egypt.

* Just like fingerprints on humans, the nose pad of cats is rigid in a pattern that is completely unique.

* Sir Isaac Newton is credited for inventing the cat door.

* Start a garden inside your home. Cats love to eat grass, parsley, catnip, and sage. However, consult your Vet before planting a garden for your cat to eat. Many plants are harmful or even fatal to cats.

* Pet owners live longer, happier lives with less stress and less heart attacks.

* Cats prefer their food at room temperature.

* Don't put your cat's collar on too tight. Make sure you can slip 2 fingers between the collar and the cat.

Hamsters as a pets

What is hamster??

H amsters are nocturnal rodents, A hamster in captivity is still distinguished by its greater inclination towards activity by night rather than by day. Hence is the hamster handled somewhat reluctantly during the day, as its biological clock recommends sleep at that time of the day, which may lead to a certain grumpyness and a bite or two in case of incautious managing of the animal. Hamsters are indeed antisocial animals and they must be kept singly in order to avoid fights with deadly or injurious outcome.

Type of hamster

The most common (and largest) breed is the Syrian, or Golden, Hamster. Remember they are naturally solitary and prefer to be kept alone. Russian or Dwarf Hamsters are smaller, growing to about 8cm while Chinese Hamsters are slightly longer when fully grown. If you must keep a pair, make sure they are the same sex and do not mix species.

Food

T he basic fodder should be lean seeds (not oats), rich in carbonhydrates, with the addition of fresh plant stuff such as vegetables or fruit. Avoid sour fruits and lettuce. Neutral additions of powdered vitamins and minerals may be strewn over the food in recommended amounts. Make sure that the fodder is adapted to the hamster in a sense of size, even though the hamster is a rodent. Concerning the teeth of the hamster single measures should be taken, so that the animal gets a supply of chewy pieces, either usual, unprepared wood, or chewing biscuits or stones specially made and sold in stores for that purpose. The hamster must have a supply of fresh water. Choose a water bottle designed for hamsters. Make sure that the animal learns to drink from the bottle, in case this doesn´t happen by its own initiative you must help it by carefully feeding it with the lip, so that it learns the connection. Without the supply of fresh water the hamster may suffer from constipation. Be consistent in the diet and avoid fast changes. The hamster is not to be fed with sweets, especially not chocolate. Calcium shortage may be prevented by making sure that the animal has access to a mineral stone.

Diseases of the hamster

T he hamster may be stricken by colds, also by such kinds that otherwise hits humans. For that reason you should be careful about your own hygiene if you in case of cold should have to manage the hamster. If the hamster sneezes and its nose or eyes runs, the cage should be cleaned immediately. Polish the cage extra carefully (not cotton) and place it where it is varm and free from draught. In case the hamster doesn´t recover after a few days, a veterinarian should be contacted. A typical hamster disease is what in English is called “wet tail” with diarrhoea and apathy. This disease may, if nothing is done, lead to the death. The preparation “dry tail”, which is intended to repeal this condition, is sold in hamster shops. The hamster must receive additional liquid to compensate for the loss of liquid caused by the diarrhoea, as well. “Wet tail” could very likely break out because of sudden changes in environment and handling. Young hamsters should not be subject to an excess of sudden managing. Hamsters are sensitive to falling and may never be dropped by an upright standing person.

Breeds – Syrian hamster

T his breed of hamsters goes by other denotations which often, directly or indirectly, refers to the colour of the fur. The Syrian hamster is the most popular breed of hamsters for pet purposes. The size of a grown animal is 10 to 15 centimeters. They must absolutely be kept separated singly, except at mating. They become about three years of age.

Breeds – Campbells Rusian dwarf Hamster

T his is the dwarf hamster which is appreciated the most in pet animal contexts. The length of a grown animal is 5 to 8 centimeters. Campbells Russian dwarf hamster has fur on paws and tail, as well, and exists with a number of fur colours. This type of hamster may be brought to accept the company of racial brethrens, if the introduction to do so takes place in its early years.

Breeds – Campbells Rusian dwarf Hamster

T his is the dwarf hamster which is appreciated the most in pet animal contexts. The length of a grown animal is 5 to 8 centimeters. Campbells Russian dwarf hamster has fur on paws and tail, as well, and exists with a number of fur colours. This type of hamster may be brought to accept the company of racial brethrens, if the introduction to do so takes place in its early years.