Building your own birdhouse can be fun. You can get exactly what you want and design it to your specifications. There are plenty of plans you can get to make this process work out for you. Look for birdhouse plans that offer you step by step instructions. Some are for beginners and others are for more advanced skill levels. Make sure you get the birdhouse plans that will be the best for you to work with.

Many home improvement stores offer books with birdhouse plans in them. You can flip though them to see what is offered. These books are often affordable and they have plenty of plans to choose from. If you will be making plenty of birdhouses for your own use or to sell this could be the best route to take. This will keep the cost of the plans low and give you plenty of variety to choose from as well.

You can also find birdhouse plans online. You can look at the various pictures and then choose what you want to make. In most instances you will get a download link to access the birdhouse plans as soon as you pay for it. This means you don’t have to wait for it to be mailed to you. Just save the plans to your computer and print out a copy to work from as well.

Making birdhouses may be a hobby you enjoy or a way for you to make money. You can easily sell them online or at craft shows. Having excellent plans to work from will ensure you have great looking birdhouses to sell. If you have creative ideas for birdhouses, you can sell your own plans to others as well. You will be surprised at how many people go online each day to search for birdhouse plans.

You won’t be disappointed with the wide selection of them offered either. Birdhouse plans are extremely affordable so you can buy them and use them over and over again. It is less expensive to make a birdhouse on your own than to buy one. You can also be very proud of your work and display it in your yard.

Choosing a decorative birdhouse can prove to be difficult just because there are so many to choose from. Wherever your imagination goes could be the bases for designing a bird house. An increasing number of homeowners add them to their landscaping since they enhance the appearance of their property, and visiting birds even more so. Patios and front porches look great with a birdhouse nearby.

Nicely designed birdhouses do not necessarily cost a lot, so you won’t have to fret about their impact on your budget. You may acquire one ready-made or a kit to build one yourself. There are also blueprints that involve using locally available materials rather than anything too exotic.

Online markets may be the best venue for locating designer birdhouses. Brick and mortar retail shops will likely only offer you a much more limited choice than the Internet. All sorts of webistes even throw in shipping for free when you buy a decorative birdhouse for yourself. If you want to purchase blueprints, you can download them on the spot and not worry about shipping at all.

First check out the range of nice-looking birdhouses on the market. If you do not locate one you’d like, youcould get one custom-made for you. Some families paint them in colors to match their homes, or add their family name to them. There are lots of choices for decorative birdhouses. You may want to follow the current trend, go for a more classic look, or acquire a totally unique birdhouse.

While enhancing the appearance of your property, your birdhouses serve a place for birds to rest or even build their nests. Birds will definitely welcome inviting abouts after a long migration to escape winter in some far off land. The oasis your provide for birds should be sturdy and properly handle birds’ needs after their arduous trip.

When you seek visually satisfying birdhouses up that meet your design criteria, make notes of what you find. You can save it on your computer and have image files to help you in this, whether downloaded of photographs you’ve shot yourself of birdhouses you like. You firends and family will likely enjoy sharing feedback on how a birdhouse should look, what kinds of birds it will attract, and so on.

By Trond Kristiansen

One of the pleasures of owning a pet bird is to teach him or her tricks. However, the purpose of teaching your bird is not just for entertainment. Training will create a better behaved, more social and happier animal.

Most birds are very smart, and if taught correctly, will be able to learn a wide range of tricks. You should set a specific time to work with your pet each day. If at all possible, try to stick to that time. Birds function well with a schedule and will even come to look forward to their training time. Plus, if you practice on a regular basis, your bird will pick up the skill you are teaching much faster.

The training area should be safe and secure. Eliminate distractions so you will have the bird’s full attention. Close doors, draw curtains and turn off any music. Use a room that is brightly lit, colorful, quiet and away from its cage.

You should start the training session by socializing with your pet. Just like humans, birds learn much more quickly if they are engaged and enjoying themselves. For your bird to have fun, you shouldn’t work with him or her, if you are in a bad mood or overly tired. Your attitude will negatively affect the bird and your time together. Begin by talking with your bird in a cheerful, but calm voice.

Smile and don’t make any sudden or fast movements. You can also choose to offer your pet a small treat right off the bat to signal that this is an enjoyable time. To keep it fun, it is important to not tire the bird by an overly long training session. Young birds, even ones that look fully mature, often tire more quickly than adults. You should only work with young birds for about five minutes. Older pets can usually take 10 minutes.

If your bird is untrained, the first trick you should teach him is “step-up.” This is a relatively easy one to learn and will make moving and transporting your bird must easier. Before you teach this maneuver make sure you have followed all the above recommendations.

When you are ready, slowly move your hand towards the bird. Then you should softly press your pointer finger to the bird’s lower stomach and say in a friendly and calm voice, “step up.” (If the bird is too large to perch on your finger, you can use your arm). In most cases, the bird will automatically step up onto your finger. Eventually, he or she will come to recognize your words as the cue to step onto your hand or arm.

When your bird completes this trick or any other trick successfully make sure you praise them! The reward that they receive is what teaches birds that they are doing what you want and it gives them motivation to continue to follow your commands. Besides verbal praise, you should offer your bird a treat. You can use a special food such as a piece of fruit or vegetable, or a favorite toy that is reserved especially for the times when the bird has learned a new trick. If you give your birds lots of praise and encouragement, then he will learn quickly and be eager for the next lesson.

Once a trick is learned, you should regularly ask your bird to perform the trick so that it is not forgotten. You can use daily activities to sneak in practice. For example, when you are cleaning the cage, ask your pet to step up onto your hand, instead of letting him just pull himself up on the bars.

If you remember to follow all of these guidelines and exercise patience, you will be sure to have a pet with an impressive set of tricks.

This article is one of many featured at [http://www.parrotsite.com]Teach Your Parrot To Talk training course A website dedicated to the world of Bird Lovers. Want to learn about how A Revolutionary Speech Training Method Will Change How Bird’s Learn To Talk.

Copyright 2006-Present Parrotsite.com. All rights reserved. – This article is available for reprint on your ezine, website or ebook. You MUST agree NOT to make ANY changes to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.

Article Source: Trond Kristiansen

By Manuel Rose

Understanding basic parrot behavior will make it easier for you to interact with your bird.
Here are some of the most common bird behaviors that I would like to share with you.

Beak Cleaning.

Just as you brush your teeth after every meal, your bird must clean its beak too.

You’ll see your parrot wiping its beak on the perch or bars of his cage after eating.

Beak Grinding.

Before your bird’s bedtime, you may hear strange grinding noises coming from your parrot.

This is the sound of a contented bird, and is nothing to be alarmed about.

Stretching.

Just like us, your bird needs to stretch from time to time.

You may notice your bird stretching its wings when you approach him.

That’s his way of greeting you.

Catnaps.

It’s normal for your parrot to take a few naps during the day.

Hissing Or Attacking.

Birds are territorial creatures and will defend their environment if they feel threatened.

Sometimes a change in your appearance will make the bird think that you are a stranger.

Preening Each Other.

This is a sign of affection.

Birds will preen (groom) each other or you.

If your bird preens your hair or mustache, consider it an honor.

Screaming.

If your parrot feels neglected, she will scream loudly in an attempt to get your attention.

Once your bird starts screaming, it can be a hard habit to break.

Night Frights.

Some birds are prone to night frights, (I know My Cockatiel Is).

These “night frights” occur when there is a loud noise in the middle of the night that will end up startling a bird into a thrashing frenzy.

If this happens to your bird, leave a night light on near its cage.

If You Find This Article Helpful, Please Link To It!

This article only touches the highlights of living with a parrot.

For much more detailed information, pick up a copy of our new DVD “Parrots-The How-To’s Of Caring, Understanding, And Training” available at www.knowyourparrot.com/

About The Author

Manuel Rose has researched and owned parrots since childhood.

He spent years reading several books and speaking to many avian veterinarians.

Manuel currently owns 3 parrots, his favorite a 13-year-old Blue and Gold macaw named Samantha, which he weaned as a baby.

Article Source:Manuel Rose

By Azmi Adnan

Your parrot relies on you, the owner, in providing a safe environment. As a responsible parrot owner, it is your duty to see that this is provided. Medicine and chemicals are to be stored safely in cabinets and out of reach of your free flying parrot. Keep watch on your parrot whenever you let it out of its cage. Parrots are instinctive and curious birds and will cause harm to themselves in the house if they are not watched.

Window curtains and coverings are to be properly secured. Make sure that all cords are out of reach and not knotted or looped as your curious bird could get itself entangled. Parrots are known for their fondness of knots so you need to make sure it is safe.

Replace all damaged parts of a toy as this is harmful if chewed and swallowed. Examine the toys each day and ensure that they do not cause any danger. Ensure that perches are in good condition and affixed correctly. Visit the veterinarian immediately if you suspect that a piece of a toy has been swallowed and your bird behaves abnormally.

Even if you use a carrier while traveling in a car with your bird, ensure that a seat belt is used. This is to prevent the carrier from rolling forward and cause shock to your bird should you brake suddenly. It is also a good idea to prop up the cage so that your bird is able to see out of the window while you are driving. If for some reason the bird is frightful of traveling in a car, use a blanket to cover the carrier.

Keep a list of important phone numbers in case of an emergency. This would include the veterinarian emergency number, bird specialists and fellow bird enthusiasts should you need to consult them for some apparent reason.

Educate your family members on bird care and what is dangerous to birds such as soap powder, liquid detergent, rat poison, glue, ceiling fans, etc. Ensure that these are not exposed whenever the bird is out of its cage.

Develop a disaster action plan. Keep stock of bird food and other supplies in the house in case you are not able to go to the pet store due to bad weather like a snow storm, windy season or floods. Find alternative pet stores to widen your supply base. Learn to perform minor medical treatment in case your bird injures itself during bad weather and you are not able to rush to the vet. Keep stock of bird medication. Talk to your vet and find out what are the likely ailments your bird could suffer and what you could do about it in case a vet is not immediately contactable.

Azmi Adnan is a writer and a bird enthusiast. Subscribe to his newsletter for fresh video clips on parrots and other bird species, ezines and interesting bird stories at his website http://www.power-to-live.com/parrot.html

Article Source: Azmi Adnan

• Don’t buy compact or pocket-sized binoculars (typically 8 x 21, or 10 x 21) as your primary pair for birding. The size and weight are attractive, but no matter how good the optics, compacts provide a lower quality image than mid- or full-size binoculars. Another drawback is that most compacts have a narrow field of view, which makes it very difficult to locate and follow birds.
• Don’t buy zoom binoculars. Expert birders report them as being inferior.
• Don’t seek advice on buying optics from non-birders. Hikers, hunters, and boaters have different needs than birders. Looking at birds is not the same as looking at other wildlife. Pocket binoculars are fine for looking across a savannah at an elephant or a cheetah, but they are not suitable for birding. Marine binoculars provide a sharp, bright image, but are too big and heavy to carry around all day.
• Don’t buy binoculars until you have tried them. Make sure they feel comfortable in your hands. Look through them and be sure you get a clear, unobstructed view. Different models suit different people, and each instrument varies. If ordering by mail or online, make sure that you can exchange them.

One thing about binoculars you dont always have to have the best specs for bird watching. Any binoculars are better than none at all. The thing to remember is that you need to have something to magnify the birds you will be looking for. If you are serious about bird watching, take heed of the tips for buying binoculars given above. They will be well worth the money!

Eclectus parrots are highly social, and extremely healthy. Maybe it is their overall good health that makes us forget that they can be killed by toxic materials. The most innocent things can be extremely deadly for Eclectus parrots, and it is vital to their continued longevity that you know what those toxic threats are.

First, as much as you may love your non-stick cookware, if you use it in your home where your parrot lives, you are putting his life in jeopardy. The Teflon in this cookware emits a toxin that can literally kill your Eclectus parrot in minutes.

You must also be aware of Teflon in bread machines and toaster ovens, and also realize that self-cleaning ovens also emit toxins that can kill your beloved bird. This means that you must go back to old-fashioned cookware, and manually cleaning your oven in order to protect your Eclectus parrot.

This isn’t the only thing that is toxic to your bird. You should also avoid the use of aerosol cleansers. In fact, most experts agree that you should avoid the use of aerosol products, no matter what they are for, if you have an Eclectus parrot in the home. Obviously, cleaning supplies are a danger to your parrot. Many of them are only toxic if they are ingested, but some are toxic if the fumes are inhaled as well.

You must also be aware of toxic foods. Chocolate, greasy foods, avocados, alcohol, and caffeine are all toxic for Eclectus parrots. Don’t assume that he is safe as long as you don’t give him these foods. He may find them lying about, and help himself. He doesn’t know any better. For example, if you have chocolates in a bowl, even if they are foil wrapped, he is perfectly capable of unwrapping them and eating them and he will.

Other products that could be harmful or toxic to your Eclectus parrot include bleach, dish detergent, coffee grounds, leather sprays, tea tree oil, thermometers that contain mercury, aluminum foil and cooking bags, epoxy glue, most essential oils, all types of pesticides in their various forms, plant food and fertilizer, carpet freshener, plug in air fresheners, spray air fresheners, mothballs, cigarettes, cigarette smoke, medications, antifreeze, flea treatments, linoleum, film, potpourri oils, certain plants, personal care products, play dough, matches, pine oil cleansers, and spray starch.

For the safety of your bird, you should consider using only natural, non-toxic cleansers in your home. Even something as simple as commercial furniture polish can be harmful. These days, in an effort to clean up and save the environment, there are many natural products on the market, so you won’t have any trouble replacing your harsh and harmful cleansers. Not only will you be protecting your Eclectus parrot, you will also be doing your part in protecting the environment. You may even be surprised that you and your family are healthier as well.

Those who are interested in owning birds usually consider an Eclectus parrot. This is especially true if they want a bird that is truly social with human beings. Because Eclectus parrots are often hand fed, or hand reared, starting before their eyes even open, these birds learn to not only depend on humans for their care, they have a true social interest in those humans as well.

However, not all Eclectus parrots are social. Some can be downright mean when confronted by human beings, or at the very least, not very well behaved. What happens to these birds to make them anti-social, and how can you be sure that the Eclectus parrot that you adopt will enjoy socialization with you?

First, let’s look at why some Eclectus parrots, which are known for their socialization, may become less than social. This usually happens because they are not handled enough as chicks. An Eclectus parrot may be handled enough by the breeder, but then not handled enough by the people who adopt him, and this can lead to socialization problems as well. In some instances, a bird may become anti-social if he is not fed properly. So, as you can see, the cause of most social problems are not the fault of the bird, or a bad personality, but the fault of the people responsible for his love and care.

With that said, it is essential that you choose your breeder carefully. You want to select a breeder who really cares a great deal about the birds. A hand feeder is best, and you need to find out how much the chicks are handled throughout the day while they are with the breeder.

Once the chick comes to your home, you absolutely must continue having a great deal of contact with him. You should touch him all over, while he is young, so that he becomes accustomed to your touch. You should also talk to him constantly. Use a clam, serene voice when doing so.

It is absolutely vital that you not keep your Eclectus parrot caged all the time. He needs to be let out of his cage for at the very least an hour a day, and preferably for longer periods of time. Some owners allow their birds to roam free all day, as long as they are home to supervise, only returning the bird to his cage at bedtime, or when they must leave the house. This freedom that he experiences is actually a part of his socialization.

Finally, realize that there is no point where it is okay to stop giving your Eclectus parrot so much time and attention. This is time and attention that he will require for his entire life just as you require time and attention from your human loved ones for your own well-being. If you continue to love and socialize with your Eclectus parrot, he will be well adjusted, and obviously quite social. In fact, you may find that he becomes your best friend, and your closest confidant.

There are three species of parrots that talk well, and the Eclectus parrot is one of them. In fact, it is believed that the Eclectus parrot is the best talker of all talking birds. He has the ability to repeat words and phrases, sing entire songs, and do a variety of sound effects.

One of the nicest things about the sound of an Eclectus parrot talking is that the males sound very masculine, and the females sound very feminine. The sound effects are very interesting because these birds actually imitate sounds that they hear and enjoy hearing. Potential sound imitations include doorbells, phones, microwaves, and running water.

As stated, the Eclectus parrot will build a wide variety of words and phrases, as well as songs. You will enjoy talking with your parrot, and it is essential that you talk often. You must repeat yourself over and over when you are teaching your Eclectus parrot to talk. Some people have tried using tapes that repeat and such, but this doesn’t seem to work. It requires human interaction. When you are talking to your parrot, make sure that you are speaking in a clear, calm manner.

It is important that when you are training your parrot to talk, that only one person is around the bird, and that only one person is talking. Otherwise, the Eclectus parrot may become nervous, and at best, he will become confused.

The best thing to start with is your bird’s name. You need to repeat his name often, and make sure that he kind of gets the idea that you are referring to him. Repeat his name often when you are hand feeding him. Remember that the bird has a short attention span, so don’t plan to spend hours at a time talking to your bird. Instead, plan fifteen minute training sessions, but settle for five or ten minute sessions if your bird seems to lose interest quickly.

Experts advise that you should give the bird an easy name that has the ee sound with hard consonant sounds, such as Peter. Once your parrot has learned his name, and says it, you can move on to other words and phrases. Remember that the more you talk to your bird, the faster he will learn to speak.

While repetition is important, it can also bore your Eclectus parrot quickly. Repeat the word or phrase repeatedly during one training session, but then wait a while between sessions. Also, once your parrot is getting the hang of talking, and he has learned a few words or phrases, you should still use repetition, repeating the same word or phrase in a single training session, but at the next session, use a different word or phrase so that the parrot doesn’t become bored with the sessions.

Finally, realize that Eclectus parrots are much like small children. They repeat what they hear even if it isn’t heard during an ‘official training session.’ Therefore, if you don’t want your bird repeating certain things, just as you wouldn’t say things you don’t want repeated around a small child, don’t say those things around the bird.

When you start thinking about adopting an Eclectus parrot, and you start talking to various people about the prospect, there is a very good chance that you will hear many myths, and absolute misinformation, concerning these very special birds. Here are the most common myths that you will likely hear:

Surprisingly, when people hear how wonderful Eclectus parrots are, they think that because they sound too good to be true, that there must be something inherently wrong with these creatures. The fact is that the Eclectus parrot is the most popular bird to adopt, and the reason for this is because they are actually quite pleasant pets.

Some people will tell you that Eclectus parrots only live for about eight to ten years. This is only true if the bird is not well cared for. A well cared for bird, on the other hand, lives to be between the ages of thirty and fifty.

Because Eclectus parrots were grossly malnourished when they were first brought to the United States largely because nobody understood their dietary needs these creatures were deemed as boring and stupid. This isn’t true. If the bird is well nourished, he is quite active and interesting.

For the same reason, many people believe that the Eclectus parrots health is fragile. This isn’t true at all. In fact, the Eclectus parrot is one of the healthiest captive birds in existence. They seldom get ill, and if they do, it is usually because they are not getting the proper nutrition.

This lack of understanding still exists in our world today. Some people don’t realize that Eclectus parrots require much more than bird seed or pellets. They require a well rounded diet of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and even grains.

You will hear reports of Eclectus parrots that have very bad behavior. In almost all instances of bad behavior, the bad behavior is due to negligence or improper nutrition. When the bird is well attended to, he is one of the easiest of all birds to keep as a pet.

Many people mistakenly think that Eclectus parrots do not talk, or do not talk very well. This is a complete myth that only becomes true when the bird is not sufficiently worked with. Eclectus parrots are actually considered the best talkers. They can learn an extensive vocabulary of words and phrases, and will even sing songs and make sound effects. Furthermore, the males sound very masculine, and the females sound very feminine.

In the future, if you hear negative things about Eclectus parrots, make it a point to find out for sure whether the information is true. The greatest source of information is a breeder with years of experience.