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 Tips for Taming Parrots and Other Large Pet or Wild Birds  
For centuries, man has kept parrots and other psittacine birds as pets. Some are now rare and in danger of extinction due to the encroachment of civilization. With a bit of perseverance, you will be able to tame your bird and to enjoy its company.

By Jimmy Cox

For centuries, man has kept parrots and other psittacine birds as pets - since the days of ancient Rome, Greece, and other civilizations before them. The African grey parrot was the best known in Europe during those times; merchant galleys carried them in. In India and China, which had older civilizations, the natives kept the Alexandrine and other Asiatic parakeets. Back in South America, the Incas and other Indian nations kept macaws and the various species of Amazon parrots.

The most recent and most beautifully colored psittacine birds known to man are the parakeets and cockatoos of the Australian continent; scientists have cataloged 59 species. Australian birds showed up in Europe only about 200 years ago. Some of these parakeets are now rare and in danger of extinction due to the encroachment of civilization.

The best method to prevent the extinction of birds would be to encourage aviculturists to breed and sell them. In their native habitat, governments should give protection, with a specified number permitted to be trapped and sold to bird breeders and fanciers each year. Between this natural and artificial breeding, man could ensure the continued existence of a species. Another aid would be artificial insemination of birds, which has been practiced with success by scientists on small birds like the canary and the pigeon, as well as finches.

Before training a bird to talk, it is first necessary to tame it by winning its confidence, and making your presence and that of others acceptable to the bird. The larger psittacine birds, such as hill mynahs and those of the crow family, become very tame and attached to their owners, especially when obtained at a young age, 2 to 6 months.

Offering a tidbit from the hand (not candy or cake), or scratching their heads gently, are winning suggestions. Various nuts, grated hard-boiled egg yolk, celery stalk, a small piece of fresh corn on the cob, etc., make tempting offerings for the large psittacines.

Treats with very strong appeal to hill mynahs, magpies, crows and English starlings, which they will take from your fingers, are red colored fruits such as cherries, a piece of tomato, various berries, or a drink of milk from the bottle cap. Grapes are irresistible, and some go for mealworms. Fruitcake is the only kind that should be offered, dipped in milk for an occasional treat.

Hunger, one of the strongest instincts, should not be overlooked as a good method to use in taming any animal.

Another way of taming a wild bird is to place its cage right beside you while reading, writing, or sewing. A nervous bird will eventually take your presence for granted. Birds kept alone tame more readily than when in the company of other birds. Some of the larger birds enjoy a little roughing up from their owner, as they like attention. This does not mean teasing, which would make a bird vicious. They do enjoy having their heads scratched and backs stroked.

With the larger psittacines, a towel or glove should be used at first in handling them, until they get used to their master. They will eventually expect this attention from persons they know who are near them.

With a bit of time and perseverance, you will be able to tame your large bird and then to enjoy his company. Good luck!

About the Author:

Long lost manuscript resurfaces with the best talking parrot secrets ever created - you will have the happiest parrots around! Click here for FREE online EBook: http://www.talkingparrot.org. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com


  Article added 10/27/07.

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