Unusual Pets — Going Beyond Cats and Dogs

Birds for First Time Owners
A list of good starter birds for those new to bird ownership, and links to profiles on each species that outline their traits, care requirements, and personalities.

Why Does My Bird Bite Me?
Reasons why some pet birds seem to bite more often than others, along with the definition of a true "bite".

Taming Aggressive Birds
An article discussing ways to hand tame aggressive parrots and other birds.

Trimming Your Bird's Nails
Tips on easily and effectively trimming your pet bird’s nails at home.

Bird Anatomy
Have you ever wondered what a gizzard is for? Ever pondered what exactly a bird’s beak is made out of? Look here for a quick lesson in the basics of avian anatomy, both internal and external. Knowing how your bird’s body works can be valuable if your pet ever gets ill or injured — be an informed and prepared owner by learning about the building blocks that make up your bird.

Fun Bird Facts
Fun and little known facts about parrots and other birds.

Indian Ringneck Parakeets
A look at keeping Indian Ringneck Parakeets as pets. Ringneck description, photos, tips for care, history, and more!

Scarlet Macaws
Information and profile on Scarlet Macaws and keeping them as pets.

Canaries
An introduction to Canaries as pets, along with facts about the species and tips on care and keeping.

Sun Conures
Summary of the essentials of caring for a Sun Conure. Cage requirements, training, feeding guidelines, history, and more!

Tortoises as Pets
If you live in a warm climate, you may be interested in keeping tortoises, since most species do best if kept in outdoor pens for at least part of the…

Senegal Parrots
A profile of the Senegal Parrot, as well as information on keeping and caring for this beautiful and intelligent mid-sized parrot species.

Teaching Birds to "Step-Up"
Once your pet bird learns how to perform a command, you should make sure to practice it every day so that he will not forget what to do.

Covering Cages at Night
An article discussing why some bird owners opt to cover their bird’s cages at night, whether or not it is necessary, and the importance of sleep to parrots and other birds.

Preparing for a New Pet Bird
An overview of essential supplies to have on hand when you bring your new pet bird home! Learn all about "must have" bird supplies and be prepared for your feathered friend’s arrival! Preparing to bring home a new bird can be an extremely exciting time for your family. Read on for tips to make sure that this homecoming goes smoothly for all involved.

Selecting a Cage
What kind of cage is best for your bird? How large does the cage have to be? Where should the cage be located? Find the answers to these questions and more as you learn the rules of choosing the best cage for your pet bird!

Homemade Cage Cleaner
Recipe for an effective, safe bird cage cleaner that you can mix at home! Harsh chemicals can be very toxic to pet birds — switching to an easy, homemade cleaner can help you prevent your bird from becoming sick. Try this simple, economical solution that will help you keep your bird’s cage a clean and healthy environment.

Cage Cleaning Tips
Tips on setting a proper cleaning schedule for your pet bird’s cage, and advice about techniques that will make cleaning your bird’s cage much easier. These easy instructions will have you on the road to a sparkling clean bird cage in no time!

Fun Bird Facts
Fun and little known facts about parrots and other birds.

Senegal Parrots
A profile of the Senegal Parrot, as well as information on keeping and caring for this beautiful and intelligent mid-sized parrot species.

Bluffing Behavior in Parrots
An article discussing the "bluffing" or aggressive stage that many young parrots go through during adolescence.

Sun Conures
Summary of the essentials of caring for a Sun Conure. Cage requirements, training, feeding guidelines, history, and more!

Rabbits as Pets
Rabbits can be delightful pets but are a great deal of work and are often not the best match for kids. While rabbits have long been associated with Easter, …

Trimming Your Bird's Nails
Tips on easily and effectively trimming your pet bird’s nails at home.

Hyacinth Macaws
A profile of the majestic Hyacinth Macaw including information on origin and classification of the species, and the care of Hyacinths kept as pets.

Senegal Parrots
A profile of the Senegal Parrot, as well as information on keeping and caring for this beautiful and intelligent mid-sized parrot species.

Rabbit Proofing Your Home and Belongings
One of the reasons pet rabbits can be a bit of a challenge is that they have some habits that can be quite destructive if not dealt with in a…

Teaching Birds to "Step-Up"
Step by step instructions on teaching your bird the basic "Step-Up" command. Easy instructions on how to teach your pet the trick that all birds should know!

Blue and Gold Macaws
A profile of Blue and Gold Macaws, their origin, dietary and care requirements, and a look at leeping Blue and Gold Macaws as pets.

Taming Aggressive Birds
An article discussing ways to hand tame aggressive parrots and other birds.

Potty Training Birds
Instructions on how to potty train a pet bird in order to avoid embarrassing "accidents" during playtime.

Top 10 Reasons Birds are Great
Are you thinking of adopting a pet? Would you like something a little more unique than a dog or a cat? If so, consider adopting a beautiful pet bird! Check out the top ten reasons that birds make great pets so you can decide if a feathered friend would make the best companion for you.

Rabbits as Pets
Rabbits can be delightful pets but are a great deal of work and are often not the best match for kids. While rabbits have long been associated with Easter, …

Guinea Pig Breed Guide
Did you know there are several breeds of guinea pigs? Actually, the array of breeds, varieties and colors of guinea pigs is quite vast and confusing. Of course,…

Trimming Your Bird's Nails
Tips on easily and effectively trimming your pet bird’s nails at home.

Bathing Your Bird
As with all pets, parrots and other companion bird species need to be bathed to ensure their good health. This important aspect of grooming is often the source of many questions among those that own pet birds. Read on to learn more about the proper ways to go about getting your bird squeaky clean.

Should I Clip My Bird's Wings?
A discussion of reasons why owners of parrots and other pet birds sometimes choose to clip their pet’s wings.

Degus and Dust Baths
Watch Other Users’ Videos Submit Your Own Video Degus need dust baths to keep their coats clean and in good condition. The dust sold at pet stores for chinchillas…

Toxic Treats to Avoid
A quick guide to the 10 most common foods that are poisonous to your bird. Many foods can trigger severe, even fatal reactions in exotic birds. Prevent an emergency by learning what treats to avoid.

Easter Chicks Warning - Chicks May Carry Salmonella
Along with rabbits, sometimes live chicks are considered as a gift for Easter time. Some pet retailers have even capitalized on this interest by selling dyed chicks at Easter,…

The Pet Bird Price List
A list of average prices ranges for the most common and popular pet bird species.

Rabbits as Pets
Rabbits can be delightful pets but are a great deal of work and are often not the best match for kids. While rabbits have long been associated with Easter, …

Reasons to Handle Your Bird
A discussion of the reasons why pet bird owners should make time each day to handle and socialize with their pets.

Bird Anatomy
Have you ever wondered what a gizzard is for? Ever pondered what exactly a bird’s beak is made out of? Look here for a quick lesson in the basics of avian anatomy, both internal and external. Knowing how your bird’s body works can be valuable if your pet ever gets ill or injured — be an informed and prepared owner by learning about the building blocks that make up your bird.

Top 10 Reasons Birds are Great
Are you thinking of adopting a pet? Would you like something a little more unique than a dog or a cat? If so, consider adopting a beautiful pet bird! Check out the top ten reasons that birds make great pets so you can decide if a feathered friend would make the best companion for you.

Top 5 Companion Bird Species
This is a list of the top 5 most popular companion bird species. Photos, profiles, descriptions and more make it easy for potential owners to learn about different types of birds before deciding which type to buy.

Sun Conures
Summary of the essentials of caring for a Sun Conure. Cage requirements, training, feeding guidelines, history, and more!

Should I Clip My Bird's Wings?
A discussion of reasons why owners of parrots and other pet birds sometimes choose to clip their pet’s wings.

Symptoms of Illness in Birds
Is your pet bird feeling a bit "under the weather?" Look here for valuable information on identifying the signs and symptoms of illness in pet birds, and tips on treatment options and preventative care. Knowing what to look for can save a bird’s life — be angel to your bird by learning how to recognize when he needs veterinary care.

How to Choose the Right Bird
Are you thinking of adopting a pet bird? While all bird owners want an attractive pet, you should be careful not to allow yourself to be blinded by a bird’s beautiful colors. Different birds exhibit different behaviors and require different kinds of care. Before you buy, look here for tips on choosing a bird that will be compatible with your lifestyle and family.

Video of Red Eared Sliders Fluttering their Front Claws
Watch Other Users’ Videos Submit Your Own Video As an example of the claw fluttering described in “Why Turtles Flutter Their Front Claws,” this YouTube video (click on the video…

Bathing Your Bird
As with all pets, parrots and other companion bird species need to be bathed to ensure their good health. This important aspect of grooming is often the source of many questions among those that own pet birds. Read on to learn more about the proper ways to go about getting your bird squeaky clean.

How to Choose the Right Bird
Are you thinking of adopting a pet bird? While all bird owners want an attractive pet, you should be careful not to allow yourself to be blinded by a bird’s beautiful colors. Different birds exhibit different behaviors and require different kinds of care. Before you buy, look here for tips on choosing a bird that will be compatible with your lifestyle and family.

Tarantulas as Pets
Photo 2006 Lianne McLeod, Licensed to About.com, Inc. Tarantulas have been a relatively popular pet now for several years. They are unique, quiet, and need little space, and keeping tarantulas…

Teaching Birds to "Step-Up"
When training your pet bird, you must never forget to reward any and all progress that your feathered friend makes. To a companion bird, even the small victories count, and owners should make every effort to show their pets how proud they are of them. Look here for ways to reward your bird when he’s completed a task.

Umbrella Cockatoos
Information on the life span, origin, and history of Umbrella Cockatoos, and tips on keeping them as pets.

Cockatiels
Details on the origin and history of Cockatiels, along with tips on temperament, care, feeding, and exercise.

Top 3 Pet Birds for Kids
An outline of the top 3 bird species that make the best pets for children.

Seeds or Pellets?
A discussion on whether or not it’s best to feed pet birds a staple diet of seeds or pellets.

Homemade Bird Toys
Birds need to play and have fun in order to maintain their good health and happiness. Look here for a step-by-step guide to making simple, economical, disposable, but fun bird toys that your pet will enjoy for hours! A wonderful activity to do with children!

Canaries
An introduction to Canaries as pets, along with facts about the species and tips on care and keeping.

Sun Conures
Summary of the essentials of caring for a Sun Conure. Cage requirements, training, feeding guidelines, history, and more!

Exotic Bird Fairs
A description of common activities that take place at exotic bird fairs, things that visitors can expect, and advantages of attending.

Should I Clip My Bird's Wings?
A discussion of reasons why owners of parrots and other pet birds sometimes choose to clip their pet’s wings.

How to Teach Your Bird to Talk
Step by step instructions on teaching parrots and other birds how to talk.

Ferret-Proofing
Ferrets are curious, active and determined, which can get them into a lot of trouble if you don’t ferret-proof your home well. In addition, they have the desire and…

Tarantulas as Pets
Photo 2006 Lianne McLeod, Licensed to About.com, Inc. Tarantulas have been a relatively popular pet now for several years. They are unique, quiet, and need little space, and keeping tarantulas…

Ferret-Proofing
Ferrets are curious, active and determined, which can get them into a lot of trouble if you don’t ferret-proof your home well. In addition, they have the desire and…

Why Do Birds Hang Upside Down?
Why does your bird hang upside down from his perch? The answer may surprise you!

African Grey Parrots
Learn about the history of African Grey parrots including information on diet, exercise, lifespan, and more! If you are thinking of adding an African Grey to your family, check here first for a detailed look at the species.

Top 10 Tasty Bird Treats
Ever wondered what foods are safe to share with your bird? Would you like to learn which ten tasty treats drive pet birds wild with delight? If so, look here for the Top Ten list of tasty treats that birds love to eat!

Seeds or Pellets?
A discussion on whether or not it’s best to feed pet birds a staple diet of seeds or pellets.

Exotic Bird Fairs
A description of common activities that take place at exotic bird fairs, things that visitors can expect, and advantages of attending.

Symptoms of Illness in Birds
Is your pet bird feeling a bit "under the weather?" Look here for valuable information on identifying the signs and symptoms of illness in pet birds, and tips on treatment options and preventative care. Knowing what to look for can save a bird’s life — be angel to your bird by learning how to recognize when he needs veterinary care.

Spring means coyote danger for urban pets (Vancouver Province)
To you her name is Fluffy, but to the neighbourhood coyote, her name is dinner. The first signs of spring herald the coyote-cub season — and that spells danger for domestic pets everywhere.

Dental care can be crucial to pet’s health (KING5 Seattle)
Kip wore down his canine teeth playing Frisbee. Shipmate’s abscess was making her face swell. Trigger’s baby teeth had overstayed their welcome. Enter Dr. Barron Hall, pet dentist.

Jupiter Farms celebrates successful campaign to preserve open spaces (Sun-Sentinel)
The lifestyle in this equestrian community with exotic pets and open trails is a far cry from the waterfront mansions in Palm Beach, but residents here couldn’t be happier.

Vet house calls ease pets’ fears (KING5 Seattle)
The convenience and low hassle of vet house calls appeals not only to folks with stressed-out pets, but also to the elderly and disabled, those with young children or many pets.

Pair accept exotic animal theft plea deals (The Saginaw News)
DETROIT — Two defendants in a Genesee County exotic animal theft case will learn their fate St. Patrick’s Day, but one of them still face charges of stealing pets in Saginaw County.

If Pets Migrate Across Social Networks (UKPets)
Could news that the Conservative Party has launched a Facebook \’friends\’ Recruitment Drive further fuel the recent decline in UK membership of large social networking sites? If so, the time may have come for the niche markets to step up to the stage.. Thursday 28 February 2008

Vet house calls ease pets’ fears (KING5 Seattle)
The convenience and low hassle of vet house calls appeals not only to folks with stressed-out pets, but also to the elderly and disabled, those with young children or many pets.

Are cougars re-claiming Midwestern territories? (The Columbus Dispatch)
MILTON, Wis. — Kevin Edwardson has trapped wild animals for years, but he wasn’t prepared for the creature that lunged at him last month from a hay mound in an abandoned barn.

Wildlife, pets holding their own despite tough winter (Leelanau Enterprise)
Creatures great and small in Leelanau County seem to be faring mostly well this winter despite lower temperatures and more snow than has been seen in the past few years.

Family Pet Expo coming to Arlington Park (Daily Herald)
The Chicagoland Family Pet Expo will be held March 14 to 16 at Arlington Park Racecourse in Arlington Heights. Show hours are 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Spring means coyote danger for urban pets (Vancouver Province)
To you her name is Fluffy, but to the neighbourhood coyote, her name is dinner. The first signs of spring herald the coyote-cub season — and that spells danger for domestic pets everywhere.

At the shelter (Dyersburg State Gazette)
Many pets who come to the shelter have sad stories. Monday morning, when our employees arrived at work, there was a large box at the front door which was full of tiny, shivering, terrier puppies. Also, someone had thrown a small chow-mix puppy over the high fence at the back of the shelter.

Dog shot to death in Norwalk (Norwalk Advocate)
NORWALK - Police were looking for the person who shot and killed a small white dog Sunday night on Brierwood Road near Silvermine Golf Course.

Dental care can be crucial to pet’s health (KING5 Seattle)
Kip wore down his canine teeth playing Frisbee. Shipmate’s abscess was making her face swell. Trigger’s baby teeth had overstayed their welcome. Enter Dr. Barron Hall, pet dentist.

Photographing pets requires waiting game (Corpus Christi Caller-Times)
Determine what characteristics you must capture

Ex-Kedah State Secretary’s son among four arrested for Sultan’s bird theft (The New Straits Times)
The son of a former Kedah State Secretary was arrested in connection with the theft of Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah’s pet birds last week. The 25-year-old was among four people detained by the police on Feb 26, several hours after palace workers discovered the birds missing.

Late York man never met a wild animal he didn’t like (The Rock Hill Herald)
YORK — Whether it roared, growled, purred, bellowed, snorted, mooed, quacked or didn’t make a sound, walked on four feet or slithered or was covered in feathers or fur, York wild animal lover Jerry Martin gave that animal a home.