Birds For Dummies. Gina Spadafori

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СКАЧАТЬ style="font-size:15px;">       Blue-and-gold: The most popular pet among the macaws, the blue-and-gold shares with his relatives the desire to physically and socially express his opinion about a lot of things, sometimes to the dismay of those he lives with. Blue-and-golds are fine for educated beginners, as long as the owner understands the occasional social-climbing drives these birds attempt and knows how to deal properly with the situation. In the right hands, blue-and-golds make beautiful and enjoyable companions. The price range for blue-and-golds runs from $800 to $2,500.

       Scarlet: Popular in show-biz as well as pet homes for their stunning looks, scarlet macaws sport a long tail and red, yellow, and blue feathers (primarily red — hence, the name). Like the blue-and-gold, the scarlet can be opinionated. In reality, these labels of being “opinionated” likely are merely some normal manners of expression that can also be seen in their wild counterparts. Although the scarlet macaw may have a reputation for becoming “bitey,” this behavior has a purpose and can be properly directed with appropriate intervention. Scarlet macaws are probably not the best birds for beginners, but they’re fine companions for experienced bird lovers. Prices range from $2,500 to $3,500.

       Military: Overshadowed by the blue-and-gold and scarlet macaws, military macaws are, in our opinion, underrated and underappreciated as companions. Slightly smaller than their blue-and-gold counterparts, these birds seem to be much more active, busier little guys, and they can make wonderful pet birds. Good training and guidance can help avoid some of the common problem behaviors they may demonstrate. Prices typically range from $1,200 to $1,800.

       Green-wing: These birds are the second largest of the Ara genus macaws. (All the common large macaws, except the hyacinth, belong to the genus Ara.) The green-wing macaw is an impressive individual, indeed. Although these birds are large and very strong, they can learn to be quite fearful, especially in the face of forceful or frightening experiences. The best advice for anyone with a green-wing macaw: Take your time and don’t force your attention. If the bird says “no,” stop and reassess your behavior. (This is good advice for any companion bird or animal with whom we share our lives.) For the experienced bird lover, though, green-wing macaws, like most other macaw species, can be wonderfully rewarding friends. Prices range from $1,200 to $1,800.

       Hyacinth (see Figure 2-7): So special, this guy’s in a class of his own — in scientific classification (Anodorhynchus), as well as price. The domestically raised hyacinth macaw is often known as the “gentle blue giant” and is the largest of all commonly available parrots. In spite of their immense size, these birds are dramatically gentle and easily handled by most people. The birds can be quite noisy, however, and their huge beaks give them major destructive potential. As with the green-wing macaw, you need to be willing to negotiate behavior and even change your own behavior instead of defaulting to force. The price? Are you sitting down? $10,000 and up.

       Small macaws: The “mini macaws” include the yellow-collared, Hahn’s, noble, red-bellied, severe, and Illiger’s. Small macaws are taxonomically quite different from their larger counterparts, but they’re similar in that they can be enjoyable companions. Prices range from about $700 to about $2,000, depending on the species.

      Photograph by Brian L. Speer, DVM

FIGURE 2-7: Macaws such as the amazingly gorgeous hyacinth are beautiful and friendly, but they have minds of their own and must be met with on their own terms.

      Toucans, mynahs, and some others

      Toucans and mynahs are two species that took a big hit when laws were passed banning importations. They aren’t commonly bred and raised in captivity, and their available numbers in the pet world have fallen steadily. They’re fascinating birds to live with, however, and stunningly beautiful. Although not easy to keep, we know much more today about how to successfully keep toucans and related family birds.

      The mynah’s main claim to fame is mimicry, and they’re good at it. (One horrible myth that seems to follow them is that you have to split their tongues for them to talk — not true!)

      Toucans can’t talk and largely are kept as attractive aviary species because of their striking looks. And if you haven’t yet “played catch” with a toucan, try tossing a blueberry for one when you have the chance! Their skill at fielding a toss is legendary. Expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000 for one of these colorful birds.

      Chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, peafowl, and turkeys

Chickens’ popularity as backyard birds has risen astronomically in the past two decades. Although many people may raise their eyebrows at the idea of a pet chicken (like the one in Figure 2-8), common (and not-so-common) barnyard fowl can be absolutely charming, ideal for the person with a bit of land. They’re cuddly and trainable — we’re not kidding! — and come in a variety of colors and sizes. They’re often flamboyantly feathered, right down to their feet. Many chicken breeds are docile, confident, and friendly. Bonus: Eggs for breakfast!

      Photograph courtesy of D. Davidson Harpur

      FIGURE 2-8: Spicoli, who resembles the avian version of a Dalmatian, is a silver-spangled Hamburg.

      Chickens have been domesticated for more than 7,000 years, but only recently have they become widely popular as pets. Some people keep exotic and heritage breeds of chickens for their beautiful or unusual appearance (the Appenzeller Spitzhauben is described as resembling a Dalmatian with a mohawk), while others consider such factors as temperament, adaptability to cold or hot weather, small size (the better to keep one in a condo), and laying ability.

      

Many municipalities do not permit the keeping of roosters (adult male chickens) because they can be extremely noisy, especially early in the morning or any time they feel the need to declare their territory. They may also be aggressive toward people or other animals. To keep peace in your neighborhood, if you buy an assortment of unsexed chicks, be prepared to find a new home for any that turn out to be roosters. If you don’t want to run this risk, consider purchasing chicks from a sex-linked breed, meaning males and females are easily distinguished at hatch.

Prices can range from $5 for a day-old unsexed (meaning you may get a rooster) buff Orpington chick to $99 for a day-old unsexed Deathlayer chick, known for a luxuriant tail and black feathers glistening with iridescent green and purple. Chickens are social, so you’ll want to have two or more. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a coop, nest boxes, and other equipment.

      Like chickens, ducks come in some striking varieties and can provide you with delicious fresh eggs! Geese can be outstanding watch-birds, and even turkeys can be beautiful and affectionate. Peafowl, the males at least, are gorgeous, but the loud screams of the males are not for everyone and may not contribute to good relationships with your neighbors.

      Although none of these birds is known for their intelligence, many are kept and enjoyed as companion animals. Brian works with many clients and rescue groups with pet chickens, ducks, and geese who come when they’re СКАЧАТЬ