This page contains information and tips about owning a pet bird.
Ducks Not Sitting on Eggs?This is a page about ducks not sitting on eggs. Raising ducks requires a whole new category of knowledge. It can be confusing at the start to know if something is a problem or not.
Caring for Baby Zebra FinchesRaising baby finches is rewarding, but it can also be a time-consuming task as they need regular care until they are grown. This is a page about caring for baby zebra finches.
Yellow Finches Stopped Coming?I live in Charlotte, NC. I placed a feeder in my yard and attracted a lot of yellow finches. I replaced the food with a different brand and they stopped coming around. I then got the food they liked and I cleaned the feeder really well.
Dealing with Noisy BudgiesBudgies are noisy birds by nature. There are some possible solutions to their sometimes constant vocalizations. This is a page about dealing with noisy budgies.
Chicks Week-by-Week (Weeks 1-6)This page documents the growth and development of backyard pet chickens over a six week period. This is a page about chicks week-by-week (weeks 1-6).
Keeping Rats Out of an Outdoor Aviary?Rats can definitely be a danger to the birds in your outdoor aviary. This is a page about keeping rats out of an outdoor aviary.
Determining the Gender of a Finch?This is a page about determining the gender of a finch. If you are considering breeding finches you will need to be able to determine gender.
Using Vaseline for Chicks with Pasty ButtBaby chicks can develop an accumulation of poop around their vent that can eventually prevent them from pooping if not carefully removed. This is a page about using Vaseline for chicks with pasty butt.
How Old Is My Baby Finch?It can be difficult to determine the age of a finch hatchling. They will typically leave the nest between 11 and 19 days. This is a page about, "How old is my baby finch?".
Parrot Toy IdeasThis is a page about parrot toy ideas. There are a lot of bird toys on the market, some quite expensive.
Baby Finches DyingSometimes baby birds don't survive long and it can be hard to know what to do to prevent it from happening again. This is a page with advice about baby finches dying.
Zebra Finch Not Sitting on Eggs?Zebra finches are popular pet birds in part because they are avid breeders. If your pair is not sitting on the nest there are a couple of possibilities. This is a page about zebra finch not sitting on eggs.
Giving Medicine to a Pet BirdThis is a page about giving medicine to a pet bird. Medicating pets is often a challenge; birds can be even more difficult without the proper methodology.
Getting Your Parrot to Try New FoodsThis is a page about getting your parrot to try new foods. Parrots can be finicky when you try to introduce new foods.
Raising FinchesFinches are popular as pets in part because they breed well in captivity. These pretty little birds will provide you with many joyful hours. There are lots of questions that arise from bird keepers. This page offers answers and solutions to differing situations from food choices to care of baby birds.
Homemade Bird ToysThese toys can be expensive, but with a little imagination you can make interesting pet bird toys at home. This page is about making homemade bird toys.
Hatching Finch EggsThis is a page about hatching finch eggs. Finches are known to be prolific egg layers, but that of course does not guarantee that you will have viable eggs. Here is some advice if you are finding that none of the eggs are hatching.
My Zebra Finch Has Laid EggsIf your zebra finch has laid eggs, this page can help give you advice about what to do. Most importantly, do not move or touch the fertile eggs or the mother may reject them.
Bacteria From Cat Bites Can Be Deadly to BirdsThe bacteria in your cat's mouth can cause your pet bird to become deathly ill. A vet trip is highly recommended. This is a page about bacteria from cat bites can be deadly to birds.
Finches Eating Their Own Eggs?My finch birds keeps laying eggs and eating them. Why does this happen?
My Finch Laid Eggs?If you have a female finch, they will likely lay eggs at some point. This page contains information about what to do when your finch lays eggs.
Breeding Society Finches?This is a page about breeding Society finches. Society finches are rivaled only by Zebra finches in their willingness to breed in small cages.
Making a Chicken FeederThis is a page about making a chicken feeder. Buying a feeder for your chickens can be expensive, however with a few inexpensive items you can make your own.
Introducing a New Zebra Finch into the CageThis is a page about introducing a new zebra finch into the cage. New birds like other pets need to be introduced to resident birds to ease stress and hopefully establish a lasting companionship.
Caring for Zebra FinchesThis is a page about caring for a zebra finch. These beautiful little birds can be an excellent pet option for a small home or apartment, but they do require special care.
Raising Ducks as PetsThis is a page about raising ducks as pets. Ducks make great outdoor pets. They are social, intelligent, and can be trained to play games and with toys. They also can be raised for their eggs.
Finch Threw Baby Out of Nest?This is a page about finch threw baby out of nest. Breeding birds exposes you to many bird behaviors. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the species you have chosen so that you are prepared.
Keeping a Bird Cage CleanThis is a page about keeping a bird cage clean. Birds can be messy pets. Cleaning their cage on a regular basis helps prevent the mess from building up.
How to Build a Brooder Box Perch for ChicksGiving your brooder chicks the opportunity to roost will give them a head start for life in the chicken coop. This is a page about how to build a brooder box perch for chicks.
Predator Proofing a Chicken CoopThis page is about predator proofing a chicken coop. Making sure your birds are safe from uninvited visitors will keep your hen house secure.
Parakeet Losing Its Feathers?This is a page about parakeet losing its feathers. If your parakeet is losing feathers you will need to determine the cause.
Preventing Snakes From Stealing EggsThis is a page about preventing snakes from stealing eggs. Many types of wildlife will gladly help you eat up your farm fresh eggs.
Dominique Chicken Breed PhotosDominique chickens are a breed that was developed in the United States during the colonial period. The hens tend to be calm and quite personable a desirable trait in a layer. This page contains Dominique chicken breed photos.
Budgie Keeps Laying Eggs?This is a page about what to do when a budgie keeps laying eggs. Bird owners are sometimes concerned when their pet is constantly laying eggs.
Parrot Photos and InformationThis is a page about parrot photos and information. These beautiful birds can be lifetime companions, and they have the ability to mimic the human voice. There are hundreds of species of parrots.
Cornbread for BirdsOne of the winter favorites for birds (which include chickadees, blue jays, juncos, starlings, cardinals and sparrows, as well as others) is corn bread.
Helping Zebra Finches Build a Nest?Make your zebra finches happy and comfortable by helping them build their nest. This is a page about helping zebra finches building a nest.
How Do You Know if an Egg is About to Hatch?I work at a pet store that has a no breeding policy. I began to take out the finch eggs and put them in my finch's nest. I have two females who are sitting on the eggs constantly. I have added eggs every time I see them at work, which I now realize may be problematic.
Moving a Finch Egg?Moving a finch egg that is outside of the nest should not be a problem. The birds will likely still care for it. This is a page about moving a finch egg.
Parrot Perch IdeasThis page contains parrot perch ideas. Your parrot needs a perch and suitable toys to keep her occupied, but perches can be expensive.
Breeding Bengalese Finches?This is a page about breeding Bengalese finches. Making sure your birds are healthy, and have adequate room is important when considering breeding your finches.
Baby Wipes for Cleaning Up After Pet BirdsBaby wipes make for a quick clean up for bird owners who allow their birds to leave their cage. This is a page about using baby wipes for cleaning up after pet birds.
Determining the Gender of a Parakeet?This is a page about determining the gender of a parakeet. Determining the gender of a parakeet, especially a young one can be very difficult.
Caring for Baby Finches?Baby finches, like any baby bird, need much care and nurturing. This is a page about caring for baby finches.
Cleaning a Finch Cage While She is Sitting on Eggs?Go slow and don't disturb the finch's nest when tidying up a cage. This is a page about cleaning a finch cage while she is sitting on eggs.
Can Birds Get Fleas?Can my bird get the fleas?
Finches Not Incubating Their Eggs?Finches are a popular bird to be kept as a pet. They are also known for the ease with which they breed in captivity. Make sure you are completely familiar with the breeding habits of your birds and then watch carefully to determine if there is a real issue; birds typically lay all of their eggs prior to incubating. This is a page about finches not incubating their eggs.
Eclectus Parrot Pulling Its Feathers OutBirds can pull out their feathers due to stress or health concerns. This is a page with advice for an eclectus parrot pulling its feathers out.
Is Peppermint Oil Harmful to Birds?I am thinking of using peppermint oil to rid an aviary of mice. Will it harm my birds?
Duck Eggs In a Nest?A duck has laid 9 eggs in a nest and been sitting on eggs for over a week. She's not been on the nest all day today and lots of feathers about, it's very cold tonight in Scotland and I don't know what to do with the eggs as it doesn't look like she's coming back. Would be grateful for some feedback. I don't have an incubator but have a heat lamp.
Pet Bird PhotosBirds are a favorite pet for many people who enjoy their songs, behavior, and beautiful colors. We have gathered some shared photos here.
Understanding Pet Bird BehaviorBird owners will often observe behaviors that they would like to better understand. One such example is of birds facing each other with beaks together, while vocalizing. Unless feathers are flying this is typically a display of affection or play. More behaviors are reviewed below.
My Finch Laid an Egg?I have two pairs of finches in my cage and they are doing good. One day I met with a surprise and there's an egg in one of my finches' nest. The next day there was only one egg and the next day an egg was there. But today there's no egg. I need to know whether this is the last egg or there's still a chance of getting more eggs.
Caring for Gouldian Finches?Gouldian finches are beautiful song birds. They are a good choice for keeping in a home or apartment. As with all pet birds you will need to provide a safe environment that is not subject to temperature fluctuations and drafts. Cage covering encourages them to sleep at night.
Backyard Chicken EggsBackyard chickens can lay a variety of colored eggs depending on their breed. The colors are fun to see, but can also alert you to a health issue such as exposure to too much heat. Even before your hen has heat stroke she may begin to lay eggs of a different color.
Finches Sitting on Infertile Eggs?Finches will lay eggs even if there is no male in the cage. If you are sure they are both females, discard the eggs. Otherwise, give them time as finch eggs can take 12 - 14 days to hatch. If they don't again discard.
Breeding FinchesFinches prefer to live with a companion and that will often lead to babies. If your pair has not started nesting yet, it could be that you don't have a mixed sex pair. This page contains tips and advice for breeding finches.
Breeding Canaries and Finches in the Same Aviary?Birds such as finches and canaries can be successfully kept in the same aviary, given that it is of an appropriate size. Watch for aggressive individuals.
Finches Eating Their Eggs?My finches are eating their eggs. I have one feisty female who is always picking on the other one. Can you have too many nests in the cage? I have two males and two females with four nests.
DIY Simple Chicken Cooling StationBackyard chickens often need a way to cool down during hot summer days. A DIY cooling station is simple to construct using supplies you probably already have. It will keep your chickens comfortable during hot weather.
Gouldian Finch Laid an Egg?My Gouldian finch laid only one egg. She made her own nest. The male mated with her on the perch. He is not a good father or mate. Does she sit soon if only one egg is laid?
Zebra Finch Not Laying Eggs?Putting your zebra finch pair in a separate cage may make them feel more comfortable and safe. This is a page about zebra finch not laying eggs.
Moving a Zebra Finch Nest?When you have baby birds or a brooding couple be sure to wait to move them until the babies are out of the nest. This is a page about moving zebra finch nests.
Gingernut Ranger Information and PhotosThese sex linked chickens are a popular backyard breed. These red hens are friendly and inquisitive. The adult hen weighs about 5 pounds and is a prolific layer of large brown eggs. This page contains gingernut ranger information and photos.
Finch Not Sitting on Eggs?My finch laid 2 eggs a month ago, but it did not incubate the eggs. Later, 15 days ago, it laid an egg daily for a total of 6 eggs and it started incubating them. But from 5 days back it did not incubate the eggs. Today is the 19th day since the eggs were laid. Will they hatch?
Catching an Chicken Egg Thief?Unfortunately, a henhouse full of eggs is of interest to more than just foxes and raccoons. This is a page about catching an chicken egg thief.
Moving Zebra Finch EggsYour birds are comfortable and at home when they start laying eggs, and should probable stay where they are until the eggs hatch. This is a page about moving zebra finch eggs.
Zebra Finches Not Caring for Chick?Because zebra finches easily breed in captivity they provide pet owners many opportunities to observe and intervene, if necessary, in the raising of the chicks. This is a page about zebra finches not caring for a chick.
Silkie Bantam Photos and InformationThe silkie bantam is the most popular of the ornamental chicken breeds. They are sometimes called the lap kitty of the chicken world because of their sweet temperament. This page contains silkie bantam breed information and photos.
Can Baby Zebra Finches Be Released into Nature?Bird species that have been bred as pets typically should not be released into the wild. This is a page about, "Can baby zebra finches be released into nature?".
Silkie Chicken PhotosThis popular ornamental breed chicken is known for its fluffy plumage. This page contains silkie chicken photos.
Araucana Chicken Breed PhotosThis domestic chicken native to Chile, is known for laying blue shelled eggs. This page contains Araucana chicken breed photos.
Getting Ready to Raise ChicksPrior to bringing home your new chicks you will want to get all of your supplies and set out their brooder box. Then the fun begins. This is a page about getting ready to raise chicks.
Cleaning a Chicken Pen?Removing waste, old straw, nesting materials, and bedding are some of the things to attend to when cleaning your chicken coop or pen. Use caution if you choose to use cleaning or disinfecting products as they can harm the birds. This is a page about cleaning a chicken pen.
Easter Egger Photos and InformationEaster egger chickens are not a true breed, but belong to a group of chickens that lay colored eggs including blue, green, and even pinkish. The chickens vary in color and form and are quite friendly and hardy. This is a page about Easter egger photos and information.
Hen Not Laying Eggs?Hens do not lay eggs year around, there are breaks during the colder months. Older girls also eventually stop laying. If none of these apply, you may want to check with a vet to make sure your hen is not ill or egg bound. This is a page about hen not laying eggs.
How to Make an Insulated Chicken WatererKeeping your chicken water insulated from the weather can help maintain a relative temperature for your chicken's water. This is a page about using a britetap chicken waterer.
Homemade Sports Bottle Chicken WatererHere is an easy and inexpensive way to ensure your chickens have water when they need it. This is a page about sports bottle chicken waterer.
Does Egg Laying Cause Molting in Finches?When finches prepare to lay eggs they will pull feathers from their chest to line the nest. This may cause your bird to appear as though she is molting. This is a page about, "Does egg laying cause molting in finches?".
Eggshells for BirdsThe calcium in crushed egg shells can be beneficial to your indoor pet birds and even the chickens themselves. This is a page about eggshells for birds.
Trimming a Bird's Nails?The thought of trimming your bird's nails may be scary. There are some products that can help keep them short or you can seek a professional to groom them. This is a page about trimming a bird's nails.
DIY Bucket Chicken WatererKeep your chickens hydrated and happy with this easy to make project. With a sturdy recycled bucket and a few supplies you can make this DIY Chicken Waterer for your chicken coop.
Distinguishing Between Male and Female Zebra Finches?This is a page about distinguishing between male and female zebra finches. It is easier to distinguish between genders in some bird species than others.
Parrot Toy IdeasThis is a page about parrot toy ideas. Parrots are intelligent birds that enjoy stimulating play. Bird toys can be quite expensive, but there are alternatives.
Homemade Bird FoodThis is a page about homemade bird food. Making a warm homemade meal for your birds may be just what they need.
Salmonella Concerns with Backyard ChickensThis is a page about salmonella concerns with backyard chickens. Salmonella is not just an issue with commercially raised chickens.
Finches Not Going Into Nest With Hatchlings?Four days ago my finches hatched 5 babies. They had a lot of nesting material built up blocking the entrance. A curious child removed the material 24 hours ago. The parents did cover the babies with a layer of material, but they have not gone back into the nest.
Keeping Birds Warm in an Outside Aviary?This is a page about keeping birds warm in an outside aviary. Pet birds are often not native to the area where they now live. Consequently, they may not be well adapted to outside conditions.
Determining the Gender of Lovebirds?This is a page about determining the gender of lovebirds. Love birds are a favorite pet choice for the bird lover. However, determining the gender of your birds can be a challenge.
Breeding Budgies?This is a page about breeding budgies. Pet budgies, also known as parakeets, can be bred by their owners.
Winter Care for Your ChickensThis is a page about winter care for your chickens. Chickens can use some special care during the depths of winter.
Breeding Birds?I have a female and a male and my female is fat. She is eating a lot. Is she going to lay an egg or die?
Benefits of Chickens for Your GardenThis is a page about benefits of chickens for your garden. The addition of chickens to your life can give you the freshest eggs, as well as fertilizer and some insect control in your garden.
Breeding Zebra Finches?I have a new pair of zebra finches. They laid eggs in their food bowl, so I put a nest and nesting material in their cage and removed the old eggs. After two weeks, they have finally laid another egg, but in the food bowl again. How can I get her to lay in the nest?
Raising Budgies?How much time will it take a budgie to hatch?
Lovebird Photos and InformationThis is a page about lovebird photos and information. There are nine species of these small parrots. Lovebirds are active, cheerful and enjoy being paired.
Saving Money on Pet Bird SeedPet food can be expensive to buy. This is a page about saving money on pet bird seed.
Treating a Chicken With HeatstrokeThis is a page about treating a chicken with heatstroke. Knowing how to recognize and treat heatstroke can save your chicken's life.
Keeping Chickens Safe in Hot WeatherThis is a page about keeping chickens safe in hot weather. Hot weather can be a tough time for your chickens. There are several precautions you can take to keep them safe and comfortable when temperatures soar.
Stocking an Avian Emergency KitThis is a page about stocking an avian emergency kit. Birds like other pets may at times need emergency first aid, either to easily treat a manageable injury or illness or until you can get to the vet.
Dealing With a Broody HenThis is a page about dealing with a broody hen. Hens can periodically become broody, meaning that they don't want to get off their eggs. Broodiness is often also characterized by a moodiness and grumpy attidute.
Blue and Brown Eggs, Oh My!After losing all of our chickens last year, we hand raised 5 new girls last spring. They finally started laying eggs and by the time we realized it there was quite a collection hidden around the coop. After washing them up I had to take a moment to appreciate the wide range of colors and speckles on them. I saved many of these and plan to blow them out and save them.
Baby Toys for Parrot JoyParrot toys are very expensive, yet vitally important to the health and happiness of our beloved friends. Parrots are exceptionally intelligent and require a lot of mental stimulation to thrive. They need much more than a good diet, fresh water, clean surroundings, fresh air, and warm sunshine.
Salmonella Concerns with Backyard ChickensMany people have started keeping chickens and other fowl at home. They are a great source of fresh eggs, don't take much special care, and can be quite funny and charming. However, you should be careful when you or your children are handling them. Most chickens naturally carry salmonella.
Feeding the ChickensI save my food scraps to give to my neighbor's chickens. Mama hen gets all excited when she sees me coming and from her actions, she's telling me to hurry up.
Weeds for ChickensIf you have chickens, when you get done pulling weeds, toss them in their chicken coop. Chickens are especially fond of dandelions.
Using Vaseline for Chicks with Pasty ButtIt is not uncommon for chicks to end up with a case of pasty butt. The buildup of poop around their vent can completely block their ability to poop, which can be fatal.
Canary Finch Laid an Egg?I have a female canary bird and she laid an egg. Does it hatch without a male bird? Thank you for helping.
Finches Not Caring For Eggs?I have 4 finches; 3 females and 1 male. The four finches were in the same cage. The male mated with two of the females. Both females have their own nest and six eggs but one of the females kept coming out of her nest and chasing the other female through the cage so I turned around and set up a new cage and took two of the females and the eggs and put in the new cage. The other female and male are still in their big cage with their eggs. The two females that I put in the new cage used to sit on the eggs and turn them. In the last 4 days they haven't gone in the nest to do anything with the eggs. What do I do or will the eggs be okay?
Zebra Finch Laying Eggs?My zebra finches have laid eggs for the second time . First one didn't hatch except one, which I found dead on the bottom of cage. I removed the nest and old eggs and cleaned everything. My husband's clothes are in the same room as the cage but we don't bother them, just food & water. How can I keep the next ones if they hatch alive?
My Zebra Finch Has Laid Eggs?My zebra finches gave two eggs. Sometimes, I disturbed them. They are not sitting on their eggs. Will the eggs hatch? How can I solve nest abandonment?
Finch Sitting On Eggs?Gouldian sits on eggs only during the day but not at night?
Zebra Finch Newborns Left Alone?I just added two pair of Zebra Finches to my Quail aviary about three months ago. Provided nests, nesting material and food conducive to breeding. One pair started building a nest within a week. About three weeks in, I noticed one finch was ALWAYS in the nest so I assumed they are sitting on eggs. Based on the date, I figured the babies should hatch about the 20th of November. There was always one or the other finch in the nest at all times. I noticed on the 20th, both were out and every time I came out for the next two days they were always out of the nest. I finally decided to look inside but it was a straw nest with very small opening (not a wood nest box with lifting lid) so I couldn't see anything. On the 23rd, I decided to put my finger in and I felt flesh with no movement or sounds. I assumed the babies hatched and then died as a result of being abandoned. I brought the nest into the house and snipped the top half open to see what I could see. There were at least three maybe four babies that appeared dead. When i went to pick one up it moved slightly and made a small sound. I immediately closed the nest back up, tied it closed and put it back in the aviary in hopes that the parents would go back to the nest. Is it possible or did the parent abandon them and it is just taking a while for them to die?
