Long-Tailed Parakeets

by Wolter, Annette; Vriends, Matthew M.; Jankovics, Gyorgy

• ISBN13: 9780812013511
• ISBN10: 0812013514
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1992-10-01
• Publisher: B E S Pub Co

Summary

Tropical forests are filled with many varieties of this beautifully colored bird. This manual discusses these different breeds and offers information on selection, plus how to keep them healthy and happy. Over 40 striking, full-color photos, plus dozens of helpful line drawings.

Table of Contents

The World of Parakeets	4	(10)
Habitats in the Wild	4	(1)
Parakeets Are Parrots Too	4	(1)
External Features of Parakeets	4	(2)
Typical Characteristics	6	(1)
Parakeets as Housemates	7	(1)
Parakeets Need Room	8	(1)
Ten Points to Help You Decide	9	(1)
Appropriate Housing	10	(13)
The Right Cage	10	(1)
The Indoor Aviary	10	(2)
How-To: Equipment	12	(2)
Outdoor Aviary	14	(1)
Proper Equipment for Aviaries and Cages	15	(1)
Moisture for Plumage	16	(1)
Room Ventilation and Lighting	16	(2)
How-To: Outdoor Aviary	18	(4)
Tips on Plants for the Aviary	22	(1)
Tips on Buying a Parakeet	23	(4)
Where to Get Parakeets	23	(1)
Considerations Before You Buy	23	(1)
What to Look for When You Buy	23	(1)
How to Recognize a Healthy Parakeet	24	(1)
Important Information on Species Conservation	24	(1)
Formalities at the Time of Purchase	25	(1)
Transport	26	(1)
Acclimation, Care, and Hygiene	27	(9)
Moving into an Aviary	27	(1)
Moving into a Cage	27	(1)
Getting Parakeets Used to Each Other	27	(3)
Promoting Trust	30	(1)
Dangers for Parakeets	31	(2)
Hygiene Is Important	33	(1)
Care Plan	34	(2)
Proper Nutrition	36	(8)
What Parakeets Like	36	(1)
Seeds as a Staple	36	(2)
How-To: Fresh Food	38	(3)
Wild Plants to Gather	41	(1)
Fruits and Vegetables	41	(1)
Vitamins and Minerals	42	(1)
Protein	42	(1)
Drinking Water	43	(1)
Important Rules for Feeding	43	(1)
If Parakeets Get Sick	44	(4)
Stressful Situations	44	(1)
How to Tell a Sick Parakeet	44	(2)
What to Do first	46	(1)
Going to the Veterinarian	46	(1)
Psittacosis	46	(1)
Feather Plucking	47	(1)
Feather Malformations	47	(1)
If Parakeets Are Going to Brood	48	(8)
Moving into the Nest Box	48	(1)
Laying and Brooding	48	(1)
When the Young Hatch	49	(1)
The Development of the Nestlings	50	(1)
The Daily Nest Check	50	(1)
Hand-raising the Young	51	(2)
Helping Young Birds Fly	53	(1)
Family Life	53	(1)
How-To: Brooding	54	(2)
Understanding Parakeets	56	(8)
Youth	56	(1)
Pair Formation	56	(1)
Pair Bonding	56	(1)
Brooding Periods	57	(1)
Brooding Preliminaries	58	(1)
Courtship and Mating	58	(1)
Brooding	59	(1)
Nest Hygiene	59	(1)
The Nestling Period	59	(1)
Bathing and Drinking	60	(1)
Sedentary Bird, Visitant, or Migrant?	61	(1)
Enemies and Dangers	61	(1)
How-To: The Language of Parakeets	62	(2)
Parakeet Species	64	(18)
Australia	66	(11)
New Zealand	77	(1)
South America	78	(2)
Asia	80	(2)
Glossary	82	(6)
Special Tips for Parakeet Breeding	88	(2)
Index	90	(5)
Useful Addresses and Literature	95