-----------------------------------Macaw For A Pet---------------------------------------

What Is A Macaw?

Macaw's are small to large, colorful new world parrots native to Mexico, Central America and South America. Most species are connected to rain-forests, while others prefer woodlands or Savannah like habitats.
A Macaw is a very beautiful bird with amazingly colored features. It is found in very big to various small shaped species and like parrots and Toucans have their 1st and 4th toes pointing backwards.
Some of the species are known for their impressive sizes. Hyacinth Macaw is the largest parrot in length and wingspan.
They feed on fruits, nuts, insects and snails. Some species eat damp clay soil called clay licks which neutralize chemicals produced by their fruity diet and also provide them with Sodium. These birds have large powerful beaks that easily crack nuts and seeds. Their dry scaly tongues have a bone for tapping into fruits. Macaws are intelligent, social birds that often gather in flocks of 10 to 30 individuals. Macaws vocalize to communicate within the flock, mark territory, and identify one another. Some species can even mimic human speech.
Majority of Macaw's are now endangered in the wild. Six species are already extinct. The greatest problem threatening the Macaw population is rapid deforestation and illegal trapping of birds for trade. International trade of all Macaw species is regulated by Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species [CITES]

Which Macaw Should I Buy? How Do They Behave?
There are 2 types of Macaw's on the basis of size. Either Large Macaws or Mini Macaws. Sizes of large Macaws range from 20-42 inches and include various common species like Hyacinth Macaw [largest], Blue and Gold Macaw, Military Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Spix's Macau etc. Mini Macaw's are more easily managed at 10-20 inches but are more uncommon. Mini Macaw's include Severe Macaw, Hahn's Macaw [Noble Macaw], Yellow Collared Macaw etc.
Macaw's have a good life span of about 30-50 years. A healthy large Macaw is expected to easily live out half a century while Mini macaw live near 30 years. If I were to buy this wonderful bird, then i would have gone for a brightly colored one irrespective of its size. Most common choices of these birds are Hyacinth, Scarlet and Blue n Gold Macaw. Glaucous and Military Macaws are also good options. If u wanna go for something unique for collection then you can go for a hybrid. 
Macaws are playful and active birds and have an exuberant personality to go with their size. They are smart and inquisitive as well as being playful and lively. They are very affectionate and in turn require a good deal of time and attention from their owners to be happy [Toys Too]. Macaws are also very noisy and their screeches are usually very loud. They also do mimic sounds but not as clearly as other parrots. They are very challenging pets but adapt easily to captivity, they are tamed quickly and create a bond with their owners.
What Do They Require?
Macaws need a large, strong cage so be prepared to make a significant investment. Mini macaws can be kept in cage sized for Amazons (24x36x48). However, larger macaws need a cage at least 36x48x60 and the cage should be strong enough to withstand their significant beak strength of macaws. A stainless steel cage is a good investment.
A wide variety of wooden toys or plain untreated chunks of wood to chew on should be provided. Toys meant to be taken apart to get at a treat are also a good choice, as are hanging toys and toys to climb on as as they are safe
The diet required for a macaw starts with pelleted food which is supplemented with a wide range of healthy fresh foods (grains, vegetables, fruits). Pellets can make upto 25-50% of the diet, But seeds should not be provided more than 10% in the diet as they are too high in fat. Nuts are also a good treat in moderation. 

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I only Don't brag about being an animal lover ................. I am 1 tooo .......
I am the one on left .........................
Place : Tamanburung Bird Park , KL , Malaysia

Pet of the Month Guinea Pig

A domestic rodent also known as Cavy which is certainly not a pig and hasn't come from Guinea. They originated in the Andes but don't exist in the wild anymore. Guinea Pigs have gained widespread popularity as a household pet, but for ages has been us

ed as a food source and in folk medicine in the groups of South America. Biological experiments on guinea pigs has been carried out since 17th century. The animals are frequently used as a model organism, resulting as 'guinea pig' being a test subject, but have been largely replaced by other rodents such as mice and rats.Its binomial name is Cavia Porcellus. They are a bit large for rodents, weighing between 700-1200g, and measuring 20-25cm

in length. On avg. they live for 4-5 yrs, but may live for as long as 8yrs. According to Guineas book of world records the longest living guinea pig lived for 14 yrs and 10.5 months.

They live generally in cages, solid or wire mesh are used, though wire mesh cause injuriesand can cause an infection called Bumble-foot. Cubes & Coroplast cages are common nowadays. Cages are lined with shavings of softwood like Red Cedar & Pine but safer beddings can hardwoods [like aspen]. paper products, corn corb materials. They are often messy with their cages and male guinea pigs urinate to mark their territory

. When I had them. this annoyed me a lot......but they were too cute and friiendly to be annoyed with. they were simply awesome...........

Guinea pig sight is not as good as a human, but they have a wider range of vision (about 340°) and see in partial color. They have well-developed senses of hearing, smell, and touch. Vocalization is the primary means of communication between members of the species. Some sounds are:
Wheek: It is a loud noise, also ,produced at general excitement.
Purring: Produced when enjoying time, Eg: In new place, grooming.
Rumbling:Scared, angry, Dominated
Whining: When playing and pursued
Chattering:By gnashing teeth, used to warn
Squeeling: High pitched, sound of discontent, in danger, scared
Health
Grass is its natural diet. Their molars are suited for grinding which grow throughout life. They benefit from eating fresh grass hay [like Timothy hay]. Alfalfa is a good choice as they are happy to eat lots of it at a time. But scientists say that Alfalfa taken in large amounts may cause obesity, as well as bladder stones. Though Alfalfa is a good source of protein, amino acid and fiber. There diet includes Alfalfa, Beetroot & its leaves, Capsicum, Coriander, Lettuce, Rock melon, Broccoli, Asparagus etc. A number of plants are poisonous to guinea pigs, including Bracken, barony, buttercup,Charlock, deadly nightshade, foxglove, hellebore, hemlock, Lily of the Valley, mayweed, monkshood, privet, ragwort, rubhurb, speedwell, toadflax, wild celery. Additionally, any plant which grows from a bulb (e.g., tulip and onion ) is normally considered poisonous.
Guinea Pigs gestation period is on avg. 63-68 days. Because of the large size of the pups ad the long gestation periods the pregnaant sow may become of an eggplant shape. Newborn pups are well developed with hair, teeth, claws and partial eyesight. Sows generally give birth to 1-6 pups, the maximum record being 17.
Male and female don't differ except from general size.Males reach sexual maturity at 3–5 weeks; females can be fertile as early as four weeks and can carry litters before they are adults.Females can become pregnant 6-48 hours after giving birth, but its not hralthy for them to be pregnant constantly.
There are many breeds of the cavy. The common ones are the short haired, Abyssinian, Peruvian, Rex, Silkie, Teddy and Texel. While the rare or upcoming breeds include Alpaca, crested, Coronet, English Merino, Hairless, Ridgeback, Abbyruvian etc.




Guess Which breed is Which & comment ????????????
Human Influence
Originally, he guinea pigs were domesticated by the indigenous Andean people of the Andean highlands for their meat. It was usually reserved for ceremonial meals. But since 1960's they are now common to all people. They make a major part of the diet in countries like Peru & Bolivia, and are still used in some parts of countries like Ecuador and Columbia for food. As they require very less space than livestock and reproduce apparently faster, they didn't take much time to become popular. Another advantage of rearing them than livestock was that they could even survive in the urban environment hence, both urban and rural could have them without difficulty. Guinea pig meat is high on protein and low on fats and cholesterol and is similar to that of a rabbit. They may be fried, broiled, roasted or can be served in the shape of a casserole.
Guinea pigs have been used as research material from as back as the 17th century. Can U imagine dat?????????????? humans just eat and use animals for whatever day want... they drug them, shock them, put them in boiling water and take them 2 death for their own good?????whichever topic i choose, there is always mention of use of that particular specie as meat......................So friends i Wanna raise awareness on these topics n stop cruelty on animals