WHAT HUMAN FOOD CAN CATS EAT?

May 18, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

As a cat lover, it is probably very hard sometimes to resist those big round eyes looking at the food on your plate. Sometimes it is hard to resist spoiling your beautiful furry friend and giving it a special treat now and again, well, just because it is cute. Or maybe you ran out of cat food. Anything goes. The question here is, what human food can cat eat actually?

We know that cats are natural carnivores and that if it weren’t for the perks of modern life, they would most probably be chasing mice and other small animals and eating them gluttonously. However, since we are all slaves of the convenience, our pets have become exactly that as well, most of the time relying on us, their dear humans, to provide delicious and nutritious food for them. Unless you don’t have a scarcity of rodents in your house, feeding your cat a proper diet should be number one concern on your pet-related list.

It is widely known that cats are NOT allowed to eat: onions, garlic, raisins and grapes, anything with sugar, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, and, last but not least, alcohol. Generally speaking, if you decide to treat your cat with some human food, it should not make up more than fifteen percent of its daily nutritional needs. Now that we know the basics, let’s move on to the foods your feline friend can eat guilt free.

Generally speaking, if you decide to treat your cat with some human food, it should not make up more than fifteen percent of its daily nutritional needs. Now that we know the basics, let’s move on to the foods your feline friend can eat guilt free.

Salmon

While you should not feed tuna to your cat, salmon is perfectly safe! Salmon is a great source of protein (something which cats absolutely need to survive) and omega-3 fatty acids. This is a delicious treat for your beloved cat, as most commercially produced cat foods already contain salmon. Just make sure to cook it before you give it to your kitty.

Eggs

Eggs are a good source of protein and vitamin B, and they can also be found in many packaged cat foods you can buy in pet shops and supermarkets. Eggs are perfectly safe for a cat to eat, but, as always, make sure to cook them before feeding them to your beloved pet.

Spinach

Spinach is very healthy for humans, and it is not any different when it comes to cats as well. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Spinach is a safe cat-friendly food so feel free to give it to your cat occasionally. However, if your pet has a history of calcium oxalate bladder stones, it might be best to avoid it.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is another safe option for cats that you can drizzle over its dry food from time to time to make it more appealing. There are a lot of options when it comes to fish oil, ranging from salmon and cod liver oil, as well as shark oil (said to be very healthy). Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil can help if your cat has problems with dry skin, and keep its coat healthy and shiny.

Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe is packed with vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin K, vitamins B1, B3, B6, fiber, and magnesium. It is a great anti-oxidant and contains beta-carotene, which can help with your cat’s skin and promotes eye health.

Chicken

Okay, this one is an obvious one. Cats are natural carnivores and require a lot of animal protein in order to survive. Unlike dogs, they need a lot of meat in order to be healthy, so chicken is a perfect choice as it is a common ingredient in most kitchens. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and it is perfectly safe for your cat to eat. However, note that you should always remove the skin and cook it well before feeding it to your munchkin.

Whole Grains

A favorite breakfast for humans can be a nice treat for the felines as well. Oatmeal can actually be found in a lot of commercially produced cat foods since it is a very good source of vitamin B and releases energy slowly. However, most cats will probably shy away from oatmeal, so it might be a good idea to introduce it to their diet slowly, by mixing it in with their regular food, or with another human food such as meat.

Also, barley, wheat berries, and brown rice are good choices. Couscous and millet can also be introduced to your pet’s diet, as long as they are cooked.

Bananas

Bananas are packed with potassium and fiber that cats can digest, so they are a perfect cat-friendly snack that can be found in most kitchens. But, beware, bananas are delicious and nutritious, but they should not make up more than ten percent of your cat’s daily dietary needs.

Cheese

Cheese is another nice option for cat treats, so if your lovely pet shows interest in your latest artisan cheese platter, you might consider giving it some. Usually, veterinarians recommend hard cheeses such as Gouda, Swiss cheese, or cheddar, since they are high in protein and calcium. You can also bake them lightly to make an even tastier treat.

You can also experiment with soft cheeses such as cottage cheese, and even yogurt and sour cream, but make sure to do this in small doses, and, if possible, in low-lactose varieties.

Apples

An apple a day keeps the vet away. Okay maybe not a whole apple, but you get the point. Apples are high in vitamin C and fiber and are a cat safe treat, as long as they are skinless and raw.

Blueberries

Blueberries are not only a treat for us humans, but are also a cat favorite! These wonderful purple berries can be found in some commercial cat foods, you can give them to your cat raw, or even frozen. Just make sure to limit the caloric intake of blueberries (and other human foods for that matter) to 20 calories a day.

Peas

Peas may not be a favorite among children, but they are perfectly safe for cats to eat. They are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, and they can also be found in many cat foods. So, this means that you can safely feed them to your cat, frozen or raw, your choice.

Turkey

Turkey, like chicken, is a good source of lean protein and a nice treat for a cat. Whether served as deli meat or cooked turkey breast, it is a good snack that will not cause problems to your kitten.

Broccoli

You might have hated it as a kid, but as an adult, you cannot deny its benefits to your health. And now, you can even share it with your feline friend to soothe the pain of having to eat broccoli. Yes, adulting is hard, and being a cat parent can be even harder at times, which means that you should take your cat’s health into consideration apart from your own. Enter broccoli.

If you notice that your furry friend is munching on house plants, it may be craving some veggies, so why not try to give it some steamed broccoli? It will satisfy the crave for greens and keep its intestines healthy and in perfect sync.

Melons

Just like the aforementioned broccoli, melons can be a great treat which satisfies the craving for greens (or house plants which can be potentially harmful). Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are perfectly safe for your cat in small amounts. Just make sure to de-seed them.

Baby Food

Okay, this might not be your first choice, however, if you have a human baby that eats baby food, why not give some to a cat baby in your household? Baby foods that are meat based can actually be great for your cat, especially if you are trying to slip in some medicine that your pet just does not want to take.

A word of warning, before feeding baby food to your cat, make sure it does not contain onions of garlic since these are very harmful to felines.

HOW MUCH FOOD SHOULD A CAT EAT?

May 17, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

You just got a new fluffy pet and you are stuck wondering – just how much food should a cat eat? It is perfectly reasonable to feel confused, especially if you have never owned a cat before, but even experienced cat lovers can sometimes feel as if they need a more structured answer to this question. No one wants to give too little food to their pet as that can seriously damage their health, but also, one should think about the other extreme – feeding your cat too much – which can cause weight gain and additional health issues.

Essentially, feeding a cat is not a complicated process, however, you need to have some basic knowledge of your pet’s nutritional needs. These vary depending on your cat’s breed, age, weight, activity level, pregnancy or nursing factors, and, of course, the choice of food.

Additionally, whether you use wet or dry food, the brand of kitty gourmet meals does make a difference as some are of higher quality and contain more relevant nutrients, and some, lower quality ones, do not contain as many nutritional ingredients and therefore require a larger amount on the plate. So, let’s dive in into the everlasting question and get some answers – how much food should a cat eat?

Calories in and Calories out

If you are anything like the next person you have probably been on a diet at some point in your life. Therefore, you must be familiar with the old rule of calories in vs calories out.

This amazingly simple equation means that if you want to lose weight you should eat fewer calories than you burn, and if you want to maintain it, try to keep these two level. This simple rule works for every single being on this planet, which means that it also works for cats.

If you are using a prepackaged cat food that you can buy in most pet stores and supermarkets, you may find yourself confused when trying to find caloric information on the packaging.

Various brands of cat food may not even disclose this information on the package, which means that you will have to go to the brand’s website and look for the info there. Generally speaking, a cat should eat 25 to 35 calories per one pound of body weight in order to live a healthy life.

Feeding Too Little, Too Much, or Just Right

Now, let us see what happens when you feed your cat too little. If your pet is not getting sufficient nutrition, you will be able to see the effects that make on its body. This is mostly visible in stray cats and newly adopted animals who have spent a considerable amount of time in a bad animal shelter where they did not receive enough food.

On shorthaired cats, the ribs will be visible. The cat will have no palpable fat and have a drastic abdominal tuck. You will also be able to notice lumbar vertebrae and wings of ilia. If you notice an obvious waistline behind the ribs, the cat is underfed.

On the other hand, an overfed cat will have palpable ribs with excess fat covering. You will see that the cat’s waist is anything but slim and that it does not have an abdominal tuck. In ever more overweight cats, ribs would not be palpable and will have an excessive amount of fat covering them. They would also not have a waist, and you’ll be able to notice the rounding of the abdomen.

Ideally, your cat’s ribs should be palpable and with a minimal fat covering. You should be able to notice a waist behind its ribs, but that waist should not be too thin. A healthy cat should have a slight abdominal tuck and minimal abdominal fat pad.

How Often Should You Give Food to Your Cat?

One of the most important things a cat owner should know is how often to present a bowl of food to a cat. The most common mistake people make is just leaving a full bowl of food in the reach of their feline friend at all times. This is, in fact, the leading cause of obesity in cats and the worst thing about it is that it is completely preventable.

It is important to remember that cats are natural predators, so having food available all day long goes against their natural instincts of being a hunter. Most cats in the “wild” will get probably two or three small meals each day.

Taking this into consideration, giving your furry friend a full bowl of food two times a day is perfectly fine, but if you are a freelancer working from home, you can also divide these two meals into three or four and space them throughout the day.

When it comes to kittens, the story is a little different. As babies, kittens need more calories per pound of body weight, so make sure to read the labels carefully as to avoid underfeeding a developing kitten. Make sure to monitor your little furry baby’s weight, as their nutritional needs vary as they grow, and adjust their food portions accordingly. One the little one is six months old, you can start feeding it a regular adult cat diet.

If you have adopted a cat from a shelter or taken one from the street, make sure to feed it the same or similar amount of food that it got before it became your pet. Cats are very sensitive when it comes to diet changes, so make sure you ease her into your regular feeding schedule. At this point you should also decide which type of food will be her main source of nutrition, as there are a lot of options to choose from – wet, dry, raw, or a combination of all three.

Calories and Ingredients

When it comes to a healthy feline diet, cats mostly require a lot of protein, way more than dogs do. Most of this should come from flesh-based protein foods such as meat, poultry, and fish. If you choose to feed your cat mostly dry food, make sure it is high in animal protein and low in plant protein, which cats cannot digest properly. Carbs should not be over ten percent of the ingredient mix. Also, wet foods should be mostly made of meat, with as little fillers and other ingredients as possible.

Regarding the calorie count, a healthy and active 8-pound cat should eat about thirty calories per pound of body weight each day, which means that 240 calories per day are enough. Usually, a cup of dry food adds up to about 300 calories, and canned foods have approximately 250 calories per can. If you take this as a general rule, 4/5 of a cup of dry food, and a little less than a full can of canned food will be enough for a typical 8-pound cat each day.

If you notice that your cat is getting fat or considerably slimmer even with these precautions, you can always take it to the vet and as him or her directly what you should do. A vet will assess your cat’s physical condition and will be able to give you a good diet plan you can follow to keep your feline friend happy and healthy.

Mistakes to Avoid

In order to have a healthy pet, you should avoid some of these common mistakes even the most proficient cat owners make:

Not enough water. Water makes up almost 70% of adult cat’s body weight and a deficiency in water can lead to serious health problems. Since cats are not like dogs and usually won’t drink water by themselves, offering them wet food can solve this problem to an extent. You should always keep a bowl of fresh water in your cat’s reach, and you can encourage it to drink it by placing a bowl somewhere where your furry friend likes to be during the day. Note that some cats are fine with tap water while others will be able to detect the chlorine and refuse to drink it, so opting for bottled water, in this case, might be a solution. You can also place a few crushed catnip leaves on the bottom of the bowl to encourage your feline friend to get more hydrated.

Dry food only. Another common mistake is feeding your cat only dry foods. This again goes back to the water issue and the low thirst drive of cats. Canned foods can meet your cat’s daily water needs.

Going green. Even though vegetarian and vegan diets are perfectly healthy for humans, you must remember that these diets simply will NOT work for a cat. Cats are natural carnivores which mean that they absolutely need to eat meat in order to survive. So, even if it goes against your beliefs to purchase animal products, remember that your pet’s life is on the line here and that it must eat animal protein in order to be healthy.

WHAT VEGETABLES CAN CATS EAT?

May 15, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

We all know that eating veggies are amazingly healthy for our bodies and that the primary food group should consist of vegetables, raw or cooked. But did you know that cats can also eat them? Even though our furry feline friends are considered to be primarily carnivores, eating an occasional vegetable can improve their health and longevity, making them stay with us for a long, long time.

Now, we are not arguing that your cat should become a vegan because it most certainly should not, but sharing a bit of your food with it is not scary or dangerous, just make sure that it is safe for your kitty to eat. Giving your cat a treat from your own table once in a while is perfectly fine, you just have to find the foods that will meet your kitty’s nutrient needs.

Let’s be real here for a second. Essentially, your cat does not really need vegetables in order to survive. Cats are carnivores, not omnivores, unlike dogs, which means that they only really require animal protein to fulfill their nutritional needs. Therefore, eating a high quality commercially produced cat food should be enough, but, if you wish to cut down on the calories for whatever reason (fat cats and such), giving few fruits or vegetables to your furry friend can shed a few inches off of its waist. Just to be safe, check with your veterinarian before giving your kitten any veggies.

So, now that we know that some vegetables are safe for cats to eat, let us see which ones can we feed to our lovely feline friends

Spinach

Popeye’s favorite snack and one of the healthiest greens you can eat yourself happens to also be perfectly suitable for a cat as well. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, iron, copper, vitamins B2 and B6, vitamin E, potassium, and manganese, among others.

This is a perfectly fine treat for cats, but, if your kitty has ever had calcium oxalate bladder stones, it might be best to avoid this one. Otherwise, go for it!

Peas

Peas are just amazing! They are high in fiber and a very good source of manganese, vitamin B1, vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6. Peas are considered to be a perfectly cat-safe people food, as you can often find them in the commercially produced cat food.

However, you can feed your feline friend home-made peas as well, raw or frozen, as you wish. If you cook them though, make sure you don’t go crazy on the spices, as cats are not foodies like us humans, and too much sodium can do them harm.

Carrots

Carrots are not just bunny treats, your cat will love them as well! Carrots are a known source of vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, biotin, packed with fiber and healthy vitamin E and copper.

When feeding them to your cat, make sure they are cooked or baked. If left uncooked, carrots are very hard and can present a choking hazard for your kitten. They are also quite difficult to digest, so just stick them in an oven or cook them in a pan before giving them to your feline friend.

Winter Squash

Winter squash is a great source of many vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and B2, as well as vitamin K, and of course manganese, copper, potassium, and folate. It is also packed with dietary fiber which is great for digestion. Winter squash should be cooked before being fed to your cat.

Just keep in mind that these healthy treats should not make up over 10 percent of your kitten’s diet, even if she likes them, as the primary source of nutrients should come from meat.

Broccoli

Your mom used to make you eat broccoli when you were a child and it probably was not one of your favorite vegetables, but nobody can deny that it is amazingly healthy. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and A, zinc, calcium, niacin, and magnesium.

If you want your cat to benefit from the numerous healthy traits of broccoli, feel free to give it some, just make sure to steam the vegetables first and not give them to the cat raw.

Green Beans

Green beans are not only tasty but also very healthy. They are packed with copper, magnesium, potassium, calcium, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins B1, B6, and vitamin E. So next time you have a tasty dinner which includes green beans, feel free to give some to your furry friend.

Asparagus

Asparagus is another healthy vegetable most humans do not eat enough of, but did you know that it is also a very good cat treat? Asparagus is a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as selenium, folate, copper, iron, zinc, and pantothenic acid.

Full of nutrients and delicious, when steamed it becomes a perfect healthy treat for a cat. Note that when cooking, you should avoid adding butter and oil to the veggies to avoid making your cat an overweight one.

Zucchini (or courgettes if you will)

Zucchini, or if you are British – courgettes, are a well-known superfood especially helpful for weight loss since they are low in calories and high in nutrients. Courgettes (zucchini) are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese, and are an outstanding source of dietary fiber.

Zucchini is also a common ingredient in many commercially produced cat foods, therefore perfectly harmless for them. Cook them lightly and feed them to your cat without worry, or, alternatively, mix them in with your kitten’s regular food for an extra boost of health.

Cucumber

No summer is really perfect without fresh cucumber, and, as it turns out, cats kind of like it as well. Disregard the funny cat videos on the Internet which show various felines jump like Michael Jackson when presented with this green vegetable – in reality, they are very good for your cat’s health!

Cucumbers are a great source of molybdenum and Vitamin K, as well as a good source of pantothenic acid. They also contain copper, manganese, vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin B1, so slice some of that lovely fresh cucumber and let your kitten much on it occasionally.

Pumpkin

Pumpkins have numerous benefits for your cat’s health, so it is no wonder that it is a common ingredient in higher quality cat food. Since pumpkin is a great source of fiber, it can help with constipation and diarrhea when pureed. As pumpkins also contain essential fatty acids and antioxidants, they are a wonderful source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, which means that they also help with urinary issues and are great for weight loss if you are dealing with an overweight pet.

For weight loss purposes, replace a portion of your cat’s regular food with some canned or lightly cooked pumpkin. Trust us, your pet will thank you.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, whether red, green, or yellow, are among the healthiest of foods for people, and completely harmless to cats. Since they are full of antioxidants, bell peppers can help your kitten’s overall health, as well as be a great resource if you are looking to shed off some pounds off your overweight cat.

But, as with all veggies, make sure to give only small doses to your feline friend, as too much bell peppers can upset your cat’s stomach and cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Lettuce

While you are having your fresh spring salad full of tasty lettuce, you might consider giving some to your cat as well. Lettuce is not toxic to cats, so it is perfectly safe for them to eat it, however, if you are dressing your salad with vinegar, avoid giving your pet the vinegary lettuce leaf. Small amounts of fresh lettuce added to your cat’s food bowl will give her a health boost, as lettuce is full of vitamin A and contains a great amount of water.

Cabbage

Just like lettuce, cabbage is also perfectly safe for your cat in small amounts. Fresh cabbage is packed with vitamin B6, magnesium, and calcium, all of which are great for your feline friends. But, beware, large amounts of cabbage can cause pretty unpleasant gasses to form, which are not comfortable neither for your cat nor for the person in the same room as it. Moderation is key in this case.

SIX BEST FOOD FOR CONURES

May 10, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

The popularity of conures as pets has peaked due to their fairly easy maintenance. These are small to medium-sized birds with long tales that don’t require much but can represent a great company. Provided that you take good care of them, you’ll be more than thrilled to keep them and have fun with them for a long time. However, if you want an energetic and smart conure, not only do you have to work with it a lot but you also have to feed it with nutritious foods. Here are Six Best Foods for Conures that will nourish them from the inside and the outside so that they give you the best they can.

Higgins Sunburst Gourmet Food Mix for Conures

Higgins Premium Pet Foods started small in 1972 but it gradually became one of the leading companies when it comes to pet food for small companions. Their foods are dust-free, contain omega-3 for immune system support as well as probiotics that will support your birds’ sensitive digestive system.

With their Sunburst Gourmet Food Mix, you can be sure you’re buying a state-of-the-art product. It is toxin-free and doesn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. It pretty much resembles the oatmeals some of you usually have for breakfast, only modified to strengthen your conure’s health. It has exotic fruits and vegetables, wholesome seeds, grains, shelled nuts, legumes etc.

The food is made so that you can use it both as a ‘’meal’’ and a treat when you’re teaching your conures new tricks. Half of the cup you have in the cage is usually enough for a period of 24 hours. You can also add other things to this and rotate between fresh fruits that you give them and this super food. Remember to always place water next to your birds’ food container, especially when you’re feeding them on this (it’s a bit on the dry side).

Whether your bird will like this or not is very debatable and depends on the type of bird you have. Conures love it in most cases. We really couldn’t find any particular flaw to the product as much as we wanted to present both sides and make it more objective. Therefore, feel free to purchase it and please your pets with a delicious meal.

Pros:

Natural ingredients.
Has no artificial fragrances, colors, and
Can also be used as a treat.
A great variety of ingredients is included in the content.
Contains omega 3 for immune system support.
Probiotics help the digestive system.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Bird Food for Conures and Lovebirds

Kaytee helps animals get the best nutrition since as far as 1866. If you’re the one who likes to cooperate with experienced people who know the ropes of this business, then the company’s Forti Diet Pro Health Bird Food for Conures and Lovebirds will definitely meet all your expectations.

The content of the product stimulates mental development of your little companion as well as injecting it with a lot of energy. This energy source actually comes from sweet potatoes that are added to this blend. The mixture also has chia seeds and kale incorporated. These are rich in vitamins, minerals and omega-3’s which are the base of every invincible immune system. The fatty acids will also take care of your birds’ feathers and make them look glossy and vibrant.

You can sprinkle this bird food over your bird’s every-day meals and watch how your pet indulges in this exquisite, bird-friendly food. Don’t base the bird’s meals off of this though! This is a superb enhancement to the food you regularly give to the conures and shouldn’t be eaten constantly.

Another reason we don’t recommend this in big amounts is the fact that it contains sunflower seeds and peanuts. All learned conure owners know that these are not the best for your bird’s health. Also, peanuts catch mold easily which could be life-threatening if ingested by your pet.

Pros:

Provides mental stimulation.
A great energy source.
Supports healthy immune system.
Good for your birds’ feathers to become shiny.

Cons:

Has peanuts and sunflower seeds.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Pure Fun Bird Food for Parrots & Conures by ZuPreem

This is another supreme product by a renowned animal-food manufacturer, ZuPreem. If you’re looking for an easy way for your conure to get balanced nutrition throughout the week this is just what you were looking for.

We have to firstly start with the look of the content of the product. The food pieces look very engaging. Their colorfulness will draw the little feathery friend’s attention and then reward it with delicious taste and, most importantly, all the elemental vitamins and minerals that your bird needs. Some of the ingredients include dried bananas, dried pineapples, pistachios, dried papaya, dried apples, soybean meal, vegetable oil etc.

This food can be fed up to 30% of the total food your bird eats each week. Before every meal disposes of any food left from the previous meal and always have fresh water in birds’ cage. It also may end up being too spicy, especially if your bird is picky about the food so pay close attention. If it seems not to like it, on to the next one!

Pros:

The food looks attractive to birds.
Ingredients are nutritionally rich: contain vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin E.

Cons:

The spice may repel the bird from eating (heavily depends on the bird’s taste)

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Medium-Large Fruit-Blend Diet by ZuPreem

ZuPreem has hit the spot again with this fruit blend for your little feathery companions. They’ve been feeding animals since 1968, so no wonder why their products are widely known and this one is no exception.

The blend is usually used when owners are switching their birds from seed to pelleted food. For the record, this is not an easy task at all and in some cases, the farthest you can go is mixing the seeds and pellets and hope that it will all end up in your bird’s tiny stomach. However, this is the sort of diet that veterinarians encourage because it promotes overall good health.

This package is loaded with vitamins and nutrients in chunks of different dried fruits that your conure will love. Additionally, they all look very colorful and are overall gorgeous. With a bit of talking your companion into it, it will surely love it. Some of the ingredients are ground corn, soybean, vegetable oil, oranges, apples, grapes, and bananas.

The problem we find in the product is that a lot of chemicals are used, among which is, for instance, artificial color. Unfortunately, this is not the only one among the listed products that have this. The first product mentioned is basically the single one that is completely free of chemicals which should always, of course, be preferred.

Pros:

Packed with minerals, minerals, and different fruits.
Stimulates immune system.
Great for the switch to platelet diet.

Cons:

It is not all-natural

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Kaylor made- Sweet Harvest Enriched Conure Lovebird Bird Food

Kaylor was the first one to invent the food which has intense colors using only natural methods. This was about the time when the ‘’Sweet Harvest ‘’ line actually hit the road for the first time. It contains balanced ingredients that will have your bird display an immense improvement in mental and physical health very quickly.

Some of the ingredients this product has are safflower seed, white proso, canary seed, wheat, carrot, papaya etc. These are all triple-cleaned and natural which means that you won’t have to deal with dust that this sort of food usually brings with itself. Also, the technique of nitrogen flushing was used so as to prevent bugs from laying its larvae there and contaminating the product.

Too many pumpkin seeds could cause a bit of a problem here. If the bird hasn’t been in touch with them these may look too big and the birds won’t be interested in them which means only one thing food waste.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Lafeber Company Nutri-Berries Conure Pet Food

This is a combo made of premium ingredients. Hulling is the key for this product. This is a process where the seeds and grains are blended together and then coated with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Seeds and grains are actually put into 2 different types of ‘’chunks’’: pellets and nuts berries. In pellets, the ingredients are well ground up before taking their final form. This is not the case with nuts berries where they’re kept as a whole. The latter will provide your pet not only with great nutritional harmony but they’re also fun because they’re very crunchy.

Some of the elements here that have immeasurable nutritional value are the omega-3 and omega-6 acids which keep your pet’s coronary system in order (as in humans).

There are no major problems with this product. Try this out and you’ll have a very vigilant and satisfied conure!

Pros:

Entertaining crunchy nuts berries will make the bird love this food even more.
Well balanced: contains omega 3, amino acids and minerals.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Buyers guide

Every conscious pet owner knows that you can’t just go and feed your beloved friend with anything. You have to ponder a lot on which food you give to your birds so that they are happy and satisfied.

First of all, think of which kind of bird you have. They all need different nutrients. Conures, in particular, should consume what they would do if they were in their natural habitat. This means a lot of fruits which are fresh. You can also give them a lot of vegetables and seeds, but even with seeds, you have to be careful. They’re not that beneficial in huge amounts. However many manufacturers put in a lot of seeds as an alternative for the lack of fruits which are the most important in their nutrition. Of course, scan the description and look for the ingredients which are potentially harmful such as artificial colors and flavors. These are not dangerous in certain amounts (which is why we listed some products containing these) but, if available, all natural products should be used.

Birds also like their food to look well. That’s why all of these products are usually very colorful which will attract the attention of your pet. If possible, choose some food that will be both fun to watch and to eat. The last product mentioned here has the nutriberries which are especially crunchy which will additionally raise your bird’s curiosity.

Once you take all these points into consideration, you’ll know you’ll pick out the right food for your bird and support its healthy and long life.

MUST HAVE GREEN CHEEK CONURE TOYS

May 9, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

Taking care of green cheek conures is not just feeding and clipping wings. We have to provide them with challenging tasks every day so as to develop their cognitive abilities. It is our duty as pet owners to bring the best out of our birds so that they can give us their best. When we provide them with a full attention which includes entertainment, we can be sure our bird will be an irreplaceable companion in our lives. One part of enticing them is to give them toys. Here are seven must-have green cheek conure toys.

Cage Swing Hanging Toy by Vktech

Obviously, kids are not the only ones who can enjoy endless rides on swings. With this toy, you can turn your birds’ cage into a ‘’park”. Your pets will be able to indulge in the fun of this swing for hours if you train them well by giving them treats from time to time! It is made of vegetable dyed perches and pony beads which are beautifully colored. It is very easy to install inside the cage, has bright colors and will definitely bring the whole new outlook to it.

The only concern we have with this product is the steel. Apparently, it is not stainless which can be dangerous if your birds chew on it. Therefore, check with the provider if they have any knowledge about the metal. Otherwise, we recommend changing this part with something you undoubtedly know is bird-friendly.

Pros:

The toy is entertaining.
It empowers your conure physically.
The swing is brightly colored.
It is easy to install.

Cons:

The metal is of disputable quality.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Bonka Bird Toys 1914 Basket Swing

If you’re OK with a bit of ‘old-school’ design then this product is just the right thing for you and your bird. The swing is made of 2 parts. The first one would be a naturally woven basket. It is great for small birds. Not only can your parrots have fun in here by swinging but they can also simply rest and chill in there. The basket is suspended with colorful solid link plastic chain and decorated with moveable plastic rings.

The downfall of this product would be that it can get torn apart within minutes. This is what will happen if you have birds who like to chew a lot or are too big. Having this in mind you’d have to be very careful when choosing this in order not to waste your money. A toy made for multiple breeds and sizes is always recommendable: it targets a wider audience and more customers will be happy.

Pros:

The swing is made of non-toxic materials.
It is multifunctional.
Easily put in the cage.
Very decorative.

Cons:

It is exclusively for small birds

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Colorful Ladder Bird Toy by OnePlus

This is one more of those toys that stimulate different senses in your birds. The colors are very visually interesting which is important for catching the attention of your feathery friend. There’s steel wire throughout the whole toy. The most important thing is that it is made of natural wood which means the ladder won’t put your bird in any life-threatening situation. What will challenge your parrot at a mental level is that the spacing between the bars is moderate which means they’ll have to put a bit more effort in using it in the right way.

If you have birds which like to chew this is unfortunately not the best choice. The wood can be chewed through pretty easily so make sure that you know your bird well before buying this. This is for really small birds only.

Pros:

Great mental and physical exercise.
All natural materials.

Cons:

The wood is pretty soft and can be demolished easily.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Wood Perch Toy Playground Stand by Keersi

This is a great multifunctional toy for your bird. We said multifunctional because it not only provides your birds with additional playground but this can also be a great landing ground and rest ground too. Natural wood only is put in the product.

The size of the perch can be too small for some birds though. This could actually irritate your bird and it will eventually tear it apart. Although green cheeks are usually small sized, if they have strong beaks it ending story for the toy may be the same.

Pros:

Provides a nice activity place and a relaxing place at the same time.
Bird-friendly material.

Cons:

Not strong which makes it unfit for birds with strong beaks or big birds.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Prevue Hendryx

62801 Naturals Coco Hideaway with Ladder Bird Toy

This is a toy made by a well-known company that has been working towards the well-being of animals in general for years. It is handmade of natural materials of different textures. The variety of textures will provide your birds’ beaks and legs with great exercise.

The toy practically has 2 parts: the hideaway part which is made of coconut and a ladder made of sustainable hevea branches and sisal rope. It is easily connected to the cage and will provide your bird with great mental exercise too.

This is probably the best all natural product you can go for. Not every bird toy is this simple yet very mentally and physically challenging. There are no major flaws in it and we’re happy to recommend such a high-quality, all natural product.

Pros:

Made of sustainable, natural materials.
Represents a great physical and mental exercise.
Easily attached to the cage.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Buyers’ guide

As much as we would like to give our little feathery companions a healthy and joyful life, we have to be careful about the toys that we buy them. Not every toy is for every bird. Most of the toys mentioned on the list are not made for bigger birds (that would have been cool though!). With that in mind, take the bird’s size into consideration when purchasing a bird toy. You also have to observe its character. If the bird is the ‘’chewing’’ type of a bird then make sure you investigate the materials the toy is made of. Birds are overall highly sensitive to chemicals which could kill them in an instant if you don’t pay close attention. Most of the products here are completely pet-friendly. However, the Pervue Hendrix product may be your best bet if you want to make sure your birds are playing in a toxin-free environment.

BEST FOOD TO TREAT CAT’S DRY SKIN

May 8, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

Your cat suffers from dry skin and has a dull coat, possibly combined with dandruff, scaly dermis and fur loss? Dry skin and is a condition that affects cats of all ages and could be perfectly benign, a result of a number of external causes. However, it could be related to some of these internal health conditions:

an early indicator of a more severe disease
an allergic reaction to a number of parasites (fleas, ticks, etc.)
a generally unhealthy organism
an indicator of certain mental health issues related to an inactive lifestyle.

Fortunately, there’s no need for panic, as it is extremely rare for it to be anything more than a reaction to some external changes in the cat’s environment, bathing habits or simply a case of malnutrition or an allergic reaction to some substance in the cat’s meal. Before you start suspecting something more severe is at hand, try examining whether it is simply a case of inappropriate food that it eats or something that is curable by adding certain helpful substances to its diet.

How to improve poor nutrition

Poor nutrition may be a major setback to the state of the cat’s health, including skin and fur.

If they don’t intake enough vitamins, minerals, and proteins, that could be detrimental to its condition. The insufficiency of essential fatty acids, which is a key substance when it comes to cellular health, affects the skin and fur of your feline friend.

The treatment involves a protein rich diet. So, fewer carbs, more protein. Try switching to a food brand of better quality that includes the Omega 3 fatty acids, and substances that especially aid the poor skin condition. Try avoiding the food brands that lack these substances at least for a certain period of time, until you are certain that your cat’s previous diet was not the cause of the dry skin

You can also feed your cat with fresh fish (especially salmon!), as fish is food rich in these essential fatty acids. Also, try giving it small amounts of fish oil to its food every other day. This may fix the nutritional imbalance that might be the source of the cat’s ailment.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are building blocks of the body and a necessary basis for a healthy organism. You may find appropriate supplements to aid the condition in limited ingredient formulas or special skin and coat aid food supplements. Pay attention to the ingredients list, and be sure to look for food and supplement products that include some or all of these vitamins – Vitamin A, E, Biotin. When it comes to minerals, the essential ones are Copper and Zinc. Also look for the essential fatty acids, namely Omega-3 fatty acid and Omega-6 fatty acid.

Obesity

Obesity may be a major influence on the state of the cat’s skin, and health in general. It is estimated that as much as 57% cats in the US fall under the category of being overweight. If the cat is mostly inactive or left alone too much, this could be not only the cause of obesity issues but also a trigger for mental health issues such as compulsive disorders and depressive episodes.

All in all, this amplifies the cat’s weight problems significantly, with skin and coat health issues being a sign of this. Obesity has a devastating effect not only on the state of the cat’s skin and coat but also to the health of bones and joints.

Neutered (castrated), middle-aged or old and indoor cats are especially prone to having excessive body fat. Cats that score more than seven points in a nine-point scaling system are diagnosed with obesity. This means that the surplus of body fat amounts between 10 and 20 percent, which means that your cat should lose 10% to 20% of its current weight to go back to normal.

Usually, sources of protein in cat food include beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, and eggs. It is crucial for the novel diet to include protein—but it must be taken from a source the cat hasn’t adapted, that is consummated previously, such as venison, fish and kangaroo meat.

It’s the same for carbohydrates – the vegetables that are frequently used in cat foods—wheat, barley, and corn —should be reduced to a minimum in the novel diet and replaced by – for instance, potato.

Avoid leaving dry food in the cat’s feeding bowl all day
Avoid dry food in general – dry food is mostly based on plant proteins (as opposed to animal proteins), different from the metabolic design of the carnivorous cat
Make up an eating schedule and stick to it. If the cat finds it hard to adapt to it, try feeding it multiple times a day in smaller doses to make it easier for them to accept the introduced change
Introduce a food brand that contains the necessary nutritional balance in accordance with your cat’s individual needs
Buy canned food, which typically has a higher protein and lower carbohydrate content compared to kibbles. Canned food is 90 percent water – a fluid intake increase with proper nutrition.
Do not introduce the change in the feeding habits too drastically- starving the cat or making the diet plan too drastic at the start may worsen the cat’s health. Take small steps by losing 1 or 2 percent of body weight per week.

Food allergies

Cats may be sensitive to certain foods or its components. Food allergy is the third most frequent allergic reaction in cats, one of the symptoms being rashes, fur loss, skin dryness, itchiness. The dryness of the skin may provoke incessant scratching, that may cause skin wounds.

It is unknown still scientifically uncertain why the allergic reaction to some types of foods occurs. See a vet and determine what foods could be the cause of the skin dryness and eliminate the substance from the diet.

SIX BEST GREENCHEEK CONURE CAGES

May 5, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

Green Cheek conures are known to be great companions. They’re highly intelligent which makes it very easy to work with them and train them. They’ve caught up in popularity recently as pets as they’re full of specific attitude which they like to show from time to time. They originate from South America and are up to 10 inches in length. Locking them up in a cage could be hard on out conscience as they really grow quickly on any pet owner’s heart. Here are six best Green Cheek conure cages that will make it easier on your little friends and provide them with a quality life.

Product:	Bird Cage by PetcageMart	Pervue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron Flight Cage	Giantex Bird Parrot Cage	New Large Double Ladders Open Play Top Wrought Iron Bird by MCage	Bird Parrot Cage with Stand by CageMart	Everila YPT18 Small Bird Parrot Playtop Cage
Length:	20’’	31’’	17’’	32’’	25’’	20’’
Width:	20’’	20 -1/2’’	25’’	30’’	25’’	20’’
Height:	60’’	53’’	53’’	70’’	61’’	57-1/2’’
Wire Spacing:	1/2’’	1/2’’	1/2’’	5/8’’	3/4’’	5/8’’
Weight:	30 pounds	37 pounds		90 pounds	45 pounds	30 pounds

Bird Cage by PetcageMart

This cage will leave both you and your conure pleased. It is black in color and made of non-toxic powder-coated finish. The inside of the cage is easily accessible thanks to the large swing-out front door and 2 swing-out feeder doors. Your birds will be having fun flying back and forth between three wooden perches. It is also provided with 2 stainless steel cups.

Other traits of the cage include the metal grate and plastic tray that will enable you to clean the cage in a blink of an eye. The casters at the bottom of the stand will help you move the cage whenever you need. It is suitable for multiple birds and different species. Along with conures, this cage is suitable for parakeets, cockatiel, amazon, African gray, conjure, cacique etc. An additional convenient thing about the cage is that the bars are pretty close together so your bird won’t be able to carry out any escape plan unless you let it free for a round of flight around the environment.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to assemble the cage in about an hour. However, the instructions for assembling the cage are pretty unclear. As a matter of fact, it lacks pictures and this could turn out to be a problem at least for those who are beginners at this. You also have to be careful about the stand. It could happen that the cage doesn’t fit all that well to it, so if you have dogs, cats or kids playing around, this could lead to a great misfortune as the cage could just fall down if it is accidentally hit.

Pros:

The bars are narrow.
Great for various types of birds.
The cage is easily cleaned.
It is moveable.
It takes a short amount of time to be put together.

Cons:

The instructions for assembling aren’t straightforward which may not work for fresh starters with cages.
The cage can be pushed from the stand easily.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Pervue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron Flight Cage

This cage is rather big and will provide your conure with a lot of space. The grille and tray can be pulled put with ease which will make keeping the cage in order a piece of cake. Despite being really big and looking heavy, the movability of the cage left many customers in shock. This is because of the casters at the very bottom of the stand. The materials it’s made of are toxin-free, which is an important component in keeping your bird’s health on the right track. This cage doesn’t require much when it comes to cleaning tools: only hot water, mild soap, and non-abrasive scrubber. Birds’ boredom will be wiped away by numerous perches inside it that will provide them with great playtime. You don’t have to invest too much of your time into assembling.

The only complaint we have is that the little wheels are not lockable which could prove to be a bit of a hassle if you have playful cats, dogs or mischievous children.

Pros:

Provides a huge space for flying and playing around
Easy maintenance
Moveable
The materials are safe.
Easily-assembled

Cons:

Not stable sometimes because the wheels are not lockable.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Giantex Bird Parrot Cage

If you’re a fan of big, easily-cleaned cages that provide you with some storage space, then this one is perfect for you. This Giantex cage is made of metal wire with non-toxic coated finish which makes it sturdy. It will be impossible to knock it over the stand (that comes with the cage) and cause stress to your birds no matter if you have dogs, cats or kids. You will not have to stretch, make some silly movements or fear that your birds will escape while cleaning. The lower sliding grate and tray are removable which will help you sail through this (often) unpleasant part of keeping birds as your pets.

The steel front door has a lock. Along with safe materials, the cage is built of, the narrow bars won’t give the green light for your birds to flee. You’ll be able to slip in some food in the feeding cups through 4 feeding doors with locks. Once your birds get tired of flying around, they can have a rest on 2 wooden perches that are installed inside the cage.

Assembling of the cage can be done in a flash. However, the instructions come with only with pictures which sort of leaves hanging those who are taking a shot at this for the very first time.

Pros:

Easy-cleaning facilitated
The stand has the storage space.
Made of stable and health-friendly material.
The front door is locked.
The access to food containers is easy.
Wooden perches are there for your birds to relax.

Cons:

The instructions are incomplete: beginners can’t follow them easily

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

New Large Double Ladders Open Play Top Wrought Iron Bird by MCage

What you are getting with the cage are elegant design and an abundance of playground for your little companions. The cage is constructed from wrought iron which is topped with non-toxic powder finish to ensure the safety of your birds. Seeds won’t be flying out of the cage because it has seed guard around it to catch every small bit of the bird food and prevent unwanted mess outside the cage. At the front of the cage, there’s a large swing out door with improved metal safety lock.

The cups are made of stainless steel which sort of sets this product apart from the rest of the cages. People usually have to buy such cups additionally and replace the plastic ones you often get with other cages. The metal grate and tray are set so that they can slide out in a second which is a great aid when the time comes to get rid of all the food that may have ended up there or feathers. Finally, the cage comes with casters on which you can take the cage to any room in your house you want.

However, the secret weapon of the cage is its ‘’top’’ part that has 2 ladders for your birds to exercise. They’re connected with a wooden stand on which additional feeding cups are installed so you can feed your birds even outside the interior of the cage. Remember, your birds have to be well-trained first in order to be able to fully enjoy this part of the cage.

You don’t have to wrap your head around assembling the cage too much. For experienced people, this will be pretty easy to put together but it usually requires 2 people for the fastest results. This is also the only minor problem we could find with the cage. In comparison to other cages of this class, this one doesn’t have the storage shelf. This trait would have made the product much better as you’d be able to have all the things for your birds at one place.

Pros:

Vast playground for your birds: perches in the cage and the ladders on the cage will be a lot of fun for your pets
The material is tough and long-lasting.
The casters provide mobility of the cage.
There’s seed-guard around the cage.
Large swing door with metal safety lock.
The cups are made of stainless steel instead of plastic.
The metal grate and tray are removable.

Cons:

Assembling usually requires 2 people.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Bird Parrot Cage with Stand by CageMart

This cage not only looks like a great home for your parrots on the inside but it also looks like a little house in shape from the outside too. The material it is made of doesn’t contain harmful ingredients. What also adds to the safety of the product are the swing-out doors. This means that you won’t be worrying about whether the doors can hurt your birds as you would with the ‘guillotine style’ doors. The access to the stainless steel cups for feeding is very easy. The metal grate and tray can be effortlessly moved out and got back which is very convenient when the ‘’bird-cage chore’’ time comes!

The cage comes with a stand with casters underneath it for easy moving. The stand has a storage shelf where you put aside your parrot food, toys etc. Wooden perches in the cage will provide your birds with a lot of enjoyment and a great ‘’landing spot’’ after they get tired of flying around the cage,

The wheels can’t be locked which makes the cage a bit unstable. The instructions for the cage are not detailed which comes as a bit of a pain for the people who are not mechanically-inclined.

Pros:

Food containers are easily accessible.
The containers are made of stainless steel.
The construction is sturdy.
Iron is safe.
Cleaning doesn’t require much time.
There’re swing-out doors instead of guillotine doors.
The design is fancy.
It comes with a stand with casters.

Cons:

The wheels can’t be locked.
Instructions are not very good for people who aren’t good with their hands.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Everila YPT18 Small Bird Parrot Playtop Cage

This is an ideal cage for small birds such as conures, cockatiels, lovebirds, parakeets etc. It will not be so easy to knock the cage over as it is made of wrought iron which also gives its little but important contribution to the health of your birds. This is because it is coated with non-toxic powder coating. Experienced conure owners know well how many plastic feeding containers they had to change because the birds would destroy them. This is why stainless steel cups are included along with swing-out feeding doors for easy access. Removable grate and tray will give you the pleasure of easy cleaning.

The stand that accompanies the cage has a storage shelf as well as wheels underneath it. There’s a mini ‘’play-ground’’ at the top of the cage. It has a perch, a ladder, and 2 stainless steel cups.

We can’t really find any major flaws in the product. It is perfect for anyone who would like to provide their parrots with grand space that gives them a lot of opportunities to do the activities that are natural to them and fulfilling.

Pros:

The cage is sturdy.
Has removable grate and tray for easy cleaning.
The iron is non-toxic
The cups are made of stainless steel.
The ‘’play top’’ is included.
Comes with a movable stand.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Buyer’s Guide

The choice of the cages listed here is based on the size of the bird, its needs as well as food accessibility and the size of the cage itself. These are all the traits you should look for in a cage when you’re about to purchase one.

Conures are mostly small birds and normally they don’t need cages which are too big. However, if you wish to own more than one of these birds, then you better provide them with a vast living space or else they’ll feel cramped in their home which can bring a lot of mental stress. Also, don’t forget that the bars should be narrow. With birds small as these it is easy to slip out and fly away in a blink of an eye. Also, make sure to confirm that the cage has perches and possibly other ‘’play tools’’ such as ladders. These can provide an excellent exercise for the pets.

A cage with removable grate and trays will provide you with immense help when it comes to cleaning. Therefore, feel free to write this down as one of the elemental traits of a cage too. Finally, take a look at the materials it is made of. You surely want your birds to live in a toxin-free home.

BEST PARAKEET BIRD CAGES

May 4, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

Best parakeet bird cages

The word ‘’cage” itself doesn’t seem very ear-pleasing. Confining your pets to small places is probably the cruelest thing you could imagine, however, at times it is necessary. This is particularly the case with birds (and parakeets among them) that could easily sneak out, fly away and get lost if they’re not under your watch. Therefore, the least you can do is to provide your feathery friend with a comfortable dwelling environment. Here are some of the best parakeet bird cages out there.

Product:	Prevue Hendryx Wrought Iron Flight Cage	Pervue Hendryx Tall Flight Cage	Hagen Hagen Vision 2 Bird Cage	Pevue Pet Products House Style Economy Bird Cage	Canary Parakeet Cockatiel LoveBird Finch Bird Cages by Mcage
Colors available:	Black, white	Blue, brown, green	White	Blue	Black
Length:	31’’	26’’	24’’	12’’	18’’
Width:	20-1/2’’	14’’	15’’	9’’	14’’
Height:	53’’	36’’	20 ½’’	15’’	60’’
Wire spacing:	1/2’’	1/2’’	1/2’’	1/2’’	1/2’’
Weight:	19 pounds	16.4 pounds	12.7 pounds	3 pounds	75 pounds

Pervue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron Flight Cage

Pervue Hendryx Pet Products has been at the service of your pets since 1869. Their wrought Iron Flight Cage is spacious and easy-to-assemble. It will not only provide your parakeet with a good living-place but will also assure you that your pet has a high life-quality despite having a bit limited movement.

The cage is actually so big that you can place several birds in it without being concerned whether they’ll feel cramped in there. It has 2 large hinged doors and 6 small nest doors. Keeping it sanitary will be a piece of cake. The grille and debris tray are easily pulled out. If you know how messy can sometimes bird-cages get, you’ll surely love this! Seeing this rather big iron construction leaves an impression that it’s very heavy and unmovable. However, you don’t have to worry about this. Whenever you’re having guests and you’d like to keep the little fliers away from the crowd, the easy-rolling casters at the base will enable you to effortlessly relocate the cage.

It is made of pet-safe, non-toxic, powder-coated steel mesh with plastic tray. This product is not high-maintenance. You just need hot water, mild soap, and Pervue’s Non-Abrasive Cage Scrubber to keep it clean. Besides the super large size, there are smaller sizes of this cage and it is also available in white and black color. In the inside, the cage is equipped with perches and plastic cups.

What we find really convenient about how little sweat it takes to put it together as well as the fact that it can be easily moved to another room. However, bear in mind that the little wheels can’t be locked so you’ll have to be extra careful around it. Another warning we have is the fact that the side doors can actually be easily opened by your pet, which is certainly not something you’d like to see.

Pros:

It is made of iron which makes it durable.
The cage is very spacious.
The cleanliness is easily maintained.
You can also move the cage easily.
The material is birds-friendly which means it is made of safe materials.
The cage doesn’t require too much time to be assembled.

Cons:

The birds can easily get away through the side doors.
The wheels can’t be locked.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Pervue Hendryx Tall Flight Cage

This is another superb cage that will provide your parakeets with ample living space. Multiple small birds or even medium-sized birds can live in here and various built-in conveniences will make both you and your pets love it.

It has 2 large hinged access, sliding doors with a smaller inset door. Food and water are protected by 2 plastic hooded cups. The birds will be able to fly back and forth between 4 wood perches. As for the design, the cage has both vertical and horizontal bars, the former being on the front and back and the latter being on the left and right side.

Compared to the previously mentioned cage by the same manufacturer, the only bigger difference is that this one doesn’t have the wheels on which you can move it. However, this product is not so heavy so you’ll be able to move it away when there’s a need. Regarding other traits, they’re pretty much the same: it has a removable bottom grille and a pull-out tray which helps you to keep the cage spick-and-span without a hiccup, it is also easily put together and made of toxin-free material.

The cage is available only in black color which annoys many customers as they would like the cage to be decorative as well.

Pros:

Easy maintenance.
Provides your birds with a lot of space for flying.
Easy to keep clean.

Cons:

The design is not very imaginative: available in only one color.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Hagen Hagen Vision 2 bird cage

Vision is concreted to providing animals the best care possible. They’ve been in business for over 50 years and are the world’s largest privately-owned, multi-national pet product manufacturer and distributor. With them, your parakeets will definitely be in good hands.

The Hagen Hagen Vision 2 bird cage will provide your birds with a good grip and minimum mess. All the perches have the same diameter and are of a wavy shape which will stimulate the blood circulation and prevent any foot-related deformities. The base is deep and the feeders are placed low which prevents junk-accumulation due to birds’ messy way of eating and feathers which fall out due to flapping. The wide double doors come in very handy as well.

The open to the inside which makes them a great landing perch. When you want to take care of a bird and you don’t want to risk the chance for it to escape, you can open just one door as they work independently. The doors have high-security level as they open both towards the inside and outside which is way better than all those ‘guillotine’’ style doors,

The bottom is sturdily secured to the rest of the cage. However, the snap closures enable you to easily lift the cage from the bottom and clean it. This is much more convenient than the system in other ‘’drawer” style cages. Contaminating the food with their feces and feathers will be impossible for the birds as the food containers have a ‘’protective-roof” over it.

The only fault we can find in the product is that it doesn’t seem to be put easily together in spite of the fact that the instructions seem pretty straight forward. This means that the product is a bit time-consuming and will cost you some nerves before your pets can revel in it.

Pros:

The doors are multifunctional: along with providing you with an easy way to reach into the cage, you can also use it as a perch for your birds come back from a short free-flight section.
Wavy perches with uniform diameter will provide your bird with great feet-health.
The doors are safe.
Deep base and low food containers prevent a mess.

Cons:

Assembling is not easy.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Prevue Pet Products House Style Economy Bird Cage

This blue cage by the world-renowned manufacturer not only saves some space in your house but is also great for traveling. It has 2 plastic cups, one swing and 2 plastic perches included. Another convenient thing besides being an excellent travel cage is that this could serve0 you well when you need to separate your birds for any reason.

The product, however, can’t be a permanent residing location for your small parakeet. The cage is not so spacious after all, and your bird will eventually feel trapped in there.

Pros:

It is small and portable.
The materials it is made of are highly safe as it is the case with other cages by the company.
Makes and excellent travel cage.

Cons:

Too small and definitely can’t be home for the pet forever.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Canary Parakeet Cockatiel LoveBird Finch Bird Cages by Mcage

If you would like something that you can clean almost with your eyes closed and that will keep your birds healthy and flying this would just be the right purchase. Mcage made a great product coated with a safe epoxy finish and has a removable stand with a caster for the convenience of all you who are psyched about parakeets. The product has one large swing outdoor and 2 small lift-up doors.

The stand makes the cage mobile. However, since it can be removed, the cage can be free-standing as well. Bars are pretty close together which makes it hard on your birds to ‘’break free’’. The upper and lower body of the cage are made of wire while the base is plastic. The inside gear of the cage involves perches and plastic cups. The perches are all of the same sizes. This will provide your little friends’ feet with excellent support and grip.

When you’re taking care of your birds you’d like to have everything at one place and nearby. There’s an extra storage shelf that comes with the cage that will turn out to be a perfect spot for birds’ food, toys or cage cleaning tools. The size of the cage is big enough for multiple parakeets. It takes only around 20 minutes to put it together.

The downfall of the product would be the lack of lids on the food containers that would prevent splashing. This means pretty frequent cleaning. Also, many customers claim that the product didn’t come with the assembling instructions, which kind of puts in shade the fact that it is easy to build. Not everyone has had a chance to do that so a few tips here and there wouldn’t hurt!

Pros:

It is easy to wash.
The stand is removable.
The caster can help you to move the cage when the situation calls for it.
The bars are close enough for your birds not to be able to sneak through and fly away.
There’s a lot of room for the birds to fly in the cage.

Cons:

The food containers are not covered with lids.
The product comes with no instructions.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST PRICE

Buyer’s guide

Prior to giving a final word about Best Parakeet bird Cages we have to preface this with some general hints of which characteristics you have to look for when you’re buying a bird cage, The most imperative

First of all, choose the cage according to the type of the bird you have as well as a number of birds you want to keep. Generally, it is always good to provide your birds with a large space with a lot of play tools. What you also have to take into consideration is the accessibility to the food containers. If the doors are close to them, this will not force you to reach far deep into the cage just to feed your pets. Also, pay attention to the shelves below the cage. These will help you store bird food, toys, and the sanitary kit.

Now back to the cages. It is really hard to tell which one of these is the best. As we have already said, this is all heavily depending on what sort of birds you have, their size and individual needs. All of these make a great home for your birds. They’re all huge and give your birds freedom. Also, they all have a lot of additional little gadgets that will keep your pets entertained. If you’re looking for experienced manufacturers, then we recommend Pervue Hendryx products. These are all top-notch cages with toxin-free materials and will definitely not leave you wanting for anything more. However, Mcage doesn’t fall behind too much though.

All in all, the essential thing is that you work towards the best interest of your animals. A happy animal reflects the personality of the owner and speaks volumes of his attitude towards not only pets but people as well. Remember that any type of pet you have bears a lot of responsibility!

HOW OFTEN DO IGUANAS SHED?

May 2, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

Care for iguana as a pet is not at all simple. Iguanas are native to tropical America, and to live well, iguanas need proper lighting, temperature, humidity, they need a very good diet, and they require a lot of space because iguanas get really big in size when they grow up.

Having a pet lizard means it is necessary for you to understand the process of shedding. All lizards shed skin, including iguanas. The outer layer of lizard’s skin is composed of the protein keratin, and since this outer layer can’t grow, it must be periodically shed to allow the lizard to get bigger. You can tell your iguana is ready to shed when you notice a change in color (or dulling) on its skin and generally, iguanas also have decreased appetite, especially immediately before the shed.

So, how often do iguanas shed?

Iguanas have different intervals between periods of shedding, depending on:

Its Age

When they’re a baby, iguanas shed almost constantly. Baby iguanas usually shed every 4 to 6 weeks. If your baby iguana is not shedding constantly, it may be a sign that it’s not well and you should take it to the vet. Iguanas continue to shed as an adult, but a little slower. Shedding can happen a few times a year, or just once a year.

Its growth rate

Shedding reflects normal growth. The faster iguanas grow, the more often they shed. At times, shedding even happens particularly in just the body part that is growing faster. Different areas of the iguana body usually shed at different rates.

Its environmental conditions

As mentioned above, iguanas need specific environmental conditions. They need a warm, humid surroundings at all time. Iguanas can get stressed living in an improper condition, and this will lead to problems with shedding. During shedding time, make sure to put some things, such as wood, around the place your iguana lives in, for it to rub against.

Iguanas shed in patches. For areas that are kind of tricky, such as the dorsal spikes, fingers, toes, mouth, and tail tip, iguanas may need some help to shed properly. If these areas are not shed completely, there is a high chance the shed skin will constrict blood flow, and in worst case scenario, it will cause a risk of amputation.

Although it is normal for iguanas to not have a complete shed and that they may leave some of the old skin still attached, these old skin are the perfect place for bacterias to live. So you should help remove the old skin by spraying the affected areas with a water mister or soak your iguana in warm water for a few minutes before gently rubbing or pulling the old skin off. However, if the skin doesn’t come off easily when you gently pull it, you should not pull it any harder.

UVB lighting is also helpful in killing any bacteria or mold that grow on the iguana’s shedding skin.

Difficulty in shedding may be a sign that the iguana is not properly taken care of, or that they are sick. Extra spraying and daily warm bath are good ways to minimize shedding problems.

BEST COCKATIEL BIRD CAGES

May 1, 2017 by Admin2 Leave a Comment

Cockatiels are great companion birds that have a lot to offer during their average 16-25 life-span. Their behavior depends on a lot on how you raise them and the general atmosphere in your house: if you work with cockatiels a lot they will probably be entertaining to watch and listen to as they try to mutter out some words. Seeing them locked in the cage could be saddening at first but with the right product, this doesn’t have to be the case.

Here’s 6 Best Cockatiel Bird Cages that will make your little companion feel as free as possible.

Prevue Pet Products Wrought Iron Select Bird Cage Black Hammertone 3151BLK

A cage that will last you a long time and won’t cost you much is what you’re surely getting by buying this product from a world-renowned manufacturer. Prevue Pet wholeheartedly put their 150 year-long experience into every inch of this cage so your birds feel safe especially when we have in mind it is made of wrought iron and has a heavy-duty push button door lock. In the inside, the cage has 4 stainless steel cups and 2 wooden perches that your little flies can land on or simply rest. The seeds you feed the bird with won’t end up making a huge mess thanks to rounded seed guards.

Cleaning the cage is very easy because you can pull out the grate and the tray. You’ll only need a mild soap, hot water, and an adequate scrub to keep the inside of the cage orderly. It is made of toxin-free materials that won’t put your friend in jeopardy should he try to have a taste of the cage. The play top is something that your birds will absolutely love. It has 2 food stainless steel containers, a perch and a ladder attached to it so your birds have even richer physical exercise. This part is also equipped with a removable tray so that bird droppings can be easily disposed of after playing.

You also get the stand with the cage with casters at the very bottom, so you can move the cage wherever you wish around your house. This is especially convenient if your birds get noisy at times and you want to spare your guests from whistling and screeching. However what we would love to see when it comes to the stand is a shelf where you can store all the bird food, toys, and cage cleaning tools. It is always better to have all of this at one place!

Pros:

It is long-lasting.
Made of safe materials.
Easy to clean.
Has the physically engaging play top.
Has a heavy-duty push button.
The cups are made of stainless steel which is pretty hard to break.
The cage is movable.

Cons:

Doesn’t have the storage shelf.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRODUCT DETAILS & PRICE

Bird Parrot Cage Cockatiel Amazon African Grey Caique Conure

Without putting too much time into assembling, you get the right home for your birds. With the non-toxic powder coated finish your cockatiels’ health will be safe. The swing-out feeding doors will ease the access to the stainless steel feeding cups. The fact that these are made of such a strong material can assure you that you won’t have to repurchase the cups soon. There are also 2 large swing-out front doors that, compared to the guillotine style doors, aren’t so likely to hurt the bird. The garbage that cockatiels (just like other birds in general) leave behind themselves can be cleared out because the grate and the tray have the ‘pull-out’ quality.

The dome-top provides some extra playground for your pet. The cage has a removable stand with casters which makes it easy to pull it around. The storage shelf on the stand will also come in very handy when you have to put away all your cockatiel stuff.

For dextrous people, this will be a piece of cake when it comes to putting the cage together. Unfortunately, it may be a little confusing for the beginners as it doesn’t come with directions.

Pros:

Bird-friendly materials
The swing-out doors bring additional safety to the birds.
Comes with a stand with casters.
The grate and the tray are removable which means you can easily clean the cage.
Has a storage shelf

Cons:

Doesn’t come with the instructions.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRODUCT DETAILS & PRICE

Canary Parakeet Cockatiel LoveBird Finch Bird Cages by Mcage

Please your birds with a cage that is of decorative design, easy to move and easy to clean. This spacious home for birds provides easy access to the inside with a large swing door and 2 lift-up doors.

We mentioned that the cage comes with the stand that facilitates its relocation, but we also have to mention that the stand has a storage shelf. The cage itself isn’t fixed to the stand which means that it can be freestanding.

The product is highly safe. First of all, it is topped with epoxy finish powder that is bird-friendly. Secondly, the bars are close together. This is great for smaller birds such as cockatiels that tend to try to go through the bars but end up stuck in there which can be life-threatening.

The cage has plastic feeding containers and wood perches. Assembling doesn’t take a rocket scientist to do it. It will barely take you 20 minutes to build your cockatiels’ new favorite place to hang out in.

Unfortunately, this product too has the problem of not being accompanied by instructions. You’ll probably need to look at the pictures to figure out how to have all the parts fit in.

Pros:

It is easy to wash.
The stand is removable.
The caster can help you to move the cage when the situation calls for it.
The bars are close enough for your birds not to be able to sneak through and fly away.
There’s a lot of room for the birds to fly in the cage.

Cons:

The product comes with no instructions.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRODUCT DETAILS & PRICE

Large Wrought Iron Flying Cage by MCage.

For all of you who are looking for a stable cage for multiple birds, this is the right thing. With this cage, your birds will have large space to fly around and will allow them to do a lot of physically engaging activities. Mcage guarantees safety of this product as they made sure to build it off very sturdy and toxin-free materials.

The thick bars will prevent your birds from being stuck in between or escaping through them. Unfortunately, the bars are a bit on the thin side which makes it prone to damage if you have birds with strong beaks. Also, beware of the paint used. It is safe but apparently falls off easily. If this ends up in your cockatiel’s beak, it can be lethal. Improved safety lock will also thwart any possible scheme for escaping the cage. Having in mind that it is made of wrought iron, you can be assured that it won’t fall easily if it is hit accidentally.

When your cockatiels get tired of being ‘’on their wings’’ they can land on some of the perches in the cage and have their moment of peace. Not only does this cage have perches but it also has ladders inside which will additionally promote physical development of your birds. Four feeding cups in the cage are there to take care of the birds’ hunger while the 2 platforms will give them some more space to chill out.

The cage comes with a stand which conveniently has a storage shelf. The casters are underneath which means you’ll be able to push it to another place without breaking much sweat. Finally, the grate and the tray are removable. You’ll easily get rid of the persistent trash birds make.

Pros:

Removable grate and tray provide practical cleaning.
Your birds will have a large space in which they can spread their wings and play fly around.
Has a storage shelf.
The stand with casters makes the cage easily moved to another location.

Cons:

The paint can be easily scratched.
It is not made for big birds because the bars are weak.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRODUCT DETAILS & PRICE

Large 20-Inch Pagoda Roof Top Top Parrot Lovebird Cockatiel Cockatiels Parakeets Bird Cage with Removable Stand by MCage

With this cage, you’re getting a good protection for your birds as well as a long-lasting home. Giving your birds delicious treats won’t be problematic too and it you’ll also be able to clean the cage in a few minutes.

The Pagoda rooftop gives this product a special note. It literally has a shape of a house that has your feathery friend tucked in maximum coziness. Feeder doors will provide you with a direct access to stainless feeding containers from which your birds will enjoy delicious foods. The bottom tray is made of plastic but is easily moved out as well as the metal grate which will make it easier on you when the cleaning time comes. Wooden perches will be there to provide your birds with great landing place and resting place as well.

The stand with casters will become a good platform for the cage. Once you wish to remove it from the stand you can easily do it which is especially convenient when you have to transport the cage somewhere by car.

The bars are pretty close together and there are even both vertical and horizontal bars at the sides of the cage which only equals extra protection of birds getting stuck or breaking free.

This is another cage that comes with no instructions. This is not a serious drawback but it can be irksome for customers who are fresh at this. Not to mention that inadequate assembling could put the bird in danger by risking the cage to fall apart.

Pros:

The cage is safe.
It is durable.
Easy to clean.
Moveable
Interesting design.

Cons:

Comes with no instructions.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRODUCT DETAILS & PRICE

Prevue Hendryx Triple Roof Bird Cage

Although this is not really a flying cage your birds will still love it. It seems small but in fact, there is enough space for the birds to stretch out. However, we don’t really recommend this as a permanent home for your little friends.

As we said, it is spacious enough for the cockatiels to spread their wings a bit and has all the equipment required: plastic food containers and perches. You’ll easily wipe away all the junk because the tray and the grate allow you to pull them out. What sets the cage apart is the design. It has ‘’triple rooftop’’ which makes it look like a mini castle right in your home.

Unfortunately, the door is of the ‘’guillotine” style. This is not very safe for birds. Although the rooftop looks stylish it doesn’t allow much space for hanging bird toys.

Pros:

Easy to clean
Has everything that your cockatiels need despite being smaller: perches, food containers.
It is stylish

Cons:

Not spacious enough.
Has the guillotine style door which is not very safe for birds.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRODUCT DETAILS & PRICE

Buyers’ guide

When you’re planning to buy a cage you have to have a lot of things on your mind including the size of your bird, the character, their eating habits etc. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to choose the cage carefully. A nice cage with adequate equipment is one of the intrinsic parts of your birds; joyful and lengthy life.

Cockatiels are small birds which give you the freedom to even choose a smaller cage such as the last one mentioned here. However, owners usually have more than one of this species which automatically calls for a bigger space. The flying cages are just the right thing to purchase in such cases. Confirm that the cage is made of pet-friendly materials. This is especially essential when you’re taking care of birds whose stomachs are super gentle and sensitive.

Take a good look at how the bars are located: there should be narrow space between them so that your cockatiel won’t even think of getting through it. Inspect the doors as well. The swing-out style doors are the best because they’re less likely to hurt your friend. Most of the cages here have stood with casters beneath them. This is also a very desirable trait as it will allow you to replace the cage from time to time. If the stand has a storage shelf too then even better!

Last but not least, follow the instructions for assembling loyally. Any wrong move or loose screw can make the whole construction fall apart which will sure not be to the liking of neither you nor the bird. If there are not instructions, look at the picture of the product or simply ask for the help of someone more experienced.