Parrots

Parrots, also known as psittacines /ˈsɪtəsaɪnz/,[2][3] are birds of the roughly 372 species in 86 genera that make up the order Psittaciformes,[4] found in most tropical and subtropical regions. The order is subdivided into three superfamilies: the Psittacoidea ("true" parrots), the Cacatuoidea (cockatoos) and the Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots).[5] Parrots have a generally pantropical distribution with several species inhabiting temperate regions in the Southern Hemisphere as well. The greatest diversity of parrots is in South America and Australasia.
Characteristic features of parrots include a strong, curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly coloured, and some are multi-coloured. Most parrots exhibit little or no sexual dimorphism. They form the most variably sized bird order in terms of length.
The most important components of most parrots' diets are seeds, nuts, fruit, buds and other plant material. A few species sometimes eat animals and carrion, while the lories and lorikeets are specialised for feeding on floral nectar and soft fruits. Almost all parrots nest in tree hollows (or nest boxes in captivity), and lay white eggs from which hatch altricial (helpless) young.
Parrots, along with ravens, crows, jays and magpies, are among the most intelligent birds, and the ability of some species to imitate human voices enhances their popularity as pets. Trapping wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as hunting, habitat loss and competition from invasive species, has diminished wild populations, with parrots being subjected to more exploitation than any other group of birds.[6] Measures taken to conserve the habitats of some high-profile charismatic species have also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the same ecosystems.[7]
Blue-and-yellow macaw eating a walnut held in its foot
Psittaciform diversity in South America and Australasia suggests that the order may have evolved in Gondwanaland, centred in Australasia.[8] The scarcity of parrots in the fossil record, however, presents difficulties in confirming the hypothesis.
A single 15 mm (0.6 in) fragment from a large lower bill (UCMP 143274), found in deposits from the Lance Creek Formation in Niobrara County, Wyoming, had been thought to be the oldest parrot fossil and is presumed to have originated from the Late Cretaceous period, which makes it about 70 Ma (million years ago).[9] Other studies suggest that this fossil is not from a bird, but from a caenagnathid theropod or a non-avian dinosaur with a birdlike beak.[10][11]
It is now generally assumed that the Psittaciformes, or their common ancestors with several related bird orders, were present somewhere in the world around the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event (K-Pg extinction), some 66 Ma. If so, they probably had not evolved their morphological autapomorphies yet, but were generalised arboreal birds, roughly similar (though not necessarily closely related) to today's potoos or frogmouths (see also Palaeopsittacus below). Though these birds (Cypselomorphae) are a phylogenetically challenging group, they seem at least closer to the parrot ancestors than, for example, the modern aquatic birds (Aequornithes). The combined evidence supported the hypothesis of Psittaciformes being "near passerines", i.e. the mostly land-living birds that emerged in close proximity to the K-Pg extinction. Indeed, analysis of transposable element insertions observed in the genomes of passerines and parrots, but not in the genomes of other birds, provides strong evidence that parrots are the sister group of passerines, forming a clade Psittacopasserae, to the exclusion of the next closest group, the falcons.[12]
Europe is the origin of the first undeniable parrot fossils, which date from about 50 Ma. The climate there and then was tropical, consistent with the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Initially, a neoavian named Mopsitta tanta, uncovered in Denmark's Early Eocene Fur Formation and dated to 54 Ma, was assigned to the Psittaciformes; it was described from a single humerus.[13] However, the rather nondescript bone is not unequivocally psittaciform, and more recently it was pointed out that it may rather belong to a newly discovered ibis of the genus Rhynchaeites, whose fossil legs were found in the same deposits.

The feathers of a yellow-headed amazon. The blue component of the green colouration is due to light scattering while the yellow is due to pigment.
Fossils assignable to Psittaciformes (though not yet the present-day parrots) date from slightly later in the Eocene, starting around 50 Ma. Several fairly complete skeletons of parrot-like birds have been found in England and Germany.[14] Some uncertainty remains, but on the whole it seems more likely that these are not direct ancestors of the modern parrots, but related lineages which evolved in the Northern Hemisphere and have since died out. These are probably not "missing links" between ancestral and modern parrots, but rather psittaciform lineages that evolved parallel to true parrots and cockatoos and had their own peculiar autapomorphies:
• Psittacopes (Early/Middle Eocene of Geiseltal, Germany)—basal[citation needed]
• Serudaptus—pseudasturid or psittacid[citation needed]
• Pseudasturidae (Halcyornithidae may be correct name)
o Pseudasturides – formerly Pseudastur
• Vastanavidae
o Vastanavis (Early Eocene of Vastan, India)
• Quercypsittidae
o Quercypsitta (Late Eocene)
The earliest records of modern parrots date to about 23–20 Ma and are also from Europe. Subsequently, the fossil record—again mainly from Europe—consists of bones clearly recognisable as belonging to parrots of modern type. The Southern Hemisphere does not have nearly as rich a fossil record for the period of interest as the Northern, and contains no known parrot-like remains earlier than the early to middle Miocene, around 20 Ma. At this point, however, is found the first unambiguous parrot fossil (as opposed to a parrot-like one), an upper jaw which is indistinguishable from that of modern cockatoos. A few modern genera are tentatively dated to a Miocene origin, but their unequivocal record stretches back only some 5 million years (see genus articles for more).

Fossil skull of a presumed parrot relative from the Eocene Green River Formation in Wyoming
The named fossil genera of parrots are probably all in the Psittacidae or close to its ancestry:
• Archaeopsittacus (Late Oligocene/Early Miocene)
• Xenopsitta (Early Miocene of Czechia)
• Psittacidae gen. et spp. indet. (Bathans Early/Middle Miocene of Otago, New Zealand)—several species
• Bavaripsitta (Middle Miocene of Steinberg, Germany)
• Psittacidae gen. et sp. indet. (Middle Miocene of France)—erroneously placed in Pararallus dispar, includes "Psittacus" lartetianus
Some Paleogene fossils are not unequivocally accepted to be of psittaciforms:
• Palaeopsittacus (Early – Middle Eocene of NW Europe)—caprimulgiform (podargid)[citation needed] or quercypsittid[citation needed]
• "Precursor" (Early Eocene)—part of this apparent chimera seems to be of a pseudasturid or psittacid
• Pulchrapollia (Early Eocene)—includes "Primobucco" olsoni—psittaciform (pseudasturid or psittacid)[citation needed]
Molecular studies suggest that parrots evolved approximately 59 Ma (range 66–51 Ma) in Gondwanaland.[15] The three major clades of Neotropical parrots originated about 50 Ma (range 57–41 Ma).
Phylogeny

Phylogenetic relationship between the three parrot superfamilies based on the available literature[8][16][17]

The Psittaciformes comprise three main lineages: Strigopoidea, Psittacoidea and Cacatuoidea.
The Strigopoidea were considered part of the Psittacoidea, but recent studies place this group of New Zealand species at the base of the parrot tree next to the remaining members of the Psittacoidea as well as all members of the Cacatuoidea.[8][16][17]
The Cacatuoidea are quite distinct, having a movable head crest, a different arrangement of the carotid arteries, a gall bladder, differences in the skull bones, and lack the Dyck texture feathers which, in the Psittacidae, scatters light in such a way as to produce the vibrant colours of so many parrots. Colourful feathers with high levels of psittacofulvin resist the feather-degrading bacterium Bacillus licheniformis better than white ones.[18]
Lorikeets were previously regarded as a third family, Loriidae,[19] but are now considered a tribe (Loriini) within the subfamily Lorinae. The two other tribes in the subfamily are the closely related fig parrots (two genera in the tribe Cyclopsittini) and budgerigar (tribe Melopsittacini).[8][16][17]
Systematics
The following classification is based on the most recent proposal, which in turn is based on all the relevant recent findings.[5][8][16][20][21][22][23]

Skeleton of a parrot
Superfamily Strigopoidea: The New Zealand parrots.
• Family Nestoridae: 2 genera with 2 living (kea and New Zealand kaka) and several extinct species of the New Zealand region.
• Family Strigopidae: The flightless, critically endangered kakapo of New Zealand.
Superfamily Cacatuoidea: Cockatoos
• Family Cacatuidae
o Subfamily Nymphicinae: 1 genus with one species, the cockatiel.
o Subfamily Calyptorhynchinae: The black cockatoos
o Subfamily Cacatuinae
 Tribe Microglossini: One genus with one species, the black palm cockatoo.
 Tribe Cacatuini: Four genera of white, pink and grey species.
Superfamily Psittacoidea: true parrots.
• Family Psittacidae
o Subfamily Psittacinae: Two African genera, Psittacus and Poicephalus
o Subfamily Arinae
 Tribe Arini: 15 genera
 Tribe Androglossini: 7 genera
 Incertae sedis: 10 genera
• Family Psittrichasiidae
o Subfamily Psittrichasinae: One species, Pesquet's parrot
o Subfamily Coracopsinae: One genera with several species.
• Family Psittaculidae
o Subfamily Platycercinae
 Tribe Pezoporini: ground parrots and allies
 Tribe Platycercini: broad-tailed parrots
o Subfamily Psittacellinae: 1 genus (Psittacella) with several species.
o Subfamily Loriinae
 Tribe Loriini: lories and lorikeets
 Tribe Melopsittacini: 1 genus with one species, the budgerigar
 Tribe Cyclopsittini: fig parrots
o Subfamily Agapornithinae: 3 genera
o Subfamily Psittaculinae
 Tribe Polytelini: 3 genera
 Tribe Psittaculini: Asian psittacines
 Tribe Micropsittini: pygmy parrots
Other lists
• A list of all parrots sortable by common or binomial name, about 350 species.
o Taxonomic list of Cacatuidae species, 21 species in 7 genera
o Taxonomic list of true parrots which provides the sequence of Psittacidae genera and species following a traditional two-subfamily approach, as in the taxobox above, about 330 species.
o List of Strigopidae
• List of macaws
• List of amazon parrots
• List of Aratinga parakeets
Morphology

Glossy black cockatoo showing the parrot's strong bill, clawed feet, and sideways positioned eyes
Extant species range in size from the buff-faced pygmy parrot, at under 10 g (0.4 oz) in weight and 8 cm (3.1 in) in length, to the hyacinth macaw, at 1 m (3.3 ft) in length, and the kakapo, at 4.0 kg (8.8 lb) in weight. Among the superfamilies, the three extant Strigopoidea species are all large parrots, and the cockatoos tend to be large birds as well. The Psittacoidea parrots are far more variable, ranging the full spectrum of sizes shown by the family.
The most obvious physical characteristic is the strong, curved, broad bill. The upper mandible is prominent, curves downward, and comes to a point. It is not fused to the skull, which allows it to move independently, and contributes to the tremendous biting pressure the birds are able to exert. The lower mandible is shorter, with a sharp, upward-facing cutting edge, which moves against the flat portion of the upper mandible in an anvil-like fashion. There are touch receptors along the inner edges of the kerantinised bill, which are collectively known as the "bill tip organ", allowing for highly dexterous manipulations. Seed-eating parrots have a strong tongue (containing similar touch receptors to those in the bill tip organ), which helps to manipulate seeds or position nuts in the bill so that the mandibles can apply an appropriate cracking force. The head is large, with eyes positioned high and laterally in the skull, so the visual field of parrots are unlike any other birds. Without turning its head, a parrot can see from just below its bill tip, all above its head, and to quite far behind its head. Parrots also have quite a wide frontal binocular field for a bird, although this is nowhere near as large as primate binocular visual fields.[24]
Parrots have strong zygodactyl feet with sharp, elongated claws, which are used for climbing and swinging. Most species are capable of using their feet to manipulate food and other objects with a high degree of dexterity, in a similar manner to a human using his hands. A study conducted with Australian parrots has demonstrated that they exhibit "handedness"—that is a distinct preference with regards to the foot used to pick up food, with adult parrots being almost exclusively "left-footed" or "right footed", and with the prevalence of each preference within the population varying from species to species.[25]
Cockatoo species have a mobile crest of feathers on the top of their heads which can be raised for display, and retracted. No other parrots can do so, but the Pacific lorikeets in the genera Vini and Phigys are able to ruffle the feathers of the crown and nape and the red-fan parrot (or hawk-headed parrot) has a prominent feather neck frill which can be raised and lowered at will. The predominant colour of plumage in parrots is green, though most species have some red or another colour in small quantities. Cockatoos are the main exception to this, having lost the green and blue plumage colours in their evolutionary history they are now predominately black or white with some red, pink or yellow. Strong sexual dimorphism in plumage is not typical among parrots, with some notable exceptions, the most striking being the eclectus parrot.
Distribution and habitat

Most parrot species are tropical but a few species, like this austral parakeet, range deeply into temperate zones
See also: List of Psittaciformes by population
Parrots are found on all tropical and subtropical continents and regions including Australia and Oceania, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central America, South America and Africa. Some Caribbean and Pacific islands are home to endemic species. By far the greatest number of parrot species come from Australasia and South America. The lories and lorikeets range from Sulawesi and the Philippines in the north to Australia and across the Pacific as far as French Polynesia, with the greatest diversity being found in and around New Guinea. The subfamily Arinae encompasses all the Neotropical parrots, including the amazons, macaws and conures, and ranges from northern Mexico and the Bahamas to Tierra del Fuego in the southern tip of South America. The pygmy parrots, tribe Micropsittini, form a small genus restricted to New Guinea. The superfamily Strigopoidea contains three living species of aberrant parrots from New Zealand. The broad-tailed parrots, subfamily Platycercinae, are restricted to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands as far eastwards as Fiji. The true parrot superfamily, Psittacoidea, includes a range of species from Australia and New Guinea to South Asia and Africa. The centre of cockatoo biodiversity is Australia and New Guinea, although some species reach the Solomon Islands (and one formerly occurred in New Caledonia),[26] Wallacea and the Philippines.
Several parrots inhabit the cool, temperate regions of South America and New Zealand. One, the Carolina parakeet, lived in temperate North America, but was hunted to extinction in the early 20th century. Many parrots have been introduced to areas with temperate climates, and have established stable populations in parts of the United States (including New York City),[27] the United Kingdom,[28] Belgium[29] and Spain,[30][31] as well as in Greece.[32][33]
Few parrots are wholly sedentary or fully migratory. Most fall somewhere between the two extremes, making poorly understood regional movements, with some adopting an entirely nomadic lifestyle.[34]
Behaviour
There are numerous challenges in studying wild parrots, as they are difficult to catch and once caught they are difficult to mark. Most wild bird studies rely on banding or wing tagging, but parrots chew off such attachments.[34] Parrots also tend to range widely and consequently there are many gaps in knowledge of their behaviour. Some parrots have a strong, direct flight. Most species spend much of their time perched or climbing in tree canopies. They often use their bills for climbing by gripping or hooking on branches and other supports. On the ground parrots often walk with a rolling gait.
Diet
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A yellow-tailed black cockatoo using its strong bill to search for grubs

A white-eyed parakeet couple eating queen palm seeds. Parrots have curved and strong beaks that can break very hard seeds.
The diet of parrots consists of seeds, fruit, nectar, pollen, buds, and sometimes arthropods and other animal prey. The most important of these for most true parrots and cockatoos are seeds; the evolution of the large and powerful bill can be explained primarily as an adaptation to opening and consuming seeds. All true parrots except the Pesquet's parrot employ the same method to obtain the seed from the husk; the seed is held between the mandibles and the lower mandible crushes the husk, whereupon the seed is rotated in the bill and the remaining husk is removed.[34] A foot is sometimes used to help holding large seeds in place. Parrots are seed predators rather than seed dispersers; and in many cases where species are recorded as consuming fruit they are only eating the fruit to get at the seed. As seeds often have poisons to protect them, parrots are careful to remove seed coats and other fruit parts which are chemically well defended, prior to ingestion. Many species in the Americas, Africa, and Papua New Guinea consume clay which both releases minerals and absorbs toxic compounds from the gut.[35]

Parrots at a clay lick in Ecuador.
The lories and lorikeets, hanging parrots and swift parrot are primarily nectar and pollen consumers, and have tongues with brush tips to collect this source of food, as well as some specialised gut adaptations to accommodate this diet.[36] Many other species also consume nectar as well when it becomes available.
In addition to feeding on seeds and flowers, some parrot species prey on animals, especially invertebrate larvae. Golden-winged parakeets prey on water snails, and the kea of New Zealand kill juvenile petrels and adult sheep.[37] Another New Zealand parrot, the Antipodes parakeet, enters the burrows of nesting grey-backed storm petrels and kills the incubating adults.[38] Some cockatoos and the kākā excavate branches and wood to obtain grubs; the bulk of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo's diet is made up of insects[39]
Breeding
Although there are a few exceptions, parrots are monogamous breeders which nest in cavities and hold no territories other than their nesting sites.[34][40] The pair bonds of the parrots and cockatoos are strong and a pair remains close even during the non-breeding season, even if they join larger flocks. As with many birds, pair bond formation is preceded by courtship displays; these are relatively simple in the case of cockatoos. In Psittacidae parrots common breeding displays, usually undertaken by the male, include slow deliberate steps known as a "parade" or "stately walk" and the "eye-blaze", where the pupil of the eye constricts to reveal the edge of the iris.[34] Allopreening is used by the pair to help maintain the bond. Cooperative breeding, where birds other than the breeding pair help the pair raise the young and is common in some bird families, is extremely rare in parrots, and has only unambiguously been demonstrated in the El Oro parakeet and the golden parakeet (which may also exhibit polyamorous, or group breeding, behaviour with multiple females contributing to the clutch).[41]

The vast majority of parrots are, like this feral rose-ringed parakeet, cavity nesters.
Only the monk parakeet and five species of Agapornis lovebird build nests in trees,[42] and three Australian and New Zealand ground parrots nest on the ground. All other parrots and cockatoos nest in cavities, either tree hollows or cavities dug into cliffs, banks or the ground. The use of holes in cliffs is more common in the Americas. Many species use termite nests, possibly to reduce the conspicuousness of the nesting site or to create a favourable microclimate.[43] In most cases both parents participate in the nest excavation. The length of the burrow varies with species, but is usually between 0.5–2 m (1.6–6.6 ft) in length. The nests of cockatoos are often lined with sticks, wood chips and other plant material. In the larger species of parrot and cockatoo the availability of nesting hollows may be limited, leading to intense competition for them both within the species and between species, as well as with other bird families. The intensity of this competition can limit breeding success in some cases.[44][45] Some species are colonial, with the burrowing parrot nesting in colonies up to 70,000 strong.[46] Coloniality is not as common in parrots as might be expected, possibly because most species adopt old cavities rather than excavate their own.[47]
The eggs of parrots are white. In most species the female undertakes all the incubation, although incubation is shared in cockatoos, the blue lorikeet, and the vernal hanging parrot. The female remains in the nest for almost all of the incubation period and is fed both by the male and during short breaks. Incubation varies from 17 to 35 days, with larger species having longer incubation periods. The newly born young are altricial, either lacking feathers or with sparse white down. The young spend anything from three weeks to four months in the nest, depending on species, and may receive parental care for several months thereafter.[48]
As typical of K-selected species, the macaws and other larger parrot species have low reproductive rates. They require several years to reach maturity, produce one or very few young per year, and do not necessarily breed every year.
Intelligence and learning

Sun conure demonstrating parrots' puzzle-solving skills
Studies with captive birds have given insight into which birds are the most intelligent. While parrots are able to mimic human speech, studies with the African grey parrot have shown that some are able to associate words with their meanings and form simple sentences (see Alex and N'kisi). Along with crows, ravens, and jays (family Corvidae), parrots are considered the most intelligent of birds. The brain-to body size ratio of psittacines and corvines is actually comparable to that of higher primates.[49] One argument against the supposed intelligent capabilities of bird species is that birds have a relatively small cerebral cortex, which is the part of the brain considered to be the main area of intelligence in other animals. However, birds use a different part of the brain, the medio-rostral HVC, as the seat of their intelligence. Research has shown that these species tend to have the largest hyperstriata, and Harvey J. Karten, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego, who studied bird physiology, has discovered that the lower part of the avian brain is functionally similar to that in humans. Not only have parrots demonstrated intelligence through scientific testing of their language-using ability, but some species of parrot such as the Kea are also highly skilled at using tools and solving puzzles.[50]
Learning in early life is apparently important to all parrots, and much of that learning is social learning. Social interactions are often practised with siblings, and in several species creches are formed with several broods, and these as well are important for learning social skills. Foraging behaviour is generally learnt from parents, and can be a very protracted affair. Supra-generalists and specialists are generally independent of their parents much quicker than partly specialised species which may have to learn skills over a long period of time as various resources become seasonally available. Play forms a large part of learning in parrots; it can be solitary, and related to motor skills, or social. Species may engage in play fights or wild flights to practice predator evasion. An absence of stimuli can delay the development of young birds, as demonstrated by a group of vasa parrots kept in tiny cages with domesticated chickens from the age of 3 months; at 9 months these birds still behaved in the same way as 3-month-olds, but had adopted some chicken behaviour.[34] In a similar fashion captive birds in zoo collections or pets can, if deprived of stimuli, develop stereotyped behaviours and harmful behaviours like self plucking. Aviculturists working with parrots have identified the need for environmental enrichment to keep parrots stimulated.
Sound imitation and speech
Main article: Talking bird
See also: Animal language
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Video of an orange-winged amazon saying "Hello" having been prompted by some people
Many parrots can imitate human speech or other sounds. A study by Irene Pepperberg suggested a high learning ability in an African grey parrot named Alex. Alex was trained to use words to identify objects, describe them, count them, and even answer complex questions such as "How many red squares?" with over 80% accuracy. N'kisi, another African grey, has been shown to have a vocabulary of approximately a thousand words, and has displayed an ability to invent as well as use words in context and in the correct tense.
Parrots do not have vocal cords, so sound is accomplished by expelling air across the mouth of the bifurcated trachea, in the organ called syrinx. Different sounds are produced by changing the depth and shape of the trachea. African grey parrots of all subspecies are known for their superior ability to imitate sounds and human speech. This ability has made them prized as pets from ancient times to the present. In the Masnavi, written by Rumi of Persia in 1250, the author describes an ancient method for training parrots to speak.
Although most parrot species are able to imitate, some of the amazon parrots are generally regarded as the next-best imitators and speakers of the parrot world. The question of why birds imitate remains open, but those that do often score very high on tests designed to measure problem solving ability. Wild African grey parrots have been observed imitating other birds.[51] Most other wild parrots have not been observed imitating other species.
Cooperation
The journal Animal Cognition stated that some birds preferred to work alone, while others like to work together as with African grey parrots. With two parrots, they know the order of tasks or when they should do something together at once, but they have trouble exchanging roles. With three parrots, one parrot usually prefers to cooperate with one of the other two, but all of them are cooperating to solve the task.[52]
Relationship with humans
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Video of a blue-fronted amazon mimicking a human laughing
Humans and parrots have a complicated relationship. Economically they can be beneficial to communities as sources of income from the pet trade and are highly marketable tourism draws and symbols. But some species are also economically important pests, particularly some cockatoo species in Australia. Some parrots have also benefited from human changes to the environment in some instances, and have expanded their ranges alongside agricultural activity, but many species have declined as well.
There exist a number of careers and professions devoted to parrots. Zoos and aquariums employ keepers to care for and shape the behaviour of parrots. Some veterinarians who specialise in avian medicine treat parrots exclusively. Biologists study parrot populations in the wild and help to conserve wild populations. Aviculturalists breed and sell parrots for the pet trade.
Tens of millions of parrots have been removed from the wild, and parrots have been traded in greater numbers and for far longer than any other group of wild animals.[53] Many parrot species are still threatened by this trade as well as habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and hunting for food or feathers. Some parrot species are agricultural pests,[54] eating fruits, grains, and other crops, but parrots can also benefit economies through birdwatching based ecotourism.[55]
Pets

Pet Cuban amazons in Cuba
Further information: Companion parrot
Parrots do not make good pets for most people because of their natural wild instincts such as screaming and chewing. Although parrots can be very affectionate and cute when immature, they often become aggressive when mature (partly due to mishandling and poor training) and may bite, causing serious injury. For this reason, parrot rescue groups estimate that most parrots are surrendered and rehomed through at least five homes before reaching their permanent destinations or before dying prematurely from unintentional or intentional neglect and abuse. Sadly, the parrot's ability to mimic human words and their bright colors and beauty prompt impulse buying from unsuspecting consumers. The domesticated Budgerigar, a small parrot, is the most popular of all pet bird species and the most discarded. In 1992 the newspaper USA Today published that there were 11 million pet birds in the United States alone,[56] many of them parrots. Europeans kept birds matching the description of the rose-ringed parakeet (or called the ring-necked parrot), documented particularly in a first-century account by Pliny the Elder.[57] As they have been prized for thousands of years for their beauty and ability to talk, they have also often been misunderstood. For example, author Wolfgang de Grahl discusses in his 1987 book The Grey Parrot that some importers allowed parrots to drink only coffee while they were being shipped by boat considering pure water to be detrimental and believing that their actions would increase survival rates during shipping. (Nowadays it is commonly accepted that the caffeine in coffee is toxic to birds.)
Pet parrots may be kept in a cage or aviary; though generally, tame parrots should be allowed out regularly on a stand or gym. Depending on locality, parrots may be either wild caught or be captive bred, though in most areas without native parrots, pet parrots are captive bred. Parrot species that are commonly kept as pets include conures, macaws, amazons, cockatoos, African greys, lovebirds, cockatiels, budgerigars, Eclectus, caiques, parakeets, Pionus and Poicephalus. Temperaments and personalities vary even within a species, just as with dog breeds. Even though African grey parrots are thought to be excellent talkers, not all African Grey parrots want to talk, even though they have the capability to do so. Noise level, talking ability, cuddliness with people, and care needs, can sometimes depend on how the bird is cared for and the attention he/she regularly receives.
Parrots invariably require an enormous amount of attention, care and intellectual stimulation to thrive, akin to that required by a three-year-old child, which many people find themselves unable to provide in the long term.[58] Parrots that are bred for pets may be hand fed or otherwise accustomed to interacting with people from a young age to help ensure they will be tame and trusting. However, even when hand fed, parrots revert to biting and aggression during hormonal surges and if mishandled or neglected. Parrots are not low maintenance pets; they require feeding, grooming, veterinary care, training, environmental enrichment through the provision of toys, exercise, and social interaction (with other parrots or humans) for good health.
Some large parrot species, including large cockatoos, amazons, and macaws, have very long lifespans, with 80 years being reported and record ages of over one hundred.[citation needed] Small parrots, such as lovebirds, hanging parrots, and budgies have shorter life spans of up to 15–20 years. Some parrot species can be quite loud, and many of the larger parrots can be destructive and require a very large cage, and a regular supply of new toys, branches, or other items to chew up. The intelligence of parrots means they are quick to learn tricks and other behaviours—both good and bad—that get them what they want, such as attention or treats.
The popularity, longevity, and intelligence of many of the larger kinds of pet parrot and their wild traits such as screaming, has led to many birds needing to be re-homed during the course of their long lifespans. A common problem is that large parrots which are cuddly and gentle as juveniles mature into intelligent, complex, often demanding adults that can outlive their owners and can also become aggressive or even dangerous. Due to these problems, homeless parrots are being euthanised like dogs and cats, and parrot adoption centres and sanctuaries are becoming more common. Parrots don't often do well in captivity, causing some parrots to go insane and develop repetitive behaviors, such as swaying, screaming, or they become riddled with intense fear. Feather destruction and self-mutilation, although not commonly seen in the wild, occur frequently in captivity.
Zoos

Scarlet macaw riding a tricycle at a show in Spain
Parrot species are found in most zoos, and a few zoos participate in breeding and conservation programs. Some zoos have organized displays of trained parrots and other birds doing tricks.
Trade
Main article: International parrot trade

Ten thousand hyacinth macaws were taken from the wild for the pet trade in the 1980s.[59] As a result Brazil now has only a very small number of breeding pairs left in the wild.[citation needed]
The popularity of parrots as pets has led to a thriving—and often illegal—trade in the birds, and some species are now threatened with extinction. A combination of trapping of wild birds and damage to parrot habitats makes survival difficult or even impossible for some species of parrot. Importation of wild caught parrots into the US and Europe is illegal.
The trade continues unabated in some countries. A report published in January 2007 presents a clear picture of the wild-caught parrot trade in Mexico, stating: "The majority of parrots captured in Mexico stay in the country for the domestic trade. A small percentage of this capture, 4% to 14%, is smuggled into the USA."[60]
The scale of the problem can be seen in the Tony Silva case of 1996, in which a parrot expert and former director at Tenerife's Loro Parque (Europe's largest parrot park) was jailed in the United States for 82 months and fined $100,000 for smuggling hyacinth macaws.[61] (Such birds command a very high price). The case led to calls for greater protection and control over trade in the birds. Different nations have different methods of handling internal and international trade. Australia has banned the export of its native birds since 1960. Following years of campaigning by hundreds of NGOs and outbreaks of avian flu, in July 2007, the European Union halted the importation of all wild birds with a permanent ban on their import. Prior to an earlier temporary ban started in late October 2005, the EU was importing approximately two million live birds a year, about 90% of the international market: hundreds of thousands of these were parrots. There are no national laws protecting feral parrot populations in the U.S. Mexico has a licensing system for capturing and selling native birds (though the laws are not well enforced).
Culture

Moche parrot. 200 A.D. Larco Museum Collection Lima, Peru

Parrots painting, 1670, Skokloster Castle.
Parrots have featured in human writings, story, art, humor, religion and music for thousands of years. From Aesop's fable "The parrot and the cat" and the Roman poet Ovid's "The Dead Parrot"(Latin), (English) to Monty Python's "Dead Parrot sketch" millennia later, parrots have existed in the consciousness of many cultures. Recent books about parrots in human culture include Parrot Culture.[62]
In ancient times and current, parrot feathers have been used in ceremonies, and for decoration. The "idea" of the parrot has been used to represent the human condition in medieval literature such as the bestiary. They also have a long history as pets.
In Polynesian legend as current in the Marquesas Islands, the hero Laka/Aka is mentioned as having undertaken a long and dangerous voyage to Aotona in what are now the Cook Islands, to obtain the highly prized feathers of a red parrot as gifts for his son and daughter. On the voyage a hundred out of his 140 rowers died of hunger on their way, but the survivors reached Aotona and captured enough parrots to fill 140 bags with their feathers.[63][64] By at least some versions, the feathers were plucked off living parrots without killing them.[65]

Macaws, like other parrots, mate for life
Currently parrots feature in many media. There are magazines devoted to parrots as pets, and to the conservation of parrots.[66] Fictional films include Paulie and Rio, and documentaries include The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.
Parrots have also been considered sacred. The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped birds and often depicted parrots in their art.[67]
Parrots are used as symbols of nations and nationalism. A parrot is found on the flag of Dominica. The St. Vincent parrot is the national bird of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a Caribbean nation.
Parrots are popular in Buddhist scripture and there are many writings about them. For example, Amitābha once changed himself into a parrot to aid in converting people. Another old story tells how after a forest caught fire, the parrot was so concerned it carried water to try and put out the flames. The ruler of heaven was so moved upon seeing the parrot's act, that he sent rain to put out the fire. In Chinese Buddhist iconography, a parrot is sometimes depicted hovering on the upper right side Guan Yin clasping a pearl or prayer beads in its beak.
Sayings about parrots colour the modern English language. The verb "parroting" can be found in the dictionary, and means "to repeat by rote." There are also clichés such as the British expression "sick as a parrot"; although this refers to extreme disappointment rather than illness, it may originate from the disease of psittacosis which can be passed to humans.[68][69] The first occurrence of a related expression is in Aphra Behn's 1681 play The False Count.[70]
Feral populations
Main article: Feral parrot

Feral red-masked parakeets in San Francisco. The population is the subject of the book and film The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.
Escaped parrots of several species have become established in the wild outside their natural ranges and in some cases outside the natural range of parrots. Among the earliest instances were pet Red Shining-parrots from Fiji which established a population on the islands of southern Tonga. These introductions were prehistoric and Red-shining Parrots were recorded in Tonga by Captain Cook in the 1770s.[26] Escapees first began breeding in cities in California, Texas and Florida in the 1950s (with unproven earlier claims dating back to the 1920s in Texas and Florida).[30] They have proved surprisingly hardy in adapting to conditions in Europe and North America. They sometimes even multiply to the point of becoming a nuisance or pest, and a threat to local ecosystems, and control measures have been used on some feral populations.[71]
Threats and conservation

A mounted specimen of the Carolina parakeet, which was hunted to extinction

Deforestation pushed the Puerto Rican amazon to the brink of extinction, still remaining among the world's rarest birds despite conservation efforts.[72]
Many parrot species are in decline and several are extinct. Of the 350 or so living species, 130 are listed as near threatened or worse by the IUCN of which 16 are currently considered Critically Endangered.[73] There are several reasons for the decline of so many species, the principal threats being habitat loss and degradation, hunting and, for certain species, the wild-bird trade. Parrots are persecuted because, in some areas, they are (or have been) hunted for food and feathers, and as agricultural pests. For a time, Argentina offered a bounty on monk parakeets (an agricultural pest), resulting in hundreds of thousands of birds being killed, though apparently this did not greatly affect the overall population.[74]
Capture for the pet trade is a threat to many of the rarer or slower to breed parrots. Habitat loss or degradation, most often for agriculture, is a threat to many species. Parrots, being cavity nesters, are vulnerable to the loss of nesting sites and to competition with introduced species for those sites. The loss of old trees is a particular problem in some areas, particularly in Australia where trees suitable for nesting need to be centuries old. Many parrots occur only on islands and are vulnerable to introduced species such as rats and cats, as they lack the appropriate anti-predator behaviours needed to deal with mammalian predators. Controlling such predators can help in maintaining or increasing the numbers of endangered species.[75] Insular species, which have small populations in restricted habitat, are also vulnerable to unpredictable events such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions.
There are many active conservation groups whose goal is the conservation of wild parrot populations. One of the largest is the World Parrot Trust,[76] an international organisation. The group gives assistance to worthwhile projects as well as producing a magazine[77] and raising funds through donations and memberships, often from pet parrot owners. They state they have helped conservation work in 22 countries. On a smaller scale local parrot clubs raise money to donate to a conservation cause. Zoo and wildlife centres usually provide public education, to change habits that cause damage to wild populations. Recent conservation measures to conserve the habitats of some of the high-profile charismatic parrot species has also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the ecosystem.[7] A popular attraction that many zoos employ is a feeding station for lories and lorikeets, where visitors feed small parrots with cups of liquid food. This is usually done in association with educational signs and lectures.
Several projects aimed specifically at parrot conservation have met with success. Translocation of vulnerable kakapo, followed by intensive management and supplementary feeding, has increased the population from 50 individuals to 123.[78] In New Caledonia the Ouvea parakeet was threatened by trapping for the pet trade and loss of habitat. Community based conservation, which eliminated the threat of poaching, has allowed the population to increase from around 600 birds in 1993 to over 2000 birds in 2009.[79]
At present the IUCN recognises 19 species of parrot as extinct since 1600 (the date used to denote modern extinctions).[80] This does not include species like the New Caledonian lorikeet which has not been officially seen for 100 years yet is still listed as critically endangered.
Trade, export and import of all wild-caught parrots is regulated and only permitted under special licensed circumstances in countries party to CITES, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species, that came into force in 1975 to regulate the international trade of all endangered wild caught animal and plant species. In 1975, 24 parrot species were included on Appendix I of CITES, thus prohibiting commercial international trade in these birds. Since that initial listing, continuing threats from international trade led CITES to add an additional 32 parrot varieties to Appendix I.[81] All the other parrot species are protected on Appendix II of CITES. In addition, individual countries may have laws to regulate trade in certain species

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German Shepherds

German Shepherds black masks and black body markings……………………

German Shepherds are vast measured pooches. The breed standard stature at the shrivels is 60–65 cm (24–26 in - for guys and 55–60 cm (22–24 in) for females.- educationslive.blogspot.com/- [1][8][9] The weight standard is 30–40 kilograms (66–88 lb) for guys and 22–32 kilograms (49–71 lb) for females.[1] They have a domed brow, a long square-cut gag and a dark nose. The jaws are solid, with a scissor-like chomp. The eyes are medium-sized and cocoa with an exuberant, keen and confident look. The ears are extensive and stand erect, open at the front and parallel, however they regularly are pulled back amid development. They have a long neck, which is raised when energized and brought down when moving at a quick pace. The tail is rugged and scopes to the hock.- 8

German Shepherds have a mixture of hues, the most widely recognized of which are tan/dark and red/dark. Most shading mixed bags have dark covers and dark body markings which can go from an excellent "seat" to an in general" "cover." Rarer shading varieties incorporate the sable, immaculate dark, unadulterated white, liver and blue mixed bags. The all-dark and sable mixed bags are adequate as indicated by most principles; notwithstanding, the blue and liver are thought to be not kidding deficiencies and the all-white is justification for moment preclusion from demonstrating in adaptation at All Breed and Specialty Shows.[10]

German Shepherds brandish a twofold coat. The external coat, which sheds throughout the entire year, is close and thick with a thick undercoat. The coat is acknowledged in two variations; medium and long. The long-hair quality is latent, making the long-hair mixed bag rarer. Treatment of the long-hair variety varies crosswise over guidelines; they are acknowledged however not rivaled standard covered canines under the German and UK Kennel Clubs while they can rival standard covered pooches yet are viewed as an issue in the American Kennel Club.[8][10][11] The FCI acknowledged the since quite a while ago haired sort in 2010, posting it as the mixed bag b—while short-haired sort is recorded as the mixture a.[12]

German Shepherds are expansive measured puppies.

aClose-up of a German Shepherd's face demonstrating the long gag, dark nose and cocoa, medium-sized eyes

The grown-up German Shepherd's ears are expansive and stand erect, however 14-week-old puppies' ears are regularly not totally erect yet.

A 2 year old dark German Shepherd

Knowledge

German Shepherds were reared particularly for their intelligence,[13] an attribute for which they are presently famous.[5] In the book The Intelligence of Dogs, writer Stanley Coren positioned the breed third for knowledge, behind Border Collies and Poodles.[14][15] He found that they had the capacity to learn straightforward undertakings after just five reiterations and complied with the first summon given 95% of the time.[5] Coupled with their quality, this characteristic makes the breed attractive as police, watch and inquiry and salvage mutts, as they find themselves able to rapidly learn different assignments and translate guidelines superior to anything other expansive breeds.[16]

Demeanor

A German Shepherd with a child

German Shepherds are very dynamic mutts and portrayed in breed principles as self-assured.[10] The breed is checked by an ability to learn and an excitement to have a reason. They are interested, which makes them incredible gatekeeper canines and suitable for pursuit missions. They can turn out to be over-defensive of their family and domain, particularly if not mingled accurately. They are not disposed to end up quick companions with strangers.[17] German Shepherds are exceptionally savvy and obedient.[18]

Hostility and gnawing

All around prepared and mingled German Shepherds have a notoriety of being exceptionally protected. Then again, in the United States, one 1996 source proposed that German Shepherds are in charge of more reported bitings than whatever other breed and tend to assault littler types of dogs.[19] An Australian report from 1999 gives measurements demonstrating that German Shepherds are the breed third destined to assault a man in some Australian locales.[20]

As per the National Geographic Channel TV program Dangerous Encounters, the nibble of a German Shepherd has a power of more than 1,060 newtons (238 lbf) (contrasted and that of a Rottweiler, more than 1,180–1,460 newtons (265–328 lbf), a Pit bull, 1,050 newtons (235 lbf), a Labrador Retriever, of more or less 1,000 newtons (230 lbf), or a human, of roughly 380 newtons (86 lbf)).[21]

Cutting edge breed

The cutting edge German Shepherd breed is scrutinized by some for straying far from von Stephanitz's unique philosophy for the breed:[22] that German Shepherds ought to be reproduced essentially as living up to expectations pooches and that rearing ought to be entirely controlled to wipe out deformities quickly.[23] He trusted that, most importantly else, German Shepherds ought to be reproduced for knowledge and working ability.[24] Although the show puppies have been reproduced for attributes that don't help or even hurt their working capacities, and numerous pets have misbred by unreliable raisers who have brought about numerous maladies for the breed, the working canines, for example, the ones utilized by police and militaries, have kept up their execution and adhered to the first goals of the breed.

A few commentators trust that indiscreet reproducing has advanced infection and other defects.[22] Under the rearing projects directed by von Stephanitz, deformities were immediately reproduced out.

Contention:

The show-line canines for the most part have a to a great degree slanting topline

The Kennel Club, in the United Kingdom, is included in a debate with German Shepherd breed clubs about the issue of soundness in the show-strain breed.[25] The show-strains have been reared with a to a great degree slanting topline (back) that causes poor walk in the rear legs. Working-family lines, for example, those in like manner use as administration puppies, by and large hold the conventional straight back of the breed.

The civil argument was catalyzed when the issue was brought up in the BBC narrative, Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which said that faultfinders of the breed portray it as "half pooch, half frog". An orthopedic vet commented on footage of canines in a show ring that they were "not ordinary".

The Kennel Club's position is that "this issue of soundness is not a basic contrast of conclusion, it is the key issue of the breed's vital adaptation and movement."[25] The Kennel Club has chosen to retrain judges to punish mutts enduring these problems.[26]

It is likewise demanding additionally testing for hemophilia and hip dysplasia, other normal issues with the breed.

Use as living up to expectations pooch

German Shepherd at a spryness rivalry

A German Shepherd swimming

German Shepherds are a well known choice for utilization as living up to expectations canines. They are particularly surely understood for their police work, being utilized for following offenders, watching disturbed ranges and location and holding of suspects. Moreover a huge number of German Shepherds have been utilized by the military. Normally prepared for scout obligation, they are utilized to caution warriors to the vicinity of adversaries or of booby traps or other hazards.[27] German Shepherds have likewise been prepared by military gatherings to parachute from aircraft[28] or as hostile to tank weapons. They were utilized as a part of World War II as delivery person mutts, salvage pooches and individual watchman dogs.[24] various these canines were taken home by remote servicemen, who were awed by their intelligence.[24]

The German Shepherd is a standout amongst the most generally utilized breeds as a part of a wide mixed bag of fragrance work parts. These incorporate pursuit and salvage, corpse looking, opiates location, explosives discovery, quickening agent identification and mine recognition canine, among others. They are suited for these lines of work as a result of their sharp feeling of smell and their capacity to work paying little mind to distractions.[27] At one time the German Shepherd was the breed picked only to be utilized as an aide puppy for the outwardly hindered. At the point when formal aide puppy preparing started in Switzerland in the 1920s under the administration of Dorothy Eustis, the majority of the canines prepared were German Shepherd females.[29] An investigation in disposition testing of a gathering of Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds demonstrated that the Retrievers scored higher by and large in passionate solidness and capacity to recoup speedily from terrifying circumstances, helpful conduct and invitingness; while the German Shepherds were predominant in hostility and guarded conduct. These outcomes proposed that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide canine work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work.[30] Currently, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are all the more broadly utilized for this work, albeit there are still German Shepherds being prepared. In 2013, around 15% of the puppies prepared by Guide Dogs of America are German Shepherds, while the rest of Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.[31] The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in the United Kingdom expresses that hybrids of Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers make the best guide mutts, in spite of the fact that they likewise prepare some German Shepherds, and additionally some other breeds.[32] Guide Dogs for the Blind in the United States prepares just Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and crosses between these breeds.[33] Guide Dogs Queensland in Australia additionally prepares just Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.[34]

German Shepherds are still utilized for grouping and tending sheep munching in knolls beside greenhouses and yield fields. They are relied upon to watch the limits to keep sheep from trespassing and harming the products. In Germany and different spots these abilities are tried in utility pooch trials otherwise called HGH (Herdenge brauchshund) grouping utility canine trials.- 35

A German night-gatekeeper from 1950 with his German Shepherd

Swedish German Shepherds amid exhibitions in Stockholm on National Day 2007

Urban Search and Rescue Task Force pooch attempts to reveal survivors at the site of the crumpled World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001 assaults

A German Shepherd Military Working Dog finds shrouded explosives inside an auto amid a preparation exercise

One Mexican German Sheppard, Zuyaqui, was 

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Dogs Best Breeds in the World

Bulldog

The great advantage of bulldogs They are sturdy, so they can take anything that rambunctious kids throw at them, while they’re not very energetic. End result? A dog that will put up with a lot. They’re also not picky about where they live, so both small apartments and large houses are fine.

 

Bull Terrier

Spuds McKenzie, Buster Brown’s Paland the preferred canine baby sitter of yesteryear, bull terriers are intelligent, energetic and friendly dogs that can take a lot of roughhousing while remaining calm. Particularly suited to large families, they dont complain too much when manhandled by children, and can actually help teach kids how to properly relate to dogs. Plus they’re just very cute and adorable. While they are energetic and require lots of play time they will also help wear your kids out — the more the merrier — and will return the favor by being very protective of them…..

Newfoundland

Because of their natural love of children, the Newfoundland has been dubbed “Nature’s Nannies.” Large and sweet, it’s hard not to fall in love with them, and they will return the favor. While they can drool and shed a lot, and suit a family with large open spaces, they will also tend to wind up wherever the family is. Basically, they are gigantic, loveable furballs who desire nothing more than to keep watch on their pack members…………

Irish Setter

A better choice for families with yards because of their energy, Irish Setters are wonderful with children, because they are playful and energetic. One word of warning, though — their life spans are among the shorter ones for larger breeds, so you should only choose an Irish Setter if you want to teach those inevitable life lessons while your children are in middle school. Twelve years is considered old age for the breed, and few make it to fifteen.

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What Does It Mean When a Dog Secretes Milk?

What Does It Mean When a Dog Secretes Milk?

So you go to give your puppy the every day stomach rub she adores and uncover wetness on her tummy. The milk your pup is emitting could be an indication of a pregnancy, false pregnancy or more genuine concerns. On the off chance that you know your pooch isn't pregnant, get her looked at. Have an inquiry? Get a reply from a Vet now!

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Pregnancy

The most clear reason your canine friend could be discharging milk is that she's pregnant. Most canines don't lactate until their pups are conceived or a couple of days earlier, however some can emit a little drain a month or two preceding the puppies arrive. It isn't foundation for concern unless a high volume of milk keeps going for a few days. Without pups to drink the milk, your puppy might be in torment from the fabricated up weight and can create a mastitis contamination. Check with your vet if lactation happens well before the puppies are expected.

False Pregnancy

Once in a while a canine's body may deceive itself into supposing its pregnant when its definitely not. Brought about by a hormonal irregularity that falls between six and 12 weeks after the end of her hotness cycle, a false pregnancy may make her get touchy, anxious or defensive of her most loved toys - mothering them, as it were. Her paunch may look swollen or enlarged, and she can release drain out of her areolas. The hormones bringing about the false pregnancy typically alter themselves in something like three weeks, however watch your pooch for indications of torment from the spilling milk. The weight development could be tormenting, and she's at danger for mastitis much the same as a pregnant canine.

Wellbeing Issues

Some wellbeing issues can result in your canine to discharge milk - despite the fact that its off and on again white discharge rather than milk. Mammary organ diseases or contaminations can result in white discharge to hole, and these conditions need quick consideration from your vet. Hypothyroidism can result in your textured companion's hormones to go insane, prompting lactation. On the off chance that this happens when a false pregnancy is exceedingly impossible -, for example, six months after her high temperature cycle closes or after she's been spayed and no more has a hotness cycle - approach your vet for a full blood workup to check for thyroid issues.

Avoiding and Stopping the Milk

In the event that your pooch has wellbeing issues creating lactation, the vet can endorse medication to help keep the milk issue from returning. On the off chance that your pooch has a false pregnancy, on the other hand, its conceivable she'll encounter the same issues once more, despite the fact that not with each hotness cycle. Getting her spayed after a false pregnancy closures can help avert an alternate. To stop the milk rapidly throughout promptly pregnancy or false pregnancy, diminish your pup's sustenance and water allow somewhat for several days under a vet's heading - it takes a ton of nourishment to keep the milk streaming. Additionally, utilizing an Elizabethan neckline can keep her from licking at her tummy, which can invigorate the milk considerably more.

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Why the Dog not Drink Water

 Why the Dog not Drink Water
There are various conceivable reasons why a puppy may reject water, including ailment, maturing, an annoying background, or a change in surroundings or water source. There are likewise various strategies and traps that might be utilized to influence a pooch to drink once more. On the off chance that, then again, the reason can't be made, or the canine can't be influenced to drink, the creature ought to be taken to a veterinarian at once, as lack of hydration is a genuine condition.

Puppies, in the same way as people, need to drink water consistently and are at danger from lack of hydration on the off chance that they don't do so. They are really at more terrific danger than people in light of the fact that they discharge heat from their bodies a great deal all the more gradually. Some of a puppy's body high temperature is discharged through the cushions of its feet and its nose, however its body temperature is basically controlled through gasping.

Things to Check

Maybe the first thing to check if a puppy is not drinking water is that the creature is not experiencing a hindrance in the mouth that makes it tormenting or troublesome to drink — frequently it might be something as basic as a little stay or burr. On the off chance that the canine is recouping from surgery or a harm, it is not unprecedented for it to be hesitant to drink for some time. Changing from dry to wet sustenance may bring about a pet drinking less water, as it is getting more dampness from its nourishment. Ailment could additionally be a reason, and if the creature hints at whatever viable illness, for example, curious laziness, or appears to be in torment, it ought to be taken to a veterinarian. On the off chance that none of these appear to apply, the reason could be mental, instead of physical.

New Places and Smells

Numerous pooches will abstain from drinking water in bizarre spots in light of the fact that the water smells unique in relation to what they are utilized to at home. These creatures have a to a great degree intense feeling of odor, and simply a little distinction in the piece of the neighborhood water may be exceptionally perceptible to them. Despite the fact that canines may appear unfussy about water quality — they will regularly drink out of lakes and puddles, for instance — they may be extremely suspicious of anything that smells new. It could be a great thought to have a go at giving the pooch packaged water rather than faucet water.

Irritating Experiences

At times, a change in surroundings in itself can have an annoying impact on a creature. A few mutts are very versatile and will settle into new convenience rapidly. Others, notwithstanding, may be apprehensive or extremely set in their ways, and will at first be troubled in their new surroundings. As a rule, if this is the situation, the pet will settle down and begin drinking again after a day or two.

A change in circumstances at home can additionally cause this issue. Such changes may incorporate the pet needing to invest more of a chance on its own because of a change in working examples, or somebody leaving the home for all time. Frequently, a creature that is dejected or annoyed will decline to consume or beverage. Once more, it may settle down after a day or two, when it has gotten used to the new normal.

Maturing

A more seasoned pooch might likewise abstain from drinking water. It could essentially be that getting to the water requires a lot of exertion, or the canine's feeling of thirst may be reducing alongside its voracity. More established pooches particularly need to administer sufficient hydration levels, so if drinking appears to be an issue, exchanging to a damp nourishment may offer assistance. This not just gives additional water, it may be simpler for a maturing creature to consume. It is, in any case, best to counsel a veterinarian before changing canine sustenances.

Inducing a Dog to Drink

There are various methods for influencing a hesitant canine to drink, some of which are shockingly clear. Essentially changing the position of its water vessel might in some cases work. An alternate result that is regularly powerful is blending wet pooch nourishment with water. Regardless of the fact that the pet won't drink from its bowl, it might cheerfully drink water from its manager's measured hands. It is likewise worth verifying that the water vessel is clean; if in uncertainty, providing for it a great scour with preparing pop and water may offer assistance.

On the off chance that the puppy is has as of late had surgery or a sickness, fitting hydration is significant to the recuperation process. In any circumstances, a canine ought to drink customarily. In the event that tender sweet talking and consolation don't prepare effects, dampening the creature's standard sustenance with water may work. In the event that the canine can't be made to drink, it ought to be checked by a veterinarian as quickly as time pe

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Dogs Allergies

 Skin Conditions in Dogs

If you notice your dog's skin is rough, flaky or irritated and he is scratching, biting or licking it more than usual then he might be suffering from a skin condition, and your veterinarian may recommend tests to identify the exact reason. Common causes include:

Allergies	Your pet may be allergic to either food or environmental factors like dust, pollen or mold.
Parasites	Fleas, lice and mites can all cause mild to severe skin irritation.
Hormonal Imbalances	Pets with too much or too little of certain hormones are prone to skin problems.
Infections	Bacterial infections can cause skin problems.

The Importance of Nutrition,
The food your pet eats plays an important role in his or her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. When your pet has a skin condition, it's even more important to feed the right food.

How can the right food help.
Some skin conditions can be cleared up quickly, while others need lifelong management. The good news is, most pets with skin conditions can be helped if you feed the right food, even if the cause of the condition is not dietary. Some important nutrients that can help heal protect your pet's skin include:

Protein
High-quality protein provides the building blocks for natural cell repair. Feeding unique protein sources, such as venison or duck, can also help reduce reaction in pets with a food allergy or intolerances to more common ingredients.

Essential Fatty Acids
A food containing high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found naturally in fish oil, will help nourish and protect your pet's skin to prevent dryness.

Antioxidants
Vitamin E and other antioxidants are vital in helping to maintain your pet's healthy immune system, and protect it from cellular oxidation caused by free radicals.

Combining these nutrients in a single pet food provides a convenient way to manage your pet's skin condition.

Does my pet have a skin condition?
Your pet's skin should be smooth and soft with no flaking, redness or signs of irritation. It should be neither too dry nor too oily and have no areas of hair loss. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian.

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Best Sheep Farming

Best Sheep Farming 

Sheep farming is the raising and breeding of domestic sheep. It is a branch of animal husbandry. Sheep are raised principally for their meat,lamb or mutton, for their milk, or for wool. They also yield sheepskin andparchment.

Animal care..>>>>>>>>>>

Shelter and environment>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Sheep are kept in flocks in paddocks, in pens, or barns, or in the open. Freshly shorn hoggets can be very susceptible to wet, windy weather and can quickly succumb to exposure. Sheep have to be kept dry for one to two days before shearing so that the fleece is dry enough to be pressed and to protect the health of the rearers.

Water, food and air[edit]

Sheep need fresh water.

Upon being weaned from ewe's milk, they eat hay, grains, and grasses. The lambs are weaned due to increasing competition between the lamb and ewe for food.^{[citation needed]} Sheep are active grazers where such feed is available at ground or low levels. They are usually given feed twice a day from troughs or are allowed to graze in a pasture.

Sheep are most comfortable when the temperature is moderate, so fans may be needed for fresh air if sheep are kept in barns during hot weather. In Australia, sheep in pasture are often subjected to temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) and higher without deleterious effects. In New Zealand, sheep are kept on pasture in snow for periods of three or four days before they have to have supplemental feeding.^{[citation needed]}

Flock management styles[edit]

There are four general styles of sheep husbandry to serve the varied aspects of the sheep industry and the needs of a particular shepherd. Commercial sheep operations supplying meat and wool are usually either "range band flocks" or "farm flocks". Range band flocks are those with large numbers of sheep (often 1,000 to 1,500 ewes) cared for by a few full-time shepherds^{[citation needed]}. The pasture—which must be large to accommodate the number of sheep—can either be fenced or open. Range flocks sometimes require the shepherds to live with the sheep as they move throughout the pasture^{[citation needed]}, as well as the use of sheepdogs and means of transport such as horses or motor vehicles. As range band flocks move within a large area in which it would be difficult to supply a steady source of grain, almost all subsist on pasture alone. This style of sheep raising accounts for most of the sheep operations in the U.S., South America, and Australia^{[citation needed]}.

Yörük shepherd in the Taurus Mountains

A shepherd tends his flock in Northern California.

Farm flocks are slightly smaller than range bands, and are kept on a more confined, fenced pasture land. Farm flocks may also be a secondary population on a larger farm, used by farmers who raise a surplus of crops to finish market lambs on or those with untillable land they wish to exploit. However, farm flocks account for many farms focused on sheep as primary income in the U.K. and New Zealand (due to the more limited land available in comparison to other sheep-producing nations). The farm flock is a common style of flock management for those who wish to supplement grain feed for meat animals.

An important corollary form of flock management to the aforementioned styles are specialized flocks raising purebred sheep. Many commercial flocks, especially those producing sheep meat, utilize cross-bred animals. Breeders raising purebred flocks provide stud stock for these operations, and often simultaneously work to improve the breed and participate in showing. Excess lambs are often sold to 4-H groups. The last type of sheep keeping is that of thehobbyist. This type of flock is usually very small compared to commercial operations, and may be considered pets. Those hobby flocks, which are raised with production in mind, may be for subsistence purposes or to provide a very specialized product, such as wool for handspinners. Quite a few people, especially those who emigrated to rural areas from urban or suburban enclaves, begin with hobby flocks or a 4-H lamb before eventually expanding to farm or range flocks^{[citation needed]}.

Sheep breeds are often grouped based on how well they are suited to producing a certain type of breeding stock. Generally, sheep are thought to be either "ewe breeds" or "ram breeds". Ewe breeds are those that are hardy, and have good reproductive and mothering capabilities – they are for replacing breeding ewes in standing flocks. Ram breeds are selected for rapid growth and carcase quality, and are mated with ewe breeds to produce meat lambs. Lowland and upland breeds are also crossed in this fashion, with the hardy hill ewes crossed with larger, fast-growing lowland rams to produce ewes called mules, which can then be crossed with meat-type rams to produce prime market lambs. Many breeds, especially rare or primitive ones, fall into no clear category.

Goals of flock management[edit]

Branding sheep after shearing

A sheep farmer is concerned with keeping the correct ratio of male to female sheep^{[citation needed]}, selecting traits for breeding, and controlling under-/over-breeding based on the size and genetic diversity of the flock. Other tasks includesheep shearing, crutching, and lambing the sheep.

Sheep breeders look for such traits in their flocks as high wool quality, consistent muscle development, quick conception rate (for females), multiple births, and quick physical development. Pedigree sheep expert Seamus Harkin from Plumbridge in the Glenelly valley is well known for his exploits in sheep breeding, he has even personally bred his own crossbreed.

Sheep farmers also need to protect their livestock. Sheep have many natural enemies, such as coyotes (North America), foxes (Europe), dingoes (Australia), and dogs. Newborn lambs in pasture are particularly vulnerable, also falling prey tocrows, eagles, and ravens. In addition, they are susceptible in some areas toflystrike which in itself has led to invention of practices such as mulesing.

Flock of sheep moving through a city early on a holiday morning

Sheep may be kept in a fenced-in field orpaddock. The farmer must ensure that the fences are maintained in order to prevent the sheep from wandering onto roads or neighbours' property. Alternatively, they may be "heafed" (trained to stay in a certain area without the need for fences). The hardy Herdwick breed is particularly known for its affinity for being heafed^{[citation needed]}.

A shepherd and a Livestock guardian dog may be employed for protection of the flock^{[citation needed]}. On large farms, dogs and riders on horseback or motorcycles may muster sheep.

Marking of sheep for identification purposes is often done by means of ear tags or ear marks. In some areas sheep are still identified through the use of notches cut in the ear known as ear marking, using either specially designed tools (ear marking pliers) or other cutting implements.

Lambing[edit]

Lambing is term for the management of birth in domestic sheep. In agriculture it often requires assistance from thefarmer or shepherd because of breeding, climate, or the individual physiology of the ewe.

Australian farmers generally arrange for all the ewes in a mob to give birth (the lambing season) within a period of a few weeks. As ewes sometimes fail to bond with newborn lambs, especially after delivering twins or triplets, it is important to minimize disturbances during this period.

In order to more closely manage the births, vaccinate lambs, and protect them from predators, shepherds will often have the ewes give birth in "lambing sheds"; essentially a barn (sometimes a temporary structure erected in the pasture) with individual pens for each ewe and her offspring. In Norway most of the ewes are examined with ultrasound equipment to determine how many lambs will be born. The number of lambs has grown since triplets and quartlets have become more common.^[1]

Life cycle[edit]

Rams being taken to market

Ewes are pregnant for just under five months before they lamb, and may have anywhere from one to three lambs per birth. Some ewes can have seven or eight lambs^{[citation needed]}. Twin and single lambs are most common, triplets less common. A ewe may lamb once or twice a year. Lambs are weaned at three months. Sheep are full grown at two years and can weigh between 60 and 125 kilograms. Sheep can live to eleven or twelve years of age.

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