Finding the right bird for you can be a very daunting task. Birds come in all colors, sizes, and personalities. Some birds crave attention; others thrive well on little contact. How do you choose which one is right for you and then what do you when you get it home?

The first rule to choosing a bird is research, research, research! Birds come in a wide array of personalities, and you need to match the bird to yours. If you are on the run a lot, a parrot may not be best suited for you. Parrots need lots of attention and training; otherwise they will become very antisocial. Experts recommend that beginner bird owners should start with perhaps a finch or canary, since they are easier to get acclimated to. This said, any bird can make a wonderful addition to your home as long as you do your research and find the bird that best suits your lifestyle.

Cost is the initial deciding factor on what type of bird you will purchase. Birds can range around $50 dollars for a small bird into thousands for larger birds such as Parrots. Then you must figure the type of cage needed for your bird into the initial cost. Cages come in all sizes; however you need to make sure you have the largest cage available for your type of bird. Birds need room to exercise, especially smaller birds since they mostly stay in cages. For a finch or other small bird, you need to purchase a wider, not taller cage. Birds need room to take short flights and a tall, narrow cage restricts their movement. If you purchased a parrot, a taller, narrow cage would work, but you must have a play tree or perch for the bird to stretch on outside of the cage. All birds must have their exercise to maintain proper health.

A bird's diet is also an important point that needs some researching. Most all types of birds need a diet that consists of prepared foods (pellets, seed mixes) and fresh fruits, however you need to check what size bird the mix/pellets are prepared for. A small canary cannot eat a seed mix that has very hard shells or large seeds. Their beaks are simply not large enough or strong enough to break the outer shells. You need to make sure you can obtain the proper food before purchasing your bird.

Once you have the proper food and cage for your bird, you need to take some time to "bird-proof" your home. There are several household items that are lethal to a bird, for one, nonstick coatings. When a pan or other item with nonstick coating is overheated, it emits fumes that are lethal to a bird when inhaled. Also, sources of open water are extremely dangerous to birds. Birds can easily fall into an open water source and drown quickly. Be sure to leave those toilet lids down since that is normally the most accessible source of open water in a home. Power cords also account for a large number of bird injuries and deaths in the home. Birds by nature use their beaks to peck at food, clean their feathers, explore, etc. If you let your bird out of the cage to explore around the house, they can easily get electrocuted if they peck through the cord or bite into it. Be sure to research using either online resources, books, or other bird owners for other harmful substances and situations in your home.

Once you find the right bird, and follow the tips above, you should be able to have a long and happy relationship with your new feathered friend.

Cutest Pet Contest Finalists Announced

The BringYourPet.com staff reviewed all the entries it received and selected 8 dogs to compete for the title 'Cutest Pet.' Now it is up to you to vote on who you think deserves to win the contest. For the next 2 months the voting polls will be open. You can only vote once, so make it count.

To register to vote and to see these adorable pooches follow this link:
http://www.bringyourpet.com/contest/register.php

If you would like to submit your pet for our next contest, please fill out our contest registration form.

For more information on this contest, click here.

New Book Helps Hotels Increase Profits by Becoming Pet Friendly

Due to the demand for accurate, actionable information about becoming a pet friendly hotel, BringYourPet.com recently released the book, "Making Your Property Pet Friendly: A How-To Guide."

"Making Your Property Pet Friendly: A How-To Guide" escorts readers through the process of becoming pet friendly from beginning to end. Months of research, hours of interviews and miles of fieldwork with current pet friendly properties helped to shape this essential how-to guide that is the backbone of any pet friendly program...

Follow this link:
http://www.bringyourpet.com/pfguide.htm

"Making Your Property Pet Friendly: A How-To Guide" is available in hardcopy and downloadable version.

Property Spotlight - Best Western Fallsview

Best Western Fallsview is located in the heart of the Fallsview Tourist Area on Fallsview Blvd., a three minute stroll to the Falls and Queen Victoria Park with it's many attractions, the Maid of the Mist, the Journey Behind the Falls and the White Water Boardwalk. You can ride the Yellow Bug to the top of the Skylon Tower, view the latest production at the Imax Theatre and visit the new Fallsview Casino as they're are just across the street.

Best Western Fallsview is a 243 room, 100% Non-Smoking, full service, pet friendly hotel, with in room whirlpools, king & queen beds, indoor/outdoor pools, giant whirlpool, and sauna. Each room has a private balcony or patio and are easily accessible with our ample parking (fee applies). Best Western Fallsview is the ideal place to stay in Niagara Falls. Once your here, you can walk to everything.

For more information: http://www.bringyourpet.com/international/canada/ontario/on100.htm

Property Spotlight - The Talbott Hotel

European Luxury Boutique hotel, located in Chicago's Gold Coast, just off Michigan Avenue.

Complimentary High-Speed Wireless Internet Access, Complimentary Access to a world class health club just steps away.

For more information: http://www.bringyourpet.com/lodging/il/il1300.htm

Are You A Pet Friendly Property?

Let BringYourPet.com Promote Your Pet Friendly Property!

Register your pet friendly property with the BringYourPet.com online directory during the next 72 hours and we'll reduce your annual registration fee by $150. Use this promotion code in the 'Comments/Questions' section for your discount: NLDD150-S52627

Pause for Paws!

BringYourPet.com Affiliated Animal Welfare Charities

Newsletter Featured Charity

Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) are volunteers who provide loving care and support the programs for stray and abandoned pets at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Please visit their Web site for more information on how you can help save homeless pets.

Contact Information:
Email: fotas@mind.net
Web site: http://www.fotas.org
Phone: 541-774-6646
Address: PO BOX 3412, Ashland, OR 97520

If you are interested in listing your nonprofit animal welfare charity on BringYourPet.com or if you would like to refer us to a reputable organization in your area, please email property@bringyourpet.com.

Newsletter Sponsor - Pet Newswire

Are you a pet owner? Get the latest breaking pet news for free. Find the hottest new pet products, the best in pet health and safety information, the latest pet-friendly vacation deals, and animal charity events all at one online source, PetNewswire.com. Sign up to receive a weekly news digest delivered directly via email. For more information, visit http://www.petnewswire.com.

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