What is a mammal? Mammals are vertebrates – they are animals with backbones. All mammals have lungs and breathe in air and all of them are warm-blooded (they are able to maintain a constant body temperature regardless of the outside temperature.) Mammals and birds share a common characteristic – the possession of four-chambered hearts that circulate blood efficiently to all parts of the body. All mammals, except two types that lay eggs, give birth to living young and provide protection and care for them before and after birth. Mammals are the only animals that possess true hair and the capacity to produce milk. In fact, the word “mammal” comes from the Latin word “mamma” which means “breast”.

Mammals have other characteristics that are not so obvious. A mammal’s heart and lungs are separated from the stomach by a wall of muscle called the diaphragm. A mammal’s lower jaw has a single bone on each side. Mammals also have different types of teeth adapted to different uses. And most importantly, mammal brains are much more highly developed than the brains of any other animal.

In the struggle to survive, warm blood, improved methods of caring for young and superior intelligence have all given mammals great advantages through the ages. In fact, many scientists consider mammals as the dominant animals of the world.

Yet mammals did not start out immediately as mammals. Strange as it may seem, they rose from the reptile family. In the Mesozoic era, a branch of reptiles began to grow coats of hair instead of armor and slowly turned warm-blooded. Some of them began to keep eggs inside their bodies instead of laying eggs. The first mammals were probably very tiny and timid creatures, like today’s rats and mice. They were nocturnal and hid for protection during the day. When conditions of the Earth gradually changed, the dinosaurs could not adapt to this dramatic shift, so their numbers grew smaller and smaller. When they died out, the more adaptable mammals later arose in the Miocene epoch.

Between 3500 and 5000 species of mammals live in the world today and more varieties under them. Many of these animals can trace their lineage to their ancestors that adapted and survived through the Ice Age. Now, mammals have developed in a bewildering variety of sizes and shapes, classified by scientists according to body structure and relationships. In all, under the mammal kingdom, there are now 18 different groups or orders.

One of the most important aspects of a parrot’s care is its cage. Look for a cage that gives your parrot plenty of room to move around, even spread its wings a bit. It’s also important to purchase a cage that will look good in your room as it will be as permanent as any piece of furniture. You’ll also want to make sure you choose a cage that has bars with appropriate spacing for the type and size of your parrot, to prevent injury by your parrot fitting his or her head through the bars.

Feeding

Parrot foods available include the typical seed diet as well as pellet food. Pellet food generally contains more of a variety of nutrients and food than a seed diet. Pellets contain fruits and vegetables as well as a variety of grains. What you choose to feed your parrot may depend on your parrot’s taste as some parrots simply won’t like seeds, but will enjoy pellets and vice versa. In addition to pellets or seeds, treats are also available for parrots, including mixtures of fruits, nuts and seeds.

Grooming

Parrots do require regular grooming, including grooming of their beaks, nails and wings, but generally it is not recommended for a novice to attempt to groom their parrot. Consider taking a lesson from a veterinarian or bird expert before attempting to groom your parrot, this is for your safety as well as your parrot.

Training:

Training is vital. Begin by teaching these animals simple tricks to learn to obey. This will help these animals to be stable with you and in its environment. The parrot needs socializing and affection and in return will be a wonderful pet. One of the biggest advantages to having a parrot is that your parrot can be trained to do any number of tasks and tricks. Training aids are available including click trainers, harnesses and leashes. Consider also a parrot training book or DVD to help you train your parrot.

Entertainment:

Toys will be important to the entertainment and general emotional health and behavior of your parrot. Get them toys that are appropriate for their size, age and temperament. Great toys for parrots include rubber toys, puzzle type toys, wood toys, leather toys, toys where the parrot can practice foraging for food and metal toys.