Blue Headed Racket Tail Parrot

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: November 11th, 2018

About Blue Headed Racket Tail Parrot

Size

11 inches

Lifespan

up to 15 years

Bird Species

Parrot

Colors

Green

Sounds

Vocal, Loud, Natural Calls, Mimics

Interaction

Social, Fun, Friendly, Intelligent, Docile, Shy

Comparable Breeds

Blue Crowned Racket Tail, Black Capped Lory

Blue Headed Racket Tail General Info

An elusive sight in modern aviculture, the Blue Headed Racket Tail parrot is a wonderful bird with a lot of unique features. Even though they are endangered and rare in the wild, they are a sought-after breed in the world of pet birds, as they display a variety of interesting traits. Peaceful and friendly, but inquisitive as well, these parrots have all that is needed for a loving and charming pet. One of the iconic parrots of the Philippines, they are a common pet in this Pacific country, but a rare treat for pet owners in the rest of the world. Let’s try to learn more about the unique Blue Headed Racket Tail!

Charming and pretty, the Blue Headed Racket Tail parrot makes a great pet for families or singles.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

The natural habitat for these parrots is found in Southeast Asia, mostly centered around the Philippines. This region includes islands such as Palawan, Balabac, Dumaran, and others. They inhabit the regional lowland forests, mangroves, and sparse growths. Sadly, these parrots are a vulnerable breed, suffering greatly due to forest clearing and illegal capture. It is estimated that only between 7000 and 10000 birds remain in the wild. Several programs have been started in hopes of preserving the breed.

Overall Description

The family of racquet tail parrots is relatively small, and most of the birds share some crucial similarities. However, Blue Headed Racket Tail is unique in its own way and are easily recognized by their appearance. The adults reach an average length of 11 inches (28 centimeters) and have a balanced, slender physique. Their neck is slightly elongated. One of the most interesting aspects and the detail that gives them their name is the so-called “racket tail”. A pair of long, bare feather shafts protrudes out from their tail and is topped off with two small circular “spatulas”. This is a feature unique only for this species, and can’t be seen anywhere else in the parrot world.

Speech and Sounds

As is the case with many exotic breeds, the Blue Headed Racket Tail tends to be vocal and loud. This makes them unsuitable as an apartment pet. Even though they are not talkative as some pet parrots, their natural calls can be loud and raucous. This is often a series of short squawks and sometimes a melodious short song. Some birds can learn to mimic just a few words in a very cute way, but this often requires training and patience. Blue Headed Racket Tail is very receptive to music, to which they will dance and sing along with their melodic squawks.

Colors

The Blue Headed Racket Tail is an elegant and graceful bird. Even if they don’t show a lot of flashy colors, their peculiar details and color combinations make them extremely charming and beautiful. They are almost entirely green, with visibly lighter tones on the lower side of the body. The wings and back are darker, and their unique tails show a yellow lower part, tipped off with bright, sky blue. As the name suggests, the top half of their head has prominent light blue tones. The tips of the flight feathers are dark blue. This lovely look, combined with their unique “racket” tail extensions, makes for an exotic parrot that will leave no one indifferent.

The “racket tail” is an unusual and beautiful feature, exclusive to these pacific parrots and just a few other birds.

Care and Feeding

Their wild diet is sparsely documented, but the experts all agree on two main foods – fruits and nuts. As a pet, the Blue Headed Racket Tail will thrive on a fruit-based diet. Fresh bananas, oranges, apples, and pears are all a good choice. Some pellet-based mixes for exotic parrots can also work well as a supplement to their diet. Blue Headed Racket Tail will also enjoy bathing, so don’t forget to offer bathing dishes regularly.

Health and Common Conditions

Due to their rarity as a pet outside of Philippines and nearby Asian countries, the Blue Headed Racket Tail can sometimes require a bit more care than common pet parrots. If neglected, fed improperly or housed in a bad way, your pet can suffer. To offer the best possible home for the Blue Headed Racket Tail, ensure they have a spacious cage with plenty of toys and perches. Additionally, provide supervised free movement around the house, balanced diet, and plenty of interaction and playing. These are crucial for the good health of your Blue Headed Racket Tail.

Keeping a Blue Headed Racket Tail in a small cage is the quickest way to endanger their health. Pick out an aviary or a spacious cage.

Personality & Behavior

Blue Headed Racket Tail is gentle, friendly and fun. While it is hard to come by, this bird has all the desirable traits in aviculture. With their docile personalities and smart behavior, they can make a great companion and a friend to a single owner. At first, you might think that your Blue Headed Racket Tail is quiet and shy. But as soon as they get a bit of attention and affection to you, they’ll show a whole different side to them. These rare birds tend to bond deeply with their owners.

Photo credit: rackk67/Internet Bird Collection; Rackk67/Wikimedia Commons; Ramon J Quisumbing/Oriental Bird Images

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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When a dog gets too cold, they’re at risk of hypothermia. But what is hypothermia, what are its symptoms, and what can be done to treat it? Below is a brief guide to dog hypothermia so you can have a better understanding of this condition and why it’s so important to prevent it.What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?Hypothermia develops when a dog’s body temperature drops to 99°F (37.2°C) or lower. A dog’s normal body temperature range is 99.5-102.5°F (37.5-39.2°C).There are three levels of hypothermia: mild, moderate, and severe.Mild hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature is between 90-99°F (32.2-37.2°C).Moderate hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls even more, to 82-90°F (27.8-32.2°C).Severe hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls below 82°F (27.8°C).Giving a dog the right treatment to bring their temperature back up is critical, as hypothermia can cause damage to organs, and it could be fatal.  Some dogs may be at greater risk of hypothermia. Puppies, seniors, and dogs who are thin or small are a few examples. Dogs who are ill, including those with chronic conditions, can also be more susceptible. Also, hairless dogs and those with short coats are other examples.What Causes Hypothermia in Dogs?Dogs who are in the cold for too long are at risk of hypothermia. And if they get wet, their body temperature can drop more rapidly. Never leave a dog outside when it’s too cold or windy, or when it’s raining or snowing.It doesn’t have to be extremely cold for dogs to feel the effects either, as a temperature less than 45°F (7.2°C) could put some dogs at risk. Before going outside with your dog, check the wind chill, too, as this will give you a better idea of what it actually feels like out there, and what the risk of frostbite and hypothermia really is.    Also, certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and shock, could increase a dog’s risk of hypothermia.Symptoms of Hypothermia in DogsAs a dog starts to feel cold, they’ll exhibit changes in behavior. Warming them up right away can prevent them from getting even colder. If hypothermia continues to set in, the situation will become more dire as the symptoms progress.Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:Mild hypothermia may cause a dog to shiver and experience weakness. They may also be less alert, and may try to find ways to stay warm, such as curling in a ball. If you were to feel the dog’s skin, ears, paws, legs, and tail, they may be cold to the touch.Moderate hypothermia may cause the breathing to become shallow and slow, and the muscles may become stiff, resulting in difficulty moving. The blood pressure may drop, and the dog may be even more lethargic and confused. If you were to check the gums, they may be pale.  Severe hypothermia may cause the pupils to become fixed and dilated, and a dog may have trouble breathing. They may not be as responsive, or they may become unresponsive. Also, they may not be shivering anymore. Collapse and coma may occur.How to Help a Hypothermic DogThe symptoms of hypothermia must be taken seriously. Contact your veterinarian even if you think your dog might only have mild hypothermia, as they can provide guidance on what to do, and they might advise bringing your dog in to be examined and treated.In cases of severe hypothermia, a veterinarian will need to treat your dog, so don’t try to fix this problem yourself.Here are a few steps you can take if your dog has mild hypothermia (again, talk to your vet first to be sure you’re taking the right steps and you can treat this at home):Dry your dog if they’re wet. Bring them to a warm area of your home, such as near a heat source. Wrap them in a blanket—you could even warm it up in the dryer first. Use products like the PetFusion Microplush Quilted Pet Blanket, which is super soft and has a light fill that provides more warmth.

Do Cats Slow Down in Autumn?

As the sunshine starts to fade, replaced by the cool autumn winds, cat owners may notice an interesting change in their furry friend’s behavior. Cats are often known for their boundless energy and curiosity. However, as we move into the fall months, many cat owners will notice their pets are slowing down into a new, more laid-back routine.In this article, we dig into the reasons why cats slow down in autumn, including answering the question: “Do cats experience seasonal depression?” We will also share some tips and tricks to cheer up your sad cat and help them enjoy the colder months ahead.Do Cat Behaviors Change with the Seasons?The short answer is yes. Many cat owners report that their feline friends act differently during the fall and winter months. Some common changes include a difference in your cat’s sleep patterns, appetite, and overall mood.For outdoor cats or indoor cats that are leash and harness-trained, the arrival of a new season means new experiences, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Anytime cats are faced with something new or different, the possibility exists that their reaction to their environment may change as well. But this isn’t the only impact on your cat…From season to season, we see two key changes affecting a cat’s behavior – the temperature and the amount of daylight. A drop in temperature triggers a natural survival response in which your cat will slow down to conserve energy, allowing its ancestors to stay warm on the bitter cold nights in the wild. Meanwhile, a change in daylight has been shown to impact hormone levels.Each of these factors will impact every cat differently. If you have multiple cats in your home, you may notice one slowing down considerably while the other doesn’t alter their behavior much at all – and that’s okay! Just like people, no two cats are the same.Can Cats Get Seasonal Depression?There currently is no research confirming that cats suffer from seasonal depression. However, many experts suspect they may suffer from a similar struggle to their human counterparts because of the shorter days and loss of daylight. This low mood and depression may also occur due to (or be escalated by) the lack of exercise that cats experience during the colder months.Are Cats Less Active in Fall? Have you noticed your cat lazing around or sleeping more during the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone! As we previously discussed, the temperature change often triggers a survival response to conserve energy. Your cat may prefer to spend their time curled up in their favorite cat bed, napping through the day, or cuddling in your lap, soaking up your body heat. Keep your eyes open for any other signs of concern. But if you do not see any other reason to worry, the cozy fall attitude is normal. Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your best friend. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? As cat parents, we all want to provide the best life for our feline friends, both physically and mentally. This starts with learning to recognize when something is “off” or if there is something that we should address. Like us, our cats can suffer from mental health struggles like depression, which isn’t always easy to spot. Here are a few signs your cat may be suffering from depression: Sleeping more than usualLoss of appetite Weight loss Becoming more vocal Failure to keep up with grooming needs Loss of energy Hiding or retreating from family membersOut-of-character aggression or fearfulness If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They will likely ask questions about your cat’s home life and whether they have recently experienced any changes that may have triggered their mental health struggles. This can help to guide their treatment recommendations. Mental health problems are not always treated with medications. In fact, many of the most effective treatment options are things that you can do at home.

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New Study Shows Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Get Cancer

When it comes to humans, early detection is key when dealing with different types of cancer, and the same is true for canines. Naturally, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and regular veterinary checkups can all help keep your four-legged companion in tip-top condition.But, wouldn’t it be great if you knew in advance that your pooch is more predisposed to cancer? A new study published in Royal Society Open Science shows that there is a strong link between the dog’s size and their likelihood of getting cancer.Leonard Nunney, a biologist at the University of California, Riverside, and the lead author of the study wanted to understand how cancer starts and how it is initiated in different dog breeds. Nunney explained that while humans have an increased risk of developing cancer as they get older, the same isn’t true for dogs.This new study looked at dogs ranging in size from a tiny Chihuahua up to a mastiff, and a giant Great Dane. Despite the popular belief that larger dog breeds are at a higher risk of cancer, it turned out that bigger dogs are at a lower risk of developing any type of cancer simply because they tend to have shorter lifespans compared to smaller dog breeds, which typically live longer. Breeds like golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers are considered large dogs and usually live up to 12 years. This study showed that smaller dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, terriers, and Pomeranians are at a higher risk for developing cancer because they tend to live longer, typically around 15 years or more. While doing their research, Nunney and his team made another discovery. They learned that certain dog breeds, regardless of their size, are more predisposed to developing certain cancers.Nunney lists terriers, specifically West Highland terriers, also known as Westies, as having a higher likelihood of developing bladder cancer. Flat-coated retrievers are prone to a rare type of cancer, called sarcoma, which is found in soft tissues and bones. In addition to these two breeds, Bernese mountain dogs are also more likely to develop cancer than other dog breeds. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, one in four dogs will, at some point in their life, develop cancer. Furthermore, almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop some type of cancer. But before you rush to get your dog to the vet for a full checkup, know that just because smaller breeds are more likely to develop cancer, that doesn’t mean they will. According to researchers, only a few dog breeds tend to be predisposed to cancer, as this illness is caused by genetic mutations. The researchers also discovered that while ancestry-based interbreeding reduces the breed’s life expectancy, it doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. Thanks to this new research scientists and animal experts can better understand dog breeds and how their genetics play a role in developing cancer. “Dogs are an extremely good model for understanding the genetic changes that may lead to a higher susceptibility of specific cancers,” added Nunney. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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