How To Edit Pages - Quickstart

To begin, first you need to create a Wikidot account (sign up by clicking the link at the top of this page) and then by clicking here to join Wiki Pet Bird.

As a member of Wiki Pet Bird, you are allowed to edit pages in this Site. Share your knowledge and photos on birdkeeping, submit reviews, and join in at our forum!

Here are a few questions and answers to get you started with editing. You can find more frequently asked questions in the FAQ section.

How do I edit a page?

Go to the page you want to edit.
Scroll down to the very bottom of the page and select the ‘edit’ option. You can then enter text, etc there.

How do I add a new page?

First go to Add Page. Choose an appropriate category for the new page and type it in.

It will now be created, ready for editing. :)

Wiki Syntax – editing code on pages

For a handy reference to simple coding, click here to go to Wiki Syntax for beginners.
This covers things such as how to centre text, create bulleted lists, headings, insert images, and more.

What information do I enter into the Species table?

For articles on species, there is a table on the left. The first row is where I picture of the species should be inserted, while the second row is for the picture’s credit/source if needed.

Classification:
A good reference for finding out these is by looking up the species on Wikipedia.
ORDER: examples are Psittaciformes (parrots), Passeriformes (perching birds) and Galliformes (gamefowl).
FAMILY: examples are Psittacidae (true parrots), Estrildidae (weaver-finches) and Phasianidae (pheasants and partridges)
SUBFAMILY: some birds have subfamilies, examples being Loriinae (lories and lorikeets) and Cacatuinae (cockatoos).
GENUS: examples are Pyrrhura (green-cheeked conures, etc), Taeniopygia (Australian finches) and Coturnix (quails).
SPECIES: examples are A. solstitialis (Sun Conure), T. guttata (Zebra Finch) and C. chinensis (Chinese Painted Quail)

Aviculture:
NOISE LEVEL: Is the species generally considered low, medium, loud, or very loud?
SKILL LEVEL: What skill level is the species generally recommended for? Beginner, Intermediate or Expert? For example, cockatiels are often recommended for beginners.
SIZE: Is the bird small, medium or large?
PRICE: This section is a bit iffy because it depends on which country you are in. For many birds, this will simply be ‘Various’. However some birds, such as Zebra Finches, are generally considered cheap in many countries while Macaws are generally considered to be expensive.
MAINTENANCE: Medium or high? While most birds are high maintenance, this more refers to compared to each other. A cockatiel is considered lower maintenance compared to a high maintenance cockatoo.
TALKING: In general, how is this bird’s talking ability? Poor, good or great?

What information do I enter into the Bird Toys table?

For articles on bird toys, there is a table on the left. The first row is where I picture of the toy should be inserted, while the second row is for the picture’s credit/source if needed.

TYPE – there are 11 types of toys. Type in the category that the toy bests fits into (or up to two categories such as Noisy/Preener):
Noisy: Toys that ring, rattle, ding, or clatter. From bells to music boxes.
Puzzle: Problem solving toys. The bird must ‘solve’ the toy (may include manipulation parts of the toy) in order to get the reward (food, small toy pieces, or undoing the toy itself).
Destructible: Toys that are made to be destroyed. Made of chewable materials.
Non-Destructible: Toys made to last. Often made of acrylic, PVC, rawhide, or heavy nylon. Often brightly coloured.
Foraging: Toys containing food that the bird must ‘work’ for to get, often involving problem solving (although not always).
Preener: Toys that can be preened, shredded, chewed, or picked at. They could be as simple as a shoelace to a toy with other parts attached to it.
Push N Pull: Toys that have pieces that slide back and forth or move up and down. Toys that have pieces that can be moved around.
Mover N Shaker: Swings, ladders, rings, perches with attached toys, perch toys, spiral ropes, chains, swinging ropes, etc.
Foot Toys: Toys that aren’t connected to one part of the cage. They are usually suitable for a parrot to grasp and may be found on the floor of the cage or in a bird toy chest. Small pieces of wood, rattles, hard rubber chews, hard plastic toys, etc.
Toy Chest: A box, bowl, or container in a cage. Often used to contain foot toys.

SIZE – what size bird is the toy suitable for? Small, medium, or large? If it comes in various sizes suitable for all birds, it called be classified as ‘All’.

PRICE – what price range is the toy in usually? Cheap, medium, expensive, or all?

How do I add my bird toy or product review?

First, go to the article that is about the product you want to review.
Edit the page and go to the ‘Reviews’ section. It will look something like this:

> Enter your review here.
> ~ Your name/alias

Type your review after the > sign. Please note that if you want to start a new paragraph, you must enter another > sign. Here is an example:

> I bought this music box for my sun conure 6 months ago and he loves it! He can often be seen dancing along to the Beachboys music after pushing the button.
> It took about a month for him to learn how to push the button though. We showed him how and he eventually got the hang of it.
> ~ Stacey

Looks like this:

I bought this music box for my sun conure 6 months ago and he loves it! He can often be seen dancing along to the music after pushing the button with his beak.
It took about a month for him to learn how to push the button though. We showed him how and he eventually got the hang of it.
~ Stacey

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