Bird Care
If you're on the market for a pet bird,  it's important to do some research on how to care for your feathered friend so that you both can lead happy, healthy lives together. And what long lives they will be! Birds, especially parrots, can live for decades, so they make great life-time companions. But before investing, consider how much time and attention you can truly devote to their care while maintaining the lifestyle you currently have. While some birds may require almost no attention at all, others need to be taken outside daily, groomed frequently and supervised often. On that same token, some birds are very low maintenance, quiet, and friendly, while others can be finicky, talkative and even aggressive. Check out the following guide for care and supply tips that will help you decide if you're ready to undertake this rewarding pet care endeavour.
And if you've already chosen a flying friend, then it's time to bird proof your house and stock up on supplies. Check out the guides below for everything a bird could want!
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Pet Bird Basics For more detailed information on owning your first pet bird, check out this comprehensive guide with easy to understand tips and links to essential bird care products. |
Bird Cages Bird cages need to be specific sizes and shapes for certain species of birds. This guide will help you find the best digs for your new pet by addressing all the options. |
Pet Bird Food Birdy diets aren't all the same--even Polly can get tired of the same old seeds every day. To learn what foods are best for certain species of birds, check out this detailed guide. |
Bird Cage Accessories If your pet bird doesn't have a companion, he or she will need some toys to stay occupied. From swings to bells, chew ropes and perches, this guide's got it all. |
Housing- Birds should be housed in a cage that is as roomy as possible, especially if you're gone at work most of the day and unable to let them out. It is important that they be be able to fully extend their wings and flap them without hitting anything. It's also beneficial if they are able to make short flights.
- Horizontal bars on the sides of the cage are necessary for birds that like to climb, but the bar spacing should not be so large that they can fit their heads through them.
- Cages that have a slide out tray on the bottom are easy for you to clean and help to capture and remove unwanted waste and bacteria.
- The cage should be placed in a draft free area that is well lit, but not in direct sunlight.
- To make your birds feel safe and comfy, keep the cage against a wall, in a corner or at eye level if you hang it from the ceiling.
Safety - Just as you would prepare a home for a cat, dog or even a baby, you should bird-proof your living space to avoid any injury to your pet bird. Because birds cannot distinguish windows, placing decals or curtains on them will prevent injury from flying into the glass.
- Birds will also easily fly out of open windows, so make sure to get screens.
- While some appliances are more obviously dangerous to your feathered friend--i.e. ceiling fans--other gizmos and gadgets can be just as dangerous. So be wary of your surroundings at all times.
- Household cleaners, smoke and even strong cooking odours can contaminate the air birds breathe and be potentially fatal.
Nutrition - Despite popular conceptions of the proper bird diet, birds who eat only seeds tend to be unhealthy. Only half of a bird's diet should be seed the other half should be made up of fruits and vegetables, as they are important for obtaining vitamins and minerals.
- If your bird is reluctant to try new foods, try cutting the fruits and veggies into smaller pieces and mixing them in with seed. You might also offer seeds only in the morning or at night to force your bird to try the new stuff when they get hungry during the day.
- Because birds can eat a variety of other things out in the wild, we can try to recreate this with human food. Birds enjoy spaghetti, chicken, hard boiled eggs almonds, walnuts, cheeses and yoghurt.
- Monkey chow is an excellent source of protein for birds and is available at most pet stores.
- Cuttlebone and mineral blocks are a good source of calcium.
External Links
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