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Pet Bird Care
largely depends on the type of bird you own. However, there are some basic pet bird care recommendations for everyone to follow. First of all – make sure your bird is safe at all times. Don't let your pet bird out of its' cage unless you are certain it is safe. Don't leave windows and doors open, or let your pet bird near a hot stove or running ceiling fan. Toxic plants to birds include oleanders, azaleas, juniper, daffodils, philodendron and lily-of-the-valley. Healthy birds tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to humans, and will adapt to changes in humidity levels. One exception are birds that are native to a subtropical climate – they will appreciate increased humidity (steam from a running shower or frequent spraying of its feathers, etc.) Most pet birds enjoy lots of interaction with their human companions and will enjoy social times with you when they will sing – or even talk to you.
Cages and Feeding:
Your pet bird should be housed in the proper size cage (please see the “Pet Bird Cages” section of this website.) The most important factor is a cage that is as roomy as possible for your pet bird, especially birds that will spend most of their time or all of their time in a cage. The cage must be strong and made of a non-toxic material. It should be of ample height for birds with long tails, and wide enough to accommodate stretched wings. The cage should also be big enough for the bird to make short flights. Bar spacing is also very important and needs to be small enough so that your pet bird cannot get its head stuck through the bars. Bedding in your pet bird's cage should be newspapers (not colored,) paper towels or brown paper. Ideally, bedding should be changed daily and the cage and all of its contents should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. Your pet bird's nutrition is another factor of vital importance. Seed mixtures are specific to each type of bird and consist of a mixture of seeds, formulated foods and usually some supplements. Bird seed mixes are regarded as suitable when provided with additional supplements. In the wild, birds eat seed as a major part of their diet. Formulated diets are also available for pet birds. For a more balanced diet, minerals, amino acid, vitamins and trace elements can be added as a supplement to seed or water. For optimal health, it is recommended that you ask your avian veterinarian for recommendations on feeding your bird.
Exercise and Psychological Needs:
The importance of a cage large enough for your bird's full wingspan is so it can flap their wings to exercise them. They also need to be able to make short flights in their cage. Small birds primarily flutter from perch to perch. Larger birds, like Parrots love to climb ladders and on the horizontal bars of their cage. Toys provide exercise and entertainment for your pet bird, as well. Bird playpens can be located outside of the cage and provide a variety of perches, ladders and swings. Most birds also love baths. A bath can be placed on the bottom of the cage or mounted through a side door. Also, large birds usually also like a light misting from a spray bottle two or three times per week. Birds will also sometimes take a bath in the fresh water of their water dish. By nature, birds are social creatures and are never alone. Therefore, they will enjoy a lot of interaction with their owners and/or other birds. It is best to learn all that you can about the type of bird you want beforehand to familiarize yourself with its' particular needs for a happy, healthy pet.
Things to Avoid:
Birds are very sensitive to toxins. Therefore, avoid air pollutants, including cigarette smoke, air fresheners, insecticides and toxic fumes from over-heated non-stick coated cooking utensils.
Sandpaper-covered perches.
Mite boxes or mite sprays.
Toxic houseplants, ceiling fans, cats and dogs.
Access to cedar, redwood or pressure treated pine chips as cage substrate.
Easily dismantled toys such as balsa wood, small link chains, toys with metal clips and those with lead weights.
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