Things all pet birds need in order to have a long and happy life.
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What kind of cage is best for your bird?
When it comes to cages, a good rule of thumb is: You can’t have too big a cage for your bird. It only makes sense. Birds live uninhibited in the wild. They can fly anywhere they choose and can roam for miles and miles. When we put them in captivity, we take away that freedom. Thus, the cage we choose for our special pet should be as large as possible.
1. Be sure your birds wings, when fully extended, do not touch the sides of the cage. If they do, the cage is too small.
2. Be sure the bars of the cage are spaced close enough that your bird cannot accidentally get its head or wings stuck between the bars.
3. Be sure, if you buy a second-hand cage, the bars are not painted. Birds have been known to suffer problems from chewing on painted cage bars.
4. Be sure to give your bird plenty of time outside the cage for socialization, playing and exploration.
Consider this: No matter how nice a house you lived in, you would still want to get out on a regular basis. The same is true for your bird. Try to insure your bird does not become a prisoner in its cage.
Do birds need toys?
Yes birds need lots of toys. Birds are very intelligent creatures, and as every bird owner knows, they have many child like qualities such as curiosity and playfulness. In general birds need stimulation, something to chew, and quite often a challenge.
1. Introduce safe, appropriate toys to your pet from an early age.
2. Give your bird a variety of toys and change them every few days. Keep 2 or 3 toys at a time in the cage.
3. A good toy for your bird when he is out of the cage is a play gym. It provides exercise, stimulation, and lets him be free.
4. Keep toys as clean as you would for a child, to protect your bird from bacteria of fungal infections.
5. Toys provide needed chew material to wear down the beak and can help to prevent self feather chewing resulting from boyellowom.
6. Birds who are not used to toys may be frightened of new objects. These birds need lots of patience to introduce toys. Chose toys which are not too big, of natural colors and textures, and are non threatening to begin with (cotton or sisal toys). One method of introduction is to place toys near the cage for several weeks and slowly show your pet the item. It may take months or longer to introduce some toys with such cases. Most parrot owners find the effort well worth while.
7. Always supervise your bird with a new toy. Make sure the bird is comfortable with the toy, and is able to play with it safely. For example, rings can be dangerous if they are too small for the size of your bird. There is no such thing as a 100% safe toy. It is the responsibility of each pet owner to know his or her own bird and also periodically examine there toys for wear and replace as needed.
What kind of diet your bird needs?
How long would you stay healthy on a diet of seeds and water? Well, the same holds true for birds. In fact, an excellent rule of thumb for birds is:”If it’s good for me, it’s good for my bird!” A good seed mixture should be provided, but only in an amount which can be eaten daily. Avoid sunflower seeds and limit peanuts, as they are high in fat compared to their nutritional value. Pelleted foods provide a much more complete diet than seeds and nuts alone but should still be given in conjunction with a variety of fresh foods. Cooked foods are also great, such as mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, beans, eggs, rice, etc. Most birds will enjoy cooked chicken skinned and on the bone (which they will also eat). They also need spay millet and egg food everyday all of their lives. If your bird doesn’t jump into the first bowl of spinach you give him, remember: Persist… Persist… Persist…
This is a list of fresh food good for your bird:
Apple, bananas, berries, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cheese, collard greens, corn grains, grapes, green beans, kale, mango, melon, orange, papaya, pasta (raw or cooked), popcorn, spinach, whole wheat breads, yogurt, cooked white or brown rice.
Absolute no-nos.. in your birds diet;
Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, heavily salted or greasy foods, alcohol and fruit pits. Many of these are toxic and can kill your bird.
Does my bird need bathing?
Yes, birds need baths. In fact, most birds love being bathed. There are three basic ways to introduce wings to water:
1. Fill a clean spray bottle with warm water and set the nozzle to mist. Hold the bottle about 18 inches from the bird and let the fun begin!
2. Take your bird in the shower with you.
3. Set up a “bird bath” in the sink or with a shallow bowl and an inch or two of water.
You should bathe your bird two or three times a week and if at first the bird seems afraid, be gentle and be persistent. Soon he will be begging for more. After a bath, gently towel off the excess water and avoid drafts. Always supervise all bathing carefully, as parrots and other pet birds cannot swim. After a bath, many birds love to be blown dry. Set the dryer to warm, not hot, and keep at least 12 to 18 inches away.
This is just a short list of necessary things your bird needs. Your bird will need grooming, medical care etc. The information contained in this article is based upon experience, research, veterinary consultations and published articles and is not intended to be construed as direct veterinary or expert advice. The information has, however, proven effective in the care of many exotic birds and can be used as a basis for an effective program of care for your bird. The needs of any individual bird may vary. Always consult an avian veterinarian. Pet Toys & More does not assume any liabilities for its contents.
