Generally Bird Care

Generally Bird Care

Congratulations on your new pet! Your sensitive, intelligent companion will introduce you to a world of cheerful song and brilliant plumage.

Background and recommended species

ASPCA experts recommend several species for first-time companion bird caretakers. They have very different personalities, so you¡¯ll have to do a little research to find the bird that best fits your family¡¯s lifestyle.

Zebra finches are big on color and low on maintenance. These small, hardy birds are relatively inexpensive and have an average lifespan of seven to ten years. They are not as social with their human caretakers as other species are¡ªso if you¡¯re looking for a bird care to be your good buddy, they may not be right for you. Finches do need company of their own kind, however, so you must keep at least a pair.

General Care

A thorough cleaning of your pet¡¯s cage is required once weekly. Remove and wash the cage tray and perches, and wash the area around the cage. Make sure all toys are clean and damage-free, without loose or broken parts that could hurt your pet. Once a month, you¡¯ll need to clean the entire cage with a disinfectant solution. Rinse well, and dry everything before returning your bird to his cage.

If you have a budgie or cockatiel, you can begin to hand tame your bird care after the first few weeks of getting acquainted. First, open the cage door and insert your hand; talk softly and reassuringly to your pet as you offer him a little treat, such as a piece of air-popped popcorn or a sunflower seed. Be patient, this may take a few sessions! Once your bird trusts you enough to take food from your hand, you can pass a perch or thin stick into the cage and gently press it against your pet; with time, he should hop up onto the stick. After that, you can work to get your bird to step from the stick onto your finger.

You can help keep your pet¡¯s plumage looking perfect with a bath as often as he likes it. Put a shallow dish at the bottom of the cage and see what happens. You¡¯ll probably want to schedule bath time just before you plan to change the paper, however.

Veterinary Care

To keep your bird in good condition, ASPCA experts recommend an annual visit to the veterinarian. Weight loss or gain, often an indicator of illness, will be checked, and any necessary tests can help the vet monitor your pet¡¯s health.

Please don¡¯t wait to schedule an appointment if you think your pet is sick. A bird who is not feeling well may fluff out his feathers or sit quietly on the floor of his cage with his eyes closed. Other symptoms that something¡¯s not right with your pet include a change in the consistency, frequency or color of droppings, sneezing, coughing, blocked nostrils, labored breathing and a crusty beak or eyes.

More info about bird care, please visit ASPCA.