Bird Care Guide

Bird Care Guide

Are you thinking of getting a new bird as a pet? Each species is unique and wonderful in its own way but there are some general guidelines that apply to them all.

Be sure the bird you choose is healthy. A sick bird is no bargain no matter what the price. By the time a bird shows any symptoms of disease, illness has usually become quite advanced. If a bird appears droopy, ruffled, tired or hides his head under his wing, this is not the bird for you. If he sneezes, sits on the bottom of the cage, has a discharge above his nostrils or droppings stuck to his tail feathers, there may be big problems. If he makes clicking sounds as he breathes or if his tail bobs, the bird may have serious respiratory disease and you should choose another individual.

Signs of good health in a bird include bright eyes, clean shiny feathers, good appetite and lots of energy. Healthy birds eat often and are active. To help insure a healthy pet, obtain your bird from a reputable bird store or breeder.

Take your new bird to an avian veterinarian for a "well bird check up" immediately. Good pet stores will allow you to return a sick bird. This insures that you get a healthy pet, and lets you meet an avian veterinarian in your area. It also helps the pet store or breeder maintain healthy birds.

During your bird's check up, the avian vet can advise you as to diet, maintenance, training, hygiene and medical needs. Be wary of any pet store that claims the bird needs no medical attention. It is important for ALL birds to have routine check ups, one when newly purchased and then every year for healthy birds.

Bird's diets vary greatly from one species to another, but a good rule is that no more than 50% of a bird's diet should be seed and nuts. The remaining 50% should be vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, small amount of cheese, lean cooked meats, boiled egg and other "people foods" with a powdered vitamin supplement added. Many birds love yogurt. All need fresh water daily.

Avoid walnut shell bedding material for the cage bottom. This frequently carries a fungal infection called aspergillus. Paper towel or corn cob bedding is all fine. Clean or replace them daily.

Finding an avian veterinarian can be difficult. Many vets do not treat birds, so it is important to find a specialist in avian care. Sometimes the breeder or pet store where you purchased your bird will have a referral to a local avian practitioner. If you are having a difficulty finding one, call your local Veterinary Medical Association for a referral.

Line the bottom of the cage with plain paper or paper bags cut to size. Newspaper is fine, as long as it¡¯s been printed with non-toxic, soy-based inks. You¡¯ll need to change the paper daily.

Where should you set up your bird¡¯s new home? Location is everything. Place the cage in a warm, bright part of the house, close to where the action is but away from all drafts and direct sunlight, and off the floor. Avoid setting up the cage in or near the kitchen at all costs. Birds care are extremely sensitive to fumes, and those from self-cleaning ovens and Teflon-coated cookware, if overheated, can be fatal.

Diet

Although seed has been the traditional staple of a bird¡¯s diet, most experts recommend pelleted food as the way to go. Seed mixes provide variety, but they do not always provide optimum nutrition, and are definitely on the messy side. We recommend a high-quality pelleted food that¡¯s formulated for your bird¡¯s species.

Be sure to offer fresh veggies and fruits to your bird every day. Dark, leafy greens are packed with vitamins, and many birds also enjoy carrots and broccoli. Common fruity faves are apples, pears, melon and kiwi. Take care to remove any uneaten food after a couple of hours, and please do not give your bird avocado, cherry pits, rhubarb or apple seeds.

Fresh, cold water should be available at all times. Change it at least once a day, preferably twice.

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