Bird Care - The Basics

Bird Care - The Basics

"We believe that the basics of bird care are essential not only for the beginning bird owner, but as a refresher for the bird expert as well."

The way our birds are housed and fed has a tremendous impact on their susceptibility to disease, behavior problems, and breeding capabilities. The number one rule: Learn all you can about your bird's specific environmental and nutritional needs. Beyond that, here are some of our general recommendations:

Nutrition

Your bird's diet is one of the most important considerations of its overall care. Adequate feeding plans may be developed from a wide variety of commonly available foods, or formulated diets specially prepared for birds by commercial companies may be offered. Ask your avian veterinarian for recommendations on feeding your bird.

Temperature

A healthy bird can tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to its owner. Sudden changes in temperature may be a potential threat to the sick bird.

Humidity

Pet birds can adapt to a wide range of humidity levels, although birds care native to subtropical climates may benefit from localized increased humidity in the home (e.g., in bathroom with running shower or frequent spraying of the feathers with water).

Light and Fresh Air

Opportunities for supervised access to fresh air and direct sunlight (not filtered through glass) appear to be beneficial, as long as shade is available.

Housing

The most important item needed for your feathered friend is a cage. Even birds care that come out of the cage to socialize spend most of their day in their cage.

Bigger is better as long as the spacing between the bars is narrow enough to prevent injury if the bird tries to escape. The bird's head should not be able to fit between the bars.

The door should be large enough to comfortably put your hand through, bring your bird care, and put him back. Make sure the latch is escape-proof - birds have a lot of time to figure out how to open it! Some owners place a padlock device on their Houdini-esque bird's cage. One of our favorites is the Cage Lock.

Cage covers are used to signal the bird that it is bedtime and quiet time. While an old sheet or pillowcase will work, cage covers are made to fit and generally look better in your home. Do not use cage covers for extended periods of time outside of sleeping hours.

Perches

A variety of perches is a necessity. For leg and foot health, different diameters and different textures are of great importance. Our Nail and Beak Conditioning Perch provides texture and diameter choices in one perch. Perches are not only used to climb on and off, they also provide a vital function of helping the bird keep his beak and his nails trim.

Grooming

For minor grooming and helping your bird feel his best, purchase some nail clippers especially for birds, a pair of sharp scissors, a spray mister, and for some species, a birdbath. All birds like to feel clean and fresh, and being able to take a dunk into a bath or misted down with cool water on a hot day will go a long way towards creating an environment your bird will enjoy. You may also want to consider bringing your bird into the shower with you. Our shower perches are easy to attach, and showers are like gentle rain to birds.

Ultimately, enjoying your bird means that you care about your bird's health and safety. Your daily care routine can be fun and interactive.

More info about bird care, please visit DRS Foster Smith.