While different species of birds have different needs, there are a few general commonalities when caring for a pet bird. Today, our Liberty Lake veterinary team shares a few pointers on how to care for a pet bird.
Being a Responsible Bird Owner
Birds are amazing creatures that come in a wide range of sizes, lifespans, socialization requirements, and colorations. Before choosing an avian pet, do your homework thoroughly, and once your new feathered family member arrives at home, show them lots of love and devotion.
It's important to remember that birds can live anywhere from 8 years to an amazing 80 years or longer! So it's crucial to pick a breed that fits your lifestyle and level of commitment to being a bird caregiver. If you've never had a pet bird before, picking one that is relatively simple to care for, like a budgie, will give you a great opportunity to learn about what goes into keeping an avian companion.
Parrots such as Macaws, African Greys, and other large, long-lived birds do best with experienced owners with ample time to spend caring for and socializing with them.
That said, if you are eager to begin caring for a pet bird of your own, here are a few basic tips:
Feeding Your Pet Bird
You should start your research here. You must familiarize yourself with that species' particular dietary requirements once you've decided which species to take care of. As a result, different birds will naturally require different amounts of food to maintain their health.
Pet birds typically thrive on a mixture of high-quality, breed-specific pellets, a small amount of dried seeds, and a good variety of fresh green vegetables in addition to other fruits and vegetables. For more information on what to feed your particular feathered friend, consult your avian veterinarian.
Avoid feeding your bird dried seed alone, junk food, or candy since these could harm the health of your bird.
Caring For Your Bird at Home
Select a cage that fits your needs and is as big as you can fit it in. Your bird will be happier if there is enough space for them to spread their wings and move around. To determine the size of your bird's cage, consult your breeder or veterinarian.
Don't overcrowd the cage with perches because your bird will need space to move around. Instead, fill it with toys that are suitable for your bird's species and enough perches so that it can rest comfortably (without resting on its food or water).
Ensure that your pet bird always has access to fresh clean water, plenty of nutritious food, and a bath to splash in.
The cage should be placed in a sunny spot away from cold drafts. Birds should be able to enjoy sunshine (although not direct sunlight) throughout the daytime hours, and about 10-12 hours of darkness every night. This may require a cage cover when it's time for your bird to go to sleep.
Whenever you plan to let your bird out of their cage for exercise be sure to close all windows and doors, turn off fans, and put away any foods that could be harmful to your pet.
Do not smoke around your bird, second hand smoke can harm your birds long-term health.
The Importance of Socialization
Most species of birds are very social and will appreciate spending quality time with you.
Your bird should not be left alone in his or her cage for extended periods of time. Your pet bird, like a dog, needs to feel loved and included in the family. Keep the cage in a room where they can see what's going on and be around other people.
Whether or not the species you choose is able to learn words, it is critical to speak to and pay attention to your pet bird.
Do some research on possible tricks that you could teach your bird to do, pet them gently and give them treats. You might even consider eating at the same time as your pet bird, near the cage, as a way of bonding.
Cleaning Your Bird's Cage & Toys
Remove and change your bird's cage liner daily.
Clean your bird's drinking bottle or bowl daily each time you refill it, do the same with their food bowl, and their bath.
Each week while your bird is out of the cage enjoying exercise you can give the full cage a deep cleaning with warm water and dish soap.
Wash all of the toys, mirrors any other items your bird has access to. You may want to rotate between a different selection of toys each week to help keep your bird occupied and happy.
Be sure to clean the area outside of the birds cage too.
Caring for Your Bird's Health
Your pet bird, like a cat or a dog, requires regular veterinary care to stay healthy and to treat any developing problems. Get to know the avian veterinarian in your area and take your bird in for routine checkups and beak and nail care on a regular basis.
Your avian vet will be able to provide you with lots of advice on how best to care for your pet bird, so that your feathered friend has their best shot at a long and healthy life.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.