Birds are active and intelligent creatures that can make wonderful pets. A first-time bird owner should evaluate their needs and abilities before acquiring an appropriate first pet bird. A small bird, such as a parakeet or cockatiel, can be just as much work as larger species, and all birds require care and attention. As experience and knowledge is gained, species requiring more unique care can be considered and acquired. Although all birds have distinct personalities, all have similar basic requirements regarding husbandry, care, and feeding.
Housing
Your bird will spend most of its life in a cage. Choose the largest cage that will fit comfortably in your home and is within your budget. Smaller species, such as finches or canaries, will do best in a flight cage. This type of cage is longer than it is tall to provide ample space for flying and exercise. Parakeets and cockatiels will do well in a taller, more conventional cage. Parrots and larger birds require cages that are taller and wider.
Whatever your choice, cages should be constructed of non-toxic, easy to clean materials. The spacing of the bars should be appropriately sized to prevent trapping heads or wings. Avoid plastic or wooden cages because birds can easily chew their way out. Strong latches and doors will also thwart escape and injury. Some observant birds may require advanced closing mechanisms, including locks, to keep them contained.
Place the cage where you will be spending most of your time. Birds are flock animals and will consider you part of their flock. A bird placed in a room by itself will be prone to behavioral and physical stressors that can lead to illness or self-injury. Natural sunlight is beneficial as long as there is shade available to escape direct rays.
Each cage should have adequate room for perches, food and water bowls, and toys. Perches can be made of natural, bird-safe materials, such as manzanita wood or stone. Various sized perches should be used to prevent sores on the feet. Rough perches can help keep toenails short between trimmings. Do not place perches above food and water bowls to avoid fouling of the food and water. Perches should not be placed too close to the cage sides to prevent tail rubbing.
A commonly overlooked accessory is a seed guard. This is placed along the base of the cage and can save you time when cleaning the area around the cage by preventing most bits of food and waste from reaching your floors and furniture. Higher end cages will come with built in guards, but you can purchase one if necessary. A cage with a slide out litter tray is also a time saver. Cage paper, corn cob bedding, or newspaper can be used to catch droppings. The cage should be cleaned daily to prevent a buildup of droppings. A thorough weekly cleaning is recommended to sanitize the cage, perches, toys, and bowls.
Toys
Toys serve as psychological enrichment and encourage physical exercise. Chew toys can be used to keep the beak trimmed down and prevent boredom. Your bird, just like a toddler, will explore everything with their beak and mouth. Toys should be non-toxic and bird-safe. Acceptable materials include natural fibers and rope, soft woods, and rawhide. Toys do not always have to be purchased from a store. Your bird may enjoy shredding the tube from a paper towel roll, or a game of hide and seek using a paper lunch bag or cardboard box. Foraging behavior can be satisfied with a piece of corn on the cob, or treats and food mixed in amongst wood chips, paper and plain straw. Rotating toys can help to prevent damage or boredom. Hanging toys can be moved around the cage but be sure to keep them away from food and water bowls. Clean and sanitize hard, non-porous toys weekly. Discard soiled or broken toys, as these pose safety hazards.
Nutrition
A proper diet is necessary for good health in every pet. Homemade diets can be challenging to prepare and store, and are generally not recommended without the explicit advice of your avian veterinarian or nutritionist. Feeding a commercial pelleted diet is the easiest and most convenient method to ensure proper nutrition. Diets from companies such as Harrison’s, Roudybush, ZuPreem, and Lafeber can be purchased from most pet stores or through company websites. Seeds should not be a regular part of the diet because they are high in fats and low in minerals and vitamins. An all-seed diet can lead to obesity, which will greatly shorten the lifespan of a bird. Leafy greens, raw veggies, fruit, and healthy cooked foods can be used to supplement the diet.
Foods to avoid include alcohol, chocolate, avocado, onion, garlic, apple seeds, and pits from fruit such as peaches, apricots, and cherries. Too much fruit or high sugar fruits, though non-toxic, should be avoided to prevent gastrointestinal upset. High fat or high sodium foods should also be avoided.
Health
In the wild, a sick or injured bird will be abandoned by the flock or will fall victim to a predator. For these reasons, birds excel at concealing illness or injury. However, there are subtle signs that can let you know when it’s time to see an avian veterinarian. These can include, but are not limited to the following: * Sitting low on a perch * Feathers puffed out or ruffled * Lethargy * Abnormal droppings * Decreased appetite
Weakness, difficulty breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, trauma, collapse, seizures, or other neurological signs are emergencies requiring immediate veterinary attention. If necessary, you can locate an experienced avian veterinarian on the website of the Association of Avian Veterinarians: http://www.aav.org. If there is no avian veterinarian nearby, contact your closest veterinary emergency clinic. All birds are susceptible to bacterial or viral infections, as well as mites or lice. It is important to for feather picking or loss, redness, discharge, odor, or swelling anywhere on the body, in addition to the symptoms listed above. Never medicate your bird without the advice of a veterinarian. There are commercial over-the-counter sprays for mites and lice, but you should check with your veterinarian first to confirm infection with these pesky parasites prior to treatment.
Once or twice a year, birds will molt or lose feathers. This process is normal and allows new feathers to grow and replace old feathers. You may see your bird picking more or preening frequently during a molt. Regular bathing or misting with warm water can promote healthy plumage, decrease dander, and minimize itchiness during the molt. Do not use soap or shampoo, and never use a hair dryer your bird. Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth. Wing trimming (i.e. clipping the wing feathers short to prevent high flight) is recommended for most birds. Your veterinarian can perform this service as part of a regular visit.
Training
We’ve all seen videos of little birds singing, whistling, talking, and perform tricks. This is a testament to a bird’s intelligence. Training any pet requires patience, dedication, and time. Begin with simple tricks, such as perching. Place your hand in the cage for increasing periods of time to acclimate your bird to your presence. Move slowly, talk softly, and use a treat, such as a small piece of soft food, as a reward. Apply gentle pressure on the chest while uttering "Up" or "Step Up" until your bird steps up onto your finger. Practice often and reward good behavior. Male parakeets and cockatiels generally make better talkers than the females of the species. Start with teaching one word at a time, keep lessons focused, and reward your bird after each lesson. Frequently, the bird will mumble while learning, but be patient and eventually the word(s) will become clearer. This same method can be used to teach songs or whistles. Your bird may pick up whistling and singing faster than talking, but just be patient.
The sound of a healthy bird chirping and singing is one of the happiest sounds on Earth. Birds are not ornaments. They are highly intelligent creatures, and as such, deserve a safe environment, proper nutrition, love, and attention. In return, you will receive years of enjoyable companionship.