Bird Basics

Caring For Your Pet Bird

 

On Food      

                                                                                                                                       

In the wild, a bird spends the majority of its’ time searching for food.  In their quest, they cover miles and eat a variety of different food items, instinctively covering their nutritional requirements.  Unfortunately, they are unable to convey these requirements to us and are basically at our mercy to give them what they need.   

 

When asked about the most prevalent health problem seen in pet birds, most veterinarians would respond “malnutrition”.  This leads to lowered resistance to disease and a host of other serious health issues, resulting in the early demise of our feathered friends.  Many experts disagree as to what constitutes a healthy diet.  Seeds seem to be the most controversial issue regarding birds eating habits.  Some experts claim they are good while others insist they are unhealthy.  Some claim sunflower seeds taste good and are addicting.  A bird will eat seeds to the exclusion of all else, leading to a poor state of health. While birds require some of the fat found in seeds, an all inclusive diet is not healthy. Most are now turning to a seed mix with safflower instead.  The fat content in the safflower is higher than sunflower, but the bitter taste keeps birds from getting hooked on them. Still, this is not a complete diet and must be mixed with other components to achieve optimum results.

 

Pellets are the results of years of research and testing.  Pellets are considered a nutritious diet for parrots and are recommended by veterinarians, breeders and other avian professionals.  There are many brands of pellets available on the market, and all should be tried until a bird finds one it likes.  Fruit and vegetables should be offered on a daily basis.  As a general rule, fresh is best.  Some vegetables such as yams and broccoli should be cooked.  Most can be offered raw.  All should be thoroughly cleaned to remove all preservatives.  Seeds should be removed from the fruit and vegetables as some can be poisonous.  Grains and beans are very good and should also be offered. Diet should never be assumed or overlooked.  Many behavioral problems stem from a poor diet, along with the health problems earlier brought up.

 

Forbidden Foods

Chocolate                                                     Avocado

Rhubarb                                                       Eggs (High in cholesterol)

Salty Snacks                                                Sugar and items containing sugar

Onions                                                         Garlic

Alcoholic beverages                                     Caffeine

Soft Drinks                                                 Dairy Products      

Raw Or uncooked meat and poultry

Dried Fruit containing sulfites

 

 

On Their Environment

 

Cages

One of the most important purchases after your bird is the cage.  As a general rule, bigger is better.  A Powder Coated cage should be used.  No rust or peeling paint should be present.  A dome top or playpen can be provided though personally, I am a big advocate of dome cages.  It is my belief that a bird should have as must interior room as possible.  Once you add toys, the living space quickly disappears.  Some people like to let their birds on top of the cage and prefer the play pen.  In some species of bird, being on top of the cage could lead to a dominant attitude.  I strongly recommend against it in the case of an already nippy bird or one that has tendencies to become that way if not properly handled.    

 

 

Perches

In the wild a bird will fly around, landing on a multitude of surfaces. These different surfaces keep their feet exercised and in good condition.  In their cages, our feathered friends are dependent on us to take care of their needs. A variety of perches should be offered to help problems from developing.

 

Perches come in a variety of material, sizes and diameters to meet all their needs.  Manzanita is the hardest wood available and is grown in only California and Oregon. Different branches should be placed around the cage.  That is a good place to start, but better care can be given.  Multiple texture perches such as leather, rubber and plastic are all good and should be intermingled.  Finally, purchasing either a bird tent or happy hut will get your bird off its feet for the night.

 

Toys   

Toys are generally an underrated item in a birds’ life.  The truth of the matter is they serve a variety of functions.  They act to stimulate a birds’ need to chew and help keep their beaks in good condition.  It provides mental stimulate and will keep your bird happy.  It will reduce stress from developing which can lead to problems such as feather plucking.  Finally, it will help keep your bird from chewing other toys such as your wood cabinets and chairs. 

 

We strongly recommend that a bird has at least four toys in it’s’ cage.  These toys need to be rotated on a monthly basis, with a new one put in and an old one removed.  Different type toys should also be offered.  Toys that force a bird to forge for treats are a great way to keep them stimulated.  Foot toys serve to exercise their feet while offering fun at the same time.  Different texture type toys such as wood, plastic, leather and rubber should also be offered.  In this situation, more is better.

 

Food and Treats

Your pet’s food requirements were covered on that particular handout.  If one is not available, please ask a sales associate for assistance.  What I would like to add is that birds are flock animals and should be given food or treats when the family is eating.  Healthy table food or treats should be given.  A varied diet is best. 

 

    

Why does my bird…………

 

1)    Grind its beak?  It is happy and/or is conditioning its’ beak.

2)    Yell when I leave the room?  It is making sure you are okay.

3)    Stretch when I enter the room?  It is happy to see you.

4)    Put its beak on me when stepping up?  To make sure its perch is steady.

5)    Constantly pick it itself?  It is either grooming or feather picking.

6)    Rub its beak on the cage?  To clean it off or get your attention.

7)    Bite me?  To show dominance, express displeasure, get a certain reaction, protect you from an intruder, or is showing fear.

8)    Play with my fingernail?  A feather’s growth is propelled by blood and nerves. The feather is wrapped in Keratin to protect it while it is growing.  Once the feather no longer needs protection, the Keratin dries up and cracks.  A bird must break it up and take it off to release the new feather.  This Keratin is made of the same material as our fingernail.  When a bird picks at your fingernail, it is simply trying to help you get out your new feather.

9)    Scream so much?  Most of the time a bird that yells has been improperly trained.  Many new owners spend a lot of time with their new friend, often ignoring their old routines to do so.  Six months later, as the owner goes back to their routine, the bird is no longer given the attention they once were.  Not understanding this, the bird screams to get attention.  Most times the owner will go over to tell the bird to be quiet.  This action gives the bird the attention it craves, even if it is negative.  When a customer buys a bird from us, we always give them a golden rule.  Spend as much time with the bird from the very beginning as you would do six months down the line.

10)  Jump off the stand?  Chances are your bird wants to be with you.  Most times we want to keep them out of their cage but don’t have the time to hold them.  I do the three times your out rule.  I will put them back on the perch three times.  On the fourth time, the bird gets put back it the cage.  You must be consistent with this behavior or you will confuse your bird.  Don’t hold it some of the time and not other times. 

11)   Sleep or stand on one foot?  If it seems to be in pain, it could have hurt its foot.  Chances are good that it didn’t.  That is generally a sign of good health.

12)  Need a cage?  It likes wood and could get into yours.  It could also get into some electrical wires.

13)  Destroy its toys?  That is how a bird plays.  Most of them will make toothpicks out of their wood toys.

14)  Hang from the top of its cage by one toe?  It is playing.

15)  Only eat certain things?  Your bird has likes and dislikes in food and treats.  Sometimes you must try a variety of items to find a nutritious diet.  Other times, the shape, size and cut of fruit and vegetables will determine if your bird eats it.  Keep experimenting with not only different food items, but the way it is presented as well.

16)  Give me a hard time coming out of the cage?  Some like to come out only when they are ready or even prefer to stay in.  If you want them out and they do not want to come, you can gently take them out with a towel.  Please ask a sales associate for more clarification.

17)  Attack me when my husband/wife comes in the room?  Your parrot perceives you as its mate and is trying to warn you away from a perceived threat.    

 

 

Signs of Stress

 

Many of our feathered friends are under stress and giving subtle clues without us being aware of it. Stress could lead to many behavior problems as well as illnesses.

It is therefore important to notice what is going on with your parrot and take steps to reduce if not eliminate the stressors in its life.

 

Signs to look for include:

1)     Sleeping excessively.

2)    Vocalizing more than normal.

3)    Showing fear behaviors such as cowering, biting, flying away, and glaring.

4)    Repetitive movements such as cage dancing and constant bopping.

5)    Sitting fluffy and/or depressed.

6)    Biting

7)    Sudden thrashing around the cage.

8)    Plucking or chewing on its feathers.

9)    Not eating well or eating too much.

10)   Change in droppings.

 

Please note that if a bird is showing any of the above signs, they could be sick and requiring a Veterinarian’s care.  Do not assume your bird is stressed as many of these signs also indicate a sick bird.