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BASIC CARE GUIDE FOR PET BIRDS

TEMPERATURE

A healthy bird can tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to it's owner. Sudden changes in temperature (e.g., drafts) may be a potential threat to the bird. In temperatures above 90 degrees F., most pet birds will show evidence of overheating by panting and holding the wings away from the body.

HUMIDITY

Pet birds appear to have the capacity to adapt to a wide range of humidity levels, although birds 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). Keep the bird warm until the feathers have dried.

CAGE LINERS

Newspapers, paper towels, or other plain cage liner paper may be preferred over wood chips, chopped corn cobs, kitty litter or sand as the cage substrate under the grating, so that the appearance and number of the droppings can be monitored on a daily basis.

LIGHT AND FRESH AIR

Frequent opportunities for supervised access to fresh air and direct sunlight (not filtered through glass) appear to be beneficial. If the bird and cage are placed outdoors in comfortable weather, provide a retreat for shade. Alternately, fluorescent fixtures with a wide spectrum of light may be used indoors to stimulate natural daylight periods .

CAGE

The largest cage that can be accommodated in the home is recommended for birds that are expected to be confined most of the time. The cage must be strong enough to resist bending or dismantling by the bird, inane of non-toxic material, and be designed for safety and ease of cleaning. For limited confinement time, an appropriate cage is one that is large enough to provide full-body extension without touching the sides. In most cases, the cage should be wider than it is tall to accommodate stretched wings; however, adequate height should be provided for long-tailed birds.

SECURITY

Many birds benefit from the availability of a retreat inside the cage for a sense of privacy (e.g., paper bag, towel, nest box).

ACTIVITY

In appropriate species, opportunities may be provided for exercise in the form of supervised freedom from the cage or flying in the home. Most pet birds are intelligent, active animals that need their psychological needs addressed. Locate the cage near family activity in the home.

PERCHES

The trend is to supply clean, easily-replaceable, appropriately-sized, natural wood branches from pesticide-free and non-toxic trees (e.g., northern hardwoods, citrus, eucalyptus, Australian pine) that the bird can chew as well as stand on.

HYGIENE

A daily cleaning of the cage floor and bowls prevents problems associated with food spoilage and alerts the owner to potential signs of illness. A weekly, thorough cleaning of the cage is suggested.

FOOD AND WATER BOWLS

The use of wide bowls rather than deep cups displays food attractively and may encourage the bird to eat new items. Healthy psittacines with normal ambulatory skills can easily approach the food and water bowls, therefore it is not necessary in these cases to place bowls directly beside the perch. Birds often over eat or chew on food dishes out of boredom.

TOYS

Toys are useful as mental diversions and tend to encourage physical exercise and beak wear, however they must be selected with the safety of the bird in mind. "Chewable" items include branches, pine cones, rawhide dog chews, natural fiber rope, and soft white pine.

CARE

Minimal body care is required for the healthy, well-fed pet bird. Confined, indoor pet birds that resist a varied diet are prone to require more attention in the care of the beak, nails, feet, and feathers. During the molting of feathers, additional fat, protein, and vitamins may be required in the diet, and additional darkness provided each day to encourage rest. As a new feather develops, the bird may pick at the pin feather cover to open it. This should not be interpreted as "feather-picking" or the presence of mites. Pure water is the most appropriate feather spray. Soiled feathers may be gently cleaned with a mild detergent solution (e.g.,baby shampoo) followed by a thorough warm water rinse, and towel, sun, or blow-dried. Keep feathers dry and free of oily substances. A wing clip may be desired to prevent escape or injury, or for taming and training. Your veterinarian can advise you on wing clipping. It may be wise to remove open leg bands to prevent injury. If a closed band must remain on the leg for identification purposes, check under the band occasionally for signs of dirt accumulation, swelling, or constriction of the leg. A regular visit to an avian veterinarian for a routine health examination is advised in order to detect potential problems in the early stages.

AVOID

Sandpaper covered perches

Easily dismantled toys such as balsa wood, small link chain items, toys with metal clips or skewers, or lead-weighted toys (e.g., penguins) for large species.

Access to toxic house plants, ceiling fans, cats, dogs, young children.

Access to cedar, redwood or pressure-treated pine chips as cage substrate

Air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, insecticides, and toxic fumes from overheated Teflon-coated or other non-stick utensils

Mite boxes or mite sprays