Most people love birds, but not everyone has the time or energy to care for them properly. However, if you have birds, or are considering getting some, it’s important to learn all you can about proper bird care before you take them home with you. Read this guide to learn everything you need to know about making sure your feathered friends live happy and healthy lives with you!
Getting your bird home
When you first bring your bird home, let it adjust to its new environment before handling. This could take anywhere from a few hours up to a week or more—with budgies, parakeets and cockatiels, you should expect at least two weeks of quarantine (and some small birds even longer). Here are some things you can do during that time: Make sure your bird has food and water every day. Once a day, clean out your bird’s cage with warm water and soap.
Set up the cage correctly
A bird cage is one of your pet’s permanent homes, so it’s essential that you choose a cage that will be not only functional but also fun and comfortable for your feathered friend. Before buying or building a new bird cage, take some time to learn what you should consider when making your purchase. The right cage will provide plenty of room for your bird to stretch her wings and hop around without being too big or too small.
What food should I give my bird?
An important factor in proper bird care is food. Birds have very different nutritional needs than humans do, and a poor diet can be detrimental to their health and longevity. Research what kinds of foods you should offer your bird, as well as when and how much they should eat on a daily basis.
Should you get more than one bird?
If you’re just getting started with birds, it’s best to get one at first. A parrot can become very lonely when it has no other companion birds around. Getting two at once will increase their social interaction and can help them bond more quickly with you.
What toys do I need?
When deciding on what toys you need for your bird, you first need to consider his/her species. Parakeets are typically social animals, so they’ll enjoy playing with their owner or other pets. If you’re new to caring for birds, it’s best to start out with a simple toy – like one of those plastic and metallic balls hanging from a bar.
Can you let your bird free?
This is a tricky one, because many people are convinced that allowing their bird free range of movement will help it express its natural behaviors. This can indeed be true, but only if your bird has been raised in captivity for a very long time—and even then it’s best if you do some research first.
Cleaning and Caring For Your Bird’s Cage
The first rule of keeping a pet bird is to provide it with a safe environment. That means cleaning your bird’s cage every day and providing fresh food and water daily. If you’re not willing or able to do that, then you shouldn’t have a pet bird. And if your bird isn’t in its cage for more than an hour at a time, don’t even consider getting one. It needs human contact just like any other pet does—it won’t be able to thrive without it.
What if my bird gets sick?
Birds are generally pretty healthy, but they can get sick. If your bird develops a chronic disease, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. In case of an emergency, you should call a vet or visit one as soon as possible. The most common emergencies with pet birds are respiratory issues (coughing, sneezing) and gastrointestinal problems.
