Birds make great family pets. They are fun, social, entertaining and relatively easy to care for. Birds require the right shelter away from the elements and predators, a complete and balanced diet and plenty of love and attention to ensure they are happy and healthy. If you are thinking of adding a bird to your family here are some important tips about being a responsible pet owner.
Find a local vet
When you get a new pet, its important to find a local vet and book a health check. Our vets will not only check your bird’s general health but also discuss a preventative healthcare routine. There are many common ailments that affect birds such as feather plucking, mites, respiratory disease and tumours. Our vets are experienced at diagnosing and treating a wide range of common bird ailments.
Just like other pets, we recommend a minimum of one health check per year for your bird. Regular health checks are a great way to keep your pet in top shape. They also help your veterinarian to identify and treat any health concerns before they become serious.
Suitable home
You will need an aviary or cage to house your bird that is large enough to provide them with freedom of movement and flight.
Ideal location
An indoor cage should be placed in a well-lit, sunny area that your family regularly visits throughout the day to ensure frequent interaction. Ideally if you have a portable cage, it can be moved around the house for your bird’s comfort. If the cage is placed outside at all during the day, ensure they are protected against cats, predators and wild birds. Their cage must not be left outside in the sun without shade.
If you have the budget and space outdoors, consider a predator and weatherproof aviary where several birds can live quite freely.
Cage accessories
Inside the cage or aviary you will need a variety of perches for your bird to climb on and suitable toys for entertainment. It is important not to overcrowd their home as it can restrict flight and movement or cause injury. Food and water receptacles should be placed in the cage or aviary ideally at perching level. Be careful not to place them below perches to prevent contamination from bird droppings.
Exercise and rest for caged birds
If possible, tame caged indoor birds should be let out safely for a fly around the home regularly too. At night the cage should be covered over to allow your bird to rest.
Cleaning the cage
Their aviary or cage will need to be cleaned out regularly. This includes removing any droppings, an overall clean of the area, as well as cleaning and refilling their water and food supplies.
Diet and nutrition
While they can be a nutritious and important food in a birds diet no single seed or seed mix can supply a bird with all his dietary requirements. Bird pellets are the most well-balanced, complete food available today for caged birds and are readily available from your local pet supply store.
This should be supplemented with vegetables and fruit such as corn, broccoli, carrot, apple (no seeds) and grapes.
Cuttlefish bone is an inexpensive form of calcium carbonate and other trace elements for your bird. Hang them in your bird’s cage for them to chew on, making sure the soft side of the cuttlefish bone is facing the bird.
Your bird will also need fresh clean water at all times. The water will need to be cleaned and changed daily.
Taming your pet bird
Your bird will need to get used to its new family. Give them a bit of time to settle into their new environment before you begin taming them.
Gaining your pet birds trust
Start by talking to them in a soothing voice whenever you are near their cage or when you are changing their food or water. Use slow and gentle movements and approach your bird just above their eye level. Continue to use a soothing voice.
Getting your bird comfortable with your hand
Getting your bird comfortable with your hand may take time and patience. Slowly place your hand near or outside their cage and leave it there for a comfortable amount of time, holding your hand still. Again, talk in a soothing voice and continue this process each day until your bird no longer seems flustered by your hand. Place your hand slowly inside their cage without trying to touch them. As you change their food and water daily they will begin to get used to your hand in the cage.
Try holding your hand out in the cage with a treat that they are familiar with and enjoy. Repeat this regularly and slowly move your hand closer to your bird.
Training your bird to step onto your finger
Hold your index finger out and slowly move it into the cage just above your bird’s feet. Gently push up on their body to encourage them to step onto your finger. If they move or fly away, take your hand out of the cage and try again another day. If they need encouragement hold out a treat with your other hand, so they have to step on your finger to reach it. Hold your hand still when they jump onto your finger. Reward them with a treat or verbal praise when they step on your finger.
Teaching your bird to go outside their cage
Before you start, you will need to ensure your room is bird proof by closing windows and blinds, turning off fans and removing any other pets or hazards.
With your bird perched on your finger, slowly remove them from their cage. Do not force them out of their cage. Remember to be patient and practice regularly. It may take some time before they are comfortable to come out of their cage.
Give your bird time to get used to being out of their cage. Slowly approach them when it is time to go back in the cage, holding your index finger out and gently talking to them. Reward them by praising them or giving them a treat when they stay on your finger. Slowly walk them back to their cage and place them back inside and close the door.
Birds thrive with plenty of love and attention from their owners. Handle them regularly, talk to them softly and spend time with them each day and they will become confident in your care and look forward to your company.
Teaching your pet bird to talk
Not all birds can or will talk, so the first thing you should do is to learn more about your bird.
Birds are social animals. Speak to your bird and play with them regularly to establish trust.
Repetition is important. Start with simple words such as “hello” and say them frequently before moving onto multi-word phrases such as “pretty bird”.
Make sure your bird is having fun and reward them by praising them, playing with them or giving them a treat when they talk. Be patient. Learning capabilities varies from species to species. It may take a few months or even a year before they learn to talk.