You’ve welcomed a bird into your family – congratulations! Birds are intelligent, interactive, and chatty pets. They’re wonderful first pets and fantastic companions. If this is your first bird, read on to learn the basics of bird care.
Get the right size cage for your bird
The bigger, the better! Housing a bird in an under-sized cage can severely restrict the bird’s ability to exercise and lead to behavioural problems like screaming, aggression or feather plucking.
Feeding your bird
Birds need balanced nutritional support in the form of either a complete diet – such as pellets – or quality supplements in conjunction with great seed. Different species of bird have unique nutritional requirements, so make sure you pick a diet that is suitable for your new pet.
Pellets
When feeding a good quality complete and balanced pellet diet, no other prepared supplement is required. All the protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals your bird needs are incorporated into the diet.
Pellet-based diets should make up about 80% of your bird’s food and the remaining 15% should be made up of fruits and vegetables, with 5% of healthy treats.
Quality Seed and Supplements
Have a bird that is on a seed diet? Make sure you use a supplement that gives your bird all the essentials that seed alone just cannot provide (like amino acids for the development of naturally vibrant feathers and vitamins and minerals for normal brain function, memory retention, keen eyesight and strong muscle development.)
Treats
Natural foraging behaviour is an important activity for every bird to maintain. Encourage it with healthy treats that your birds will love (although offer them infrequently.)
Protecting your bird from parasites
You’ll potentially need to control mites, lice, flies, and worms with parasite treatments. For birds, many of these are sprays or powders that you apply to their feathers, or medications you temporarily add to their water or food when needed.
Another important aspect of parasite control for birds is cage hygiene. Clean your bird’s cage regularly with a bird-safe cage cleaner and disinfectant.
Entertaining your bird
Lack of activity leads to boredom, which often results in frustration and self-destructive behaviours like feather picking.
Keep your bird busy by utilising a variety of foraging devices and hiding food in various locations throughout the cage. This will challenge their mind and stimulate their curiosity.
Keep your bird happy and healthy for years to come by providing the right care. If you need more advice, don’t hesitate to talk to your local Petbarn team members for help.