Birds thrive on company, nurturing, and frequent interaction.Birds make great pets.Keeping an eye on the bird's health is one of the requirements for bird ownership.To keep your pet bird happy and alert, you will need to provide plenty of enrichment and interaction.
Step 1: Purchase a large cage to house the bird.
The largest cage that your housing space can accommodate is the one the birds thrive in.The width of the cage should be at least twice the wingspan of your bird.Being able to fly short distances within the cage is important for some birds.If the bar wires or lengths are too small, the bird's talons might get caught on or in them.The bars should not be so large that the head of the bird could get trapped.The bigger the cage, the better.If you don't have time to take the bird out for exercise or clean the bigger cages, space in their cage is important.Behavior problems can be caused by small cages.
Step 2: Pick a cage that is rectangular for your bird.
It's bad for the bird to be in circle cages.There isn't much room for the bird, and no corners to feel safe in.The bird can develop behavioral problems from the constant turning and turning, and the circle tends to cause the bird to twist its head.It is easier for a bird to escape from guillotine-styled doors.
Step 3: If you have more than one bird, make sure the space is adequate.
In a small cage, don't house more than one bird.The larger the cage, the more space the birds need to retreat, fly and be apart from other birds.Large cages that are similar to small sheds are more appropriate for keeping several birds at the same time.You need to make sure the animals are compatible when placed together.
Step 4: The placement of the cage should be warm and comfortable.
In a room with a lot of traffic, cages should be kept indoors.Birds will become unhappy if they are alone in a room.You should hang it somewhere that you can easily access because you'll be cleaning out the cage frequently.Birds in hanging cages can be brought outdoors to hang under a porch or similar place for daytime fresh air.Before the evening breezes and night air arrive, always bring the bird back in.The bird's personality will affect the location of the cage.A more nervous bird might be better kept away from the hustle and bustle of the city and still be able to interact with the family.In the corner of a room or an area with the back of the cage partially covered, nervous birds may do better.Don't put a cage in front of a window permanently.The bird will be on the lookout for enemies, which can cause it to feel nervous.It's a good idea to put a cage against a wall to give the bird a break.
Step 5: The old magazines papers should be placed at the bottom of the cage.
Fresh papers can be placed straight down for the next day's use, making cleaning much easier.Junk mail and old newspapers work well if you keep a supply of papers hand.Line the bottom of your bird's cage with wood chips, kitty litter, or sand if you prefer a more traditional method.
Step 6: Give your bird different types of food on a daily basis.
A good diet for most bird breeds consists of 75% pellets and 25% human table foods.If you want to find out what type of food your bird needs, talk to an avian vet.Patterns in the food your bird likes will begin to emerge over time.You need to make sure that you have the correct feed for the bird.It's important to find the right food for your bird as some birds are picky and others have strict requirements.A label on the bag or can of food will tell you which breed of bird it is for.If you don't know what the best food choices are, ask the breeder, the retailer or leave a question on a specialized forum of people who care for this species of bird.Ensure adequate nutrition for your bird with bird pellets, crumbles, or nuggets.The bird can eat a balanced diet by combining healthy seeds, vegetables, fruits, and grains.These are better than a seed mix because they allow birds to pick out tasty seeds and leave the healthy ones behind.Feed new seed daily and always empty the shells the same day, as this keeps the seed fresh and clean.
Step 7: You should give your bird fresh fruit and vegetables every day.
Greens and variety are added to their diet.A variety of foods is fun for birds.You can serve your bird a variety of fruits and veggies by cutting them up.You can give your bird nuts and cooked beans to them.
Step 8: Provide fresh water.
The water dish should be filled with average temperature water.Birds can't drink out of deep dishes so give your bird water in a shallow dish.Water should be changed daily to make sure it is always fresh.The water dish should be placed at the opposite end of the bird's cage.They will have to be active to eat and drink.Within 1 to 2 days, dehydration can occur in birds.
Step 9: Feeding arrangements should be sanitary.
Water and food cups should be located high up out of the way of any branches above the birds, since birds often drop feces into their food, which isn't sanitary.Birds could become very ill if they ingest their own fecal matter.Along with your daily cleaning of the cage, be sure to clean out the bird's food and water dishes.
Step 10: The bird is fed at the same time each day.
This could be at an arbitrary time when you eat.Try to stick to a time so the bird knows when to eat.Feed birds just before sunset and half an hour after sunrise if you want to stick to the natural feeding time.Small fruit and vegetable snacks can be left in the cage during the day.Smaller birds with a higher metabolism may need to be fed more often.
Step 11: Feed the bird interesting food.
Making eating time interactive can make the experience more enjoyable for your bird.Encourage your bird to eat a piece of food at a time, straight from your hand.Encourage your bird to talk and sing.The interactive puzzle feeders allow the bird to mimic behaviors it would use in the wild.Critical mental stimulation for your bird can be provided by this.
Step 12: There are at least 4 toys that are interesting.
Toes and beaks cannot get caught in any parts of the toys if they are bird-safe.Bells are great for bird toys.The bell can become caught up in the bird's feet if there are small gaps in it.It's important to have no mirrors as they can cause problems along the way.Ropes, wire, and bells are items that are not safe for birds to play with.
Step 13: New types of toys can be given to the bird.
It's time to change it up a bit.Birds like the same toys day in and day out.Buying new toys will increase their enjoyment and reduce the chance of boredom-stimulated behaviors.Birds like to chew on pine cones, rawhide, rope, or white pine wood.
Step 14: There are different shaped perches for the bird's feet.
Birds will spend most of their time in their cage, so set up a few different perches at different heights.The birds can fly and exercise if the perches are on opposite sides of the cage.There are some wooden perches and natural tree branches.There is less work for you because this helps file the bird's beak and nails.Sand perches can potentially scratch the bird's legs.Many of the cleaning products that are used to clean natural wood perch can be toxic to birds.
Step 15: Food and enrichment items can be placed around the cage.
The bird needs to move about in order to find food.You can hang food from the top of the cage or hide it in a toy or an enrichment device.It is a form of mental stimulation to satisfy the bird's instincts.
Step 16: Bird-proof your house.
Before the bird can fly and explore the house outside of its cage, it needs to be safe in the rooms.The room the bird is in should be safe.This includes closing blinds, rolling up cords, closing toilet seats, and checking that open fireplaces are closed off.It is also possible to allow the bird to fly around in an enclosed space.Birds need outside time.The space must always be safe and supervised.
Step 17: Your bird can explore outside of its cage.
This will allow the bird to fly around and not have to stay inside of its cage all day.Birds can end up biting, screaming, feather plucking and forming phobias without this type of socializing.This is an important part of keeping the bird happy.If you want to let your bird spend time in the outdoors, you can turn your porch into a screened-in aviary.
Step 18: You should hold and pet the bird.
Birds will become bored and lonely if left in their cage all day.The more you handle the bird, the more excited it will be to see you.It will be easier to take the bird to the vet's office if you handle it regularly.
Step 19: The bird should get daily exercise.
All birds that are tame can be exercised daily.Birds like to play with toys with their owners.If you can let the bird out of its cage on a regular basis, it will be happy.Birds can suffer a lot being trapped in cages all of the time, so it's important that you have a healthy relationship with your bird.This is not an issue if you have a bird that isn't supposed to be handled.If you want to handle a bird that is living in a small cage, or just needs more exercise, be sure to include exercise for the bird on a regular basis.
Step 20: The bird should be given a lot of attention.
Your bird will not become bored or lonely if you give it frequent attention.It will allow you and your bird to become more attached, and will result in a happy bird.A good level of attention can reduce shyness in some species of birds.You can communicate with your bird.It's important during the first couple of years together.Birds have a variety of sound effects.They should play music together.When you play the piano or other instrument, your bird will learn to sing sweetly.
Step 21: If you've considered the risks, let the bird ride on your shoulder.
New bird owners want their birds to stand on their shoulders.If your bird sees you as just another perch, they may defecate on you or bite or swallow your jewelry.If you want the bird to sit on your shoulder, you should place your finger next to it.It's not possible to gauge birds aggressiveness until they reach sexual maturity.As a juvenile bird sits on your shoulder, it may start to bite once it's grown up.You shouldn't walk outside with the bird on your shoulder.It could leave and not come back.
Step 22: Find a vet who works with birds.
You should get your bird checked before you bring it home.The vet should check your bird at least once a year.Not all vets are qualified to work with birds, so be sure to check the vet's credentials.If your bird gets sick, immediately take it to the vet.The quicker the vet can see the bird, the better.
Step 23: Water can be provided in a container for self-cleaning.
Birds have the ability to handle their own grooming.If the bowl is large enough for the bird to use as a bath, it will likely clean itself in it.When the temperature is on the warmer side, be sure to provide water for washing in because birds bathe to keep cool.If the weather is hot, put the bird in its cage or perch and only let it out if its wings are clipped.Put the spray bottle in the bird's mouth.Birds like the cooling sensation.If it's cold outside, you can buy a perch that mounts to your shower wall and give the bird a shower indoors.
Step 24: The cage needs to be cleaned on a daily basis.
The changes for infections in your bird can be reduced with a clean cage.Good bird health can be maintained with regular removal of bird droppings.A bird living in a clean environment is more active and happy than a bird that is filthy.Change the bedding frequently to keep the cage clean.Droppings from toys should be removed.The food was sitting on the base of the cage.When there is a warm spell, there will be a need to vacuum up the feathers on a daily basis.Only use non-toxic cleaning supplies.If a product is safe for birds, you should use it.
Step 25: If necessary, clip the bird's wings.
In some birds, such as parrots, this is important to prevent serious or fatal flight accidents.Talk to your vet about the requirement for your bird and find someone who is qualified to do it.A bird's wings don't need to be clipped.The primary flight feathers are the subject of a trimming, so the trimmer must know what to do.The toenails of larger adult birds need to be trimmed.Babies and small birds don't usually have their toenails trimmed as they need to stay on the perches.The toenails of adult parrots should be trimmed.Ask your doctor how to do this safely.
Step 26: Know the signs of a bird that is too hot or too cold.
There is a risk of the bird dying if you don't fix the situation as quickly as possible, because most birds exhibit similar symptoms for being overheated or too cold.Most pet bird breeds prefer a cool indoor temperature of 70 F.An overheated bird: The feet will feel hot to touch, the bird may be panting (a rapid breathing rate), fluttering from the throat, and hot breath are some of the things to watch for.You must contact the vet immediately if you see any of these signs.A bird that is cold will use its feathers to cover its feet and fluff it out.Check for drafts, move the bird away from a cold room, and place it in a warmer spot.During the winter months, Windows can be a source of cold air.