What are the most important things to know about caring for a bird?

1. Fresh water. Clean fresh water has to be the most important item in bird care. Death in companion birds is most commonly caused by contaminated water or the lack of water. The water bowl in the cage should be changed at least daily and more often if contaminated with food or feces. The bowl should be thoroughly cleaned or exchanged daily. Be aware that a water bottle may appear to keep the water cleaner for more days but it does not. It should be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized every other day to prevent the “slimy” build-up in the bottle. In addition, the water bottle may not function well or the bird may not know how to use it. It is my recommendation to use a water bowl to insure the availability of water.

2. Cleanliness. BIRDS ARE MESSY!! It is in their nature. In the wild, birds help to feed other animals and birds by scattering their food. A companion bird’s living space must be kept clean. Papers in the bottom of the cage should be changed at least every other day. Cooked foods and feces are the perfect medium for growing bacteria. Cooked foods should be removed from the cage after 2-4 hours at room temperature.

3. Safe Environment.  Be aware that a bird is like a small child, if there is something interesting in the room, the bird WILL find it, play with it or eat it. The home should be “child-proofed” and not left out of his cage without supervision. Keep the flight feathers clipped back on your bird. It keeps him out of many unsafe areas like the bathroom, ceiling fans, kitchen, the floor, outside and away from toxic plants. Below is a list of poisonous plants that all bird owners should have to prevent accidental poisoning.

4. A bird MUST chew.  We as owners/parents of a companion bird can give a bird something to chew on or to play with. If the bird has nothing to chew on in his cage, he will find something to chew in the home. Each bird is different. Find out what kind of toys your bird likes. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Toilet paper rolls, popsicle sticks, rolled newspaper, small clean unpainted wood, clean shoes laces, beads, buttons, and balls make great toys and can keep your birdie busy for hours. A busy bird is a happy bird!

5. Mental Stimulation.  It is in the bird’s nature to be a functional part of the flock. In nature, most birds flock together because it is safer, they locate and share food and take care of each other mentally and physically. A bird must feel a part of the family, a “human flock”. Keep the bird in an area where the family likes to be i.e. the living room, family room or dining area. Even though the “parent” isn’t directly playing with the bird, the bird can be part of the “goings on”. Address the bird like he is a person. If the bird is excited to see the parent when he/she gets home from work or school, acknowledge he is speaking to you by speaking back. This is also a good way to stimulate birdie verbalizations, too. Leave the radio or television on for the bird when you are not home. I have been told birds enjoy television programs like “the Animal Planet” and “Sesame Street”.
   
   
   
   Click here for the poisonous plants for birds information