Basic Bird
Care
Housing
The absolute smallest cage for a bird is one
in which the bird can outstretch and flap its wings without hitting the
cage sides. This is usually at least twice the distance of its wingspan.
However, the best sized cage is the largest one that can be accommodated
in the home. For parrots, the cage should not be constructed of wire but
rather of iron. Galvanized wires should be avoided at all costs due to the
lead and zinc toxicity of this type of coating. Powder coated and vinyl
coated cages may hide toxic metals underneath; your cage supplier can tell
you what your cage is constructed of.
Perches
Natural
wood branches, not dowels, are preferred for most all cage birds. Avoid
plastic, rope, cement, plaster, and sandpaper perches. Though the intent
of these perching substrates is understood, they rarely are better than
natural branches. The perches should be far enough away from the cage
walls to prevent tail feather damage. One perch should be placed higher
than all the others since most species seek the highest spot in the cage.
This will give the bird some security. Finches and canaries enjoy jumping
between perches; two perches placed at opposite ends of the cage will
allow this behavior. Avoid positioning food and water containers beneath
perches to prevent soiling.
Cleanliness
Ideally, the
cage should be cleaned daily. If not, the feces and food debris should be
separated from the bird by means of a grill or grate placed on the bottom
of the cage. All organic debris such as food waste and feces should be
cleaned off the bars and perches at least weekly. Litter material is
usually best for outdoor aviaries and generally should be avoided for
indoor cage birds. Newspaper, brown and white papers are best to line the
cage floor. Changes in fecal consistency and color are more easily
recognized on paper substrates. Some litter materials such as walnut
shells, corn cob crumbles and pelleted hays will grow harmful fungus and
bacteria if allowed to become moist from fecal
contamination.
Nutrition
Please see the handout on
nutrition for your particular species.
Environment and
Activity
Birds acclimated to indoor temperatures cannot adjust
to high and low temperature fluctuations without being stressed. Birds
housed outdoors and under varying temperatures are accustomed to these
daily changes and easily cope with highs and lows. Temperatures
comfortable to humans are appropriate for indoor birds.
Humidity is
important for the respiratory health of your pet bird. Constant high
humidity without air changes and ventilation promotes fungal infections.
Persistently low humidity often leads to allergies due to excess dust and
pollens in the air.
Bathing is a must for most pet parrots. Daily to
weekly baths can be provided by misting, showers, shallow water pans (pie
tins) and large bowls. Only fresh, clean water should be applied to bird
plumage. Do not use soaps, disinfectants, anti-picking tonics or cleansing
agents on your bird.
Outdoor exposure, indirect sunlight, fresh air,
natural lighting, and exercise are all beneficial. Schedule a daily
time(s) for your bird to be out of its cage. Out of cage time is essential
for the mental and physical health of your bird. Provide the three types
of toys psittacine birds require: climbing toys, chewing toys, and
mentally stimulating toys. Wing trimming prevents escape and injury for
those birds allowed outdoor activity.
Leg bands are placed on birds
for identification purposes. Leg bands may be left on or removed.
Preferably, open and split bands should be removed on pet birds.
