Being a pet owner is a lot like being a parent. You feel this sense of responsibility toward your pet and want to make sure that they are loved, cared for, and protected at all times. Out of responsibility and commitment toward your pet, you should make sure you have all the information you need about caring for them, even long before you bring them back to their new home. For more common pets like cats and dogs, you can easily find a plethora of resources and online guides to help you thoroughly understand everything about becoming the perfect fur parent. However, the same cannot be said about our feathery friends. Even though birds are not necessarily a less-common kind of pet, people are usually more reluctant to dig deep into understanding their needs and wants as they do with their furry counterparts. Especially since some believe there isn’t much to learn. If your kids have been nagging you about adopting a happy parakeet, or maybe you’re the one who’s fed up with your dead-silent home and are ready for a talking parrot, then you need to read below. Here is the only guide to perfectly take care of your pet bird:
Provide the Perfect Home
With birds, it doesn’t really matter how orderly your home is, it’s all about the cage and the surrounding space. Birds come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s no surprise that a cage fit for a small lovebird won’t be as comfortable for the bigger ring-neck dove. However, size is not the only factor that you should consider when searching for a cage. The typical demeanor of the species you’re targeting will also influence your decision. While some birds are extremely active and need the extra space, others are pretty lowkey and will be happy with just a few inches of room. As a general rule, if you have the space and can afford it, it’s recommended to go for a flying cage. Furnishing the cage is another important aspect that you need to think about. Canaries and finches, for example, love to play around on swings and ropes. Bigger parrots on the other hand prefer chew toys. The only way you’ll be able to provide the best cage for your bird’s needs is to learn as much as you can about their different needs and preferences.
Choose the Right Diet for Your Bird
Managing your bird’s diet can be a little tricky. There’s a common misconception that birds can eat any kind of fruit seeds and a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, this is only partially true. Feeding your bird some fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation, like strawberries, pears, and celery will be okay. Your bird will need some basic nutrients and vitamins to ensure its healthy growth and development. Adding mineral stones and grit to your bird’s diet is great for their beak’s health and the healthy development of eggshell in tandem. A well-balanced diet will also help your bird fend off various diseases and ailments.
Maintain your Bird’s Activities and Social Interactions
The worst thing you can do to your pet bird is let them stay in their cage without planning out some fun activities. Most pet birds are extremely playful. They like to engage in different types of activities throughout the day and enjoy their human-time with you as their loving owner. It’s recommended that you set your bird free from the cage every once in a while, for exercise and much-needed stimulation. If you notice that your bird gives you a hard time every time you let them out and puts on a fight to get back into the cage, you can try a different approach and lure it back in with a treat. Letting your bird get closer to you and your family will help tame their aggressive, intense behavior. Furthermore, it’s important to pay attention to any notable change in your bird’s usual behavior as this might indicate a serious health issue that you could easily overlook.
Caring for Your Bird’s Health
Maintaining the cleanliness of your bird’s cage, food, and water containers is crucial for protecting their health. It’s necessary to clean around the cage and replace their food and water on a daily basis. You also have to find a trustworthy vet that specializes in avian medicine to provide you with any support that you may need. One of the most common threats to pet birds is the risk of overheating or freezing. The only way you can protect your bird against these fatal situations is to keep an eye out for symptoms like panting in case of overheating and fluffed-out feathers in case of being too cold.
Birds are some of the most fun and friendly pets out there. However, they do have their special needs that you must make sure you understand before you make any commitments. You can use the guide above to walk you through the process of adding a new member to your household and you won’t be disappointed.
