Keeping Your Pet Birds Happy

Most people would get a pet bird because they thought that they are "low-maintenance pets". Unfortunately for them, they would face the truth that birds are not like that. Like any other animals, birds would need social and physical attention from their owners. There are studies showing pet birds developing behavioural problems because their owners neglect them.

How can you make your bird happy?

A healthy bird is a happy one. When caring for birds, it is important to take note of their diet, housing and other social needs. There are some bird owners, who were overwhelmed of their pet responsibilities that they either give up their pets or their pets escaped from their homes.

Here are some things to remember to make our little feathered companions happy.

Shelter and Cage

When choosing a cage for a pet bird, make that there should be enough room for them to move. It is ideal for small birds to have perches where they can hop to, while big birds should have enough room to spread their wings without touching the sides of the cage. Perches should also be in different sizes. This would remove any possibility of birds hurting their feet for staying in one position. The perches should also provide access to food and water.

There are also some bird toys which you can give to your birds. There are some bird toys which can come in very low prices or sometimes given away for free. It is just a matter of looking. You can also try providing some "natural" comfort to your birds. Like safe and edible plants and non-toxic wood inside the cage.

When choosing a location in your house where you can put the bird cage, keep the bird in a safe and quiet environment. Kitchen is a no-no. Cleaning and cooking fumes can get dangerous to birds. It is also important for birds to get direct sunlight. Similar to humans, birds also need vitamin D.

Cages should also be cleaned every day. You can use water and minimal amount of bleach to kill the bacteria. When cleaning bird cages, move the bird in a safe place. The cleaning fumes can be bad for the birds.

Nutrition and Grooming

Bird food is not solely bird seeds. Some pet owners think that bird seeds are just enough, seed only diet can result to early death. Birds' diet should include vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy food. Avoid processed meat and food with high sugar content. Avoid feeding avocadoes and chocolates, they are high in sugar. Constant fresh water should be supplied to birds.

Bathing opportunity should be provided to birds. There are different options, you can put a shallow dish where birds can take a bath. Some birds would prefer to be given a shower under a faucet or you can spray them with water. Bathing is important especially if the bird is suffering molting.

Birds also need to sleep. Make sure that the place where the cage can be silent and dark enough for the bird to sleep.

Socialization

Birds are social creatures. You just don't put them in a cage and just watch them from time to time. You would also need to give them time to make them happy. There were studies that have showed that parrots being neglected by their owners developed behavioural problems like feather plucking.

You can put your bird's cage in the family room where family members can frequently see the bird and spend time with it. Free flight also provides great health benefits to your bird. Even if the bird cage is big enough, it still does not provide enough physical stimulation and movement to your pet. You can stay with your pet and with your family in the family room. Not only do you get to spend time with your pet bird, you also get to spend time with your family.