Getting Ready for your new pet
If you are going to purchase your bird
froom a breeder or pet store, be sure the bird you choose is healthy. A
sick bird is no bargain no matter what the price. By the time a bird
shows any symptoms of disease, illness has usually become quite
advanced. If a bird appears droopy, ruffled, tired or hides his head
under his wing, this is not the bird for you. If he sneezes, sits on
the bottom of the cage, has a discharge above his nostrils or droppings
stuck to his tail feathers, there may be big problems. If he makes
clicking sounds as he breathes or if his tail bobs, the bird may have
serious respiratory disease and you should choose another individual.
Signs of good health in a bird include bright eyes, clean shiny feathers, good appetite and lots of energy. Healthy birds eat often and are active. To help insure a healthy pet, obtain your bird from a reputable bird store, breeder, or rescue organization.
Take your new bird to an avian veterinarian for a "well bird check up" immediately. Good pet stores will allow you to return a sick bird. This insures that you get a healthy pet, and lets you meet an avian veterinarian in your area. It also helps the pet store or breeder maintain healthy birds.
Now, how about setting up your bird's new home? You want it to be safe and comfortable. Buy the largest cage you can reasonably manage in your home. Be sure he can not slip his head between the bars. It should be convenient to clean and allow easy access to food and water containers. The perches should be of varying sizes, preferably of natural branches. These can be purchased at pet stores or you can collect your own. Manzanita, madrona and eucalyptus are all safe woods for birds to chew. Rinse them off before placing them in the cage. If you have other birds, place your new bird in an isolated room since many birds harbor contagious, disease-causing organisms. This is very important to the well being of all of your feathered pets. The avian vet can advise you as to the safety of introducing him to your other birds when you have the exam.
Bird's diets vary greatly from one species to another, but a good rule is that no more than 50% of a bird's diet should be seed and nuts. The remaining 50% should be vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, small amount of cheese, lean cooked meats, boiled egg and other "people foods" with a powdered vitamin supplement added. Many birds love yogurt. All need fresh water daily.
Signs of good health in a bird include bright eyes, clean shiny feathers, good appetite and lots of energy. Healthy birds eat often and are active. To help insure a healthy pet, obtain your bird from a reputable bird store, breeder, or rescue organization.
Take your new bird to an avian veterinarian for a "well bird check up" immediately. Good pet stores will allow you to return a sick bird. This insures that you get a healthy pet, and lets you meet an avian veterinarian in your area. It also helps the pet store or breeder maintain healthy birds.
Now, how about setting up your bird's new home? You want it to be safe and comfortable. Buy the largest cage you can reasonably manage in your home. Be sure he can not slip his head between the bars. It should be convenient to clean and allow easy access to food and water containers. The perches should be of varying sizes, preferably of natural branches. These can be purchased at pet stores or you can collect your own. Manzanita, madrona and eucalyptus are all safe woods for birds to chew. Rinse them off before placing them in the cage. If you have other birds, place your new bird in an isolated room since many birds harbor contagious, disease-causing organisms. This is very important to the well being of all of your feathered pets. The avian vet can advise you as to the safety of introducing him to your other birds when you have the exam.
Bird's diets vary greatly from one species to another, but a good rule is that no more than 50% of a bird's diet should be seed and nuts. The remaining 50% should be vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, small amount of cheese, lean cooked meats, boiled egg and other "people foods" with a powdered vitamin supplement added. Many birds love yogurt. All need fresh water daily.
Paper towel or corn cob bedding is all fine. Clean or replace them daily.
Finding
an avian veterinarian can be difficult. Many vets do not treat birds,
so it is important to find a specialist in avian care. Be sure to ask
the local vet if the specialize in avian care.
Also be sure to check out local rescue groups, there are many birds in need of a home.
To make sure he's getting everything he needs, supply fresh water.
