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Many books and articles promote the virtues of birds being
relatively maintenance free pet. Granted, a pair of zebra
finches may not require as much time and energy that a dog
might, but the maintenance that is required for keeping your
bird a happypet must not be overlooked.
Some birds, such a Parrots and
Cockatiels require a regular
time commitment to satisfy their emotional needs. Failure
to do so can result in emotional distress leading to behavioral
problems, and possibly, disease. You might laugh at the prospect
of a bird having emotional problems, but believe me you do
not want to be the target of your angry parrot's aggression.
Imagine a two-year-old child throwing a temper tantrum - for
12 hours!
Nutrition
Man can not live on bread alone. Likewise, bird can not live
on seed alone. While seeds are an important staple to your
pet's diet, they are relatively low in protein and some essential
amino acids. Seed should make up about 60% of the diet. The
other 40% should consist of protein sources such as egg, cheese,
green leafy vegetables (spinach, romaine lettuce) and fruits
(no more than 25%). You can supplement your bird's seed diet
with nutritionally balanced pellets and some liquid vitamin
added to the water. Fresh water needs to be available for
your pet at all times.
Housing
An all metal non-coated cage is the best choice for your bird.
He will chew on the bars as that is part of his play and general
lifestyle. A metal cage is easier to keep clean and prohibit
infestation of pests. Insects can hide underneath coatings
and inside the wooden bars. Inspect the cage to make sure
he cannot place his head between the bars.
Size of the cage depends on how large or small the bird,
and how many you plan to house in each one. Each one must
have sufficient room to stretch out and move around. Some
birds will need to get all their flying and exercise INSIDE
the cage, others can be let out during the day to exercise
outside the cage.
A slide-out drawer bottom works better than one you have
to dismantle the cage to clean out where he has messed. Cover
the bottom with newspaper, sand or other similar materials
to absorb urine and feces. Change about every three days to
insure cleanliness and prevent diseases from occurring.
Make sure the cage sides have both vertical and horizontal
bars. He will want to climb and needs adequate footholds.
Most cages come with perches. Replace with natural woods
or branches (fruit trees, hazelnut, or willow). The more uneven
and bumpy the branch, the better for the bird's feet as it
provides exercise for him, and keeps his nails trimmed. The
ones with sandpaper have been linked to foot problems. Make
certain the wood being used has not been treated with any
chemicals before usage. Using branches also provides vitamins
for your bird, as he will chew on them often. Replace as needed.
Another important part of his home furnishings must include
cuttlebones. This provides him with calcium and other minerals
he needs. He will also need a grit container. The grit acts
as "teeth" to help grind up his food.
Determine if your bird will better benefit from a hanging
feeder and waterer, or heavy containers placed on the cage
floor bottom. If using bottom containers, place where droppings
will not fall into them.
He may enjoy a small dish of water in his cage for bath time.
A small flowerpot saucer works well. Depending on the size
of the bird, even jar lids can be used. Place in the cage
every few days for about half an hour. Do not leave in the
cage all the time. Some birds like to be misted with spray.
Try this a few times and see how your bird reacts. Do not
mist him on cool days, as he may chill.
The cage should have places where toys can be attached for
the birds amusement. Mirrors are more important to a solitary
bird, but even a cage full will enjoy a mirror. He will enjoy
singing and looking at himself. Bells, swings and ladders
are other common toys you can purchase for your bird to play
with. Don't neglect this important part of his home, but don't
over-do it either. Too many toys takes up his stretching area,
and he may not be able to distinguish the separateness of
all the items, thus not enjoying each individually as intended.
The pet shop will inform you if your bird needs nesting boxes,
or "beds." You do need to site your cage where the bird gets
lots of interaction with the family. A bird who has been "sociable"
all along is a better bird for training and enjoyment. Do
not house his cage in a room where he will be lonely. Placement
of the cage to avoid sudden appearances of anyone coming and
going into the room is also recommended. Situate him where
he receives some natural light to keep him healthy. Avoid
drafty places and excessive heat. Some birds need to have
their cages covered at night, others do not. Find out the
individual needs of your bird.
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