How to Keep Your Pet Bird Alive

How much did you spend for your pet bird? You probably spent a few hundreds and if you don’t want to throw that money to waste, you have to learn how to keep your pet bird alive.

Feeding your pet bird is easy since you can buy pellets or seeds from the store. If you want to spice up their diet a bit, never give them chocolate, certain fruits and vegetables which have proven to be toxic.

Apart from food, your pet bird will also need water. If your pet bird is not hydrated properly, they will die. This can happen if the water bottle you placed in the cage is not working properly so this has to be checked regularly.

Birds need to have to wings clipped. This allows the bird to gracefully land prevent it from flying erratically.

You have probably heard that birds must never be kept near windows and drafts but have no idea why. Well, one good answer is to prevent the birds from inhaling toxic fumes which can if the bird is placed near the kitchen.

Aside from fumes coming from the kitchen, you can keep your bird alive if you do not smoke or use any household cleaning agents near them. Birds that happen to inhale them may soon experience irritation, a host of respiratory problems and death.

Birds require big cages so they can spread their wings while they are inside. This will also prevent them from bumping their heads on the sides which may cause an internal injury which you are not aware of.

Some bird owners have other pets inside the house. If you are like them, be sure that when they are out of the cage, you are always there. If it should be another bird, make sure that the two are locked up in separate cages since some species cannot coexist together.

Your pet bird needs to take a bath on a regular basis. You can do this by letting them wash themselves using a bowl or with a shower hose. When giving them a bath, never use soap or shampoo as this will damage their natural oil. Let them dry naturally or with a towel and never with a hair dryer as this can burn them.

Owners who want to bring their bird wherever you are going must never leave it in the car. This is because they could die due to excessive heat especially when the temperature is very humid.

Don’t forget to bring your pet bird to the vet for his or her regular checkup. If you sense that there is something wrong with your bird, bring them immediately over to the clinic for a closer examination because doing nothing just makes matters worse.

Lastly, never let your bird sleep outside the cage. There is no telling what can happen while you are asleep so instead of taking that risk, it is best to put them back inside and just see them again when you wake up in the morning.

Although you cannot always foresee what dangers lie in the future for your pet bird, it will be able to live for a long period of time as long as you know how to do it right. If you need help, consult with your veterinarian.

How Can You Tell There is Something Incorrect with Your Pet Bird

Ever came work or home up in the day and discovered something different about your pet bird? If you feeling there is a problem, never neglect it but rather take this issue seriously before it is too overdue.

But how can you tell that there is something wrong with your pet bird? Well, a thorough observation always works and here is what you should watch out for.

Birds have droppings and if these are color yellow, rusty brown or tarry black, they could already be suffering from internal bleeding or something worse. If there is no change in the color check if this is happening more or less frequent.

The feathers of the birds could also be an indicator if something is wrong especially if these are fluffed out. When this happens, it is possible that they are already suffering from respiratory problems or other disorders. If this has happened for a day, better bring in your pet bird to the vet.

You might notice that is something is wrong when you look at the bird’s nose. If it appears to be red or shows any sign of inflammation or discharge, they could be seriously ill and bringing them to the vet may be their only hope of survival.

Looking into the eyes of the bird can tell you if they have a problem especially if it is a cloudy or there is a discharge. It is possible that they have a muscular, nervous or respiratory disorder and you will know not the answer unless they are brought in to the clinic.

If your pet bird does not eat that much as before, it could be a sign of intestinal blockage of impaction. While looking at their plate is one way to tell you if their appetite has been reduced, you can also do the same by looking at the bottom of the cage especially the color of the droppings.

Of the many problems that can happen to your pet bird, respiratory problems are number one and you can tell immediately if they start breathing from their mouth.

Birds are very clean creatures similar to cats but if their wings look dirty, it may mean that something is already wrong.

Weight loss can also tell you there is something wrong with the bird. While their feathers may hide that, you can still check on it by taking them out of the package and weighing them on scale. You should already have an idea how much they weight in order for this to work.

Tail bobbing is another sign which can tell you if something is wrong with the bird. If you don’t know what this is, basically the tail of the bird moves up and down frequently and since this is not normal for birds, this can tell you a great deal on the physical health of your bird.

Lastly, any changes in your pet bird’s vocalization can be a good indicator something is wrong. You just have to listen to them so you know when something is different.

Your pet bird is a sensitive creature and since they cannot tell you they are sick, you have to pay attention to the signs so you can take care of the problem in its early stages.

Great Treats for Your Pet Bird

Do you think that your pet bird is sick and tired of just eating pellets and seeds? It is possible and to spice up their diet, here are a few things you can give them on occasion.

Fruits are great because they have vitamins and minerals. Some examples which you can give your pet bird include bananas, grapes, melons and oranges. Just remember it is fresh and whatever they do not eat after an hour should thrown away to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

If fruits are good, there is no doubt that vegetables are also worth giving to your pet bird. Some examples are broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and peas. Just be sure to wash them first so any pesticides that were used in planting them are removed.

Beans are also good to give to your pet bird. Before you give it, make sure to cook it first because there are certain varieties of beans that are harmful if they happen to eat this raw.

We love pasta and your pet bird can enjoy that too. This is because pasta is rich in carbohydrates and it can go well with the fruits or vegetables that you are giving. Best of all, this can be eaten raw or cooked.

Your pet bird can also eat bread as this provides them with a good source fiber. It is best to give it to them in smell bites first rather than a whole piece if you are giving this for the very first time.

Another ideal snack to give your pet bird is popcorn. If you decide to serve this unpopped, boil it first in plain water so you can soften the tough hull. If you are giving this cooked, make sure this is heated using the microwave because these are high in fat and salt that is harmful to their health.

Cereals and grains can also be given to your pet bird. Such treats contain carbohydrates and protein so just fill up their plate and then watch them munch it away.

Nuts are also a tasty treat that your pet bird will enjoy. If they don’t eat it, this can also be used to exercise their beaks. Just be sure the variety of nuts you give is both clean and unsalted.

Lastly, your pet birds can be given some pepper. This is because they can easily take it since they lack the taste receptors that we humans have. If you don’t believe it, try giving your pet bird either some fresh chili or banana pepper.

Birds need proper nutrition and in order for that to happen, it has to be ingested, digested and absorbed. You can get this from many products and if you want to know what else they can eat, ask your veterinarian or do some research. That way, you are sure that what you are giving them is safe and that they will not experience any side effects.

If they do not like what you have given, don’t force them and offer them something else. In time, you will figure out what treats they like and do not like so they can get to eat other stuff not only seeds and pellets.

To help your pet bird digest whatever they just ate, make sure that they have a sufficient amount of water inside the cage.

Choosing a Pet Bird

Choosing a pet bird is very different compared to shopping for clothes. This is because it requires a lot of commitment to make sure that this creature will get all the love and care that it needs so consider a few things when you decide to go to the pet store.

Birds come in all sizes. There are big ones and there are small ones. Just remember, that the bigger they are, the bigger also the commitment in keeping it. Bigger birds are louder and messier so if you are not up for that, better stick to a small or medium sized bird.

Some birds can come out of the cage while there are those that should always be locked up. Two distinct examples of birds which best illustrate this is the African Grey and the Canary. Although you may not get either of the two, part of choosing a bird is based on their behavior and temperament.

Another thing you should know about birds is that some of these can chirp, sing and even talk. While some of these are noisy there are others that only talk on occasion.

Pet birds have special diets. While some eat pellets, there are others that require fruit, nectar and pollen. If you don’t mind spending a little more to feed your birds, then it will not be a problem in choosing a bird with such needs.

Aside from special diets, ask yourself do you want a pet bird that requires a lot of attention or one that is low maintenance? People who are too busy with work and other responsibilities should get one that is easy to care for otherwise there is no point in buying one.

When you go out looking for a pet bird, give some consideration to where you are buying it. While most will choose to go to a pet store, you can also find one by talking to a breeder or from private persons. Regardless of where you get it, find out if whoever is selling it can assure you that the facility is free from communicable diseases like bird flu and other infections?

The biggest issue that you have to consider when choosing a pet bird is how much you are willing to spend for it. Buying a pet bird is one thing but there are other things you have to invest in like their cage, food and veterinary care.

Before buying the pet bird, have it checked by a veterinarian because they know better when it comes to the health of these creatures. If it is alright with the owner, pay them first with a post dated check for the next day so whatever happens, you can make a decision whether or not to get it.

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that you have to consider when you decide to get a pet bird. Once you have figured out the right one, you will undoubtedly enjoying having it around.

To ensure that it is healthy all the time, the pet bird you decide to get should not only be fed but also given some attention because this could be a very food friend.

So take the time out to do some research before choosing one from the pet store. With the right information, you will not regret buying this pet bird on the spur of the moment.

Brief Overview of Popular Pet Birds Species

Deciding to acquire pet birds require many factors that you have to accommodate when you choose to become a pet owner. You must be able to commit to the responsibilities and allot the right time and money to make sure that your pets will always be at the top of their game. You can choose from the following popular species of birds.

1. Cockatiels. Aside from having a medium built that makes it easier for you to care and entertain them, you will have fun when you have this kind. They are known to be delightful. These are part of the family of parrots and hailed in Australia. They are known for their singing and whistling abilities. They can also learn how to talk, but they often prefer to whistle. They also tend to mimic the usual sounds that they hear making them appear quirky and fun. They can easily get sounds like the barking of dogs or the telephone ringing. You can get these types in various color combinations. The life expectancy of cockatiels can be up to 20 years.

2. Lovebirds. They are among the smallest kinds in the species of parrots. They have the personality as well as intelligence. That is why most owners will not trade these kinds to the larger kinds. Aside from such aspects, they are not that demanding and they are beautiful to look at. These are ideal for people who live in apartments and condominiums because they are fairly quiet. The size can be around six inches when it comes to length and their life expectancy can be about 20 years.

3. Parakeets. The most common of this kind, known as the Budgerigar, is perfect for kids. This is especially true if it is the first time for the child to own a pet, specifically a bird. You can make them choose among various pretty colors. These will only require less amount of space so you don't have to mind much about the matter. They are small and yet intelligent. They can whistle as well as sing and they can also learn few words. They can live up to 14 years.

4. Canaries and finches. They will require less space because of size. These types can measure 5 inches or even smaller. They are known as waxbills or softbills. They thrive in small kinds of flocks. They also require little attention making them perfect companion for those who cannot afford to allot lots of time in engaging their birds in activities. These do not care much about the attention that they get from humans. Their lifespan can reach up to 10 years if you have cared and treated them well.

5. African Greys. These are ideal to be a lifetime companion because they can live up to 70 years. They are known as the most intelligent kinds. They can even learn around 2,000 words if trained well. They are smart but they also tend to be demanding. They will get bored and lonely if you will not take time to engage them in stimulating activities. Your efforts will surely be rewarded because these are affectionate in nature.

So choose from the list what you want to acquire as pet birds. Make sure that as much as you will enjoy their presence, you will also be able to give them what they require from you.