Bird Tips

Environment is an important area that you need to pay attention to when you have a Bird.

Cage: The cage should be large enough for your bird to spread and flap its wings without hitting the bars. Cages are important as they protect your birds and keeping the bird out of trouble.

They should not be left out unattended. Birds have ruined a lot of furniture. Lead poisoning in birds is usually due to the bird being left out alone or unattended and they find something neat to chew. If the cage is painted, make sure it is with non-leaded paint, the label should read safe for children/infants, contains no lead. If the cage is painted and is of questionable or unknown origin, have the paint removed and re-apply the proper paint. It is imperative that the old paint be removed, not covered, as the bird can chew through the new layer of paint to the old layer.

Playground areas are nice for your bird; they allow exercise and "fresh air" and a time to socialize with other birds in the house. There are many types of playgrounds, wood and PVC are the most popular, make sure the perches are the right size for your birds feet. If using PVC, makes sure that it is either roughened or has a gripping material on it so that the bird will not slip. More about perches will be covered under the toy and perch section.

Perches and Toys: The best perches are the natural hard woods even when wet. Other woods may or may not be safe but it is best to stick to one of the three mentioned above. PVC, as mentioned earlier, is also a popular perch playground material that is easy to clean. If you cover it for better grip, use a material that can be easily changed for easy cleaning. Terra cotta is a recently introduced perch material that seems to work well, and does seem to help keep the nails a bit shorter.

Another new perch material is rope. These perches are fine except they can be destroyed by larger birds and will need to replace often. With any of the perching materials, Different size diameter perches need to be offered to protect the bird’s feet and act as natural environment. Sandpaper covers should be use they may irritate the skin on the bottom of the feet and lead to injury.

Toys should be made of very strong materials, especially for the larger parrots, macaws, and cockatoos. Check with our Veterinarians or professional pet stores for the best toys. Many of the acrylic toys, are excellent and safe. Human infant teething toys that are not fluid filled are good for young birds that are still developing jaw strength and for small birds of all ages. It is natural for birds to be destructive so do not be surprised when your macaw or cockatoo break these "unbreakable" toys and perches.

Dishes: Ceramic, plastic, and stainless steel are your best bets. All are good and depend on your bird’s needs and the design of the cage. If you get ceramic crocks make sure lead-free. If the glazing chips off, the porous clay underneath is easily chewed off and may have lead in it, replace it or your bird could end up being poisoned. Always replace crocks with chips or cracks. Try using high impact plastic bowls that clamp on the cage these are easy to use, easy to clean, cheaper than other bowls, and come in many colors.

Light: Outdoor birds enjoy the benefit of natural sunlight. If your birds are outdoors, make sure they have access to sunlight but also make sure they have a way to get out of the sunlight or adverse weather conditions if necessary. Indoor birds need 12-16 hours of light a day. It is best to keep your bird's) on the same schedule so their internal clocks are not constantly being reset. Fluorescent lights, especially full spectrum or glow-lights, are better than incandescent lights. The UV component of full spectrum lights is important for the natural production of Vitamins.

Noise and Routine: There are multiple theories on these two subjects. Most birds will get use to whatever they are raised with. Birds raised in quiet homes with very strict routines do not do well when placed into a more hectic situation. Birds are very use to a routine of lighting, feeding, and cleaning schedules, being up at midnight was no big deal to them. It is important when a change has occurred that the bird is watched closely for signs of illness or unhappiness. These include excessive sleeping and fluffing, decrease or loss of appetite, decreased vocalization, or aggressive behavior to list a few. If any of these should occur, call us as soon as possible.

Heat and drafts: The temperature of most homes is adequate for your bird. Sudden changes in temperature are not good but the changes that occur in our every day living are fine. If you are going away, make sure you leave your thermostat set such that your indoor pets, if left behind, do not experience sudden temperature fluctuations. They will be stressed enough with you being gone, there is no need to make things worse. Birds should never be placed near vents, or drafty windows and doors, they are unable to get out of the way of the airflows and can become sick after prolonged exposure. If your bird is sick a proper veterinary exam is very important.

Teflon: Cookware coated with non-stick surfaces should not be used if there are birds in the house. When new or over heated they emit Teflon gas that is odorless, colorless, and harmless to mammals. It is fatal to birds. If you have Teflon coated cookware (pans, waffle irons, etc.), do not use them.