Owning a pet bird is a big responsibility. Not only do you have to make sure they are well-fed and have a clean place to live, but you also need to provide them with the proper supplies and essentials to keep them healthy and safe.
Birds can make fun and lovely pets just as they can make a mess. Unlike other pets, pet birds require much attention and can be very delicate. For example, some Parrot species like the Macaws and Amazon need more work than Lovebirds.
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Therefore, before you decide to bring a pet bird to your household, there are certain factors to consider and things to put in place. First, you need to know the exact needs of the type of pet bird you need and how it fits your personality. This includes the type of food the bird will eat, the bird’s behavior, and the time needed to groom it.
All of these things, and more, must be made available for your pet bird to enjoy a happy and healthy life.
This blog post will take you through the major points of consideration before you get a pet bird.
Factors to Consider Before Getting a Pet Bird
When deciding to get a pet bird, there are many things to take into account before making your final decision.
Some Birds Are Built Different
The most important factor in determining if you can meet the specific needs of the bird. For example, some birds require a special diet that consists of mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, while others eat mostly seeds. In addition, birds have different behaviors that you should be aware of before getting one as a pet.
Finally, you will need to consider the amount of time required to groom your new pet bird. Some birds need to be groomed daily, while others only need to be groomed once a week. Taking the time to research the specific needs of the type of bird you are interested in will help you make sure you can provide the best possible care for your new pet.
Birds Are Messy
From food that will be scattered and dropped to feces and feathers, birds can be messy. Before you adopt one, you should be ready to do the cleaning that comes with owning a pet bird to know if you are ready for it.
To best prepare yourself, it’s important to research the different factors that are involved in bird ownership, including the best lawn sweepers and other cleaning tools. With the right preparation and knowledge, you can be confident that you’re ready for the challenges of owning a pet bird.
Birds Cost Money
Before you bring a pet bird into your home, it’s important to consider the cost of doing so. This includes the cost of necessary equipment like cages and toys, as well as the ongoing expense of food and regular grooming. Fortunately, you can get good deals when you buy bird supplies online.
It’s important to make sure you have enough money to cover these costs, as well as room in your home for a cage. You should also research what kind of bird would best fit into your lifestyle. Some birds require more care than others, so it’s important to choose one that you’re prepared to take care of.
Birds Are Natural Alarm Clocks
Not only are birds known to make a lot of noise but are also known to be early risers. Bird sounds are not always melodious. The talking birds are only fun to listen to in theory because sometimes they are a nightmare.
Having a feathered friend, therefore, means having an alarm clock that you can neither snooze nor dismiss.
They Are Attention Seekers
Most birds socialize and love to interact, hence they shouldn’t be left alone. Like humans, pet birds can get depressed due to loneliness. Therefore, if you have plans to get a pet bird then you should consider setting out time to play with your feathered friend.
Yet, just as some birds are very active and require a lot of attention, others are more low-key and can be left alone for longer periods.
Environmental Considerations
Birds have a very fragile respiratory system hence they need extra care than other pets. There are several things you may need to consider getting rid of if you want a pet bird. Things like smoking and other hazardous activities should be taken far from the pet bird. They can chew anything, from plastics to fabrics and papers.
Therefore, you must consider a routine cleaning and a little shift in activities or habits before getting a pet bird.
Necessities Required Before Getting Your Pet Birds
Now, let’s also look at some essentials to consider and put in place before you get a pet bird.
The Right Spot for Your Bird
One of the very vital things to consider for your beaky pet is the right spot in the house. Where your pet bird stays in the house plays a major role in everyday life. The position of your pet bird’s cage should not be too high or too low. The chest level should be the ideal level for your birdcage.
A very high cage level may isolate your bird, while too low cages may get them scared. Talking about loneliness, you should put your bird where your bird can interact with people. It shouldn’t be in a sparsely entered place.
Also, directly putting your little friend in front of a window may expose them to predators. On the other hand, the small glimpse of a window is ideal for your pet bird. In addition, your pets shouldn’t be kept in the kitchen. It may get too hot and harmful for them. Finding the best spot for your pet bird is essential for its well-being.
Meanwhile, you also need to provide a hiding place in the cage for your pet bird. In the same you need privacy, and so do your pet bird.
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Proper Caging
It is not just about getting a cage for your pet friend but also getting the right cage. I’m sure you don’t mean to entrap your pet bird in one position. For this reason, you should choose a big pen with room for your pet bird.
The length of the cage should also be longer so that the bird can fly back and forth. However, this should match the size of the bird of choice. For example, smaller birds like the finches may need a small cage, while bigger ones like parrots will need a big cage.
Also, you should check the cage bars if they’re strong enough. Some pet birds need a very strong cage. It is, however, advisable to go for a metal cage instead of a plastic one.
More so, spaces between the bars should not be too wide so that the bird can slip or get caught.
Perches
Perches are a vital part of the pet bird that most pet bird owners overlook. Birds love to fly and climb. So, creating the means to fly and climb in their cage is essential.
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Perches in the cage can be natural but non-toxic woods of different sizes. They should be placed at different levels in the cage and different forms, like smooth and rough.
Also, it would be best if you placed the perch in the right place. Bird perches should be placed at the center of the cage. Avoid the edges where the tail will be forced to go out of the cage.
Perches not only give the bird its natural environment but also help to develop a strong foot.
Toys
Nobody ever enjoys being bored, and neither do your pet birds. But unfortunately, the toys in the bird’s cage make it look like a natural environment for the bird.
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The choice of pet bird toys varies according to the type and size of the bird. For example, bigger birds may want toys they can chew on or grab, while the smaller ones may want to swing.
Also, you don’t have to clutter the cage with too many toys. The bird may get tired of playing with a particular toy like humans. So it would help if you interchanged the toys, maybe two or three at a time.
In addition, always check to make sure the toys do not contain anything that may harm your pet bird. For example, hanging ropes or toys that can be broken and chewed by the bird should be avoided.
Some examples of bird toys are bells, swings, ladders, and poker chips.
Food for Your Feathered Friend
When stocking up the fridge for the family, do not forget your feathered family members. Pet bird food is very vital for your feathered friend’s well-being.
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The type and quality of bird feed are essential for the bird’s growth and general health. A bird that is poorly fed will live a very short life span. The bird will also be easy to fall for bacterial attacks health-wise.
In the natural world, the bird eats various types of food as the season brings.
What Should I Feed My Pet Bird?
Your pet should not only be fed only seeds. However, your pet bird should have a base diet. That is a diet that is given almost every day.
Pellets are a very important part of your pet bird’s diet. They should make up about 70-80% of the feeds. Aside from bird seeds and bird pellets, you can also share some natural food with your feathered friend.
Some of the food you can share with your pet bird are fresh fruits, sprouts, beans, and popcorn.
Also, don’t forget to give your pet bird enough water. A little loss of water will cause serious harm to your pet birds.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Birds are known to be quite messy. So keeping them clean can be taxing, from dropping feathers to scattering food and chewing toys.
Sometimes, just jumping into the task can make it even more tedious. However, having a scheduled cleaning pattern reduces the stress.
Here are some tips on how to maintain a clean bird environment.
- Use a net under the cage to trap falling seeds and food.
- Always change the cage liner
- Change the bowls for food and water regularly
- Clean the toys and perches on a daily or weekly basis
In Conclusion
As time goes by, you may find new supplies your pet bird likes. Nonetheless, the above basic facts will surely get the ball rolling. Like us, our pet birds need to be in a good environment to be happy and healthy.