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Basic Avian Care
Birds bring a bit of nature into
your home with their colorful plumage, beautiful song, and entertaining
antics. In return, they require little care. Birds are amazingly hardy
creatures and can survive under the most inadequate circumstances. However,
to help your avian friend live a long and enjoyable life, there are a few
basic principles of care that hold true for all birds.
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Housing - The largest cage possible is recommended. It should be made of sturdy,
nontoxic material and have smooth, easy to clean surfaces.
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Perches - Perches should be appropriately sized and easy to clean or replace. Nontoxic
natural branches, such as oak or hickory, make some of the best perches.
Never use sandpaper-covered perches, Small birds, such as canaries and
finches, need two perches, with one at each end of the cage to allow for
flying. (Remember birds fly like airplanes, not helicopters!)
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Cage Liners - Newspapers or paper towels are preferred over wood chips, corn cob, or
other litters for lining the bottom of the bird's cage. Daily changing
of the liner allows for monitoring of the appearance and number of droppings.
Also, it is much healthier for the bird to live in a clean cage. In addition
to changing the cage liner daily, it is very important that you change
and wash the bird's food and water containers at least once a day.
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Environment - A healthy bird does well at temperatures in which you are comfortable.
Sitting in a constant draft will bother your bird, just as it bothers you.
Exposure to fresh air and unfiltered sunlight is also beneficial.
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Nutrition - The proper feeding of your bird is the single most important aspect of
its care. Complete formulated products are available to provide a balanced
diet for your bird. Seed and seed "treats" or "supplements" do not give
your bird adequate nutrition. Birds need food in the proper proportion
from each of the basic food groups. All birds need grain, fresh vegetables,
fruit, protein and calcium. Ask your veterinarian more about this very
important aspect of your bird's care.
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Safety First - Select appropriately sized toys for your bird. A toy that is safe for a
budgie might prove deadly for an amazon. Keep
your bird away from air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, insecticides,
and fumes from Teflon coated utensils. Be
aware of toxic house plants, ceiling fans, hot burners, and open containers
of water. A wing trim on a bird that is allowed to roam the house may prevent
accidents.
Most importantly, enjoy your avian
friend. Make them a part of your family and they will reward you with many
years of pleasure.
Contributor:
Patricia Luedders, DVM
Horton Animal Hospital - Northeast
Columbia, MO
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MILLER-ROTH
A volunteer, not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization helping animals
and their owners since 1989.
2000 E. Broadway #141
Columbia, MO. 65201-6009
voice: (573) 657-9633
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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without the prior written consent of MILLER-ROTH. MILLER-ROTH shall not be liable for any errors in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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