Diet
Basically, birds are very hardy and easy to care for. Poor nutrition or inadequate diet are the most common causes of illness. Dietary deficiencies can lead to a wide range of diseases, from poor feathering to fatty liver disease.
Seeds should never make up the bulk of a bird's diet. They are high in fat and low in nutritional value. Certain species, such as amazons, tend to be obese and may benefit from having seeds completely eliminated from their diets. On the other hand, it may not be prudent to totally cut seeds from the diets of macaws and conures which seem to have a higher need for fat. Nuts are a better source of fat and have higher nutritional value.
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A varied diet serves a dual purpose. Not only is the bird supplied with healthy foods to eat, it is also mentally stimulating and enjoyable. Birds are smart and do have a sense of taste so it's important to make sure that they are consuming a variety of foods and not just one or two favorite foods.
Birdie mashes and breads or muffins with veggies baked in are a great way to get the finicky eater to consume a variety of healthy foods.
To maintain your birds health, it is best as a pet owner to offer your bird a wide variety of foods. It is an important part of the care you give your bird. An all seed diet is now recognized as a very poor diet for birds kept in captivity as pets. The seeds alone are unhealthy for him and will usually cause early death. Many birds can live happily for many years with the correct care and nutrition. Ulike people with poor eating habits, birds have to eat what we owners feed them and often without even knowing it, can be all the wrong things.
Here is a simple soft food mix recipe idea for your bird that is not only healthly food for him but he will absolutely love.
1 bag of whole-grain brown rice
1 bag of 15 bean soup mix
3 or 4 carrotts, diced
Fresh corn on the cob, cut into small pieces or 1 small bag of frozen corn.
Mix the rice and beans in a large cooking pot and fill with water. Cook according to the rice recipe. About half way through cooking time stir in the carrots. The corn can be added about the last 5 minutes of cooking. Pour contents into a strainer and rinse with cool water. Serve about 1 - 2 tablespoons per bird daily. Top with fresh greens, such as cilantro, kale, spinach or other fresh veggies.
This type of recipe can be altered in many different ways, just use your imagination and you will soon see the difference in your pet just from the foods you offer to him. Remember though, birds that have never been offered other foods, may be reluctant to try new foods. Be patient and try different ways of serving these things to him, with patience he will soon be begging for his special meal times. Check out our recipe page for more fun and healthy food ideas.
In addition, offer your bird fresh fruit a few times a week as well. Some safe fruits that may be given are red grapes, bananas, apples, oranges, etc. Your bird will let you know what he enjoys the most of. Birds too, by nature are foragers and enjoy having fresh greens and grains to nibble on daily. They are especially fond of whole grain and multi-grain breads. It is not only more healthy for him to eat but it will also aid in keeping your bird happy and from getting bored while in his cage. It gives him something to do, something he would do in his natural habitat. Usully a morning an evening feeding schedule works well and birds grow to become accustom to the routine rather quickly too. Treats are good for your bird also, plus they can aid in teaching your bird to do tricks. Especially when it is something he really loves. Keep in mind that fresh or frozen veggies are best and canned is not recomended. Most things are safe for your bird to eat but there are several things that are harmful and can make him very sick or even kill him. So be sure to educate yourself and remember what these things are. If you not not sure about something, it is best not to offer it to your bird until you have confirmed its safety.
Here is a list of NO, NO'S to begin with.
Avocodo (will kill your bird)
Chocolate
Fruit Seeds (such as apple, orange, peach, lemon, etc.)
Sugar and Salt
High Fat Foods (such as chips and fried foods)
If your schedule is busy as most peoples are and you find it difficult to keep up with maintaining this type of diet for your birds. I urge you to look into offering supplements to your bird instead. There are a few different things you can offer to your bird that will ensure his best health. I highly reccommend visiting www.alllbirdproducts.com. This site offers tons of helpful information and articles on proper nutrition and correct administering of supplements and treatments. They also offer a wide variety of these supplement and treatment items that you may need to help care for your pet birds health properly.
Feeding and Watering
Make sure your bird has access to food and clean, uncontaminated water daily. The water should be allowed to run for several minutes prior to filling the water dish in order to flush out any toxins that can accumulate in water that has been sitting in the pipes. Alternatively, bottled water can be used.
Many birds will readily adapt to a water bottle which will remain free of contaminating food and poop. Whether using a bottle or bowl, it needs to be washed and refilled daily with fresh water.
Fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables should be provided in clean bowls on a daily basis and removed after about two hours to avoid spoilage.
Hygiene
Practicing good hygiene is far more important in the prevention of disease than the use of disinfectants. The cage should be washed and dried in sunlight on a weekly basis and food and water bowls need to be scrubbed daily to prevent the build up slime and algae. The lining of the cage should also be changed daily as the accumulation of spoiled foods and droppings draws pests and promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Should a disinfectant become necessary, regular chlorine bleach is very efficient and will kill most anything. However, it is corrosive and will pit metal. So when disinfecting the cage, you may want to use the bleach that is recommended for outdoor use. It can be found at most home improvement stores and contains corrosion inhibitors. Make sure the area is well ventilated and free of birds. Mix 3/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Wash the article down with this solution and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry in the sun.
Environment
It's important for pet birds to be placed outside on a regular basis for exposure to fresh air and sunlight. A bird that is outdoors needs to be protected from weather extremes and direct sunlight as well as predators, rodents and wild birds.
Birds that must be maintained indoors with little or no access to natural light will need to be provided with some type of full spectrum lighting.
Healthy birds can tolerate temperatures that are comfortable to humans. During very hot temperatures, a bird may show signs of overheating by panting and holding it's wings away from it's body. The feet may also feel very warm to the touch. Heat stroke can occur and misting the bird will quickly cool it down.
In very cold temperatures, a bird will sit fluffed up on it's perch with it's wings held tight against it's body. It my perch on only one foot while keeping the other tucked up close to it's body for warmth. The feet will also feel cold to the touch. Place the bird in a heated room to warm it up.
Never place a bird's cage or play stand near vents, ducts, or drafty windows or doors. Birds can become ill from prolonged exposure.
NOTICE: Teflon will kill your bird. Please read about this on Protecting Your Pet Bird page.
Activity
In the wild, most parrots spend their days foraging for food and participating in a variety of flock activities. They fly, climb, open fruits and nuts, and socialize with other members of their flock.
Birds require more than a cage to fulfill their intrinsic need for social interaction and activity. They will thrive with attention and wither with neglect. A bird kept in it's cage without diversion may develop behavioral problems that include screaming or plucking.
Your bird's cage should be located near family activity. Be sure to provide your bird with adequate social time outside of it's cage. While inside the cage, make sure your bird has a supply of toys that will keep it busy and entertained.
Selecting an Avian Vet
Birds are unique and the average cat or dog vet will not do. You should have an avian veterinarian lined up prior to acquiring your bird. The vet you choose needs to be qualified to treat birds and know how to handle them. He or she should have a good rapport with birds and not be afraid of them. Try to select a vet that only treats birds or at least a large number.
