Nearly 70% of U.S. households own a pet. Some of the most common animals include freshwater fish, dogs, cats, rabbits, and reptiles.
Birds are a popular choice as well. It’s estimated that more than 5.7 million households own at least one.
Are you thinking of getting a pet bird? Looking for a guide on how to take care of them? If so, you’re at the right place.
We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about bird care below. Keep reading to learn more!
Picking the Right Cage
Choose the largest cage that will comfortably fit in your home; it should be large enough so that your bird can fully extend and flap its wings.
The type of bird that you’re keeping matters as well. For example, cockatiels and parakeets tend to do better in taller cages while smaller species such as canaries do better in cages that are longer than they are tall.
Whatever cage you choose, make sure that it’s made of non-toxic materials. Avoid those made of wood or plastic as they can easily chew their way out.
Choosing the Right Toys
Pet birds are highly intelligent and require a variety of toys to stay stimulated. Not only will they encourage exercise but they’ll also prevent their beaks from overgrowing (the repetitive chewing action will naturally wear down their beak).
For example, you can buy hanging toys made of rope, rawhide, or softwood. It’s highly recommended that you rotate them regularly as that’ll help prevent damage or boredom.
And make sure to clean and sanitize non-porous toys at least once a week. Any broken or soiled toys should be discarded as they may pose safety hazards.
Importance of Vet Care For Birds
Injured birds tend to fall victim to predators in the wild (birdinformer.com has information about bird-watching binoculars for those who are interested). For this reason, they’re excellent at hiding illness or injury. With that said, there are subtle signs that you can watch for.
For example, you’ll want to bring them to the bird vet if they have puffed-out feathers, abnormal droppings, or a decreased appetite. A sick bird may also sit or lie down at the bottom of the cage.
Seek immediate veterinary attention if there’s trauma, uncontrollable bleeding, difficulty breathing, seizures, or other neurological signs.
And consider bringing them to the vet once a year for a checkup—they’ll be able to ensure that they’re healthy and free of disease.
The Essentials of Proper Bird Care
Proper bird care is important if you want your pet bird to be happy and healthy. Given that, it’s crucial that you do your research beforehand. Remember, they’re lifelong commitments; the last thing that you want is to make an impulsive decision.
Did you find this article helpful? For more guides like this, visit the rest of our pet care section!
