Caring for Your Bird
Bird Care Sheet (pdf)
The Right Cage
Ask your veterinarian as different birds need different cages. Here are some must-haves:
- The cage must be big enough for your bird to stretch his/her wings and fly
- The cage must be made from nontoxic (nonpoisonous) material
- The cage base must be so hard that your bird can’t ruin it by chewing
- Make sure the cage can’t be knocked over or fall
- Put the cage in an area like a family room, so your pet can be around everyone - birds are very social
- Avoid drafts and kitchens. Kitchen fumes like burnt Teflon from a cooking pan can kill a bird.
- Use non-colored newspapers with soy ink, paper towels, or brown paper
- Get both fat and thin perches – like manzanita branches. This helps birds exercise their feet and prevents pressure sores.
- Never use sandpaper perches, they will hurt your pet’s feet.
- Large birds like Amazons or African Grey Birds need a freestanding perch outside the cage.
- Must be attached, so they can’t be tipped over
- Birds like mirrors and other toys. Make sure all toys are made from nontoxic material.
- Clean cage of any droppings
- Change water once or more if needed
- Provide fresh fruits and vegetables, and remove food after a couple hours
- If your bird is hand-tamed, take him/her out to play for at least an hour each day
Breakdown and clean cage with mild soap and make sure you rinse off all the soap.
Ask your veterinarian to recommend a disinfectant cleaner that you can use to clean the cage each month.
Birds, like all pets, should see their veterinarian each year.
What to Feed Your Bird
- Birds need a balanced diet -- with food from all the major food groups
- Birds are one type of pet that benefits from eating many “people foods”
- Birds must have fresh fruit and vegetables daily
- Never feed your bird a “seed-only” diet
- Never feed your bird houseplants, avocado, cherry pits, rhubarb, apple seeds or raw milk products
Poisons and Dangerous Fumes
Many common household items can hurt or even kill your bird. These include:
- Overheated Teflon cookware
- Tobacco smoke
- Lead paints
- Scented candles or incense
- Chemical cleaners
- Aerosol products
- Some houseplants
Trimming Your Bird’s Wings
Have your veterinarian show you how to trim your bird’s wings. If you do it wrong, you could clip a “blood feather” and hurt or even kill your bird.
Finding the Right Veterinarian
- When you get your pet, have your parents or guardian take it to a veterinarian for a check-up. Choose one that specializes in birds, called an avian veterinarian.
- Your pet should see a veterinarian at least once a year and when you think it might be sick
Information about taking care of your bird provided by Dan Jordan, DVM, Animal Avian Hospital of the Village, Houston, Texas.
Note: All content provided on HealthyPet.com, is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.