TAKING CARE OF BIRDS—ASSISTING THOSE WITH AVIAN PETS

 

Basics: Properly caring for a bird is a little more involved than a new owner might expect, especially when it comes to socialization. The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) says it’s a good idea to keep the bird cage in an area where a lot of family activities take place and make human interaction a regular part of your bird’s routine.

Be sure to purchase a supply of toys, perches, and some sort of cage liner paper. Birds also need access to water for bathing. Some simply take care of it themselves when granted access to a bath, but you may need to provide regular misting to encourage self-cleaning.

Spend some time thinking about your home environment and your bird’s needs when determining whether you should clip their wings. A house with lots of windows and ceiling fans likely isn’t safe enough for your pet to fly freely. On the other hand, some birds may need more exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Feeding birds is generally pretty easy since they’re natural grazers, but a healthy diet is much more than nuts and seeds. You’re better off going for a diet based on vegetables and specialized pellets.

Veterinary care: You’ll want to research veterinarians well in advance, because your winged pet may need care from a specialist. Take a new bird in for a visit as soon as you can to make sure everything is in order, then maintain annual visits.

Birds are often very good at hiding injuries and illnesses, so it’s important to pay close attention to any behavioral or physical changes. When in doubt, schedule an appointment.