| Birds are becoming more and more popular as | | | | bird a food item at dinner time is ok as long as |
| pets. There are a variety of bird species and | | | | you make sure that the foods you share aren't |
| sizes to choose from. The smaller birds are the | | | | toxic to birds. The best time for feeding is in the |
| Parakeet, Canary, Finch, Budgies, Lovebird...the | | | | morning and have fruits and vegetables available |
| larger birds are the Cockatiel, African Grey, | | | | during the day. Health and Care: Health should be a |
| Cockatoo, Amazon, Quaker, among others. Birds | | | | primary consideration when choosing a pet bird. |
| are highly intelligent animals. They are extremely | | | | For routine health examinations you should |
| social creatures... fairly inexpensive to feed... | | | | schedule a yearly checkup with a avian |
| relatively easy to care for... and display amazing | | | | veterinarian in order to detect potential problems |
| colors and behavior patterns that are interesting | | | | early. |
| to watch and have even proven to improve | | | | A healthy bird can tolerate temperatures that are |
| peoples health i.e lower blood pressure and stress | | | | comfortable to its owner. A pet bird should never |
| levels. The smaller birds... canaries, budgies, love | | | | be let out of its cage unattended. Some common |
| birds...are ideal for apartment dwellers. Cages: | | | | dangers for birds are ceiling fans, heaters, open |
| Stainless steel or aluminum cages are more fitting | | | | windows and doors, other pets, water filled tubs, |
| for housing bird(s) than are painted cages. Not | | | | sinks, etc. Some do's: Do close the blinds or pull |
| only will they give longer service, but the older | | | | the drapes over the windows if you let the bird |
| painted cages may contain lead based paint which | | | | out of it's cage to keep it from injuring himself |
| is toxic to birds. Cages should be wide enough for | | | | flying into the glass. Do make sure a fireplace |
| the bird to stretch its wings. | | | | screen is covering the fireplace. Do cover |
| Cages should be placed near family activities in | | | | aquariums. Do keep toilet lids down to keep the |
| the home. Lining the bottom of the cage with | | | | bird from falling in. |
| newspapers or paper towels will make for easier | | | | Do keep other pets (cats, dogs) away from the |
| clean up. Food and water bowls should be cleaned | | | | pet bird. Do keep clean water in it's cage. Do clean |
| daily and once a week thorough cleaning of the | | | | food bowl. Do keep the cage clean. Some don't's: |
| cage should be done. Cages should also include | | | | Don't feed the bird certain foods (i.e chocolate, |
| toys, perches, mirrors and chewable items. Diet: | | | | avocado) because they are toxic. Don't leave any |
| Dietary needs among bird species are not all the | | | | doors and windows open in case the bird gets out |
| same. Some have very specific dietary needs and | | | | of his cage. Don't hold a bird tight because their |
| need special diets. Feeding pet birds the right | | | | bones are fragile and can easily be fractured. |
| foods is one of the most important considerations | | | | Don't let a pet bird loose in the kitchen around |
| of its overall care. Balancing a pet birds diet will | | | | boiling water or stove burners. Don't turn on ceiling |
| prevent many health problems later. | | | | fans if the bird is out of its cage. Don't smoke |
| Diet for most seed-eating birds should consist of | | | | around the bird. Don't over heat non-stick-coated |
| pelleted foods, fresh fruits (apples, grapes, | | | | (Teflon) pots or pans for the fumes are toxic to |
| cantaloupe, pineapple, figs, and kiwi) and | | | | birds. Don't let the bird eat toxic plants (daffodils, |
| vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are a good | | | | juniper, azaleas, oleanders,etc). Don't feed the bird |
| source of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, | | | | pits from fruit as in cherries, plums or peaches |
| but shouldn't be left in the cage at room | | | | because these contain cyanide which is toxic to |
| temperature for long periods of time as they can | | | | birds. Pet birds can be purchased from a variety |
| spoil causing bacteria that is harmful to the bird. | | | | of sources,such as pet shops, breeders, private |
| It's important to research what types of foods | | | | dealers, or individuals. |
| are best for your species of bird. Offering the | | | | |