We’re often looking for companionship that comes in all shapes and forms, and if you’re not really sure which direction to go, it’s time for you to consider a feathered friend. Birds can make amazing pets. Just like cats and dogs, they are social creatures as well and when provided with proper training and conditioning, they can be just as loving as cats and dogs. However, unlike cats and dogs, they don’t need much space and can turn out to be less expensive. They won’t rip your couch to shreds if left alone, nor do they require specially formulated expensive meals. You don’t even have to worry about taking them out for a walk.
Having a bird as a pet does not require much work. However, you will have to understand how they need to be taken care of. While they may not have too many requirements to be kept as a pet, there are a few things you will have to cater to. Here are a few things you must keep in mind to keep your bird happy and healthy.
Choose The Right Cage
Providing your bird with the right cage is step one. Ideally, the larger the cage the better. They need to walk around and spread their wings, and this is why you should try and opt for the largest cage that you can comfortably fit in your house. However, it should be at least greater than twice their wingspan. The shape of the cage is also important. When we first think of cages, a circular or oval-shaped cage comes to mind. However, round cages are not good and the ideal shape of a birdcage is rectangular. This is because, in a circular-shaped cage, they do not have any corners to feel secure. Furthermore, to look around, they need to twist their necks, which can lead to problems.
Only choosing the right type of cage is not enough, it also has to be placed properly. These cages should be ideally placed in an area with no draft of air and should be placed away from the kitchen to protect them from any kind of fumes. In addition, while the area in which the cage is placed must be well lit, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The cage should also have some horizontal bars, wings, and ladders for certain species like parrots to perch on. Climbing these ladders can also help them get some exercise.
Bird Bath
Our feathered friends like to maintain their hygiene and keep themselves clean. It is important that you also keep the cage clean. Although they keep themselves clean, providing a birdbath in the cage would be a great addition. A birdbath can be easily made at home as well. All that is needed is a utensil with a depth of roughly 1 cm that is filled with water.
Providing It With A Healthy Diet
Birds tend to have small appetites, however, it is important to provide them with all the necessary nutrients. They consume a very small amount of food every day and most of it is plant-based food. While the requirements vary from one species to another, most of the fruits like banana, grapes, pears, plum, cherries, papaya, strawberries, oranges, mangoes, and apples make for a safe and good choice. In addition to fruits, vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and cucumbers also make for good supplements. While certain things are good for them, a lot of things that we consume on a daily basis are toxic for them and must be avoided at all costs, like chocolate, coffee, wine, and avocados.
In general, food containing 75 percent pellets and 25 percent of regular food is a good option. The folks over at https://feedsandseeds.com/products/millet-spray suggest using millet spray for birds, as they are high in protein and energy, and low in fat. This also makes it extremely suitable for the mating season. However, this can vary from one species to the next, and the best way to ensure that your pet gets the right diet is to consult an avian vet. They also require calcium, for which calcium blocks prove useful.
Use A Feeder
A feeder offers numerous advantages. To begin with, they provide the bird with an uninterrupted source of food. A feeder also lets them feed themselves as and when they require. A lot of these feeders are interactive in nature in which the bird needs to solve a puzzle to be able to access the food. This keeps them mentally stimulated. There are other ways in which you could also make their feeding time interesting. You could do this by letting your pet eat off your hand or talking to them while feeding them.
Get It Some Toys
Birds are usually playful and love playing with toys. It helps them get rid of boredom while keeping them active. However, when you set out to purchase a toy, you should make sure that it is safe for them to play with. The toys that you select should be designed in a way that ensures the beak or the claws cannot get stuck. You shouldn’t give your new friend just one toy to play with, it is important to keep mixing it up.
Make Regular Visits To The Vet
Making regular visits to a veterinary doctor can help identify any medical issues and nip them in the bud. While such regular visits to the veterinary doctor can be quite expensive, they tend to pay for themselves in the long run.
Birds make for great pets and do not require a lot of effort to look after. They are, in fact, quite self-reliant and are able to bathe themselves and even feed themselves if provided with a feeder. One thing that you need to ensure is that they receive sufficient exercise. Letting your feathered friend out for short flights or simply providing it a ladder to climb up and down on can help meet their exercise requirements. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your pet remains healthy and happy.
