TRILL : Bird Breeds

Despite their sometimes exotic appearance, most pet birds are actually very hardy creatures and are able to keep themselves in relatively good condition. However, there are some things you can do to help keep your bird happy and healthy.

Providing a good home
The first thing you will need is a home for your feathered friend. A good pet shop should be able to show you a range of cages in different sizes and for various prices. Buy the largest cage that you can afford, remembering that if you have two birds they will need more space than just one. Keep the cage in a cool, well-ventilated environment away from draughts, direct sunlight and, ideally, on a stand about four feet above the floor. Once you have found the perfect spot for your bird, it will be happier if you keep it there. In many ways, birds are creatures of habit and are at their happiest in a consistent and familiar environment.

Settling in
Different birds take dfferent lengths of time to settle into an unfamiliar environment so keep this in mind when you first introduce your bird to its cage. Keep a close eye on it and take note of its eating habits, droppings and general demeanor.At night, it is a good idea to cover the cage with a cloth so that your bird gets a good, restful sleep and is not disturbed while roosting.

Toys
Most birds love having a few simple toys around to keep them stimulated. Your local pet shop should have a good range for you to choose from but remember, birds do like their space, so be careful not to clutter the cage up with too many toys or paraphernalia.

Cleaning routine
Birds are naturally clean animals so you will need to ensure your bird's home is cleaned regularly. You may need to place your bird in a secure, but well ventilated box while you clean the cage. Clean cage feeding pots, perches, drinking bowls and toys in an especially diluted solution of disinfectant once a week. After cleaning, rinse everything in clean water and dry thoroughly before returning the parts to the cage. All of the utensils you use to clean your bird's cage should be disinfected after each cleaning and used only for this purpose. You should also renew the sand sheet or lay new sand on the cage floor daily if possible. Of course, your bird should have fresh water and a fresh seed supply each day as well. Talk to your breeder or supplier about appropriate cleaning solutions.

Bathing
Birds love to look their best and will need little encouragement to bathe, and allowing your bird to bathe is an important part of keeping it happy. All it really needs is daily access to a suitably sized container on the floor of the cage. Be sure to remove it after an hour or so to prevent accumulation of material from the cage floor. Another method of bathing is achieved by large dripping wet leaves (lettuce, spinach, kale) to the side of the cage next to a perch. Most birds will enjoy rolling, climbing and playing with the leaves prior to eating them! You could also float the leaves in the water container once or twice a week to encourage the bird to jump in. Be aware, if you give your bird too much by way of green leaves, you may notice they have some loose droppings. Again, remove the leaves after a few hours to prevent them spoiling. As with anything new, it may take some time for your bird to get used to bathing. Be consistent about making a bath available daily and eventually your bird will realise it is a fun way to pass the time and get clean.

Drying off
Don't be surprised if your bird takes a bath or shower then sits on its perch shivering. This is not unusual for birds and they will quickly return to normal. However, if your bird has accidentally found a large body of water (for example, a full sink) and has been immersed for a few minutes, it's important to dry and warm them as quickly as possible.

Is your bird ill?
If your bird is frequently fluffing up its feathers or has duller eyes than usual it may be ill. Your bird may also sleep longer than usual with its head tucked under a wing or huddled up in a corner. As soon as you notice these signs, consult your vet who will be able to diagnose and treat the problem at an early stage.

Beaks and claws
Overgrown beaks and claws can sometimes cause discomfort and should be kept in check. You should seek expert advice from your vet on how to maintain your bird's beak and claws.

Chewing
Some birds (budgies in particular) often chew their sandsheets or other parts of their cages and may even attack the fixtures and fittings in the room when let out of their cage. While this is a normal and instinctive reaction, it can be destructive to the furnishings in your home. Providing your bird with a harmless chewing object such as a piece of softwood or a twig from a fruit tree may help satisfy your bird's need to chew. Excessive chewing can also be the result of a lack of grit in the diet. Many kinds of birds, include cage and aviary species will instinctively eat particles of grit. Some grit particles dissolve in the stomach and can provide a valuable source of calcium and trace minerals, they are known as soluble grit. Some grits like sand for example, remain as hard particles in the gizzard and are known as insoluble grit. Some studies in poultry suggest that insoluble grit helps birds digest their foods better, but there is no evidence that this is true in pet birds.

Flying free
It is quite safe to let your bird out for a fly around the house from time to time, as long as you use your common sense to keep it safe. Before opening the cage, close the windows and doors, protect open fireplaces (even if there is no fire), cover up any houseplants and, most importantly, put the cat and dog out! It is also a good idea to close the curtains and cover up any clear glass to prevent your bird from flying into windows. If you do let your bird out for a fly around the house, make sure you collect and dispose of any droppings and keep it away from food preparation and eating areas.

Catching your bird
Letting your bird out for a while may be a good idea, but it may be so excited to have an opportunity to explore (and so unused to the feeling), that you may have trouble recapturing it when it is time to settle down! If this happens and you have exhausted your efforts, try this method as a last resort. Darken the room, drawing the curtains if necessary, and locate your bird by the light of a torch. Quietly walk up to your little renegade and use a soft hat or something similar to recapture it. Gently hold your bird, placing one hand around the body and wings, with your thumb and forefinger at each side of its head. In time, most birds will learn to return to their cages on their own.