26 East Baltimore Street
P.O. Box 669
Funkstown, Maryland 21734
301.733.7579


 

Basic Bird Care
 

A Proper Diet	The most important way to keep your parrot healthy. Seeds are not a complete diet.  They are high in fat and low in minerals. A bird could not physically eat enough people food to make it a balance diet. Pelletted diets, containing no artificial dyes, are the Best way to offer your bird a full and balanced diet comprising 70 - 80% of their daily intake.  The remainder of a bird diet should consist of sweet potatoes, carrots or squash and dark green leafy items. Fruits should be of the exotic variety (mangoes, papaya and cantaloupe)  Apples bananas and grapes are not nutritious. Toxic foods consist of alcohol, avocados, caffeine, chocolate, monkey biscuits and foods high in sugar or salt.
A Proper Cage & Cage Accessories	The bigger the cage better.  The longer the cage better.  Birds need room to exercise and stretch their wings. Natural wood, rope and grooming perches of the proper size are essential.  Do NOT use mite protectors or sand paper perches. Use newspaper, butcher paper or paper toweling as bedding.  Corncob, or wood chipping can cause illness. Make sure the cage is in a place where your bird will feel safe and will be able to sleep for 10-12 hours a night. A separate play gym or T-stand is needed so your bird can be taught to come out of its cage and be part of the "flock".
Healthy Air	Birds are more sensitive to poor air quality that we are. Never smoke or allow smoking around your bird.  If you do smoke wash your hands and change your clothes before handling your bird. Avoid air fresheners, candles, incense etc. Teflon pans can release fumes that could kill your bird. A HEPA filter is recommended to keep near your birds cage.
Water (Drinking and Bathing)	Birds need fresh water daily or even several times a day. Dishes (food and water) should be cleaned daily. Birds need showers or baths frequently.  Some birds may be fearful of the shower so introduce it slowly. Birds can be bathed several times a week; even in winter, just make sure to have plenty of time to dry off before bed or being taken outdoors.
Proper Socialization Skills	A bird should learn to step up, step down, stay, and be used to being handled both with a perch and hands.
Signs that Your Bird  is Sick	Birds are very good at hiding signs that they are sick.  Knowing what is normal for your bird is very important. Signs such as being in the bottom of the cage, sitting fluffed up, not talking, not eating, or more obvious signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding are all potential emergencies.
Veterinary Exam	New birds should be examined as soon a possible. All new birds should be quarantined from any existing birds for a minimum of 30-60 days. Blood work is very important.  A CBC (Complete Blood Count), and chemistry should be run every few years. Other tests such as gender identification, fecal analysis, and Clamydophila tests should also be performed. Routine grooming such as nail trims and wing trims are also important.  Beak trims should not be needed.  Contact your veterinarian if your bird's beak is overgrowing, because this could indicate a medical problem.

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