Helpful Tips!

 Where should I place my birds cage?

Keep the cage away from direct sunlight or drafts, not too close to heaters or in the direct stream of air conditioners. Keep birds in an area where they see and interact safely with their human family. Supervise birds outside of cages at all times. Keep away from other pets, even friendly ones. Bacteria in the mouth of other pets can cause a potential life-threatening infection in your bird. Ceiling fans can also harm a bird that is free flying.

What type of environment should I keep my bird in?

Birds can succumb to drafts very quickly and fluctuations in temperatures can be detrimental to a birds health. Room temperature should remain between 68- 72 degrees. Birds also require at least 10 hours of dark and undisturbed sleep each night. You may wish to cover birds lightly to ensure proper rest..

What household products may harm my bird?

teflon and other non-stick cookware, glue guns, space heaters, pine scented items, self-cleaning ovens, waffle makers, indoor grills, etc are all potential hazards. The substance released when heated and my result in death very quickly.

Is it okay to have air fresheners or candles around my bird?

Febreze, plug-in air fresheners, floor varnish, paints, some scented candles, and aerosol spray products contain vapors that can cause harm or even death to a bird. When cleaning, dilute properly and ventilate the area or remove the bird from the room until finishes. Secondhand smoke from tobacco and marijuana products can cause eye and lung irritation and more serious infections in birds.

What type of food should I give my birds?

It is important to feed your birds a well balanced diet to avoid the chances or potential health ailments which occur due to a poor diet. For larger birds it is important to feed a diet consisting of fruits and nuts with very little seed as seeds are extremely fatty and result in many health complications. For smaller birds a seed based diet is recommended but should contain a variety of different seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid feeding your birds any seed mixes which contain preservative or pesticides as this can cause many adverse health issues. Offer your birds fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your bird happy and health always remembering to take the food out after an hour or two.

What foods should I avoid?

Avocado is toxic and can kill birds quickly. Other unsafe foods include onion, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, salt, sugar alcohol, uncooked beans, uncooked pasta, uncooked rice, iceberg lettuce, and pits from fruits such as apples, pears, etc. which contain toxins.

How should I clean my birds cage?

Cage bottoms can be lined with plain newspaper or butcher paper which should be changed daily to avoid contamination from droppings and foods. Cages should be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed once a week. Toys should be washed removing debris and left to air dry. Hot water and antibacterial soap are sufficient. Thoroughly rinse for birds's safety. Removing birds from cages during deep cleaning is advised and clean water and food cups daily.

Is it necessary to give my bird toys?

Birds require a variety of toys to keep their minds stimulated and active. Toys should be monitored for frayed ropes, damaged or broken chains, or chains and strings that become too long. Birds can be come entangled and this may pose a potential life-threatening situations, especially when birds are left alone. Toys that are contaminated with bird droppings should be discarded and replaced. Offer your bird wooden toys to encourage chewing and foraging type toys for natural mental stimulation and boredom prevention.

Why is grooming important?

Birds need to have their nails trimmed to avoid becoming entangled in toys or fabrics. Clipping birds' wings will avoid escape, injury or even death. It will also keep birds more tame and easier to handle. Clipping should be scheduled every two to three months, or when birds' nails and wings become overgrown. Occasionally their beaks need o be trimmed back to avoid overgrowth which can result in their inability to eat.

How can I tell if my bird is sick?

Birds are masters at hiding signs of illness and often don't show that they are sick until they are too weak to conceal it. Some signs to look out for include loose or unusual droppings, sleeping too much, discharge from nose, eyes, or vent, tail bobbing, puffed feathers, reduced appetite, painting or open-mouth breathing, weight loss, sitting at the bottom of the cage, and reduced vocalization or talking. If you think your bird may be sick contact your local avian vet.

Is it okay for me to feed my birds only sunflower seeds?

Sunflower seed, safflower seed, and peanuts should never be feed as a birds sole diet. These seeds are extremely high in fats and completely devoid of essential nutrients. Feeding birds of a diet of only these seeds will result in health complications which can result in death.

Is a dowel perch the only perch needed in my birds cage?

Birds should be offered a variety of natural perches in their cage to ensure proper exercise of their feet. When dowel perches are the only perches available it can lead to early arthritis. Birds should be able to stretch their feet around different sized perches in order to maintain proper foot health.