If you are considering pet birds, you need to know basic bird care. Although a bird is a small creature, it still requires care and tending. With proper care, a strong bond will develop between you and your unique pet. Then, you will appreciate the exceptional qualities of your feathered friend.

Cage and House Considerations
Where is the best spot for the bird? Natural light, temperature and access to you are priorities. Birds should not be kept in direct sunlight, but natural light helps a bird stay on its built-in sleep pattern. Avoid placing the cage near a window or door, but make sure it gets enough light. Cold drafts aren’t healthy. Since birds require uninterrupted sleep, consider placing the cage in a quiet area.

The cage is an important investment. Practicality is a key word. Your purchase will depend on the size of bird. Check the space between cage bars to make sure you don’t find your pet flying around your home. Find a metal cage with a removable tray for easy cleanup. Food and water bowls should be able to be filled outside the cage. A bowl for a bird bath is a good idea, but keep all bowls away from perches.

Ultimately, the bird should have adequate room to move around the cage. Look for a cage that provides adequate horizontal movement. Even though ornate cages are aesthetically pleasing, they aren’t a sensible purchase. Put a few perches inside the cage, but don’t overdo it. Too many posts make movement difficult.

Feeding Time
Some bird owners prefer to feed a pellet diet; others favor a seed diet. Hard bill birds, such as finches or canaries, eat seed mixes sold at pet stores. These birds also like leafy greens and orange or apple slices. Hookbills include parakeets, lovebirds, and cockatiels. This group of feathered pets devours seed mixes as well as bird fruits and vegetables. Clean water and food bowls daily. Seed eaters shell the seeds and the empty husks need to be disposed.

Place a cuttlebone in the cage. The mineral supplement keeps beaks in shape. Seed eaters also need a small cup of grit, which helps break down food in the bird’s system.

Self-Cleaning Pets
Birds keep themselves clean by bathing in a bird bath. Place a small bowl of water, separate from drinking water, in the cage and watch your bird clean himself. Birds also groom themselves by preening their feathers. Keep the bird’s nails trimmed.

Veterinarian Visits
Birds disguise illness and injury. Signs to watch for include closed or swollen eyes, diarrhea, wheezing or heavy breathing and listlessness during daylight. You should immediately contact the veterinarian if your pet bird exhibits any of these symptoms.

Birds make enjoyable since they are social creatures. Caring for your pet bird is easy when you consider what’s best for the bird: natural light, attention and temperature control.