Animal-World > Birds > Quick Bird Care Tips

     Birds can make wonderful pets! Prior to becoming a bird owner, however, you should have a basic understanding of how to take care of a bird!

     There are many different types of birds that make great pets. They come in many gorgeous colors and have great personalities. Birds are quite hardy and many can live a very long time. Bring a pet bird into your home and you will have a loving, social companion that can talk up a storm, or fill your home with a beautiful song. Bird's simply make great pets!

     In spite of their attractive appearance and good nature, learning how to take care of a bird does take a little bit of work and some common sense. Bird care can be a trickier business than caring for larger, domestic pets like dogs and cats. If you're thinking about getting a pet bird, we have several tips that are essential for its health and well-being.

     These are a few essential things about keeping birds as pets. However this quick basic care for pet birds is just a starting point.

     To learn a lot more about keeping pet birds and caring for all types of birds from Parrots, to Finches and Canaries, to even Doves and Mynah Birds, see the Guide to a Happy Healthy Bird: Basic Bird Care For All Types of Birds.

See Bird Houses: Cages and Aviaries for more about housing your bird

Choosing A Pet Bird

     When you are ready to get your first pet bird, you'll want to explore different types of birds. Choosing a pet bird is a composite of many factors. Learn about the different types of pet birds first, and then you will be able to determine which ones will fit into your household and lifestyle.

• As a starting point for choosing a pet bird, see:
  Bird Information: About the Types of Birds
  
  
• For in depth information on particular 'family' groups or types of birds, see:
• Bird Care Sheets: 'Family' Groups
  
  
• Once you've picked the right bird for you, you'll need to find and purchase it, see:
  Bird Information: Finding birds for sale - How to buy pet birds
  

     After choosing a pet bird, learn all you can about the type of bird you are getting. Equipped with knowledge and understanding, you will have a better idea of what to expect. You'll then be able to provide your bird with the best care it needs. Learning how best to take care of your pet bird will ensure a long, happy life for your pet and tons of enjoyment for you.

Bird Environment      Birds need a good environment that provide a place to rest as well as places to play and exercise. Primary bird houses can be bird cages or an aviary.

• Where to Keep Your Bird:
  
  • You don't want to place your bird in the kitchen or in a room that is too near to the kitchen. Birds are highly susceptible to airborne fumes and toxins. A small amount of smoke or the vapors from teflon cookware could kill your bird.
  • Your bird's cage should be placed in a draft free area. They need an area that is well lit, but not in direct sunlight.
  • Place your bird's cage so that it is at eye-level or lower for good social interaction. You don't want your bird above your head because for them, being up higher means they are dominant.

Bird Seed and Nutrition      Birds need good nutrition, a diet that is designed for them and has the necessary components for a balance diet.

• Provide Good Bird Nutrition:
  
  • A healthy diet can include a wide variety of grains, bird seed, fruits and green vegetables.
  • Provide plenty of daily water.
  • Use additional supplements to add minerals and proteins to their diet.
  • Be careful not to feed things that can be toxic or bad for them, such as avocado, chocolate, or caffeine.

Your Bird's Health      Recognizing signs that your bird is healthy or sick will help you know when a veterinarian might be needed and could save your bird's life.

• Signs Your Bird Is Healthy:
  
  • Vocalizes frequently; singing, chirping, or talking
  • Energetic Good appetite
  • Sleeps with it's head turned 180 degrees
  • Sleeps standing on one leg
    
    
• Signs Your Bird Might Be Sick:
  
  • Less energetic
  • Does not vocalize often
  • Shows loss of appetite
  • Stands on both legs to sleep
  • Falls off perch
  • Sneezes

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