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The Rearing and Caring of a Pet Bird

There are a number of duties and responsibilities that come with the purchase of his/her pet bird and in this document we will try to outline the main points. 

Firstly, the decision leading to the purchase of a pet bird should be a serious one and you must realise that such a bird will rely on you for the rest of his/her life.  Birds or parrots in particular, have a long lifespan - eg. The African Grey can reach an age of up to 60 or more years. Thus, this decision is a commitment for a lifetime. Yours and theirs.

It is very important to establish whether you will be able to take care of your “companion” before you make such a purchase.  The pet would rely on you to feed and water it daily; the cage will need cleaning; you will need to take the bird out of the cage daily to be loved and played with to keep it tame and human friendly.  In short it will need plenty attention. 

WILL YOU BE ABLE TO SUPPLY THE RIGHT FOOD, SEED, WATER, FRUIT/VEGETABLES, CAGE, TOYS AND LOVE FOR THE DURATION OF ITS LIFE?????

Guidelines for a happy, healthy companion.

1    On the first day home after purchase, however tempted, do not overdo the handling.  Allow your bird time to settle and acclimatise to its new environment and surroundings. Children, cats and dogs especially should be kept at a distance for the first 48 hours.

2    Ensure that he/she settles early for the evening in a warm and quiet place.  Find out at what temperature the bird was kept during the night to ensure that the new conditions are not a drastic change.

3    Ensure the cage is placed away from drafts and out of windows.

4    Never smoke directly over the bird. (or in the same room if possible).

5    Furnish your bird with enough toys in the cage for amusement. (Guard against over cluttering the cage. Rather change/rotate toys on a monthly basis). Most birds enjoy branches to chew and this is a healthy pastime. (Some trees are toxic and should be avoided e.g. Apricot Trees! So be sure to check before offering to your bird).

            Ensure that you know whether the bird is fully weaned (eating without human assistance). If so. For how long?  Stress can cause a young bird to slip backward and may require a little supportive hand feeding.  Know exactly what to feed the newcomer and remember hygiene is of paramount importance when preparing hand-feed.

Should you have purchased a young bird in need of hand-fed support?

these are the questions you will need answers to:

FEEDING

REMEMBER: Hand feeding (not force-feeding)

­                     How many times a day.

­                     By what means it is fed (Spoon or syringe)

­                     What feed/supplement is used?( Do not make a sudden change)

Our choice would be either Harrison’s or Avi-Plus Hand Rear Parrot/Parakeet. This is mixed with cooled boiled kettle water to a medium batter type mix. This is fed at a temperature between 37C and 40C. Never microwave heat food.  Ensure that the crop has fully emptied before the feed takes place to avoid your bird developing “sour crop”. 

Weaned Birds/Matured Birds:

Regardless of the species, your bird needs a mixed diet in order to remain healthy and resilient to sickness. Speak to your supplier about one of the complete foods that are available, our choice would be Harrison’s.  These complete foods have been fully tested and contain numerous essential vitamins and supplements not present in a home prepared diet.  In addition seeds, fruit and vegetables should be given daily as well a fresh drinking water.    

Some suggested foods that can be given:

Parrot Pulse Soak (Mixed peas, beans, rice’s etc.) Take a small amount, cover wiith boiling water and allow to soak. Store in the fridge and rinse daily before serving. These are a very important part of your bird’s diet and can be given daily.

­          

Defrosted “Mixed Frozen Vegetables” or sweetcorn (without onion and pineapple).

Little Rice and Potato

Fresh vegetables cut in blocks (not grated) such as beetroot, carrots, sweet potato are very important. 

You can also add green beans, broccoli, peas and pumpkin. 

(This may be given raw or boiled.) Pepper ( Red and Green) Chillies

Fresh fruit such as apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, melon, oranges, lemons and Paw-Paws. 

Paw-Paws contain digestive enzyme and are especially good for young birds.

­      Chicken bones are a very good source of protein and no harm will come should there be a little meat on the bone.

 NEVER give your bird Avocados.  This is very hazardous as it contains indigestible enzymes and can cause death

Sunflower seed may be given with the above-mentioned foods.  This must never make up more that 40% of the bird’s diet.  Peanuts may be given to your bird, but only in small quantities, as your bird may gain too much weight.  It is recommended that for the smaller type of birds such as the African Grey, Indian Ring necks and Conures only 2 - 3 peanuts should be given daily.  Larger birds such as the Macaw’s can have up to 8 peanuts daily. 

Bird Grit should be freely available to the bird, as is assists digestion. Should grit not be available, half a hard boiled egg, complete with shell once a week will make a fair substitute.

NB. 

A daily supply of fresh food and water

Must be given, as old food can be contaminated or sour and become toxic.. 

Supplement Hints

There are a variety of multi vitamins and mineral supplements that can be added to the water, but by feeding with the recommended complete diet this should not be necessary.

Bathing

Another essential is bathing facilities.  A flat bowl with lukewarm water can be placed inside the cage; alternatively many parrots enjoy a spray bottle.  You will soon see what your newcomer’s preference is. To mention again, ensure the cage is place in a draft free position.  Most mature birds can withstand the cold, but drafts can affect their health adversely.  A good rule of thumb would be to compare your bird to a young baby. What is suitable for one will be suitable for the other.

Trimming Wings To do or not to do:

When you purchase your bird, the wings will most likely have already have been trimmed in accordance with the birds body weight and maturity at that time.  Should you wish to continue this practice, will be a personal decision but we do urge you discuss the pros and con’s so you are in the position to make an informed decision. Should you decide to continue the practice, that when your bird needs re-clipping it is carried out by an experienced person who will not over cut. Wing clipping is intended to slow down your bird not disable it. It is important that the bird glides and not crashes to the floor to prevent injury to the flesh covering the breast bone.  This is especially common with African Greys.  The bird’s wing feathers moult progressively and will in time drop and re-grow to full flight capacity. Check the wings from time to time as your bird may take off when you least expect and fly away. Check with your supplier for further guidance.

Sicknesses and Illness Hints

It is important to take notice of any change in the behaviour of your bird.  The smallest change could be the first sign that something is not right.  Such behaviours are listed below:

NB: No responsibility can be taken for misinterpretation of the above information.  It is intended as a guide to persons not familiar with the keeping of tame birds. 

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