The Beginners Guide to Bird Care
While it’s hard to determine the exact moment humans decided to open their hearts to a feathery friend, it’s thought birds have been a companion for humans for as long as 2,500 years! And it’s no wonder why.
Birds can make one of the most wonderful and rewarding pets for owners who want something a little more unconventional and are willing to put in the work. That’s why we’ve put together this guide for understanding the basics of bird care so you can keep your feathered friend happy and healthy while having a companion for life!
Contents:
- What birds you can keep as pets
- Things to consider before getting a bird
- The basics of how to look after a pet bird
- Enclosure
- Diet
- Healthcare
- Handling
- Enrichment and exercise
What Birds Can You Keep as Pets?
There is a range of birds that are available to keep as pets, many of which have been specifically bred in captivity to be companion animals and would not survive in the wild. These birds come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, and each one has its own unique personality and needs.
Some of the most popular pet birds include:
- Canaries
- Finches
- Parakeets
- Cockatiels
- Lovebirds
- Parrotlets
- Quaker Parrots
- And many more!
What bird you choose may depend on a few things, such as your own personal preference, the space you have available, and how companionable you want your bird to be.
Can You Keep Wild Birds as Pets?
While there are a great many birds that can be kept and make for wonderful pets, some people find themselves drawn to wild species of birds that are found in the UK.
However, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protect wild birds (Including their nests and eggs) in the UK from:
- Being killed, injured or taken from the wild.
- Any nest being intentionally taken, damaged or destroyed while in use or being built.
- Having possession or control of any wild bird, dead or alive, or any part of a wild bird, which has been taken in contravention of the Act or the Protection of Birds Act 1954.
- Using traps to injure or take wild birds
This legislation protects wild birds, and while there are some exceptions, it is illegal to own any wild bird without an appropriate licence, valid reasoning (such as the bird being disabled and unable to survive in the wild), or if you are not giving it adequate care.
There are plenty of birds available as pets that are legal to keep, and you can learn more about the protection of wild birds from charities like the RSPB.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Pet Bird
Birds can make excellent companions who bring a wealth of life, colour and personality into your home, but as they’re considered “Exotic Pets”, there are a few things you need to consider before you choose to get a pet bird.
Birds are not cheap pets, either to buy or to keep.
They need a rich and nutritious diet and a suitable enclosure, some of which can cost upwards of £100, although cheaper ones may be available for certain types.
There are also toys and enrichment to consider, as well as healthcare, as birds should be seen by an avian-specific veterinarian, which not every vet surgery will have available, though they can likely recommend one.
Birds are known for all the noises they can make, from jaunty little songs to bizarre squawks and even some which can talk.
Birds also tend to be early risers, making them living alarm clocks with no snooze button.
You should always consider if you’re prepared for a noisy pet and whether owning one could cause any problems for you, your household, or any neighbours you may have.
Even if you choose a small breed of bird and go for the minimum size requirements for their cage, you still need to have a space in your home where they can be let out to play and spread their wings, so to speak.
Birds kept in their cages full time can easily become depressed as they aren't getting the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
Every bird is different, and much like dogs, their size will play a factor in how long they’ll live.
Birds are known to have a lifespan of anywhere between 4 and 100 years, so you need to consider how long you’re willing to care for a pet bird, and for some species, it can be a lifetime.
Every species of pet has its own specific requirements, and what it takes to care for a dog will be incredibly different from what it takes to care for a bird.
These are things you need to be aware of by researching and understanding their individual needs, from nutrition to play and healthcare.
Are you ready to learn everything you need to keep a pet bird for their whole life?
If you’ve considered these variables and still think that a bird is the right pet for you and are ready to learn what is necessary to care for them, then look no further, as we’re about to review the basics.
The Basics of Bird Care
The fundamental aspects of what any pet needs to live a happy and healthy life are pretty universal, such as appropriate food, exercise, shelter, and healthcare, but birds have a few needs that differ from those of a cat or a rabbit.
Here, we’ll cover the basics of bird care, but we encourage you to do further research before you buy or rescue a bird, as different breeds will have different needs.
Enclosure
Much like any caged pet, the cage you choose for your bird is an essential factor in their everyday health and well-being, from the size of the cage to what it’s made of.
As birds vary in size, so do the available cages, but as a general rule of thumb, your bird’s cage should be big enough to allow unrestricted movement and flight. This doesn’t mean the taller, the better. Rather, the opposite. Birds don’t fly directly up, so they are better off with a wide cage that allows them to fly inside comfortably.
Birds shouldn’t spend all their time inside a cage, but have space to freely either indoors or in a sufficient aviary set up to keep them safe. Here are some of our top tips for finding the right cage for your bird:
- Choose a durable cage (such as stainless steel) with bars close enough together that your bird can't squeeze through.
- Choose a cage at a minimum twice as wide as your bird's wingspan. If you're keeping multiple birds in one cage, you must multiply the size by the number of birds. For example, two birds in one cage should have a width double the wingspan of BOTH birds.
- Choose a cage that's easy to clean, such as those with removable bottom trays.
- Ensure there is enough room in the cage for flight as well as toys, perches, food bowls, etc.
Birds are very sociable, so find a spot in your home to put their cage where they can be a part of the excitement, like a living room or dining room where people spend much of their time during the day.
Avoid any areas with drafts or direct sunlight, as some birds don’t respond well to temperature changes, and don’t put your bird’s cage anywhere that might have a lot of smoke, steam, or dust (such as kitchens or garages) as they have sensitive lungs that can easily become irritated by smoke or strong odours.
Line the bottom of their cage with recycled newspaper bedding or liners designed for bird cages, which must be replaced every other day.
Every bird cage should have, as a bare minimum, the following furnishings:
- Bowls— Birds need separate bowls for their food and water, plus an extra water bowl for bathing. Some pet shops will sell bowls specifically designed for bathing, which are less likely to spill.
- Perching Spots— Every bird loves to perch, so their cage must have a couple of perching spots available at different heights in their cage (and out of it). Perches should be made from natural materials. Wooden perches will often double as chewing posts for your bird, which must be replaced regularly. Perch sizes depend on your bird’s size, and there should be a ¾-inch gap between the bird’s front and rear nails when they’re perched.
- Toys— Birds need a lot of mental stimulation, and their cage should have plenty of toys they can play with to stop them from becoming bored.
Diet
One of the most important parts of caring for any animal is ensuring they are getting adequate nutrition from their food, and understanding their dietary needs is an essential part of caring for a bird.
Finding the right pet bird food will depend on what species of bird you are keeping, as their differences in size and behaviour will affect their nutritional requirements. Clean out any remaining food in your bird’s dish before adding more. When introducing your bird to new foods, do so slowly and not all at once. You should also never starve your bird to try to get them to eat new food, as this can kill your bird in as little as 48 hours.
All birds need a balanced, stimulating, fun diet that mimics what they'd eat in the wild, such as a range of fruits, grasses, seeds and flowers.
Your bird’s diet should consist of:
- Avian pellets— These are specifically formulated to ensure your pet is getting the right nutrients with ease and are especially good for picky eaters as they don’t allow space for them to pick and choose which parts they eat. Pellets are also available in various shapes, sizes, and flavours to help you find the perfect fit for your bird.
- Seeds— While bird seed is widely available, vets have suggested it’s too high in fat to be the main focus of your bird's diet. Nuts and seeds make a perfect treat or additive to your bird’s diet to keep things interesting!
- Fresh fruits and vegetables— Adding these to your bird's food ensures they’re getting a healthy and balanced diet. Some of the recommended fruits and veggies for birds are carrots, kale, apples, and bananas. However, some fruits and vegetables can be toxic to birds, so always check before feeding them something new.
- Vitamins and Minerals— What vitamins and minerals your bird needs will depend on their species, as each type has unique requirements. Several pet bird supplements are available to help provide these vital nutrients, and if you’re unsure what your bird needs, consult your vet for recommendations.
Various foods that you may assume are safe for pet birds are actually incredibly toxic, leading to poisoning symptoms or even death. Some of the foods you should never feed your pet bird include, but are not limited to:
- Toxic fruits and vegetables: including avocado, onion, garlic, scallions, and more.
- Fruit with seeds or pits, including apricots and cherries. If you remove the seeds, these fruits are okay to feed your bird, as the pit or seed contains a cardiac-toxic cyanide compound that is toxic to birds.
- Caffeine, as it can increase heart rate, induce arrhythmias and hyperactivity, and even cause cardiac arrest in birds.
- Chocolate, which contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to birds and can cause tremors, seizures, and even death for birds.
- Salt can disrupt the electrolyte and fluid balance in your bird, leading to excessive thirst, dehydration, kidney failure, and death.
- Fatty foods are not recommended for birds, as some are prone to developing high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can lead to coronary artery disease. A little fat is allowed, but only as a treat and relative to size.
- Human foods, particularly those with a lot of fat, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives, aren't designed for birds’ bodies to digest, which can result in dire consequences.
It’s always nice to offer our pets a tasty treat now and then, but always research what foods are toxic to birds before feeding them anything other than bird-specific food or treats.
Healthcare
Birds can become sick like any other animal without the proper care, sometimes despite it. This is why it’s essential to know how to best care for your bird to keep them at optimum health throughout their lives.
Some of the most common illnesses pet birds are prone to are:
- Proventricular Dilatation Disease (also called Parrot Wasting Syndrome) is commonly caused by stress and includes symptoms like weight loss, vomiting and a swollen crop.
- Psittacosis (also called Parrot Fever) is a highly contagious disease that occurs among pet birds, symptoms of which include lethargy, eye infections or laboured breathing.
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease can affect all species of parrot and is a particular threat to young birds or those already struggling with another condition. The symptoms of this include loss of feathers, poor plumage and abnormal beak growth.
- Polyomavirus is a viral infection that may also cause poor or abnormal feather growth and can even cause problems with wing feathers or tail feather development. Common symptoms of Polyomavirus include poor appetite and diarrhoea.
- Candidiasis (also referred to as Thrush) which is caused by a yeast infection, and the most common symptoms are white lesions in the bird’s mouth or throat as well as vomiting and loss of appetite.
- Giardiasis often causes diarrhoea and vomiting as well as dry itchy skin that may cause your bird to pluck at their feathers.
- Goiters are commonly caused by an iodine deficiency in birds. Symptoms include an enlarged thyroid (the space at the base of your bird’s neck), difficulty or refusal to eat, and a change in your bird's voice.
Some of these diseases are easily preventable with proper care, but if your bird shows any changes in behaviour, it should be taken seriously and followed up with a visit to a specialised avian vet as soon as possible.
Much like caring for a cat or dog’s skin and fur, as a bird owner, you need to maintain the condition of your pet bird’s plumage to maintain their well-being. Birds' feathers protect their skin and enable them to fly.
If your bird’s plumage is healthy, their feathers will be soft, smooth, full, vivid, and clean, often achieved through proper nutrition and hygiene practices.
If any of these things aren’t up to standard, you may need to intervene through pet bird plumage treatments and supplements, or even visit your vet if your bird isn’t taking care of their plumage by themselves, as this may be a sign of an underlying condition.
Like any other animal, pet birds are prone to parasite infestations, particularly from bird mites, intestinal worms and aviary lice.
Many of these parasites can be prevented and treated with an appropriate bird mite and parasite treatment.
Handling a Pet Bird
Birds are naturally social creatures, something that makes them such a lovely addition to your family. While some birds love to be handled, others may prefer a more hands-off approach and may become stressed if you try to do so.
When handling your bird, it is essential to set an acceptable routine for you and your bird. If your bird only likes being handled for short periods or on their terms, don’t push for more. If you don’t have the time to handle your bird for a long time every day, try setting smaller intervals for handling so as not to confuse your bird.
Here are some tips on the best way to handle a pet bird:
- Be gentle— birds, no matter their species, are delicate creatures and need to be handled as such. Holding your bird too tightly, especially smaller birds, can cause damage to their bones and internal organs, which may even result in death.
- Do not grab your bird— Not only can this stress out or injure your bird, but it is not a pleasant way to be held, no matter what animal you are. Teaching your bird a simple “Step Up” command, where they can step from their enclosure to your finger or wrist, is a better and much safer way to keep you and your bird free of injury.
- Do not grab them by the wings, legs or tail— these parts of your bird are remarkably delicate and can easily be damaged by improper handling.
- Use a towel to wrap your bird if you need to restrain them for any reason, such as nail clipping or administering medicine, but only briefly. Towelling your bird should only be used when absolutely necessary, and doing so for too long can cause your bird a lot of stress and overheating.
Sadly, for any pirate enthusiasts out there, birds should not be allowed to perch on your shoulder because:
- Birds’ claws can be very sharp, so having them close to your face and neck is not advised.
- Jewellery and any dangling, shiny things can also be irresistible to birds who won’t understand they’re not a toy.
- Birds keep their beaks clean by wiping them on things like wood, which can leave them rather sharp (a lot like fingernails) and pack a nasty nip, no matter their size.
Should your bird bite or scratch you (intentionally or otherwise), you will likely react by flinching or trying to shake them off as an instinct. This can cause injury to your bird, so it’s best to keep them perched on your finger or wrist to avoid injury.
Enrichment and Exercise
As with any animal, regular exercise is important for birds to maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass. Besides, birds were built to fly, and they love to do so! When keeping a pet bird, always make sure you allow tie every day for them to be out of their cage for free flight in a safe environment, either indoors or in a bird aviary, so they can “spread their wings”.
Birds are also very intelligent animals who can quickly become stressed if they’re cooped up all the time. By providing enrichment through toys, games and even tricks, you can ensure that your bird stays active in both body and mind, helping them stay happy and healthy.
Some great enrichment exercises for your bird include:
- Toys that offer or stimulate movement, such as ladders, vines, rings and bungees, both in their cage and out of it.
- Foraging stations or toys in your bird’s cage at varying heights to encourage them to move around and display natural behaviours.
- Gently lift your bird up and down when they're perched securely on your finger or wrist to encourage them to flap their wings. Your bird will flap to maintain their balance, and this is a great way to encourage them to use their wings, especially if your bird is particularly lazy.
- Play games with your bird, like chase (with them as the chaser), hide and seek, and teach them tricks like step up, fetch, repeat and even dance! (Yes, birds can dance, and it’s both adorable and hilarious)
There’s no question that birds can make amazing pets for those who are ready and willing to put in the time to care for them properly. Not only are they beautiful creatures, but they are also whimsical, and each bird has a unique personality, making them extraordinary and rewarding pets.
If you're looking for a suitable balanced bird food, parasite treatments or supplements for your bird, you can shop our complete range of bird care products below. Or please get in touch with us, and a member of our team will be happy to help you and your feathered friend.
This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. You should discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle thoroughly with your vet before starting any program or treatment.
