From colorful plumage to affectionate personalities, birds make the idea of owning them as pets exciting.
Caring for birds is not as easy as it seems. As a first-time pet bird owner, you must know that each bird species comes with a unique personality. Some are very social and want attention, others enjoy being cuddled, while others make good companions.
Pet birds need diligent care in terms of:
- Husbandry
- Hygiene
- Health
- Diet
The above category of pet bird care determines the health of your bird. Overlooking any of these aspects can make your bird sick. We know meeting these requirements is overwhelming. However, with the right knowledge and guidance, you can do it.
To help get you started, we’ve compiled a detailed guide for first-time pet bird parents. This guide applies to all pet bird species like budgies (parakeets), African Greys, Macaws, Conures, Lovebirds, Cockatiels, and Ringnecks. With all the details required for excellent bird parenting, the guide will make your journey easier.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Pet Bird
Birds are among the most kept pets in the world. In the United States of America, more than 9.9 million households own pet birds. However, what must you know before joining these families?
Like other pets, birds have unique needs that must be fulfilled. It’s essential to know these needs. Knowing these needs will help you determine if you’re ready to own your first feathery friend.
Are You Ready to Commit?
One indisputable fact you must know is that birds are messy. Apart from food dropping in their cages, birds enjoy tossing their food out. They also like to bathe in their water bowls, which means you’ll be constantly cleaning. Are you ready for this?
Pet birds need attention from their parents. They love being played with and talked to. If you’re not ready to give your time, a bird might not be the right pet for you.
Do You Have Allergies?
If you’re allergic to birds, then owning one is not a good idea. Even if you don’t have allergies, some people are still sensitive to the dander and feathers of birds. These can cause sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Check with your family members to ensure that none is allergic to birds. The aim is to ensure a cohesive relationship between your new bird and the family.
Do You Have Other Pets?
If you have other pets at home, it’s essential to introduce them first before bringing your new feathered friend home. Not all animals get along with each other. Some birds are also territorial, which means they might not take kindly to other animals in their space.
Cats and dogs are the common pets in most homes. If you have one, you must introduce your new bird slowly and carefully. Let them sniff each other through the cage bars before allowing them to interact.
Do You Have Young Children?
Birds are delicate creatures that need to be handled with care. If you have small children at home, it might not be a good idea to get a pet bird.
Young children don’t know how to handle birds lovingly. They might end up squeezing them too hard or dropping them.
It would help if you waited until your children are old enough to understand how to take care of a pet. Around six years is an ideal age to start teaching children how to take care of birds.
Do You Have the Right Housing?
Birds need a comfortable place to stay. Their housing should be spacious enough for them to move around and spread their wings. It should also be safe, so your feathered friend doesn’t escape.
The housing you provide should also have:
- Perches of different sizes
- Climbing toys
- Swings
Birds need to exercise their muscles, so they don’t get weak. Providing them with the right housing will ensure they stay healthy and happy.
Cost of Keeping a Pet Bird
The cost of keeping a bird depends on the species and your location.
Apart from the bird’s purchase price, you have to cater to other necessities. These include food, bird cage, bird toys, food and water bowls, and bird vet visits.
The upfront cost of buying a bird can range from $30 to $2,000. The average price is around $500. However, you must be prepared to spend more if you’re getting a rarer bird species like Hyacinth Macaw.
On average, you’ll need to spend about $100 per month on your pet bird.
The table below breaks down the initial costs of owning a pet bird.
Service/Product | Cost |
Water bowls/Food | $8-$30 |
Birdcage | $60-$1,000 |
Two perches | $12-$30 |
Toys | $20-$100 |
One ladder | $8-$18 |
Swing | $10-$40 |
Play stand | $30-$200 |
Nest | $4-$12 |
Birdbath | $8 |
Styptic powder | $7 |
Nail clipper | $8-$12 |
Cleaning supplies | $30 |
Wing scissors | $8 |
Sack of bird food | $9-$20 |
Travel carrier | $25-$80 |
Avian vet exam | $50-$200 |
Total Initial Cost | $300-$1,800 |
Initial Cost of Owning a Pet Bird
The one-off price of owning a bird depends on its species, where you’re getting it from, and your location. You can get a bird for free either as a gift or adoption from a relative or friend who can’t take good care of it.
The following are the common ways to get a pet bird and their approximate prices:
- Adoption: $30-500
- Breeder: $20-5,000
To a large extent, bird species determines how much you’ll pay.
The table below shows some common pet bird species and their prices.
Bird Species | Cost |
Budgies | $15-$40 |
Finches | $15-$100 |
Cockatiels | $50-$150 |
Conures | $150-$500+ |
African Grey Parrots | $500-$2,000+ |
Macaws | $500-$5,000+ |
How to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet Bird
Before bringing your feathered friend home, you’ll need to do some preparations to ensure their comfort. These include:
Bird-Proofing Your Home
Birds have sensitive respiratory systems. Aromas from scented candles, air fresheners, and cleaning products can be harmful to them.
To make your home safe for birds, you need to:
- Get rid of scented candles, air fresheners, and cleaning products
- Open the windows to let in fresh air
- Change your sheets and towels regularly
- Wash your hands after using perfumes or scented lotions before handling a bird
Birds are known chewers, they can chew anything that comes close to their curious beaks. For their safety, keep anything that can harm them away. Make sure your bird can’t access electrical cords because they might get electrocuted.
Plants like ivy, lilies, jasmine, parsley, honeysuckle, and daffodils are poisonous to birds. So, it would help if you removed them from your home or keep them out of reach.
You should also bird-proof your windows by:
- Closing the blinds or curtains
- Putting bars on the windows
- Installing window screens
Finding the Right Spot for Your Bird’s Enclosure
When choosing the right spot for your bird’s enclosure, take into account the fact that they are affected by different aromas. Find a quiet spot that can be dark during bedtime.
It’s best to have your bird’s cage or aviary beside a window so he can enjoy sunlight and see what’s happening outside. But, make sure the windows are bird-proofed to avoid any accidents.
The cage should be placed near at least one wall. This ensures that the bird does not feel surrounded and will have a place to retreat. However, it should not be close to an entryway where cold air may seep in as people make their way in.
The placement of your bird’s cage is also essential for their safety. Avoid putting it in high traffic areas where there are a lot of people coming and going. It would help if you also kept the cage away from direct sunlight, drafts, or heaters to avoid heatstroke.
The Essentials You Need for a New Pet Bird
Before bringing your bird home, make sure you have everything they need. These include:
- Essential bird pellets like Harrison’s Bird Foods, Zupreem Natural pellets, or Kaytee Exact
- A water bottle or bowl
- Bird toys like bells, mirrors, and ladders
- Cage or aviary
- Bird perches
- Grit or sand for bathing
- Cuttlebone or mineral block
- Millet to keep their beaks occupied
- Fresh fruits and veggies
Bird Cage Considerations
Your new friend will be spending most of the time in their cage, so it’s essential to get one that is comfortable and spacious enough. Consider the following when selecting a cage for your bird:
- Size: The size of the cage will depend on the bird species. For example, a parakeet will need a minimum of 24″ x 18″ x 18″, while an African grey needs at least 36″ x 24″ x 24″. The bird needs to be able to flap her wings, climb, and move within the cage without breaking her feathers, or dragging her tail. The cage should also be wide enough to keep her toys
- Bar spacing: The bars should be closer for small birds to avoid poking their heads through as they can get stuck.
- Construction: The cage should be made of sturdy materials like powder-coated steel, stainless steel, or wrought iron. Avoid plastic or wood as they are easy to chew and can be harmful to birds.
- The cage should have a perch: This is essential for your bird’s feet as it allows them to grip and exercise their muscles. The diameter of the perch should be appropriate for the bird’s foot size.
- Mental-stimulating toys: Birds get bored when left alone. The cage should have mental-stimulating toys like puzzles, swings, hanging toys, and foraging. These are meant to entertain the bird.
- Food and water bowls: Although cages come with food and water bowls, you can add extras for bird pellets, fresh veggies, and seeds.
- Birdbath: Most birds like bathing to keep themselves clean. Ensure the cage has a large but shallow bowl of water so the bird can sit, stand, and splash the water at will.
Selecting the Right Vet for Your Bird
Who should you contact when your bird has an emergency?
The most important thing to do when you get a new pet bird is to find an avian veterinarian. It’s best to have one on speed dial in case your feathered friend gets sick or injured.
Your regular vet might not be able to help because they’re not familiar with the unique anatomy and physiology of birds. So, it’s essential to find an avian vet that’s close to your location.
When looking for an avian vet, you can:
- Ask your bird breeder or pet store employees for recommendations
- Search online directories like the Association of Avian Veterinarians
- Get referrals from friends or family who have pet birds
Selecting the Right Bird Species for Your Home
There are at least 206 types of house birds. However, not all these birds are good for petting. You need a pet bird that meets your requirements in terms of:
- Size
- Noise levels
- Personality
- Lifespan
- Color
Based on the above considerations, the following are the common bird species to consider:
African Grey Parrot
This is the most intelligent parrot on earth. It can mimic human speech and has been known to live on average 60 years with some going up to 80 years. Therefore, they may outlive their human owners and this explains why they may undergo several traumatic rehoming.
African greys are also one of the most expensive parrots, costing around $1500. They may not be good for first-time bird owners as they require a lot of attention.
The subspecies of African Grey are the Congo and the Timneh. The congo has a black beak and a larger body while the Timneh has dark grey feathers, a smaller body, and maroon tail feathers.
African Grey Parrots bond strongly with their owners which makes them affectionate companions. Therefore, if you want a pet bird that will provide you with companionship, this is the best species to get.
The Amazons
This is a family of parrots that includes the double yellow-headed Amazon, the blue-fronted Amazon, the white-fronted Amazon, and the lilac-crowned Amazon.
Amazons are highly intelligent birds known for their talking and singing. They are also very social birds that love to interact with their human companions. However, they can be quite loud and destructive.
Amazons are generally medium-sized parrots with long tails. The double yellow-headed Amazon is the largest of the Amazons, while the lilac-crowned Amazon is the smallest.
These birds require a great deal of attention without which they may become depressed. They also need a lot of space to fly and play.
The prices of Amazon parrots range from $1,000 to $3,000.
The Cockatiel
This is the most popular pet bird in America. It is a small parrot that originates from Australia.
Cockatiels are very affectionate birds that enjoy human companionship. They are also relatively easy to care for and don’t require as much attention as other parrots.
Cockatiels are available in a wide range of colors including white, gray, yellow, and orange. The most common color is gray.
These birds are very social creatures that love playing and interacting with their human companions. They are also relatively easy to train and can learn to mimic human speech.
Just ensure you have a larger cage if you’re planning to keep a Cockatiel.
The price of a cockatiel ranges from $30 to $250.
Budgerigar
The budgerigar, also known as the budgie or Parakeet is a small parakeet that originates from Australia. It is one of the most popular pet birds in the world due to its small size and low cost.
Budgies are long-tailed parrots that feature colorful green and yellow colors with scalloped markings on their wings.
You can train your Parakeet to talk and perform some tricks like flying to your shoulder. They are social birds that enjoy human companionship.
Budgies are low-cost pet birds. As a first-time budgie owner, you’ll be charged between $10 and $35 to own one.
Canaries
The Canaries are small songbirds that originate from the Canary Islands. They were brought to Europe in the 16th century by Spanish sailors and have been kept as pets ever since.
These birds are gifted with vocal talent and can learn to sing a wide range of songs. However, they don’t like being handled much. Therefore, they’re excellent if you want a bird that is not fond of petting.
The good thing is that these birds come in various colors like yellow, bright orange, brown, and green. You choose one based on your favorite color.
The average cost of the Canaries is between $25 and $150.
Finches
Finches are small, seed-eating birds that come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
They’re lively birds with large beaks, flat heads, and wings spanning around three inches. The most common type of Finch is the Zebra Finch.
Finches are social creatures that enjoy being in the company of their flockmates. They also love to bathe and will often take a dip in their water bowl.
Female Finches are usually grey or brown. Their male counterparts are more colorful to attract mates.
You can keep finches in a small cage as they don’t require much space. The average cost of these birds ranges between $20 to $100.
Lovebirds
Lovebirds are small parrots that are native to Africa. They get their name from their strong pair bonding and mate for life. Lovebirds range in size from 5 inches to slightly above 6½ inches.
These birds have short, blunt-tail feathers. Their plumage is usually green, but some species can have a mix of yellow, blue, and white colors.
Handling Lovebirds is tricky as they can become aggressive. They are also very active birds that need a lot of space to fly and play.
The average cost of a Lovebird is between $25 to $150 with some species costing up to $1,500.
Monk Parakeets/Quaker
These are small birds with bright-green feathers. They have a greyish breast and greenish-yellow abdomen.
Their angelic vocalizations make them a popular choice as pet birds. Some Quakers can talk while others are into whistling.
If handled with care and respect, Monk Parakeets are affectionate, loving, and make great pets.
The average cost of this bird species is $300-1,000.
Hyacinth Macaws
These parrots are referred to as gentle giants because they are larger and friendly.
The Hyacinth Macaw is the largest macaw and one of the largest flying birds in the world with a wingspan of up to four feet.
These birds are mostly blue with a touch of yellow around their eyes. They have a long tail and powerful beaks that can crack hard nuts.
Hyacinth Macaws have a cheerful and bubbly personalities that’ll surely make up for a bad day. They love playing and cuddling with their owners.
If you want to keep one, be sure to get a large cage because they’re large birds. A single Hyacinth Macaw will cost you between $5,000 to $12,000.
Pionus Parrots
These are lovable parrots because they’re quiet, easy-going, easy to handle, affectionate, and have a clown-like personalities.
Pionus Parrots are small to medium-sized birds that come in various colors like blue, green, grey, or bronze.
Most people underrate the Pionus Parrots because they’re not as flashy as the other parrots. But if you want a low-maintenance pet bird, this species is perfect for you.
The average cost of a Pionus Parrot is between $200-900.
Parrotlets
These are tiny birds that measure up to 5 inches.
Parrotlets make ideal companions because of their affectionate and loving nature. They are also very active and playful.
Some popular Parrotlet species include the Pacific Parrotlet, Green-Rumped Parrotlet, and the Yellow-fronted Parrotlet.
Parrotlets make good pets for people who live in apartments or small houses. They are also relatively low-maintenance and easy to take care of.
Parrotlets have a highly-varied price range.
The table below shows the approximate prices of Parrotlets based on their types.
Type of Parrotlet | Image | Cost |
Pacific Parrotlet | $250-$350 | |
Green-rumped Parrotlet | $150-$600 | |
Spectacled Parrotlet | $900 | |
Yellow-faced Parrotlet | $300-$500 | |
Mexican Parrotlet | $325-$500 | |
Albino Parrotlet | $325-$475 | |
Fallow Mutation Parrotlet | $350-$550 | |
Dilute Parrotlet | $200-$450 |
Cockatoo
Cockatoos are known for their affectionate, comical, and clown-like behavior. They are also very active and playful.
Cockatoos come in various colors like white, black, or pink. They have a crest on their head that they use to express their emotions.
Cockatoos are very social creatures and love being around people. If you’re thinking of getting one, be prepared to give them a lot of attention.
Cockatoos are one of the most expensive bird species with prices ranging from $1,000 to $16,000.
Where to Buy or Adopt a Bird
Pet birds are widely available in pet stores. However, if you want to adopt, there are many bird sanctuaries and rescue organizations that rehome birds.
Adopting a bird is cheaper and you’ll be giving a home to a bird in need.
When buying from a pet store, make sure to do your research first and buy from a reputable source.
Be prepared to pay for the bird’s cage, food, toys, and veterinary care.
It’s advisable to buy a bird directly from a breeder. This is because you’ll be able to see the bird’s parents and get an idea of its temperament.
You can also ask the breeder for advice on how to take care of your new pet.
If you’re looking for a specific breed, it might be difficult to find one in a pet store. In this case, it’s best to contact a breeder directly.
When buying a bird, always ask to see the bird’s veterinary records. This will give you an idea of the bird’s health and any potential problems you might have to deal with in the future.
It’s also important to ask about the bird’s diet and whether it has any special needs.
A rule of thumb is to look for a bird that is alert, active, and bright. Avoid birds that are lethargic, fluffed up, or have discharge around their eyes.
The feathers should be shiny, smooth, and lay flat on the body. Check the scales on the feet to ensure they are smooth, with nails and beak not overgrown. Finally, the nostril should be clear with no discharge or clumping of feathers. This ensures the bird is free from respiratory problems.
Bringing Your Bird Home
Traveling home with your new bird can be stressful for both of you. To make it easier, it’s important to adhere to some basic guidelines as follows:
Carrier
Put the bird in a secure and well-ventilated carrier. The carrier’s size should be determined by the size of the bird. If you’re transporting bigger parrots, you might need to get a custom-made carrier.
Put a towel in the bottom of the carrier to give the bird something to grip onto.
If you’re using a car, secure the bird’s carrier with a seat belt.
If you’re flying, make sure the bird’s carrier is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.
It’s also important to keep the noise level down when traveling with your bird. Avoid playing loud music or making sudden movements that might startle the bird.
Food and Water
If you’ll be traveling over a long distance, make sure to pack food and water for the bird.
A good rule of thumb is to pack twice as much food and water as you think you’ll need. You can make some stop-overs to check whether the bird’s food and water levels are sufficient.
If you’re flying, make sure to pack enough food and water for the journey as well as for a day or two after you arrive at your destination. This is in case there are any delays with your flight.
Documents
When traveling with your bird, it’s important to have all the necessary documents. These include the bird’s health certificate, vaccination records, and any other paperwork required by the airline.
It’s also a good idea to have contact information for a local veterinarian in case of an emergency.
Talk to Your Bird
When you get home, it’s time to get your new friend out of the carrier. Remember, the bird is not comfortable in the new environment. You must be gentle at this time.
Start by talking to your new bird politely. The focus is to calm and make her feel more comfortable. You can mimic words like, “It’s okay, I’m here.”
Birds like high-pitched sounds and respond to higher tones. This is because their wild ancestors used high-pitched sounds to communicate over long distances.
Don’t try to touch the bird yet. Just let her get used to your presence and the new surroundings. Once she feels more comfortable, you can slowly start to pet her.
Get a perch for the bird and place it in a quiet room. This will give your bird time to adjust to the new surroundings and get used to your presence.
Leave the door open so the bird can come out when she feels comfortable.
Make sure the bird has a place to hide if it feels scared or overwhelmed. This could be a corner in the room or a towel over the cage.
Establish a Bond of Trust
Your bird doesn’t know that you’re well-intentioned. If you got her from a shelter, chances are that she has had bad interactions with people before. It’s your responsibility to build trust and bond that must be solidified. How do you do this?
Be patient: it will take time for your bird to get used to you. Don’t force anything on her. However, don’t ignore her cage. You want to keep checking on her and adding her food and water.
Be gentle: avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might scare her. At this point, you’re not sure whether she enjoys noise. The best thing to do is to play music in moderation as you monitor her behavior.
Be consistent: once you start handling her, do it every day. For example, if you start petting her for five minutes a day, do it at the same time every day. This will help her get used to your touch and build trust.
Get to know her body language: birds communicate through their body language. By understanding her body language, you will be able to understand what she’s trying to say. For instance, Budgies bob their heads when they’re happy.
Talk to her: use a soft, high-pitched voice when talking to your bird. As you pet her, say loving words like, “Good girl.”
Birds are social creatures and need interaction to stay healthy. The more time you spend with your bird, the stronger the bond will be. Don’t be afraid to spend an hour or two each day just talking to her, petting her, and playing with her.
Feeding Your Pet Bird
Most bird parents end discussions on feeding birds with just one word; seeds. Some use three words; seeds with pellets.
Seeds should never make up more than 20 percent of your bird’s diet because they are high in fat and carbohydrates and low in nutrients.
When it comes to feeding, wild birds are different from pet birds. Wild birds need a spike of carbohydrates and fats because they spend frigid nights outside, they need the energy to avoid hawks and fly longer distances to get mates. Pet birds don’t have such energy requirements. This is why feeding them too much seeds is unhealthy.
Pelleted bird foods are the best for your pet bird. These are specifically formulated kibbles with the right nutrients for your bird.
For bird species like Lovebirds, Cockatiels, and Budgies, their diet should contain 50% formulated pellets, 30% fruits, and veggies, and 20% well-mixed seeds.
For Finches and Canaries, feed them 80% crumbles, 10% fruits and veggies, and 10% seed mix.
Some of the best pellet food brands for birds are Roudybush, Kaytee, and Zupreem.
Remember to feed them only fresh fruits and vegetables. offer them in small quantities at first to see how your bird reacts. If she doesn’t like a particular food, don’t force her to eat it.
Birds also need access to fresh water at all times. A water bottle with a sipper tube is the best way to give your birds water.
Do not feed your bird avocado, iceberg lettuce, garlic, onion, chocolate, or caffeine as these are toxic to birds.
Exercise and Playtime
Birds need exercise to stay healthy. In the wild, they fly long distances, which gives them a workout. In captivity, it’s up to you to make sure your bird gets enough exercise.
The best way to give your bird exercise is through playtime outside the cage. This is when you let your bird out of the cage to fly around and explore.
Some of the ways to give your bird exercise are:
Beating Wings
Beating wings exercise ensures that the bird gets a good workout. You can do this by placing the bird on your arm and securing their feet using the other hand. Slowly move your hand upwards and downwards so that the bird has to flap their wings to maintain balance.
Do this for about five minutes or until the bird gets tired.
Climbing
You can also give your bird a workout by letting them climb. Place some toys or perches in different parts of the room and let your bird fly to them. You can also hold a perch in your hand and let the bird climb onto it.
The climbing exercise ensures that the bird gets a good workout and helps to keep its claws healthy.
Dancing
Put your bird on the sofa or table and whack some music on. Start dancing in front of the bird and encourage it to join in. The bird will start bobbing its head and flapping its wings along with the rhythm.
This is a great way to bond with your bird and give it a good workout at the same time.
Never worry about looking silly while dancing, the bird doesn’t care!
Teaching the Bird Fun Tricks
Apart from exercising your bird, fun tricks prevent boredom and keep their minds active.
Here are some fun tricks you can teach your bird:
The Wave
This is a simple trick that requires your bird to wave its foot at you.
To train your bird to do this, hold a treat in front of its face and say “wave”. When the bird waves its foot at you, give it the treat.
Repeat this until the bird gets the hang of it.
The Kiss
This is a cute trick that involves your bird kissing you on the cheek.
Hold a treat close to your cheek and say “kiss”. When the bird kisses you, give it the treat.
Repeat this until the bird understands how to kiss.
The High-Five
This is a fun trick that requires your bird to high-five you.
Hold a treat in front of your bird’s face and say “high five”. When the bird raises its foot to touch your hand, give it the treat.
Keep doing this as a way of socializing your bird and giving it some exercise.
Grooming Your Pet Bird
Like kids, pet birds need to be groomed regularly to maintain their hygiene. Without proper hygiene, birds can get sick easily.
The following are key grooming practices for your bird:
Bathing
Birds love to take baths and it’s a great way to keep them clean. You can use a birdbath or your sink for bathing your bird.
Fill the bath with lukewarm water and place your bird in it. Let the bird splash around and have some fun. After a few minutes, use a cup of water to pour over the bird’s head.
This will help to remove any dirt or debris from the bird’s feathers.
After the bath, use a towel to dry your bird off and place it back in the cage.
Important rules to follow when bathing your bird:
Use only plain, clear water: Avoid commercial bird shampoos as they can be toxic to birds. Birds secrete a special oil that they preen molt their feathers with.
Don’t use hot water: Hot water can scald your bird. Use only lukewarm water for bathing.
Be careful with the cup: Make sure the cup you’re using to pour water over the bird’s head is clean. Avoid using a dirty cup as it can contaminate the bird’s water.
Never saturate the bird’s feathers: this can lead to loss of body heat and flight impairment.
Don’t forget to dry your bird: Use a towel to dry your bird off after the bath. Wet feathers can make your bird cold and lead to illness.
Preening
Preening is a process where birds clean and arrange their feathers. This helps them to stay waterproof and insulated. Birds use their beaks to preen through their feathers to remove dust, dirt, and parasites.
Most bird owners think that preening is enough for a bird’s hygiene. Some regions like the head and under their claws are not easily accessible. Therefore, it’s your responsibility as the bird owner to keep these regions clean.
Brushing
You should brush your bird’s feathers at least once a week. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, or parasite.
If you don’t brush your bird, there will be an accumulation of dirt on its body which may lead to parasitic infections. Mites and lice are the common external parasites that affect birds due to the accumulation of dirt on their bodies. Such parasites will such blood from your bird making it weak which can lead to death.
Nail Trimming
Bird owners trim their bird’s nails to prevent scratching. However, birds sharpen their nails naturally as they work, perch on rough surfaces, or play with toys. Therefore, trimming your bird’s nails is unnecessary.
If you want to trim your bird’s nails, consult your avian vet first. You should ascertain that you’re doing it the right way. The danger of trimming the nails is that you may make your bird lose its balance. Your vet will advise you on the right way to trim the bird if necessary.
Final Thoughts
There you have it; a guide on how to keep your first pet bird. Your goal as a bird parent is to ensure her safety and healthy at all times.
If you keep all the factors illustrated in this guide in practice, you’ll see your feathered friend flourish and give you the companionship you deserve.
Keep your bird away from potential hazards like tobacco smoke, nonstick cookware, and toxic plants like lilies, shamrocks, amaryllis flowers, and philodendrons. Invest in bird-safe plants like African violet, and spider plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest pet bird to keep?
The easiest pet bird to keep is the Budgie. This bird is low-maintenance as it’s able to adapt to different environments with ease. You’ll not have to spend a lot of money buying special bird diets for Budgies. This illustrates why this is the most petted bird in many homes.
Do pet birds poop everywhere?
Yes. Pet birds poop everywhere provided the urge comes. You’ll have to clean your bird’s cage regularly and be prepared for accidents whenever the bird is outside her cage. However, as you spend more time with your feathered friend, potty-train her.
Can you toilet-train a bird?
You can toilet-train a bird to avoid frequent accidents. Parrots are the best pet birds to potty train because they learn quickly.
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