How to Care for your Birds

How to Care for your Birds.

Just like people, each bird is an individual and has a unique personality. All birds need proper nutrition, human interaction, and the right type of environment.

The next few paragraphs are meant to be a general guideline for your bird. Whether you are a first time bird owner, or an experienced bird owner, these guidelines will give you specific information that will help to keep your bird healthy and happy for years to come.

Your First Bird.

Whether you get your bird from a pet store, a breeder or an individual - you need to ask the right questions and use good judgment before you make a commitment.

Here are some important things to consider before you buy your bird:

Environment.

Take a close look at the conditions where the birds are housed. You want to see a clean cage where the bird has plenty of space. Dirty cages, small cages or dirty food and water containers should make you look to get your bird somewhere else.

Origin of the Bird

If it's a pet store, find out exactly where they get their birds. Only a disreputable store will try to hide the origin of the bird. If they got it from a breeder, then get the breeder's experience and qualifications. The more expensive the bird, the more important are the breeder's qualifications. Never pay big money for a bird without looking into the background of the breeder. If they don't know, or won't tell you - then walk away.

Help After the Sale

Will the seller agree to help you after the sale? Reputable sellers will be happy to offer after-the-sale help including answering your questions about feeding, behavior, health concerns - or anything else.

Warranties and Guarantees.

Has the bird been checked by an avian veterinarian? If so, ask to see a written report or certificate signed by the vet. If they don't have one, make sure you get the phone number of the vet and call him to verify that he has actually checked the bird in question. Can you get a refund if it is found to be unhealthy or sick? Can you get a refund if the bird is healthy but you change your mind after living with him for a few days? Make sure you get all guarantees in writing - before you buy the bird.

Emergencies.

Find out where to take your bird in the event of an emergency. Get the names of qualified avian veterinarians in your city or town. Many vets are not qualified, or do not accept avian cases. Don't wait until you have an emergency to get this vital information.

Types of Birds.

Before you bring home your first feathered friend, you need to decide which bird is best for you.

Some birds are very demanding and need to interact with you a lot. Other birds are very content entertaining themselves.

Buying the right type of bird - in the beginning - is much better than getting the wrong bird and having to go through the process again. So consider the following information, when choosing a bird:

Birds can be classified into three groups. 1. Starter birds; 2. Intermediate birds and; 3. Advanced birds.

Starter birds include finches, lovebirds, parakeets and cockatiels. They are relatively easy to care for and require only a minimum of attention. You get experience handling them, learn about feeding and care, and begin to understand what is involved in raising birds. Cockatiels - which, some people consider an intermediate bird - are are actually excellent starter birds because they are not too fragile, love to be handled, and very much enjoy sitting on your shoulder. They are great with kids too. Most of the starter birds are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased for under $100.

Intermediate birds include Conures, Pionus Parrots, Parrotlets, Indian Ringnecks, Quakers, and Eclectus. These birds typically cost more than "starter" birds and require more time and attention. You would be wise to own one or more "intermediate birds" before moving up to the more expensive and more demanding "advanced" birds.

Advanced birds include Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos, and African Greys. These "advanced" birds are only recommended for bird owners who have had some prior experience with some of the less demanding birds. Besides being very expensive, they require a lot of attention, patience, and commitment.