Birds are animals that instinctively love to socialize, and like to flock to, receive care, and interact. Several species of birds make fun and entertaining pets. If you want to keep birds, maintenance requirements include providing a good cage, nutritious food, and monitoring their health. You also need to provide a variety of add-on resources and interact with them a lot to keep them happy and alert.
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Part 1 of 5: Staging Birds
Step 1. Buy a large cage to house pet birds
Birds can thrive better when placed in large cages, so choose a cage with the largest size according to the available space in the house. As a general rule, the cage should be at least twice the width of the bird's wingspan. It is important for some species to be able to fly short distances in their cages to maintain a healthy living space or habitat. Some of the other standard requirements include:
- The distance between the bars of the cage should not be too small. A bird's paws can get caught if the wire bars or cage slats are too small. On the other hand, the distance between the blades or bars should also not be so large that there is a risk of catching the bird's head, or your pet bird may slip and run away.
- The bigger the cage size, the better. While larger aviaries are usually more difficult to clean and more expensive, the size of the cage is an important aspect, especially when you are rarely home or don't have much time to get the birds out of their cages and play/practice. Smaller cages often trigger behavioral problems in birds.
Step 2. Choose a rectangular cage
Circle cages are not suitable for birds. With a circular shape, the cage does not have much room for the bird, as well as a "safe" corner for the pet bird. In addition, circle cages tend to encourage birds to turn their heads. If you turn your head constantly or frequently, your bird can have behavioral problems.
Don't buy a cage with a guillotine-style door, as birds can escape more easily
Step 3. Make sure there is more than enough space if you intend to house more than one bird
Never keep more than one bird in a small cage. Birds need space to cool off, find food, fly, and get away from other birds; The more birds you want to cage, the larger the cage size should be. Bird cages or "palaces" (aviaries, large cages that look like small buildings) are more suitable for keeping or keeping several birds.
If you want to keep several birds of different species, make sure that the species are compatible and "get along" when placed in the same cage
Step 4. Make sure the cage is placed in a warm and comfortable place
The cage needs to be placed in a room where many people pass frequently. Birds are social animals, so they will feel gloomy if they feel isolated in a room. Also, keep in mind that you will also be cleaning the cage frequently so hang or place the cage in an easily accessible place.
- If you are placing your birds in a hanging cage, you can move the cage outdoors and hang it on a patio or similar area so the birds can get some fresh air during the day. Always remember to bring the cage back in before night falls and the air gets cold.
- The location of the aviary is also influenced by the personality of the bird. If a sociable bird species enjoys being the center of attention and watching passersby, a "shy" bird species may prefer to be placed in a quieter room away from the daily grind (but still able to interact with family). Birds that are easily nervous or “fearful” are best placed in a corner of the room or in an area where the back of the cage can be partially covered.
- Do not permanently place the cage in front of a window. Birds will constantly look for "enemies" so they feel nervous and uneasy. If the cage is placed against or against a wall, the bird will feel more relaxed and less worried about predators.
Step 5. Place the used magazine paper under the cage
That way, the cage can be cleaned more easily and you only need to throw away dirty papers. After that, replace the old magazine paper with new paper for the next use.
- Always have plenty of newsprint ready. You can also use old letters or old newsprint.
- If you prefer the traditional method of lining the bottom of the cage so it doesn't come in direct contact with dirt, line the cage with wood chips, cat litter, or sand.
Part 2 of 5: Feeding the Birds
Step 1. Feed him a variety of foods every day
As a general guide, a healthy diet for most bird species includes 75% pellets and 25% human diet. Since specific feeding requirements depend on the bird species, talk to your veterinarian or ornithologist to find out what kind of food your pet bird needs according to the species. Over time, you will find patterns in the types of food your pet bird likes.
- Make sure you give the right type of food according to the bird species. You need to find the right type of food for them because some birds are picky, while other species have very strict feeding requirements. Usually, the package or can of bird food has a label indicating the species of bird the product is compatible with. If you don't know what the best food options are, ask the farmer or shop owner, or post a question to a forum dedicated to owners of the bird species in question.
- Bird pellets, crumbs, or nuggets can be the right ingredients to ensure the bird gets adequate nutrition. Usually, this type of diet includes healthy grains, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains so that the bird can get a nutritionally balanced diet. Products like this are considered better than mixed grains because with this mixture, birds will actually choose grains that are considered delicious and not eat other grains (which may be healthier).
- Prepare new grains every day. Empty the food container every day so that the food provided is always fresh and clean.
Step 2. Give your bird fresh fruits and vegetables once every 1-2 days
This type of food is a source of green food and variety for the bird's diet. A mixture of various types of food is a healthy and exciting dish for birds. Cut and serve a variety of fruits and vegetables to your bird, including oranges, berries, spinach, and celery.
You can also give it nuts and cooked chickpeas to add flavor and variety to the type of meal
Step 3. Always provide fresh water
You must provide a water container. Fill the container daily with medium temperature water. Give him water to drink in large, short containers because birds often have difficulty drinking from containers that are too tall. Change the drinking water every day to ensure the freshness of the water.
- Place the water container on the opposite side of the food container. Thus, birds will move and become active when they want to eat and drink.
- Dehydration can occur quickly in a bird (within 1-2 days) if he is unable to get drinking water.
Step 4. Keep the bird's food and drink clean
Bowls or containers of water and food must be positioned in a higher place or perch because birds usually drop their droppings into their food so that food hygiene is disturbed. If a bird eats its own droppings, it will get sick.
In addition to cleaning the cage every day, make sure you also wash the bird's food and water containers
Step 5. Feed your bird at regular intervals at the same time each day
You can feed it at your own mealtime, or at another time (eg 4pm). However, choose and follow a fixed schedule so the birds can know when to eat. If you want to follow a bird's "natural" feeding schedule, feed it about half an hour after sunrise and before sunset. During the day, you can leave small fruits and vegetables as snacks in the cage.
Smaller bird species with high metabolisms need to be fed more frequently
Step 6. So the eating session is interesting
You can make your pet bird feeding session more exciting by providing interactive moments. For example, encourage him to eat one food at a time straight from your hand.
- You can also encourage him to sing and talk so he can get his food.
- You can use food containers in the form of interactive puzzle games so birds can imitate their foraging behavior in the wild. Games like this provide important mental stimulation for the bird.
Part 3 of 5: Providing Toys and Perches for Birds
Step 1. Start with at least 4 different and interesting toys
Make sure the toys you use are safe for birds, and do not risk getting their claws or beak caught in the toy. Hanging mirrors and bells can also be interesting toys. Make sure the bells don't have small cracks, as these could catch the bird's feet or claws.
Items that are not safe for bird toys include: tasseled raffia string (can entangle the bird's legs and beak), cable (can strangle birds), ball bells (bird's feet can get caught in small openings or gaps in the bell)
Step 2. Give him a variety of new toys to stimulate him
Make some changes! Birds can get bored with the same toys every day. By buying a new toy, you can increase his or her excitement and reduce the risk of bad behavior such as hair pulling or other boredom-driven behaviors. Birds also like toys that they can bite or chew on, especially toys made of pinecone, rawhide, rope, or white pine wood.
Step 3. Attach perches of various shapes and textures to your pet bird's paws
Birds spend most of their time perched in cages. Therefore, install several perches at different heights. Also place perches on opposite sides of the cage for birds to fly and exercise. As a variation, use a wooden perch and some real tree branches. This way, the bird can "file" its beak and hooves so you don't have to worry about doing it yourself.
If you have a natural wood perch, make sure you brush it thoroughly before installing it in the cage, and don't use cleaning products as they usually contain ingredients that are toxic to birds
Step 4. Place supplementary food and activity supplies in several places in the cage
Thus, the need for birds to move and find food can be met. You can also tuck food into the crevices of the cage, hide it in toys or add-ons, and hang the toys or utensils from the ceiling or walls of the cage. These tips help fulfill the bird's foraging instinct and provide mental stimulation for it.
Part 4 of 5: Socializing Birds at Home
Step 1. Secure your home
Check the safety of each room before letting your pet bird fly and explore the space outside its cage. Make sure the room your bird is allowed to occupy is safe. Steps to take include closing the blinds, rewinding the wires, closing the toilet, making sure the heating radiator is turned off, and checking that the fireplace (if any) is closed. The same procedure applies when you want to let birds fly in an enclosed area.
Most bird species need time outside their cages. You should always keep an eye on him when he is out of the cage, and the room he uses should always be safe
Step 2. Let the bird explore other rooms outside the cage
Thus, he can feel more free and fly with joy, and not be constrained all day in his cage. Without this form of socialization, birds may exhibit bad behaviors such as biting, screaming, plucking their feathers, and developing phobias. Therefore, it is very important that you give him time to explore outside the cage so that he remains happy and adapts well.
You can turn your patio into a large bird's nest (with screens of course) and let your birds spend their time there
Step 3. Periodically hold and pet the pet bird
Birds want to socialize with humans, and will feel bored, lonely, and sick if left in their cage all day. The more often you hold your pet bird, the happier it will be to see and perhaps greet you with whistling, chirping, and "speech".
If you handle it regularly, it will be easier for you when you have to take it to the vet because the bird becomes relatively docile to touch
Step 4. Make sure the bird can exercise every day
Daily exercise is recommended for all bird species that are tame and easy to handle. Birds love to interact with their owners and play with toys together. If you can get him out of the cage periodically, he will feel happier. This step is a must if you want to have a healthier relationship with your pet bird. Think that in the wild birds usually fly long distances. Because of this, he will certainly suffer if he always feels constrained in his cage.
If you have finches or other species that you shouldn't touch, it's fine if you don't. However, if you have an animal that you really want to hold and keep him in a small cage, make sure you give him the opportunity to exercise regularly
Step 5. Pay a lot of attention to her
The frequent attention paid to the bird keeps the bird from feeling bored or lonely. The outpouring of attention also makes you and your pet bird more bonded so that it develops into a happy and healthy pet. Sometimes, attention (in the right degree or degree) can reduce the shyness of some bird species because familiarity makes them feel more reassured.
- You can even talk to him. This is important, especially in the first few years. Birds are fast learners, and can surprise you with the variety of sound effects they produce.
- Play music together. For example, birds can learn to sing softly when you play the piano or other musical instrument.
Step 6. Let him perch on your shoulder as long as you have considered the risks involved
New bird owners usually want their pet bird (small to medium sized) perched on their shoulder. However, if he sees you as a perch, there's a good chance he'll pee on your shoulder, bite your face or ear, or even eat your jewelry. If you want him to be able to sit on your shoulder (without looking at you as a perch), train him to jump from shoulder to finger as soon as you place your finger beside your shoulder.
- You can't measure the level of aggressiveness until the bird reaches sexual maturity. A juvenile bird may be able to perch quietly on your shoulder, but it may start to bite as an adult.
- Do not leave the house when the bird is perched on the shoulder. It can fly and not come back.
Part 5 of 5: Caring for the Hygiene and Health of Birds
Step 1. Find a veterinarian who is competent to handle birds
Get your bird checked before bringing it home, and take the bird to the vet periodically afterward. You need to take your bird to the vet at least once a year. However, not all veterinarians are capable of dealing with birds (or don't have much experience), so make sure you check the vet's credentials.
Take your bird to the vet immediately if he is sick. The bird's health can deteriorate rapidly. The sooner you take him to the vet, the better
Step 2. Provide water in a container large enough for the bird to bathe
Birds are able to take care of their own bodies. It is possible that the bird will clean itself in a bowl of water as long as the available bowl is large enough to be used as a bathing place. In addition, birds take a bath to refresh their bodies in hot weather. Therefore, make sure you provide water so the birds can clean themselves and bathe in hot weather.
- In hot weather, move your bird outdoors, either in a cage or on a perch (only allow the bird to move outdoors if its wings have been cut to prevent it from flying). After that, spray water on the bird's body using a spray bottle. Birds love the cool sensation of splashing water.
- When it's cold outside, you can buy a perch that can be attached to the bathroom wall using suction cups. Thus, you can bathe the bird in the bathroom.
Step 3. Clean the cage every day
A clean cage reduces the risk of changes or infections of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in birds. In addition, it is also important for you to take feces from the cage to maintain the health of your pet bird. Birds that live in a clean environment tend to be more active and happy than birds that are kept in a dirty environment. To keep the cage clean:
- Change the bedding regularly.
- Remove dirt from perches or toys.
- Remove any uneaten food that is left lying on the floor of the cage.
- If your bird is moulting (this is a common condition in parrots), you will need to pick up the loose feathers every day. Usually, this condition occurs when the weather is hotter than usual.
- Only clean the cage using non-toxic basic products and supplies. Birds are prone to poisoning so find out the safety of the product you choose before using it.
Step 4. Only trim the bird's wings if necessary
For some species (eg.parrots), wing clipping is essential to prevent serious or fatal flying accidents in the room or cage. Talk to your veterinarian about the wing trimming requirements for your bird, and find someone qualified to do it if it is necessary to do so. However, usually bird wings do not need to be cut.
- Cutting is done to limit the flight of the bird, and not to make it unable to fly at all. In addition, only the main fly feathers need to be cut so the cutter must know the cutting process well.
- It may also be necessary to trim the bird's hooves or claws, especially in large adult birds. Usually, the nails of a baby bird or small bird don't need to be trimmed as it needs to be perched on a perch. However, adult parrot nails, for example, should be trimmed. Ask your veterinarian about how to safely trim your nails or claws.
Step 5. Recognize the signs of overheating or cold in birds
Most bird species exhibit similar symptoms when they are hot or cold, and you should treat the situation as soon as possible. Otherwise, the bird is at risk of dying. In general, most pet bird species prefer a cool room temperature (around 21°C). Some of the things you should look out for include:
- Overheated bird: Its feet are hot to the touch. The bird may be panting (breathing rapidly). The neck or throat seemed to be shaking. The hole (opening) of his nose looks reddish. His breath was hot. These signs indicate an emergency situation and you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Chilled birds: Birds will appear stooped and use their feathers to cover their feet. The hair will also appear fluffy. Check the air flow in the room. Remove the bird from a cold room or place, and place it in a warmer area. In the rainy season or cold weather, windows can be an entrance for cold air.
Tips
- If you keep a species of songbird, you may need to keep a large sand or small rock in the bowl. Birds may need it to crush the grain on the chest. However, not all bird species require sand or small stones, and if they eat too much sand or stones, their esophagus or digestive tract can become blocked. Species such as finches or canaries usually require a small amount of sand or rock to crush grain. However, you may not provide sand or small stones for musks, cockatiels, or parrots.
- You can cover the aviary at night to make it feel safe, comfortable, and warm. However, not all birds like to have their cages covered and for some species, it can make the bird feel scared. Consider this step based on your pet bird's response or reaction.
- It's a good idea to keep other birds so that the birds always have friends. However, always keep an eye on the temperaments of both birds, and identify potential compatibility between the two before you introduce the two birds to each other. If you don't know how to introduce two birds, ask an ornithologist or veterinarian for advice.
Warning
- Do not throw gum near birds or outdoors. Both wild and tame birds can perceive chewing gum as bits or pieces of food and swallow it instead. This risks choking and death.
- Birds can bite or peck, and sometimes sexual maturity encourages birds to be aggressive and “challenging”. Use a towel when you need to handle an unruly bird so you don't get bitten and distract the biting bird as much as possible. If your bird tries to bite or peck, stop the interaction associated with the activity that triggered the biting behavior and choose a different interaction. Don't "reward" him for his biting behavior. If you're having trouble dealing with a bird that has aggressive behavior, talk to your vet.
- Do not encourage birds to land or play in the yard or garden, thereby risking them being attacked by your other pets.
- There are certain types of food that are not suitable for most bird species. For example, don't give your bird alcohol, chocolate, or avocado. This type of food and drink contains chemical components that are toxic to birds.
- Birds are sometimes noisy and annoying. However, sometimes the loud singing or chirping of birds signals danger or trouble. For example, repeated short, loud noises usually indicate that your bird is feeling uncomfortable. Always listen to his voice and identify his normal voice so you can better determine if his voice or chirping is a sign of a serious problem.
- Keep cables or cords (eg power cords, curtain and curtain cords, and the like) away from the cage. Instinctively, birds are very curious and often use their beaks to explore and bite whatever they can get their hands on. Electrical wires can cause electric shocks if bitten, while strings or curtains can suffocate or amputate birds.
