Pet birds can be great companions for a long time. However, bird owners who are new to the world of birdkeeping need to realize that pet bird care is more than just providing cages and food. Birds are more vulnerable animals than cats or dogs, so a simple mistake-like boiling water in a non-stick pan-can put your pet bird's safety at risk. In order to maintain the safety and health of your pet bird, you need to create a safe environment, both in its cage and in your home.
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Part 1 of 5: Providing a Safe Cage
Step 1. Make sure you provide a large enough cage
The cage used must be 1.5 times larger than your bird's wing span (in adulthood), in terms of width, length and height. This way, your bird can move freely. The bigger the cage used, of course, the better. To see a list of recommended cage sizes by bird species, please visit bird-cage.com. In general, there are a few rules that you need to pay attention to:
- The minimum height of the cage must be 3 times greater than the height of the bird-from head to tail.
- Each perch must be placed at least two flaps apart.
- Make sure your bird can turn when perched, with the tail feathers not hitting the cage wall.
- Even small birds need a large cage. For example, two finches need about 0.3-0.4 square meters of space to fly freely.
Step 2. Choose a cage with the right width of bars to prevent birds from escaping or getting hurt
Your pet bird should not get his head between the bars of the cage. The following are some general guidelines for proper cage bar widths:
- Less than 1.5 centimeters – For small bird species such as finches, canaries, parrotlets, parakeets and lovebirds
- 1.5 to 2 centimeters – For medium-sized bird species such as the Australian parakeet, parrot, lory and Senegal parrot
- 2 centimeters to 3.2 centimeters – For large bird species such as African gray parrots, Amazonian parrots, macaws and cockatoos
Step 3. Choose a cage in the form of a cube or a block
The additional corners of the cage make the space to fly less, and the cage becomes less secure.
A short and long cage is better than a narrow but tall cage (eg parrot cage) because the space in the cage allows the bird to fly and glide through the air
Step 4. Provide lots of perches in the cage
Your bird spends a lot of time standing so it's important that you provide enough perches in the cage to maintain his health and happiness. For most birds, you will need to provide natural perches (eg tree branches) and artificial perches to place near their food and water, and near their toys. You also need to provide a perch of concrete in the cage. Make sure you don't use plastic perches as they can be harmful to your bird's health if eaten. You should also not use a sanded perch as this can cause blisters on the bird's feet.
- Concrete perches – A sturdy perch like this provides a place for birds to comfortably clean their feathers. These perches need to be located quite far from your bird's food, drink and toys.
- Perches from natural tree branches – Perches like these are better than wooden sticks because their uneven shape allows the bird to apply pressure on different parts of the legs when it perches. Choose woody branches from fruit trees such as apples, plums, and pears (don't use cherry tree branches). Cut the branches to lengths to match the size of the cage, scrub and clean with detergent, then dry in the sun. After that, heat the branches for 45 minutes at 94 degrees Celsius to kill bacteria. Allow the branch to cool down before placing it in the cage.
- Artificial perches – A cotton perch that is not exposed to chemicals (eg scout mine) can be a good perch because it is free from toxic substances and can be washed easily.
Step 5. Make sure your bird cannot open the cage door
Your bird will likely try to open the cage door so make sure the door cannot be opened by the bird. If you are afraid of your pet bird running away, you can attach a small padlock, clip, or small carabiner to lock the door.
Step 6. Ensure that your bird's feeding and drinking needs are maintained
Double check your bird's supply of food (grain) and drinking water every day, especially if your child is in charge of caring for the bird. If you use a water bottle as a drinking water container for birds, make sure the bottle is not clogged and can be used properly. Most birds die if they don't drink for three days.
Step 7. Provide a place or sprinkle of water to bathe your pet bird
Birds need to bathe regularly to keep their feathers and skin healthy. Always use room temperature water as hot water can remove the natural oils that protect the coat. If you put the bird bath in the cage, make sure you clean and change the water every day. Alternatively, you can spray water using a spray bottle to bathe him, once or twice a week. Some birds like to bathe or even bathe in the shower.
Step 8. Make sure the toys provided are safe and are changed frequently
Your pet bird may nibble on his toys so make sure the toys you give him are not made of wood coated with toxic chemicals or lightweight plastic that can be swallowed. Make sure you rotate the toys at least once a week to keep your bird motivated to move, as boredom can cause health problems for the bird.
Step 9. Cover the cage at night
You can use birdcage-specific covers, although old sheets or pillowcases make good covers too. By closing the aviary, the strong wind that blows from outside can be restrained, and your bird can sleep comfortably, even when you are still awake at night with the lights in the room still on. Birds need 10 hours of sleep, so it's important that you provide a dark, quiet area so they don't get sleep deprived.
Part 2 of 5: Keeping the Cages and Equipment Clean and Safe
Step 1. Line the base of the cage with newsprint
Shavings and wood chips are usually dusty and can harm the respiratory system in birds. Therefore, use newsprint as a base for the cage and make sure you change it every day.
Step 2. Clean the cage and equipment regularly
To prevent the spread of mold and disease, you need to make sure the aviary is cleaned and sprayed with disinfectant regularly. This means you will need to change the bedding, clean the feeder, and drain and refill the bird bath every day. If you are keeping a larger bird or a group of smaller birds, a thorough cleaning should be done every week. Meanwhile, if you keep just one small bird, a thorough cleaning can be done once a month. Follow these steps to perform a thorough cleaning:
- Clean the cage – Remove birds, all toys and perches from the cage. Clean the cage of grain and dirt, and brush it with hot, soapy water. After that, spray disinfectant on the cage. Rinse and air dry the cage completely before returning your toys and perches to the cage.
- Clean perches and toys – Remove dirt and grime with dish soap. If necessary, use sandpaper to clean wooden perches and toys from dirt. Wash and rinse by hand or in the dishwasher, then spray disinfectant on perches and toys. Rinse thoroughly and air dry and dry in an oven (at 120 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes) before putting them back in the cage.
- To save time, provide two pairs of toys and a perch, and even a cage. This way, you can move the bird to another cage while you clean the cage and dirty equipment. Your bird will feel comfortable too.
Step 3. Remember to always use disinfectant products that are safe for birds
You can buy them from a pet supply store, or make your own using these recipes:
- Mix 720 ml of hot water, 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of lime juice in a spray bottle.
- Mix 250 ml of white vinegar and 3.8 liters of water.
Step 4. Clean the food and drinking water containers, and keep them away from places where bird droppings are common
Food containers for birds need to be cleaned daily using hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher. Do not place food containers under perches so that food is not contaminated by bird droppings. Make sure the food holder is completely dry before returning it to the cage, as wet or damp pellets will mold quickly.
Part 3 of 5: Putting the Cage in a Safe Place
Step 1. Do not place the cage in the kitchen or bathroom
The air temperature in the kitchen is too volatile. In addition, the process of cooking in the kitchen can produce fumes that are toxic to birds. In the bathroom, the air temperature is also easy to change, especially when the bathroom is in use, and this is dangerous for birds. In addition, it is possible that harmful chemicals from products such as hairspray and other grooming products can be spread in the air.
Step 2. Keep other people's interactions with your bird at the right level
For all types of birds, you need to avoid placing the cage in places where a lot of people pass or where it is too noisy so that your pet bird doesn't feel anxious. What's more, you need to choose a suitable place for your bird. If your bird likes a lot of attention, place the cage in a place where a lot of people visit (or in a place where there is a lot of activity, such as the living room). For birds that don't like to socialize with humans, place the cage in a quieter place.
- Some types of birds that are very happy to socialize with humans, among them, are Amazon parrots, love birds, lorikeets, parrots, African gray parrots, cockatoos, and macaws.
- Some types of birds that are quite happy to socialize with humans, among them, are the musk, parakeet, Australian parakeet, pionus, and quaker parakeet.
- Some types of birds that do not like to socialize with humans, among them, are finches, canaries, and pigeons.
Step 3. Place the cage near a wall and away from windows
A suitable place to put the bird cage is in the corner of the room, although having one side of the cage facing or against the wall can provide a sense of security for the bird. Do not place the aviary near a window as this can cause temperature changes that are harmful to the birds. In addition, animals such as dogs and eagles, or even weather conditions such as storms seen from the window can frighten your pet bird.
Step 4. Place the cage at a height that is approximately equal to the height of an adult's chest
Birds will feel anxious if the cage is placed in a low place. Meanwhile, if placed in a place that is too high, birds can experience behavioral problems because for birds, height is associated with excellence.
Step 5. Avoid placing the cage near hot air inlets or temperature control vents
Birds are very sensitive to sudden changes in the air, so make sure the temperature in the house or room you live in does not change much, and the cage is not placed in an area exposed to direct hot airflow or near a temperature control vent.
Step 6. Keep poisonous plants out of the cage
Some types of plants such as Japanese flowers, azaleas, kastuba, philodendrons, nettles, African violets, tulips, narcissus (daffodils), and hydrangeas are toxic to birds and should be kept away from aviaries. For a complete list of plants that are safe or toxic to birds, please visit this link.
Step 7. Protect your pet bird from other pets
If you have a cat or dog, make sure you keep the bird in a cage that is very strong and doesn't fall over easily. Also, make sure your cat can't get its paws into the cage through the gaps in the bars. Even if your bird is kept in a safe cage, you should be aware that living with a cat in the same place can be stressful.
Part 4 of 5: Protecting Birds from Airborne Poisons
Step 1. Be careful when using non-stick cookware or baking utensils
The bird's lung design allows it to absorb oxygen efficiently. Unfortunately, this meant that even the poison spread in the air could be easily absorbed. With a small body and high metabolism, even a small amount of poison can kill birds. The coating on non-stick cookware contains polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a chemical compound that is lethal to birds. At normal cooking temperatures (120°C - 200°C) and the air ventilation system switched on, PTFE coated pans are still usable and bird safe. However, such cookware can produce toxic fumes if:
- Used to boil food until dry or heated empty. Never boil water in a PTFE-lined pot.
- Used as a spill catch under heaters or burners. When the temperature reaches 280 degrees Celsius, PTFE releases toxic chemicals. Meanwhile, when used, the temperature of the reservoir can quickly reach 300 degrees Celsius or even hotter.
- Scratched. Scratched or damaged non-stick pans can produce toxic substances, even at low temperatures. Therefore, it's a good idea to throw away the damaged cooking utensils.
Step 2. Be aware of other sources of PTFE
PTFE is not only used as a coating for cooking utensils, but is also used in other products designed to withstand high temperatures. You can replace the following products, or contact the manufacturer to see if they are safe to use and harmless to birds:
- Stain-resistant products such as StainMaster and Scotchguard
- Room heaters and heating lampshades
- Non-stick iron and ironing board
- Hair dryer
- Non-stick cookware such as frying pans, waffle makers, electric skillets, bread makers, and popcorn makers
- Non-stick slow cooker
- Ceramic stove
Step 3. Be careful with toxic gases
PTFE coated products are a major source of poison for birds. However, the source of poison for birds is not only these products. The following items or gases have been shown to be harmful to birds:
- Carbon monoxide – Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless, and odorless gas produced by fires, motor vehicle exhaust systems, and main heating units. You still need to have a carbon monoxide detector at home, even if you don't keep birds, to protect you and your family.
- Natural gas – If you use gas to heat a room (or water) or cook, a leak in the gas hose or a gas trigger that doesn't successfully start the appliance can cause an increase in the output of natural gas which can prove harmful to birds (as well as deadly to humans). Check the lighters on your gas appliances regularly, and keep the aviary away from sources of natural gas such as gas fireplaces or heating engines.
- Cooking utensil surface that is too hot. Do not heat oil or butter on high heat as this can produce harmful fumes. Also, take your bird outdoors if you're using the grill's self-clean mode.
- Hairspray, perfume, and spray cooking oil products. Basically, products in the form of a spray, especially aerosol sprays, can release chemicals that are harmful to birds. Move your pet bird to a different, well-ventilated room before you use these products.
- Pesticides, such as bombs or insect repellent.
- Organic solvents found in products such as nail polish remover, gasoline, glue, paint, or camphor.
Step 4. Avoid using household cleaning products that contain ammonia
Ammonia is found in many household cleaning products, especially glass cleaning products, and can cause respiratory problems in birds. When used with bleach, they produce chloramine gas which is highly toxic. Therefore, you can use the following ingredients instead:
- Dishwashing soap and water
- White vinegar and water (240 ml of vinegar for 7 liters of water)
- Steam from a portable steam engine
- Laundry detergent for fabrics (but do not use fabric softener on fabrics that will be touched or used specifically for birds)
- Grapefruit seed extract (about 35 drops for 1 liter of water). This mixture can be a powerful soluble disinfectant.
- Baking soda (60 grams for 3.5 liters of water)
Step 5. Be careful when using scented candles or air freshener products
Make sure you move your pet bird outdoors or into another well-ventilated room when you use air freshener spray products or electric air fresheners because these products contain volatile oils that are toxic to birds. In addition, many scented wax products are also harmful to birds because they contain essential oils and (often) consist of a zinc alloy wick. If you want to use scented candles, make sure they are 100 percent made of beeswax and cotton wicks.
Step 6. Don't smoke near your pet bird
Exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to cause respiratory and circulatory problems in birds, as well as eye and skin health problems. If you want to smoke, smoke outside to protect your pet bird.
Step 7. Choose new furniture and household products carefully
Almost all particle board (particle board), plywood, and gypsum use glue containing formalin so that each board can stick. The glue that holds the carpet to the floor also contains formaldehyde. When you build a house or install new carpet, or buy new furniture, the products used will usually produce gas until they stop releasing formaldehyde (in gas form). Therefore, you should not immediately place the aviary in a newly built room, a room with newly installed carpet, or in a room with new furniture made of particleboard or plywood.
Part 5 of 5: Protecting Pet Birds When Outside the Cage
Step 1. Let your pet bird spend time outside the cage every day
For the sake of his health, it is important that you allow him time to fly outside his cage. Make sure you create a safe environment for your pet bird to fly outside its cage, without any danger.
Step 2. Don't leave your bird with other pets
Cats, even those that have grown up and are used to living with birds, often try to kill birds when they get the chance. In addition, there are many types of dogs that go to great lengths to kill birds. To be safe, do not leave your pet bird outside the cage if there are other pets in the room. If you let him, make sure you stay in the room to keep him safe.
Step 3. Remove poisonous plants from the room
Birds love to nibble on a variety of objects, so make sure you remove poisonous plants from the room before letting your pet bird fly outside its cage. Visit this link to find out the types of plants that are toxic to birds.
Step 4. Keep away the types of food that are harmful to birds
When your bird is playing outside of its cage, it is likely that it will try to eat food in the room. In fact, many types of human food are actually toxic to birds, including:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Chocolate
- Drinks containing caffeine (eg coffee)
- Avocado
- Raw meat
- Raw dairy products
- Apple seeds
- Seeds of stone fruit, such as apricots, cherries, peaches, and plums
- Peanuts
- Raw onion
- Cassava
- Raw Mushroom
- Rhubarb
Step 5. Do not leave containers or containers filled with water open
Birds can drown in a glass of water, an uncovered aquarium, or an open toilet. If you can't keep an eye on him when he's out in the cage, make sure you block off all access to the surface of the water in the room to prevent him from drowning.
Step 6. Hide cables and antiques
Again, birds like to nibble on anything that can get into their beaks. To avoid electrocution, hide electrical wires or cables in the room. Also, hide any antiques that might be coated with hard metal paint to prevent poisoning.
Step 7. Be aware of the doors, windows, and cabinet tables in the room
First, you need to make sure the doors and windows that lead to the outside are tightly closed to prevent your pet bird from escaping. Second, make sure your pet bird doesn't perch or play near hinges or on closet doors, as this risks breaking their legs.
Step 8. Make sure the blinds adjustment strap stays behind the blinds
Your pet bird's head can get caught between the ropes, causing him to suffocate.
Step 9. Turn off all fans in the room
Fans (whether placed on the floor or on the ceiling) can cause serious injury or even death to your pet bird. Always make sure the fan in the room is turned off before you let your pet bird out of its cage.
Step 10. Cover or stick a blur sticker on windows and mirrors
Birds don't understand glass so they can get hurt when trying to fly through mirrors or closed windows. To prevent this, you can stick a sticker on the window glass or mirror to let your pet bird know that the glass is an impenetrable object. You can also close the curtains or mirrors.
