Not sure how to properly care for your new bird or future bird? Then please, read on... |
Questions to ask yourself BEFORE buying......
a) Do I have the time and dedication to give this lovely creature?
b) Do I have the facilities: Hyacinths are beautiful but do not fit apartment living.
c) Do I have the know-how, if not, am I willing to learn?
d) Will the breeder/seller be there to answer questions and guide me?
e) Do I have the MONEY, not only to purchase but to house and maintain?
Other Considerations:
Don't put your fingers inside of occupied cages, you might not get them back. This goes for any bird you do not know.
Always ask before petting a bird, you could unknowingly spread disease.
Never open a birds' cage unless it is your own.
If you bring children along, keep careful watch over them, mishaps can prove expensive.
These are things that need to be considered before you bring home your new bird.
Is the home bird friendly?
Are there other animals in the house which may pose a threat to the bird?
This may happen unexpectedly if a current pet feels displaced by the bird. If unaccustomed, children and other animals may cause stress to the bird.
Have you educated yourself on the dangers of common household hazards?
There are many hazards in your house that you may not realize are dangerous. Such as odor-removing candles, newly purchased products that might emit Teflon fumes etc. Educate yourself as thoroughly as possible through other sources.
Do you have the THINGS you need at home?
Do you have a suitable cage?
Minimum size 20" x 20"
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Do you have the food you have selected to feed your bird?
If you are changing the diet the bird is familiar with, then be sure to have on hand some of the old diet. Slowly convert the bird to the new diet by mixing the two together until the bird is obviously eating the new diet.
Do you have something adequate to pick up your bird in?
Make sure you have a proper carrier. We have travel cages on hand, which we can sell to you. Be sure to ask in advance if you would like to obtain one. Travel cages can be used again.
Have you thought this through?
Make sure you have taken the time to consider your decision to be a bird owner carefully. Birds need attention, they make noise and they require care. If you & your family are away frequently this may not be the right type of pet for you. Birds cannot be left without care. They must have fresh food, water and be kept clean. Boarding birds may be convenient for some people, but it comes with risks. HOUSING:
You will need a cage (about 18" x 18" x 24"), to house most of the parrots that we sell, as they need plenty of room to 'spread their wings' so to speak. The bars should be no further apart than three quarters of an inch, & it is helpful if at least one side of the cage is constructed of horizontal bars, to make it easier for your bird to climb. Stay away from the dome-topped cages as the bird's foot may become caught up top where the bars meet. This could result in amputaion or death. Cages with play~pens on top are a good idea, or you could purchase one separately to give your bird a place to play when out of the cage and your shoulder is not available. CAUTION: Do not leave your bird unattended while it is out of the cage. There are too many dangers like electrical cords and toxic plants. Since you will need to clean the cage about once a week, choose a cage that can be easily cleaned. Newspaper is the best (and cheapest) floor covering to use in a cage; allowing to easilt inspect the bird's droppings to determine the bird's health. Make sure feed & water dishes aren't placed underneath perches where they can become soiled by the bird's droppings. Perches should ideally be of two different diameters; the more natural the perch, the better the excersize for the bird's feet. Never use a sandpaper perch in the cage. If you are bothered by sharp toenails, purchase terra~cotta or cement perches which will keep nails dull & won't injure your bird's tender feet. Keep cage away from direct sunlight. Birds can overheat easily in the summer. Place the cage where family members spend a lot of time. Birds like to feel as though they are part of the 'flock'. They need socialization with their 'people'. A small carry cage is suggested for transportation. No matter how tame your bird is, it is still a bird & can become spooked easily & end up causing you to have an accident. A carry cage can be a plastic terrarium or a wood screen rodent cage, as long as you can easily remove the bird from it. Ask your breeder or local pet store if they have any on hand they would sell to you, most will.
TOYS:
Birds love chew toys & these are excellent for the beaks as well. They enjoy the hanging toys, some birds are vain, & just adore staring at themselves in a bird-safe mirror. Pet stores have a huge selection of toys that are appropriate for parrots & parakeets. Indulge, but be careful; a cage with too many toys can be hazardous to the birds' safety. DIET:
A bit of advice on people food ~ It is for people, Not Birds. Birds require a varied, healthy diet. African species require a higher fat content than some of the other species, so seed should also be included in the diet. Lovebirds should be given fresh fruits & vegetables, as well as fresh water throughout the day. DO NOT FEED AVOCADO OR CHERRIES TO ANY BIRD, as they are dangerous to the birds' health. An ideal diet, (according to a study by University of California at Davis) should consist of: 25% vitamin fortified parrot or parakeet seed mix 25% pellets or crumbles for birds 25% vegetables, fruits and dark, leafy greens 15% rice/beans/corn mix (available commercially or create it yourself) 10% bird treats, breads, plain pasta etc.
TRIMMING:
It is important to have wings trimmed at least twice a year, this avoids flight feathers from growing in & the possible loss of a beloved pet. If the nails & beak become too long, ask your vet or local pet store to take care of this for you. Do not attempt to trim on your own without first learning the proper way to handle it.
GROOMING:
Use a spray bottle, pointed upwards as if it is raining, to 'bathe' your bird. Some birds have learned to love taking showers with their owners, but this is not recommended. The soaps we use are too much for birds to handle. After bathing, place your bird in an area where there is no draft. Some birds have been known to tolerate & even enjoy the hair dryer. Try this first away from the bird. If the bird does not freak out, get closer until the air is finally blowing onto the bird. If the bird becomes startled while you are drying, stop. Your bird will dry off on its own & then can be placed back into the cage.
REST:
Most birds need between 10-12 hours of sleep each night or they can become crabby or ill.
As with most pet parrots, getting a hand-fed, hand-raised, hand-trained bird is always suggested. Without hand-training, even a hand-raised individual can revert back to wild behavior. |
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