Birds

Never buy any pets on a casual basis. Purchasing any type of animals is a long-term commitment that requires a lot of time, care, patience, finance, energy, love and companionship. Always read and research information on the animal you are interested in, to make sure you can meet all of its specific needs that will enable you to provide your companion pet with a long healthy life.

          Companion birds are magnificent. They each have individual, unique characters. You wouldn't believe it…but they do! You'll soon discover how enjoyable it is to bring a companion bird into your home. It's an amusing and delightful experience. Depending on your personal preferences, you have the choice of owning either a bird who sings, a bird who talks, a bird you can tame and carry around on your shoulder, or a bird that you'll simply be content to watch and care for that stays in its cage. The soothing sound of a canary's songs will surely be quite soothing and relaxing to the ear after a long, overwhelming day at work, while funny remarks of your smart parrot will certainly be uplifting and bring laugher.

General information:

First day home with your new bird

          When you first purchase your new domestic bird, it is best to have the cage all ready at home in advance. The transportation alone may cause a certain amount of stress. Therefore as soon as you arrive home, it will be preferable for your new bird to have its home all clean and ready, awaiting his arrival. This will make the transition into your home a lot easier on your little new domestic bird.

          At first, it is recommended not to accessorize too much the inside of the cage with toys. Keep it simple with some perches, food, water and the necessity like the mineral bloc, cuttlebone and oyster shells. Do not handle your bird for a few days as well. This will give him time to get adjusted to its new environment. The cage should be placed against a wall, preferably in a corner. This way, it will give your bird a sense of security since he'll be able to see what's going on around him, and not get scared by someone walking behind him.

          Carefully observe the behavior and appearance of your bird. Also, take note if he seems to eat and drink water. At first, it's recommended that you place a little dish of food and water on the bottom of the cage, while having his regular dishes filled and hanging in the cage as well. You can also sprinkle some food in the bottom. This is simply to ensure that your bird can get something to eat in case his regular dishes aren't noticed. After those first few days, you may add more toys and accessories. After a week or so, and after noticing that your bird has been eating from the hanging dishes, you may remove the food supplied in the bottom of the cage.

How many birds should I house?

          Whether to house numerous birds or simply one, it depends on the type of specious you own, your schedule, preference and expectations. Some birds, like canaries and some species in the parrot family do best alone. Finches prefer to be kept with others and lovebirds prefer to be paired up. As for birds like parakeets, cockatiel, conures and many others, they do great living together but can be perfectly happy living alone if your schedule enables you to provide a lot of time and attention to them. If, however, you have a busy schedule and don't think you will have the ability to let them out everyday for a bit of freedom or attention, housing two or more will be better.

          If you have any intention of taming and handling your new domestic bird, with the exception of finches and canaries, owning one might be best. They will form a quicker and deeper bond with you as their owner.

Introducing another bird

          If you presently own one bird and would like to introduce another bird for companion, the process should be done slowly and carefully. For the first week, keep the birds in different cages but near each other. This will allow them to get use to each other's presence and sound. Make sure you offer the same amount of attention to both birds to prevent any jealousy. After a week or so, you may now carefully place them in the same cage, but stand near by and keep a close eye at first to ensure no fighting will occur. If they seriously attack each other, it will be best to keep them in the same room but in different cages. Usually small birds like parakeets and finches live well with others and quickly adjust having a new companion in the cage. Canaries can live together, but usually prefers living alone. The male canary also tends to sing more when housed solely. As for larger birds such as parrots, they become very attached to their owners. Therefore be sure to provide an equal amount of attention, since one might feel like his property is invaded and view a new bird comer in the home as a rival for the owner's attention. Always consult your local pet store retailer first for additional information and advice on whether or not you should introduce a new bird.

Hand raised

          Generally, a hand-raised or hand-fed bird forms the closest attachment to their owners, and are easier to handle. This doesn't necessarily mean that if you purchase a bird that has not been hand-fed, it will not form a bond with you or will be hard to tame. The younger the bird is, respective to the time they are ready to be separated from their parents and ready to be sold, the easier it will be to tame your bird compared to a relatively much older bird that hasn't had much contact with humans. But it's not impossible with time and patience. It is also less difficult to tame your bird if he is housed alone. Taming your bird should be done carefully and slowly. Do not pressure your bird and be patient. It may take time. There are a few exceptions of species like finches and canaries that are not birds to be handled; they should be kept in their cages.

Feeding fresh food

          Fresh food can be offered occasionally to your bird, keeping the seed mixture their basic diet. Always get informed on what kind of fruits and vegetables can be offered to your domestic bird since some are not always advised. You can do so by reading books on the specific species of bird, calling your vet or calling your local pet store.

          When offering fresh food, if it is the first time it is introduced to them, they might not seem interested at all. Try on different occasions, they eventually give it a try and they just might end up enjoying it. Never keep fresh food in the cage for too long. Keep it fresh and remove any uneaten food after a few hours or at the end of that very same day.

Moulting

          Do not worry; moulting is a completely natural process every bird goes through, usually once a year and sometimes twice. Moulting is symmetrical, and you will not notice it on your bird specifically, except for the feathers you will find on the bottom of the cage. Sometimes the moulting process can be very long, and it can be helped by offering moulting treats to your bird to help induce the process faster. Natural wheat germ oil is also a very effective product that will help your bird's moulting. If the moulting is uniform and no bald spots can be seen on your bird, there are no concerns. But if however you do notice bald spots on its body or around the cern (area above the beak) contact your local veterinarian or pet store immediately since this may be a sign of mites or little parasites.

Signs of illnesses

          It can be very difficult to notice illnesses and diseases in birds, but keep a close eye on the following signs. Take the time each morning to closely look at your bird's behavior and appearance, and if one or numerous of these signs are present in your bird's appearance or behavior, immediately contact your local veterinarian or local pet store to be able to offer the proper care and treatment right away to your bird if required.

• Fluffed out feathers
• Compulsive picking at their feathers
• Dark or watery feces
• Watery, dull, glazed, half-closed, or dripping with secretion eyes
• Jerky movements, shivering or shaking uncontrollably
• Laying in the bottom of the cage, not active
• Slump quietly on a perch and non responsive to sights and noises
• Song, talking or chirp is weakened
• Decline in the bird's appetite and thirst
• Sniffling, coughing or sneezing

Back Up

Things You Will Need:
Cage: This is the most important expense you will have to make. A spacious, sturdy cage is very important. A tall and wide cage will give your bird a sufficient amount of space to expand their wings, enable them to fly around a little bit, and hop from one perch to another with ease. It is recommended that the birdcage should be around seven times the length of your bird, from head to tail. Depending on what species of bird you have, a more horizontal or taller cage might be recommended.

Stand: It is important to have a nice sturdy stand to safely place the cage on, especially if you have young kids or other pets in the house like dogs or cats. You need something safe to ensure that the cage can't be knocked over. If preferred, it is also possible to get the appropriate hooks and have the big birdcage safely hanging from the ceiling.

Corncob or gravel paper: For sanitation concerns, the bottom of the cage should be lined with gravel paper or corncob and should be changed regularly.

Food: A proper diet, along with a clean environment, is key to a healthy bird. Different birds require different diets. Ensure that the bulk food you purchase is especially design for your domestic bird. Most of the mixtures of seeds contain oats, hemp, millet, linseed, sunflower seed and a variety of other healthy seeds. Grapes, lettuce, apples, pasta, bean sprouts, egg biscuits and mealworms can be added to your bird's daily diet. Do not however give any salted, fried or junk food to your bird, as well as rhubarb and avocado. Whenever in doubt, ask your veterinarian or local pet store retailer before introducing a new food to your domestic bird.

Vitamin for water: Vitamin supplements should be added in fresh water daily. This is to ensure that your bird is getting all the required vitamins along with their regular seed diet.

Mineral Bloc and Cuttlebone: Both a mineral block and a cuttlebone should be placed inside the cage and replaced with a new one as soon as they have been entirely consumed. This will provide your domestic bird with the proper calcium required. If you notice that your bird does not chew on one or either of these, we recommend scrapping it into powder and to sprinkle it in its food. The blocs also help to keep their beak trimmed.

Oyster shells or algae gravel: Birds have a very different digestive system than other animals. In order for them to be able to properly digest their food, their avian digestive system needs the help of oyster shells or algae gravel to help process the food. This will facilitate the digestion and absorption.

Sand perch covers: Your birdcage should have numerous perches, where a few should be covered with a sand perch cover. Place these perch covers on the lowest perches, and none on the highest. Although a regular nail clipping is required, this will help keep your bird's nails trimmed. Once you notice the sand is entirely gone, or it's covered with excrements, throw them out and replace them with new and clean ones.

Birdbath spray: Your bird's cage should be cleaned on a regular basis and at each cleaning, the bottom of the cage should be sprayed with a layer of birdbath spray that will help prevent and kill lice and mites.

Bird guard: This is an additional product that helps assure lice and mites will be avoided, prevented or killed. This simply ties itself on the outside of the cage and is good for at least 3 months.

Cage-nett: "Cage-nett" is a bactericidal, detergent and deodorizing solution, based on powerful disinfectants endowed with fungicides, algaecides and germ destroying properties. It facilitates the cleaning and the elimination of the adherent deposits and excrements dried in the cage and on accessories. It allows an in-depth disinfecting that ensures safety and prevention, moreover it deodorizes by removing the microorganisms of fermentation. It's an effective and safe disinfecting product that should be used to clean your birdcage, which can be found in your local pet store.

Birdbath:Birds need their daily bath. They love to get wet, it's refreshing and it cleans feather dust. At least three times a week or even daily; your bird should be able to access his bath. Different types and sizes of baths are available. Simply fill it with lukewarm water and place it in the cage for at least an hour. You will enjoy watching your domestic bird dunk its head and spray water all over its little body. Another method of providing your bird with a fun bath is by filling up a spray bottle, again with lukewarm water, and gently spray a mist in your bird's direction. Please consider using spring water instead of tap water, as chlorinated water tends to dry your bird's skin. Also ensure that your bird is in a warm room, safe from any drafts or breeze. Your bird is even more vulnerable to drafts when wet.

Nail clipper: Nails should be clipped regularly, every other week or so. Use appropriate nail clippers for birds, and have an antiseptic powder on hand whenever clipping your bird's nails. If a nail is accidentally cut too short, immediately apply some antiseptic powder, and the bleeding will cease. It is very important you have you veterinarian or pet store retailer show you how to cut your bird's nails before you try to do it yourself.

Antiseptic powder: You should always have some antiseptic powder on hand to cease bleeding if a nail cut too short.

Toys: Most birds enjoy playing with a variety of toys. Try to keep the birdcage an interesting and fun environment. A variety of toys will be greatly fancied by your bird, such as ropes and bells. They enjoy looking and pecking at a mirror, and also enjoy swinging. Ladders are also accessories that can be added in the cage, it provides a lot of fun as well as exercise. The only concern is to provide your bird with the appropriate toy for their size. Parrots require bigger and tougher toys than a small parakeet would.

Treats, millets: Do provide your bird with treats along with their regular diet. But always be sure not to over feed them or to strictly provide them with treats. They need their regular seed mixture as their primary diet. Treats should be offered occasionally. Millets are usually enjoyed by most birds and you will also be able to find a nice variety of seed treats in your local pet store that will help the moulting stage, enhance their color, a mixture of fruits or vegetables and many more.

Honey sticks: Honey sticks are also greatly enjoyed by most domestic birds. They come in a variety of flavors and can be easily attached on the inside of the cage.

Accessories (small bowl for oyster shells…): Plastic bowls for the food and little plastic cups for oyster shells and treats are perfect for small birds. Parrots and bigger birds will easily chew and destroy plastic dishes; in that case metal dishes of the appropriate size will be required.

Accessories (clips for millets…): Little plastic clips will be necessary to hang some treats like millets or fresh fruits and vegetables.

Seed guard and cage night cover: A seed guard helps keep most of the seeds and feathers inside the cage rather than on the floor. It is an excellent small investment that will cause less debris outside of the cage. A night cover can also be placed on the cage every night. This will enact like a security blanket and will help your bird to sleep. It provides complete darkness and will discourage any chirping or talking in the middle of the night. Covering the cage at night also helps keep the cage warm and free from drafts.

Nest: A nest can be placed in the cage for the simple reason of allowing your bird a little comfort, or to satisfy your bird's nesting needs. Wooden nest are particularly good for breeding. Before breeding any type of birds, be sure to make a full research on all the proper care, needs and breeding requirements.

Nesting material: When breeding young's, provide your paired birds with some nesting material that will satisfy the natural urge to build their nests.

Book: Always get a good and complete book on the type of domestic bird you own. Different types of birds may require different or specific care. It is very important to learn everything you can to ensure you can provide you new pet bird with a long healthy life. Don't hesitate to read up and learn all you can on your companion.

Back Up

General Care: Always make your bird's living area, clean, roomy and try to make it interesting for them by adding plenty of accessories like ropes, mirrors, ladders, branches, bells, toys and perches!!!

*Place your birdcage in a well-lit location that is easy to keep clean. Do not put the cage near a window, a door that leads outdoors or a heater. A sudden draft of cooler/cold air can be deadly and extreme heat from sunlight or the heater can cause sunstroke and be fatal. Also, always place the cage against a wall otherwise, if it's located in the middle of a room, your pet can easily become nervous and intimidated.

Cleaning: You bird should be provided with a clean, healthy home. A weekly cleaning is recommended, which will consist of cleaning and disinfecting the bottom, perches, food/treat dishes and accessories. "Cage-nett" is an effective and safe disinfecting product that should be used and can be found in your local pet store. It facilitates the cleaning and the elimination of the adherent deposits and excrements dried in the cage and on accessories. It allows an in-depth disinfecting that ensures safety and prevention, moreover it deodorizes by removing the microorganisms of fermentation. The water and food dishes should be cleaned daily or every other day.

Feeding: Clean and change the water dish with fresh water daily. Vitamin drops should be added in the water. When it comes to the seeds, birds will eat the inside of the seed and leave the empty shell in its dish. Do not mistake those empty shells for food! Everyday, the seed dish should be refilled to the rim. A little trick is to blow over the dish to remove the empty shells, and simply add fresh seeds. Both water and seed dishes should be kept full to the rim and should be verified daily to assure there is always enough food to last throughout the day.

Exercise: Birds need room to exercise, this is one of the reason why the bird cage should be at least seven times the length of your bird from head to tail. Leaving your tamed bird loose for a regular flight, and providing them with a bird's exercise gym is a really good method to provide your bird with the proper exercise. If however, you own a finch or a canary or any other type of birds that you simply chose not to tame or leave loose in the house, furnish their spacious cage with plenty of perches and ladders to encourage them to exercise.

          When leaving your bird free to fly around the house, make sure the windows are closed, and preferably the blinds as well to prevent them from flying directly in the window, which can really hurt them. Make it safe by limiting their expedition in a few rooms that doesn't present any danger.

Handling: Always handle your bird with care. Never grab them by the tail. Always be gentle otherwise they can bite. Have them hop on your finger by placing your hand or finger close to their feet. If you need to pick them up, use both hands to wrap around its gently body. To prevent any injury, always teach children how to handle a pet bird properly.

Back Up

FINCH

Average lifespan: 5-10 years
Average clutch: 3-8 eggs
Incubation period: 2-3 weeks
Fledging period: 4-5 weeks

          Rather small and delicate, finches are great caged pet birds to own and make great pet for beginners. They have a nice, pleasant chirp and a friendly personality. However, they are not the type of birds that likes to be held or that will willingly hop on your finger, although it as been seen a few times. They should be kept in their cage. They are quite small and their little body can glide through any little opening, therefore make sure to purchase a birdcage with the bars no more than half an inch apart.

          Finches come in a variety of different species, which the Zebra Finch is one of the most popular. You will notice the male a bit more colorful than the female. They have orange cheeks and chestnut colored wings with little white spots. On the other hand, females are a grayish color, absent of the orange cheeks. They prefer to be housed with other finches. Therefore, try not to house just one finch, since they will be happiest living with others.

Back Up

CANARY

Average lifespan: 4-8 years
Average clutch: ---
Incubation period: ---
Fledging period: ---

          Canaries come in a diversity of beautiful colors. Elegantly, their sweet medley brings peace and calming to your ear. If you are looking for sweet charming chants, be careful when purchasing a signing canary, since only male sings, and is best kept alone. If kept with others, you will notice a decrease in their singing. Also, some canaries tend to be more territorial.

          Just like the finches, canaries are not birds to be handled. It is rarely found that a canary will willingly perch on your finger or even eat from your hand. Therefore, if you're looking for a tamed bird, you might want to consider another specie's. If you are however looking for a pleasurable cage bird with a pleasant song, canaries are the choice to go with.

          They should be fed with canary commercial seeds, along with a few supplements like slices of apples, shredded carrots, sprouted seeds and romaine lettuce. They also enjoy treats such as honey or fruit sticks and millets. A color enhancer mixture for canaries can also be offered to you domestic bird to help enhance its bright beautiful colors.

Back Up

BUDGERIGAR (PARAKEET)

Average lifespan: 8-20 years
Average clutch: 4-5 eggs
Incubation period: 18 days
Fledging period: 1 month

          Budgerigars, or more commonly known as Budgies or Parakeets, are very popular and friendly domestic birds to own. They make ideal first pets for new bird lovers. They are available in a variety of beautiful colors and are one of the least expensive birds to purchase. If you have sufficient time to give the daily attention they need, they will do great housed alone. They also do great with other parakeets. However, if you have the intention to tame your bird, one is probably best.

          The sex of your bird can be identified by the color of their ceres (the area above the beak). The female's ceres is a dark brownish color, while the male's ceres is blue. However, take note that when they are below 6 to 12 months of age, it might be impossible to differentiate the sexes.

          Budgerigars are not necessarily talking birds. However, it is not impossible. Some have been known to mimic a few words, but it is not guaranteed every budgie will have the capability to do so.

          The basic diet of budgies consists of seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables. Be sure to purchase the appropriate type of seeds that will satisfy their diet. You can give sunflower seeds as a treat once in awhile, but not too often. They are rich in fat and may cause health issues on the long run if too much is fed.

Back Up

LOVEBIRD

Average lifespan: 10-15 years
Average clutch: ---
Incubation period: ---
Fledging period: ---

          Generally, lovebirds are a lot happier and live healthier when kept in pairs. They are great, fascinating birds to own. They have beautiful colors and they come in a numerous types of different species. Lovable, gentle, full of charm yet tough, they may tend to bite sometimes. It may be best to purchase your lovebirds at a young age and to hand-feed them during the early months of their life. They will be gentler and will grow a personal attachment to you.

          They are naturally playful and active; toys will definitely be enjoyed. They love to hop, swing, chew and play. They are also curious and with patience and perseverance, some may be taught a few words, but they are usually considered to be poor talkers.

          They should be fed on commercial lovebirds or cockatiel seed mix. They can enjoy a supplement of fresh greens, safflower seeds, carrots, fruits and corn once in awhile. They will also enjoy commercial treats such as honey or fruit sticks and millets.

Back Up

COCKATIEL

Average lifespan: 10-15 years
Average clutch: 2-5 eggs
Incubation period: 21-28 days
Fledging period: 33 days

          Cockatiels are a lovable and an amazing domestic bird to own for just about anyone. They are very intelligent, very easy to train, and in some cases may be willing to talk a little, but will mostly whistle. They also get really fond and attached to their owner. They are about twice the size of a parakeet and are familiarly known for their grayish color with orange cheeks and yellowish face and crest on their heads. However, you they can also be of a whitish-yellow instead of gray and a small variety of other colors as well.

          These domestic birds are very sturdy and has a life span of about 10 to 15 years, but it has been seen, with a healthy diet and proper care, they may live up to 20 some years. Their main diet should consist of a commercial cockatiel seed mix with occasional celery, corn and peas. You may try fruits, but they may not be too fond of it. They also enjoy casual treats such as honey or fruit sticks and millet.

          They have an amazing personality. Owning a hand-tamed cockatiel will facilitate the handling and the bonding. They can be kept with others or alone. If you have a sufficient amount of time every day to let your cockatiel out and give him proper attention, housing just one will be fine. Otherwise, housing at least two will be best. Owning one also makes it easier when trying to tame your bird. They are very gentle and love to be on your shoulders.

Back Up

CONURE

Average lifespan: 8-27 years
Average clutch: 8 eggs
Incubation period: 27 days
Fledging period: ---

          A very beautiful bird, conures are great to own. They are quite affectionate and love to be handled. They are very intelligent, quite playful and easily hand trained, especially when purchased at a very young age and preferably hand-fed. They love to sleep in the dark and enjoy chewing, therefore be sure to provide them with plenty of toys to satisfy this need.

          Be sure to provide them with the proper diet of a commercial seed mixture and supplements such as fruits and vegetables to ensure a long healthy life. They enjoy millets and other types of bird treats that you can find in your local pet store.

          They are considered fare to poor talkers and may imitate a few sounds. Sometimes they may pick up a few words, but without proper pronunciation. They have amazing personalities and are quite good with children. However, they may get a little grumpy and nippy as they are getting older.

Back Up

AFRICAN GREY

Average lifespan: 50-70 years
Average clutch: 3-4 eggs
Incubation period: 26 days
Fledging period: ---

          Purchasing bigger parrots requires more care. They need a relatively bigger and sturdier cage then other smaller domestic birds as described above. They need a lot of time and attention. African Grey's are only one type of incredible parrots you may own. They make a great addition to the family and can be quite entertaining. They are very intelligent, charming, and attractive, and with the proper diet and care, they may make a lifelong friend.

          They are known for possessing the intelligent level of a five-year-old child. They are excellent talkers, and they can perfectly mimic people and sounds such as a microwave beep, a phone ring, a dog barking and someone sneezing. They are great family companions, and loves attention. They love to be included in the same room during family activities such as watching television and even cleaning. They love to be around you but can be shy with strangers.

          They love to play and chew, therefore be sure to accessorize the cage with plenty of safe toys made for larger birds such as big ropes and Kong products. They can be a little mischievous and get themselves in trouble. Therefore your African Grey should never be left out of its cage unattended or unsupervised.

          If your schedule will prevent you from spending a lot of time at home caring for your African Grey, it might not be a good idea to purchase this type of specie's. They do need a lot and consistent attention. When bored and neglected, they may start to pluck their own feathers. If you see any sign of them plucking their feathers on their chest, which results bald spots, take immediate actions as he's giving you a sign that something is wrong.

Back Up

MYNAH BIRD

Average lifespan: 20 years
Average clutch: 2-3 eggs
Incubation period: 2 weeks
Fledging period: 25-28 days

          A soft bill bird, the Mynah bird is another great companion that one could own, that possesses incredible skills. Similar to the African Grey parrot, they are great at mimicking sounds and speech. They can talk and are able to make a very close imitation to a variety of everyday sounds like cats and dogs, car horns, telephone ring, crying babies and even yourself. Once tamed, they enjoy being on your shoulder.

          They hop more than they climb, for this reason, they do best in a tall, wide and spacious cage that will give them ample room that will enable them to do so. The taller and bigger, the better! They do enjoy a few toys that will keep them entertained a bit. But they don't seem as playful as other kinds of parrots.

          Mynah birds are not considered in the family of parrots. Because of their soft bill, they are incapable of cracking nut or even eating sunflower seeds like parrots do. They need a specific soft food mixture sold in pet stores. They will greatly enjoy grapes, bananas, mangoes, pears, papayas and apples. Weekly, prepare a fresh bowl of some of these fruits by carefully chopping them in very small pieces considering they basically swallow their food whole. Feeding them pieces that are too big, will give them difficulty eating and may be harmful.

Back Up

Hopefully you have found our information enjoyable and helpful on birds. Please, do not hesitate to contact us for any additional information or if you have any questions concerning your pet.