Birds are unique creatures that make a fun and rewarding addition to the family. They are extremely intelligent and full of personality, but require special care to remain happy and healthy for their long lifespans. A well cared for bird can live between 10 and 80 years! Our pet experts have put together some bird care tips, to ensure you have a basic understanding of the unique care requirements of your feathered friend.
Every bird has different nutritional requirements, so it is important to speak to your veterinarian to determine what food is best for your bird. It is vital for all birds to have a balanced diet that includes premium pellets, seeds, fruit and vegetables. Feeding a seed-based diet is convenient and relatively cheap, but birds often pick out the tasty seeds such as sunflower seeds or oats and leave the rest which can lead to an array of health problems such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, obesity and liver disease. Seeds can be used to make up part of a balanced diet, but should not be the sole source of nutrition. We highly recommend feeding your bird a pellet based diet. Pellets are specifically formulated to provide a nutritionally balanced meal and include carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. You can also supplement pellets with fresh fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, capsicum, blueberries, tomatoes, carrots and peas.
Water
It is important that your bird has access to fresh water at all times. Birds can be messy, dropping feathers and faeces into their water dish, so it is recommended to hang the water dish from the cage to keep the water clean. It is also important to clean the water dish daily, as dirty water can lead to illness.
Your bird needs a cage or aviary which protects them from predators and other dangers around the home, as well as providing a place they can eat, drink and bathe. When it comes to cages, bigger is better. The cage should be long and wide to give them plenty of living space. Your bird's cage should have enough width for 3 birds to extend their wingspan at a bare minimum. You should also take your bird out of their cage as much as possible for supervised play and exercise. Letting your bird roam encourages bonding and socialisation, but be careful of any household hazards such as fans and electrical cords. We recommend placing the cage in an area that receives some exposure for your feathered friend to obtain adequate vitamin D. Don’t forget to clean your bird cage often to eliminate germs and odours!
Your bird should have at least one comfortable perch in their cage to help them maintain their beak and claw health. You should research your bird's requirements and find the best and safest option for them. We highly recommend natural wood branches or sandpaper style perches to help shorten the nails.
Birds love being bathed! You can spray your bird lightly with a spray bottle to give them a light mist, or provide a bird bath for them to take a bath. If you do provide a bird bath it is best not to leave it in the cage at all times as they can get dirty.
You should provide your bird with an array of toys to keep them entertained and prevent boredom. Being in a cage for hours at a time can be boring, so providing fun and interactive toys can prevent your bird from forming bad habits. There are many options including bell toys, mirrors, swing toys, climbing toys, cuttlebone and more. We recommend investing in a variety of toys and rotating them regularly to prevent boredom.
Our top tips:
- Research carefully before choosing: each avian species has specific diet, habitat, handling and care requirements so it is important to understand their needs before purchasing
- Give your feathered friend ample space: your bird should be housed in a cage as large as possible so they have plenty of room to hop, fly and play with toys
- Get to know your new friend: don’t be shy, get your bird out of their cage often to play and socialise! Birds are extremely sociable by nature and thrive on company and frequent interaction
- Food and water: make sure your bird ALWAYS has access to fresh food and water
- Handle with care: birds are fragile species with hollow bones and should always be handled gently.
Birds are sociable animals who make fun and engaging pets. If you’re considering owning a bird, be sure that you are familiar with the care requirements and are ready to provide plenty of enrichment and interaction for your new pet. We hope these tips make you and your bird’s life happier and healthier!
We hope this guide helps give you an understanding of the basic needs of a bird. All information in our care guides are based upon our own experience, and in any medical situations, you should always consult your vet.
Bird Owners Checklist
- Suitable food
- Water
- Food and water dish
- Cage or aviary
- Treats
- Bird wormer
- Mite and lice treatment
- Bird perch/es
- A variety of bird toys
- Bird bath
