Tips for first time bird owners
May 30 '00
This e-pinion is not just about children and pets. I just thought I should help out any novice bird owners on the web, so here are some of my tips.
1. When buying a bird, don't get one that hides in the corner, sleeps, or has a very fluffed-up appearance. You want to make sure you have a healthy bird.
2. When your bird comes home, have a clean cage with all the necessities like food, water, sandpaper, perches, and toys. Without toys your bird will become bored. This will also happen if you do not alternate the toys. But one that you should always have in is a swing. Birds enjoy preening, sleeping, and, of course, playing on them.
3. Your bird will enjoy horizontal bars on its cage more than vertical because climbing is easier.
4. Understand that your bird is probably a baby, and that it is weak and scared. Birds are more prone to die at as babies than any other age. Don't rush your bird into eating. My first one didn't eat for 2 days and it has not been sick the whole time I've had it.
5. Clean the cage every one to two weeks and give it fresh sandpaper as often as you see fit.
6. The biggest tip I can give you, as I stated in a past review, is KEEP YOUR BIRD AWAY FROM ANYTHING TOXIC. These things include plants, stained glass, and most human food with the exception of fruits, veggies, etc. Perhaps the worst thing for your bird is your SELF-CLEANING OVEN, which you should not use as long as you have your bird. Even if your bird is upstairs, it can still die from the fumes.
7. Birds enjoy baths. Two methods of giving your feathered friend a bath are putting it under the sink with a light trickle of water, and also putting warm or cool water (depending on the temperature) in a spray bottle and misting your bird. When it becomes hot, you will know because he will hold out his wings and breathe out of his beak. You should spray him with cool water whenever this happens.
8. Warming up to your bird. Your bird will not know you yet, and, as a result, hasn't gained your trust. I recommend leaving the bird in its cage for at least 24 hours. During this time period, talk to him so he realizes you will not hurt him. Once you feel your bird has adjusted, pet his feet and gradually work your way up. I find this to be a very effective technique.
9. Exercise. Your bird will need this at least twice a day for 15 minutes each time. I bought my birds a playpen for their outside time, and they play on it all the time. They can range in price from $10-God knows what, but they are often very cheap at your local pet store. It's worth the money, though, because your bird will love it. Usually the smaller the bird, the cheaper the stuff. Included on playpens are usually a ladder leading up to a perch about 7" up, small perches on the ground, and a connected swing. They are made of wood and very safe.
I hope I have helped any beginners in keeping your birds healthy and safe. If you don't have a bird already, I highly recommend buying one. They are very cheap, and most apartments will allow them. They can even learn to speak, contrary to popular belief. A bird will bring you years, 8 to 15 to be exact, of enjoyment.
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BrownBelt
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