All About Pet Birds

Table of Contents

All About Pet Birds

Whether you have a parrot, a parakeet, a canary, or something more exotic, like a toucan, you need to learn everything you can about the species of bird you have as a pet. The more you know, the healthier your bird will be, and the longer it will live. It goes without saying that when you are in doubt about your bird’s health, you should always contact an avian vet as soon as possible! However, you should learn as much as possible about feeding and housing your bird, how to train your bird, and how to recognize the first signs of illness. That’s where BirdBathsForSale.com can help. Use this page as a starting point to learn all about pet birds.

Which Pet Bird Is Right For You?

Before you adopt your new companion, you must ask yourself which pet bird is right for you. Different breeds have very different physical and emotional needs. Knowing which pet bird is right for you means not only knowing the needs of various species, but also knowing your specific circumstances and how much time and attention your are prepared to give a bird. For example, are you ready for an 80-year commitment to a pet parrot? If you plan to moving, traveling or starting a family, you may want to think twice before adopting a bird that has complex emotional needs.

On the other hand, finches, with a lifespan of about 5 years and a need for much less space, represent a shorter commitment. Remember, however, that that does not mean you should not pay as close attention to caring for smaller birds. Finches, canaries, parakeets and other smaller species still need good food, housing, and loving care!

Pet Bird Basics

Knowing all about pet birds means knowing some of the basics that apply to any breed. For example, always provide your birds with the biggest cage possible. If you have the room and are handy, or would like to be, you may even consider building an aviary or indoor bird room for your avian companions. This is, of course, ideal. You birds will always benefit from being in a habitat as close to nature as possible.

Whether you provide a cage or an aviary, be sure to always use bird safe material. We recommend using stainless steel as much as possible, whether for a cage for for an aviary. Be sure to fill the cage or aviary with lots of interesting toys for your bird to prevent them from getting bored.

Dangers For Pet Birds

No matter which species of pet bird you adopt, you should always keep your bird away from the following dangers in your home.

Teflon – Teflon is especially dangerous to birds if you burn food. If you have birds, you should avoid Teflon stoves and cookware because the fumes the release are highly toxic for birds. Even if you don’t keep your bird in the kitchen, the fumes can reach all parts of your house.
Hot Surfaces – Any hot surfaces, such as pots, pans or heating elements on stoves, are dangerous for your bird.
Windows – Be sure to cover windows when you let your pet birds out of the cage to avoid accidental crashes and injuries, as bird may fly into windows.
Doors – It goes without saying that your should close all doors when your birds are loose in the house in order to prevent accidental escapes.
Standing Water – Just like standing water in bird baths is dangerous for wild birds, standing water in your home is a danger for your pet birds. Keep birds away from toilets, as these represent a drowning risk as well as a bacteria risk, and open aquariums for the same reason.