An Early Guide To Bird Parenting

Are you a new bird parent, or looking to be one? 

We are here to help you with a few unmissable tips so you can navigate bird parenting with ease.

CHOOSING A COMPANION BIRD

Choosing a pet bird can be a tough decision, considering how many vibrant and adorable options there are. However, the most important thing to remember while choosing any pet is checking if their traits will be a good match for your family. 

One of the most popular pet bird species in the U.S. is the common Parakeet or Budgie. Despite their relatively small size, these birds are known to be quite smart and lively. If you’d rather have a bird that requires less attention and interaction, then Finches & Canaries are a good option. They should preferably be kept in a flock but they pay very less attention to humans. If you’re looking for a bird that fills your house with chirps and delightful tunes, cockatiels are the way to go. These birds are found in numerous vibrant hues and are known to be smart. There are various other options like doves, parakeets and various species of parrots as well. 

HABITAT REQUIREMENTS

Once you’ve chosen your chirpy friend, the next step is to find and create the right habitat for your pet. Depending upon the size of the bird, you will need to choose an appropriately sized cage - one that allows room for perches, toys and swings to keep your bird happy and engaged. It's also important to create some sort of foraging for your pet bird, so they feel at home. Just like humans, birds like their share of sunshine. To make sure they get some sunlight during the day one should keep the cage in an appropriate place, however, away from direct sunlight. Make sure that the cage isn’t too crowded either, your pet should have space to move around freely.

NUTRITION & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS 

Placing a bowl of fresh water for your pet is a must. The water must be changed every day, or as often as required to avoid any bacterial growth. Dietary guidelines for birds vary depending on the species you have chosen. However, it is strongly recommended to give your bird a balanced and assorted diet. This will help in making sure they don’t fall ill due to any deficiencies. Some dietary options include fresh food (fruits, vegetables & nuts), fortified seed diets, combination diets and pellets. 

HYGIENE REQUIREMENTS

Birds need a bath too! While some birds enjoy bathing every day, some require occasional baths. Check with your vet before deciding on your pet bird’s bathing schedule. It’s still ideal to bathe your bird once or twice every week. 

Maintaining cleanliness within your bird’s cage is essential. Feeders and water bowls for your bird should be kept as far away from their perch as possible to avoid any contamination from their droppings. It’s ideal to remove any leftover food from your bird’s cage after 24 hours. 

GENERAL TIPS

Birds are usually sociable and intelligent creatures. They are a delightful companion to have around your house, so don’t forget to interact with them on a regular basis. Once your bird is tamed, it’s usually alright to let them out of their cage. In case they fly away, keep their cage close to the window with food inside it. Taming birds early on is easier, so make sure you adopt this new member of your family while they’re still pretty young. If your pet shows any signs of illness, don’t forget to get them checked by the vet.

HAPPY PARENTING!