Ultimare Bird Care Guide

If you're thinking about a new feathered friend, there are a few things you should think about with regard to care. Of course, the detailed care requirements will range by age, species and variety. However, there are a couple of things that are accurate across the board when you adopt a pet bird. Here's how to get a pet that will be a great companion and how to care for him or her successfully.

First, make certain you are selecting a healthy bird that has been well cared for. Avoid picking an sick or badly treated pet unless you have much experience with the species and its health issues. Rehabbing a sick bird is no easy task. Instead, if you encounter a pet shop or breeder that seems to have many sick animals, think about calling a local animal welfare organization for help.

Sick birds may appear fluffy or ruffled. They may seem unresponsive, withdrawn, tired, or tend to hide their heads under their wings. Birds should not sneeze or have droppings on or around their tail feathers, and there should be no sign of discharge near the nostrils.

A pet bird that only sits at the bottom of its cage is seriously ill. These are all big warning symptoms. Healthy birds will have bright eyes, clean feathers with a good sheen, a good appetite and a lot of of energy.

The degree to which your bird has been handled will also be important, as a poorly socialized or badly treated bird will never be a good pet. Look for birds that are friendly and curious, not those that shy away from careful handling. Remember that you should let the experts show you how to handle and touch your bird, however - most require relatively gentle care.

Reputable stores and breeders are the best place to look for a healthy, happy pet bird. Avoid chain pet stores or any place that looks like a bargain. Remember - you're getting a living animal, not a decoration.

Once you've found a bird you know you want, you should take him or her to a vet who knows birds well to get a first checkup. You should be allowed to return a bird which is sick or in poor health to any good pet store. It also helps your vet learn what your pet is like when he or she is in good health, and lets you build a relationship with them.

Your vet can tell you a lot about what to feed your new pet, how to care for him or her, what medical needs are likely and what training is appropriate. This may be different from what you heard at the store - trust the vet, as he or she has more training.

Your bird's new home should be the largest you can get in your home, but with bar spacing that your new pet can't squeeze through. It’s fine to try and find cheap bird cages, but don’t cut corners when it comes to your new pet. There are plenty of bird cages for sale at very reasonable prices.

The perch should be made of natural wood branches when possible, and out of safe woods. Remember to clean any branches brought in from outside. In addition, quarantine your new bird from other birds before introducing them, to prevent the spread of any problems you may not be aware of. Follow the veterinarian recommended diet closely, and don't try substituting cheaper foods or different percentages, as this can make your bird ill.

Likewise, avoid cedar, pine, and walnut shell bedding, as they can be unhealthy for your bird. Change bedding regularly, and don't forget to socialize with your pet bird on an everday basis. Big birds such as parrots will need quite a bit of socialization, so think carefully about the one you get.

Filed under: Pets

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