General and Seasonal Tips for Pet Owners

Tips for Bird Owners

Want to keep your feathered friend happy?  Check out these tips from  ASPCA Animaland.

To stay happy and healthy, all birds should have time outside their cage for at least one to three hours every day. Be sure to keep 'em busy with fun, safe toys--the avian jungle gyms available at pet-supply stores, built on wood bases with branches, often fit the bill. Many toys that small dogs play with are fine for conures, and parrots enjoy rawhide chews.

Most birds absolutely love to take baths, so make sure yours has separate cups of water for drinking and bathing. There are special covered bird baths that fit right into the cage door. They'll prevent your bird from splashing all over and allow you to watch the fun.

You can also give your bird a shower with a spray bottle filled with warm water. (No need to use soap--that could hurt your pet.)

Cockatiels love to climb on their cages and play with hanging toys.

Some birds like to be handled. If yours seems agreeable, be gentle and careful when first getting her used to it. Try not to make any sudden movements, and don't handle her for a lengthy period of time; keep in mind that baby birds can tire quickly. Your companion avian can easily get bumped coming in and out of the cage door, so take extra-special care during the ins and outs.

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