Food & Essential Supplies

Bird owners everywhere will tell you that their precious pets add precious friendship to their lives, but the fact of the matter is, bird ownership is not for everyone. There are some things to consider when determining whether keeping pet birds is appropriate for you and other members of your household. It is our intention that the following information will assist you in deciding if feathered friends are right for you.

Bird supplies needed

Home Sweet Home - Cages

Regardless of the type of bird you choose, you will need two cages---one for the sanctuary of home, and the other for taking your precious cargo to the vet, or at the very least to house him in while you are cleaning his primary residence. Ensuring that these cages are spacious and non restrictive will ensure that your bird feels safe and happy whether at home or in transit.

Exercise and Stimulation

Perches are ladders are ideal for providing structure and a bit of play in an otherwise dreary day. Choosing items such as a climbing ladder, a perch and a climbing rope will add variety to your feathered friend's day and provide you with hours of entertainment watching them navigate their world.

Providing a Clean, Safe Environment

Keeping cleaning products on hand that are non toxic to you and to your pet are essential for keeping your bird healthy, happy, and disease free. Items such as diluted vinegar, dish soap, and paper towels are sufficient for cage maintenance and washing out food and water dishes. For more "organic" messes, check out your local pet store for a good enzymatic cleaner that will take care of these sturdy stains.

Playtime For Birds

Toys are an excellent source of stimulation for your birds, and they are also essential for beak and claw maintenance as well. Providing items that will appeal to their natural instincts will ensure that they are content and well adjusted in their environment. Toys that provide an outlet for foraging are good items to look for, as well as sturdy toys made from wood, heavy cloth, or chewable plastic, as birds seek out opportunities for show off as well as amuse themselves. Preening toys allow birds to peck and pick at objects other than themselves; excessive preening can become an obsessive habit for some birds, resulting in bodily injury. Providing things to peck at will reduce the possibility that they will turn this tendency inward upon themselves.

Time To Eat!

Let's not forget the essential food and water bowls for your feathered friends. Providing fresh water and nutritious food daily are key ingredients to ensuring that your bird has a long and healthy life. The most common types of feeders are hoppers, or a self-administering device that attaches to the inside of the cage, and basic ceramic bowls. Despite the fact that hoppers seem to be more automatic, they should still be cleaned and inspected daily for signs of growth and contamination. Heavy bowls for food and water are preferred, because birds can be messy eaters.

Selecting Food With Optimum Nutrition

When selecting food for your flock, consider the following items/attributes to look for:

• Food specific to breed needs and preferences
• A variety of seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables
• Blends containing vitamin and mineral supplements to aid in maximizing nutrition
• Protein rich varieties to encourage healthy development

Caring for feathered friends is a fun and rewarding activity; building a special bond with a pet teaches a respect for life and for caring that few other activities foster. Hopefully the information contained in this article can assist you in becoming a happy, stress free bird owner.