Considerations of Buying a Bird

Before you purchase a bird please ensure that you have thought carefully about the responsibility of pet ownership. Speak to your local veterinarian and other pet owners, and gather as much information as you can to aid you in your decision. Never buy a bird on impulse - owning a pet is a commitment, which should be carefully considered. For more information about pet ownership click here.

Basic Bird Needs

The following information is intended to provide a very basic overview of the essentials of caring for your pet. It does not cover every aspect of the care of your pet and we strongly advise that you seek further specific information and advice in order to ensure the welfare of any animals in your care.

Housing
The most suitable housing for most birds is a large well-designed and built outdoor aviary. This will enable your bird to live with freedom of movement and some flight. Circumstances dictate, however, that many birds are kept in indoor cages. The type of bird you choose will often dictate the size of cage required. It is vital that your bird has adequate room to move and to express itself.

The RSPCA recommends the following minimum dimensions for outdoor aviaries or for indoor cages:

• Finch, Canary: Based on 2 birds sharing a cage - minimum floor area: 1,225 sq cm, minimum height: 35cm;
• Budgerigar: Based on 2 birds sharing a cage - minimum floor area: 1590 sq cm, minimum height: 38cm;
• Cockatiel, Rosella: Based on 2 birds sharing a cage - minimum floor area: 10,000 sq cm, minimum height: 100cm;
• Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo: Based on 1 bird in a cage - minimum floor area: 20,000 sq cm, minimum height: 100cm.

Cages and aviaries should be furnished with perches made of bark-covered branches (not dowelling) and well-secured food and water troughs. The food and water receptacles must not be positioned beneath your bird's perches as it may contaminate its food and water with droppings. If your birds are housed indoors, the cage should be positioned in a well lit, sunny room where your bird will have frequent human contact, and the opportunity to fly free and exercise.

A tray on the floor of the cage will collect droppings and should be removed each day and thoroughly cleaned. The cage or aviary itself should be easy to scrub out, while water and food troughs and perches should be easily removed for cleaning purposes.

Stimulation through the provision of ladders, bells, ropes, swings, mirrors, and suitable toys are good, although an over-furnished cage or aviary may cause your bird to injure itself or become entangled.

Indoors cages should be covered with a cloth or towel to protect your bird from draughts and to allow it to rest. Should the cage be placed outside the house on a fine day, care must be taken to protect your bird from predators, including cats and wild birds. Do not place the cage in the full sun - ensure the bird has some shade at all times.

Exercise
Regardless of cage size, most birds will benefit from exercise out of the cage for a period of time each day. You should take sensible precautions to ensure that your bird will not be injured whilst exercising within a room.

Handling
It is important to train your bird to be handled, as this will allow you to make necessary health examinations. At all times be gentle and avoid heavy finger pressure. Some birds, such as canaries, are particularly sensitive to handling. It is strongly recommended that you do not kiss your birds. Birds can carry diseases which can be passed on to humans.

Feeding
A caged bird's basic diet should consist of specially prepared seed mixtures, which are available from most supermarkets or pet supply stores. This diet should be supplemented with green foods and fruit but some foods such as avocado are toxic to many birds so further advice should be sought.

A cuttlefish bone placed in your bird's cage or aviary can provide many of the trace minerals required by birds. Fresh water is essential to a bird's life and must be replenished frequently in hot weather or if it becomes fouled.

General Grooming
Most birds like to bathe so a shallow bowl full of water should be placed in your aviary or bird cage. This is particularly important on warm days.

Health

Signs of Health
Your birds should show the following signs of good health:

• Demeanour: quiet and approachable. Alert, observant, with periods of activity.
• Appetite: good;
• Breathing: quiet and rapid, with beak closed;
• Feathers: luxuriant, well preened, and held close to body. A good sheen;
• Beak: not overgrown; no encrustations and able to pick up food easily;
• Eyes: bright and watchful.

Common Ailments
A sick bird will droop on its perch, or sit on the bottom of its cage, be silent, with feathers fluffed. It will sleep for extended periods of time, often with its head tucked under its wing.

• Feather plucking: mostly this occurs from boredom or bullying. Once established, the habit is difficult to stop. Toys and mirrors will help distract the bird from the habit of feather plucking and correct feeding is essential
• Tumours: growths on or under the skin are common. Veterinary advice should be sought immediately if these are detected;
• Respiratory disease: colds, bronchitis or pneumonia may develop quickly. If symptoms persist your bird will require veterinary attention;
• Scaly face: this is a condition that results in a grey encrustation around the beak, eyes, feet and legs. Please seek veterinary attention.