General
Information
Diet
 Poor nutrition or inadequate diet are the most common causes
of illness. Dietary deficiencies can lead to a wide range of diseases from poor feather
quality to fatty liver disease. Some believe
that pellets are a complete source for bird nutrition and can be fed to the exclusion of
all other foods. While pellets make up a good portion of our birds' diets, we
believe in the benefits of feeding a variety of other healthy foods. In addition to
pellets, our birds are weaned onto various trail mix blends, fresh fruits and vegetables,
cooked beans and rice, grains, breads, pastas, and nuts (for the Macaws & Conures).
There are a few foods that parrots must never have.
These are avocado, chocolate, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol.
Parrots lack a certain enzyme required to digest chocolate, and it can be toxic for
them as a result. Carbonated drinks are dangers because parrots have no mechanism
for ridding themselves of the gas from the carbonation upon ingestion. Caffeine and
alcohol are both dangerous to a parrot's health, as they are not well digested.
A varied diet serves a dual purpose. Not only
is the bird supplied with healthy foods to eat, it is also mentally stimulating and
enjoyable. Birds are smart and do have a sense of taste so it's important to make
sure that they are consuming a variety of foods and not just one or two favorite foods.
Specific Dietary Needs
 Macaws and Conures need a high fat, moderate protein diet.
A diet such as what our babies are weaned onto, supplemented with mixed nuts will
address the need for higher fat content.
Cockatoos and Amazons need a low fat, high protein
diet. Nuts should be given as a special treat only. Eating adequate portions
of pellet, fruits, and vegetables will keep Cockatoos and Amazons trim and in good health.
African Greys have a tendency to develop calcium
deficiency, which can pose a serious health threat. Therefore, a diet that is high
in calcium is a must. Adequate portions of pellet, fruits, veggies, pasta, rice, and
unsweetened cereal are essential for maintaining their health.
Feeding and Watering
Make sure your bird has access to food and
clean, uncontaminated water daily. The water should be allowed to run for several minutes
prior to filling the water dish in order to flush out any toxins that can accumulate in
water that has been sitting in the pipes. Alternatively, bottled water can be used.
Many birds will readily adapt to a water bottle
which will remain free of contaminating food and poop. Whether using a bottle or
bowl, it needs to be washed and refilled daily with fresh water.
Fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables should be
provided in clean bowls on a daily basis and removed after about two hours to avoid
spoilage.
Hygiene
 Practicing good hygiene is critically important in the
prevention of disease. The cage should be washed and dried on a weekly basis and
food and water bowls need to be scrubbed daily to prevent the build up of slime and algae.
The lining of the cage should also be changed daily as the accumulation of spoiled
foods and droppings draws pests and promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi.
We recommend Pet Focus Solution to clean cages.
This no-rinse formula is effective against many avian viruses and bacteria.
It's a spray-on, wipe-off, non-toxic formula that is more effective than bleach and
is safe around birds. Alternatively, regular chlorine bleach is efficient and will kill
almost anything. However, it is corrosive and will pit metal. So when disinfecting the
cage, you may want to use the bleach that is recommended for outdoor use. It can be
found at most home improvement stores and contains corrosion inhibitors. Make sure
the area is well ventilated and free of birds. Mix 3/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.
Wash the cage down with this solution and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse
thoroughly and allow to air dry.
Environment
 It's important for pet birds to have exposure to fresh air
and sunlight, weather permitting. A bird that is outdoors needs to be protected from
weather extremes and direct sunlight as well as predators, rodents, and wild birds.
Birds that must be maintained indoors with little or
no access to natural light should be provided with some type of full spectrum lighting.
Healthy birds can tolerate temperatures that are
comfortable to humans. During very hot temperatures, a bird may show signs of
overheating by panting and holding its wings away from its body. The feet may also
feel very warm to the touch. Heat stroke can occur and misting the bird will quickly
cool it down.
In very cold temperatures, a bird will sit fluffed
up on its perch with its wings held tight against its body. It may perch on only one
foot while keeping the other tucked up close to its body for warmth. The feet will
also feel cold to the touch. Place the bird in a heated room to warm it up.
Never place a bird's cage or play stand near vents,
ducts, or drafty windows and doors. Birds can become ill from prolonged exposure.
Activity
 In the wild, most parrots spend their days foraging for food
and participating in a variety of flock activities. They fly, climb, open fruits and
nuts, and socialize with other members of their flock.
Birds require more than a cage to fulfill their
natural instinct for social interaction and activity. They will thrive with
attention and wither with neglect. A bird kept in its cage without diversion may
develop behavioral problems that include screaming or feather plucking.
Your bird's cage should be located near family
activity. Be sure to provide your bird with adequate social time outside of its
cage. While inside the cage, make sure your bird has a supply of toys that will keep
it busy and entertained.
Selecting an Avian Vet
 Birds are unique, and the average cat or dog vet will not do.
You should have an avian veterinarian lined up prior to acquiring your bird.
The vet you choose needs to be qualified to treat birds and know how to handle
them. He or she should have a good rapport with birds and not be afraid of them.
Try to select a vet that only treats birds or at least a large number of birds.
Be sure to keep your vet's number handy just in case
of an emergency.
Below are a couple of links that may aid you in
locating an avian vet near you.
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