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Nutrition

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:35 +0000

Bird nutrition is vital for your pet bird to remain happy and healthy. A balanced diet will ensure that your bird will live a long healthy life and be able to cope with mental and physical stress. An unbalanced diet will lead to poor health, and perhaps even death.

Of importance is the fact that seed alone will not provide sufficient nutrition for seed-eating birds, even if a variety of seed is offered. To supply your bird with all the necessary vitamins and minerals, include pellets, fruit and vegetables as part of its diet. Formulated diets consist of seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits and proteins. Fresh fruit and vegetables must be washed and remnants left in the cage must be thrown away before it begins to rot.

Non-seed eating birds are fed on a formula which is served either dry or moistened. Formulas which are made into nectar must be changed several times a day. Offer the bird fruit such as: apple, pineapple, figs, pomegranates, grapes and kiwi. Fresh corn on the cob and flowers such as pansies, roses, marigolds and dandelions may also interest them.

Vitamin and mineral supplements are available should such be necessary for the good health of your bird. Buy the product that will specifically meet the nutritional needs of your bird. Vitamin A deficiencies commonly affect birds. You should feed the bird orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables and egg yolk to overcome this nutrient deficiency. Mineral supplements are important for nutrition, especially for breeding birds. Minerals are found in: mineral blocks, cuttlebone, bones/ bone meal, milk and cheese. To provide the necessary protein consider feeding your bird, in moderation: meat, milk, fish and egg.

Certain foods will be detrimental to the health of your bird. Avoid such foods as: those that contain large amounts of fat and sugar, avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine and fruit pits.

Also important to remember in caring for your bird’s nutritional needs is water. Fresh water must be given daily or more frequently if your bird fouls up the water.

Nutrition is important if you wish to keep your bird in good health, bright and full of life. Thus you can take pleasure in owning and caring for your bird.

Showing and Displaying

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:50:35 +0000

Preparation for showing and displaying of birds typically begins about four months before the date of the show. At this time you should decide which birds you are going to be showing and then place each bird in its own cage to prevent damage to feathers and so on. The birds chosen for showing and displaying should have good plumage, posture and have all their toes. Examine the birds daily to see if they are still in tip-top condition. Maintain show birds on a nutritious diet that will not allow them to become overweight.

Once you have chosen the birds for showing and displaying, begin a routine of bathing or spraying the birds with water daily. Closer to the date of the show clip claws and file beaks. Keep the cages thoroughly clean so that the bird does not soil its feathers. Begin spraying them with a soft mist of water as their showing condition improves. Two days prior to the show stop this spraying and allow natural oils to coat the birds’ feathers giving them a lovely sheen.

Prepare your birds for the show by familiarizing them with their show cages. This can be done by enticing them into the cage by means of treats. By using this method it will not be necessary to handle your show bird and there will be no risk of damage to feathers or injuries. Also get the bird accustomed to the cage being moved around and lots of noise as this is what they will encounter at the show.

On the day of the show make sure that your show cage is clean and sprinkle a layer of plain seed on the bottom of the cage. Also rather use a water bottle attached to the outside of the cage, You do not want food and water dishes obscuring the view of the judges whilst your bird is on display.

When you arrive you will have to register your birds. The stewards will ensure that you have the correct labels for the group you are entering into. Such labels should be properly displayed. The judges will be looking for shape, size, color and condition of the bird. Plumage is to be fully developed. Birds must look lively and active but not nervous. Once the judges have seen all the birds, prizes are awarded.

Showing and displaying birds can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. Even if you do not win, you will have enjoyed the association of like-minded people, swopping stories and learning from one anothers experiences.

Growing Herbs for Pet Birds

Editor — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:50:50 +0000

Today, more is known about caring for pet birds than in previous years, and good nutritious foods and products are available on the market to ensure the health and well-being of birds kept in captivity. There are natural ways to take care of birds and an increasing number of bird owners are looking to herbs, not only as a treat and to offer a little change in diet but also to enhance the health of their pets.

Herbs are easy to grow on a window sill or in the garden and do not require a lot of maintenance. The herbs are also used by pet owners to liven up their own meals, and therefore benefit both the owner and the birds. Some herbs have aroma therapeutic properties and birds love to shred them, while others can be fun and healthy for a pet bird to eat.

Some of the herbs that are widely used amongst bird owners include lemon balm, oregano, bee balm (Monarda), borage blossoms, bottlebrush, coriander/cilantro, dandelion, rosemary, sage, fennel, thyme, anise, kelp, chickweed, garlic, milk thistle seed, lavender, dill and basil.

Oregano is an herb that many parrot species enjoy tremendously. Most birds are also greatly appreciative if a piece of fresh thyme makes it into their feed bowl. Not only does thyme smell great but it eradicates worms, helps with diarrhea and has antibacterial properties. Another antibacterial is garlic, which is good for the immune system and heart and carries antioxidant and antifungal properties. Kelp is a very good herbal additive as it serves as a stimulant and assists in protecting mucous membranes. Many herbs assist in the prevention of respiratory problems, heart and liver conditions and various other ailments that birds suffer from, adding vitamins and needed natural medicinal elements to their diets.

Bird owners should look into the healing and health elements of herbs, choosing an herbs that will benefit their birds. With a vast range of herbal treatments, remedies and fresh herb treats, birds will be able to fill their bodies with natural vitamins and oils, thus improving and maintaining their condition. Over and above the peace of mind that your pet is enjoying a healthy diet, the joy of watching them shred their herbs in priceless, as is the pride you can take in growing a herb garden.

The Benefits of Sunlight for your Bird

Editor — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:58:54 +0000

Sufficient exposure to natural sunlight and sufficient sleep in a dark environment, are both vital to the physical and emotional health of your pet bird. If other more obvious causes have been ruled out by an avian veterinarian, an ill-tempered or sickly bird may very well be suffering from a lack of sunlight and/or a lack of sleep.

As with humans, sunlight allows for the activation of Vitamin D in your bird, which among other things facilitates proper calcium absorption. Calcium is essential for a host of functions other than the most widely touted – that of building bone strength. It is not uncommon for avian veterinarians to be presented with birds suffering from hypocalcaemia – a type of electrolyte disturbance measured by the presence of low serum calcium levels in the blood. This is often as a direct result of a Vitamin D deficiency brought about by insufficient sunlight. Hypocalcaemia can cause a bird to have seizures, muscle spasms and weakness. African Grey parrots are particularly susceptible to hypocalcaemia.

Ideally a pet bird should be allowed between four and six hours of sunlight each day, or as close to that as possible. Bird-owners who are out at work all day, should ensure that their bird is in a spot that receives some sunlight at some time during the day. Unfortunately, as most window glass has been treated to prevent ultraviolet rays from passing through, birds that are in a sunny spot indoors do not get the benefit of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, nevertheless this filtered sunlight is better than none at all.

Other benefits of a daily dose of sunshine are the promotion of a healthy appetite, improved feather quality and color, while stimulating a natural molting cycle and preventing hormone imbalances. Additionally, natural sunlight will do wonders for your bird’s disposition, making it more cheerful and more sociable. Prolonged periods with no natural light can make a bird sluggish, grumpy and depressed, and as we have seen, even physically ill.

So, with a sufficient amount of quality sleep (between ten and twelve hours per night), regular natural sunlight and the correct diet, your bird is likely to be a very happy member of your household.

Your Pet Bird Also Needs Its Beauty Sleep

Editor — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:06:53 +0000

Owning a pet bird can be very rewarding. It is also a big responsibility. A pet bird is totally reliant on its owner for its health and well-being, and while many bird owners appreciate the importance of correct diet for their feathered companion, not all owners understand the important role that sleep plays in their bird’s health.

Although sleep requirements may vary slightly for different species, most pet birds need between 10 and 12 hours of sleep each night, preferably in a quiet, dark environment. A bird that is sleep-deprived is likely to be cranky and unsociable, and will eventually develop a compromised immune system, leaving it susceptible to a host of health problems. Ideally, birds should be allowed to sleep from sunset through to sunrise as they would in their natural environment. Realistically though, many birds are members of modern households that just don’t run on the old adage of “early to bed, early to rise…”, so what can you as a bird owner do in the best interests of your beloved pet?

You certainly don’t want to cut short any playtime that you would normally enjoy with your bird. If the only time you have available to spend together is after sunset, then by all means take all the time you need to do this – both for your benefit and the benefit of your bird. But once playtime is over, it is best to remove your bird from the room where the family is gathered, most likely chatting and watching television. Many bird owners have found that their pets do very well in a “sleep cage” – a smaller cage which is only used for the bird to sleep in and can be placed in a room away from household activity. This cage can be covered in order to provide an even darker environment. If your bird has been up late in the evening, preferably allow it some extra quiet time in the morning in order to catch up on its “beauty” sleep.

What if your work schedule means that you only get to see your bird later in the evening when he may already have gone to sleep? Experts say that it is perfectly acceptable to wake your bird up to spend time together – but this needs to be done gently, or you may be on the receiving end of an irritated bird’s beak. Simply switch on the light in the bird’s room, which will encourage it to wake up naturally, and then spend some quality time together. The key thing in this situation is to allow the bird the full amount of sleeping time, even if it has been broken into segments.

In nature, birds generally remain awake during daylight hours because they are constantly on the lookout for predators. Your pet bird will exhibit the same behavior when it is in a well lit area. Although it may at times seem that your bird dozes off during the day, this is not quality sleep and it will likely react immediately to any noise or disturbance. Of course, you know that there is no danger from predators in your home, but your bird’s instincts tell it to be alert – and this can be exhausting when artificial light extends the bird’s “daytime” past nature’s twelve hour period. Moreover, some species of birds are stimulated to go into breeding mode when exposed to long periods of daylight. Cockatiels and lovebirds are among the species that are susceptible to chronic egg-laying, which is generally as a direct result of too much daylight.

Many bird-owners have found that simply providing a suitable sleep environment and allowing their pet between ten and twelve hours of sleep has made a world of difference to their health and temperament.

Fruit in Your Pet Bird’s Diet

Editor — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:32:01 +0000

Due largely to their intelligence and entertainment value, birds from the Psittaciformesorder, which includes Parrots and Cockatoos, are very popular as household pets. Bird-lovers who have welcomed one of these fascinating birds into their family are generally quick to tell you what a rewarding experience it is. Ongoing research confirms that the best way to ensure that your beloved pet bird stays in peak condition is to pay attention to its diet. Recently the role of fruit in a bird’s diet has come under the spotlight, with varying opinions on the matter.

It is true that psittacine birds have very specific likes and dislikes, just as people do. However, just as we would not allow our children to dictate what they will or won’t eat, because as parents we have the responsibility to ensure an adequate diet, for the same reason it is not wise to allow our pet birds to dictate what they will and won’t eat. So what role does fruit play in a pet bird’s diet?

All birds require a wide range of nutrients, including fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, disaccharides and simple sugars, as well as water soluble vitamins, fat soluble vitamins and minerals. Fruit is mostly composed of water and sugars, with some minerals and fiber, and therefore cannot fulfill your bird’s nutrient requirements. Whereas previously it was thought that fruit and vegetables cause diarrhea in birds, this is not the case. However, due to the high water content of fruit and vegetables, your bird will urinate more frequently, and as birds excrete both liquid and solid waste at the same time, this may be mistaken for diarrhea. It is important to know what your bird’s droppings normally look like, in order to detect changes that may signal a health problem.

For healthy bone maintenance, the calcium to phosphorous ratio should be roughly 2 to 1. Fruits do not contain anywhere near this ratio and should therefore be seen as a treat, rather than an essential part of a daily diet. The question of “how much is too much?” can be difficult to answer, but a good rule of thumb is about a teaspoonful of fruit a day for budgies and cockatiels, and about a rounded tablespoon for macaw-sized birds. A balanced diet should consist of pellets, healthy table foods, nuts, seeds and some fresh vegetables and fruit.

Does Your Bird Have Bad Breath?

Editor — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:30:57 +0000

Halitosis in your feathered companion can spoil an otherwise enjoyable relationship. Although bad breath in birds is uncommon, it could indicate underlying health issues and should not be ignored. The most likely cause of bad breath is a bacterial infection and an avian veterinarian would, through a series of tests, be able to determine the cause and prescribe treatment.

A lack of vitamin A in a bird’s diet could increase its chances of developing certain infections, including infections that are caused by yeast or bacteria, which in turn could cause halitosis. If the diet is well-balanced and other possible dietary causes, such as feeding rancid seed, have been ruled out as a possible cause of bad breath, more serious causes should be investigated, as birds with bad breath could suffer from some sort of abnormality in the respiratory tract, oropharynx or gastrointestinal tract.

Birds may become infected with bacteria that are normally found in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, known as coliform bacteria. This bacterium is recognized by its distinctive smell of human feces. If the bacterium has colonized in the mouth, crop or proventriculus of the bird, its breath will smell of feces. If the bacterium has invaded the lower gastrointestinal tract of the bird, then its droppings will have this offensive smell. One may wonder how a bird could become infected with bacteria found in a mammal’s gastrointestinal tract. Manure is often used as a fertilizer when growing fruits and vegetables, and this can be a very potent source of bacteria. If fruit and vegetables are not washed thoroughly before offering them to the bird, these bacteria may still be present and will be ingested. It goes without saying that everyone should wash their hands after using the bathroom, but it is also a good idea to wash hands before handling your pet bird.

Another organism which could be responsible for causing bad breath in a bird is Avian Gastric Yeast (AGY) which is found in the junction of the bird’s proventriculus and ventriculus, but may also be found in the gastrointentinal tract of a bird that has been affected. Other gastrointestinal problems that could affect birds include Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) and an organism called spirochete, which is still a subject of research with regard to disease processes in birds. Benign or malignant tumors in the gastrointestinal tract, which can be detected by means of a combination of blood tests, x-rays and ultrasound, may also cause bad breath.

The bottom line is that if your pet bird has persistent bad breath, it needs to be checked out by an avian veterinarian. Once the cause of bad breath has been established and appropriate treatment given, your bird can enjoy a better quality of life and you will enjoy its company.

Avoid Obesity in Pet Birds

Editor — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:11:31 +0000

People who keep birds as pets, generally do so because they enjoy their company and entertaining antics. Yet many of these bird lovers inadvertently allow their pet birds to become overweight, even to the point of obesity, exposing them to a host of possible health problems. Pet birds are very often confined to a cage and have their wings clipped to prevent flight and possible injury, resulting in a lack of exercise. Add to this the temptation to offer tasty tidbits to your feathered friend, and it is easy to see why pet birds can have the tendency to gain excess weight.

Of course prevention is better than cure, but if your bird is already a little on the chubby side don’t despair, with some patience and discipline, this situation can be corrected. There is no clear cut definition for obesity in birds, but dogs and cats are considered to be obese if they are 15% above their ideal weight, so this is can be used as a guideline. In a nutshell, obesity results from a bird taking in more calories than it can burn off. Lack of daily exercise is therefore a major contributing factor to obesity. Also, most bird owners incorrectly feed their birds a diet which consists mostly, or completely, of seeds. Birds love seeds because they are high in fat and taste good, however, this type of diet is not only deficient in many essential vitamins and minerals, but is the leading cause of obesity in birds.

Obese pets – cats, dogs, birds – have an increased risk of a number of life-threatening diseases, including heart disease, arthritis and cancer. Additionally, obese birds run the very real risk of developing hepatic lipidosis, more commonly known as “fatty liver disease”, making them very susceptible to stress and repeated infections. Health problems lead to an increased number of visits to the veterinarian, which is a stressful event for any animal, but for an unhealthy obese bird this type of stress may prove to be too much to bear, and could even result in death.

To maintain optimum health, pet birds should have a daily diet consisting of pellets, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, with a limited quantity of seed. Any switch in diet must be done very gradually or your bird could become stressed and refuse to eat. Remember that it took a period of time for your bird to gain its excess weight and it will take possibly even a longer period of time to lose that weight. Rest assured though that your bird’s eating habits can be changed, and the resultant health benefits, along with the extended lifespan of your beloved pet, will make the effort well worth while.

Senegal Parrots Make Fantastic Pets

Editor — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:36:22 +0000

If you are considering purchasing a parrot as a pet, you should consider the Senegal Parrot. They are perfect for owners who are living in flats, as they are not as noisy as most other parrots can be. Their unique personalities and entertaining characters make Senegal Parrots a great choice as family pets. Originating in West Africa, this popular pet bird now finds itself in all corners of the earth in the homes of loving owners who adore them.

Senegal Parrots are relatively small birds, growing to approximately twenty-three centimeters in length. Adult birds are easily recognized by their grey heads and their green and yellow coloring across the rest of their bodies, which is often remarked on, as it looks like a yellow vest has been put on over their green plumage. In some cases, the male Senegal Parrots grow to be a little larger than the females, and extremely small changes in their plumage distinguish the two genders.

In the wild, Senegal Parrots live for between twenty-five and thirty years, and can reach the same age in captivity, although some birds have been recorded to live to almost fifty. They can either be kept in a large aviary (preferably six feet by six feet), or in smaller indoor cages. It is essential to ensure that the parrots are able to move and climb freely within the cage, and that there is enough room for them to spread their wings.

When it comes to talking, the Senegal Parrot is not capable of the wide range that the African Grey is famous for, but is able to manage a respectable number of phrases and words. But it is their personalities that shine through and owners grow attached to their attentiveness and not their speech range. Owners will have to think for the Senegal Parrots, as they are prone to getting themselves into difficult situations. Basically, they should be regarded as children and owners should be aware of small things like leaving the toilet seat closed, not letting them near open windows and keeping them away from harmful kitchen appliances. Their diet should also be watched closely. Keeping cages and bowls clean is essential, and vegetables and fruits are a vital part of their diet. When feeding beans or foods that spoil quickly, owners should remove the remaining food to ensure that their parrots do not eat spoilt food that could affect their health.

Senegal Parrots are generally very social birds, and should build a special bond with each of the family members. Hand rearing a parrot leads to them becoming playful, comical, attentive and interactive pets that will soon find a place in their owner’s heart and everyone they meet.

Entertaining Button Quails are a Delight to Keep

Editor — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:48:35 +0000

Button quail owners agree that these small, cute, relatively quiet little birds make wonderful pets. Button quails are very active and their antics can provide hours of amusement. Although not easily tamed, with patience on behalf of the human caretaker, button quails do respond positively to love and attention.

Button quails are generally shy birds that are easily startled. They enjoy having a number of places to hide away in within their cage or aquarium enclosure. Shoeboxes with more than one door cut in and cardboard cylinders make good hiding places. Real plants make nice hiding places, but only if you are absolutely positive that they are not toxic to birds. It may be safer to stick to plastic or silk plants as these are easy to maintain and can be washed.

Button quails need a reasonable amount of floor space as they run around a lot – at high speed. When a button quail is startled – and they startle easily – it will fly straight up in an attempt to escape. If the roof of its enclosure is something hard, there is a great risk of serious injury and even death. To prevent this from happening it is advisable to install something with a bit of “give” in it (fine mesh nylon netting works) over the top of the tank or cage. If your little button quail takes off, it should return to ground unharmed.

Button quails need animal, vegetable and mineral elements in their daily diet to remain healthy. As their primary need is protein, game bird crumble from a pet store is ideal and can be ground in a coffee grinder to suit the quail’s needs. They also enjoy small seeds such as hemp, millet and linseed, as well as fresh vegetables. Broccoli is a favorite and, apart from being a good source of nutrients, is also a source of amusement – at least for the owner – as the little bird tosses the broccoli around to get the little buds off. Button quails also need live food such as mealworms, crickets or maggots, but only from a pet store and not in large quantities. Never give your bird any bugs from outside that may have been exposed to pesticides.

It is important to allow your button quail access to grit, preferably in a shallow bowl big enough for it to sit in. Not only do they use the grit to aid digestion, but it also serves an important role in quail hygiene. Watching your button quail take a dust bath is a pleasure – for both of you. They also like to bath in their seeds, wood shavings on the enclosure floor and water. Also, be aware that using solvents and householder cleaners near your birds will be detrimental to their health.

These sociable little birds should not be kept alone if possible. However, male button quails are known to fight (sometimes to the death) and the best combination seems to be one male with two females. This allows the male to enjoy his favorite occupation of pursuing a female, while the other takes a rest.

Button quails make fascinating, undemanding pets that, in return for a comfortable home and good food, will be enjoyed by the whole family.