RECIPE FOR A HEALTHY BIRD

 

• Educate yourself about proper care, diet, species specifics, etc.  You can never learn enough – there is always new information.
• Pay attention to your bird.  Your pet depends on you.  You must be aware of subtle signs of illness and be able to notice them.  You need to know when something isn’t right.
• Establish a working relationship with an avian veterinarian.  Find out about their abilities, polices, philosophies, and even shortcomings.  Be informed about his or hers availability for emergencies – have backup vet if at all possible.
• Have your bird examined at least yearly.  This should include a physical exam, weight, discussion about behavior and nutrition, and possible lab testing.
• Never expose your bird to other birds of unknown health status!!
• Feed a healthy diet.  This is a huge subject – some advise in a nutshell:  Tend towards less seed.  Feed foods free of pesticides, preservatives an artificial color.  Pellet diets if at all possible.  Avoid fatty, salty, sweet foods.  Avoid caffeine, chocolate and avocados.
• Fresh clean safe water at all times.
• Clean air – NO SMOKE; beware of PTFE (Teflon) fumes, and heaters.
• Full spectrum lighting.
• Proper cage – lots of space, made of proper materials, spacing between bars appropriate, good perches.  Avoid overcrowding.  The bigger the better.  Escape proof.
• Provide things for your bird to do – toys.
• As much exercise as possible.
• Allow your bird to bathe – provide water, sprays, shower, etc.
• Avoid accidents – animals, wings trimmed vs. not trimmed, unsafe toys.
• Avoid exposure to toxins – heavy metals (esp. lead, zinc), Teflon, heaters.
• Provide a stress-free an environment as possible.