Bird Care

SETTING UP FOR THE NEW ARRIVAL

What do you need when you buy a new bird? Back in the Dark Ages of bird care, people thought all that was needed for the bird was a cage and some seed.

However, with more and more breeders selling hand-fed babies, and more research being done about what a bird needs, this is no longer true.

Around 25 years ago most of the birds in the country were either imported or smuggled into the country. The birds went through a quarantine station and most of these birds were either young (not babies however) or already mature. Little thought was given to their psychological well being. While there were many good loving owners out there, many birds still suffered from the lack of knowledge about what their needs were. Luckily today we know so much more about what a bird needs to be kept physically healthy and mentally healthy as well.

When buying a bird the new owner has to figure in not only the cost of the bird, but the different supplies needed as well. it is no longer just the cost of the cage and some seed. Now it is all the extras that are needed as well. Many of these accessories are an ongoing coast and not just a one time thing.

It is very important to make sure that the new bird sees an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. There is so much more known about birds today because of the advanced made in veterinary care and because of this birds are living longer. Early detection of problems is a must. Also that first visit will establish a baseline for your bird. This way if your bird does get sick your vet will know what is normal for them. During these exams they might do a fecal exam to check for parasites and some blood work to check for other problems.

So now that you bought a new bird and have all the things they need what do you do?

Have everything ready for the new arrival before you bring him home. This way he won't have to sit in the carrier or whatever you brought him home while you are setting up the cage. Usually if you buy a hand-fed baby you know when you are bringing him home so this is easy to do.

Make sure you received instructions about your new bird. Some recently weaned babies still do not perch very well and may need perches much lower in their cages at first.

Location of the cage is very important. Some birds enjoy being in the center of traffic and commotion while others really hate it. Start off with the cage away from the main traffic of the house but at the same time not stuck in some corner ignored. Once you get to know the bird better you could always move their cage.

Make sure that you have a few toys for them to play with and not so many that you couldn't find the bird because of the maze of toys. Toys need to be species appropriate and are safe.

If you kids at home explain to them that the new bird needs some time to adjust to his new home. Don't all rush over to him at once. This may scare him and make him feel insecure. Go over slowly, one at a time. Have them talk to him in a soft quiet voice. If you have young children at home make sure they don't poke at the new bird and that you always supervise them with the bird.

Monitor what he is eating during this time. Most birds don't have any problem eating or drinking, but it is still important to monitor all of this. If you are using a water bottle they may not know how to drink from one if they never used one before. Have a bowl of water under the new water bottle. Usually curiosity will get the better of them and they will start pecking at the bottle. You have to make sure that they are always getting fresh clean water.

It is important to play with your new bird right from the start. Birds are very social and need interaction daily. The first few days you may need to have a more quiet area to play with the bird but eventually they will adjust to your lifestyle.

By going slowly and allowing the bird to gently ease into your lifestyle you are starting to build a bond of trust. This bond is very important for your future relationship with your bird.