START OFF RIGHT
WHAT TYPE OF BIRD WILL "FIT"
WITH YOUR FAMILY? There are many species of birds readily available and each
species has its own set of behaviors and predictable behavioral patterns ranging
from the amount of time needed "out" (outside the cage) as part of your flock,
to the level of noise, chatter and talking. Also, part of your consideration
should be the life span of each species. Many avian species will live well over
fifty years and unless you are extremely young, the purchaser of a bird of this
type needs to ask, "What will happen to my bird if it outlives me?" Research
which species will be best for your particular lifestyle. When choosing a species,
it is best to search for articles and books written by those who have researched
common behaviors...If you live in an apartment, you may want to find a species
which is more quiet and reserved. If you are away from your home for many hours
each day, then you will want to search for a bird which can entertain itself
readily and will be happy with the few hours you can give. Contact avian breeders
and ask for their opinions. Do your homework and you will not be sorry! Also,
please remember...NOT ALL individual birds speak even if many of their species
do...If speaking is important to you, be sure to purchase a bird which is already
speaking at a young age..otherwise, be thrilled if your bird chooses to speak
to you once he's home and settled in a loving environment!
BUY FROM AN AVIAN BREEDER!
These are the people devoted to birds and bird care. A responsible breeder WILL
NOT sell you an unweaned bird unless you can prove that you have the experience
and knowledge necessary to wean a baby safely. It has been proven untrue that
the one who feeds is the one the bird will bond with. We all leave mom eventually
and it is the same for a bird. Your bond will grow with time and trust, so be
assured, you may spare yourself much heartache by allowing those who are experienced
to wean your new companion fully. If you have other birds at home, PLEASE, quarantine
your new bird completely away from your other flock members! It is important
to make sure air supply, food dishes and other items not be shared during this
quarantine period. If you can not offer a period of at least thirty days for
quarantine due to space limitations or other situations, please, think long
and hard before bringing a new bird home to your other(s).
ASK YOUR BREEDER TO CLIP
THOSE WINGS! This is crucial to your bird's survival in your home! Many breeders
allow their babies to fledge (fly for a short period of time in their aviaries
or in rooms set up just for this purpose) to allow them to build their confidence
and muscle tone. Ask to be sure your breeder practices this! When you bring
your new bird home, leave perches low in the cage for a week or so; in this
way, your bird will understand his new limitations and will not fall from a
high perch, discovering on the way down he can no longer fly. Unless your birds
will live in an aviary, there is no reason for them to be "fully flighted" in
your home...this practice may invite disaster! Flying indoors can be deadly...clipping
flight feathers avoids: collisions with windows, walls, floor, ceiling, window
and floor fans; halogen lights and/or fixtures which may be flown into, open
toilets, bathtubs, and kitchen areas while cooking; also heating and cooling
units may present a danger. Think of a toddler in your home with wings and just
imagine the dangers, which are present. Also do not allow your bird to walk
on your floors without constant supervision..Here they will have exposure to
electrical sockets, electrical cords, toxic houseplants and perhaps even being
stepped on inadvertently...but most frightening of all, they may have exposure
to other household pets. Do not fall asleep with your bird. Not only are they
quick to take advantage of roaming unsupervised but you could injure your bird
by rolling onto it. Wing clipping also assists you when training your bird;
it's very difficult to gain complete attention if the bird can fly away from
you! Incorporate wing clipping into your Avian Veterinarian visits and ask for
a non-severe clip so that your bird will have enough wing power to keep it from
falling in or out of its cage and injuring itself.
TIME....yours! Do you have
the time to devote to a bird? They should not be in their cages 24/7...can you
devote time EACH day just for this purpose? Not only do our birds need time
away from their cages, but also in order to train your bird and enjoy a bond
with them, you need to build TRUST and TRUST TAKES TIME! It must be earned.
Please keep in mind when you plan for time to be spent with your new avian companion,
you should not spend anymore time with them when you first bring them home than
you will over the course of your lives together! Many behavioral problems can
be associated with the new baby who was the object of everyone's total attention
for the first month or so and then suddenly sits in its cage alone, day after
day, when the newness wears off. Remember that your purchase of these intelligent
creatures must be considered a major responsibility by all in your household
in order for it to be a wonderful one! Set aside time each day to interact with
your bird and fill their home with toys and objects which will keep them challenged
in the hours you are away or busy! An even balance can be reached to the benefit
of all!
YOUR BUDGET! As with children,
an avian companion has certain needs and even the very basic needs will utilize
a portion of your household budget. Be prepared to make one time purchases of:
a primary cage, travel cage (for vet visits), a first aid kit, scale, cage accessories
(perches, dishes, toys and cleaning supplies), and to stock in a good supply
of quality seeds and/or pellets, fruit mixes, mineral blocks, cuttle bones and
other food/nutrition items (may vary according to species.) Feeding fresh foods
and veggies and perhaps broadening the spectrum of foods you ordinarily buy
should also be planned for. Many are amazed how much better the whole family
eats while feeding healthy, fresh foods to your avian companion. You will also
have the two yearly well checks with the vet and nail/beak/wing trims (species
specific) to fit into your avian budget unless you are instructed and learn
how to perform some of the grooming yourself.
AVIAN VETERINARIANS: Would
you go to a podiatrist for angina? An avian veterinarian gives you the "best
chance" to ward off health problems and deal with emergencies. Remember that
birds are prey species. They will present to you as healthy in the morning and
could be gone in the evening...They instinctively will not show illness if they
can help it...In the wild, this would mean certain death to them at the hands
of a predator. Locate an avian veterinarian before purchasing your bird...be
sure he/she is taking on new clients and know that your bird will have the best
possible chance for many years of good health. It is advisable to have your
birds' well check within two days of bringing he/she home. Also, schedule visits
twice yearly to maintain excellent health.
