What You Need To Know About Your Pet Bird
Feathery, colorful and the right amount of musical, birds can bring a unique personality to you and your family. Just as with all pets, knowing how to care for your bird and what to look out for regarding potential health issues is a crucial part of being a happy bird owner. Keep reading to learn more.
HOW TO CARE
For A Pet Bird
When learning how to care for a pet bird, it’s important to remember that they, just like humans, require a certain level of security to live happy and healthy lives. Consider the following to make sure you’re mindful of your bird’s well-being:
- Housing: Birds need cages big enough for them to spread their wings and move around. The cage should be non-toxic and strong to hold up against any dismantling attempts from your bird.
- Perches: Perches provide a place for your bird to rest or play. While you can choose to layer your perches, be sure to position them clear of water bowls.
- Food and Water: A healthy diet of about 75 percent pellet-based food and 25 percent low-fat human foods (such as grapes, apples, bananas, corn, broccoli, carrots, yams or peas) along with water is the key to a healthy bird. Keeping the water and food bowls at the other end of the cage will also encourage exercise.
- Hygiene: We recommend cleaning the cage daily and paying attention to unusual-looking droppings.
- Grooming: Nail and wing trimming are common types of regular bird grooming. Be sure to be extra careful when doing so to optimize your bird’s health.
MOST COMMON
Health Issues For Birds
Bird owners should always be on the lookout for signs of common health issues. Being proactive can help you keep your bird healthy and live a longer life. Check out some of the bird health problems explained below to learn more about the most widespread bird health problems:
- Avian Flu: All birds are at risk for avian flu, but washing your hands and spending ample time around your pet bird will help boost immunity.
- Parasites: Parasites are a nasty reality that can sometimes turn lethal. Keeping your bird’s immune system strong via a nutritional diet is key to parasite prevention.
- Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD): This deadly virus means feather breakage and abnormal growth for your pet bird. If you notice either sign, call your vet immediately.
- Egg Binding: This occurs when an egg takes longer than usual to pass through the birds laying system. You can spot this common health issue by looking for labored breathing, constipation and loss of energy.
When To Call A Bird Vet
From the moment you notice something is off about your pet, it’s a good idea to give your bird vet a call. If you hold off on calling a vet, you risk overlooking key elements of the most common health issues for birds.
Bird Veterinarian In Sarasota, Bradenton And Lakewood Ranch, FL
We proudly provide treatment services for exotic pets. If you’ve been thinking about adopting a bird or have any questions about the information above, call us at (941) 253-5218 or contact us online today. You can also visit our office in person, conveniently located in Bradenton, Florida.
