One of the nicest aspects of owning any pet is that in the best of circumstances he soon becomes like a member of your own family. No matter what your family’s composition may be, there are some ways to make this transition easier and quicker for both your pet and your family alike. In no time at all, you will all wonder how you ever managed without him!
A great start in making your new pet bird a member of your family is to prepare your entire family for his arrival. Whether you have youngsters or teenagers at home, or elderly family members, letting each person participate in welcoming your new little friend can be an exciting experience for everyone.
Your children and teens will love to learn all about the new addition. You can begin to spark their interest by helping them to learn all of the fascinating facts about birds. Everything from looking through pictures in books and magazines to visiting all of the different kinds of birds at the zoo can peak their interest in this wonderful species.
Depending upon the ages and personalities of your children, you can further their anticipation about your new pet bird by including them in your plans. When they know that their help is valued, they will look forward to your bird even more. Perhaps your child can offer his opinion on the perfect name for your bird, or help you to select special toys for him at the pet shop.
Even the youngest children will be thrilled to participate in caring for your new bird. Whether you assign a simple task to a small child, such as checking every day to be sure the bird has a fresh supply of water, or have an older child who would like hands-on play with your bird, there is a dual-benefit to this. First, your youngster will quickly learn to love your pet even more when he is able to take an active role in his care. Second, you will be teaching him good habits for responsible pet care that will stay with him throughout his life.
Elderly persons are often especially fond of birds. Not only are birds beautiful, melodious, and fun, but they are delightful company. You may be surprised at how quickly Grandma or Grandpa falls in love with your new arrival. There is simply some kind of magic in these lovely little pets that brightens the mood of nearly every elderly person. Even the senior citizen who does not take well to overly-active or noisy pets will surely love your new bird.
Making your new pet bird a member of your family means making your family feel at ease with him, and him feeling at home. No matter what the size of your home may be, both your new pet and your family will benefit if you allot a specific space just for him.
Although it is usually not best to keep a bird in a room by himself, as he thrives on interaction with his owners, it is important to make sure there is plenty of room for his cage and plenty of allowances made for bird seed which will spill underneath his cage. When you keep these points in mind, it will go a long way toward ensuring your bird’s comfort, as well as your family being comfortable with him.
Making your bird comfortable in his new surroundings only takes a little basic effort on your part. It is a good idea to check the area where you plan to keep his cage before you bring him home. If the room is free from drafts, cold air, and strong heat, he will not only be much more comfortable, but also healthier. If it is possible to keep the room at a relatively consistent temperature, this is better for both his health and his mood.
A room which is free from unnecessary noise is a good choice for your new pet bird. Sudden noises can startle him, and may even cause him to become nervous and ill-tempered. As your bird needs restful sleep as much as you do, making sure that the room is reasonably quiet for his sleep time will also lead to good health and a pleasant disposition.
In addition to all of these factors, encouraging everyone in your family to spend time with your bird will increase their love of your new pet and your bird’s love for them. While you may not have thought of this in terms of bonding, you will when you see the results. Everyone in your home will grow attached to your bird, and appreciate him as a unique member of your family. Your bird, in turn, will very quickly see that he belongs to you!
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Petbird Care and Feeding Basics
Although every breed of bird comes with its own individual needs, there are some basics which you can apply to your new bird regardless of his particular breed.
First, feeding your new bird does not have to be complicated if you know what is available and adjust it to your own bird’s preferences. Similar to any other kind of pet, he may express different tastes, likes, and dislikes. It is not harmful to indulge a picky eater, as long as the food he is given supplies the balanced nutrition he needs for good health.
There are three general types of diets for pet birds.
The most basic form of diet is a diet which consists of only seeds. While your new bird can manage quite well on a seed diet, for his optimum health it is a good idea to also give him vitamin supplements. A seed-based diet can be enriched by providing him with a nice variety of healthy fruits and vegetables. Many birds love berries, grapes, and carrots; and they are as healthy for him as he love to eat them.
Bird feed mixes are an easy way to ensure that your bird has a healthy diet. Each type of mix that you can purchase has been specially made for particular breeds of birds. When you buy a bird feed mix, you will know that he is getting the food that is right for him.
Although it lacks variety, a formulated diet can provide your bird with everything he needs. These diets are specifically tailored to fulfill your bird’s nutritional requirements. If you decide to use a formulated diet, it is the easiest way for your bird to get everything his body needs to stay in prime condition.
Selecting the diet that is best for your bird and easiest for you is one of the most important parts of the care and feeding of your bird. However, there are other factors in keeping him healthy and in the best spirits. All birds should have a supply of fresh water available to them at all times. When you accommodate your bird’s need for consistent, fresh drinking water, it will aid in his digestion and promote overall good health.
Some breeds of birds also require a consistent supply of grit for proper digestion. The reason for this is some birds do not shell their seeds while they are eating, and consume the shells also. The grit is necessary for helping the shells to disintegrate. While grit can be a healthy addition to most birds’ diets, it is essential for those who are in this category.
Your bird’s care and feeding basics include much more than his daily diet. The good news is that taking care of your bird is not difficult, and the time you put into it is as much fun for you as it is for him.
Your new bird is no different from any other living being in that he requires proper exercise in order to stay healthy. It will also serve to keep him in good spirits. If he is your very first bird, you may be surprised at the variations and effects exercise can have for him.
Similar to any other kind of pet, you will surely be amazed to see that he has his own individual preferences. One bird may prefer to exercise by flying around the room every day, taking in the sights, and making a show of his wing span, while another may delight in performing little gymnastic-like routines in his own cage.
Some birds love the freedom of being outside their cages, while others do not like it at all. His own unique personality is the key. After you have had him for only a short while, it should be easy for you to see what kind of exercise he likes the most. When you cater to his personal preferences, the result will be a healthier, happier bird.
When you have a new bird in your home, you will be pleased to see that it is not all about work and little play. In fact, playtime can be one of the highlights of owning a bird. It is during playtime that you begin to see him as your delightful little friend and your favorite companion.
If you have never owned a bird before, you might not know what to do or what to expect from playtime. Having a few ideas in hand, and taking the cue from your bird himself, is a great way to start.
One playtime activity which most birds love is the bath. It is suitable for all birds of bird, and they all tend to love it equally well. Depending upon such factors as the size of your bird and the space which you have available in your home, you have a number of options from which you can choose. He can bathe and play in your regular bathtub, in your sink, or in a special indoor bird bath made especially for him. Regardless of the specific method you choose, your bird is sure to choose it as one of his best-loved activities.
Playtime for your new bird should also include some toys. The best way to go about this is to purchase toys solely for his use. Ladders, swings, bells, and balls, are amongst the kinds of toys which are favored by most birds. In addition, when you supply him with toys of his own, you will find it much easier to train him to not grab or chew on objects which he should not be playing with, such as household items and items that belong to you.
Caring for your pet bird includes protecting him from harm and danger. While birds are generally quite strong and resilient, this is still an important factor in keeping him safe and healthy. For example, if you have small children in your home, they must be taught to not annoy or provoke him. Poking him through his cage, making unnecessary loud noises, or taking him out of his cage without an adult’s permission and supervision, should be clearly avoided.
If you have other pets in your home, your bird must be protected from them as well. While in some cases cats and dogs can be trained to coexist nicely with a bird, it is unwise to allow any unsupervised interaction, or to have the bird cage in a place that is easily accessible to them.
There are many common household plants which are deadly to birds. In order to ensure the safety of your pet, it is best to not have them near your bird’s cage or in a room where you allow him to fly freely.
Basic common sense goes a long way in helping your bird to be safe. For example, making sure all of your windows and doors are closed, and that there are no fans operating in the room, can prevent unnecessary disaster when your pet is let out of his cage. A room that has been checked for its safety features prior to allowing your bird’s freedom makes his exercise and play a fun, beneficial experience.
Your new pet bird can be the delight of your life! A little attention to the basics of his everyday care will make owning your new bird an enriching, positive experience.
First, feeding your new bird does not have to be complicated if you know what is available and adjust it to your own bird’s preferences. Similar to any other kind of pet, he may express different tastes, likes, and dislikes. It is not harmful to indulge a picky eater, as long as the food he is given supplies the balanced nutrition he needs for good health.
There are three general types of diets for pet birds.
The most basic form of diet is a diet which consists of only seeds. While your new bird can manage quite well on a seed diet, for his optimum health it is a good idea to also give him vitamin supplements. A seed-based diet can be enriched by providing him with a nice variety of healthy fruits and vegetables. Many birds love berries, grapes, and carrots; and they are as healthy for him as he love to eat them.
Bird feed mixes are an easy way to ensure that your bird has a healthy diet. Each type of mix that you can purchase has been specially made for particular breeds of birds. When you buy a bird feed mix, you will know that he is getting the food that is right for him.
Although it lacks variety, a formulated diet can provide your bird with everything he needs. These diets are specifically tailored to fulfill your bird’s nutritional requirements. If you decide to use a formulated diet, it is the easiest way for your bird to get everything his body needs to stay in prime condition.
Selecting the diet that is best for your bird and easiest for you is one of the most important parts of the care and feeding of your bird. However, there are other factors in keeping him healthy and in the best spirits. All birds should have a supply of fresh water available to them at all times. When you accommodate your bird’s need for consistent, fresh drinking water, it will aid in his digestion and promote overall good health.
Some breeds of birds also require a consistent supply of grit for proper digestion. The reason for this is some birds do not shell their seeds while they are eating, and consume the shells also. The grit is necessary for helping the shells to disintegrate. While grit can be a healthy addition to most birds’ diets, it is essential for those who are in this category.
Your bird’s care and feeding basics include much more than his daily diet. The good news is that taking care of your bird is not difficult, and the time you put into it is as much fun for you as it is for him.
Your new bird is no different from any other living being in that he requires proper exercise in order to stay healthy. It will also serve to keep him in good spirits. If he is your very first bird, you may be surprised at the variations and effects exercise can have for him.
Similar to any other kind of pet, you will surely be amazed to see that he has his own individual preferences. One bird may prefer to exercise by flying around the room every day, taking in the sights, and making a show of his wing span, while another may delight in performing little gymnastic-like routines in his own cage.
Some birds love the freedom of being outside their cages, while others do not like it at all. His own unique personality is the key. After you have had him for only a short while, it should be easy for you to see what kind of exercise he likes the most. When you cater to his personal preferences, the result will be a healthier, happier bird.
When you have a new bird in your home, you will be pleased to see that it is not all about work and little play. In fact, playtime can be one of the highlights of owning a bird. It is during playtime that you begin to see him as your delightful little friend and your favorite companion.
If you have never owned a bird before, you might not know what to do or what to expect from playtime. Having a few ideas in hand, and taking the cue from your bird himself, is a great way to start.
One playtime activity which most birds love is the bath. It is suitable for all birds of bird, and they all tend to love it equally well. Depending upon such factors as the size of your bird and the space which you have available in your home, you have a number of options from which you can choose. He can bathe and play in your regular bathtub, in your sink, or in a special indoor bird bath made especially for him. Regardless of the specific method you choose, your bird is sure to choose it as one of his best-loved activities.
Playtime for your new bird should also include some toys. The best way to go about this is to purchase toys solely for his use. Ladders, swings, bells, and balls, are amongst the kinds of toys which are favored by most birds. In addition, when you supply him with toys of his own, you will find it much easier to train him to not grab or chew on objects which he should not be playing with, such as household items and items that belong to you.
Caring for your pet bird includes protecting him from harm and danger. While birds are generally quite strong and resilient, this is still an important factor in keeping him safe and healthy. For example, if you have small children in your home, they must be taught to not annoy or provoke him. Poking him through his cage, making unnecessary loud noises, or taking him out of his cage without an adult’s permission and supervision, should be clearly avoided.
If you have other pets in your home, your bird must be protected from them as well. While in some cases cats and dogs can be trained to coexist nicely with a bird, it is unwise to allow any unsupervised interaction, or to have the bird cage in a place that is easily accessible to them.
There are many common household plants which are deadly to birds. In order to ensure the safety of your pet, it is best to not have them near your bird’s cage or in a room where you allow him to fly freely.
Basic common sense goes a long way in helping your bird to be safe. For example, making sure all of your windows and doors are closed, and that there are no fans operating in the room, can prevent unnecessary disaster when your pet is let out of his cage. A room that has been checked for its safety features prior to allowing your bird’s freedom makes his exercise and play a fun, beneficial experience.
Your new pet bird can be the delight of your life! A little attention to the basics of his everyday care will make owning your new bird an enriching, positive experience.
What You Should Know About Your Bird
One mistake which many people make when they decide to purchase a new pet is to make a quick purchase without knowing much about the kind of pet they are adding to their home. This can lead to a number of unnecessary problems and unnecessary disappointment. They may find that they do not know how to properly take care of the pet, that it is much more time-consuming than they had expected, or that the pet they believed would be lots of fun was troublesome and annoying. They may even decide that they really do not want the pet at all.
Fortunately, this does not need to happen to you. If you are willing to spend just a little time learning about the pet you have chosen before you purchase it and take it home, you can easily avoid any unnecessary problems and disappointment. Your new pet-- and living with him-- will be a great experience!
Although the details will be addressed in an upcoming chapter, one of the most important things you need to know in advance is the upkeep which your new bird will need. This includes such factors as when, what, and how often he will need to be fed and watered, special products he will need in order to stay in excellent health, and the amount of exercise he will require. If this is to be your first pet bird, knowing all of this in advance can prevent worry and stress, and help your bird to lead a long, healthy life.
The more you know about the specific type of bird you have selected, this also will go a long way toward the happiest life for him and the most enjoyment for you. A good start would be to consult with the owner of your pet shop, or check into resources at your local library. You can learn about the bird’s personality style and traits, what he is capable of learning and doing, and any particular needs that he might have.
While you might be tempted to think that all birds are basically the same, this is not necessarily the case. Learning as much as you can about the specific breed you want to buy is not only informative, but will also show you how very special your new pet really is. You will surely appreciate his uniqueness!
When you have all of this information in hand, you will be better equipped to know what to expect from your new pet, how to deal with him effectively, and how to provide the type of care to keep him in the best condition and the brightest mood.. It is likely that you will also find learning all about your particular breed of bird is a fun experience in itself!
It is also a good idea for you to know what kinds of health issues you may need to deal with in your new pet bird, as well as his expected lifespan. Although pet birds are usually quite healthy and resilient, and require very little maintenance to stay in excellent condition, knowing these facts can help you to recognize health problems if they do occur. You will know if he needs to be treated by your veterinarian, or if there is a minor problem which you can easily take care of yourself.
There are two very important benefits to having this information. First, you will be prepared for any sudden emergencies which require immediate attention; and second, owning and caring for your new bird will be free of unnecessary worry.
One way to look at it is that if you were preparing to bring your first child home with you, you would want to learn everything there is to know before taking that important step. You can think of your new pet bird in a similar fashion. The more you know, the more prepared you will be to fully enjoy every minute of your life with the brand-new addition to your family. When you are better-equipped for his everyday care as well as any unforeseen emergencies, this will in turn give you more time to have fun with him! When it comes down to it, getting the most out of owning your new pet is the whole idea. You can relax, play, and love him!
Fortunately, this does not need to happen to you. If you are willing to spend just a little time learning about the pet you have chosen before you purchase it and take it home, you can easily avoid any unnecessary problems and disappointment. Your new pet-- and living with him-- will be a great experience!
Although the details will be addressed in an upcoming chapter, one of the most important things you need to know in advance is the upkeep which your new bird will need. This includes such factors as when, what, and how often he will need to be fed and watered, special products he will need in order to stay in excellent health, and the amount of exercise he will require. If this is to be your first pet bird, knowing all of this in advance can prevent worry and stress, and help your bird to lead a long, healthy life.
The more you know about the specific type of bird you have selected, this also will go a long way toward the happiest life for him and the most enjoyment for you. A good start would be to consult with the owner of your pet shop, or check into resources at your local library. You can learn about the bird’s personality style and traits, what he is capable of learning and doing, and any particular needs that he might have.
While you might be tempted to think that all birds are basically the same, this is not necessarily the case. Learning as much as you can about the specific breed you want to buy is not only informative, but will also show you how very special your new pet really is. You will surely appreciate his uniqueness!
When you have all of this information in hand, you will be better equipped to know what to expect from your new pet, how to deal with him effectively, and how to provide the type of care to keep him in the best condition and the brightest mood.. It is likely that you will also find learning all about your particular breed of bird is a fun experience in itself!
It is also a good idea for you to know what kinds of health issues you may need to deal with in your new pet bird, as well as his expected lifespan. Although pet birds are usually quite healthy and resilient, and require very little maintenance to stay in excellent condition, knowing these facts can help you to recognize health problems if they do occur. You will know if he needs to be treated by your veterinarian, or if there is a minor problem which you can easily take care of yourself.
There are two very important benefits to having this information. First, you will be prepared for any sudden emergencies which require immediate attention; and second, owning and caring for your new bird will be free of unnecessary worry.
One way to look at it is that if you were preparing to bring your first child home with you, you would want to learn everything there is to know before taking that important step. You can think of your new pet bird in a similar fashion. The more you know, the more prepared you will be to fully enjoy every minute of your life with the brand-new addition to your family. When you are better-equipped for his everyday care as well as any unforeseen emergencies, this will in turn give you more time to have fun with him! When it comes down to it, getting the most out of owning your new pet is the whole idea. You can relax, play, and love him!
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