By understanding a bird’s needs and providing them with a loving and stimulating environment, you can ensure that he or she lives a long, happy, and healthy life.
Are you welcoming a feathered friend into your life?
This quick guide offers basic tips to equip you with the knowledge to nurture and care for them for many years to come — whether you have a quirky cockatiel, a majestic African Grey parrot, or a sassy pet rooster.
If you have any questions, please feel free to WhatsApp our friendly staff at 8891 4417 for the Upper Thomson branch, or 8809 0787 for our Yishun clinic. Find out more about our vet clinics’ avian consultation services.
Diet: A Balanced Feast for Busy Beaks
Depending on the species, size, age, and activity level, birds can have specific dietary requirements. A well-balanced daily diet is the cornerstone of avian health.
Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
• Commercial pellets: Formulated specifically for birds, high-quality pellets provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and protein in a balanced format and are easily digestible. Choose pellets appropriate for your bird’s age and species.
Their diet should consist predominantly of high-quality feed pellets; a good proportion is usually about 50% to 75% of the overall food supply.
Avoid pellets with artificial colouring, fillers, or sugar, and opt for those with plenty of fruits and vegetables and are high in vitamins and minerals especially calcium.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Offer a vibrant variety of chopped fruits and vegetables daily. These can typically make up about 10% to 25% of the diet.
Healthy treats for birds include apples (with the seeds removed), bananas, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, melon, mango, nuts, watermelon, and dark leafy green vegetables. Wash the fruits and vegetable thoroughly.
Remove pits or seeds that can be harmful — the seeds of many fruits such as apples, cherries, pears, plums, and peaches contain small amounts of cyanide, which can poison birds.
Do not feed avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, mushrooms, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, as these are toxic to birds.
• Seeds: While a popular image, seeds alone are not a complete or healthy diet. They are typically high in fat and low in essential nutrients such as vitamin A and calcium, which are important for your bird’s growth and well-being. An all-seed diet can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease, fatty liver, and diabetes.
However, a small sprinkle of seeds can be offered as a treat or enrichment activity. Seeds should be 10% or less of your bird’s diet.
• Fresh water: Always provide clean, fresh water in a water bottle or dish. Change the water daily to prevent bacterial growth.
If you have a baby bird, learning how to hand feed them with a syringe is important. Here’s a quick demo on oesophagal feeding by our veterinary team. Do not feed too near the front of the beak, as it might go into the airway!
Cleanliness: A Healthy Habitat
Birds are naturally clean creatures and appreciate a tidy environment. Here are some ways to maintain a hygienic cage:
1. Daily cleaning: Remove droppings, uneaten food, and soiled cage liners daily. This not only promotes hygiene but also allows you to monitor your bird’s droppings for any changes in colour or consistency, which can indicate health problems.
2. Weekly cleaning: Thoroughly clean the cage with warm, soapy water, while avoiding harsh chemicals. Rinse well and dry completely before returning your bird.
3. Safe cleaning products: Use bird-safe cleaning solutions, such as F10 veterinary disinfectant. Never use household cleaners that can be toxic to birds.
A Stimulating Sanctuary
Your bird’s cage is its world. Birds are also naturally intelligent and curious, which means they require adequate entertainment and mental and physical enrichment, so that they do not get bored and develop undesirable behaviours.
Check out these suggestions to make your birdie’s home a haven of comfort and enrichment:
i. Spacious cage: The cage should be large enough for your bird to comfortably spread its wings and fly short distances. A bigger cage is always better, especially for active birds.
ii. Plenty of perches: Provide perches of varying sizes and textures (natural wood, rope, etc) to encourage foot exercise and prevent pressure sores.
iii. Bird toys: Offer a variety of safe and stimulating toys to keep your bird entertained and mentally engaged. Rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom. Climbing structures, puzzles, foraging toys, and shreddable items are good options.
iv. Sunlight exposure: Birds benefit from natural sunlight. Place the cage in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight for a portion of the day. Avoid direct sunlight, especially the hot afternoon sun, as it can overheat the cage.
Have a question about your bird’s well-being and health? Simply WhatsApp our friendly staff at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun)!
Socialisation: Building a Bond
Birds are social creatures and thrive on interaction. To build a strong bond and close relationship with your feathered friend, spending quality time is key.
Dedicate daily time to interact with your bird, and talk to them in a gentle, soothing voice. Ideally, provide them with supervised playtime outside the cage.
Positive reinforcement is also important. Reward positive behaviours with praise, treats, or head scratches (approved areas only). Avoid yelling or punishing your bird, as this can lead to fear and behavioural problems.
Finally, remember to respect their space. While interaction with your feathered friend is important, do allow your bird some time for rest and solitude as well. Make sure they have a quiet space to retreat each day. Look out for any potential signs of stress, such as feather fluffing or withdrawn behaviour.
If you are unsure whether your bird’s behaviour is normal, or want to discuss their care needs, we are happy to help!
Signs of Trouble: Early Detection
Birds are masters of disguise, often hiding signs of illness until they become severe. Here are few things you can watch out for:
• Changes in appetite: A sudden decrease or loss of appetite can be a red flag.
• Droppings: Monitor the droppings for changes in colour, consistency, or frequency.
• Feather condition: Excessive preening, feather loss, or ragged feathers could potentially indicate health issues.
• Behaviour: Unusual lethargy, difficulty breathing, or changes in vocalisations require immediate attention.
On a similar note, if you find a lost, abandoned, or injured bird, the kindest action is to seek professional help. Reach out to veterinarians who are experienced in avian care.
We do not recommend that you try to care for the bird yourself, as they may require specialised treatment and could also spread diseases to your pets.
At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery in Yishun and Upper Thomson, we offer avian consultation services and treatments for minor illnesses, and are equipped to conduct health checks for birds, blood tests, scans, and more.
If the case is beyond our scope, we are more than happy to direct you to suitable avian specialists or hospitals, to ensure that the bird receives the most appropriate treatment.
If you are in Singapore and you find a wild bird or an exotic breed that needs help, you may call the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 9783 7782.
Chat With Us
We hope these basic care tips will be helpful in your journey to building a joyful and enriching home for your avian companion! With proper care, love, and attention, your bird can be a cherished companion for many years to come.
Regular checkups with an avian veterinarian are also essential for preventive care and early detection of any health issues.
Here at Paws N’ Claws, we are more than happy to help. Your bird’s health is our top priority. Our friendly and knowledgeable team of veterinarians, nurses, and technicians will gladly address any questions you may have.
We believe in empowering pet owners with knowledge and understanding so you can make an informed decision about your pet’s well-being and healthcare.
Have a question? WhatsApp us at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).
Alternatively, please fill in the form below to send us a query.
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