Mary Allen
Birds are popular pets – they are beautiful to look at, do not need to be taken out, and are relatively cheap to maintain if the basic equipment is purchased. Nevertheless, of course, our feathered friends also have claims, because the most important thing is of course to think of the bird’s welfare. How can I enable him to live a life that largely corresponds to his nature? Here are a few important points: the right cage, enough free flight, good nutrition, and employment opportunities. In addition, as a bird owner, you first have to think about which bird is right for you.
Which Bird is Best for Me?
That depends on various factors: How big should the bird be and can I even offer it space according to its size? It is important not only to ensure that a spacious aviary fits into the apartment, but also that the bird is given enough space to fly freely. This is of course much easier with a budgie than, for example, with a macaw with a wingspan of almost two meters.
The background noise is also not an insignificant point before purchasing. Every bird makes noise now and then, but the general rule is: the larger the body, the more powerful its vocal organ. Sun parakeets and peach heads, for example, are considered to be particularly loud, budgies, on the other hand, tend to be “constant babblers”, although they are much quieter. Parrots are generally quite loud, macaws and cockatoos like to whistle.
You also have to ask yourself what expectations you have of the animal: Do I primarily want to observe the birds or develop a proper relationship with them? Small animals such as canaries are suitable for observation, and parakeets should be used for closer relationships. However, these are often not as tame as, for example, cockatoos or gray parrots. Since the parrot species are very intelligent, they not only need a lot of space according to their size but also physical activity such as free flight and climbing as well as mental challenges.
If you want to take in a bird, it is also important to know that birds should never be kept alone and that with a lot of time and patience it is possible to tame the bird, but the animals are by no means suitable for cuddling.
The Bird Cage
Even if some birds are not particularly large, our feathered friends need a lot of space to make their flight laps. Because one thing is very clear: the natural locomotion of birds occurs through flying. Accordingly, a large aviary or even an entire bird room should be available to them. Small cages are not suitable – at most if the bird is sick. With regard to the cage, the bigger the better. Unfortunately, there are still many unsuitable cages available on the market. Many are too small or coated with a varnish that can be nibbled off and, in the worst case, lead to poisoning. Round cages may look nice, but they are absolutely not what the animals want: On the one hand, they are clearly too small and, on the other hand, the bird has no reference point in the cage and cannot withdraw.
The Establishment
As is so often the case in life, the following applies here: less is more. After all, the feathered friend should have enough space to flap a few wings in the cage. Fresh branches – also with foliage – not only look pretty but also offer an ideal climbing opportunity, are suitable for gnawing, provide variety in the cage, and are used for foot gymnastics. The rule is plastic poles out, branches in! Elm, spruce, maple, beech, alder, hazelnut, and ash are suitable, for example. Natural fiber ropes are also suitable for climbing. The bird should always have fresh water available that it can reach without any contortions. In addition, every bird is happy about variety – so like to redecorate the cage from time to time.
The Right Food for the Feathered Friend
Of course, the bird’s feed must also be specially tailored to its needs. Not only does every species of birds need food that is tailored to it, but there are of course also differences between domestic and wild birds. In addition to grains and seeds, worms and insects are also on the menu. There is already a suitable food for every bird in the trade, but one should keep a close eye on some ingredients: It must be ensured that there are no symptoms of deficiency in the animal. You should also offer your feathered friend fresh greens. But be careful, not everything is suitable! Avocados, for example, are poisonous to birds, and beans and mushrooms are also unsuitable for feeding. Otherwise, as always, in case of doubt, contact the vet to cover yourself.