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Caring for Parrots and Cockatoos
By observing these basic pet care tips, your bird will be healthy, cheerful, and bring much happiness to your home.
Cleanliness
A healthy bird is an active and interested one, and you can keep your pet healthy only by ensuring its surroundings are clean and comfortable and it's being fed correctly.
Food
Pet stores can supply you with suitable seed mixtures for your parrot which should contain cracked wheat, cracked corn, milo seed or milo sorghum, canary seed, large white millet and oats. Give only very small amounts of sunflower seed as it's very rich in protein.
All birds need a variety of greens. Give your parrot or cockatoo washed green leafy foods like silver beet and seeding grasses (not lettuce or cabbage), and an occasional slice of apple, banana or pear. Never give cake crumps or anything sugary. The only exception is small amounts of Arrowroot biscuit, given as a treat. Baby birds can be fed the appropriate 'Wombaroo' mix, which is nutritionally balanced.
Always provide clean water.
Cages
Your bird must be able to jump from perch to perch, stretch to full height, flutter and spread and wave its winds. Better still, is for it to be able to fly. Make sure the aviary or cage is protected from wind and rain and that the bird has ample shade.
- Do not leave the cage in an area susceptible to draughts as birds can easily catch a cold.
- Do not leave the cage out in hot or cold weather.
- Do not leave the cage out in windy weather where it may get blown over and injure your bird.
- Do not leave the cage in direct sunlight without shade. If the cage is left outdoors, keep the top covered with a towel or a piece of cardboard tied on.
- Also, twist a piece of wire to secure the cage door or purchase a small catch or lock because cats, children, and even some birds themselves, can manage to lift the latch and open the cage door.
Perches
Perches must be suited to the size of your bird's feet. Give it an oval perch, a round one and one natural tree branch. The different shapes and sizes will keep your bird's feet well toned. Perches should be taken out once a month and scrubbed in a mild disinfectant solution.
Cage Floor
The cage floor must be covered with either grit or clean sand. If none of these are available, cover the floor with newspaper, and change it often.
Tree Bark
It is essential for parrots to have access to tree bark. It serves several purposes including preventing the overgrowth of claws (theyget filed down when the bird grips the bark). Practically any old scraggly bark from a non-toxic tree is suitable.
Wings
Some people trim the flight feathers of birds to allow them freedom in the garden. This should be done by someone qualified and experienced in the procedure. Remember, parrots are good climbers, so watch they don't climb up tall trees or over fences.
Parrots sometimes start biting their claws and toes and pulling feathers. Feather pulling can be an indication of run down condition, dissatisfaction, boredom or occasionally, mites and lice. Give the bird greens, a tree branch to chew, and preferably, more exercise. But best of all, give your bird company.
If you ever suspect that your bird is sick, consult a vet promptly, as a sick bird can deteriorate quickly. An unwell bird may show signs of lethargy, loss of appetite and ruffling of feathers. Pay regular attention to the droppings - green watery faeces is a dangerous sign.