Bird
If you’re looking to keep a bird as a pet, you’ll need a bird cage and all the accessories such as bird baths, toys, treats and special bird food. Here’s a quick look at some of the basics you’ll need to keep your budgie, parrot or canary.
Bird cage
Sizes of cages vary, and are made for different varieties of birds. Budgie cages are made with metal bars, and have a plastic tray on the bottom of the cage, for easy cleaning. Buy the biggest cage you can for your budgie or parrot. Many people like to keep an aviary. This is an outdoor style shed or building used to keep many birds in at once. You can breed birds such as budgies, parrots and canaries.
To keep the cage clean use a product designed for cleaning bird cages, many household cleaning products are not suitable for pets.
Bird food
Complete budgie food contains all the vitamins and minerals your budgie needs for a healthy life. Treats are extras, and will entertain your bird while he’s eating the treat. Millet and honey seeds are two popular treats. Cuttlebone provides calcium and will also keep your bird’s beak sharpened. Make sure there is always a supply of clean water for drinking.
Always store bird food in a cool dry place. Plastic containers with lids are ideal for this. It’s good to have a plastic container with a funky bird design, so you and your family know at a glance this is not for human consumption.
Bird bath
Birds love to bathe every day. Bird baths usually fit onto the side of the cage, or you can place a plastic dish or saucer at the bottom of the cage.
Birds are a long term commitment. Some birds, such as budgies, can live up to fifteen years, and some parrots have a human life span. They are colorful, fun and intelligent.
They need exercise, stimulation and daily care. Fresh water and food is required daily and you’ll need to let them out to of the cage to fly round the room for exercise. But once you’ve decided to commit to looking after your bird, he will bring you years of entertainment and pleasure.
