Keeping birds as pets

Companion birds need care, the right food, mental stimulation, and a sense of security. They usually prefer to be in a flock or have a friend, whether it's another bird or a person.  

So, before you decide to get a bird, ask yourself these questions: 

• Will a bird fit in with your lifestyle?  

• Can you provide them with everything they need for their entire life, which can be anywhere from 10 to 50 years?  

Do your research 

Not all bird species are suitable as pets so make sure you talk to experts like breeders, avian veterinarians, and reputable rescue groups. You can also visit online forums and ask other bird owners for advice. 

Food 

Contrary to popular belief, birds cannot live on bird seed alone!  Sees are okay as part of a balanced diet, but they shouldn't be the main or only food you give to your bird. Pellets are a healthier choice; they are made from seeds, with some of the fat removed and added protein, minerals, and vitamins to make them more nutritious.  

The vet-recommended diet is:

• 60% formulated pellets 
• 40% vegetables 
• Seeds & fruits as occasional treats  

The best way to get them used to this diet is to gradually mix the pellets with seeds and vegetables, and slowly reduce the amount of seed over a few weeks. 

Fruit and veggies:

• Yellow vegetables like corn, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are great options.  
• Green vegetables like beans, peas, broccoli, and dandelion are also good.  
• Red vegetables – choose items such as beetroot and capsicum.  
• With fruit, it’s best to choose low-GI options, such as apples, apricots, bananas, grapes, and peaches (and these should be given as treats as they have lots of sugar). 

Housing 

Companion birds are usually kept in cages or enclosures indoors, and it’s important to provide a secure and comfortable environment taking things such as noise, privacy, and day/night cycles into consideration. 

• Put the cage in a corner of a room, so that at least two approaches to it are secure (i.e., no one will approach from the two sides against the walls). 
• To reduce bird stress, keep the cage away from main traffic routes through the house. 
• Consider having a day cage and a night cage, so that birds can be ‘put to bed’ (rather than just being covered) at night. 

Lastly, building a good relationship with your bird is really important. Motivation plays a big role in training and interacting with your bird. Find out what they enjoy, whether it's their favourite food, praise, or spending time outside the cage. 

Remember, getting a bird as a pet requires commitment and proper care. So, make sure you're ready to provide a loving and suitable home for a bird before bringing one into your life. 

Source: rspca.org.au  

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