Parrot Care

OK people. When you have a parrot the list is endless of what to do and what not to do to ensure your bird has the best possible life.

You need to be aware of the dangers when your parrot is out of its cage (as well as when it is in it's cage) and be aware of possible accidents.

There are many things at home which can be harmful if not deadly to your bird. Always be cautious and if in doubt, find someone to ask first, don't take risks.

Firstly, if you have a young just weaned or new bird, keep net or closed curtains across windows, at least until your bird gets to know the layout of the room. Or it will likely try to fly straight through the glass.

Do not allow your bird to chew any houseplants, drink the water from fish tanks (yes, it has happened), chew lead pencils (deadly) or generally do anything unsupervised. Non-stick pans cooking on a very high heat omit toxic gases as do irons on an ironing board cover. Never use aerosols of any sort within the vicinity of your bird and remove your bird from the room if you are contemplating decorating. Never let your bird take alcohol, not even a sip, it is not clever. Cigarette smoke is also unhealthy for your bird as it is for us humans. Phew! Take a breather...

Remember what is not harmful to humans can sometimes have disastrous consequences for your bird.

As a personal opinion, we do not agree with taking your bird into the shower with you. Spraying your bird with tepid water on a regular basis is far better and safer for your bird. This will be necessary to keep your bird's plumage in good condition, particularly if you have central heating. A fine garden sprayer is ideal, try to do this at least 3 times a week.

Always spray your bird in the morning to allow its feathers to dry before nightfall.

Most birds love being sprayed and they will display their feathers in a fashion which shows their enjoyment.

Bird Harnesses are another ridiculous invention.

Why on earth would you want to take your bird to the supermaket? Or even to the park for that matter? Why?

These only present potential problems including illness, stress and possible death. If your bird has all it needs (as far as is possible being in captivity), you should not need to take it 'out' with you, nor should the bird wish to go.

The following is a true story:

A lady takes her bird to the park complete with harness. Bird gets spooked by the relatively sudden (unheard before) noise of ducks taking off, themselves having been spooked by a dog. Bird attempts to escape and panic sets in.

Result, lady releases hold of harness in case she makes matter worse. Bird flies off to near tree, harness gets caught and bird hangs itself.

No more bird.

It gets worse.

Bird Diapers

Come on you people out there, get real!

These crass inventions are purely monetary motivated, what else could they possibly come up with ? - maybe we shouldn't ask?

Bird diapers are so degrading for your bird and also unhealthy, ask any avian vet.

If you want a bird that does not poo on you - or the carpet - buy a cuddly toy.

Anyone with genuine bad experiences concerning either harnesses or diapers, feel free to let us know.

Click below and read our page including a message from a visitor in Colorado USA:

Parrot Diapers, Flight Suits and Harnesses

Accidents & Illness

Of course accidental injuries of course do happen. If your bird has knocked a blood feather or nail you will need to stop the bloodflow. Cornflour is useful for this. If it is the nail bleeding you can use pressure such as a towel to stop the blood. Persistent bleeding can usually be stopped.

You must however stop the bleeding because it is possible your bird could bleed to death. If you cannot stop your bird from bleeding, you must visit an AVIAN VET you have faith in as soon as possible.

The signs of a poorly bird are likely to be some or all of these:- ruffled feathers, long periods of sleeping on both feet, runny nose and eyes, unusual droppings and lethargy. If you know your bird like you should, these signs should easily become apparent.

If you are worried keep your bird warm, a temperature of at least 80f. Consult an AVIAN VET IMMEDIATELY. Do not try and treat the symptoms yourself, other than with perhaps a probiotic.

Check your bird's droppings daily so you know what is normal for your bird (obviously what your bird eats in a day will have an effect on this to some degree).If your bird needs its claws clipping it is preferable to go to an avian vet to have this done unless you are confident to do this yourself.

Also catching your bird in a towel is stressful in itself. If the claws are not too long you can provide your bird with a 'Polly's Pastel' perch, iodine blocks and cuttle fish which will all help to keep the claws trimmed naturally. (These items should of course be provided regardless).

Wing Clipping

If you think you want or need to have your bird's wings clipped MAKE SURE YOU ARE SURE THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRD, AND IT IS WHAT YOUR BIRD WANTS? - and that there is absolutely no alternative. Again discuss this with the breeder and your avian vet.

Click here to read the story of Pearl the Goffins Cockatoo

Never hit or threaten your bird in any way. If your bird starts to make too much noise, as can happen when they are excited or wanting attention, tell your bird NO firmly and leave the room. Dim the lights if applicable. Do not stand and shout at it. If the bird has been wanting attention, by shouting at it, it has what it wants.

Try to understand their way of thinking. They are highly sensitive, emotional and intelligent. They need love, patience and understanding and crave attention. They should not be left for long periods of time on their own. This can lead to behavior problems and/or feather plucking.

They should have plenty of toys to occupy them and wood to chew. Leather hide toys used for dogs are ideal (not coloured). Cardboard kitchen roll insides (not toilet roll insides for obvious reasons)

There are a number of toys available from good avian stockists.

The multi-coloured indestructible toys now available are excellent. Although initially expensive should last a long time. Your bird should always have natural perches to chew. If your bird has plenty of love and attention, a good diet and mental stimulation, your bird should remain happy and healthy. If your bird is not, look at where you are going wrong. Your bird relies totally on you and cannot tell you what it wants/needs.

If you need a vet, always use an vet listed in avian publications as having a special interest in parrots. Although you should remember that avian vets do not have special qualifications.

Some 'avian vets' will give advice over the telephone for a small charge, usually once you have registered with them, but it is preferable to make a visit.

There are one or two in most regions of the country (UK), although be prepared to travel.

Visit our page: Avian Vets - Who Do You Choose?