Caring for Pet Birds: Diet, Cage and Hidden Household Dangers

Parrots, budgies, cockatiels and other pet birds can live for many years with the right care. Because birds instinctively hide signs of illness, prevention is especially important.

A balanced diet

• Seed-only diets are not enough for most pet birds. They are high in fat and lack important vitamins and minerals.
• For many species, a good base is a quality pelleted diet plus fresh vegetables and some fruit. Ask your vet what suits your species.
• Fresh, clean water every day.
• Never feed avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol or salty snacks - avocado in particular can be fatal to birds.

Cage and environment

• Choose the largest cage you can, with bar spacing suitable for your bird's size.
• Offer perches of different widths and materials to keep feet healthy.
• Provide toys and rotate them to prevent boredom - many birds are highly intelligent.
• Keep the cage away from the kitchen, draughts and direct sun.
• Allow a regular day-night rhythm with enough quiet sleep.

Hidden household dangers

• Fumes from non-stick cookware (PTFE) when overheated can kill birds within minutes. Keep birds well away from the kitchen.
• Aerosols, air fresheners, incense smoke and strong cleaning products.
• Open windows, ceiling fans, other pets and toxic houseplants during time out of the cage.

Signs of illness

Fluffed-up feathers for long periods, sitting at the bottom of the cage, tail bobbing with each breath, changes in droppings, reduced appetite, or discharge from the eyes or nostrils. A bird showing signs is often already quite sick - see a vet promptly.