General Bird Care & Environment

Copyright © 1997 By Dr. Vanessa Rolfe, DVM
Avian & Exotic Veterinary Services
Salem, Virginia

"Devoted to the care of birds, reptiles, and exotic mammals"

Copyright Notice & Disclaimer Statement

ENVIRONMENT

Birds have very efficient respiratory systems and can be harmed by cigarette smoke, insecticides, hairspray, and other air pollutants. Overheated non-stick cookware (like Teflon) makes a poisonous gas and can kill a bird quickly. Be extremely careful, or do not use it at all.

Temperatures comfortable for you should be comfortable for healthy birds. Sudden changes in temperature can be harmful for sick birds. In winter with dry heat, increase the humidity with a humidifier.

Household dangers include dogs, cats, toxic plants, ceiling fans, young children and even snapping mousetraps.

GENERAL CARE

Amazon parrots and others that are from humid areas need frequent bathing, but bathing is good for all pet birds. Use only plain water for bathing; do not use additives because these may irritate the skin and feathers. Some birds prefer spray bottles, showering with their owners, a bowl of water, or rolling in wet greens. Some resist bathing and need a gradual introduction.

Your bird may need periodic grooming, such as wing clips to keep it from flying. This protects birds from escaping or hurting themselves, or a mischievous one from doing much harm. You may need to trim the nails periodically to dull the ends, but beaks usually never need trimming. If beaks or nails constantly grow long this may indicate health problems.

Birds normally spend a great deal of their time grooming their feathers by pulling them through their beaks. If they yank out or destroy feathers, this may be feather picking and it can indicate something wrong. Do not put any greasy substance on the bird's body or feathers, such as oil, ointments or salves. The oil can spread through the feathers and will damage them like what happens with birds caught in oil spills.

Open leg bands may be dangerous and should be removed by an avian veterinarian. Closed bands are not as dangerous, and they can be left on. Check for swelling, dirt accumulation, or constriction of the leg.

Because of their intelligence, many species of parrots have certain emotional and psychological needs. Call an avian Veterinarian if you have any behavioral concerns or to determine what requirements your species may have. For complicated matters, you may be referred to an avian behaviorist.