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I recall my younger days when I bred budgies to sell to pet shops. I bred all colours and species and loved every moment of it. So this section is of special importance to me. I hope it helps.

As a bird owner, you must prioritise your feathered friend’s health and happiness to ensure good birdkeeping practices. Keeping them in a clean and comfortable environment with a proper diet and regular exercise is key to achieving this goal. Here are five tips for keeping your cage and aviary birds healthy and happy.

Keeping Everything Clean

Firstly, ensure that your bird’s cage or aviary is clean and spacious enough for them to move around freely. Clean the cage on a daily basis if possible, and once a week, clean the cage more thoroughly. Disinfect the cage accessories, water, and food dishes to keep the environment germ-free. If your birds are kept in an aviary, make sure you provide enough perches, toys, and shelters to keep them active and stimulated. A clean and spacious living space is essential for your bird’s physical and mental well-being.

Following a Good Feeding Regime

Secondly, provide your bird with a healthy and balanced diet. Different bird species have specific dietary requirements, so make sure you research and understand what your bird needs to stay healthy. A well-balanced diet should generally include fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and water to keep hydrated. Be mindful of not feeding your bird fatty, sugary or salty human foods; this could make your bird overweight and can cause long-term health problems like potential heart diseases.

Plenty of Exercise and Stimulation

Thirdly, ensure your bird gets regular exercise outside of its cage or aviary. This is particularly important for birds that can fly. Ensure your bird’s cage is set up to allow them to climb and fly within it. This will help your bird reduce stress, improve its mood, and burn off excess energy.

Microchipping Certain Birds

.UK law requires certain birds to be microchipped, making locating a lost bird much easier. This applies in general (but is not limited to) birds of prey, i.e., eagle,s hawks, and falcons.

For more information on microchipping, CLICK HERE to go to the UK GOV website.

As a rule of thumb, getting any bird that you own over 100 grams microchipped would be advisable if you can’t put a ring on the bird. Yes, you can even get microchipped budgies and lovebirds, but we would suggest that it would cause stress to the bird, and in most cases, it is unnecessary.

An avian vet understands the specific health requirements of birds, so they will perform the necessary tests and recommend treatments that will keep your bird healthy.

Leg Ring Identification

On the subject of identification, you can get a leg ring fitted on your bird. However, you should note that possible complications from ring-wearing include:

Getting caught on the aviary, toys, or furniture;

Dirt accumulation under the ring, which can cause pressure on the leg and impede blood flow;

Irritation from the ring may cause the bird to engage in self-mutilation and wear off the identification number on the ring.

Spend quality time with your bird. Birds are intelligent and social creatures who need regular interaction with their owners. Talking, singing or whistling to your bird, and playing with their toys regularly, can help to keep them mentally stimulated and happy. Spending quality time with birds can also create a special bond between you and your bird, giving the bird a sense of security and belonging.

Summary

Final check:

When it comes to caring for your cage and aviary birds, there are a few key things to keep in mind when practising good birdkeeping:

1. You must provide your birds with a spacious and comfortable living environment. This means ensuring that their cage or aviary is large enough for them to move around freely, with plenty of perches and toys to keep them entertained.
2. It’s crucial to provide your birds with a balanced and nutritious diet consisting of a variety of fresh fruits, veg, and high-quality bird feed.
3. Periodic check-ups with a qualified avian veterinarian can help identify and treat potential health issues early on, ensuring that your birds stay healthy and happy for years.

In conclusion, keeping your cage and aviary birds healthy and happy requires a combination of proper diet, exercise, clean living conditions, and regular check-ups. Following these simple but necessary tips ensures that your bird enjoys a long and healthy life.

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