Housing

The largest cage that can be accommodated in the home is recommended for birds that are expected to be confined most of the time. The cage must be strong enough to resist bending or dismantling by the bird, made of non-toxic material, and designed for safety and ease of cleaning. In most cases, the cage would need to be wider than it is tall to accommodate stretched wings; however, ample height should be provided for long-tailed birds.

General Care

Minimal body care is required for the healthy, well-fed pet bird. Confined, indoor pet birds that resist a varied diet require more attention in the care of the beak, nails, feet and feathers.

During the molting of feathers, additional fat, protein and vitamins may be required in the diet. As a new feather develops, the bird may pick at the pin feather cover to open it. This should not be interpreted as "feather picking" or the presence of mites.

Pure water is the most appropriate feather spray. Keep feathers dry and free of oily substances. Soiled feathers may be gently cleaned with a mild detergent solution (e.g., baby shampoo) followed by thorough warm water rinsing and drying.

Avoid

• Air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, insecticides, and toxic fumes from over-heated nonstick- coated utensils.
• Mite boxes or mite sprays.
• Easily dismantled toys such as balsa wood, small link chain items, toys with metal clips or skewers, or those with lead weights.
• Access to toxic houseplants, ceiling fans, cats, dogs, young children.
• Access to cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine chips as cage substrate.

Feeding Birds

It is not always easy or possible to provide a bird with its natural environment and diet, or even to know the natural diet. However, when possible, the bird's natural diet should be fed as this will reduce the stress associated with a change in the diet, and will ensure that the bird's nutritional needs are adequately provided.

Some facts that may help you when considering feeding are :

• Generally birds that look at you with one eye (parrots, finches etc) eat food that does not move, for example, seed.
• Generally seedeaters have short, stumpy bills, while nectar and fruit eaters have long curved bills.
• The bigger the parrot the bigger the seed it will eat.
• Birds fed excessive greens (lettuce etc) will pass loose watery droppings.
• When required to force feed, always start by giving the bird 10% glucose (1 teaspoon in 50ml warm water ) orally at 10mg/kg body weight.

Calcium for African Greys

Calcium is essential for the formation of healthy strong bones and feather growth. All birds, especially breeding pairs such as African Greys, need a substantial amount of calcium in their diet.

This can be artificially added to the pair's diet in either a powder form or a liquid along with fresh foods which contain calcium. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain some calcium, but a good powder, which I prefer to use, or bone meal, which has a high calcium content, can also prevent rickets.

If not provided, a bird has to draw on the resources of its own body and calcium will be taken in excess from the bones, which sometimes results in paralysis. Sufficient amounts of Vitamin D3 are important in the diet in order for the body to properly absorb the calcium. Vitamin D should be added to the breeding pair's diet.

Uneaten foods - Any food left at the end of the day which has extra rations of Vitamin D3 should be removed. Foods rich in calcium should be offered. Green leafy vegetables and oranges provide a good natural source of calcium. Some people feed bread to their birds. Others offer cheese of which some parrots are extremely fond.

Recognizing Signs of Illness

As a responsible pet owner, you should constantly monitor your bird for signs of illness. A bird will instinctively attempt to hide any appearance of illness as long as possible. This is a survival tactic in the wild. Therefore, by the time symptoms are apparent, the bird may have been sick for some time. Familiarity with your bird's healthy behavior, feeding habits and droppings may be the key to early detection and treatment of illness.

The following symptoms may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate veterinary assistance:

1 .A change in the character of droppings, such as:

• A substantial decrease in the total number or volume of droppings.
• Change in the color of urates or urine (clear and white portions of droppings).
• An increase in the water content of droppings (diarrhea).

2. Decreased or increased consumption of food or water.

3. Marked change in attitude, personality, or behavior, such as:.

• Decreased activity.
• Decreased talking and singing.
• Increased sleeping.
• Poor response to stimuli.

4. Change in appearance or posture.

• Ruffled feathers.
• Weakness.
• Inability to stand.
• Staying on bottom of cage.
• Sitting low on the perch.
• Drooping wings.
• Convulsions.

5. Change in respiration:

• Any noticeable breathing movement (such as tail bobbing) while resting.
• Heavy breathing after exercise.
• Change in voice quality.
• Breathing sounds such as sneezing, wheezing or clicking.

6. Change in weight or general body condition.

• Loss of weight as determined by a scale or by handling.
• Prominent breast bone due to loss of muscle tissue - Serious Condition !

7. Enlargement or swelling on the body.

8. Injury or bleeding. Birds do not have a large blood supply and can quickly lose a critical amount of blood.

9. Vomiting or excessive regurgitation.

10. Discharge from mouth, nostrils, or eyes

In general, given the proper environment and nutrition, birds are very hardy pets. With the same attention as any member of your family, a pet bird will be your faithful companion for many years.

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