We understand that welcoming a feathered friend into your family may be overwhelming, so we’ve tried to make it a little easier to settle your new buddy in!
First 3 days: Never rush your bird. They will be naturally scared because of the changed environment and may not eat much for the first day or so due to stress. Once they are eating properly and feel at home, then it is time to start training! See our website, Facebook and Instagram for more information.
The first 10 days: When bringing your bird home, we recommend adding sulphadim to the water as it stops birds from getting sick due to stress related diarrhoea. This can quickly kill a fragile bird of any age but especially young birds.
Diet: We recommend a ratio of 50% quality pellets or crumble, 40% quality seed and Birdsville blends and 10% of fruit, vegetables, and supplements. After about 5 months you can begin adjusting to a higher quantity of pellets. If pellets are not fed, you will need to supplement their diet with a multivitamin in the drinking water.
Worming: Birds should be wormed 4 times a year. Baby birds should be wormed 14 days after taking them home. As worming too early can upset a baby bird’s crop and digestion. Worms can kill your bird so please worm them.
Mite and lice spray: This should be applied on all birds every 3 months as lice and mites unfortunately seem to spread everywhere and birds in an inside environment are still susceptible. It’s easy to remember when done with worming.
Toys: A ladder, a swing and 4 to 6 appropriate sized toys per bird, to chew, preen and play. Environmental enrichment keeps your bird entertained while you are away or while in their cage. It also helps prevent behavioural issues such as plucking, biting or loud tantrums. It will help create a tamer, friendlier, happier bird. Toys need to be rotated regularly so birds don’t get bored. If the bird destroys a toy, it means they like it and should be replaced! Watch for wear and tear and discard anything that becomes frayed, rusty or sharp.
Nail Trimming: There are many perches available to help wear down the tip of your birds’ nails. However, we also offer nail clipping services in store 7 days a week.
Wing Trimming: There are pros and cons to having a birds’ wings clipped – it will not guarantee they can’t fly away, however should restrict flight allowing them to glide safely to the ground and can make training/bonding more manageable, especially to those new to bird ownership. If you are unsure about whether you should keep your bird clipped, chat to one of our friendly staff in store for more information.
Signs of illness: A bird on the floor of the cage fluffed up or with faeces covering their vent or just generally depressed, should be monitored closely – seek advice from us in store or your preferred avian vet. We can give you a broad spectrum over the counter medication/antibiotic or refer you to a vet if necessary. Be familiar with your pets’ ‘normal’ droppings as they are a great diagnostic tool.
Handling/training: Basic training has huge benefits for you and your bird. It requires dedication in the first few weeks especially – repetition and persistence are key. If your bird bites you, do not pull away, continue to work through it. Remember: Ignore bad behaviour and reward good behaviour!
Boarding is available at www.petsvillehotel.com to book your stay. Come see us in store if you have any concerns, or questions and feel free to bring your bird for us to see!
Recommended Vets
| The Wild Vet 1300 9453 838 Glebe | SASH 02 8913 400 Alexandria | SERV 02 9436 4884 Artarmon | Carlingford Animal Hospital 02 9871 6036 Carlingford |
Fruits & Veggie Guide
Examples, not limited to:
| Do’s Fruits– pears, apples, citrus, watermelon, stone fruit, kiwi fruit, strawberries, rockmelon, banana, and pomegranate Vegetables and greens– Silver beet, sweet potato, carrot, green beans, peas, corn, capsicum, endive, broccoli, spinach, pumpkin | Don’t’s Chocolate, Salt, Avocado, Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Iceberg Lettuce, Processed foods, Caffeine, Dairy products, tea, coffee, and alcohol. |
