BIRD CARE
Diet for the Birds
Birds need more food than just seeds. They need a proper balance of carbohydrates,
proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Besides seeds; fresh fruits, vegetables,
nuts and any wholesome nutritious food that we eat is good enough for your birds.
Carrots, broccoli, corn, lettuce, spinach, apples, bananas, grapes, pears, melons
etc and even meat can be given to birds. Nutritional requirements vary depending
on the species of bird you select. But the more varied their diets, the less
chance of them having dietary deficiencies. But there are some foods that can
cause them harm and should be avoided. Avocados can poison them, hence should
be avoided and so also chocolates, caffeine, heavily salted, spiced or greasy
food. Ideally, their diet should comprise 15% to 20% of fruits, and the rest
should be vegetables, cooked beans, and whole grains (either sprouted or cooked),
nuts, seeds, and other healthful whole foods. Further it is important to provide
foods in appropriate amounts. In addition to fresh mixes of food twice a day,
leave a dish of pellets in its cage for free choice eating. Whenever a new food
is introduced, top it off with a little seed to make it desirable to the bird.
Bathing
Bathing is not only a natural behavior, but it is an activity that many
birds enjoy. Most birds love water and they spread their wings, chirp and sing
as they bathe. Give them access to frequent baths in slightly warm or cold water
during the day when the temperature is warm. Do not use soap as it removes natural
oils from their feathers and dries up the skin. Leave a bowl of water in their
cage or use a sprayer or the shower to bathe them. Thoroughly wet the bird.
You can help pat them dry by wrapping them in a towel.
Biting/
Pecking habit of Pet Birds
One of the most common reasons birds bite is out of fear. Mishandling a
bird, poking or making a sudden movement can startle the bird and put on its
defensive act. Birds are sensitive to the changes in the environment- they
react negatively to strangers invading their territory, neglect or lack of attention.
Introduce strangers, new pets etc slowly, give the birds time to adjust to them.
Mature birds during their breeding season are prone to unruly behaviour. Leave
them alone during those times.
|
Birds 
