Exotic bird breeders and bird supplies

How to look after your exotic baby bird

The first few days

Remember that the bird has been used to a quiet and stable environment during the first weeks of its life. The routine will have been the same every day. It will not therefore be surprising if he is confused and wary of his new surroundings. Give him time to get used to his bird cage and don't have too many visitors until you feel that he is well settled.

When you do take him out make sure there are very few people about and the room is quiet. Don't use any sudden movements and be patient when handling him. Try to let him come onto your hand gently. If he is caught up unwillingly in the early days his trust in you could be broken and possibly will take a long time to regain.

Housing

The bird cage must be large enough, far better too big than too small. Macaws especially have long tails which are easily damaged if they kept in a cage with little room to manoeuvre. The perches should be big enough for the claws not to meet around the bottom. Natural wood perches from willow, beech, elder, hazel, and most fruit trees (apple, pear, plum etc.) are ideal as they provide exercise for the feet, and entertainment and enjoyment when chewing the bark. Position at least one perch near the roof of the bird cage, leaving enough room for the bird to sit and stand without having to crouch. Most birds also prefer to eat and drink from pots placed at the end of the perch, so if your choice of bird cage has pots near the floor consider buying extra coop cups to fit at the perch ends.

Leave the bird cage door open when your bird is out to enable him to return at will for food and water.

Beware of hot weather

Do not put your bird in a conservatory or similar place when the sun is out, unless it has some shading and plenty of ventilation.

Fumes from a smoking non stick pan can kill your bird very quickly. Therefore move your bird from the kitchen if there is any chance of this happening.

Toys and chews should be added for amusement and prevent boredom. Make sure they are good quality. Place the bird cage away from draughts. Normal room temperature is fine. Guard open fires if your bird is out of its cage. Small kitchens should be avoided because of high temperatures and humidity.

Do not light gas fires near the bird or paint a room with the bird still inside.

Spray your bird with clean water from a plant spray at least twice a week. They don't all like it but it helps to keep their feathers in good condition. Do not spray late at night and allow time for the feathers to dry before it gets cold.

If your bird is fully winged be careful when allowing him to fly. Make sure windows and doors are closed and the fireplace guarded. Make sure he is familiar with any other animals in the house. It is possible for a bird to break its neck flying into a window, so closing the curtains in the early days may be the safest.

Feeding

If you have bought a Piper's Piece hand reared baby it has been fed on Kaytee hand feed followed by Kaytee adolescent diet. For best results adolescent formula should be fed until the first moult (generally between 6 to 8 months of age.), we then recommend you convert your bird over to professional maintenance or rainbow diets. These Kaytee diets are all your bird needs but can be supplemented with fruit, vegetables, and other tit bits.

Never give your bird avocado pear or chocolate.

We hope you and your new companion will have a long and happy life together.