Bird Health - Pet Bird Care

The First Days at Home

It is best to get a hand-reared bird that is already eating seed, but it still accepts being fed by hand. This is called the weaning stage. The weaning period can be a very difficult time and you must be given exact instructions on how to hand feed your new bird at the time of purchase. The weaning period is a very good time for taming and training and for your bird to develop good eating habits.

Take great care of your bird during weaning.
Weaning is encouraged by offering a variety of seeds in the form of fresh millet sprays or sunflower hands for the larger birds. Offering individual seeds and fruits by hand is a fantastic way to gain the trust of your new friend. Remember, the weaning bird will try new foods more readily than at any other period of its life, so offer your bird a large variety of foods at this time. This is also the best time to introduce special health supplements, such as vitamins and minerals. The new bird quickly accepts the taste of these health supplements, ensuring a healthy future.

The first three days at home are very important for the new bird.
For both hand-reared and already weaned birds, the first three days after you collect your new pet bird are the most stressful as it adjusts to the new surroundings. The care and understanding that is given during this time will determine just how tame your bird will eventually become. Too much stress during these important first days may cause illness in your bird, just as people under stress become ill. The most notable disease is called Psittacosis. This disease becomes active in birds under stress and your new bird can then infect humans.

A complete health examination by an avian veterinarian is a good idea.
A complete health examination within 24 hours of purchase time is recommended for every new bird. This is a very good health insurance policy for the bird, you and your family. A clean bill of health at this time means that under the correct care your bird should never get sick. This is also a good time for you to discuss feeding and the proper care of your new pet bird with the avian veterinarian.