Pet birds III. General rules of husbandry

Husbandry practices are of primary importance regarding the physichal and psychic health of pet birds. Confining a pet bird to a cage is necessary at times to prevent escape and injury of the bird. An appropriate cage should be large enough to provide full body extension without contact with the confines. However this size is adequate only for sleeping or traveling but does not provide sufficient living space for birds. The cage should be strong enough to resist bending or dismantling by the bird, made of nontoxic material and designed for safety and ease of cleaning. Perches must be easily replaceable, natural wood branches from nontoxic and pesticide free trees that provide a source of beak exercise and mental entertainment. Toys in the cage are useful as mental diversions for psittacines. These toys must be selected with care for the safety and psychologic health of the bird. Pet birds need ample exposure to fresh air and sunlight under supervision. Healthy and well-nourished pet birds can withstand a wide range of temperatures. In contrast, temperature is critical for sick birds. Feeding of pet birds should be adjusted to the specific nutritional requirements of each species. Seeds such as millet, oats, linseed, sunflower seed, hempseed constitute the main feed of seed-eating pet birds. The feeding of seeds, however, should be restricted, primarily because of their high fat and low calcium content. The traditional seed diets provide such a badly skewed phosphorus: calcium ratio that provision of calcium to approach the recommended balance must be made from almost pure sources of calcium. Fresh vegetables and fruits provide essential minerals and vitamins and they also provide a source of seasonal variety with relatively low caloric consumption. Small amounts of supplemental animal protein or balanced amino acids from vegetable sources must be offered in an adult maintenance diet. Lories, lorikeets and related species require specialized diets based on nectars or honey, biscuits, fresh fruits and cooked seeds. Sufficient grit should also be provided for the efficient functioning of the ventriculus