Table of Contents
Introduction: Habitat For Your Exotic Birds
Exotic birds are one of the most interesting and fulfilling pets that one can ever have. Bright plumage, striking antics and sweet melodies that many of them sing can help to make any home a joyful and a beautiful place. But, the main idea underlying all the beauty of these animals is that, no cage and a handful of seeds will suffice to make them live. Providing a right home environment to your exotic bird is a right step towards ensuring they are happy birds.
1. Choosing the Right Cage:
The next step is to choose the right cage that would complement the creation of a proper environment. The cage should be adequately big to enable your bird to spread its wings and have enough space to move in. If a person is getting a parrot that is big like macaws or the cockatoos, the cage should be even bigger to cater for its size and activity.
- Size: One general guideline that can help you decide with the cage is that the cage should be at least two times the wingspan of the bird in width and height.
- Bar spacing: The spacing of the bars should be right so the birds cannot trap their head in between and also not too spacious for the birds to fly away.
- Material: Stainless steel is also quite functional with the design of cages because these products are also easy to clean and maintain. On the other hand, the power coat cages can also be considered to be safe and attractive looking cages.
2. Perches and Toys:
The choice to make birds explorative and mobile is typical to its nature. I attribute this to the fact that they should be given many perches and toys as this not only makes their body and brains active but also suppresses boredom hence the destructive behavior.
- Perches: Provide a variety of perches of which some are smooth for feet care while others are encouraging the bird to move around.
- Toys: Some toys should be foraging toys, climbing toys, and toys they chew. It is also advisable to change the toys and workout often so that the bird does not get bored or used to the toys.
3. Feeding and Watering Stations:
It is important to note that what your exotic bird eats is going to have a definite say as to how healthy it is going to be. Make certain that food and water that may be served should be within reach and should be cleaned always when in use.
- Bowls: Feed bowls should be made of stainless steel or ceramic for the food and water dishes. Do not use plastic food dishes and water containers because they can hold bacteria and some birds like to chew on them.
- Variety in Diet: Identify the bird type and feed it with commercial pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables and a supplement of occasional fruits.
4. Environmental Enrichment:
Stimulation is a critical determinant of the bird’s welfare which requires the creation of an optimal three-dimensional environment. Strengthening the natural environment as closely as possible can also minimize stress levels to promote the natural instinct of the living animals.
- Natural Elements: They should be provided with branches which are natural, rocks and other fit plants in the cage instead of the hard-wired cages to enhance their environment.
- Light and Temperature: Make sure your bird gets fresh air, natural lighting (but no direct sunlight), and advise the temperature comfort level to that of the bird’s species.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance:
Cleaning and general management of the bird’s environment should be done frequently to avoid the accumulation of bacterial growth.
- Daily: The food and water dishes should be cleaned daily and the leftovers should be taken away.
- Weekly: Disinfect all the perching places, toys, and other areas where your bird can come in contact with, using bird safe disinfectant.
- Monthly: Clean the surface of the substrate or cage or if changing substrate, replace it as well as check for broken parts in the cage.
6. Safety and Security:
Also, make sure the cage and surroundings are safe for your bird to avoid injuries or disappearances.
- Avoid Hazards: Take out all substances that are poisonous for children, all plants, chemicals, and other small items that children might swallow.
- Supervision: It is advisable to keep your bird on a cage run or in a playpen whenever it is out of the cage so that it cannot get into mischief or injure itself.
Conclusion
When you design the perfect environment exclusive for your exotic birds, then he/she will indeed be a very happy, healthy and contented bird. Patronizing and proper care or attention is a way of improving the relationship between the owner and the exotic bird making the experiences unique.
Image Source: Getty Images
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