Are you ready for a Parrot, Budgerigar and Cockatiel?

Parrots

Choosing a pet bird

Short tailed parrots will be happy in an indoor flight or a standard parrot cage. Long tailed varieties will need to be homed in an outside aviary or indoor flight.

Budgerigars

Which bird to choose

Can be housed either alone or in pairs in a cage that is large enough to allow your budgie to stretch its wings and fly from perch to perch.

Cockatiels

Choosing a pet bird

Will need a large cage to allow sufficient room for them to stretch their wings and fly from perch to perch. Budgerigars and cockatiels can be kept in flocks in aviaries and will mix well with each other. They will also mix well with some small parrots, but they should not be mixed with larger parrots.

Are you ready for a bird?

The parrot family consists of Parakeets, African Greys and Amazons. Budgerigars are another member of the parrot family originating from Australia, as do cockatiels. All of these birds are natural acrobats and mimics. If you are lucky and persist with your bird then they may start to repeat simple words and phrases. They are also great whistlers. Budgerigars are very bright and cheerful birds, making great companions. They come in a variety of attractive colours. Cockatiels are very intelligent birds and are normally grey, though can also come in white, cinnamon, silver or pale yellow variations. These birds like companions, so if you are planning on keeping any of these birds on their own then you must compensate for their lack of companionship by providing plenty of attention and toys to reduce boredom. All of these birds make great pets; with their lively personalities and bright colours, they will keep the whole family entertained for hours. Parrots can live up to 50 years and are a long-term commitment. Cockatiels have an average life span of 12 to 14 years. Budgerigars have a shorter life span of 7 to 8 years. Although these birds are relatively easy pets to look after, they are still a big commitment, so ensure that you have the time to devote to them before you choose one.

At home with your Parrot, Budgerigar or Cockatiel

Outside aviaries

outside avaries

Outside aviaries need to have a sheltered area protected from wind, rain and strong sunlight. Position perches high up in this area together with the food and nest boxes. Depending on the species of bird you have chosen, you may need to heat the aviary as some will not survive the very low temperatures. Cockatiels, parrots and budgies all enjoy climbing so pick an aviary with plenty of horizontal bars at different levels to climb on. To add further interest to your bird’s surroundings, put some nonpoisonous wood branches of different widths into the aviary. These will also help keep your bird’s beak short.

Cages

Bird Cages

 It is important to get the largest cage possible to allow room for flight and to ensure exercise. Your cage should be positioned away from draughts and direct sunlight and avoid damp and humid areas. The bottom of the cage should be lined with sand sheets or bird sand to catch the droppings. A removable tray will make cleaning easier. To keep your bird amused, provide plenty of bird toys and perches. Be sure to cover the cage at night if the room temperature is likely to fall. This will also keep the birds quiet at night. Thoroughly clean the cage with a pet-safe disinfectant once a week.

Bringing your bird home

Bringing your bird home

Take your bird home in a carry box or a covered cage to reduce stress. Fill the food and water pots in the cage and sprinkle extra seed on the floor so they will have plenty to eat until they discover their seed pots. Ensure that all windows and doors are shut and that there is no access through a chimney. Gently open the carry box and allow your bird to enter their new home at their own pace. If they seem anxious then partially cover the cage with a cloth, which can be removed once they settle in.

What to Feed your Pet Bird

Parrots Diet

Parrots - Your parrot will need a variety of cereals, fruit, vegetables and supplements. Your local Jollyes has a variety of cereal mixtures for parrots. You can feed your parrot apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, pears, cherries, celery, carrots, beetroot, lettuce and cabbage. Make sure fruit and veg is thoroughly washed before putting them in the cage.

Budgerigars & Cockatiels Diet

Budgerigars & Cockatiels - Your local Jollyes will be able to supply you with a good quality budgie and cockatiel mixture. This can be supplemented with carefully washed green food such as lettuce and dandelion, though these should be given in small quantities. Provide grit in the cage to help your birds’ digestion.

Vitamins and General Diet

Vitamin drops can be added to water to supplement their diet. A mineral block containing essential minerals and cuttlefish (which is rich in calcium) will help to keep the beak worn down. As an occasional treat you can provide your bird with millet seed, honey bells and seed bars. Provide fresh clean water on a daily basis. Clean seed and food dishes regularly.

Looking after your Bird's Health

Feathers

Spray your birds feathers occasionally with a mist spray so that they do not become too dry. Most birds enjoy a birdbath so one should be provided.

Colds

If your bird gets too chilled it can catch a cold. The symptoms would be a lack of energy, wheezing and fluffing up of feathers. Keep him warm and dry, remove any birdbath and contact your local vet.

Diarrhoea

Too much green food, mouldy food or a change in diet can cause this. If your bird has loose droppings then keep them warm, ensure they have plenty of fresh water and contact your local vet if it persists.

Mites

 Red mite is the most common bird parasite, which feeds on bird’s blood, causing irritation and weight loss. This can easily be dealt with by spraying your bird with mite treatment, which you can purchase from your local Jollyes.

Beaks & Nails

It is important that your bird’s beak and nails do not become overgrown. Check this regularly and if they do then contact your local vet.

Feather Plucking

Can be caused by a poor diet, lack of exercise and stimulation. As mentioned previously, birds that are housed on their own will require a lot of attention and toys to keep them entertained. If you notice that they have started to pluck their feathers out, this is a sign of boredom and frustration. Give your bird attention and provide them with a wide variety of toys. If the problem persists then consult your local vet as soon as possible. Birds naturally shed feathers but this should only be the odd feather at the bottom of the cage. It is advisable to provide your bird with a companion if they are going to be left on their own for long periods during the day.