Birds,  being easy and inexpensive to feed, in the recent years have become more fun to have as a pet.  They require a cage of the right size,  water  and food dispenser.  Cleaning their cage daily  is necessary. Fresh water and adequate food are also  important.  Pet birds eat a various type of seeds, grains and periodic fruit.

Birds that live in the wild,  get all their nutritional requirements including vitamins, from natural seeds,  grains,  plants and the soil.  Because of this,  it is important that  nutritional needs of caged birds be augmented by supplements such as some type of fruit and grasses.  Healthy birds are those that receive the right kind of nutrition

The Swainson’s Lorikeet

Bird seed and supplements may be purchased in most pet stores.

The size of the cage is important for pet birds.  The larger the bird,  the larger the cage whereas smaller birds can live happily in smaller bird cages.  The bird pets should be able to spread their wings and be able to fly freely in their cages.  Placing branches, swings of some other type of perches  makes the birds comfortable in their environment,  allowing them to have exercise.  Those birds that like to crawl upward and hang upside down should have the necessary equipment.  Because birds often enjoy playing,  toys, play stands and poles may be provided and are available for all pet bird cages.

Birds often bond with their owners.  Some can be taken out of their cage,  fly around the house and land on the owners shoulder or an extended finger.  This a good time for a bird to bathe if a bowl or saucer of water is placed on a table and they learn to use it for a bath.   This makes a good relationship between bird and owner.  Some birds liked to be touched gently which adds to the relationship.  Cleaning the cage daily is important to the relationship of the pet bird and its owner.

Written by Jack Kidd:   for more information see:  birdwatchingforyou.com