Behavior Tips and More

Birds have eyes on the sides of their heads to increase their chances of spotting a predator. You'll notice that when a bird is intent on something, he will train one eye on it and stare that way. If a bird seems shy or wry of you, try approaching him by looking at him with only one of your eyes, to make him feel less like a predator is attacking.

Care varies widely among the species kept as pets, such as parrots, finches, canaries and even companion poultry or starlings. No one can give you any one set of instructions for caring for birds. Hopefully, you will work with informed owners who know something about the needs of the species they are keeping. That way they can provide you with nectar for lories, fruits and veggies for rain forest birds or pinkie mice for a hombill.

Lifespan: The life span of a bird varies and is different from a dog or cat. Smaller birds generally live shorter periods of time than larger birds. Finches live about 5 years; Canaries, into their teens; Budgies live 4-12 years; Cockatiels live 12-20 years, Cockatoos live 60-80+ years; Macaws live 50 years and medium-sized parrots live 30-40 years.

Bird Senses: Birds see color and that is why we supply them with colorful toys. Birds have highly developed senses of sight and hearing, so a parrot is watching your actions. You'll make friends best by offering food, using slow careful movements and a soft voice - actions that appeal to a parrot's keen vision, awareness of body language and sharp hearing. Birds not only see the colors we see, but also see colors in the UV ranges, so there are objects and clothing that probably look fluorescent and dangerous to them.

Birds do not see well in the dark and will find a roosting spot as dusk settles. Then the brid will stay in that place, usually at the top of his cage, quietly overnight. As a prey animal, a bird doesn't draw attention to himself when he is roosting and most vulnerable to attack.

Bird Talk: Birds rely on vocalizations to communicate and are able to hear sounds that you may miss. The ability of some birds to speak varies among species and individuals. It is not unusual for a bird to mimic the phone ringing, microwave buzzing, doors opening or water going down the drain. One sound that birds don't make in nature is a cough. So, don't be fooled when a bird has a hacking cough, because birds imitate the human cough but are not stricken by it!

Feathers: A bird's entire anatomy is made for flight and feathers contribute to that ability. It is normal for birds to molt, or lose their feathers, on a regular basis. For most birds, this happens once or twice a year.

Respiratory System: Birds have complex respiratory systems. They don't have a sturdy diaphragm, so when holding a bird, be sure not to compress its chest. A bird's respiratory system is sensitive to fumes, smoke and chemicals. Ventilate rooms well when cleaning and use safe cleaning products.

Bird Care Routine: Your care routine will vary by the species and tameness of the bird. Visit a bird at least once a day so that water bowls can be refreshed. Feed birds pellets or seeds, sprouts or rice/bean mash in a bowl. You can also give them some fruits and vegetables and a water bowl or bottle. Birds naturally tend to eat in the morning and then again in the evening before they settle in for the night. Companion birds in cages are often covered with a dark cloth or moved to a sleeping cage at night, in which case you will make a second trip each day for those birds.

Birds cages should be cleaned regularly for optimal health, as birds are very sensitive to dust, mold and bacteria. Change cage papers daily and wipe down the cage bars. Wash out and dry food dishes and vacuum or sweep around the bird's area.

Your interaction with a bird in your care is important to him. Birds are vocal and visual, so interact with a bird using those senses. Talk to a bird while you are in the house and mimic his behaviors. Toys are very important, as birds like the colors. They like to work puzzles and chew.

Birds do not seek to please us. They are self-centered and self-serving pets. To win trust or change behavior, find a way to do so that gives a bird what it wants. Birds are motivated by food and interaction, so good ways to win over a bird include feeding him a favorite treat or talking to him. Training or punishment should NEVER be physical with a bird.

For more information about the care of birds, read "Bird Talk Magazine" and the "Companion Parrot Quarterly". Serious bird keepers join the American Federation of Aviculture.