Advances in the domestic breeding and rearing of birds have led to an improved availability of healthy tame young birds.  This increased availability has dramatically increased the popularity of keeping birds as pets.  For many the companionship of a beautiful unique and possibly even talking pet can make choosing a bird for a pet a simple decision.

Selection
However before one brings home a pet bird the personalities housing and nutritional requirements of the different types of birds must be considered.  To select a healthy bird look for these features:

• Bright smooth feathers
• Full breast muscles
• Clear alert eyes
• Playful activity.

Shivering ruffled feathers closed eyes and inactivity often signify a health problem.  All new pet birds should be examined by your veterinarian if possible before any sale or placement is final.

Cages
The type and size of a cage should be carefully matched to the type of bird.  If a cage is too small or the bars are spaced too widely the bird’s wings or the pet may escape.  The cage should be constructed of nontoxic materials that can withstand the abuse of heavy chewing.  Also the cage should be secured so that it can not be easily knocked over.

Food/Water Dishes
Within the cage food and water cups need to be anchored securely.  Dishes should also be kept clean and free of any droppings.

Perches
Perches of the proper size material and position in the cage are extremely important.  Using a variety of perch sizes and diameters keeps the feet and legs in good condition.  Be cautious of sand paper perch covers:  they can cause sores and should be avoided.

Bedding
Black and white newspapers paper towels or brown paper are the preferred bedding materials for your pet bird.  These materials are not only inexpensive but also allow droppings to be easily identified in case of problems.  To minimize your bird’s exposure to bacteria and fungi the bedding should be changed on a daily basis.

Cleaning
The cage and all of the contents should be cleaned regularly with mild soap followed by thorough rinsing with water.  Stronger cleaners recommended by your veterinarian may be used periodically.

Temperatures
Although healthy birds can adapt to any comfortable room temperature sudden dramatic changes in temperature could cause chilling and should be avoided.

Poisons
Many common household items are poisonous to birds.  Some of these items include fumes from overheated Teflon cookware paints that contain lead chemical cleaners tobacco smoke insecticides and many aerosol products.  Also certain houseplants can be harmful to birds so the best practice is to avoid exposing your pet bird to any of these substances.

Veterinary Care
Birds hide illness surprisingly well.  Often owners don’t even realize that their bird is sick until it’s almost.  By the time a bird shows symptoms it may have been sick for an extended period of time.  Owners should be aware of any subtle change in the bird’s behavior.  Slight decreases in appetite or activity may signal an illness requiring medical care.  It is always best to catch problems early and as with other pets birds benefit from an annual physical examination by your veterinarian.