Are you considering adopting a bird? Our feathered friends are very fun and cute pets. However, they’re quite different from dogs and cats, and have some specific care needs. It’s important to do lots of research before deciding to adopt Polly, especially if you’ve never had a bird before. A Fayetteville, NC vet offers some tips on keeping your winged friend happy in this article.
Stimulation
Polly will get quite bored and restless if she has to sit alone in her cage with nothing to do. Don’t assume that your feathered buddy will be fine with just one or two toys. In the wild, birds are always on the move, always investigating this and that. Offer your colorful pet an ever-changing variety of playthings, such as puzzle toys, chew toys, swings, hanging toys, and rope toys.
Free Time
Toys are great, but in and of themselves won’t provide the activity and exercise your colorful pet needs to stay healthy. Birds need several hours of free time each day. You’ll need to keep an eye on Polly when she is out of her cage. This is also a chance for you to interact with her and play with her. Just be sure to do lots of petproofing before you let your winged friend out to play!
Attention
Birds are actually very affectionate. Some form extremely close bonds with their humans. Polly can live quite a while, so it’s important to build that trust over time. When you’re making friends with your bird, start by talking to her gently and offering treats.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is the keystone of any good pet care routine. Birds are no exception! Different types of birds have slightly different nutritional needs, so you’ll want to ask your vet for specific advice, including tips on safe and unsafe treats, feeding times, and portion sizes.
Home Sweet Home
Polly will spend a lot of time in her cage, so it’s important to make sure that she’s comfortable in it. This is one area where we definitely advise splurging. A great cage with all the bells and whistles will not only help keep your pet happy, it will also make a wonderful addition to your home. Different birds have different needs for cages, so ask your vet for more information.
As your Fayetteville, NC pet hospital, we’re here for you! Feel free to contact us anytime!
