Pet bird care: budgies and cockatiels

Birds live in flocks

Budgies and cockatiels are flock birds. A single bird needs a lot of daily attention from people, and many owners keep a pair so the birds have company while everyone is out. Talk to them, keep the cage in a room where the family spends time, and give them a predictable day and night routine. Most pet birds need around 10 to 12 hours of dark, quiet sleep.

Cage and perches

Buy the largest cage you can fit, with width mattering more than height, since birds fly side to side. Bar spacing must be narrow enough that a head cannot get through. Offer perches of different thicknesses and materials, such as natural wood branches, and add swings, ladders and toys to chew and shred. Rotate toys every week or two so the cage stays interesting.

A diet beyond seed

Seed-only diets tend to be high in fat and low in several vitamins. Many avian vets suggest a base of formulated pellets, plus fresh vegetables and a smaller amount of seed and fruit. Switching a seed-eating bird to pellets takes patience and is best done with your vet's guidance. Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and very salty foods are dangerous to birds.

Keep the air safe

Birds have very sensitive lungs. Fumes from overheated nonstick cookware coated with PTFE can kill pet birds within minutes. Keep birds well away from the kitchen, and avoid smoking, aerosol sprays, scented candles and strong cleaning products near them.

Time out of the cage

Daily time out lets a bird exercise and bond with you. Before opening the door, close windows and outside doors, cover mirrors and large windows, turn off ceiling fans, and put away other pets. Whether to trim wing feathers is a decision to make with your avian vet.

Quiet signs of illness

Birds hide illness until they are quite sick. Call an avian vet promptly if you notice:

• Fluffed feathers and sleeping more than usual, especially during the day
• Sitting on the cage floor
• Tail bobbing with each breath, or breathing with an open beak
• Changes in droppings that last more than a day
• Eating less or losing weight

A kitchen scale that weighs in grams helps you spot weight loss early.

Pet birds: questions