Birds are captivating, intelligent and long-lived companions, but their care demands commitment and expertise.

 

Bird Selection

According to a paper presented by certified veterinary technician Liz H. Wilson at an American Veterinary Medical Association forum, when selecting a bird species, consider the following factors.

• Space: Large birds such as macaws require spacious cages, while smaller birds like budgies can thrive in more compact enclosures.
  
  
• Noise: Consider noise tolerance before choosing a bird as a pet, especially in shared households with multiple occupants. Cockatoos and conures can be very loud, while canaries and finches are generally quieter.
  
  
• Lifespan: Some bird species have a relatively short lifespan, while African greys and cockatoos can live more than 50 years. As a result, owners must plan for long-term care when choosing certain birds as pets.
  
  
• Social Needs: Parrots and other social birds need regular interaction to maintain their mental well-being. Lack of social contact can lead to stress, aggression and feather plucking.
  
  
• Allergies: Powder-down species, such as cockatiels and cockatoos, produce dander that can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma.

 

Environment

Choosing the appropriate home environment is crucial when keeping a bird as a pet. The Association of Avian Veterinarians Basic Care for Companion Birds guide notes that birds are usually comfortable in the same room temperatures that people enjoy. However, sudden temperature fluctuations can make a sick bird’s condition worse. Pet birds can thrive in both dry and humid air, although tropical birds may benefit from extra moisture. Fresh air and natural sunlight also support good health, provided a shady spot is available to prevent overheating.

 

A Balanced Diet

Many pet birds have limited exposure to fresh foods. Nicole Sztabkowski, a holistic pet health coach in British Columbia, Canada, shares that she acquired her two green-cheeked conures, Cheche and Atlas, when they were 2 and 3 years old. Their diet had consisted mainly of seeds, and like so many parrots, they had never been introduced to the wide variety of fresh foods they require for optimal health.

Over time, Sztabkowski transitioned them to a nutrient-rich diet. “Birds thrive on diversity, and a well-rounded diet includes a mix of fruits, vegetables, sprouted grains and even fresh teas like chamomile,” she explains. A nutritious diet should include:

•  Fruits in moderation due to natural sugars, including berries, apples (without seeds),             bananas, mango, pomegranate, kiwi and dragon fruit
  
  
•  Vegetables should make up a large portion of the bird’s diet, featuring bell peppers,             carrots, leafy greens, broccoli, squash and zucchini
  
  
•  Grains and seeds such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, flaxseeds and millet
  
  
•  Legumes cooked and rinsed, including lentils, chickpeas, black beans and kidney beans
  
  
•  Herbs and teas such as chamomile, dandelion, hibiscus, basil and cilantro

 

While some commercial pellets can be included, they should not replace fresh food. “Much like the dog food industry has pushed kibble, the bird world has shifted toward ultra-processed pellets as the ‘ideal’ diet. We’ve lost sight of what these still-wild, exotic animals actually need,” admonishes Sztabkowski.

Certain foods are toxic to birds. “Chocolate, onions, avocados, garlic, caffeine, alcohol, high-salt and high-sugar foods, fruit pits and apple seeds (which contain cyanide) are all dangerous,” warns Sztabkowski.

 

Hydration and Water Quality

Birds need clean, fresh water. Pet owners should change the pet’s water at least twice a day and wash their water bowls daily to prevent bacteria caused by the bird dipping food into the bowl. “Bird-safe water fountains can also encourage them to drink,” says Sztabkowski.

 

Preventing Diseases

A common avian health issue is fatty liver disease, which results from eating too many high-fat seeds. “The first signs are feather color changes, fatigue and weight gain,” says Sztabkowski. A balanced diet of fresh veggies, whole grains and lean proteins from legumes can help prevent this.

Breathing problems are another issue. “Airborne toxins can make it hard for birds to breathe,” Sztabkowski explains. Good airflow and avoiding strong artificial smells can lower the risk. Common culprits include air fresheners, plug-ins, bleach, scented candles, paint fumes, plastic roasting bags and personal products like perfume or nail polish if used regularly nearby.

Most birds don’t have a strong odor. “Dustier species like cockatiels might have a faint scent, but it’s rarely offensive,” says Sztabkowski. Odors typically come from cage liners or stale food, not the birds themselves.

Some birds develop avian gastric yeast, a fungal stomach infection. “It’s tricky because symptoms come and go,” says Sztabkowski. Eating bird-safe probiotics and living in a calm, low-stress home can help their digestion. While bird-specific probiotic supplements like Avi-Culture and Bene-Bac are effective during stress and after antibiotics, Sztabkowski prefers natural choices such as unsweetened applesauce, sprouted grains, dandelion greens and herbal teas like chamomile and hibiscus to promote healthy digestion and microbial balance.

 

Mental Stimulation

Birds need mental and physical engagement to prevent boredom, stress and behavioral issues like feather plucking or excessive screaming. Ways to keep birds stimulated are:

• Toys: Rotate foraging, shreddable and puzzle toys.
  
  
• Exercise: Provide supervised flight time or climbing structures.
  
  
• Socialization: Interact, train and talk to them daily.
  
  
• Food variety: Use foraging toys or skewers to make meals engaging.
  
  
• Sensory enrichment: Play calming music or provide safe window views.

 

Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

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