Top Tips with Toll Barn Vets - Exotic Birds Housing

If you keep or are thinking of keeping birds at home you might find the following advice useful.

Most species of bird benefit from a large aviary, providing shelter from in summer as well as heating protection from poor weather conditions in winter, an indoor cage with access to an outdoor aviary can provide the best of both worlds

If you plan on taming your pet bird and keeping them in an indoor cage, at a minimum, your bird needs to be able to fully extend its wings in all directions, but the bigger the cage the better in most respects If housed indoors birds should, where possible, be allowed out of their cage to fly and exercise around the house but always under supervision

It’s not only great for their muscles but also great for their brains, providing much mental stimulation but a word of caution, also make sure house is secure, checking all doors and windows are closed before allowing your bird the freedom to explore

● Make sure all cage ornaments/toys are bird safe and zinc/lead free Having a selection so that you can change and rotate them can prevent boredom by adding some variation Changing the cage lay out and varying perch options can also help keep them occupied and puzzle feeders can be a fun addition, either homemade or purchased

Access to natural light and/or plementary UV from a bird lamp ve the cage is essential for vitamin/ neral uptake UV bulbs should be anged every 6-12months as they ecome less effective with time

● Birds should have access to natural bird-safe wood for chewing and perches should be non-abrasive and vary in width to allow for comfortable foot grips to be selected and help prevent the development of pododermatitis

● Birds should have access to fresh water at all times

● Birds should be housed in appropriate groups; there are species that are solitary but some smaller species are gregarious and appreciate being house in pairs or groups if the space is available.

● Their daylight hours should be consistent (between 8-12 hours daily) with an indoor cage covered to prevent our light cycles affecting them in the evening This reduces stress and can reduce unwanted mating or plucking behaviours

● Indoor cages should be positioned in areas that are well ventilated but not in draughty areas and always positioned away from aerial pollutants such as smoking and cooking (Teflon pans can release toxins when in use that harm a birds tender respiratory system)

● As already mentioned, birds have sensitive respiratory systems and can suffer from pollutants, keeping an air purifier nearby can help with this

● Cages should be cleaned weekly or more frequently if needed with an appropriate disinfectant such as F10 This reduces bacterial and faecal contamination and keeps the air rd and its sensitive lungs e

Did you know birds can be ringed or microchipped to help identify them if they stray Talk to your vet about options for your pet.