How do birds fly?

• The design of their wings is the most important feature, the shape, the bone structure and the feathers. It is the up draught of air pushing up on the underside of the wings that keeps the bird airborne.
• Movement of the wings in different directions gives birds the ability to slow down, speed up and change direction. If a large surface area of wing is exposed to on-coming air movement it will slow down the bird. If less surface area is exposed the bird with move faster.
• Birds have hollow bones which are filled with air, which means they are much, much lighter than we are in proportion to their size
• They have well developed and powerful chest muscles which move the wings to get them airborne

How should I prepare my Birds home?

The first few days your bird is in its new home will be very stressful for it. Make sure you five the bird time to acclimate to its new environment. Have the cage, dishes and toys all ready before you bring the bird home. Set the cage up in a well-used area of your home, i.e. the lounge and give the bird a few hours to explore its new home.

What can I do to help the bird settle in?

• Give the bird a lot of love and reassurance
• Don't hover over the bird, it will be distracted by your presence and will not approach the food. Give it 15-20 minutes before you go back to it.
• Offer the bird treats from your hand to get it used to you, never let the bird explore your mouth, the birds immune system cannot handled your germs and bacteria.

What should I feed my Bird?

Birds need a wide variety of fresh foods to supplement the seeds and/or pellets you give them daily.

¨ An extra dish can be placed in the cage with little goodies in it:
- Shredded meat or pasta leftovers
- Chopped fruit or vegetables (no added salt or butter)
- Hard boiled eggs
- Bean Sprouts

• Most things that you eat are safe for your bird, with the exception of avocado, which has been shown to be poisonous to birds.
• Avoid feeding them heavily salted, sweet or fatty foods
• Never give a bird anything with alcohol in it as their livers cannot process alcohol
• Millet spray is a good daily treat
• Sprouted seeds are a good source of vitamins
• Cuttlebone is an excellent source of calcium, birds that do not get enough calcium get soft bones and female birds that are lacking may die if they try to lay eggs. You can also get calcium powder supplements from a vet or a health food store.
• Your bird must have fresh water at all times

How can I care for my birds health?

Normal care involves nail and beak trimming, avoid:

• Sandpaper perches as they increase foot problems
• Mite sprays or containers placed on the cage
• Unsafe toys such as small chain links, objects containing lead, balsa wood and any sharp objects
• Air pollutants such as cigarette smoke, overheated Teflon utensils, insecticide sprays, access to treated or painted wood, cedar
• Poisonous house plants

What are the signs that my bird is ill?

• Fluffed up feathers
• Weakness - sitting on the floor of the cage
• Swellings on the body
• Bleeding
• Discharges
• Behaviour - stops singing, inactive or sleeping longer
• Breathing - wheezing or clicks, tail bobbing, laboured respiration
• Droppings - overly wet, no white colour, change of the dark part
• Increased or decreased food consumption

If you notice any of the above symptoms consult your vet immediately.