Birds make great pets as they are highly affectionate and show exceptional intelligence. Parrots, for instance, are known to mimic the sounds of humans and other animals as well. Another reason why birds are one of the best pets is they are naturally hygienic, and are therefore well-suited for first-time bird owners.
If you are planning to own a pet bird, you should first see some of the essential bird accessories your feathered friend needs. Here are those,
Probably, the first bird accessory you will buy is a nice, comfortable bird cage. While selecting one, you need to pick the largest cage you can afford. This is because your birds should not just be able to stand and flap their wings inside the cage, but also fly from one point to the other. Also, ensure that the bars of the cage are spaced appropriately to prevent escape and it will also be great if the cage consists of castor wheels. This helps in moving the cage easily around the house.
Consider placing the cage in a place with a window view so that your birds can watch things even if they are not flying.
Birds need a balanced diet having lots of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and essential minerals. This is why you should provide them with nutritionally balanced bird foods. You can also feed them seed mixes, having a healthy blend of cereal grains and oil seeds which helps in giving the birds good nourishment.
It is also important to clean your bird feeders regularly since they can harbour bacteria and other pathogens that are dangerous for birds.
Placing a water bowl inside the cage is the best way to offer water to your birds. There are also a lot of birdcages that usually come with bowls that can be removed and replaced. It is also essential to clean the water bowls like the food bowl, to prevent bacteria from harbouring in it. Also, place the water and food bowl on two different sides to reduce the chances of your birds mixing food with the water, which can become smelly.
Perches are a vital aspect of keeping excellent physical and mental health in the birds. They essentially help your birds maintain good foot health by supporting natural foot movements and reducing the risk of sores or arthritis. The perches also mimic a bird’s natural environment, offering mental stimulation and reducing boredom in them.
Everybody needs a private space of their own, and this includes your birds as well. So create at least one corner in the cage which consists of a hiding spot for your bird’s privacy. To create a hiding sport, you can make a small box out of cardboard or just drape a piece of cloth to one corner of a cage. You can also use a hollowed-out coconut and hang it in the cage to create a dark, quiet space for your birds to hide or rest.
Since birds are highly intelligent creatures, bird toys play a crucial role in keeping them mentally and physically stimulated. Bird toys also facilitate exploring and foraging, which all wild birds do in their habitat. They also prevent the problem of boredom in birds, which is often the reason for undesirable habits in them like feather picking, aggression, and excessive vocalisation. Bird toys are also a great way to boost your bond with your feathered friend.
Having a well-stocked first-aid kit makes you better equipped to treat your bird during the event of an emergency. Although your vet will help you add the essentials to the first aid kit, it should however mandatorily consist of at least a nail trimmer, styptic( to stop minor bleeding), and a small pair of scissors. Other essential items of a bird first aid kit include antiseptic wipes, vet wrap, medical tape, hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, towels, magnifying glass etc.
To Conclude,
Birds can be an excellent addition to your family as pets as they will shower you with joy and affection. Also, choose an ideal bird species for your family since they will be with you for a long time. When it comes to stocking essential bird accessories, the above seven items are the basic ones that will help you keep your pet birds healthy, happy and fit.
