INTERESTING TIDBITS ABOUT

BIRDS

Bird lovers know that these inquisitive and social creatures make ideal pets that can provide plenty of entertainment and companionship.

While all birds need basic housing, nutritious food and plenty of watchful care …

… it is important to understand the features that are unique to each species that may affect their health and happiness.

Whether you are considering a pet bird or already have one of your own, check out these interesting tidbits about birds that can provide more insight into their behavior.

BIRDS CAN OUTLIVE THEIR OWNER

Before choosing a bird as a pet,

it is important for you to know that

many birds have extremely long

life spans.

Canaries, budgies and lovebirds

can all live eight years or more

and macaws and cockatoos can

live well beyond 40 years.

For this reason, many bird owners

appoint a guardian for their bird

to ensure continuous care in the

event that it outlives them.

MUSHROOMS ARE HARMFUL TO BIRDS

While you can watch as your

pet bird happily gobbles up

many of the fresh fruits and

vegetables that you put on

your plate …

… it may come as a surprise

that certain foods are on the

forbidden list.

Mushrooms are one that can

be especially dangerous

because the stems and caps

of certain types have led to

liver failure in birds.

They also cause digestive

disorders in parrots.

BIRDS USE BODY LANGUAGE TO COMMUNICATE

Most pet owners are

familiar with common

actions performed by dogs

and cats to communicate

with their companions …

… but birds also convey

emotions through shifting

their feathers and assuming

a specific stance.

For example, loose, ruffled

feathers may mean that a

bird is happy.

However, flared wings or

shoulders may mean that a

bird is either getting ready to

fight or interested in courting.

Many people are also

surprised to find that birds will

sometimes wag their tails as

a greeting to their owner.

EVEN SMALL BIRDS EAT A LOT

When observing birds, it is

easy to notice that it seems

they are always eating.

Whether they are outdoors

eating small insects or a pet

consuming their nutritious

feed, it is necessary for a

bird to eat at least half their

body weight each day to be

able to survive.

Pet owners should be

conscious of this fact so that

they can plan their bird’s

feeding routine accordingly.

Birds also prefer variety in

their diet so include the

occasional treat in your

pet's bowl.

SENSORY STIMULATION IS IMPORTANT FOR HAPPINESS

Due to the social nature of birds, it is critical to provide them with constant stimulation that they can use to keep boredom at bay and find comfort.

Colorful toys, jingly bells and climbing structures can all enhance a bird’s cage.

Birds also notice change in their environment so you may want to trade out toys from time to time.

If you must leave your bird alone during the day, use a radio or television to provide auditory stimulation that is similar to social conversations.

Interacting with your bird regularly has its share of rewards.

Through chirps, mimicking and even repeating words, this pet can show happiness and forge a long lasting bond with its owner.

Understanding and responding to the finer nuances that make birds unique will enhance your relationship with your favorite avian companion while safeguarding their health and longevity.

Are you thinking about getting a beautiful portrait of your pet?

An artist by profession, Miri's paintings make a lasting keepsake of your furry or feathered friend.

For more info, please visit Custom Pet Portraits by Miri at http://www.petportraitsbymiri.com/