Raising Birds

From a Bird Owner

Deneale K. Williams, Yahoo Contributor Network
Apr 16, 2009

Birds were a part of our household since I was little. It was the one pet we could have because we all had allergies to animal dander.

As a child, I rescued a baby robin, and raised it for several years. It ate raw hamburger as a youngster and drank water from a straw. As it grew older, I would dig up worms from the yard, and feed it. She slept on my pillow above my head, and I named it "Bobbi" because it was a robin, get it? LOL

Once I became old enough to have a job, and have my own income, I started my own collection. I bought two parakeets. One was mean, her name was Peeper, she was light blue. And the other was nice, his name was Corkey and he was lavender.

Eventually I married, and my in laws had birds too. They had canaries, parakeets and quaker parrots. My favorite uncle raised Parakeets and Canaries too. We then still had my parakeets, and we also bought a cluster of breeding finches.

So birds were a part of my every day life, and I grew to love them and enjoy them. They make nice pets and are easy to tend to.

When one of my sons were ten, he rescued a Pigeon. It had a broken wing. We took it in, and bandaged it, and fed it seed, and catered to its needs until the wing healed. Once it healed, we let the Pigeon out, to see if it could fly. The Pigeon pruned itself and then flew away, high into the sky.

Presently I have Parrots, a Ring Neck, and a Severe Macaw. I also have two cockatiels, and one parakeet. My house can be quite noisy at times, yes. But on other occasions, it can be quite musical! LOL

For those who don't already know, parakeets and cockatiels can be raised in the same cage, and many breeders do this. If the cage is too small, and you breed your birds, that is the only time they may need separated.

Birds need their feathers trimmed, so they don't fly away. They also need their toe nails clipped so they don't get too long or out of control. The same can be with their beaks, unless they frequently use a cuddle bone. There are also sand paper strips to place on their perches to keep their nails and beaks trimmed up. You can trim them yourself, or take them to a pet store, or a friend who does this. And you have to keep up with this, because if you don't it can get out of control, and your birds can even fly away. And tame birds are not safe if released into the wild.

You have to be careful, because birds can get mites, and lice. If you have a wild bird with your domestic, it is not a good or safe combination, because the wild birds have diseases and bugs. And amazingly enough, the wild birds sometimes actually need and depend on their own mites and lice and dirt, to keep them alive and healthy. So if you raised birds, and you rescue an outdoor bird, your best bet is to have an outdoor shelter for the outdoor bird. And then when you come in, after tending to the outdoor bird, you have to wash your hands thoroughly. I don't even suggest wearing the same clothes, because the bugs, can get in and on your clothing.

As for Parrots, they are famous for mocking, so be careful what you say, good or bad. Chances are high, you will be repeated. Cockatiels can even imitate, just not as much as the Parrots. And Parakeets and canaries, love to sing beautiful music. However, parakeets can imitate as well. It all depends on what your bird wants to learn, say and do.

How you spend your time with your bird, depends on how he will adjust to people and training. Never extend your arm to any bird, with your thumb sticking out. Birds see the thumb, and for some reason, take it as a threat-more often then not. Tuck your thumb under your fingers. Do not act scared, every animal can detect fear. And if you are afraid, so are they.

My birds love bath time. You can do this too, either with an empty spray bottle (bought empty, not re-using one with chemicals in it!) or in the sink, and even the tub. (DO NOT make the water VERY deep!) You can also place a bowl in the bottom of the cage, so your birds can decide when they are ready, to dive into the water.
Another thing to know, is that birds love sharing your human food with you. It helps them to feel involved. And it isn't bad for them, many people I know personally who have birds, either make their pets a plate, or allow the bird to fly or walk over when they are eating and eat from their plate. (I am aware this will disgust some people!) But the nutrition of what we eat, is sometimes good for them. My cockatiel loves mashed potatoes. My ring neck loves peanuts and Popsicles, and my Severe Macaw loves Beefaroni. Just like us, they have taste preferences.

When and if you decide to breed your birds, many species want a little privacy with bird boxes. You can make these yourself, or get them in your local pet stores. There are different sizes for every bird, so please ask when you are searching for one, so you don't get the wrong one for your pet. Imagine a finch breeder box for a big Macaw, it just isn't going to work!!!

If you are lonely and don't want to have to take your pet potty outdoors, or change a litter box, or are allergic to pet dander, you might want to try a bird. Start small, with something simple like a parakeet. Birds will even like watching TV with you, just so long as you are with them, enjoying them, and loving them; feeding them and taking care of them, they will be happy and live a full life.
And if you raise your birds with cats and dogs, the cats and dogs, as well as the birds, will learn to get along, and realize that they are family. I have cats, and dogs, and birds.

And my birds will ride my cats and dogs, and call them. And the dogs will report to the birds and await orders. It is funny. And sometimes when my birds are out, and you poor dog and cat food and feed the furry ones, the birds will fly down to the food dish where the furry animals are eating, and eat too. Just to be a part of them! And yes, everyone shares!

Birds are a nice addition to any family. Don't be afraid to give them a try, they truly are not that hard to raise and love. And if you ever want advise from a bird owner, (ME!) feel free to ask. Also there are a lot of great books out there that can offer tid bits, and advise. Every person has different advise and learning experiences to share. And for those of you who have birds, and have had bad or different experiences, that is typical. Everyone is different, and so are animals.

Published by Deneale K. Williams