Many pet lovers view their animals, as members of the family, and do everything they can to maintain their physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, it won‘t surprise you that they also look for new and better ways to love and care for their pets and farm animals. So let‘s explore some alternative treatments for your animals.

Today, we have many alternatives at our disposal to keep our furry, fluffy, and feathered friends healthy and happy. The natural pet supplement market has been flooded with products promising amazing health benefits; trying to choose the right one can be overwhelming. Feel free to do your own research or consult your veterinarian before making a final decision. Seek out a holistic veterinarian in your area.

The ideas and alternative treatments presented originate from reliable and researched sources but don‘t hesitate to seek the advice of a holistic veterinarian, when necessary. I would encourage you to always do your own research and get sound advice before taking action.

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Today's topic is Birds

Keeping a pet bird can be a very rewarding experience for both the bird and the owner. However, like any other animal, they become our responsibility once we adopt or purchase them and we need to make sure they are well looked after and cared for in every aspect. Different birds have different needs, and we can‘t go into every detail for all the different varieties, but there are some rules that apply to all.

Bird Cages

Ensure that the cage you buy is large enough to allow the bird to jump, climb, and move about freely. This is especially important for the smaller birds such as finches and canaries, as they are less likely to spend much time outside of their cages.

Playtime

All birds love to play, so make sure your bird has some toys in the cage that will keep them amused. Pet shop stock a huge selection of toys, or you can make own. Check the toys regularly to make sure there are no sharp edges and/or loose strings that could cause injuries.

Let your bird out of the cage for at least 2 – 3 hours a day. The bigger parrots may need a little more time. You can let the vet clip a wing (or you can do it yourself if you know how to do it) so they can‘t fly far. Some people leave the birds outside all day and cages are only used for sleeping in. This is a personal choice and is also influenced by other factors, such as other pets in the house etc. It may be a good idea, however, to put the bird in the cage when no one is at home, purely for their own safety.

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Food

Make sure your bird is receiving a well-balanced diet. There are many books available on the subject; you can consult your holistic veterinarian as well as doing your own research on the internet. The bird seed mix from the pet store usually isn't enough, and it would be a good idea to include whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.

Grow your own sprouts - the birds love them and they are very nutritious.

Fruit and vegetable - Fresh fruit and vegetables are very important for your birds‘ diet as they supply all the nutrients that are lacking in the seeds. However, you do need to be careful because there are a few that your bird should not eat such as the following; avocado, celery, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and mushrooms.

These are good healthy choices for all birds. Be sure to feed fresh fruit and vegetables only

Romaine lettuce, kale, watercress, spinach (not too often), carrots, carrot tops, sweet potato (cooked), broccoli, peas, green beans, pumpkin, zucchini, bell peppers, corn, apples, mango, papaya, pineapple, banana, blueberries, and raspberries.

Bath time

All birds love to take a bath. Depending on the size of the bird you can attach a bird bath to the outside of the cage or place a dish in the bottom for the smaller varieties of birds. Once they have had a bath it‘s usually a good idea to remove the water immediately. Rather give them some fresh water again later on.

Hygiene

Hygiene with birds is of the utmost importance. Change the paper or gravel in the cages every day and spot clean where necessary. Water bowls must be cleaned and replaced with fresh water on a daily basis, and sometimes more often as some birds like to bathe in their water dishes. All the perches should be cleaned regularly every week as well as the toys, and the entire cage should have a thorough cleaning at least once a month. Of course, this may sound exaggerated, but it depends on the size of your bird and how much mess they make.

Personal interaction

Birds like any other pet enjoy human interaction. If your bird is new to the household and is still learning to trust you, just hang out near him while you read or use the computer. If your schedule doesn't allow for much interaction time, you may wish to consider getting a second bird so he doesn't get lonely. Once your bird is tame and trusts you, the bird can be allowed out of its cage for some playtime.

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Bundles of LOVE

Wrapped in Feathers or Fur!

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Animation By @zord189

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(photos from Pixabay)