WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEW BIRD
Congratulations on your new addition to your family. We here at Noah’s Ark want to make your experience
with your bird as pleasant and as stress-free as possible, which is why we think it’s important that you know
the following:
EVERYDAY DANGERS
Teflon: Teflon that’s heated over 500 degrees will kill birds. There is no way to save the bird if it inhales
the poisonous fumes and death can occur within minutes. Teflon can be found on certain pots, pans, space
heaters, grills, and hair dryers.
Febreze: Febreze by Proctor and Gamble might be great to keep your house smelling fresh, but it contains
zinc chloride, which is extremely toxic to birds. If you use Febreze, don’t spray it on yourself on in the same
room as where your bird is located. OUST on the other hand doesn't contain zinc oxide and is safer to use
around your bird, as long as it is not used in excess.
Dogs and cats: Don’t leave your bird alone with your other pets. Your cat might seem to be the most easy-
going and laid-back feline on the planet, but instincts might take over, and they might see the bird as
nothing more than prey.
Ceiling fans: Make sure that the fans are turned off when you have your bird out of the cage. They might
surprise you with a sudden burst of “power flying.”
Candles: Are OK to use in an large open room where your bird is, however do not put the candle next to
them and do not use in a closed space.
Mirrors and walls: Flying birds can hit mirrors or walls, thereby causing injury to their beaks and body
therefore it are recommended you keep wings clipped. It also ensures they do not fly out the door!
Do not let anyone feed your bird anything without your permission.
SIGNS OF ILLNESS
By the time that your bird shows any signs of illness, the illness is probably very advanced. Birds are
experts at hiding their symptoms, and knowing your bird’s behavior is the best way to know when it’s sick.
Decreased activity: If your bird appears lethargic, if he’s sleeping in the daytime when there’s a lot of
activity in the room, if he’s stopped preening himself, these are all signs that something might be wrong.
Respiratory distress: If your bird is breathing through his mouth or wheezing, or if there is a discharge
from the eyes, nose, or vent area, these are signs of respiratory distress.
Droppings: If there’s a change in the color of the droppings or if it appears overly watery, this could be
signs of an illness.
If your bird displays any of these symptoms, you’ll want to keep your bird warm (around 85 degrees), Put a
Light on him offer him food and water, and call your vet immediately.
NEVER FEED YOUR BIRD ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Avocado
• Under-cooked eggs
• Salty foods
• Seeds from fruit – especially apple seeds,peach seed which are toxic
• Mushrooms
• Candy
• Caffeine
• Rhubarb
BIRD TOYS: Buy your toys wisely. Know what your bird is capable of – some destructive birds will do better
with a larger toy. Keep in mind that what’s great for a parrotlet might not be good for a macaw or conure.
There are several types of toys to consider for your bird: Wooden toys are good for your bird because it
gives them something to demolish while also ensuring their beaks don’t get too long causing problems for
them, such as not being able to eat. Beaded, plastic, leather and other materials can also keep them busy
for hours, as well as keep them happy. And then there are soft toys and hide-a-huts allow them a sense of
comfort while resting.
A HEALTHY DIET: Most seed and pellet diets on the market today are a good basis for a healthy diet. Look
for the ones with the most vitamin and mineral content. There is also a wide variety of people foods they
enjoy and help round out their diets, as long as you don’t give them excessive amounts. A little goes a long
way for a bird.
Some foods that are acceptable for birds are broccoli, dried red chili peppers, sweet potatoes, cooked or
raw carrots, squash, corn, beans, green or red peppers, tomato, cauliflower, and greens. Fruits that are
acceptable are apples, oranges, pears, mango, papaya, apricots, cantaloupe, melon, and kiwi. Cherries are
fine for your bird but they might turn the droppings a dark red color that looks like blood but is perfectly
harmless. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, but stay away from canned, as there is a higher level of
sodium. Pasta, tortillas, pizza crust, and nuts are also favorites. You can also find a selection of packaged
treats at Noah’s Ark.
CAGES, TOYS, AND PERCHES: The rule of thumb is to get the largest cage you have space for and can
afford. Keep in mind that your bird might be spending a lot of time in his cage while you’re at work or
shopping, so it needs a cage large enough to spread its wings up and out and not touch the sides. If the
bird will almost never come out of its cage, buy one that it can fly in.
You’ll need perches, of course. Birds stand on their feet all day and if they stand on the same size
perch, their foot muscles will stiffen from lack of stretching. Different sizes and styles are available and many
pet stores including Noah’s Ark. Cement perches are good to help keep nails from being too sharp.
Perches should be at different heights as well as one level with the food dish. Make sure that you don’t
place anything above the food dishes so that the bird doesn't defecate in its own food or water.
If for any reason you need more help call Dr. Moor at Southlake he is a bird Vet. Number !-817-481-2014