Caged Bird Care

Once you have decided to buy a pet bird, you will need to choose what species of bird to keep. Some are more suited to your home than others.

Housing your pet bird

It is very important that you house your bird in as large a cage as possible and that it is suitable for the type of bird that you have chosen. We have a range of birdcages available in our shop and we are able to offer expert advice on the right type of cage.

Exercise

Once your pet bird is tame, you can allow them supervised exercise time out of their cage, which is very important in maintaining a healthy, happy bird. Ensure all doors and windows are closed and all hazards are out of the way.

Important considerations

• Be prepared for mess when a bird flies around in its cage - seed husks can be dispersed all over your floor.
• Some birds can be very noisy, particularly lovebirds, cockatiels and parrots.
• Birds should never be kept in kitchens. Teflon coated pans and self cleaning ovens can emit fumes that are extremely toxic to birds.

A cockatiel is larger than a budgie which means it requires a much bigger cage – ideally the biggest your budget allows.

A cockatiel’s whistle can be very shrill, so are not an ideal bird for everyone.

Diet

Basic seed, cuttlefish millet, bird grit, small amounts of fruit and vegetables

Talk Ability

Possible, but no guarantee

Life expectancy

15 yrs +

Once you have decided to buy a pet bird, you will need to choose what species of bird to keep. Some are more suited to your home than others.

Housing your pet bird

It is very important that you house your bird in as large a cage as possible and that it is suitable for the type of bird that you have chosen. We have a range of birdcages available in our shop and we are able to offer expert advice on the right type of cage.

Exercise

Once your pet bird is tame, you can allow them supervised exercise time out of their cage, which is very important in maintaining a healthy, happy bird. Ensure all doors and windows are closed and all hazards are out of the way.

Important considerations

• Be prepared for mess when a bird flies around in its cage - seed husks can be dispersed all over your floor.
• Some birds can be very noisy, particularly lovebirds, cockatiels and parrots.
• Birds should never be kept in kitchens. Teflon coated pans and self cleaning ovens can emit fumes that are extremely toxic to birds.

Finches are quiet birds best kept in pairs or small groups of the same species. Unlike other birds, they are unlikely to become very tame.
They are attractive and fun to watch.

Diet

Good quality seed mix supplemented with egg food, millet, greens, bird grit and cuttlefish

Talk Ability

No

Life Expectancy

Up to 5 yrs

Once you have decided to buy a pet bird, you will need to choose what species of bird to keep. Some are more suited to your home than others.

Housing your pet bird

It is very important that you house your bird in as large a cage as possible and that it is suitable for the type of bird that you have chosen. We have a range of birdcages available in our shop and we are able to offer expert advice on the right type of cage.

Exercise

Once your pet bird is tame, you can allow them supervised exercise time out of their cage, which is very important in maintaining a healthy, happy bird. Ensure all doors and windows are closed and all hazards are out of the way.

Important considerations

• Be prepared for mess when a bird flies around in its cage - seed husks can be dispersed all over your floor.
• Some birds can be very noisy, particularly lovebirds, cockatiels and parrots.
• Birds should never be kept in kitchens. Teflon coated pans and self cleaning ovens can emit fumes that are extremely toxic to birds.

Budgies, or  ‘Budgerigars’ are available in a wide range of colours

Diet

Budgies follow a basic seed diet but benefit from millet sprays, fresh fruit and vegetables, cuttlefish and bird grit

Talk Ability

Most budgies learn to say a few words, while some never talk

Life expectancy

7 yrs

Once you have decided to buy a pet bird, you will need to choose what species of bird to keep. Some are more suited to your home than others.

Housing your pet bird

It is very important that you house your bird in as large a cage as possible and that it is suitable for the type of bird that you have chosen. We have a range of birdcages available in our shop and we are able to offer expert advice on the right type of cage.

Exercise

Once your pet bird is tame, you can allow them supervised exercise time out of their cage, which is very important in maintaining a healthy, happy bird. Ensure all doors and windows are closed and all hazards are out of the way.

Important considerations

• Be prepared for mess when a bird flies around in its cage - seed husks can be dispersed all over your floor.
• Some birds can be very noisy, particularly lovebirds, cockatiels and parrots.
• Birds should never be kept in kitchens. Teflon coated pans and self cleaning ovens can emit fumes that are extremely toxic to birds.

Canaries are traditionally yellow in colour but are now available in a variety of colours. They are known for their singing ability, although it is only the male bird that sings and not the female.

Diet

Good quality seed diet supplemented with egg food, millet, green, bird grit and cuttlefish

Talk Ability

No

Life expectancy

Often live for up to 10 yrs