How to Keep a Bird Healthy

Avoid buying a bird cage that is made out of the country because many of them have lead paint, or they have brass, lead or zinc accessories. These metals, if eaten by your bird regularly, can cause blindness, seizures and death.

Make sure your bird's diet is what it should be. Basically, it's smart to replicate what your bird would eat in the wild. For example, if your breed of bird would feast on berries, feed it strawberries after you have soaked them to remove bacteria and pesticides. Avoid stimulants like coffee, tea and chocolate because they tend to raise a bird's pulse, and can result in early death. And since avocados are poison to many breeds, avoid giving it to your bird, along with alcoholic beverages because they are not equipped to process them. If you're in doubt about what to feed your pet bird, talk with your veterinarian.

Let your bird play in his cage. Provide it with toys that will both occupy its time and keep it fit. Stay away from toys that have chains or ropes, because your bird could accidentally hang itself or panic from getting a nail caught in them.

Allow your pet bird to occasionally leave its cage. It needs the exercise, and many of them can be trained to come to you. Have little fear that your bird will not return to its cage, because it is its home and it will instinctively return there. Do remember, though, to close all the windows and doors because your bird will always want to fly outside.

Buy an air filter to keep the air around your bird free of airborne diseases that affect birds. A HEPA system, for example, will rid the air of those problems as well as the dust and dander produced by your bird.

Place the bird's cage where it can interact with you and your family. Parrots can be especially sociable, so place its cage where it will feel it's an integral part of your family.