http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/qa/birds/bird-care Powered by Question2Answer http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/2839/should-i-give-my-budgies-a-nest-to-sleep-in?show=2841#a2841 In nature, budgies sleep on tree limbs. In a cage, a next box is best. Pet shops also carry sleepers that hang in the cage and are open on both sides. However not all budgies will make use of them and prefer to sleep on their perches. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/2839/should-i-give-my-budgies-a-nest-to-sleep-in?show=2841#a2841 Mon, 17 Aug 2015 12:02:10 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/2750/what-is-an-easy-way-to-trim-my-parakeets-wings?show=2751#a2751 Gently extend your bird's wings. Clip only 4 to 8 of the outermost feathers on the bottom row only. Clip the same feathers on each wing. Don't point the scissors towards the bird's body in case he squirms a lot and an injury occurs. Don't clip a baby parakeet's wings until he learns to fly. If you're not sure about clipping them, have it done the first time by a professional and observe how they do it. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/2750/what-is-an-easy-way-to-trim-my-parakeets-wings?show=2751#a2751 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 10:09:27 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/1713/how-old-should-a-bird-be-the-first-time-you-clip-their-wings?show=1716#a1716 You can clip a young bird's wings after it has learned to fly. When feather grow back or after a molt is completed and the bird can fly a few feet, you can clip the wings again. Clip the major covert (textrix), the outermost and largest wing feathers. Make sure you know exactly how much to clip without causing damage to the bird. If you are unsure, consult an avian vet. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/1713/how-old-should-a-bird-be-the-first-time-you-clip-their-wings?show=1716#a1716 Thu, 06 Mar 2014 06:32:59 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/1647/it-better-take-my-bird-to-friend-or-leave-it-alone-for-few-days?show=1667#a1667 A bird can be left alone for 2-3 days at most. Birds don't like change. Perhaps you can ask your friend or a relative or neighbor to check on the bird each day to make sure there's fresh water and enough food. I'm sure the bird would enjoy a little attention too. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/1647/it-better-take-my-bird-to-friend-or-leave-it-alone-for-few-days?show=1667#a1667 Thu, 23 Jan 2014 06:15:58 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/1607/how-do-i-cut-my-parrots-nails?show=1636#a1636 Use a clipper made specifically for birds. Have someone help you. Your helper can place the index finger and thumb around the neck below the beak. The other hand goes just above the legs. Don't squeeze, be gentle but firm. Then you can gently extend each claw and cut the tip. Birds' legs are delicate and break easily so use care. Have styptic powder of plain flour handy to stop any bleeding. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/1607/how-do-i-cut-my-parrots-nails?show=1636#a1636 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 06:31:55 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/649/is-it-important-to-cut-your-birds-nails?show=688#a688 Yes, it is important, Clipping a bird's nails can prevent foot problems. it also prevents scratches on your furniture and you. It usually takes two people, one to gently hold the bird, and the other to do the trimming. If you are unsure of the procedure, take the bird to an avian vet to do the job. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/649/is-it-important-to-cut-your-birds-nails?show=688#a688 Tue, 09 Jul 2013 06:23:39 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/575/what-should-i-feed-the-outdoor-birds?show=620#a620 You can get bird seed from the store... or you can give them nuts, berries, and bread... Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/575/what-should-i-feed-the-outdoor-birds?show=620#a620 Sat, 29 Jun 2013 14:56:01 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/514/how-should-i-take-care-of-a-baby-bird-that-i-found-on-the-ground?show=538#a538 Be sure the bird is in need of help as sometimes they leave the nest before they can fly well and already have feathers. The parents may be nearby or will return soon. Hatschlings are bald or may have tufts of feathers and are very small.  if the parents don't return within a half hour, try to find the nest and carefully place the bird back inside. Or if you can get a small basket, line it with grass, place the bird in it, cover with a piece of paper and place it as close to the tree where you found it as possible. You can even nail the basket to the tree to avoid predators. The parents will be able to hear the baby when they return. You can also call wildlife rescue to ask for help. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/514/how-should-i-take-care-of-a-baby-bird-that-i-found-on-the-ground?show=538#a538 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 06:36:35 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/478/how-can-you-tell-when-a-bird-is-hungry?show=530#a530 Watch your bird carefully to see how often he goes to the food dish. Check the food dish a few times a day to make sure there is food available and not just husks or shells in the dish. This should give you a good idea of how much food your bird eats without overfeeding him. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/478/how-can-you-tell-when-a-bird-is-hungry?show=530#a530 Sun, 16 Jun 2013 06:09:49 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/475/can-birds-eat-popcorn?show=528#a528 Yes, birds really enjoy popcorn either popped or unpopped as a treat. But use only hot air-popped popcorn. Don't add oil, butter or salt and don't use popcorn that includes these ingredients. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/475/can-birds-eat-popcorn?show=528#a528 Sun, 16 Jun 2013 05:51:00 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/382/can-i-take-my-birds-cage-outside?show=393#a393 Yes, you can take your bird in his cage outside. It's even good for him with a few cautions. Make sure the cage is closed securely and your bird cannot escape. While sunlight is good for your bird, start off slowly, a few minutes at a time in the sun. Keep  him in the sun for a maximum of no more than 15-20 minutes. Never leave your bird unattended outdoors - you never know when a cat or other creature is on the prowl. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/382/can-i-take-my-birds-cage-outside?show=393#a393 Thu, 16 May 2013 06:45:03 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/356/can-i-give-my-bird-peach-pits?show=358#a358 Apple seeds and the pits of cherries, peaches, plums nectarines and apricots contain a cyanide compound. They are dangerous to humans as well, although being much larger than our birds, we would have to eat much more than they do to become ill or even die. Just as with nut shells, birds can break off pieces of pits with their sharp beaks and it takes a lot less to make them sick. These pieces can also cause blockages in the digestive system if swallowed. Either cut the fruit away from the pit or keep on eye out and remove it when the bird finishes the fruit. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/356/can-i-give-my-bird-peach-pits?show=358#a358 Tue, 07 May 2013 04:12:04 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/72/how-do-i-trim-my-conures-nails?show=205#a205 Place your thumb just back of his beak. Place the other hand just above his legs and extend each claw, one at a time, clipping the edge. Keep flour handy to staunch any bleeding and just pack it on. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/72/how-do-i-trim-my-conures-nails?show=205#a205 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:16:10 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/92/is-it-okay-to-put-different-bird-breeds-in-the-same-cage?show=197#a197 It is possible to put 2 different types of birds together although not recommended. If you're interested in another breed, it should be the same size as your present bird (beak too) and require the same living conditions. Introduce them gradually placing the new bird in a separate cage until they are used to seeing each other without showing any aggression. Then you can put them together for short periods of time to begin with. If all goes well, you can increase the time together until they can be in the same cage. Take the time to observe them making sure it's safe to leave them together. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/92/is-it-okay-to-put-different-bird-breeds-in-the-same-cage?show=197#a197 Thu, 11 Apr 2013 06:01:51 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/115/should-i-cover-my-birds-cage-at-night?show=183#a183 Sometimes birds have what is called "night frights". A fluttering curtain, a car's headlights shining through the window, sudden noises and more can upset them. Often covering the cage to keep out disturbances can help. If your bird feels more secure with the cage covered, then by all means do so. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/115/should-i-cover-my-birds-cage-at-night?show=183#a183 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:06:56 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/99/what-are-the-best-toys-for-my-parakeet?show=175#a175 Try wooden gyms, mirrors, bells, swings, ladders, puzzles. Introduce one or two toys at a time, rotating them weekly. Be careful with toys that he can pull apart. Check toys daily and cut off any loose threads or dangerous pieces. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/99/what-are-the-best-toys-for-my-parakeet?show=175#a175 Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:25:28 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/128/should-i-get-my-bird-a-friend?show=140#a140 Having 2 birds doesn't mean less work for you, but double the time and care. You have to research the right companion for your bird. Check if 2 males or 2 females can get along. Then there's the possibility of them mating if you have one of each sex. What happens if the birds don't get along in spite of all your research. Training can be more difficult unless you separate the birds so that they can't see each other. Do you have a large enough cage to accommodate 2 birds. You can keep your present bird amused by rotating toys. When you are home, spend some time each day giving your bird some attention. Place your bird's cage where s/he can see outdoors (not in direct sunlight). Birds are able to amuse themselves, so please be sure you have the time to give 2 birds the attention they deserve. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/128/should-i-get-my-bird-a-friend?show=140#a140 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:09:58 +0000 http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/129/what-is-the-best-food-for-a-cockatiel?show=138#a138 The seeds you purchase at the pet store should be a high quality.  Cockatiels do well with a variety of green veggies such as lettuce, broccoli, etc. and fruits such as bananas, apples, pears and so on. Absolutely no avocado as it's toxic to birds. Cut small pieces of the food and vary daily.  Organic fruits and vegetables are an excellent choice as they are free of pesticides. You can include some nuts such as walnuts, almonds, but not often as they are very fatty. The seeds should contain supplements for your bird and with a varied diet, you don't need to add anything. Bird Care http://thepetwiki.com/q2a/129/what-is-the-best-food-for-a-cockatiel?show=138#a138 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:44:26 +0000