Contact Your Guide:
The one thing that I love just as much as caring for birds is helping out their people.
If there is ever a time when you have a question, comment, or problem pertaining to bird ownership, please don't hesitate to send me an email at birds.guide@about.com. I will do my best to reply to correspondence within 48 hours of receiving it. While awaiting a reply, make sure to check the frequently asked questions below for information that may help you resolve common issues that bird owners have with their pets.
I strive to provide my readers with helpful, practical information that will enrich the bird ownership experience. I look forward to helping you make the most out of your relationship with your feathered friend!
F.A.Q.
- Q. How can I get my bird to stop biting when I handle him?A. This is a problem that most new bird owners face at some point. The most common cause that triggers biting in birds is fear. If you have recently purchased your bird, the solution may simply be to spend more time focusing on hand-feeding and socialization in order to build trust with your pet. Look through the Behavior and Training category for more tips on managing your bird's behavior.
- Q. What should I feed my pet bird?A. Different breeds of birds require different diets and nutritional requirements. Check out the Breeds of Birds category for information on feeding guidelines for your particular breed. In the event that your breed has not yet been listed, feel free to email me your question and I will respond as quickly as possible. In the meantime, you can brush up on what not to feed your bird by checking out the Top 10 Common Foods that Can Poison Your Pet.
- Q. I think my bird may be sick. How can I tell for sure?A. Birds can be very good at hiding illness and disease. If you suspect that your feathered friend is feeling under the weather, there are several common symptoms of illness that you should look for. Check out Signs of Illness in Pet Birds to learn how to tell if your pet is sick.
- Q. What size cage do I need for my bird?A. As with feeding and nutrition, cage requirements differ from breed to breed. As a rule, a bigger cage is always better for your bird, but choosing the perfect cage requires careful consideration of several important factors. For more information on choosing the best cage for your pet, read my article on Selecting the Perfect Birdcage.
- Q. How do I choose a good vet for my bird?A. It is important for new bird owners to understand that their pet requires medical care from a doctor that specializes in avian medicine. In other words, the vet that takes care of the family dog or cat may not be fully capable of providing your bird the high quality care he deserves. To ensure that your bird is in good hands, try to locate a vet that is registered with the AAV. More tips on selecting the best vet for your bird can be found in my article on Choosing a Qualified Avian Vet.
- Q. How can I teach my bird to do tricks?A. While training your bird can be fun and rewarding, it also takes time, patience, and practice. The first thing that a bird should be taught is the "Step-Up" command, since practically all other tricks build off of it. You should work with your bird to master this command before moving on to any other training endeavors. If your bird is ready for more advanced training, consult the Behavior and Training category for tips and ideas on teaching other tricks.
- Q. I don't yet own a bird, but I am interested in adopting one. How do I choose the best bird for my lifestyle?A. Different breeds of birds display traits as various as the colors of their feathers. Step one in choosing the best bird for you is resisting the temptation to buy a bird based upon sight alone. Read my article on Choosing the Best Bird for Your Family for more insight on selecting a pet that will become a valued family member and lifelong companion.