Bird Maintenance
A happy bird is a healthy bird, and this includes help from you. Your fragile pet has a beak and claws that need special care and attention. While there are some things you can do at home, bird grooming tasks generally fall under three categories: upkeep supported by bird products, grooming you can handle yourself at home, and grooming that should be handled by a vet. These tips will help you decide which is which.
A Perfect Beak
Your bird’s natural activities, such as beak rubbing, chewing, foraging and eating will help him stay in shape, but only if you provide the means. Offer bird cuttlebones, natural perches, sanded bird perch covers, and foraging toys to keep him happy and his beak and claws healthy. Provide your bird with plenty of chewing toys made from various materials such as rope, plastic, or wood. A sturdy, properly sized cage is also important, because it will reduce the chance of your bird chewing through the bars. Our Pet Supermarket associates can help you choose these important grooming aids.
Overgrown Beaks
The one thing you should never try doing at home is trimming your bird’s beak. While this may not be necessary for most birds, there are times when a bird’s beak becomes overgrown or abnormally shaped. If this happens, visit an avian vet. If you find it hard to trim your bird’s claws, you might want to have your vet take care of that as well.
Bird Manicures
Just as we trim our own nails, a bird’s claws need constant trimming. It may take a bit of practice, but trimming can be done at home. This will keep your bird’s nails healthy and prevent him from having perching problems. Before starting, make sure you have styptic powder in case you cut into the quick. Losing blood is very dangerous for birds as just one teaspoon can equal 10% of a bird’s total blood volume. Start by first wrapping your bird gently in a towel, then using bird claw clippers to trim the sharp tip at the very end of the claw only.
Bird Baths
Birds enjoy the ability to keep clean all by themselves, so its is important to provide a bird bath for them. Make sure to clean the bath water 2-3 times a week and keep it at a warm temperature. At Pet Supermarket we also carry convenient spray baths to keep your bird pretty as can be.
