FAQ: Supplies for birds

As days lengthen, birds' hormones become more active, so they may turn territorial, scream more or look for a nesting spot. Regular 10–12 hours of sleep, removing nest-like objects and changing toys more often help.

An obese bird has a rounded chest, its keel is hard to feel and fat deposits may show under the feathers. A common cause is a diet of mostly seeds and treats with little exercise, so ask a vet about changing the diet.

Daily flying in the room, perches placed so the bird has to fly between them, ladders, swings and foraging tasks help. Food can be spread over several places so the bird has to look for it.

Small pet nail scissors are used for small birds, and sturdier clippers or a nail file for larger parrots. Only the tip of the nail is cut, with styptic powder at hand; if you are unsure, ask a vet to show you.

An overgrown beak is longer than usual, crooked, flaking or makes eating difficult. It is often linked to health problems, so a vet should assess it rather than trimming it yourself at home.

Warning signs: the hen sits fluffed up on the floor, pumps her tail, breathes heavily, stops eating or does not pass an egg despite a swollen belly. This may be egg binding, which needs urgent veterinary help.

Colour and consistency change temporarily after watery vegetables, fruit or coloured pellets, but longer-lasting changes, blood, undigested seeds or very watery droppings combined with lethargy are reasons to see a vet.

Birds' airways are very sensitive, so scented litter, perfumed cleaners or air fresheners near the cage can harm them. Choose unscented products made for pets and use them as labelled.

Yes, dried or live mealworms are a valuable source of protein for many insect-eating birds, such as robins and thrushes, especially in spring. Dried ones can be soaked before serving so chicks swallow them more easily.

If you see fluffed-up, listless or struggling birds at the feeder, stop feeding for a few weeks and clean the feeder and water dish thoroughly. This reduces the spread of disease among birds that gather in one place.

A shallow bath a few centimetres deep with a rough, non-slip bottom, placed in the open near shrubs, works well. Change the water often and scrub the bath regularly so algae does not form and diseases do not spread.

Hulled sunflower seeds are easier to eat and leave no husks, so they suit smaller birds and balconies. Whole seeds are usually cheaper per kilogram, but birds throw away a good part of the weight as husks.

Regular washing with hot water is usually enough, while disinfecting with a pet-safe product is worthwhile every few months, after illness or before housing a new bird. Afterwards rinse and dry everything thoroughly before the bird goes back in.

Mould appears when damp food scraps, fruit or litter stay on the floor too long. Change the litter more often, remove fresh food leftovers every day and stop water from spilling into the tray.

Yes, but children should learn to stay calm near the cage, not poke fingers through the bars and wash their hands after handling the bird. Lock the cage door and only let the bird out under adult supervision.

On short days birds may get too little light, so some owners use a full-spectrum bird lamp on a timer. The light period should resemble a natural day of about 10–12 hours, and the lamp should be at a safe distance from the cage.

Many parrots like bells, but choose ones whose clapper is firmly attached and whose opening is too small to trap a beak or toe. Avoid bells with brittle tinny edges and metal of unknown origin.

A bird may stop using an item if it has been in the cage too long and become boring, if it was dirty or if something scared the bird. Take it out for a few days or weeks, clean it and put it back in a different spot.

Potting soil may contain fertiliser, mould and insects, so keep birds away from it. If you want to offer grass, choose sprouted seeds or grasses grown specifically for birds without chemicals.

The most reliable sources are an avian vet, an experienced breeder or a species enthusiasts' club. Packaging and manufacturer descriptions also often state which species a product is for and how to use it.