FAQ: Supplies for birds

Change the water every day and scrub the drinker with a brush several times a week so no slimy film builds up. On hot days or when supplements are added, change it even more often.

Most pet birds enjoy bathing, and it helps keep their feathers clean. A bath that hangs on the cage door or a shallow dish of water works, and the water should be emptied after bathing.

Some birds prefer a fine mist from a spray bottle, wet leafy greens or bathing under a gently running tap. Use lukewarm water and bathe the bird during the day so the feathers dry before evening.

The usual options are paper, special bird sand, corn cob or hemp litter. Paper is practical because it makes droppings easy to check, while sand and litter absorb moisture and odour better.

No. Sand with crushed shell tempts some birds to eat it, so if you use sand, watch that the bird does not swallow large amounts. Plain paper on the tray is enough for many birds.

Change the cage paper or litter every few days, wash bowls and the drinker daily or at least every other day, and give the whole cage with perches and toys a thorough clean about once every week or two.

The safest options are hot water, a brush and a mild detergent rinsed off thoroughly, or cleaning products made for pets. Avoid strong scents, bleach and aerosol sprays near the bird, because its airways are very sensitive.

Birds are intelligent and curious, so they get bored quickly without something to do. Boredom can turn into constant screaming or feather plucking, and toys to chew, pull or explore help prevent it.

It helps to have several types: chew toys made of soft wood or cardboard, movement toys such as swings and ladders, and foraging toys in which a treat has to be found. The toy's size must match the size of the parrot.

Swap or rearrange toys every week or two so the bird does not get bored of them. Having a few sets to rotate is handy, and chewed-through or broken toys should be thrown out straight away.

Loose threads and ropes that can trap toes, rings or chains small enough to catch the head, and sharp broken pieces are hazards. Inspect toys regularly and replace worn ones.

Opinions differ: a single budgie may treat a mirror as a fake companion, regurgitating food to it and becoming attached. If you notice this behaviour, remove the mirror and give the budgie more attention.

Safe materials include untreated or food-colour-dyed wood, natural cardboard, paper, wicker, coconut fibre and sturdy plastic suited to the bird's size. Metal parts should be stainless steel, free of zinc and lead.

They are toys in which food or a treat is hidden and the bird has to shell it, pull it out or open a lid. They mimic natural food-seeking and greatly extend the time the bird stays occupied.

For parrots that come out of the cage every day a play stand is very useful: you can hang toys on it, add a bowl and give the bird a safe spot to stay near you. It also helps keep it off the furniture.

Many birds are wary of anything new, especially brightly coloured or large items. First place the toy next to the cage, after a few days move it into a corner of the cage, and show the bird how you play with it yourself.

Wooden or wicker swings and ladders suit budgies, canaries and cockatiels, as long as they hang securely and do not block flying. They should not hang above the bowls or fill all the free space in the cage.

The basis is a seed mix or pellets made for the species, supplemented with fresh vegetables, leafy greens and a little fruit. Minerals come from a cuttlebone or mineral block, and clean water must always be available.

In a seed mix the bird picks out its favourite seeds and may eat an unbalanced diet, whereas in pellets all the nutrients are combined in every piece. Many vets recommend pellets as the base of a parrot's diet and seeds as a supplement.

Carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, courgette, leaf lettuce, spinach in moderation, apples without seeds, pears and berries are usually fine. Wash everything well, cut it into small pieces and remove leftovers after a few hours.