FAQ: Supplies for birds

Wash bowls in hot water with mild dish soap and rinse thoroughly, and clean the inside of the drinker with a bottle brush. Dry the dishes well before refilling so dry food does not get damp.

A grille above the tray stops the bird walking in droppings and scattered food, keeping the cage cleaner. Some birds like foraging on the floor, so for them the grille can be removed if the tray is cleaned often.

Plain paper or special cage liners are fine, and newspaper only if its ink does not smudge or irritate. Glossy colour magazines are not suitable because they contain more ink and chemicals.

Sand or paper sheets are sold by cage tray size, so measure the tray before buying. Sheets that are too small leave bare areas, while ones that are too big crumple and stop the tray sliding in.

Corn cob granules absorb moisture well but can go mouldy when wet, hemp litter is light and low in dust, and wood pellets control odour well. Choose a low-dust litter and change it often so no mould forms.

A window is interesting for a bird, but the cage must not be in direct sun or a draught, and birds of prey or cats outside can frighten it. The best spot is bright, with one side of the cage against a wall and a little away from the glass.

It is not recommended: kitchens have steam, smoke, smells and temperature swings, and overheated non-stick pans can be deadly. The bird could also fly onto the hob or into a pot.

Bar chewing often signals boredom, a wish to get out or a lack of things to chew. More chew toys, branches and time outside the cage usually help, and if the bar coating is chewed, replace the cage so the bird does not swallow paint.

During the heating season the air gets dry, and the bird's feathers and skin can dry out. A humidifier in the room, more frequent baths or misting with water and a cage spot away from the radiator help.

Close the windows in advance, draw the curtains, cover the cage and leave a dim light on so a frightened bird does not thrash about in the dark. Calm music or the TV can mask the bangs.

Tinsel, glass baubles, fairy light cables and some festive plants, such as poinsettia or mistletoe, can be dangerous for birds. Only let the bird fly where it cannot reach them.

Birds can pass some infections, such as psittacosis, to people, although it is rare. Wash your hands after cleaning the cage, avoid breathing in dust, and if you fall ill after contact with a bird, tell your doctor that you keep birds.

Some parrots, such as cockatiels and cockatoos, produce a lot of feather dust. Regular bathing or misting, frequent cage cleaning, damp mopping and an air purifier with a filter in the room help.

Wing clipping reduces the chance of escape through an open door but limits natural movement and can lead to injuries from falls. It is an individual decision best discussed with an avian vet, and clipping should be done by an experienced professional.

Birds bite out of fear, to defend territory, because of hormones or when they are tired. Watching their body language calmly, not forcing contact, rewarding calm behaviour and giving enough chew toys to meet the need to chew all help.

Most pet birds are flock animals, so living with a companion of their own species comes naturally. A single bird can be happy if a person spends a lot of time with it every day, but for owners who work, a pair is often better.

Calm background sound helps some birds left home alone feel less lonely. Still, it does not replace toys, foraging tasks and interaction, and it should be turned off in the evening so the bird can sleep.

Many parrots learn words from everyday repetition when spoken to calmly and often. No special products are needed, though a treat after repeating and short daily sessions help, and not every parrot talks, even with careful teaching.

For most parrots at least a few hours a day out of the cage in a safe, supervised space is recommended. For smaller birds such as canaries and finches a roomy cage or aviary matters more, since they are let out less often.

Darken the room, because birds stop flying in the dark, and gently pick up the bird with a towel. A tame bird is easier to call back with a favourite treat or an open cage with fresh food.