Bird FAQ's

Why do you suggest using a harness?

Even in our own personal experience, birds you can have for a long time sometimes just fly away even if they have had their wings clipped.  For the safety of your bird and so that it can still enjoy controlled flight, we recommend using a harness.

 

Why do you not recommend leg harnesses?

It is a personal preference however we fell chest harnesses are more secure and less likely to cause injury to the bird should they take off at full speed and have to stop when the lead expires.

 

What size harness will I need for my bird?

Green Cheek Conures and other birds around 75-100 grams should use a 'Petite' size, Sun Conures from 110 - 190 grams a 'X-small', and Electus from 425 - 600 grams will require a 'medium' size.

 

What are the 'Safe' types of wood to use in aviaries?

We recomend not using anything painted or dyed which includes dyed block toys.  Some sites also recommend washing with vinegar prior although we have not used this method ourselves.  The following is a list of wood types safe for birds:

  • Apple
  • Ash
  • Banksia
  • Beech
  • Birch
  • Bottlebrush
  • Camellia Tree
  • Citrus Trees
  • Elm
  • Eucalyptus
  • Grapevine
  • Hibiscus
  • Maple
  • Olive
  • Pecan
  • Pine
  • Willow
  • Yellowwood

 

What should I feed my bird?

Not all birds are seed eaters, infact lorikeets do not eat seed at all and feeding them seed will damage the fine hairs on their tongue which could cause them not to be able to eat or function properly in the long term.  Lorikeets will eat a 'wet mix' which mimics nectar and you can also use this product as a dry mix in the cage.  All birds should have daily fresh fruit and vegetables. Here is a pic of my 'Salads' that I send out each day for our birds (each day the seasonal ingredients vary).

Here's Peanut enjoying our time each day when we prepare the bird salads.

What should I not feed my birds?

Apart from feeding seed to non seed eaters, and too much sugars, honey, fructose etc (unlike wild birds, your bird may not burn it all off) here is a list of 'bad foods' for birds which can be toxic:

  • Avocado
  • Mushrooms
  • Alcohol
  • Eggplant
  • Tomatoes
  • Dairy
  • Asparagus
  • Garlic
  • Chocolate
  • Rhubarb
  • Onions
  • Beef
  • Caffine Products
  • Processed food
  • Spoiled food
  • Seeds from apples, pears, cherry, apricot, plumb etc..

 

Why is my bird acting wierd?

Your bird may be hormonal! Is it at the age of maturity? Parrots can become hormonal in spring which is mating season.  Diet can be another contributing factor, make sure your bird has access to clean water to drink and bathe as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Cage location is also to be considered, is your birds area the main part of your house  where you receive visitors? try locating in a more quiet, private area.  Here is a clip I found on Reddit that may be helpful:

Where can I safely touch my bird?

When birds are babys, its ok to give a tickle or a rub however, once a bird is mature there are some no-go-zones. Playing with their feet and wings and getting them accustomed to this is favorable for you when it comes to handling your bird for example, clipping wings but ensure you are focusing mainly on the head and neck and refrain from petting around the vent, under the wings, inbetween wing bones on the back or on the tail as your bird may consider this mating behaviour.  Here is a good image from Bird Supplies.

Burroughs, D. (2024, September 18). How to pet a parrot. BirdSupplies.com. https://birdsupplies.com/blogs/news/96593031-how-to-pet-a-parrot