Third to dogs and cats, birds are arguably the next line as the popular pet here in Jamaica.
Our Today has partnered with the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) to provide pet owners and potential pet owners with the need to know information on their animals, and for this week, the focus is on birds.
Our Today spoke with JSPCA senior veterinarian Dr Terrina Jones, who provided a wealth of information on the subject.
This chirpy and feathered group of warm-blooded vertebrates can be found in just about any pet shop on the island, but there is a lot more to taking care of birds than you may know.
What do I need to know before getting birds?
Before getting any pet, Dr Jones detailed that one needs to be mindful of the responsibility they are about to take on. “Remember owning a pet is a big responsibility so be prepared to properly care for your bird and give it the attention needed,” Jones said.
The senior vet also shared that the type of bird you get, depends on the type of person you are, thus, it is important to get one that suits you. Some birds, for example, are more vocal than others so it is important to consider this when getting a bird.
In addition to this, it is important for the pet owner to factor expenses for the basic needs of the animal, such as food and veterinary care.
Dr Jones shared that most birds require companionship throughout their lives, as most are social, so it is recommended to get birds in pairs. Some parrots have one mate for their entire life.
Dr Jones stated that having birds in pairs can help to keep them calm and happy.
“Keeping a pair of birds can help to keep them calm and feel safer and also happier, which will definitely reduce the likelihood of your bird becoming stressed, which can lead to illnesses,” she added.
What should my bird’s environment look like?
Being naturally fledged animals, it is important for the cage to have adequate and appropriate space for the bird to fly without damaging itself. Dr Jones also recommends adding environmental enrichment to the cage which includes swings, ladders, perches mirrors and toys safe for birds.
“Some birds require a lot of attention and can easily get bored, environment enrichment is very important to keep your bird occupied and free from stress,” the senior veterinarian explained.
If the bird’s cage is placed indoors ensure that it is in a space that is well aerated. Cigarette smoke and some aerosols can be very toxic to birds. If the bird’s cage is outdoors, it needs to be protected from harsh weather and wild animals.
Birds like plants, require light exposure to be healthy and require two more hours of sleep than the average human.
“Light exposure and sleep are also very important for birds. Birds need at least four hours of sunlight exposure and birds sleep for at least a minimum of 10 hours at night, you can cover your bird’s cage with a dark material at night to assist in sleeping,” Jones said.
How should a meal plan look for my bird?
Contrary to popular belief, seeds are not the only thing a bird should eat, in fact, seeds make up only two per cent of a bird’s diet.
Birds eat a different variety of foods such as seeds, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The type of bird you own is also very important to factor in when planning their meal.
“Your bird’s diet highly depends on the type of bird you own! Not every bird shares the same diet,” Dr Jones told Our Today.
Birds must only drink water. There are some multivitamins that can be placed in the water for your bird to consume.
Alcohol, milk, carbonated beverages, chocolate, avocado, onion, garlic, caffeine, mushrooms, dried beans tomato leaves, apple or pear seeds and in some cases wheat, are off-limits to birds.
How often should I bring my bird to the vet for a checkup?
Bird owners can take their birds for a routine checkup every six to 12 months. However, if you see signs of illness in your bird, take them to the vet immediately.
What are some common illnesses among birds?
Prevalent illnesses among birds include parasites, airborne toxins, respiratory issues, traumatic injuries, viruses, bacterial infections and tumors.
- Airborne Toxins: When inhaled by your bird, these toxins can prove to be extremely harmful. These toxins can come from Teflon coated cookware, so it is advised to keep your bird away from the kitchen.
- Respiratory issues: Dr Jones indicated that birds are very susceptible to respiratory illnesses, especially if they are being fed poorly. Vitamin A is important for birds to maintain good respiratory health in birds. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of Vitamin A.
- Traumatic injuries: Some birds will harm themselves by committing self-mutilation. Jones stated this is more likely to happen if the bird lacks attention. Allergies as well can cause birds to pick their feathers.
All these are factors one should bear in mind when getting a bird or even if you already have one as a pet.
JSPCA
The JSPCA is committed to rescuing, healing and protecting animals. The JSPCA has been working for more than 100 years. Their main goal is to promote the compassionate treatment of animals through education, advocacy, veterinary care and the placing of unwanted animals in loving homes.
Dr Terrina Jones is the current senior veterinarian at the JSPCA. A former student of the University Of The West Indies, St Augustine Campus, Jones has been practicing Veterinary Medicine for seven years.
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