Pet Birds Not Meant to Be Caged

Now before your minds run wild, this isn't an article about all pet birds being set free to roam the countryside. In fact, it's about the amount of time pet birds should be out of their cages to interact and play.

A bird's physical well being can be directly affected by its emotions. Your feathered companion needs and wants to be with you interacting. Birds bond strongly with their people and want to be social. Providing your bird with time out of the cage and a play gym could help prevent future behavior problems.

When a bird is brought home, it wants to be a part of the family. It will see the activities of the house and want to participate. They want to spend as much time possible playing with and interacting with their family. When you have a pet bird, you and your family are seen as its flock. That includes spending time playing together.

For a well-rounded bird and to avoid behavior problems, you should plan on letting him have time out of the cage every day. Better yet, you can purchase a play gym for them. Many pet stores now sell play gyms for birds, so finding one shouldn't be too difficult. The gyms come with ladders to climb and toys to play with making them the perfect opportunity for time out of the cage.

Birds also need one on one time. They enjoy interacting with you and feeling like a part of the family. Some birds are content just sitting on your shoulder as you go about your business. While others prefer that you sit and pay sole attention to them. In time, you will be able to tell which type of playtime your bird wants.

A bird that doesn't get enough time out can develop behavior problems. It can lead to screaming and biting. In some cases it can even lead to plucking because of boredom. Set aside 15-20 minutes every day to spend with your bird and do this on a daily basis.

So, whether you already own a bird or are thinking of getting one, consider how much time you have to devote to an avian companion. They are an extremely interactive pet. They need attention and do best with a daily routine. With regular time spent with you or playing on a gym, your bird will remain a happy member of the family.