Which parrot...?

Mrs_justjohn

Pechow wrote: »

So do you know why your last bird died or not? (It's common for younger birds to pass due to not getting correct diet, for example, without the owner knowing) Will you be reusing supplies if you don't get any with a new bird? What kind of diet were you feeding/will you be planning to feed?

(Yes I may seem pushy, but seen too many bird owners who don't know about such things or keep birds in too small cages, etc, be it on purpose or just not knowing, and it's better to ask than not-it's also nothing a good bird rescue wouldn't ask either!)

Yes this is true - another good reason for getting a bird from a rescue charity. They have the birds best interest at heart and will ensure the person knows what they need to know to ensure the bird is happy and healthy. I have heard horror stories about breeders sending birds off with new owners with a bag of [EMAIL="!!!!"]!!!![/EMAIL] seed and some monkey nuts!! Whilst laughing all the way to the bank!

wilykit

Pechow wrote: »

So do you know why your last bird died or not? (It's common for younger birds to pass due to not getting correct diet, for example, without the owner knowing) Will you be reusing supplies if you don't get any with a new bird? What kind of diet were you feeding/will you be planning to feed?

(Yes I may seem pushy, but seen too many bird owners who don't know about such things or keep birds in too small cages, etc, be it on purpose or just not knowing, and it's better to ask than not-it's also nothing a good bird rescue wouldn't ask either!)

Hi,

I do not know why he died, I came home and he was dead

I have thrown all his toys away and disinfected the cage and will be getting new bowls etc.

He was fed on pet-shop bird food but I have seen that some people make their own?

Mrs_justjohn

wilykit wrote: »

Hi,

He was fed on pet-shop bird food but I have seen that some people make their own?

First mistake!

Was it packed full of sunflower seeds and monkey nuts?

wilykit

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

I instinctively avoid my daughter's room.

Most parents do.


Might you have enough room for a second place, like a long but narrow cage, on the landing? So there is a chance of him/her seeing some of the family activity or looking out the window? Then, when you come home, he/she comes out and has some fuss as you take him/her into your room for some free flying. It's a bit more varied than just looking at the same four walls all day everyday.


I'm not going down the lecture route, as I am personally unsure as to how I feel about birds in captivity, but I do think that they need so much stimulation, a cage up in someone's bedroom isn't ideal. And bored birds can be as stressed and stroppy as ones overstimulated by being left out in a shop, for example (I am pretty certain the blue mccaw in my local petshop doesn't appreciate the kids - and adult men :mad: - poking at him as he sits on top of his cage - but he frightened off the little scrotes who tried to burgle the place a few years back with his screams)

There isn't any room for another cage, no but as I said - whilst I am home I will be with it and it won't spend a lot of time locked away in a cage. It will be able to go downstairs too, my mum doesn't want the cage downstairs which is why it will be in my room, but it isn't banned from leaving my room

wilykit

Mrs_justjohn wrote: »

First mistake!

Was it packed full of sunflower seeds and monkey nuts?

Now I just feel like I am being blamed for my parrot's death and that you are going to point out many other faults.

Mrs_justjohn

wilykit wrote: »

Now I just feel like I am being blamed for my parrot's death and that you are going to point out many other faults.

No I am not blaming you. No one knows why that bird died and unfortunately it is too late to help him. I am just trying to ensure that any future bird you own has the best possible life (long and healthy).

Everyone makes mistakes - the important thing is to learn from them. It may be nothing you did wrong at all - but does that mean you shouldn't try and give the next bird the best possible chance.

Birds are very very good at hiding illnesses it is a survival instinct! A novice bird owner may not recognise the signs - like I said it may have been nothing you done.

wilykit

Well what am I meant to feed them then as I am sure many bird owners feed their shop-bought food?

Mrs_justjohn

wilykit wrote: »

Well what am I meant to feed them then as I am sure many bird owners feed their shop-bought food?

Well for a start seed should only be about 30% of their diet anyway. There is nothing technically wrong with shop bought seed but it must be good quality. Avoid the ones that are in tubs that you scoop yourself - they are usually packed with sunflower seeds and dusty. Avoid the ones that have been bagged by the shop owner by weight!

Buy seed from a reputable company that are prepackaged...

Johnson & Jeff Low sunflower
Avian Specific AS20
Tidimix (not loved by all birds but is good for them)

Can you get the bird to eat pellets?...They are an all round food to ensure they get the vits and minerals they need (still need fruit and veg though)

Make sure the seed is appropriate for the bird...A grey will eat a different mix to a IRN...etc..

jaqui59

Mrs_justjohn wrote: »

Jaqui - are you a member of BL - it is just that your postings look very familiar and I am always on their forums?

No, im not a member, just someone who wants the best for our feathered friends, and just happened to stumble across this thread

I would love to have my own parrot, and I would give Ed your Blue Throated Conure a home tomorrow if I could, but I wouldn't be able to give him the time he needs ... One day though, maybe.

Mrs_justjohn

jaqui59 wrote: »

No, im not a member, just someone who wants the best for our feathered friends, and just happened to stumble across this thread

I would love to have my own parrot, and I would give Ed your Blue Throated Conure a home tomorrow if I could, but I wouldn't be able to give him the time he needs ... One day though, maybe.

OK!

You are obviously a sensible and knowledgable 'future' bird owner...LOL

Remember Birdline when you are in a position to take on a bird:T