Interesting facts about exotic birds - the different races and how to keep them

In specialist pet stores you can buy food that is individually suited to each type of bird, made up of millet and seeds. Only buy small amounts, then food that is kept for too long can develop poisonous mould. Moderate feeding is important, budgies for example can become overweight very quickly. Foxtail millet is to be handled as a sweet treat and should therefore not be given daily, nor in large quantities. Fresh food is well accepted and supplies the birds with liquid alongside their daily fresh water supply, and keeps them occupied for a while.

Fresh food should really always be fresh – best organically grown and pesticide-free. This encompasses all types of salad, but also carrots, gherkins, courgettes, tomatoes, peppers, chard and fresh spinach. It also includes fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, wild garlic, cress or dill. Untreated apple tree, pear tree, hazelnut, beach or birch tree twigs are a true treat for exotic birds, who enjoy nibbling on them. Fruit such as berries, apples or pears are well loved because of their sweetness but due to the high sugar content they should only be give once or twice a week.

In the wild, the birds are permanently on the wing, searching for food. This makes their diet varied and they use energy at the same time, In captivity, they get seed mix served in a bowl and don’t have to exert themselves for it at all. Boredom and excess weight are inevitable. Especially parakeets and parrots are good at combining feeding with entertainment. For example you can purchase willow spheres that you can fill or dress with food. Another possibility is to place the food in different areas of the room or aviary, for example in a cork pipe or hung on climbing ropes – this exercises the bird’s mind, muscles and beak. Important is that the food is rationed.

Flying keeps the bird’s muscles strong and helps them stay slim. Their sensitive respiratory system is also strengthened and grave illnesses such as fungal infections in the bird’s air sacs are prevented. One hour indoor free flight is the absolute minimum. Indoor free flight is also extremely interesting for these curious animals. Their curiosity however, can bring injuries with it. Make sure you are present in the room during periods of free flight and remove any possible sources of danger.

All doors and windows must be closed during periods of free flight. A curtain drawn in front of an open window is not a sufficient safety precaution. A naked window pane can also present a danger as the bird may not see it and fly against it. Shelves and sofas are best stood directly against a wall so that their is no crack between the wall and piece of furniture for the bird to get trapped in. Vases and other containers with large necks as well as open aquariums should be covered. Standing lamps and uplights should be turned off about an hour before free flight as they can be very hot. Should a bird land on one, it could cause terrible burns. Candles, pots, plates and cups with hot contents should not be present in the room. The kitchen should be a no-go-area for your birds.