Your New Bird - Oregon Humane Society · 3. Give your bird a warm bath with a fine mist spray...

1Oregon Humane Society • Bird Adoption Booklet

Your New Bird Information and advice from the Oregon Humane Society for a happy life with your new pet.

503-285-7722 • www.oregonhumane.org

2 Oregon Humane Society • Bird Adoption Booklet


CoNGrATuLATioNS!Thank you for adopting a wonderful budgerigar, cockatiel, or other feathered friend from the Oregon Humane Society! We would like to thank you for taking the time to adopt your new pet from our shelter. This booklet is designed to address many of the questions you may have about how to care for your new bird. They are very different from dogs or cats. Please give us a call if you need any additional information or advice.

OregOn Humane SOcIety 503-285-7722


taBLe OF cOntentS

1 Preparing Yourself and Your Home 3

2 Keeping Your Bird Healthy: Routine, Vet Visits & Illness 4

3 Other Pets 6

4 Toys and Enrichment 7

5 Toxic mouthfuls—Poisonous Plants and Fumes 8

6 Budgerigars, Cockatiels, Lovebirds & Parrots 9

7 Training and Troubleshooting 12

8 Conclusion 15


PreParIng yOurSeLF and yOur HOmeWhat you need: • Cage(thebiggerthebetter,asbirdsneedhorizontalspacetofly,stretch,andexercisetheirbodiesandminds). Thecageisoneofthemostimportantpiecesofequipmentforyourbirdsobesuretogetoneinexcellent condition,withappropriatebarspacing,andthelargestsizepossible.

• Highqualitypelletdietshouldprovide70%ofdietneeds.Avoidpelletswithartificialcolors.Manybirdsmay notinitiallyrecognizepelletsasfood.Ifyourbirdisnotalreadyeatingpellets,consultwithyourveterinarian aboutproperdietaryconversion.Don’tletthemstarve!

• Vegetables,fruits,anddarkleafygreensshouldmakeupatleast30%ofthediet,withseedsandnuts5-10%ofthe dietdependingonthespecies;avarietyofgrainscanbeagoodaddition.Soakingandsproutingseedsandgrains ishighlyrecommended.Researchyourbirdspeciesandtalktoyourveterinarianforitsspecificdietaryneeds.

• Offeratleastthreebowlsthatattachtothesideofthecage(dryfood,water,freshfood).Inaddition,offertreats asforagingandtrainingopportunities.Examplesincludewrappingnuts,seedsorotherrewardsinsmallpieces ofpaper,cornhusksorothermaterials.

• Avarietyofappropriatelysizedperches(wood,mineral,composite,rope,etc.).Useperchesofvaryingdiameter, notsimplewoodendowels.

• Toys,toys,toys(seeToysandEnrichmentformoreinformation)

• Carrierwithperch(forvetvisitsandemergencies)

• Atleastonefree-standingperchforthehome

• Paperforliningcagebottom(plainnewsprint,newspaperorpapertowelsworkbest)

• Cagecoverforatnight(useonlynaturalfiberslikecotton,incaseyourbirddecidestochew)

•Watermister

• Anavianveterinarian—yourbirdshouldseeaveterinarianwithinthefirstweekandhaveanexamthatincludes bloodworkandviraltesting,thenonceayearafterthat.

• Abirdsitterorbird-onlyboardingfacility—birdscannotbeleftalone!Theymayeatalloftheirfoodinafew hoursorspilltheirwater.Youwillneedasittertowatchyourbirdincaseyouneedtoleaveyourhomeforan extendedperiodoftime.

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KeePIng yOur BIrd HeaLtHy: rOutIneS, vet vISItS & ILLneSSeSEvery Morning: 1. Removethewaterandfoodbowls;cleanthem wellwithhotsoapywateranddry.2. Prepareasmallmixoffreshvegetables,darkleafy greens,seeds,grains,nuts,andfruits.Feedin separatebowl.Birdsmusthavefreshfoodsdaily tostayhealthy.3. Putfreshfood,pelletsandwaterindishesandput backintocage.4. Spotcleanthecage,perches,andtoyswithdamp clothorcleantoothbrush.5. Removecageliningandreplacewithcleanpapers.6. Checkthetemperatureinyourhome.Birdsenjoy anenvironmentbetween68and80degrees.If youfeelcold,orhot,theyprobablydo,too.7. Spendtimewithyourbird!Talktothem,take themoutoftheircage,and/orplaygameswith them.Ifwingsarenottrimmed,besurethat windowsanddoorsareclosedandthatnoonewill openadoorsuddenly,causinganaccidental escape.Lookateachroomforsafetyhazardssuch asspinningceilingfans.Alwaysrememberthat evenclippedbirdscanflyifstartled.8. Beawareofanybirdsonthefloor.9. Safelyprovideyourbirdwithunfilteredsunlight. Openascreenedwindow(theglassfiltersthe sunlightoutwhenit’sclosed),goforawalk,or getsomefreshairontheporch.Takethe birdoutsidesafelyinacageorcarrier,orwiththe appropriateuseofaharness,alongwithwaterand somewaytoprovidepartialshade.Don’tlet yourbirdgetoverheated.Mostbirdsbenefit fromsafeoutdoortimeinanappropriatecage orenclosure.

Every Evening: 1. Changewater.2. Removefreshfoodsfromcage.3. Spendtimewithyourbird.Talktothem,take themoutoftheircage,and/orplaygameswiththem.4. Changesomeofthetoysinbird’scage,which providesenrichmentand/orforaging.5. Checkforandremovedestroyed,broken,or frayingtoysthatcanharmyourbird.6. Coverjustbeforebedwithadarkbreathable fabricsoyoucanbothgetagoodnight’ssleep. Useonlycottonorothernaturalfibersforthecage cover.Birdsneed10-12hoursdarkquiettimeeach night.Ifyourbirdishousedinadarkroom,they maynotneedacover.Replaceorremovecovers thathavebeenchewedon.

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At least Once a Week: 1. Fullycleancageandalltoyswithhotsoapywater orbysteamcleaning.Makesurebirdisout ofcageduringweeklydeepcleaning.Dryperches completelybeforereturningbirdtocage.2. Rotatesometoysincage,removeolddestroyed ones,andsnipanyfrayedropes.Checkfor otherdangersaswell.Providemorecomplicated formsofenrichment/foragingchallengesbutnot socomplicatedthatyourbirdignoresthem.Work onpositivereinforcementtraining.3. Giveyourbirdawarmbathwithafinemistspray bottle(4or5gentlesprays)butonlyifthebird enjoysit!Neverforceabirdtobatheasthiscan destroytrust.Otherbathoptionsincludea shallowdish,intheshowerwithyouorinthesink underthefaucet.Regularbathsareimportant, sotakethetimetodiscoverwhatmethodyour birdprefers.

Signs of Illness Suddenchangesinbehaviormayindicatethatyourbirdisill.Birdsnaturallyhideanysignofillnesssoasnottoattracttheattentionofpredatorsinthewild.Oftenthefirstsignofillnessmaybeachangeineatinghabitsorweight.Besuretohaveagoodgramscaleandweighyourbirdonceaweek,atthesametimeofday.

At least Once a Year: (and as soon as you take your bird home) 1. SeeyourVeterinarianforaWellBirdcheckup. Thefirsttimeshouldincludehands-onphysical andfecalexamaswellasbloodworkandviral screening,ifyourvetsuggestsit.2. Establishaschedulewithyourvetforwing andnailtrimming.Nevertrythisathomeunless yourveterinarianhasshownyouhowandyouare comfortablewithit.Youcouldseriouslyinjure yourbird!

Ifyounoticeanyofthefollowing,callyourveterinarianimmediately;• Changesinvocalization,activitylevel,orbehavior• Changesinfoodorwaterconsumption,especially adecrease• Fluffedposture• Changeinbreathingorabnormalrespiratorysounds• Changeinweightorgeneralbodycondition• Enlargementorswellingonthebody• Vomitingorregurgitation• Dischargefromthenostrils,eyesormouth• Changesinthenumber,volume,orcolor ofdroppings• Prolongedmoltorcontinualpresenceofpinfeathers• Broken,bent,dull,stained,missing,orchewed- lookingfeathers• Redness,swellingorlossoffeathersaroundtheeyes• Flakinessonskinorbeak• Baldnessorsoresonthebottomofthefeet• Lameness,weakness,orshiftingofthebodyweight• Overgrowthofthebeakornails• Anybleedingorinjury


OtHer PetSOther Birds: Superviseallinteractions.Houselargebirdsseparately.SmallbirdsmaySOMETIMESbehousedtogetherONLYiftheyarethesamespeciesorhavepreviouslypairbonded.Ifhousingbirdstogether,watchcloselyasinteractionsmaychangedaily,makingitnecessarytoseparatebirdseveniftheygetalongforweeks,months,oryears.Alwaysuseextremecautionwhenhousinganyparrotspeciesinthesamecage.

Dogs: Superviseallinteractions.Dogscaneasilyharmbirdsunintentionallyduetotheirlargesizeandpreyinstincts.

Cats: Superviseallinteractions.Birdsarethenaturalpreyofcats,soextracareshouldbetakenwhenlivinginthesamehousehold.AcatscratchcanbeVERYdangeroustoyourbird,ascatscarryabacteriaintheirclawsthatmustbeimmediatelytreatedbyavet.Donotallowcatsaccesstoyourbird.

Ferrets and Reptiles: NEVERallowanyinteraction.Birdsarethenaturalpreyofferretsandmanyreptiles,soextracareshouldbetakenwhenlivinginthesamehousehold.Ferretsandreptilesareverystressfultobirdsandshouldbehousedinoppositeendsofthehouse.

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tOyS and enrIcHment

Birds are very intelligent creatures and require a lot of mental stimulation to live healthy, happy lives. If a bird becomes bored it can cause behavior problems such as excessive vocalization, feather damaging behavior or biting. Health problems are likely to occur in sedentary birds. Providing new toys, enrichment, and foraging activities frequently is necessary to keep your bird healthy and happy. Be sure to change them often. Most importantly, make sure your bird is enjoying what you put in the cage. Are they destroying, biting or interacting with it? If not, try something different! Some examples and ideas to start with include:

• Keepyourbirdinanactivepartofthehome wheretheycanobservethedailygoings-onofthe familyandinteractfrequently.Locatecagewhere theycanseepeopleentertheroom,butnotby anentrancewherepeoplemayappearsuddenly andpossiblystartlethem.• Providesizeandspeciesappropriatetoysofa widevarietyoftextures,colors,shapes,and designsforyourbirdtoplaywith.Changethem oftensoyourbirddoesn’tbecomeboredwith them;andmakesureanynewtoysdon’tfrighten yourbird,andarebeingused.• Allowyourbirdtimeoutsideofhiscageeveryday. Keepinmindthattheenvironmentoutsideofthe cageshouldbeenrichedandsafealso.Provide toysandforagingactivitiesonplaygyms.Provide interactionwithyourbirdthroughgames, walkabouts,bird-to-humanchat,etc.

• Provideavarietyofswings,perches,climbing toys,etc.,bothintheircageandaroundthehouse forexerciseandplay.• Findwaystohidefoodandtreatsintoys.• Scatterfoodinaforaginggame.• Buyormakepuzzleboxestoputfoodin,soyour bird‘works’foritsfood.Ifyouhaveasmaller parrot,tryputtingfoodinsmallpapercups ororganicleafygreens.Alwaysworkonforaging gradually.Itisalearningexperience!Makesure yourbirdiseatingenoughdailycaloriesandnot failingattheforagingopportunitiesyoupresent.• Providenutsintheshell,andseedsstillinsprays, orstickgreensthroughpartsofthecage.• Takeyourbirdforawalkinasmallercageor carrier(evenifjustaroundthehome).• Teachyourbirdtrickssuchasfetching,waving, turningincircles,takingliquidsfromasmall syringe,andgoingintotheircarrierontheirown usingpositivereinforcement/clickertraining.• Teachyourbirdphrasesandtowhistlesongs.• Becreative!

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tOxIc mOutHFuLS- POISOnOuS PLantS and FumeS

Poisonous/Harmful Foods: AvocadoAlcoholChocolateCaffeinatedBeveragesDairyproducts(milk,cheese,icecream)“Junk”Food(processedfoodshighinsalt,sugar,orfat)OnionandonionpowdersPotatoleavesandstemsRhubarbleavesSaltTomatoleavesandstemsTobaccoYeastDough

Poisonous/Harmful Household and Outdoor Plants: AzaleaBlackLocustCaladiumCastorBeanDaffodilDaphneDelphiniumDieffenbachia(Dumbcane)Elephant’sEarEnglishIvyFoxgloveHollyIrisJack-in-the-PulpitJerusalemCherryJimsonweedLily-of-the-ValleyMarijuanaMistletoeMonkshoodNightshadesOleanderPhilodendron

Poisonous Plants (continued)PoinsettiaRosaryPeaRhododendronRhubarbSkunkcabbageTobaccoYew

PleasenotethatthisISNOTacompletelisting.Researchanyplantthatyouarenotsureabout.

Poisonous/Harmful fumes: AerosolsAirFreshenersBugSprays/PesticidesCigarette,Pipe,orCigarSmokeCleaningliquidsHairsprayNailpolishandremoverPaintsNewCarpetPerfumesScentedcandlesandincenseTeflon(non-stickpots,pans,skillets,irons,etc.)Turpentine

Whenpaintingorinstallingcarpetmakesurethebirdishousedinanotherroomor,saferyet,atafriend’shome.

Ifyoususpectyourbirdhasgottenintoapotentiallypoisonoussubstance,callyourveterinarianimmediately!

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BudgerIgar Common Name Budgerigar,Budgie,Parakeet

Scientific Name Melopsittacusundulatis

Native Habitat Australia

Average Life Span 8-15yearsMinimum Cage Requirements 24”by24”by24”minimum,butlargerifpossible

General Characteristics Budgieshavebeenkeptincaptivityforover100years.Theyaresmall,colorful,lively,andveryactive.Thespeciesissexuallydimorphic;malescanbeidentifiedbytheirblueceres(thepatchofskinjustabovethebeak).Theycanlearnsimpletricksandgames(includingsoccer!)withpracticeandpositivereinforcementtraining(alsocalledclickertraining).Budgerigarscanlearntospeaksentencesandwhistleavarietyofsongs.Theirvoicesarehighandstrained,buttheseamazinglittlebirdsholdtheworld’srecordfortalking.

Housing Budgieslovecompany,whetheritisfromotherBudgiefeatheredfriendsorfromfrequentinteractionwiththeirowners.Budgiesarebesthousedinanactiveareaofthehome.Theyneeddailyopportunitiestospendtimeoutoftheircages,andrequirelotsoftoysforforaging,climbing,swinging,manipulating,andshreddingtokeeptheirbusymindsandbodiesoccupied.Theyareparticularlyfondofbells;enjoytheoccasionaldishoflukewarmwaterforbathing,andoftenlikeplayingwiththeirowner’sfingers.

Diet Nutritionallybalancedsmallpelletsshouldbeprovidedasthebulkofthediet.Seeds,acuttlebone,colorfulfruitsandvegetables,darkleafygreens,nuts,andcookedwholesomegrainssuchasquinoaandspeltshouldbesupplementeddailytomaintainabalanceddietandmakewonderfultreats.Budgiesaregroundforagers,sotryofferingtheirfoodonashallowdishormatonthebottomoftheircage.Budgiesareamazinglittlebirds,sobesuretodomoreresearchaboutthemsothatyouprovidethebestlifefortheminyourhome.

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cOcKatIeLS Common Name Cockatiel

Scientific Name Nymphicushollandicus

Native Habitat Australia


General Characteristics Cockatielsarewonderfulwhistlersandfrequentlyperformamorningduetwiththeirowners.Theyaresmallinsize,andenjoyattentionandtheoccasionalheadscratch.Cockatielsarethesecondmostpopularparrotandcomeinawidevarietyofmutations.Theyareinquisitiveandeasilycanbetrainedavarietyofsimpletricks.Theylovetoimpress,orbetteryet,performwiththeirowners.

Housing Cockatielsareamedium-energybirdbutstillneedaroomycageforadequateexercise.JustthinkhowfartheyflyeachdayintheirnativeAustralia!Theyenjoyavarietyoftoysforforaging,climbingon,chewing,andmanipulating.Likeallbirds,theyarebesthousedinanactiveareaofthehomeandneeddailyopportunitiestospendtimeoutoftheircages.

Diet Nutritionallybalancedsmallpelletsshouldbeprovidedasthebulkofthediet.Seeds,colorfulfruitsandvegetables,darkleafygreens,nuts,andcookedwholesomegrainssuchasquinoaandspeltshouldbefeddailytomaintainabalanceddietandmakewonderfultreats.Researchyourbirdspecies.

LOveBIrdS Common Name Lovebird

Scientific Name Agapornis

Native Habitat CentralandSouthernAfrica


General Characteristics Lovebirdsareveryactive,inquisitivebirdsthatarealwaysvyingforyourattention.Theyareintelligentandinteractive;theyrequirenumerousnoveltytoys,likelotsofattention,andenjoylearningnewtricks.Theyaremoderatelyvocalandchatterinlittlechirps,whistles,etc.Theyarebestkeptinanactiveareaofthehomewheretheycanreceivealltheinteractionandattentiontheyrequire.

Housing Lovebirdsareknownforbecomingterritorialoftheircages,especiallyfemales.Theyarebesthousedalone(unlessadoptedinapreviouslybondedpair),withfrequentinteractionfromtheirowners,anddailyopportunitiestospendtimeoutoftheircages.Theyrequirelotsoftoysforforaging,climbing,swinging,manipulating,andshreddingtokeeptheirbusymindsandbodiesoccupied.

Diet Nutritionallybalancedsmallpelletsshouldbeprovidedasthebulkofthediet.Seeds,colorfulfruitsandvegetables,darkleafygreens,nuts,andcookedwholesomegrainssuchasquinoaandspeltshouldbefeddailyandmakewonderfultreats.Researchyourbirdspecies.


ParrOtSCommon Name MacaworParrot

Scientific Name Psittaciformes


General Characteristics Macaws,especiallythelargeMacaws,haveadauntingpresenceandformidablebeaks,theyarehighlyintelligent.Itisestimatedtheyhavetheintelligenceofa2yearoldhumanchild.Thesestunningbirdsshowexquisitecontrol,selectivelyusingtheirpowerfulbeakswithfinesse.Theyareabletointeractwiththeirownersonmanylevelsandquicklylearntricks.Macawcallsareloud,butforsomepetmacawsthiscantransfernicelyintotheabilitytospeak.

Besidesbeinghighlyintelligent,Macawshaveoutgoingpersonalitiesandareverysocial.Theyadaptquicklytotheircageandplaypen,oraviary,andarequiteplayful.Theirpersonalityissuchthattheywillformaclose,lovingbondwiththeirowner,andbecomealife-longcompanion.

HousingHousingneedsvaryfromspeciestospecies,butmostparrotsfarewellinaviariesorcages.Smallerspeciespreferawidecagethattheycanflyacross,whileatallercageisrecommendedforlargebirds;inbothcasesaslargeacageasyoucanaffordisrecommendedtoallowyourparrottothrive.Horizontalbarsthatallowtheparrottoclimbareagoodoption,andofcoursethespacingbetweenthebarswillvaryforeachanimal,andshouldbenarrowerforthesmallerspeciesofparrot.Theyrequireavarietyoftoys,perchesandshouldhaveafreestandingperchtouseonadailybasisaswellasplentyoftimeoutsideofthecage.

Diet Parrotsrequireavarieddiet;aseedonlydietwillleadtohealthproblemssuchasvitamindeficiency.Anexampleofagooddietwouldbeaqualitypelleted

mix,inconjunctionwithamixfeaturingseed,nuts,anddriedfruits,withfreshvegetables(greensandroots)andfruitsfedregularly;furthermore,itisquitecommon(andappreciatedbytheparrot)topartakewiththeirhumanownersofsafefoodslikepasta,bread,etc.

Itisimportanttoavoidfoodswithhighfatcontent(generally)whilestrivingtoprovideawidevarietyoffoods.Therearesomefoodswhicharetoxictobirdsandparrotsasagroup.CherriesandmostotherRosaceaepitsandseeds,avocados,chocolate,andcaffeineareamongthefoodstoxictoparrots.Safefoodsincludeoranges,apples,grapes,peanuts,walnuts,andsunflowerseeds.Theywillalsoneedfreshwaterdailyinacleanbowl.


traInIng and trOuBLeSHOOtIng

Whether you are training your new bird from the start or solving new and old behavioral problems, here are a few tips to help the process along.

Learning to Speak Bird—How to Interpret Sounds and Body Language

Wecanunderstandsomeofwhatbirdsaretryingtocommunicatejustbywatchingtheirbodylanguageorlisteningtotheirvocalizations.Whilesomemeaningsdependonthecontextinwhichtheyareseenandheardthereareothercluestounderstandingbirdlanguagethroughwatchingtheeyes,posture,vocalizationsandwings.

Eyes: Unlikehumans,birdsareabletocontrolthedilationoftheiririses,enlargingorshrinkingtheirpupils.Thisiscalled“flashing”or“pinning”andbirdsdothiswhentheyareexcited,veryinterestedinsomethingorwhentheyareangry,scaredorbeingaggressive.Lookattheirbodypostureandcontextformorecuesonhowtheyarefeeling.

Posture: Overallpostureofabird’sbodyisagreatwaytounderstandhowtheyarefeeling.Thereareseveralpostures,butthetwomostimportantarerelaxedandangry.Ifrelaxed,thebirds’feathersareusuallysmoothwiththebodyandheadhelderect.Thebirdisprobablyhappyandcontent.Maybeshe’llevenbowherheaddownforascratch.

Ifthebirdiscrouching,rigid,withheaddown,flaredfeathers,weavingsidetosidewithmouthopenandpossiblychargingtowardsyou–watchout!Thatbirdisgettingreadytobite.Givethebirdtimetosimmerdown.

Vocalizations: Inthewildbirdsusevocalizationstocommunicatewiththeirflock,ofteninadensecanopyofleaves,whichiswhytheycanbequiteloud.

• Talking and Chatter: Someofthemostcommon vocalizationsyoumayhearwhenthebirdis“talking” toyouaresinging,whistlingortalkingwhichareall happysounds.Softchatteringorbabblingiswhena birdiscontentandpracticingtheirspeakingor gettingreadyforsleep.Ifloudtheymightbetrying togetyourattention.

• Purring:Thiscanbemorelikeasoftgrowlandit canbeeitherasignofahappybirdoranannoyed bird.Youneedtoreadthebodycuesincontext.

• Tongue-clicking: Byclickinghertongueagainsther beakyourbirdmightjustbeamusingherselfor askingforattention.

• Growling and/or hissing:Somebirdsmightbeable togrowlandthismeans,“leavemealone”or“getrid ofthethingthatisbotheringme”.Theygenerally don’twanttobetouchediftheyaregrowlingorhissing.

Wings: Wingscanbeflappedorflyinginplaceforexercise,togetyourattentionorjustbejoyful.Birdsalsostretchouttheirwingstorelax.Wingsthatarebeingflippedcansometimesmeanthebirdisangryorinpainbuttheycanalsobejusttofluffthefeathersandgetthemtolayrightafterpreening.Ifabirdcrouchesdownandbobstheirheadwhileflippingtheymaybeaskingforfood(likeababybird).Wingdroopinginolderbirdscanbeasignofillness,butifabirdhasrecentlyexercisedorbathedtheymayjustbefatiguedandnotholdingthemnormal.

Feathers: Thewayabirdholdstheirfeathersisanotherwayinwhichtheyindicatetheirhealthandmood.Ifabirdispuffingtheirfeathersoutthismaybeawayforthemtokeepwarm(doyouneedtoraisethetemperatureormovethemawayfromadraft?).Italsomightmeantheyaretryingtorelievetension,orjustpartofanormalpreeningprocess.However,ifabirdkeepstheirfeatherspuffeditmaymeantheyareillandyoushouldhavethebirdcheckedoutbyaveterinarian.

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Therearemanyotherwaysbirdsexpressthemselvesthroughusingtheirbeak,theirlegsandfeet,theirheadandcrest,theirpostureandtheirtails.Beonthelookoutforsuddenchangesinabird’sdemeanorandalwaystrytocommunicateback!Thisisoneofthemostfunaspectsofspendingtimewithbirdssincetheymightlearnnewwordsandhaveanamazingrepertoireofbodylanguage.

Positive Reinforcement Training: Thisisthemosteffectivetrainingmethod!Usehighlydesirable,healthyfoodsandaffectiontoreinforcedesirablebehaviorssuchassteppingup,pottytraining,etc.Ignoreanyunwantedbehaviors.Ifyouuseaversives(suchassprayingwithwater),youwilldestroyyourtrustingrelationshipwiththebird.Positivereinforcementtrainingcansuccessfullysolvemost,ifnotall,behaviorproblems.Rememberthattrainingismostsuccessfuliftherewardismotivating(ifyourbirddoesn’tLOVEpeanuts,thenpeanutsmaynotbetherightreward),andgivenduringorimmediatelyafterthedesiredbehavior.

Stepping up: Teachyourbirdtostepupontoyourhandforatreat.Thiswillhelpthebirdexitandenteritscagetospendtimewithyou.DOpracticeluringthebirdtowalkonyourhandforafavoritenutorseed.Alwaysgoatthebird’space.DONOTforcethebird.Pushingthebirdmayresultinanunderstandablebitetothehand.DOrememberthatbirdsstepuptoaperch,notdown,soofferyourhandorfingeraccordingly.

Towel training: Toweltrainingisanimportanttoolforgroomingandveterinaryexaminations.Yourveterinarianwillneedtowrapyourbirdinatowelforexaminations,wingtrimming,andvaccinating.Teachyourbirdtoloveitstowel.DOlayatowelonthefloorandcoveritwithtreats.DOplaypeek-a-boowiththetowel–coveryourheadandletyourbirdfindyouunderit.DOworkyourwayuptocoveringyourbird’sheadwiththetowelforpeek-a-boo,andhaveyourbirdstepupontoatowel-wrappedhand.DONOTpushyourbird;understandably,theymightbiteyou.

Syringe training: Intheeventthatyourbirdbecomesillandneedstotakemedicationfromasyringe,thisbehaviorcanbealifesaver.Usingaregularneedle-freesyringe(askyourveterinarian),placeatreatontheendofthesyringeandoffertoyourbird.Youcanalsousejuiceorotherfavoritestofeedyourbirdfromthesyringe.Donotforcethemtotakethesyringe,butallowthemtoplaywithitiftheychoose.Theywillassociategoodthingswiththesyringe,andiftheneedformedicationarrives,youmaynotevenhavetopickthemuptogivethemtheirmedicine!


Problem Behaviors: Sometimesourbirdsdothingsthatarelessthanamusing.Itisimportanttofigureoutwhyyourbirdisexhibitingthisbehavior,andtotakestepstoeliminatethecause.RemembertoNEVERpunishyourbird.Usepositivereinforcementtoreplacetheunwantedbehaviorwiththebehavioryouwant.

Biting- Preventionisbest!Rememberthatparrotsexploretheirenvironmentwiththeirbeaksandtongues,andthatthisisnotbiting.Bitingisabird’slastresort.Ifyourbirdbitesyou,calmlysetthebirddownandtrynottoreactverbally.Evaluatethesituationforacauseandseeifyoucanchangethecircumstances,asitmayhavefoundtheactionorenvironmentscaryorthreatening.DOwatchthebird’sbodylanguagesoyoucanseeifthebirdisstressed,andremovethemoryourselffromthesituationbeforeitbites.Abirdwilltendtocrouch,maybehissandhaveanopenbeakwhentheyarepreparingtobite.DOrewardyourbirdfordoingwhatyouwantittodo.DONOTpushthebirdintodoingsomething–itmaytaketime.DOgiveyourbirdatreatforreturningnicelybacktoitscage–yourbirdwantstobewithyou,andmayneedareasontogo“home”toitscage.

Screaming- Likebiting,preventionisbest.Nevergotoyourbirdwhenitisvocalizinginamanneryoudon’tapproveof.Ifitscreamsandyoucometoit,yourbirdwillassociatescreamingwithgettingattention.DOrememberthatvocalizingisanimportantpartofyourparrot’slife.Vocalizingishealthy,butscreamingforhoursonendisnot.DOteachyourparrotabetterwaytogetyourattentionbyrespondingtoasounditalreadyknows(otherthanscreaming),andalwayscomewhenyourbirdusesit.

Chewing- Woodenfurniture,books,wallmoldings,electricalwires,householdplants,andrugscanbecomevictimsofaboredchewingbird.DOprovideyourbirdwithpropertoysandenrichmentandrememberthattoysaremeanttobedestroyed.DOusebitterappleorlimeontheinappropriateitemsbeingchewed,andpraiseyourbirdforchewingonalloweditemssuchastoys.DONOTpunishyourbirdorusecheapperfumesorhotpeppersauceasadeterrent.

Feather picking and over-preening- Whenbirdsarestressedorboredtheymayover-preentheirfeathersorpluckthemoutentirely.Ifyounoticethattheirfeathersareinpoorconditionandlookchewed-on,broken,ormissing,contactyourveterinarianimmediately.Veryoftenfeather-destructivebehaviorhasamedicalorigin.DOlookforstressorsintheenvironmentandtrytoeliminatethem.DOprovideampletoysforyourbirdtoplaywithanddestroy,andchangethemoftensoyourbirdwillnotgetbored.DOspendtimewithyourbirdandprovideampleout-of-cagetime.DOhandleyourbirdcorrectly—don’tpetitasyouwouldadog,catorotherfurryanimal.Pettingwings,bodyandbeakcanbesexuallystimulatingtothebirdandresultinexcessiveegglaying,screaming,bitingand/orfeatherdestructivebehavior.DON’Tignoretheproblemand‘hope’itwillgoaway.


cOncLuSIOn

Animals in our lives provide a blessing and an opportunity to share the world with another species. It is a responsibility to take seriously. “Working through” behavior and medical issues will deepen your relationship with your animals and provide a valuable lesson to children, and adults, that the bond is indeed one that will endure tough times and last for the lifetime of your pet. “Getting rid” of an animal because it does not meet expectations, has not been taught good manners, or needs expensive medical care is a poor example of animal ownership.

When the match isn’t right Sometimesarelationshipisnotsuccessful.Ifyoufindyourselfwithabirdthatdoesnotadjusttoyourhousehold,orismorethanyoucanhandle,youmaydecidetoreturnittotheOregonHumaneSociety.

Insomecases,anexchangewillbeofferedtoyouforanotherbird.Dependingonthereasonforsurrender,OHSmayplacerestrictionsonthetypesofbirdsyouselecttopreventanotherpoormatch.Forinstance,ifthebirdyouselecteddidnotinteractwellwithkids,itwillbeimportantthatthenextanimalhasagoodhistorywithchildren.

AllofusattheOregonHumaneSocietywanttohelpyoumaketherightpetchoiceandkeepthelovingbondforthelifetimeofthepet.Pleasegiveusacallwithanyquestionsyoumayhave.Wearegladtoassist.

Additional Avian Resources: Books•GoodBird!Barbara Heidenreich •AParrotforLife Rebecca O’Connor•ParrotToysandPlayAreas:HowtoPutSomeFun intoYourParrot’sLifeCarol S. D’Arezzo & Lauren Shannon-Nunn •TheClickThatDoesTheTrick:TrickTrainingYour BirdtheClickerWayRobin Deutsch

DVD’s• ExpertCompanionBirdCareSeries Avian Studios– M. Scott Echols, DVM, Dipl, and Brian L. Speer, DVM, Dipl.• CaptiveForagingScott Echols DVM, Dipl.• ParrotBehaviorandTraining#1 Barbara Heidenreich • TrainingfortheVeterinaryExam#2 Barbara Heidenreich

All of us at the Oregon Humane Society want to help you make the right pet choice and to keep the loving bond for the lifetime of the pet. Please give us a call at 503-285-7722 with any questions you may have; we are glad to assist!

CHAPTer 8


ServIceS dIrectOryOHS is dedicated to making our community a better place. Call (503) 285-7722 for more information of visit us online at www.oregonhumane.org.

anImaL adOPtIOnSCats, dogs, birds, rodents and rabbits are available for adoption. (503) 285-7722 • oregonhumane.org/adopt

anImaL aSSISted InteractIOnS(aaI) traInIngThe AAI prep school prepares people and pets for the national evaluation exam.(503) 802-6713 • oregonhumane.org/pet_training

anImaL crueLty InveStIgatIOnSOHS officers investigate animal neglect and abuse. (503) 285-7722 x214 • oregonhumane.org/services

anImaL reScueOHS responds to situations where an animal is trapped and needs human help (in case of emergency, call your local police). (503) 802-6707 • oregonhumane.org/rescue

anImaL SHeLter aSSIStanceFood, supplies and training are offered to animal agencies throughout Oregon. (503) 416-2993 • oregonhumane.org/services

BeHavIOr HeLP LIne & WeB PageSIf you have questions about problem pet behavior, call our free help-line at (503) 416-2983 or visit us on the web at oregonhumane.org/pet_training

emergency anImaL BOardIngOHS works through various agencies to provide emergency animal care for victims of disasters and domestic violence(503) 285-7722 • oregonhumane.org/services

FInd a HOme FOr yOur PetIf you are unable to keep your pet, OHS may be able to place your pet in a new home. Call first to schedule an appointment.(503) 285-7722, x211 • oregonhumane.org/services

Humane educatIOn FOr yOutHSOHS offers classroom presentations, after-school clubs, summer camps and more.(503) 416-2986 • oregonhumane.org/services

LOSt and FOund PetSOHS does not accept stray dogs; call your local animal control agency. We accept other stray animals under certain circumstances. Call ahead before bringing in a stray and visit our website for more resources. (503) 285-7722, x211 • oregonhumane.org/lost_pets

Pet memOrIaLSOHS maintains an animal mausoleum, columbarium and cemetery and provides private cremation services. Euthanasia services are offered if no other options are available. (503) 285-7722 • oregonhumane.org/services

Pet traInIngOHS offers classes and consultations to help with basic manners and resolve pet behavior issues. (503) 285-7722 x225 • oregonhumane.org/pet_training

SPay & neuter FInancIaL aIdOHS offers interest-free loans and discount coupons. (503) 285-7722 • oregonhumane.org/services


WayS tO HeLPTo learn more about opportunities to help animals, call (503) 285-7722 or visit us online at oregonhumane.org.

autOS FOr anImaLSDonate your vehicle to OHS and claim a charitable deduction. (503) 416-7079 • oregonhumane.org/donate

cHarItaBLe gIFt annuItIeSLifetime income plus a tax deduction. Contact Gary Kish, (503) 416-2988 • [email protected]

cOrPOrate PartnerSHIPSSponsor an OHS event or organize a benefit.(503) 416-7084 • oregonhumane.org/donate

eState gIFtSInclude OHS in your will, trust or with a beneficiary designation. Contact Gary Kish, (503) 416-2988 • [email protected]

FrIendS FOrever™Ensure the welfare of pets who may outlive you. Contact Gary Kish, (503) 416-2988 • [email protected]

gIFtS OF StOcKTo make a gift of securities.(503) 416-7083• oregonhumane.org/donate

In-KInd dOnatIOnSSee our wish list on-line at: oregonhumane.org/donate/needed_supplies.asp

memBerSHIPA $30 membership includes a 10% discount at OHS retail shelter stores, and more. (503) 416-5024 • oregonhumane.org/donate

mOnetary dOnatIOnSOHS relies entirely on private donations. (503) 416-2989 • oregonhumane.org/donate

One cOOL tHIngDonate fine art, jewelry, popular electronics, or memorabilia.(503) 416-7079 • oregonhumane.org/donate

PaWSMonthly gifts through the Planned Account Withdrawal System (PAWS) support OHS throughout the year. (503) 416-5024 • oregonhumane.org/donate

tLcThe Thomas Lamb Eliot Circle (TLC) honors donors contributing $1,000 annually.(503) 416-7083 • oregonhumane.org/donate

trIBute gIFtSTribute gifts can be made in memory of, or in honor of, a pet or loved one. A card will be sent to your loved one. (503) 416-5027 • oregonhumane.org/donate

vOLunteerOHS volunteer programs are available for teens, adults, groups and companies. (503) 285-7722, x204 • oregonhumane.org/volunteer

WOrKPLace gIvIng camPaIgnSTo learn more about workplace giving campaigns.(503)416-7079 • oregonhumane.org/donate

Remember to license your new pet with your local county animal control:

muLtnOmaH cOunty 503-988-7387 cLacKamaS cOunty 503-655-8629WaSHIngtOn cOunty 503-846-7041 cLarK cOunty 360-699-2096


Pet’s Name

Date of Adoption

Feeding Schedule

Morning

Afternoon

Night

Medicine/Treatments

Morning

Afternoon

Night

Veterinarian

Veterinarian Phone

Veterinarian Address

Notes

PLan FOr Pet durIng dISaSter

REMEMBER: If you must evacuate, take your pet(s) with you!TheOregonHumaneSocietyencouragespetownerstokeeptheirpetsinmindwhenpreparingfordisasteroranemergency.Whilethesunisstillshining,considerpackinga“petsurvival”kitwhichcouldbeeasilydeployedifdisasterhits.

Inordertocontainandcontrolyourpetsduringanevacuation,you’llneedaharnessandleashforeachparrot,andcarrierorportablecageforbirds.

Pre-packyourpet’skitinabackpackforeaseintransportationandincludesuppliesforatleastoneweek.Includepellets,waterandservingdishes. Petfirstaidkitsandvaccinationrecordsareamust.

Rememberanypetmedication,favoritetoyandsometreats.

Tag,microchip,andphotographyourpets. Currentidentificationisthesinglemostimportantthingyoucandotohelpensurethatyouwillbereunitedwithalostpet.Makecertainyourpetiswearingvisibleidentificationtagswithyourphonenumber.Amicrochipimplantisasecureformofidentificationthatcan’tbelost.Besuretocarryaphotographwithyoutoincreasethelikelihoodoffindingamissingpet.

tip:Ifyourcellphonehasthecamerafeature,takeandstorephotosofyourpetsonyourcellphone.

CoNGrATuLATioNS oN Your New Bird!

22 Oregon Humane Society • Bird Adoption BookletOregon Humane Society | 1067 NE Columbia Blvd | Portland, OR 97211 | 503.285.7722 | oregonhumane.org

Founded in 1868, the Oregon Humane Society fosters an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals through education, legislation and leadership.

With your support, we take care of the homeless, defend the abused, and fight with unrelenting diligence for the recognition of the integrity of all animals.

Your New Bird - Oregon Humane Society · 3. Give your bird a warm bath with a fine mist spray...

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Transcript of Your New Bird - Oregon Humane Society · 3. Give your bird a warm bath with a fine mist spray...