Breeding and Reproduction of Pet Birds

All birds reproduce by laying eggs. Eggs are produced inside the female and then deposited in a nest. In captive female birds, egg laying, which is actually the equivalent of ovulation in mammals, can happen without fertilization or even the presence of a male. In some species, both female and male birds sit on the nest, while other species either leave this chore to the female only or leave it to nature to provide the warmth needed by the developing chick. In most s

While time outside a cage can be a positive experience your bird, it can also be dangerous, especially for small birds that can be easily stepped on or injured in falls. Birds also do not understand the nature of glass windows or mirrors. Like wild birds that fly into windows from the outside, pet birds can be injured flying into these barriers. Birds outside their cages should be carefully monitored to ensure they cannot escape and to avoid accidents and injury. All

Birds, like all pets, require routine care and grooming. The next section covers the specifics of routine care for pet birds.   Wing Clipping or Trimming Some people choose to trim their birds’ wings, whereas others do not. Wing trims help protect against loss or escape of pet birds but are not a foolproof way of preventing escape. A bird that can only glide indoors may be able to fly away on a

If your bird is ill, your veterinarian may prescribe medication. Occasionally, medications can be provided in food or water. However, unless you can provide the medication inside something that can be swallowed in one gulp (for example, inside a small piece or fruit or vegetable), or your bird will accept hand feeding, controlling dosages and administration times in food or water is not very precise. Your bird may not consume enough of the medication because it does

Owners should get to know their birds’ normal behaviors and routines so that they can detect subtle changes in their bird’s behavior, food or water consumption, energy level, and overall appearance ( see General Signs of Disease in Birds). In the wild, most birds are instinctively aware that they are the prey of many other animals. Under these conditions, birds will often attempt to hide any weakness or illness. Pet bird owners should be awa

Your veterinarian plays an important role in your bird’s health because, as prey species trying to avoid predation, birds tend to mask illness until it is far advanced. Owners who recognize a slight difference in behavior, attitude, or physical condition of their pet bird should seek the immediate attention of a veterinarian. Other important services your veterinarian provides include grooming and identification. New bird owners should try to locate an ABVP (

Recent advances in medicine for pet birds—and the change from wild-caught birds to those raised in captivity—have changed the emphasis from infectious diseases and emergency medicine to wellness care. The importance of nutrition and behavior in the health of caged birds has been acknowledged and plays a major role in pet bird wellness programs. Understanding the natural behavior of birds will help make the relationship between owner and bird more enjoyable for both.