Are You a New Bird-keeper?
BEFORE RELEASE
Birds should be released into their new quarters in the morning. This gives them time to settle, become accustomed to their new home and to find food and water before sleeping.
The most common dangers to captive birds include:
DRAFTS: these can cause chills which can be fatal. Avoid these by plugging cracks/gaps plus offer shelter against prevailing winds and rain. Avoid the southern (cold and rain) and western (hot summer sun) sides and close them off.
DAMPNESS: can cause various illnesses and health problems. Dry floors, perches and shelter areas are very important for your birds’ health.
DISTURBANCES: cats, mice, possums, children and adults can all cause birds to take flight quickly and hurt themselves. Avoid animals having access to your aviaries and have people move quietly.
STRESS: if a bird has no shelter, privacy or is harassed by other birds or animals, then it may not drink, eat or sleep properly resulting in health problems. It may also cause the bird to panic causing injury.
NIGHT FRIGHTS can be fatal. Do not disturb birds before sunrise or after sunset.
PROBLEMS ?
If your bird is unwell, there are sometimes warning signs such as:
Fluffed feathers, head resting on its back and TWO FEET on the perch. A healthy bird sleeps fluffed and head over the back but it usually rests on ONE FOOT ONLY.
Any discharge or wetness around the eyes, nostrils or vent.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VET IF YOU ARE UNSURE
CARE
HOUSING: provide adequate shelter, privacy, sleeping sites, fresh air; no drafts, no dampness. Outdoor Aviaries: ¾ of one side should be ventilated, 1/3 area enclosed by three sides and roof. Indoor Cages: ½ of one side ventilated, floor impervious and easily cleaned.
FEEDING: provide the appropriate food (eg seed) and supplements (such as cuttlefish and grit) for the species plus fresh water. Water should be placed out of direct sunlight. Water and feed receptacles should not be placed under perches.
In Victoria, a Code of Practice for the housing of caged birds applies to the keeping of birds in captivity (cages and aviaries). This requires you to provide adequate space, shelter, food, water etc for your birds.
This Code is available from Agriculture Victoria or the website at:
FURTHER READING
ABK Publications (ed) (1997) Handbook of Birds, Cage & Aviaries ABK Publications. Tweed Heads NSW.
Hyde G (ed) (1983) Australian Aviculture Special Edition Avicultural Society of Australia, Melbourne.
Shephard M (1989) Aviculture in Australia Black Cockatoo Press, Prahran.
Shephard M, Welford C (1985) The Avicultural Writings of Eric Baxter ASSA, Adelaide.
These books, or similar, may be available to borrow or buy from your local Avicultural Society branch.
© 2023 The Avicultural Society of Australia Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Avicultural Society of Australia
The Avicultural Society is the premier avicultural organization in this country. It and its branches hold monthly meetings in 7 venues around the state. Australian Aviculture is the publication and provided 30 pages of full colour information each month in 2022. Join us! There’s no commitment but heaps of help, advice, mentors, and cheap products!
www.asaust.com has more helpful information and ways to join
