Time to clean that cage! Replace the “floor” with fresh paper towels, newspaper or whatever you use. Make sure your bird’s cuttlebone (which he uses to trim his beak) is in good shape. Replace the gravel your bird uses to digest food. Clean the food and water bowls using a sponge and fresh water. Wipe off any droppings from the perches, bars and pan of the cage. Maybe your bird would appreciate a bigger cage? How about a bird friend -- most parakeets like to have company! See if the humane society has any birds for adoption.
Are your bird’s flight feathers (primaries) clipped? They should be -- a veterinarian who works with birds can do it and can show an adult how. Birds with clipped wings can enjoy time outside the cage (inside the house ONLY!!) safely. They can still flutter around, but won’t be able to fly far in case they get out an open window. What about those toenails? Birds need their nails clipped just like people do. A word of warning: birds who fly around the house sometimes fall into pots cooking on the stove -- keep birds in cages when cooking is going on. Birds are also sensitive to candles, spray cans, perfumes and cigarette smoke. These can hurt them or kill them!
Birds need a veterinary check-up just like other pets. Look in the phone book under “veterinarian” to see who takes care of birds. It’s a good idea to have a vet for your bird in case he suddenly gets sick.
