Many small birds have become very familiar and popular as house pets or companions over the years and give their owners much pleasure. In the last number of years many people have opted for keeping their pet birds in an outdoor aviary where many are large enough to allow flight, and the inclusion of natural vegetation. This generally provides enough environmental satisfaction for birds to often reproduce, although still being in captivity.

The most popular birds for household pets or small backyard aviaries are canaries, parakeets (also known as budgerigars), the tiny little finches with their many bright colors and bright eyes, small parrots such as, lovebirds, and quail. People wishing to keep the larger parrots, such as cockatoo’s, South American, and African varieties should realize these cannot be kept in small cages and should be sure they can provide a proper environment for their comfort.

Wherever you are shopping for your pet bird whether it is a pet shop, a breeder or a friend, make sure it is in good condition. Your bird should show a sleek plumage, bright eyes, and an alert manner. Be sure to check the bird’s cage for signs of diarrhea, and molting as this may be evidence of a sick bird (although, these signs may be at times natural). If the bird is "fluffed-up" and spends a lot of time on the floor of the cage it is most likely a sick bird.

If possible it is best to get a young bird so that the bird becomes attached to you. Although, it is not easy to determine a birds age, but many are born blind and naked for the first month. The first molt occurs at about twelve months of age. Older birds usually are fatter and their plumage is not as sleek and smooth as younger birds. Sexing of birds is also difficult, but often the plumage of the male and female of a species are different in color. In small parakeets the cere of the male is blue at the top of the beak; the cere of the female is brown.

Your bird living in a small cage will often become bored since it is really a free flight creature so you should provide some entertainment such as swings, bells, mirrors and various other toys to keep it busy and happy. The bird will also need your company so place the cage or aviary where there is plenty of human activity.

Birds can be trained to do various tricks, mostly vocal. Most canaries are bought for their song, and parrots in hope that they will learn to talk. Remember to always reward your bird when it shows signs of accomplishment toward your training efforts.

Most birds, if kept in hygienic conditions with regular food and clean water, will live a healthy life and give you much pleasure.

All birds except the canary and the parakeet, which seem to adjust to small cages, should have room to not only stretch their wings but also to fly. Many birds that are kept for human enjoyment are found to suffer in too small of a cage. Birds, like other small animals, will live and breed successfully if their environment is provided as near as possible to their natural habitat, that is, some natural vegetation and free flight space. It is really important that when you think about purchasing a bird to plan the type of aviary or cage your bird requires. Also, to build the aviary before the birds are purchased.

Small indoor cages are usually available ready made at very reasonable prices from pet shops. They usually have a self-feeding and watering system and a removable floor tray. These cages provide for hygienic living conditions for one or two small birds. Be sure to place the cage where there is lots of human activity as the bird will not have much room and thereby needs plenty of action around to keep from becoming bored. Once your bird has become domesticated, many owners occasionally let it out of the cage for short periods of time to fly in a closed room. Remember to return your bird to its cage before leaving to do other things so it does not get away.

If you want to keep more birds a small aviary is much more satisfactory. This aviary may be built any size you choose but should be above the ground at least twenty-four to thirty-six inches so that it is completely rodent-proof. Follow the suggestions given for building large aviaries below just keep it on a smaller scale.

If you have enough space available it is nice to build a large open aviary for your birds comfort. This aviary could be 6 feet wide, 6 feet high and up to 8 feet long. The bottom of the aviary should be rodent-proofed. You can build rodent proofing in a number of ways. Such as, covering the bottom of the cage with wire. Or, you may bury metal sheeting into the ground and up the sides of the cage and fastening it to the lower cage wires to prevent rodents from trying to dig under the cage. You can also pour a narrow cement wall part into the ground and part above so that the bottom of the cage is protected.

The aviary floor should be soil where grass and other small plants and shrubs can grow. You should also provide dry grass and other twigs on the floor for your birds to use as nesting materials. One end of your aviary should be completely enclosed and roofed and a door that you can close during extreme cold and windy weather. Birds who prefer to have a secluded nesting site may be placed in this area during breeding. You may use ‘chicken mesh’ for flying areas but be sure your bird is large enough to not fly through the holes, otherwise we recommend what is called ‘hardware cloth’ (it’s what rabbit cages are made of). If you have tropical birds in a non-tropical climate they will have to be completely enclosed. If you place windows in the aviary be sure to cover a spaced distance from window a wire covering as your bird may fly into the window and become injured.

In very hot weather you can cool your aviary with a sprinkler placed on the roof.

Birds kept in captivity are dependent on the aviary owner or keeper for its environment. So we must see that a birds needs are provided whether they be out doors or in a small cage in our homes. Let’s talk about what a bird needs.

Perches are necessary for birds and should be provided as shrubbery, either in pots or as cut pieces and changed periodically. Perches should me made of oval softwood when branches are unavailable. Often hardwood round perches are available in pet stores and if used should be kept very clean and disinfected and be sure they do not split allowing hiding places for mites and lice to develop in and attack your bird at night.

Water is essential for your bird at all times and should be provided in a container that cannot be fouled, spilled or bathed in. A nipple type bent tube water bottle is ideal and can be secured to the cage wires. There are various styles of water containers available at your pet store for small cages. A large aviary should be provided with running water in a shallow container. Always give your bird something to stand on such as a rock or brick. If running water is not available provide your bird with a separate container for bathing.

Feeders come in many types and styles. The self-feeding system is best for your bird as they can eat when they want to and requires very little maintenance. Be sure that a perch is available so that your bird will not perch in the tray while eating, thus allowing the droppings to fall away from the feed area. Many feeds are available at your pet store.

Location of your bird, whether in a cage or aviary, should be in a sunny spot especially in the winter sun. The aviary should be draft free and protected by a fence or building from the wind and rain, and placed where the birds will be disturbed as little as possible from excessive noise. Small cages should not be left in the sun shining through a window for long periods of time. If partial shade is not available cover a portion of the cage with a cloth.

Droppings should be removed from a large aviary at least once a week and from small cages or aviaries at least twice each week. Droppings should not be removed any more frequently because there is some need, for your bird’s health, for coprophagia (eating of droppings).

Parasites of lice and mites are common among birds and attack their legs and feathers. There are many insecticides available to control these parasites by painting the undersides of perches. Use these insecticides strictly according to the instructions provided, as they are poisonous. Your bird will enjoy an occasional dirt bath provided of fine, sandy, dry loamy soil in a container on the floor of the cage or aviary. Place a small amount of an insecticide powder in the dust to control these parasites.

Breeding, nesting, sexing and care of young will be in our next ‘Guide’.