The first step to solving this issue is to figure out why your pet is biting you. Is her bite more like a nip that doesn’t really hurt? Does he show signs of frustration when you’re trying to put him in his cage? If the bite is more like the former, chances are your pet is sending you a message — but if the bite feel hard(and shows signs of frustration), your bird is probably not happy with the way you’re handling them.

The best way to deal with a biting bird is patience. After your pet bites you, your first reaction should be to remain calm and to gently place your bird inside the cage and close it. Take a few steps away from the cage and figure out what is causing this reaction in your bird. Is it because you’ve been a little hasty or maybe a little rough? Whatever the reason is, you might want to gauge your pet’s reactions as you closely monitor your own actions. If you’re still stumped or your pet’s behavior hasn’t changed or gets worse, then you might want to consult the veterinarian.

Once you’ve figured out the reason for aggression, it’s time to take action. For instance, if you’re still getting used to your new bird and she clearly doesn’t feel comfortable around you, you might want to take the time to chat with her and make her feel more at home before you attempt to take her out of the cage. If your pet bird is growing into his adult years, his biting issue is part of the natural process of growing up. This is a temporary issue only and in time, it will subside. The best thing to do here is to avoid a lot of contact when your pet is showing signs of hormonal changes and to wait until the bird relaxes a little. Remember that this issue is only temporary.

Birds are generally gentle creatures and it takes a lot to ruffle their feathers. It’s important to properly train them and monitor their health on a daily basis, in addition to regular veterinary checkups. Taking care of your bird’s biting problem may not always be an easy thing to do, but it can be done.

Although everyone celebrates Christmas in their own special way, a recurring theme I see amongst many families is the giving of gifts to the pets on Christmas.  I think it is a fun and creative way to involve the pets in family celebrations.  At my Dad’s house this Christmas, we gave our dog several toys as Christmas presents, and my uncle gave his dog some presents too.  Sadly, at my mom’s house, neither the chickens nor Gonzo got Christmas presents.  So, I was thinking about whether or not it is actually worth getting your pet a present.

1. It really depends on the species of pet you have.  I’m pretty sure that every time the chickens get human food, they consider it a holiday.  Gonzo is in a similar situation.  Every time he is fed, he is probably happy, and adding a new fixture to his tank may freak him out just as much as it could make him happy.  On the other hand, smarter animals like cats and dogs are excited to get new things and may actually make a connection with the festivities and gifts.
2. It also depends on what they are getting.  If you decide you want to give your dog a sweater, he may not be overly pleased with the gift du jour.  At the same time, my dog was very excited to get new chew toys and a blanket (he piles the blankets in his bed and sleeps in them).
3. Be careful with the festivities.  I know many people who have dogs who can unwrap presents and get the gift out.  This is all fun and games, but be careful to make sure that Fido doesn’t ingest any of the wrapping paper or ribbon.  This could make him one very un-jolly pooch.

With this in mind, have some Happy Holidays!

Decide what you want to train your bird to do

Does your bird bite you or other people? Does your feathered friend tend to make loud noises or scream a lot? If you answered yes to any of the questions mentioned above, then it’s probably time you train your pet. You could also train your pet to talk, potty-train, or to do simple tricks for your personal amusement. Before you start the training process, you might want to check with your veterinarian first. Make sure your bird gets a regular checkup and don’t forget to ask the vet for tips on training.

Use commands gently

It’s perfectly acceptable to command your bird like you would a dog; however, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Birds generally have short attention spans, so you will want to keep each training session fairly short. If your pet has a hard time responding to or obeying your commands, do not lose patience or yell at your pet. Instead, take the rest of the day off and try again the next day. Eventually, your bird will learn the commands.

Give your bird a treat

Encourage good behavior and show your feathered friend a little love by giving them a small treat every so often. It could be a new toy or it could a snack, anything that you think your bird will enjoy. Ideas for treats include fruits, seeds, nuts, or chew toys.

1- Field Guide For Bird Watchers

Most bird owners are big fans of all aviary creatures and whenever they get a chance to explore the great outdoors, they’re often found looking for wild birds. Give them a handy little book that lists most species of wild birds, complete with colorful illustrations and interesting facts.

2- A Bird Feeder

This is a gift idea that would please any bird owner because it lets them provide all the neighborhood birds with a little nourishment all year round. A birdhouse would also be a terrific idea!

3- Bird Care Supplies

Any bird owner would be grateful for extra bird food, care products, or toys. Affordable ideas include chewable toys, bird ladders/swings, grooming supplies, bird bath tub, or whatever else the bird owner might request.

4- Bird Travel Cage

The holidays mean travel for a lot of people, so why not give them a gift they could really use right now:  a bird travel cage. You don’t need a huge cage, just a small one that includes a perch for the bird and a handle for convenience of carrying.

5- Bird Collectibles or Framed Paintings

Bird owners will enjoy any gift that reminds them of their avian friends and so any bird collectible or bird painting makes a terrific gift! For the younger bird owners, you could give them a bird plushie for Christmas.

My friend’s bird has been regurgitating, though not showing any other symptoms of

First of all, it is important to differentiate between regurgitation and vomiting. Regurgitation in a bird is the act of bringing up partially digested food from the crop, mouth, or esophagus.  A bird will often bob its head and stretch its neck out when regurgitating.  The food will appear undigested or very minimally digested. Vomiting, in contrast, occurs when food is brought up from lower portions of the digestive tract, and is much rarer in birds than regurgitation.  When vomiting a bird will often shake its head from side to side and may involve a spitting action.

Regurgitation can be a normal behavior done by a bird for their mates and/or their young.  Medical problems can also cause regurgitation.  The causes can be infectious, toxic, or obstructive.   Regurgitation can also be a sign of other medical problems such as organ failure or nutritional deficiencies.  Vomiting in a bird is a sign of illness and requires veterinary attention.  Unfortunately, it can be difficult to differentiate regurgitating and vomiting in birds.

Regurgitation caused by normal courting behavior could be a possibility in this case.  It could be directed at the owner or even towards a toy or a mirror. However, if there is any question whether or not the regurgitation is caused by a medical problem, the bird should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute veterinary advice.  The content is not be used for medical diagnosis, treatment, or any other veterinary service and should not be relied upon to guide the medical therapy of an animal.Further, the information transmitted does not constitute the establishment of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship between you and Dr. Baker.  Always consult your family veterinarian in matters regarding the health of your pet.

1- Keeping Your Pet Warm

Like all living creatures, birds can suffer from the cold, so make sure that you keep yours warm and toasty throughout the entire season.  Chances are, you already have a sufficient heating system in your house, but if you don’t, or you cannot afford to maintain a high heat on your thermostat, you have other options. You could place a heated perch inside the cage or you could cover it up with a warm blanket.  Never keep your bird near a heater, however.

2- Keeping the Air Clean

Most people keep their windows and doors shut tight throughout the winter; this means that toxins will linger in the air long and pose a potential threat to your pet.  You should avoid using aerosol sprays, paints, pesticides, or anything that emits chemicals or strong fumes into the air.  If you must use something like a pesticide or home fragrance, ask your vet for alternative products or advice on how to keep your pet safe.  When in doubt, always check with your vet first.

3- Don’t Miss the Annual Checkup At the Vet

You never miss your regular checkup at your doctor’s office and neither should your pet bird. Schedule an appointment if you haven’t in the last six months. Make sure that you make a list of any questions you may have and write down any ailments or other health issues that your bird has. Your vet is there to answer any questions and to guide you to proper care tactics.

1- Safety first-keep your bird in a carrier

Exploring new areas and places might scare your pet so make sure that you keep your pet safe by toting her(or him) inside a small but sturdy pet carrier or a traditional bird carrier. According to Bird Channel, when traveling with your pet, you should secure the carrier to the backseat with a seat belt.

2- Keep emergency info on hand

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure that you discuss your travel plans with your vet and bring any emergency info like the vet’s phone number and/or medication info if necessary.  If your pet is older and/or is generally less healthy, you might want to skip that trip.  Consult your vet if you have any questions.

3- Make it a comfy trip for your pet

This is especially important if you’re going on a relatively long trip. Make sure you pack all the essentials like food, fresh water(preferably in bottles), and a blanket to protect your pet from the elements of the weather. If your pet isn’t comfortable with travel or has never traveled in the past, you might want to prepare your bird for the journey in advance. You can practice by placing your pet inside a carrier and leaving her(or him) inside for a little while. Don’t leave the room and make sure that your pet can see you so that they won’t feel abandoned.  Try to do this about once or twice a week or until you think your bird is used to it.

1- Locate An Avian Veterinarian

Maybe you already have a trustworthy veterinarian on your speed-dial that works great with your dog or cat, but unless they specialize in avian care, you’re going to need to find a vet that does.

2- Come Well Prepared

According to the ASPCA, you should prepare for your visit well in advance. Make a list of all the foods and vitamins you give your pet, any important information about your bird, and a stool sample. Take notes of any questions you may have and bring pictures if you feel that’s necessary.

3- Understand the Examination and Potential Tests

Taking your pet to the vet is never fun for the pet or the owner but understanding what will happen during the visit will make it a little easier. Most vets will do a physical examination and fecal lab test (that’s what the stool sample is for). If the vet thinks that there are any more tests or exams required, he or she will let you know.

4– Ask About Grooming Services

Many avian vets also offer grooming service like nail trims, feather trims, or bird baths, so be sure to ask about them prior to your appointment. You could also ask for your vet to show you how you can groom your own bird and if they have any tips or recommendations.

What kind of mental stimulation does a bird in a cage need most — sights, sounds, toys?

Most birds are very social by nature.  In the wild, they are often part of a flock. When living in a cage, birds require regular interaction to keep them stimulated. Many birds in cages suffer a lack of human socialization and spend the majority of time alone in their cages.  There are many bird accessories, toys, and interactive feeding techniques that can add to your bird’s environment and help keep your bird from becoming bored in a cage.  However, these are not a replacement for interaction with humans, handling your bird, and generally creating that sense of being part of a flock.  In the case of your pet bird, the “flock” includes you, your family, and your friends.  Without handling and interaction on a daily basis, pet birds do not have the stimulation of relationships and can become withdrawn, unhealthy, and even develop problems such as self-mutilation.

Can you breed a bird?

Any living creature can procreate and be bred, but it takes a lot of time and effort to do this. First off, you need to understand the species of bird you already have or want because each different specie will require different care and breeding methods, so be sure that you brush up on your research beforehand. Most bird owners don’t breed birds because it’s just too hard to do.

How often should your pet bird visit the aviary vet?

For optimal care, a yearly visit to the vet is recommended but don’t hesitate to take your little friend to the vet if they appear sick or unhealthy. Birds are delicate creatures and sometimes what might seem like a minor illness can prove fatal, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Do birds need toys?

Like all living creatures, birds need mental stimulation and a little fun, so yes, birds need toys.  Since most birds love to chew on random things, you will want to stock up on chew toys.  Other toys include swings, ladders, and bungies.  You don’t need to buy dozens of toys, but you should buy enough to replenish the supply as needed. Most bird toys are safe for all species but it never hurts to check with your vet for advice.

How can I keep my bird safe from danger?

Most people keep their birds in a cage to keep them safe, but what about for the times your bird is outside the cage? Take these cautionary steps in advance to ensure the safety of your pet. Close all the windows and doors and put your other pets (and plants) in another room.