Birds have very particular dietary, housing, and social needs in a pet store, shelter, or in a home. Many birds are left homeless or unwanted because people do not understand how much care and time their bird needs. Little screening is done by breeders and pet stores to ensure that their birds are going to good homes, and these facilities need to understand that most bird buyers have limited knowledge of the bird they wish to purchase.

Due to this lack of knowledge of new bird owners, many birds are given up because people do not realize how much work is involved in keeping a pet bird. Many of the birds in animal shelters are a result of these owner surrenders, although some of the birds are found as strays – some having escaped from their homes and others have been let loose by their owners.

Whether the birds are kept in a shelter, pet store, or at home, there are several guidelines for the care and upkeep of these astounding creatures.

• When a bird comes into a new store, shelter, home, handle the bird according with how people-friendly that bird is. Give the bird a physical exam and a behavioral exam – look at every feather, the skin, eyes, feet, and activity level. A sick bird may have weight loss, ruffled feathers, dull or partially closed eyes, and/or a loss of feathers.
• Do not keep exotic birds with wild birds. Make sure the bird is kept in a safe, quiet environment. Within a shelter, that place may be an administrative office as opposed to a dog or cat room. Do not keep the bird in a kitchen, fumes from cooking or cleaning can be toxic to the bird.
• The cage should be large enough for small birds (finches/canaries) to flutter about hopping from perch to perch. Larger birds (parakeets/cockatiels/lovebirds/parrots) should be able to stand on a perch with plenty of head room and tail room, and should be able to spread their wings full length without touching the sides. Ideal temperatures are 68-75 degrees.
• Cages should be cleaned daily (95% water, 5% bleach). Bird should be placed in quiet, safe place during cleaning – fumes of cleaners can be toxic to birds.
• A light misting with water every day helps encourage them to groom and preen themselves, and prevents bathing within water dishes.
• A constant supply of fresh, clean water is a must. Keep water in a stainless steel bowl or heavy-bottomed crock bowl so that it is not knocked over.
• Diet should consist of commercial pellet food specific for a species of bird, along with assorted fresh fruits, veggies, grains, and dairy foods.
• Perches should be large enough for ¾ of birds foot to encircle, and should have different sizes so the bird’s feet do not get sore from staying in one position. Perches should give access to food and water, and should not be directly above food/water dishes.

Reference: "Flocking Together" Animal Sheltering, HSUS, March/April