CREDIT SEMINAR

ON
Nutrition & Common Management of
Pet Birds
Presented by,

Rahul P. Hardas
Course Teacher : Dr. B.S.Barmase
Course No. : PSC – 624
(Credit: 0+1=1)

DEPARTMENT OF POULTRY SCIENCE,

POST GRADUATE INSTITUTE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL
SCIENCES, AKOLA.
(MAFSU, NAGPUR)
 INTRODUCTION

Types of Pet Birds

Bird Nutrition

Common management practices

Common Diseases
CHOOSING A PET BIRD

Explore different types of pet bird.

There are many different types of birds that makes great pets
choose for the characteristic they are most important to you.

Some birds can be handled, while others that are generally not
handled, some are enjoyed for their beautiful song or just
wonderful to watch, some likes to be cuddled and others just want
to be talk, some birds just like one person and others like
everybody.

Determine which will fit into your Household and lifestyle.
WHY BIRD MAKE GOOD PETS :

Birds of all sorts make a wonderful pets !

Many birds enjoys close contact which makes many of them nice
social and sometimes cuddly friends.

Some birds love to talk or sing to you, giving you friendship and
relaxation .

Birds like parrots will enjoy sharing meals, napping with you and
even showering with you.

Pet birds love to interact with their human companions.

Pet birds can be easily tamed and trained and alarming singles to
the owners/landlords
Cages Aviary
BIRD HOUSE:
 Cage Living:
Bird cages should be placed in a draft free area that is well lit,
but not in direct sunlight. To make your birds feel secure and
comfortable keep their cage against a wall or in a corner, and at
eye level if you hang it from the ceiling. It is really nice if the cage
is easy to clean. Many bird cages have a slide out tray and an
easily removable grate.
 Aviary Living:
Aviaries are beneficial because they provide large areas for
birds, often with the intent of breeding. Aviaries can be either
indoors or outdoors.
CAGES :

purpose of the appropriate cage is to improve the

physical and emotional security of the bird at all times.

location of the cage in the home is important and depend
upon bird as some bird need lot of attention while others
prefer solitude and privacy.

The door of the cage must be large.

Cage should be provided with a perch made up of tree
branch at proper height from floor.

The floor must be clean and free of any covering.

Cage should be paint with lead free paint.

Most birds love a bath! A bath placed in the bottom of
the cage or mounted through a side door will allow small
birds to bathe upon while Larger birds usually like a
light misting from a spray bottle 2 or 3 times a week

Bowls are needed for foods and treats, water, grit and
crushed shell

Toys provide entertainment as well as exercise and most
parrots like to chew. Perches, swings, ladders and toys
all become objects of entertainment and chewing.
PARROTS :
 African grey
parrot

Amazon parrots

Eclectus Parrot
PARROTS

African Greys are the best-known parrot in Europe and perhaps
the best mimicking parrot. They are alert, highly intelligent,
gentle and affectionate. African Greys have been referred to as
“the perfect mix of brains and beauty.“Able to learn a large
vocabulary of 200 words with human-like inflections; love to
learn tricks and games.

Amazons parrots are stocky, larger members of the parrot
family. They are playful, gentle, enjoy human interaction and
like to be the center of attention. Amazons are excellent talkers,
very intelligent and should have lots of toys to keep them busy.

Eclectus parrots are Asiatic parrots from Australia and New
Guinea. They are among the most beautiful of the parrots, with
the kelly green male and brilliant red female often shy and
usually calm and quiet in their cages and emit a loud “Crrah!”
Sound
CAIQUE
CAIQUE

Caiques (ki-EEKS) are relatively small South American
members of the parrot family. They are entertaining,
intelligent, outgoing, and active. They have good appetites
and love to chew on toys.

Caiques are good at learning tricks, which is a good way to
channel their energy.

The great pet ever that comes in small package with all
beauty of a larger parrot.

“Clown of the Parrot World” “Small Parrots”

Quiet noisy, highly intelligent birds, extremely colorful birds

Caiques love special treat of Occasional walnut.

Caiques are often found playing in their food bowls and
bathing in their water bowls.

They need lots of interaction with humans and time out of
their cages each day and will hop around the house.
CANARY
CANARY

Canaries are found in Islands Canary Serinus canaria. Canaries are
well known for their beauty and varied colors. Male canaries are
popular for their sweet singing. Canaries do well when kept singly
or in pairs.

Male canaries are known for their singing; females chirp rather
than sing.

Male canaries should not be housed together.

Canaries are sensitive to chemicals; the slightest chemical
contamination can make them sick.

Canaries are very Social with good personalities and they are hard,
docile and have low care requirements.
COCKATIEL
COCKATIEL

Cockatiels are small, crested members of the parrot family

and the world’s second most popular pet bird. Originating in
Australia, they are known for their mellow nature and easy
care. Gray is the most common color.

Cockatiels are known for mimicking repetitive sounds and
noises and used in shows like circus,Magicians.

Bond easily with their human companions and will follow
them everywhere and are “Gentle Pets”

Cockatiels make one of the best pets as they are low cost,
hardy, clean , intelligent gentle, inquisitive, playful, quiet and
adaptable, undemanding easily trained and bred.

Do not house with lovebirds as they are very aggressive birds.
COCKATOO
COCKATOO

Cockatoos, large members of the parrot family from Australia,
are known for their impressive crests. One of the most
affectionate and loving of all parrots, they have a powerful
“flock urge,” and need to be treated as part of the family. They
require a lot of attention and play time.

Cockatoos are highly intelligent and inquisitive.

They are escape artists, so their cages need to be well-secured

Cockatoos often show their mood with their crest: standing
straight up, moving up and down slowly, or sliding back,
depending on how they are feeling emotionally

Cockatoos love being petted, hugged and snuggled, they are
one of the most Long-lived parrots, extremely clean by nature
and seldom become ill.
CONURE
CONURE

Originating from South America, naturally found in Mexico and
Central America to Carribean Islands. They do well with other
birds.. There is a color variation called the Sunburst Conure which
is mostly yellow in color and slightly larger than a Sun Conure.

Like to chew, need lots of toys to chew on; need to be supervised
when out of cage and sedentary in captivity.

Require regular attention at least two hours daily; radio or TV
when pet parent is away provides company; can be noisy if excited
or ignored

Conures like to cuddle into something soft to go to sleep; some
species fall asleep on their backs on the floor, which is completely
normal

Conures are smaller version of Macaws and popular for their
beauty.
DOVE& PIGEON
Diamond dove
Mourning Dove

Pigeons

White tipped dove

DOVE& PIGEON

Small, graceful birds of the pigeon family, doves are direct
descendants of the rock dove. They are gentle and affectionate
an has inhabited entire world except Polar regions.

Make a “cooing sound ” and call pleasantly; shy, calm nature
has made them a Subtle personality

Enjoy stretching, preening, sunbathing and daily attention
from people noted for their flying behaviors viz., aerial
aerobatics, home instinct.

Ensure a dark area for your dove’s night sleep

Least expensive pets, Universal symbol of peace, love, and
tranquility throughout history, sturt of these bird accompanied
with head nodding

Wing clipping is not recommended for Dove and Pigeon
FINCH
Zebra Finch
FINCH

Finches are small, gentle birds that originate in Africa, Asia
and Australia, and can now be found almost everywhere in the
world. Many people find their chattering to be pleasant.
Finches come in a dazzling variety of colors, and should
always be housed with at least one other finch, preferably
more.

Finches are virtually “Hassle Free” birds need the company of
other finches and are very neat & Quiet

Frequent, lovely pleasant chirping

They need roomy cages to fly

Finches are perfect bird for today busy world as they are
undemanding and doesn’t add an unwelcome burden to a busy
scheduled with limited space and time
LORIES AND LORIKEET

Green Naped lorries

LORIES AND LORIKEET

Lories and lorikeets have slender, wavy-edged beaks and
tongues with “brushes” used to gather pollen, nectar, and juices.
Lories have short tails; lorikeets have longer, pointed tails.
They are intelligent, active, playful, and friendly.

Very clean, affectionate birds; need the company of other birds

Need to be kept occupied by providing daily attention and a

variety of toys

Lories and Lorikeet can be very good talkers and known for
having super personalities.

Lories and Lorikeet are very playful birds and love to play with
toys, whatever else they get their beaks onto, perform lots of
Antics and a perfect show of bird
MACAW
MACAW

Macaws are native to Mexico and Central and South America and
are among the largest members of the parrot family. They come in
many vibrant colors, are sensitive, affectionate and intelligent
birds, with a loud voice. Macaws are social and require a lot of
attention.

Macaws are social, enjoy human interaction and need ample time
outside of the cage for their physical and mental health

They bond easily to their primary caregiver

Macaws chew aggressively and need a lot of stimulating toys

Their natural calls can be quite loud

Macaws are favorite bird for trick training, great show bird, very
curious and spirited
PARAKEET (BUDGERIGAR)
PARAKEET (BUDGERIGAR)

Parakeets, also called budgerigars, are small members of the
parrot family and the most popular species of bird in the
United States. They are small and easy to care

Parakeets means long tail

Parakeets are talkers and even whistle, but their little voices
are sometimes hard to hear

Active and need daily time out of their habitats to interact with
the family

Enjoy a variety of chew toys; social and get along well with
their own kind for. Parakeets can become good talkers or
mimics.
LOVEBIRD
LOVEBIRD

Lovebirds are often considered the most beautiful of the small

parrot family. Originating from Africa, they are curious, energetic
and charming. Lovebirds come in a rainbow of colors.

Lovebirds love to chew on things and take baths

They can be territorial

Lovebirds have a unique chatter and a naturally loud call
AVERAGE SIZE & LIFE SPAN :
Sr Name of Species Average Size (Inches) Life Span (Years)
No. with proper care
1. Parrot 10 or 14 inches long 40 -60+ or more

2. Caique 9 inches long 15 to 30 years

3. Canary 3 to 4 inches 10 + years
4. Cockatiel 11 to 14 inches long 25 years
5. Cockatoo 12 to 18 inches 40+ years
6. Conure 10 to 13 inches long 20+ years
7. Dove & Pigeons 7½ to 12 inches 10 to 25 years
8. Finch 3 to 8 inches 10+ years
9. Lories and Lorikeet 5 to 13 inches long 13 to 22 years
10. Macaw 33 to 37 inches long 40+ years
11. Lovebird 4 to 7 inches 30 years
12. Parakeet (Budgerigar) 7 inches long 10 to 20 years
 AVERAGE EGG WEIGHT, NO OF EGGS LAID &
INCUBATION PERIOD :
Sr Name of Species Incubation No of eggs laid Weight of eggs
No period (gm)
1 African Grey Parrot 30 3-5 10-15
2 Caique 27 2-4 8
3 Canary 13-14 2-6 -
4 Cockatiel 18-20 3-9 4-5
5 Cockatoo 25-30 2-3 18-20
6 Conure 27 3-8 10-12
7 Dove & Pigeons 13-19 2 5-7
8 Finch 12-16 2-10 -
9 Lories and Lorikeet - - -
10 Macaw 26-28 2-3 20-25
11 Lovebird - - -
12 Parakeet(Budgerigar) 20 2 5
 AVERAGE WEIGHT & CAGE SIZE :
Sr No Name of Species Average Weight Cage Size
(gms) (Wx Dx H)
1. African Grey Parrot 385-554 30" x 30" x 36"
2. Caique 145-170 24" x14" x 30"
3. Canary 110-200 24" x14" x 18"
4. Cockatiel 80-250 24" x 14" x 24"
5. Cockatoo 100-390 36" x36" x 48"
6. Conure 130-170 24" x 24" x 30"
7. Dove & Pigeons 300-400 24" x 24" x 24"
8. Finch 10-16 24" x14” x18”
9. Lories and Lorikeet 250-400 24" x 24" x 30"
10. Macaw 165-1100 36" x 36" x 60"
11. Lovebird 45-70 18" x 18" x 24"
12. Parakeet (Budgerigar) 50-145 18" x 18 x 24"
RECOMMENDED NUTRIENT'S REQUIREMENT
FOR PET BIRDS :
Nutrient’s Requirement
Metabolizable energy (Kcal/Kg) 2400-2800
Protein 20-24%
Arginine 1.3%
Isoleucine 1.1%
Lysine 1.2%
Methionine 0.5%
Methionine + cysteine 0.9%
Threonine 0.95%
Tryptophan 0.24%
Linoleic acid 2.0%
Calcium 1.1%
Phosphorus 0.8%
Potassium 0.7%
Sodium 0.2%
Chlorine 0.2%
The MERCK veterinary manual
Magnesium 0.15%
Manganese 65 ppm
Zinc 120 ppm
Iron 150 ppm
Copper 20 ppm
Iodine 1 ppm
Selenium 0.3 ppm
Vitamin K 4 ppm
Riboflavin 6 ppm
Pantothenic acid 20 ppm
Niacin 55 ppm
Vitamin B12 0.025 ppm
Choline 1,700 ppm
Biotin 0.3 ppm
Folacin 0.9 ppm
Thiamine 6 ppm
Pyridoxine 6 ppm
Vitamin A 8,000-10,000 IU/kg
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) 2,000 IU/kg
Vitamin E 250 IU/kg
AVIAN DIETS :
Insectivore % Wise
Ground dog food 23%
Steamed bone meal 5%
Ground trout pellets 4%
Protein supplement (casein-based 2%

Ground mynah bird pellets 8%

“Super Caradee” 6%
Frozen bird-of-prey diet 52%
Bird-of-prey diet should be thawed, and all ingredients mixed
thoroughly. The final product should have a crumbly texture and be
refrigerated or frozen for storage.

The MERCK veterinary manual

Small Frugivore g/kg of diet
Apple 470
Grape 110
Banana without skin 100
Currant 70
Tomato 50
Papaya 50
Blueberry 50
Frugivore base mix (see below) 100
Apples and grapes should be mixed in a food processor (until in
small pieces but not soupy) and drained in a colander. Tomato,
papaya, and banana should be blended in a food processor. Pieces
should be small, but the mixture should not be soupy. All ingredients
should be mixed thoroughly. The mixture can be refrigerated for up
to 3 days. Calculated analysis (dry-matter basis): 24% dry matter,
26% crude protein, 4% fat, 3.6% crude fiber, 7.7% ash, 1.49%
calcium, 0.76% phosphorus. The MERCK veterinary manual
 Large Frugivore g/kg of diet
Apple 480
Banana without skin 200
Grape 100
Raisin (seedless) 50
Blueberry 50
Frugivore base mix (see below) 120

Apple and banana should be chopped into pieces ~15 mm wide and
combined with all ingredients and mixed thoroughly until blended to a
thin applesauce-like consistency. Calculated analysis (dry-matter basis):
31% dry matter, 24% crude protein, 3.7% fat, 2.6% crude fiber, 7.2%
ash, 1.4% calcium, 0.71% phosphorus.

The MERCK veterinary manual

Large Psittacine % Wise

Seeds and nuts 20%

Fruit 25%

Greens 15%

Yellow vegetables 25%

Monkey biscuit or dry dog food 15%

Cuttlebone or mineral block free-choice

The MERCK veterinary manual

WHAT SHOULD I FED MY BIRDS ?

Mainly nutritious food items including dried fruits, veggies,
herbs / greens and even superfoods, such as bee pollen.

Fruits, vegetables (including leafy greens), sprouted seeds
should account for approximately 20 - 25% of your bird's diet
avoid pale vegetable as they are low in nutritious value

Wash your food for very thoroughly to remove pesticides,
insecticides and other toxins, and cut into manageable pieces
depending on the size of your bird.

Avoid avocado, which is highly toxic to birds in any shape
and form (including guacamole).

Sprouted or germinated seeds are usually more easily
accepted and should be prefer as they supply ample of
proteins, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll.

Vitamin A deficiency is common in birds whose main diet
consist of seeds. Vitamin A naturally occur in dark leafy
vegetables.

Fruit Seeds : Pomegranates, figs, grapes, guavas, melons,
papaya

Vegetable seeds : Bell peppers, cucumbers, English peas, hot
peppers (green, red), pumpkins,

Avoid milk products as most of bird lack the enzyme Lactase

Avoid Grain products such as cereal, bread and most of other
grain products are often fortified with iron, bird can’t tolerate
iron supplementation and they are susceptible to “Iron
Overload Disease”

Incorporate plenty of calcium- rich foods (>1%) into your
bird diet.

Uncooked Beans such as lima, kidney, soybeans may cause
Visceral gout and produce nutritional deficiencies.

Avoid artificial colors, preservatives and other chemicals to
avoid negative effect on normal intestinal flora.

Raw vegetables like carrot and other veggies are full of
natural enzymes and really aid in digestion.

Yogurt can be added to bird diet .

Major nutrient deficiencies in pet birds are : Ca 98%, Vit D
97%, Vit A 67%, Vit E
MOLTING IN BIRDS
SPECIAL DIETARY FOR MOLTING BIRD

Molting birds should be fed with more quality proteins in the

diets as well done eggs, meat, cooked beans and rice for a
complete protein.

Nuts are recommended for their additional protein and good
fat content needed for strong and lustrous feathers.

Flax seeds can be grind and sprinkled over food.

Hemp seeds (Super seeds) as they offer a highest complete
amino acid profile with essential fatty acids and trace
minerals.
COMMON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PET
BIRD :

The birds are generally reared in enclosure or cages of usually
wire mesh or expanded metal.

Fly nuisance is the common problem in cages checked easily
by proper hygiene.

Feeding bowls has to be fixed at the level of back of the bird
with water Bowls aside.

Newly hatched cannot maintain body temperature as they lack
feathers which are excellent insulating materials besides they
have change from poikilothermic to homeothermic.

Feeding and watering should be done at 2-3 times a day with
additional food during training and taming as a award to them
to learn faster.
CONT…..

Birds should be assessed for hydration (crinkly skin around the
eyes or skin pinch that remains tented).

Grit is an important aid in helping certain birds, such as finches,
canaries etc to digest food but this does not apply to parrot as
parrot are with smaller exit opening from the stomach into the
intestine, so grit remains trapped in the stomach causing internal
blockage , shows neurological symptoms, weight loss.

Birds should have exposed to a photoperiod of 12 hrs light and 12
hrs dark.

Bird Grooming and

Nest box should be provided during Breeding Season
BIRD WEIGHT: AN INDICATOR OF
GOOD HEALTH OR DISEASE

Weight gain : Fatty liver syndrome, Fatty tumors,

Metabolic problems, heart or liver problems

Obesity : egg binding, egg yolk peritonitis, lack of
exercise, inappropriate diet

Weight Loss : Heavy metal poisoining, infectious

disease, PDD (proventricular dilatation disease),
parasitic infection
COMMON DISEASES OF PET BIRDS
Feather plucking Scaly face - mite infestation
 COMMON DISEASES OF PET BIRDS
Sr .No Diseases Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action

1. Chlamydiosis Appetite loss, ruffled feathers, Seek immediate veterinary

nasal discharge. attention.

2. Diarrhoea Fecal portion of stool not Ensure correct diet. Reduce

formed. Multiple causes, from fruit intake.
change in diet to internal
parasites.
3. Obesity Overfeeding or poor diet. Regulate amounts and
types of food.
4. Pox Mouth lesions, face scabs. Isolate bird;seek veterinary
attention.
5. Lice or Feather Restlessness, scratching, feather Seek veterinary attention.
Mites picking.
6. Mites (Scaly Face White deposits on eyes, beak, Seek veterinary attention.
and Leg Disease) legs, and feet
 Cont……

7. Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis Masses in mouth Consult a

and throat area; decreased appetite; veterinarian.
loose droppings; shortness of
breath.
8. Conjunctivitis Red eyes; tearing; closed, puffy Wash eyes with
eyes. warm water
9. Feather Plucking Bird plucks own feathers; may be Relieve boredom
due to boredom, poor diet or other with attention, new
illness. toys, or space;
improve diet.
10. Proventricular Depression, weight loss, Seek immediate
Dilatation Disease passing undigested food veterinary attention
11. Polyoma Virus Anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, Seek veterinary
sudden death attention
12. Pneumonia Difficulty breathing, caused Consult a
by bacterial, viral, or fungal veterinarian for
infections. treatment
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION

Drinking water:

Via a syringe (Disposable)

With bird's favorite mashed

food
DISEASES OF THE OLDER BIRD

Arthritis- Look out for limping

Diabetes - overweight birds are more likely to develop
problems with blood glucose regulation

Cataracts : Bird develops progressive opacity of the lens
(behind the iris). It may involve one or both eyes

Renal failure : more common problems indicated by more
water consumption and more urine in droppings

Diminished Immune Function: more susceptible to certain
bacterial, fungal, protozoal and viral infections.

Tumors: Lipomas (Parrots, cockatoos & budgies),
Fibromas (on the wing )

Heart failure: mainly cage-bound are more prone to.
CONCLUSION :

Birds make good pet.

Birds can be housed in Cage and Aviary.

Almost every common health problem can be

corrected by a complete balanced diet.

Birds are easy to tamed and trained.