Sunlight UV:
Provide adequate unfiltered sunlight and shade. Parrots must have direct daily access to sunlight or UVB full spectrum lighting in order to obtain the ideal levels of vitamin D3 and normal calcium levels in the blood. Diet alone does not produce the ideal levels.
Allow outdoor sunlight (not through glass) for a minimum of 20 minutes a week. Sun replacement lamps are necessary for birds in areas where sun is not accessible.
Temperature and Humidity:
Regulate temperatures between 65° and 85° F (18° and 30°C). Birds in dry climates or under artificial heat need the humidity artificially elevated. 50% is ideal.
Clean the bird's living space regularly. Do not allow dust, rust, old feces, etc. to exist in this space. Make sure cleaning supplies are bird-safe. Soap and water are the standards.
Changes:
Allow pet birds to acclimate to new environments. Reduce factors that may contribute to stress during times of change.
Foraging and Life Enrichment Activities:
Parrots in the wild spend the majority of their day foraging for food. Captive parrots are challenged by boredom, resulting in behavior issues not limited to feather picking etc. Daily interaction and the provision of safe foraging materials can play a key role in managing these concerns.
Daily Exercise:
Parrots require daily exercise for great health. Many face the challenge of restricted room or lack of functional flight feathers. Ask your avian veterinarian to show you how to safely conduct wing-flapping exercises. Provide space enough and materials for birds to be able to safely climb and hang. Play periods are encouraged daily.
Safety Checklist
Most pet birds are very curious and will investigate anything new in their environment.
That is is why it is important to prevent their access to
• hot cooking oil
• overheated items with non-stick surfaces
• ceiling fans
• leg chains
• sandpaper-covered perches
• tobacco and cigarette smoke
• chocolate, avocado
• salt
• solid air fresheners and scented candles • alcohol
• toxic houseplants
• pesticides
• easily dismantled toys
• dogs, cats, ferrets and young children
• cedar, redwood and pressure treated shavings
• lead or zinc, found in chrome and galvanized metals
• paper towel rolls (glue may be a source of zinc)
• carpet powders
Get a Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon Monoxide is deadly to parrots and toxic levels can befound in any home. Get a carbon monoxide detector and check your levels regularly. Say No to Non-Stick Cookware It only takes one time when the non-stick pan gets too hot - with deadly results. Non-stick cookware fumes are far too often to blame for tragic, sudden death in parrots.
