Information about raising and caring for birds
Choosing ornamental birds for breeding at the appropriate age
It is recommended to choose female ornamental birds in the young to middle age stage, and males shortly after reaching maturity, taking into account the difference in the timing of sexual maturity between females, as some species reach maturity early, while others are late. Spring is usually the best time for mating.
Ornamental birds housing
There is a lot of important information that you should know about the housing of ornamental birds, which is as follows:
Where is the cage located?
It is recommended to place the cage in a location that allows the birds to constantly monitor and interact with family members, as they enjoy being around people and lose their activity in deserted places. It is also necessary to avoid areas crowded with noise and commotion to avoid stress and anxiety that may negatively affect their health. It is best to place the cage near a wall or in the corner of the room, as placing it in the center of the room may cause a feeling of fear due to the lack of a safe haven to hide when feeling threatened. It is also preferable not to place the cage near windows, to avoid seeing outside animals that may frighten the bird, as well as to protect the bird from sudden temperature changes.
The cage should be at chest level, as placing it too high or too low can negatively affect the bird's sense of security. A cage that is too close to the ground can be frightening to the bird, while a cage that is too high can isolate it from interacting with people. It is also advisable to avoid placing the cage near air conditioning or heating vents, as sudden fluctuations in temperature can be harmful to the bird's health. In addition, it is best not to place the cage in the kitchen to protect it from potentially dangerous gases.
Cage size
The cage should be large enough to allow the bird to move freely, as cramped cages can cause stress and behavioral problems. The cage should be at least one and a half times the length of the bird's wingspan in width, depth, and height, allowing it to spread its wings and move around without damaging its wing or tail feathers.
Cages should be strong and sturdy so that their bars do not bend, and equipped with secure locks. They should also be made of non-toxic materials, avoiding types made of iron, wood, or those containing harmful substances such as lead and zinc.
In addition, keeping the bird's environment clean is essential for its health; since birds have sensitive respiratory systems, mold, fungi, and bacteria can be very harmful, and respiratory infections can lead to serious complications. Food waste, droppings, and feathers often accumulate in cages, which requires cleaning them daily to maintain the bird's health.
Feeding ornamental birds
When raising birds at home, it is essential to ensure that they get a balanced diet and avoid providing any harmful or toxic foods. Although most ornamental birds depend on seeds for their diet, these alone are not enough to meet their nutritional needs, so it is preferable to provide foods specially manufactured for birds that contain the optimal proportions of essential elements. In addition, the bird needs nutritional components such as iodine, vitamin A, and calcium to prevent rickets. Linoleic acid is one of the most important fatty acids, as its deficiency can lead to skin problems and weak feather growth, in addition to its role in maintaining healthy bones, claws, and beaks. To ensure that the bird gets a balanced diet, it is preferable to make sure that the packages bear the phrase "complete feed", as some birds are picky about what they prefer from food, which may lead to a deficiency in their intake of all the necessary nutrients.
Moderate amounts of vegetables and fruits can also be provided to the bird, but moderation is essential to avoid adding extra calories. It is also important to ensure that clean drinking water is always available, by placing special water containers inside the cages and changing the water daily.
Breeding ornamental birds
Some appropriate steps that facilitate the process of reproduction
Breeding cage
The breeding cage usually consists of two sections separated by a partition that allows the male and female to be separated when necessary. Each section should contain food, water, and platforms for standing to ensure the birds' comfort.
Multiplication box
Most breeding cages have doors that connect the breeding box directly to the cage, which is where the birds lay their eggs.
Bird incubator
The eggs are placed here, where an incubator provides the appropriate temperature to ensure they hatch properly, however this may not be necessary if the female incubates the eggs herself.
brooder
When the eggs hatch and the young emerge, they need adequate heat and humidity to ensure their healthy growth, which the incubator provides.
Special temperature and humidity meters
Since the eggs need warmth to ensure they hatch properly, it is essential to provide the right temperature for the birds. It is also advisable to use a hygrometer to ensure that the air is not too dry.
lighting
Young birds get the warmth they need from their parents or the hatchery, while older birds need adequate light to stay healthy.
bird weight measurement
Weighing your bird is one of the best ways to monitor its growth, as there are special devices available that allow the bird to sit comfortably while the measurement is being done.
Tips on caring for and training ornamental birds
The ideal diet for a bird consists mainly of bird grains with a moderate amount of vegetables and fruits. The temperature of its environment should be moderate and comfortable. It is also recommended to expose the bird to sunlight daily to ensure that it gets vitamin D, which is necessary for bone health. In addition, bathing is essential to promote healthy skin and feathers, and exercising and playing with the bird contributes to improving its overall health.