s with any animal, an overweight bird is
more likely to have a shortened life span,
as well as a poorer quality of life. The extra
weight puts a burden on multiple organs
of the body as well as the legs and feet.
Obesity in caged birds is more common
than you may think.
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In the wild, birds fly and forage for food, must maintain their body
temperature, and migrate, so they need all the calories
they can get. Their pet bird cousins could eat that much,
especially of high fat/calorie foods (sometimes they
taste the best!) but since they don't fly as much, forage
for every meal, or migrate, they obviously don't need all
those calories.
Feed your bird correctly (see our bird food pyramid) and remember there are always other ways to balance
your bird's calories eaten/calories used. One easy solution:
make sure your bird gets plenty of exercise.
Playing with your bird two or three times a day is one great
way to provide exercise, as is having a flight cage available,
like our Large Economy Flight Cage. A play area
especially for your bird, like the EZ Care Activity Center for
smaller birds or the Black Parrot Playpen can help interaction with you and alone-play.
You may have to start exercise sessions in very small
increments. A great in-cage way to give your pet bird
more exercise may surprise you – ladders or spiral rope
perches (a customer favorite is the Sisal Twister, made in
all sizes) have been found to let your bird get
more movement since he must step up, down, around, and
balance himself – expending more energy then he would on
a straight perch. Place favorite toys at the top and bottom to
entice your bird to move up and down several times a day.
Wood or plastic ladders, sisal or cotton perches that can be
bent every which way can also give your bird much-needed
variety. Remember to offer your bird several different types
of perches since different perches address
different needs. |
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