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Learn how to care for parakeets (budgies), recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Welcoming a new pet into your family is exciting! But it can be stressful for your new bird. Use these steps to help socialize your bird and welcome them into your home.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Regular cleaning and disinfection of a bird cage and accessories is one of the keys to keeping a bird healthy. Learn how to clean a bird cage, what to wear.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Learn more about beachcombing tips with your water-friendly dog to understand how to get most out of your dog’s day at the beach.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
There are many household hazards for birds, that's why it's important to bird proof your home.
Updated on November 13th, 2025
Feed an appropriate pelleted diet supplemented with a fortified seed mix. Use perches of different diameters to exercise the feet. A flat perch platform can also be used to make perching easier. A broken nail can be clipped off at the break. Minor bleeding can be controlled with gentle pressure and some plain cornstarch.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Ouch! Those feet should be checked out by a vet and some blood tests run to make sure there isn't a nutritional deficiency or other illness causing the foot problem. If your bird checks out OK, then it may be a genetic deformity that will be there for life. Birds that have trouble perching or getting around may do better with large, flat perches, or flat shelf-like platforms so they can rest their feet and move around without falling off. Food and water dishes with similar shaped platforms can also help make it easier for your bird to access.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
You should wrap the perches with some soft material so it is easier for him to perch, if the foot is not badly hurt it will heal within several days, if it is badly hurt you need to take him to an avian vet specialist to get it treated.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
Since they are "new", they may need time to acclimate to their new home. A cage with a removable tray may make cleaning easier and safer. You can try offering some food or a treat to distract them while you clean. Acclimating them to you will take time and patience on your part. You will need to start by simply sitting near the cage daily or multiple times daily. Gradually increase the time as they get used to your presence. Move slowly and speak softly. End each session with a treat or reward. Once you gain their trust, begin again, but this time placing your hand in the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Make no attempt to pet or hold them. Again, end each session with a reward. There will be squawking and fluttering about initially, but you will know they are acclimating when this response decreases then disappears. Eventually, you will be able to teach the perch command and hold them.
Updated on August 12th, 2025
You really should get him to your vet for an exam. Gout is a very strong possibility. Gout is the accumulation of uric acid crystals in body tissues, especially the joints. Gout can cause difficulty perching due to painful swollen joints. It is a common problem in pet birds, although it is different than the disease in people. In birds, gout is often associated with kidney failure and treatment aims to address both the painful joints and the underlying disease. Other conditions can also cause a bird to have a weakened grip. Arthritis can affect the toes. Many birds develop a foot infection called pododermatitis or “bumble foot”. Nutritional deficiencies will play a role in the development of many of these conditions. Make sure your bird has no exposure to lead or zinc. Some neurologic problems cause similar signs and should be ruled out. In addition, older birds may develop tumors that will impact the ability to walk or stand. As you can see, any number of conditions can res
Updated on August 12th, 2025