Keeping birds is a wonderful pastime but their needs can be a little bit more involved than typical household pets like cats and dogs.
As such, you need to really do your research and know what to expect so that you have everything you need right out of the gate, before you bring your new friends home to roost for the first time.
What are aviary birds?
Aviary birds are those that can be kept in a large enclosure, whether that’s a big cage (suitable for smaller birds like budgies and canaries) or a walk-in structure/lean-to (which would be good for the likes of parrots and macaws).
Unlike standard birdcages, aviaries are intended to allow birds enough space to fly around and behave as they would in the wild. This should also be mirrored in the layout of the space and the features you include, mimicking natural environments as closely as possible.
Food and nutrition is another top consideration for any birdkeeper, so here are some frequently asked questions that we get here at Johnston & Jeff that should put you on the right path.
As ever, if you have any further questions, just give us a shout!
1. What is the best base diet for aviary birds?
To keep your birds in optimum health, aim to provide them with high-quality bird food that features seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein sources and access to clean water.
There are lots of different options available but it can be beneficial to go for a high-quality blend, especially if you’re starting out as a novice birdkeeper, as these are specifically created for mixed aviaries, so you’re covered for different species and don’t have to worry about the nutritional value of what you’re giving them.
We manufacture a wide variety of aviary bird feeds, including:
Canary seed
This blend is soft, highly digestible and provides protein and fats, as well as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, made up of black rapeseed, hempseed, linseed, niger seed and an egg biscuit base.
Super 50 Budgerigar
This is a high-quality base mid that forms the basis of a diet that can then be tailored to suit your bird’s needs precisely, easily supplemented with other feeds.
British Finch
This quality blend is great for both British and European finches, high in protein and antioxidants, as well as vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. Natural groats are included for protein and fibre, while 30 naturally occurring wild seeds and grasses have also been thrown in there for their trace element content.
As for fruit and veg, go for kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweetcorn, peppers and peas, as well as melons, berries and bananas.
2. What supplements should I give my birds?
Supplementation can help fill in any nutritional gaps your bird may have, helping to support their immunity. You can also use them if your bird has any specific health needs that must be addressed.
Depending on their requirements, you can supplement your bird’s diet with vitamins such as A, D3 and E, minerals like iodine, calcium and magnesium, probiotics for gut health, amino acids for feather growth and tissue repair, and electrolytes for illness recovery.
3. What is the most important nutrient for birds?
Research shows that there are six major categories of nutrient: water, proteins, carbs, lipids, minerals and vitamins.
Interestingly, it seems that water is the most important nutrient of them all!
Pet birds can apparently lose almost all their body fat and stored carbs, and more than half its protein, and still survive (although not optimally), but if they lose just ten per cent of body water they can succumb to serious illnesses.
You can give them water directly in a bowl but don’t forget that food also contains water, as well, with fresh fruit and veg the best choice for this, compared to dry seed. This is why nutritional knowledge is just so very important for birdkeepers!
4. How often should I feed my birds?
Aim to replicate the natural foraging patterns that your bird would follow in the wild by feeding them twice a day – once in the morning and once late in the afternoon so they have a nice full tummy before bedtime.
If your bird leaves excess food behind at the end of the day, simply adjust the quantities until you establish a solid routine.
