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Gravel/grit or
Sandpaper products such as perch
covers or
cage liners |
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Gravel
is not needed for hook billed birds such as Budgies, Lovebirds,
Parrotlets, Cockatiels or parrots. Even Finches and
Canaries do not require grit.
We do not recommend putting gravel or gravel paper on the bottom of
your cage. Quite often this product is sold with cages that have no grate.
This method of cage care encourages the bird to pick at the gravel which may
be contaminated with it's own droppings. The gravel paper and all
other sandpaper products are made with glue, and quite often irritate the
skin. |
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Cuttle Bone |
| Cuttle bones are sold as a
calcium source for birds. We prefer natural
Manu, containing
calcium and many trace minerals missing in the cuttlebone. Also
Manu is baked to
ensure that they are free from fungi and bacteria. In addition there are
also many excellent, safe,
formulated mineral
blocks, some available in many
flavors. |
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Chemical Cage Protectors |
| Birds absorb toxins very
quickly. It does not make sense to place a disk which emits a chemical or
pesticide continually, on or near a bird's cage. If your bird has no mites,
and you practice common sense in cleanliness (for example do not buy open
bin bulk foods for your bird) then it is very unlikely your bird will get mites,
unless directly exposed to a bird already infested. If you suspect mites on your
bird, see an avian vet immediately for proper treatment. |
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Seed Only Diets |
| Bird nutrition has come a
long way in the past 20 years. Wonderful leaps have been made in
developing formulated diets which help birds to maintain optimum health
and better immune systems. It is not a coincidence that many species fed
seed only diets have more health
and behavior problems. However we do recommend that seed be used in
moderation for most species, in addition to a formulated diet and fresh
foods. |
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Round Cages
or Too Small Cages |
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It has been well
documented that most birds do not
do well in a round cage environment. A round space does not lend to creating
a flight or variety of play areas. Also it has been observed by many experts
that most birds are stressed by a lack of definition and corners they can
perceive as hiding places. Although some birds may adjust to a round
cage over time, why not provide the best cage space for your bird? Wider, rectangular cages allow you to create a more
interesting and healthy environment for your bird. |
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Open Bulk Foods |
| Many bird diseases are transmitted by air and
touch. Open bins allow anyone in a continually changing public to put
their hands in or lean over these bins. With so many excellent
sealed packaged
mixes on the market, the wise pet owner will not take this risk. Bins
set up to pour out in bags without having to touch the bulk seed are much
better. This method also circulates the stock for fresher seed. |
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Using Only Straight Dowel
Perches |
| When a bird has only
dowel perches, especially if they are all the same diameter, it
is very unnatural, boring, and can even cause some health problems. We
recommend lots of different diameters and textures, such as
natural wood,
cotton rope, sisal rope, and grooming perches. Perches do not need
to always be placed straight across as it is much more interesting to
arrange multi levels and different lengths with perches that attach to
only one side.( In some cases, 2 sided attachments can be better. For
example, in the case of very large active birds, the perch may need the
added support.) |
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Over the Counter Remedies |
| It takes years
of training to become an Avian Veterinarian.
Diagnosing a bird's illness is not a job for the average person. The
variables are endless, and it can be dangerous to administer the wrong
medication or the wrong dosage to your pet bird. Some over the counter
medications only mask an illness temporarily, and waste precious time that
could save your bird's life. Quite often the cost of these medications
equals the cost of a proper veterinarian check up. Some people purchase
medical insurance for their pets, in the event of a costly illness or
accident. Others may chose to set a little aside regularly to offset such an
expense.
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Peanuts in the Shell |
| Because peanuts grow
underground, they may be contaminated with fungal spores which are linked
to Aspergillosis in parrots. This can result in a respiratory infection.
This illness is treatable, but can result in a permanent chronic
condition. Unsalted, blanched , shelled peanuts are fine. However, we do
prefer walnuts,
almonds, and other tree growing nuts for their nutrition. |
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(Shipping in Canada Only)