Bird

Diet beyond seed

A seed-only diet is the most common cause of health problems in pet birds: it is high in fat and short on vitamin A and calcium. A formulated pellet should be the base of the diet, with seed as a supplement and fresh vegetables offered daily.

Avocado, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol are toxic to birds. Fumes are a hazard too — birds have extremely efficient lungs, and overheated non-stick cookware can kill a bird in the same room.

Cage and enrichment

The useful measure is horizontal space to fly across, not height. Bar spacing must be narrow enough that the bird cannot get its head through. Include perches of varying diameter to keep feet healthy, and rotate chewable toys — most parrots need something to destroy.

Water and grit

Change drinking water daily; it fouls quickly in warm weather. Most parrots do not need grit, and offering it freely can cause impaction.