 | Nancy Prester
is a native of Wichita, Kansas, and with her husband Hal, started breeding budgies and cockatiels in 1977. In 1984 the Presters purchased Wall Seed Company. Many changes were implimented and today the business focuses on domisticated birds. The company breeds birds, and supplies everything needed by the bird owner. Nancy hand feeds 100-150 baby birds annually with the goal of raising healthy well-adjusted birds that will have an easy transition to their new families. Nancy has over 30 years of experience and is a member of the American Federation of Aviculture and the Society of Parrot Breeders and Exhibitors. The Presters have been active participants in bird shows and clubs and have won numerous awards for their work. Nancy can be contacted at (316) 263-0850, or by e-mail at wallseed@ourtownusa.net |
Pets
2003-05-01 14:10:00
Exercise caged birds?
: You always read how it is important for dogs to go for a walk for exercise. Is the same true for caged birds...meaning should you let them out of the cage every so often to fly around the inside of the house?
Question: You always read how it is important for dogs to go for a walk for exercise. Is the same true for caged birds...meaning should you let them out of the cage every so often to fly around the inside of the house? Answer: Exercise is important for all birds. Small birds such as finches and canaries have a very high metabolism and burn lots of calories naturally. Letting them loose in your house can be very unsafe. They can fly under or behind heavy furniture and get lost in plants or curtains. A spacious cage which allows some room for flight is the best with these little guys. The psittacine or hookbill family, which includes: cockatiels, conures, cockatoos and macaws, is a different story. Many of these birds will learn to stay on top of their cage, on a playstand, or T-Stand away from the cage. Even if they are not very tame they can learn to respond when you are asking them to return to their cage. More sedentary large birds should be encouraged to flap their wings when outside the cage, or play with toys in or out of the cage for exercise. Some birds are more apt to become obese than others. The Amazon species is the "couch potato" of the bird world. I always recommend the bird's wings be properly trimmed. Someone knowledgeable should trim their wings, or teach you the correct method. If you are concerned about letting your birds out, or do not want to trim their wings, plan on a cage that is large enough to provide adequate space for your bird's movement and toys.
