Dos and Don’ts Summer Care for Your Parrot
Give your parrot a light spraying with water several times a week. A plant mister filled with tepid water is an ideal instrument for this. If it is the first time you have attempted to shower him, be slow and gent, in your approach as a good general rule for any activity with parrots and if he shows fright or discomfort, stop and try again later. Most parrots will react with delight and show it by extending their wings and twisting their bodies to provide the largest possible surface so that they can catch the maximum amount of water. Spraying should always be done early in the day so that the bird has a chance to thoroughly dry his feathers before bedtime. If necessary, a quick spray can even be given while the bird is in his cage.
Cleanliness, cleanliness, and more cleanliness is the key wool for summer parrot care. That skipped food or water dish wash-up that you can get away with in the middle of winter is really begging fir trouble in the hot, humid weather of summer. Use a dish-washing liquid and thoroughly clean and rinse all food dishes eve, day. Summertime is also a good time for a complete cleaning of the cage and perches. Pay particular attention to the openings fie food and water dishes as material tends to accumulate in these areas. The cage tray should be thoroughly scrubbed, and this is also a good opportunity to scrape the perches clean and wash and dry them in the sun. If perches are worn or very dirty, replace them.
There are various sprays on the market with which you can “mite proof” the cage. These sprays should be used after the cage has been cleaned and while the bird is out of the cage. A total house¬cleaning or the bird room is also in order at this time. and you will probably be amazed at the seeds and bits or fruits and vegetables which have round their way under cabinets and tables.
Your diet changes in the summer and you should be equally considerate regarding your bird’s diet. The basic seed mix that you use can be continued although many bird keepers reduce or eliminate the most oily seeds (such as thistle) during the warmer months. Since a greater variety of fruits and vegetables are available, you ought to take advantage of then. The many farm stands which appear during the summer months can provide free or inexpensive sources of highly nutritious vegetables for your parrot. Carrot and beet tops (including stems and leaves) are rich in many vitamins and minerals. Most stands remove these lops and discard them. If you get there early in the day you can pick up a considerable supply before they are thrown away. It is important that you thoroughly wash these vegetables and a good store them is in plastic bags in the crisper section or your refrigerator. Two or three carrot and beet tops which have been freshly rinsed make an excellent breakfast and will even provide a wake-up shower if you put them on top or the cage and let the parrot drag them in.
As you will probably have more time to spend with your bird in the summer, you might want to try experimenting with an extremely healthy food. Sprouted seeds (such as the ones which make up a part or Oriental cooking) are high], nutritious and in many respects come very close to the types of foods which parrots select in the wild. When a seed sprouts, the plant embryo, which is within it, begins to develop and a supply or carbohydrates, oils and proteins in an easily digestible form develops. Vitamin content also increases at a remarkable rate. There are many, many seeds which can be sprouted and the procedure is not difficult.
Don’t make too many changes in your pet’s lifestyle for the summer. Parrots are extremely conservative creatures and prefer life to follow all unchanged pattern. If you can provide an occasional fresh air outing on a screened porch or in some other secure location, by all means do so. Do not, however, risk taking a bird outdoors even if his wings are clipped. Emphasize cleanliness, good food and the avoidance of drafts, air conditioning and other obvious dangers. Common sense and forethought will provide your parrot with a pleasant summer and bring him through it prepared for a healthy fall and winter.