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How to Care for a Hookbill Bird. Hook-billed birds are the ones in the parrot family—from
petite parakeets to massive macaws. Here’s some stuff you should know if there’s going
to be a hookbill in the house. You will need A hook-billed bird in search of a great owner
A birdcage Bird bowls or dishes Bird toys A variety of bird perches At least one bird
swing A spray bottle for water and a “play gym” for the top of your bird’s cage (optional).
Step 1. Before bringing your bird home, do your hookbill homework! What are you looking
for in a bird? Consult bird books and magazines at your library, bookstore, and pet store.
Look online for hookbill websites, too. Although hookbills are generally considered “talking
birds,” not all hookbill species can talk. Step 2. Different breeds have different needs.
Research them carefully—you may be in for more than you expected! Some of the larger
hookbills, such as parrots and macaws, can live for decades. Be prepared to write Polly
into your will if necessary. Step 3. Make sure your hookbill’s cage is the biggest
you can afford. For some parrots, a walk-in cage is best. Most hookbills should spend
part of every day outside their cages—with clipped wings, of course. A “play gym”
on top of the cage makes a great playground for your bird buddy. Step 4. Different hookbills
need different cage accessories. A swing will be fun for a parakeet; a rope perch will make
a nice change for a parrot. A pet store or website can direct you to perches and toys
for your particular bird. Step 5. Feed your bird the correct diet—again, after doing
your homework. Some hookbills, like lories, need fruit. Cockatiels eat a lot of seeds
but also need fresh veggies. And many parrots can be offered small amounts of almost any
healthy “people foods.” Steer clear of junk food for any bird. “Bird treats”
are mostly empty calories, and just because a hookbill can eat “people food” doesn’t
mean it should. Step 6. Your feathered friend will need fresh water daily—both for drinking
and bathing. Rinse and refill food and water bowls every day, and mist her with lukewarm
water from a plant mister. Make sure your bird mister has never held anything but water.
Step 7. Give your hookbill the vitamin-mineral supplement that’s best for her. Most hookbills
prefer having supplements added to their food, not their water. Step 8. Change the lining
of your hookbill’s cage every day if possible, and give the whole cage a thorough cleaning
once a week. Better cage hygiene equals better health for your bird. Step 9. Hookbills thrive
on company! Spend as much time with your bird as you can. Take her out of the cage and handle
her as much as possible—but at least once a day. Talk to her a lot, even if she says
nothing back. Step 10. With these basics under your belt, your home will be a hookbill haven.
Your bird will be lucky to have you—and vice versa! Did you know Alex, a famous African
grey parrot, could hold real conversations, label colors, and count up to six objects.