Behaviour

Parakeets are among the most intelligent and highly developed birds. The more intensively you deal with them, the more trusting they become. If you know their needs and have adjusted to them, a close friendship will soon develop.

The new “family member”

In the first few days, a bird needs a lot of rest in order to get used to its new environment. In order to disturb the bird as little as possible, the set-up of the bird cage should be well prepared. You can stay close to the animal after it has moved in and keep talking to it in a gentle voice. However, it is better to keep at least one day of rest at first. By observing its behaviour, you can tell exactly whether the bird has already settled in: If it pecks a few grains from the bowl or cleans itself extensively, it already feels in good hands in its new home. Because large parakeets are sociable animals that should be kept only in the company of conspecifics, animals that are strangers to each other first need some time to get used to each other. Here, the animals should be observed closely.

How large parakeets become tame

After about a week, the new animal should have already settled in somewhat. Now you can gradually familiarize it with the human hand. The best way to do this is with a treat such as a Kräcker®. Hold the nibble stick calmly in the cage, and talk to the bird in an enticing way. It usually comes after a short time curious to nibble on the treat. This process should be repeated regularly; in this way, the animal learns that the hand brings only good things.

Training

Some species of parakeets imitate the sounds of their environment and their partners. This natural imitation behaviour is especially pronounced in larger parrot birds. However, large parakeets can also learn to speak very well. If you want to teach your birds certain words or short phrases, you should say something to them every day (e.g. names or simple sentences). In the late afternoon, the birds are particularly attentive and receptive. This can usually be recognised by the fact that they are in a “chattering mood” all by themselves. Interest and attention is shown by the bird tilting its head and listening with interest. It usually speaks its first word much later and usually when you least expect it. The same is true for a melody or recurring environmental sounds. Frequently heard sounds will eventually be picked up by the animals and incorporated into their own song. Cockatiels are particularly gifted at this.

Parakeets are sociable animals and – not least because of their great trustfulness – are also quite popular. They really enjoy it when you talk and play with them a lot! If you pay attention to some important points before bring your birds home, nothing will stand in the way of a long-lasting friendship.

Check-list for the initial set-up:

• A spacious bird cage with cross bars to climb on.
• Perches with different circumferences for foot gymnastics (at least thick enough so that the bird can’t reach all the way around them)
• Unsprayed natural branches as climbing opportunities
• Toys for occupation
• Bath house for daily refreshment
• Bird sand, (e.g. SANDY) with shell grit and stomach pebbles
• Feeding bowl or feeder filled with main feed (e.g. Vitakraft Australian)
• Bird bath with fresh drinking water or Vita Fit^® Vogel-Trank^®
• Mineral stone (e.g. Vita Fit^® Mineral) for mineral supplementation and beak care
• Kräcker^® for beak care and species-appropriate variety

The right place for a bird cage

Birds love company – a bright, sheltered corner in the living room can therefore be the ideal location for the bird cage. From an elevated place, the animals can closely observe what is happening around them. Spacious outdoor or indoor aviaries are also particularly nice.

• Birds are sensitive to drafts and bright sunlight. The bird cage should thus not be placed too close to a window. Our pet birds also do not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations.
• In the kitchen, many dangers (e.g. hot stove tops and toxic cleaning agents) lurk.
• Parakeets like fresh air. In summer, you can put an aviary in a corner of the balcony or garden; it should be well protected from the sun and wind.

The basics of nutrition

Large parakeets are generally referred to as small long-tailed parrot birds that are primarily native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of Australia and South America. The main feed of most species are seeds and grains. But also other plant parts (e.g. fruits, vegetables, and fresh green of grasses and wild herbs) are eaten with pleasure. The living conditions – and especially the food supply – differ considerably from region to region, and the birds have adapted to the food supply of their respective homelands in the course of evolution. However, the food spectrum is generally always quite varied. The varied nutritional range of Vitakraft is precisely adapted to these nutritional needs of the parakeets: Sun-ripened seeds enriched with vital nutrients ensure an optimal and species-appropriate supply of nutrients – for a healthy and long life.

The feed types

Main feed:

A main feed (e.g. Premium Menü for parakeets) covers the basic nutritional requirements of the birds.

Kräcker^®:

The delicious Kräcker^® fulfil several basic functions: The animals have to work out their food – just like in nature. This is good against boredom and keeps the parakeets busy. At the same time, pecking promotes beak care

Nature Snacks:

Healthy treats like VITA NATURE^®, which support the natural behaviour of the birds (e.g. picking the seeds from natural millet spikes).

Treats:

Snacks such as Fruit Cocktail serve as variety and reward and are thus a valuable aid in taming and habituation

Food supplements:

Complementary feeds such as Vita Fit^® Mineral or Vita Fit^® Multivitamin serve to strengthen and nourish the animal. They help to meet the needs in special life situations (e.g. during growth, after illness, in particularly active animals, and during breeding)

Tips for feeding

• Change the feed daily or remove the empty grain husks from the food bowl or dispenser and replenish with new feed.
• Offer Kräcker^® for species-appropriate nibbling and pecking – for natural occupation and beak work
• Feed a varied diet
• Provide fresh drinking water daily
• Provide fresh fruit and juicy greens

The bird cage

In order for our large parakeets to remain healthy and happy, a species-appropriate bird cage is incredibly important in addition to a varied, healthy diet. In general, a bird cage can never be too big. In any case, it should offer enough space for the birds to fly, climb, and jump – because that’s what keeps them fit and healthy. The little scimitars like to perform daring tricks on natural branches. That’s why they need lots of different climbing opportunities in their spacious bird habitat. But toys are also quite popular: The swing is quite popular and often becomes a favourite place to relax.

Cleaning the bird cage

Depending on the size of the bird cage and the number and size of the birds, the sand should be renewed about once or twice a week. Once a week, the base should be washed with hot water. In the process, the perches and toys are also wiped with a brush or damp cloth, and food and water bowls are thoroughly cleaned with hot water.

Once a month, a major cleaning is required: The bars should also be rinsed with hot water. But please do not use harsh household cleaners.

Grooming

Parakeets thoroughly groom their feathers several times a day. They also like to take a bath occasionally. As a rule, they do not need human help for grooming.

Beak care

A sharpening stone and a strong natural branch should be available to your parakeet at all times. Sharpening is an important part of beak care. With the mineral stone Vita Fit® Cuttle Fish Bone, vital minerals, trace elements, and natural lime are absorbed at the same time.

Claw care

If the birds have rough natural branches with a large diameter in their bird cage, their claws will wear naturally. If the claws nevertheless become too long, they must be shortened from time to time. The pet shop, breeder, or veterinarian will be happy to show you how to do this properly.

Moult

The need for vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is particularly high during the change of plumage. With the Moulting Aid for parakeets and parrots or the delicious Kräcker® – especially for moulting – the bird gets additional nutrients that it urgently needs during this time.

Tips for buying canaries

The canary is sociable but lives in a rather loose flock. If it is alone, it will easily feel lonely. It is thus better to buy two birds at once. Two hens or a pair are best for communal keeping. However, in a sufficiently large bird cage, several males can certainly be kept.

Cock or hen?

Canaries can be bought in almost any pet shop or directly from a breeder. In technical language, the males are called “cocks” and the females “hens”. Externally, they can hardly be distinguished from each other. However, one characteristic for sex determination is the strongly developed singing ability of the cocks.

Healthy animals can be recognised by:

• their lively behaviour
• smooth plumage
• clear eyes
• a clean beak
• a clean anal region

Check-list for the initial set-up:

• A spacious bird cage with cross bars to climb on.
• perches with different circumferences for foot gymnastics
• Unsprayed natural branches as climbing opportunities
• Bath house for daily refreshment
• Bird sand (e.g. Premium SANDY with lime and important minerals)
• Feeding bowl or feeder filled with main feed (e.g. Kanarien Perle^®)
• Bird bath with fresh drinking water or Vitakraft Vita Fit^® Vogel-Trank^®
• Mineral Stone (e.g. Vita Fit^® Mineral or Vita Fit^® Cuttle Fish Bone) for mineral supplementation and beak care
• Kräcker^® for beak care and species-appropriate variety

The canary cage

A nice, spacious bird cage with many possibilities for perching and hopping is ideal for canaries. Natural branches should not be missing. Because the branches in nature are not always horizontal, some perches in the canary cage should also be placed at an angle – this allows for important training for the foot muscles.

The right place for the canary cage

Canaries feel comfortable in a bright, quiet place. It is best to place the bird cage at eye level: this way the birds always have a good overview, which gives them security. Canaries do not tolerate drafts or heat.

• Canaries do not tolerate drafts or heat. They are also sensitive to strong temperature fluctuations.
• The kitchen is also not a recommended place because hot stove tops and dish water are major sources of danger for the canaries.
• The distance to electrical appliances such as TV sets, microwaves, and computers should be at least three meters. That’s because birds also perceive frequencies that we humans cannot hear.

Flying? As often as possible!

The lively canary needs opportunities for free flight in the room as often as possible. This is not important not only for vitality but also for the health of muscles and circulation. However, you should wait with the first free flight until the canary has got used to its new home.

Good night!

Canaries have a fixed sleeping place in the bird cage; they visit this in the evening. When sleeping, the canary puffs itself up a little, turns its head back, and sometimes pulls up one leg. The beak is tucked deep into the back feathers.

Grooming

Several times a day, the canary is intensively engaged in plumage care. It does not need the support of humans However, it should be given the opportunity to bathe daily; this is especially important during moulting.

Moult

The need for vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is particularly high during the change of plumage. With the Moulting Aid for canaries and woodland birds or the tasty Kräcker® – especially for moulting – the bird gets additional nutrients, which it urgently needs during this time.

Beak care

For the care of the beak, the canary needs a sharpening stone (e.g. Vita Fit® Mineral or Vita Fit® Cuttle Fish Bone from Vitakraft).

Cleaning the bird cage

Depending on the number of birds and the size of the bird cage, the bird sand should be replaced up to twice a week. Once a week, the bottom tray is washed out with hot water, and fresh bird sand is poured in. The perches and other accessories (e.g. food and water bowls) are also thoroughly cleaned with hot water.

Once a month, a major cleaning is required: The bars should also be rinsed off with hot water in the bath or shower. But please do not use harsh household cleaners.

Flying? As often as possible!

The lively canary needs opportunities for free flight in the room as often as possible. This is not important not only for vitality but also for the health of muscles and circulation. However, you should wait with the first free flight until the canary has got used to its new home.

Good night!

Canaries have a fixed sleeping place in the bird cage; they visit this in the evening. When sleeping, the canary puffs itself up a little, turns its head back, and sometimes pulls up one leg. The beak is tucked deep into the back feathers.

Grooming

Several times a day, the canary is intensively engaged in plumage care. It does not need the support of humans However, it should be given the opportunity to bathe daily; this is especially important during moulting.

Moult

The need for vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is particularly high during the change of plumage. With the Moulting Aid for canaries and woodland birds or the tasty Kräcker® – especially for moulting – the bird gets additional nutrients, which it urgently needs during this time.

Beak care

For the care of the beak, the canary needs a sharpening stone (e.g. Vita Fit® Mineral or Vita Fit® Cuttle Fish Bone from Vitakraft).

Cleaning the bird cage

Depending on the number of birds and the size of the bird cage, the bird sand should be replaced up to twice a week. Once a week, the bottom tray is washed out with hot water, and fresh bird sand is poured in. The perches and other accessories (e.g. food and water bowls) are also thoroughly cleaned with hot water.

Once a month, a major cleaning is required: The bars should also be rinsed off with hot water in the bath or shower. But please do not use harsh household cleaners.

The basics of nutrition

In the Canary Islands, the home of our canaries, the basic diet of the birds consists of the seeds of countless plant species. In addition, there are fresh greens of grasses and herbs as well as berries and fruits. The diet of your pets should therefore be based on nature.

The varied nutritional program from Vitakraft is precisely tailored to the special needs of canaries – the best prerequisite for a long and healthy bird life. According to the natural nutrition-specific requirements, Vitakraft food contains selected noble seeds from the original habitat of the canary as well as vital nutrients and building materials.

The feed types

Main feed:

A main feed (e.g. Kanarien Perle^®) covers the basic nutritional requirements of the canaries

Kräcker^®:

The delicious Kräcker^® fulfil several basic functions: The animals have to work out their food – just like in nature. This helps fight boredom and keeps the canaries busy in a manner appropriate to their species. At the same time, pecking promotes beak care

Nature Snacks:

Healthy treats like VITA NATURE^®, which support the natural behaviour of the birds (e.g. when picking seeds from the natural millet spikes).

Treats:

Snacks such as Bisquiti^® serve as variety and reward and are a valuable aid in taming and habituation

Food supplements:

Complementary feeds such as Vita Fit^® Mineral or Vita Fit^® Multivitamin serve to strengthen and nourish the animal. They help to meet the needs in special life situations (e.g. during growth, after illness, in particularly active animals, and during breeding)

Tips for feeding

• Remove the empty grain husks from the feed bowl or dispenser every day, and fill up with new food.
• Offer Kräcker^® for species-appropriate nibbling and pecking – for natural occupation and beak work
• Feed a varied diet
• Provide fresh drinking water daily
• Offer fresh fruit

Behaviour

Parrots are among the most intelligent and highly developed birds. The more intensively you deal with them, the more trusting they become. If you know their needs and have adjusted to them, a close friendship will soon develop.

The new “family member”

In the first few days, a bird needs a lot of rest in order to get used to its new environment. In order to disturb the bird as little as possible, the set-up of the bird cage should be well prepared. You can stay close to the animal after it has moved in and keep talking to it in a gentle voice. However, it is better to keep at least one day of rest at first. By observing its behaviour, you can tell exactly whether the bird has already settled in: If it pecks a few grains from the bowl or cleans itself extensively, it already feels in good hands in its new home. Because parrots are sociable animals that should be kept in the company of conspecifics, animals that are strangers to each other initially need some time to get used to each other. Some patience is needed here. However, the final choice of mate is up to the birds.

How parrots become tame

After about a week, your new house-mate will have already settled in. Now you can gradually familiarize it with the human hand. The best way to do this is with a treat such as a Kräcker®. Hold the nibble stick calmly in the cage, and talk to the bird in an enticing way. It usually comes after a short time curious to nibble on the treat. This process should be repeated regularly; in this way, the animal learns that the hand brings only good things.

Training

Some parrot species imitate the sounds of their environment and their partners. This natural imitation behaviour is especially strong in the grey parrot. However, other species such as macaws, cockatoos, amazons, and lorises can also learn to speak very well. If you want to teach your birds certain words or short phrases, you should say something to them every day (e.g. names or simple sentences). In the late afternoon, the birds are particularly attentive and receptive. This can usually be recognised by the fact that they are in a “chattering mood” all by themselves. Interest and attention is shown by the bird tilting its head and listening with interest. It usually speaks its first word much later and usually when you least expect it.

The basics of nutrition

Parrots are primarily native to tropical and subtropical regions with most species originating in South America and Australia. The main diet of most parrots is seeds and grains of various plants. In addition, they often find fruits, vegetables, and fresh greens of grasses and wild herbs. Of course, living conditions and especially the food supply, vary considerably from area to area. Over the course of evolution, the birds have adapted to the food supply of their respective homelands. An optimal and species-appropriate diet should therefore be based on the respective natural home of the birds. The varied nutrition range of Vitakraft is precisely adapted to the nutritional needs of parrots: Sun-ripened noble seeds from the respective homeland of the birds enriched with vital nutrients and building materials ensure an optimal and species-appropriate supply – for a healthy and long life.

The feed types

Main feed:

A main feed (e.g. Premium Menü for parrots) covers the basic nutritional requirements of the birds.

Kräcker^®:

The delicious Kräcker^® fulfil several basic functions: The animals have to work out their food – just like in nature. This helps fight off boredom and occupies the parrots in a species-appropriate manner. At the same time, pecking promotes beak care

Nature Snacks:

Healthy treats like VITA NATURE^®, which support the natural behaviour of the birds (e.g. picking the seeds from natural millet spikes).

Treats:

Snacks such as Bisquiti^® serve as variety and reward and are a valuable aid in taming and habituation

Food supplements:

Complementary feed such as Vita Fit^® Mineral Maxi or Vita Fit^® Multivitamin serve to strengthen and nourish the animal. They help to meet the needs in special life situations (e.g. during growth, after illness, in particularly active animals, and during breeding)

Tips for feeding

• Change the feed daily or remove the empty grain husks from the food bowl or dispenser and replenish with new feed.
• Offer Kräcker^® for species-appropriate nibbling and pecking – for natural occupation and beak work
• Feed a varied diet
• Provide fresh drinking water daily
• Provide fresh fruit and juicy greens

The bird cage

In order for our parrots to stay healthy and happy, a species-appropriate bird cage is incredibly important in addition to a varied, healthy diet. In general, a bird cage can never be too big. In any case, it should offer enough space for the birds to flutter, climb, and jump – because that keeps them fit and healthy. The “scimitars” like to perform daring tricks on natural branches. That’s why they need lots of different climbing opportunities in their spacious bird habitat. But toys are also quite popular: The swing is quite popular and often becomes a favourite place to relax.

Cleaning the bird cage

Depending on the size of the bird cage and the number and size of the birds, the sand should be renewed about once or twice a week. Once a week, the base should be washed with hot water. In the process, the perches and toys are also wiped with a brush or damp cloth, and food and water bowls are thoroughly cleaned with hot water. Once a month, a major cleaning is required: The bars should also be rinsed with hot water. But please do not use harsh household cleaners.

Grooming

Parrots thoroughly maintain their plumage several times a day. They also like to take a bath occasionally. As a rule, they do not need human help for grooming.

Beak care

A sharpening stone and a strong natural branch should be available to the parrot at all times. Sharpening is an important part of beak care. With the mineral stone Vita Fit® Mineral Maxi, vital minerals, trace elements, and natural lime are taken up at the same time.

Claw care

If the bird has rough natural branches with a large diameter in its bird cage, its claws will wear naturally. If the claws nevertheless become too long, they must be shortened from time to time. The pet shop, breeder, or veterinarian will be happy to show you how to do this properly.

Moult

The need for vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is particularly high during the change of plumage. With the Moulting Aid for parakeets and parrots or the delicious Kräcker® – especially for moulting – the bird gets additional nutrients that it urgently needs during this time.

Parrots are sociable animals and – not least because of their great trustfulness – are quite popular. They really enjoy it when you talk and play with them a lot! If you pay attention to some important points before bring your birds home, nothing will stand in the way of a long-lasting friendship.

Check-list for the initial set-up:

• A spacious bird cage with cross bars to climb on.
• Perches with different circumferences for foot gymnastics (at least thick enough so that the bird can’t reach all the way around them)
• Unsprayed natural branches as climbing opportunities
• Toys for occupation (made of material suitable for parrots)
• Bath house for daily refreshment
• Bird sand (e.g. SANDY Parrot Sand with shell grit and stomach pebbles)
• Feeding bowl or feeder filled with main feed such as Vitakraft African or Amazonian
• Bird bath with fresh drinking water or Vita Fit^® Vogel-Trank^®
• Mineral Stone (e.g. Vita Fit^® Cuttle Fish Bone) for mineral supplementation and beak care
• Kräcker^® for beak care and species-appropriate variety

The right place for a bird cage

Birds love company – a bright, sheltered corner in the living room can therefore be the ideal location for the bird cage. From an elevated place, the animals can closely observe what is happening around them. Spacious outdoor or indoor aviaries are also particularly nice. Or even a separate bird room, especially for the large parrot species.

• Birds are sensitive to drafts and bright sunlight. The bird cage should thus not be placed too close to a window. Our pet birds also do not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations.
• In the kitchen, many dangers (e.g. hot stove tops and toxic cleaning agents) lurk.
• Parrots like fresh air. In summer, you can put an aviary in a corner of the balcony or garden; it should be well protected from the sun and wind.

Behavior

Great parakeets are among the most intelligent and highly developed birds. The more intensively one deals with them, the more trusting they become. If you know their needs and have adjusted to them, a close friendship will soon develop.

The new "family member"

In the first few days, a bird needs a lot of rest to get used to its new environment. In order to disturb him as little as possible, the arrangement of the bird's home should be well prepared. You can stay close to the animal after it has moved in and keep talking to it in a gentle voice. However, it is better to first keep at least one day of rest.
By its behavior you can tell exactly whether the bird has already settled in: If it pecks a few grains from the bowl or cleans itself extensively, it already feels well in its new home.
Since large parakeets are sociable animals that should only be kept in the company of conspecifics, animals that are strangers to each other first need some time to get used to each other. Here the animals should be observed closely.

How large parakeets become tame

After about a week, a new animal has already settled in somewhat. Now you can gradually familiarize him with the human hand. The best way to do this is with a treat, such as a Kräcker^®. Hold the cracker quietly in the cage and talk to the bird in an enticing way. Usually he comes after a short time curious to nibble on the treat. This process should be repeated regularly - in this way the animal learns that the hand brings him only good.

Lessons

Some species of large parakeets imitate the sounds of their environment and their partners. This natural imitation behavior is especially pronounced in larger parrot birds, but large parakeets can also learn to speak very well.
If you want to teach your birds certain words or short phrases, you should say something to them every day, such as names or simple sentences. In the late afternoon, the birds are particularly attentive and receptive - this can usually be recognized by the fact that they are in a "chattering mood" all by themselves. Interest and attention is shown by the bird tilting its head and listening with interest. He usually speaks his first word much later and usually when you least expect it.
The same is true for a melody or recurring environmental sounds. Frequently heard sounds will eventually be picked up by the animals and incorporated into their own song. Cockatiels are particularly gifted at this.

The basics of nutrition

Large parakeets are generally referred to as small long-tailed parrotbirds that are primarily native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australia and South America. The main food of most species are seeds and grains. But also other plant parts, e.g. fruits, vegetables and fresh green of grasses and wild herbs are eaten with pleasure. The living conditions, and especially the food supply, differ significantly from area to area - and the birds have adapted to the food supply of their respective homelands in the course of evolution. Basically, however, the food spectrum is always quite varied.
The varied nutritional program of Vitakraft is adapted exactly to these nutritional needs of the large parakeets: Sun-ripened noble seeds, enriched with vital nutrients and building materials ensure an optimal and species-appropriate supply - for a healthy and long life.

The feed types

Staple feed:
A staple feed, such as Premium Menü for large parakeets, covers the birds' basic nutritional requirements.

Kräcker^®:
The delicious Kräcker^® fulfill several functions: The animals have to work out their food as in nature. This is good against boredom and keeps the parakeets busy. At the same time, pecking promotes beak care

Nature Snacks:
Healthy treats like VITA NATURE^® which support the natural behavior of the birds, e.g. picking the seeds from natural millet cobs.

Treats:
Snacks such as Frutti Cocktail serve as variety, reward and are a valuable aid in taming and habituation

Nutritional supplements:
Supplementary feeds such as Vita Fit^® Mineral or Vita Fit^® Multivitamin serve to strengthen and build up. They help to cover the needs in special life situations, e.g. during growth, after illness, in particularly active animals, during breeding, etc.

Feeding tips

• Change the food daily or remove the empty grain husks from the food bowl or dispenser and fill up with new food
• Kräcker^® offer for species-appropriate nibbling and pecking - for natural occupation and beak work
• Feed with variety
• Provide fresh drinking water daily
• Provide fresh fruit and juicy greens

The bird home

In order for our large parakeets to stay healthy and happy, a bird home that is appropriate for the species is incredibly important, in addition to a varied, healthy diet. Basically, a bird home can never be too big. In any case, it should offer enough space for the birds to fly, climb and jump - because that keeps them fit and healthy.
The little scimitars like to perform daring tricks on branching natural branches. That's why they need lots of different climbing opportunities in their spacious bird habitat. But toys are also very popular: the swing, for example, is very popular and often becomes their favorite place to relax.

The cleaning of the bird home

Depending on the size of the bird home, the number and size of the birds, the sand should be renewed about once or twice a week. Once a week, the floor is also washed out hot. At the same time, the perches and toys are also wiped with a brush or damp cloth, and food and water bowls are thoroughly cleaned with hot water.
Once a month, a major cleaning is then announced: The grille should also be rinsed hot. But please do not use harsh household cleaners!

The body care

Grand parakeets care for their feathers thoroughly several times a day. They also like to take a bath occasionally. As a rule, they do not need any human help with personal hygiene.

Beak care

A sharpening stone and a strong natural branch should be available to the great parakeet at all times. Sharpening is an important part of beak care. With the mineral stone Vita Fit^® Sepia Schalen vital minerals, trace elements and natural lime are absorbed at the same time.

Claw care

If the birds have rough natural branches with a large diameter in their bird home, the claws will wear off naturally. If the claws nevertheless become too long, they must be shortened from time to time. The pet shop, breeder or veterinarian will be happy to show you how to do it properly.

Molt

The need for vitamins, minerals and nutrients is particularly high during the change of plumage. With the Mauserhilfe for large parakeets and parrots or the delicious Kräcker^®- especially for the moult - the bird gets additional nutrients, which he urgently needs during this time.

Great parakeets are sociable animals and not least because of their great trustfulness they are also so popular. They enjoy it when you talk and play with them a lot! If you pay attention to a few important points before the birds move in, nothing will stand in the way of a long-lasting friendship.

Checklist for the initial equipment:

• A spacious bird home with cross bars to climb on.
• Perches with different circumferences for foot gymnastics (at least thick enough so that the bird can't reach all the way around them)
• Unsprayed natural branches for climbing
• Toys for occupation
• Bath house for daily refreshment
• Bird sand, for example SANDY with shell grit and stomach pebbles
• Feeding bowl or feeder, filled with main food, e.g. Vitakraft Australian
• Bird drinker with fresh drinking water or Vita Fit^® Vogel-Trank
• Mineral stone, e.g. Vita Fit^® Mineral for mineral supplementation and beak care
• Kräcker^® for beak care and species-appropriate variety

The right place for the bird home

Birds love company - a bright, sheltered corner in the living room can therefore be the ideal location for the bird home. From an elevated place, the animals can closely observe what is happening around them. Spacious outdoor or indoor aviaries are also particularly nice.

• Birds are sensitive to drafts and blazing sunlight, so the bird home should not be too close to a window. Our pet birds also do not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations.
• In the kitchen, many dangers lurk, such as hot stove tops and toxic cleaning agents.
• Grand parakeets like fresh air. In summer, you can set up an aviary in a corner on the balcony or in the garden, protected from the sun and wind.

The basics of nutrition

The large group of exotic birds and softbills come from very different areas of origin. For example, the popular zebra finches are Australian whilst the best-known softbills – beos and Chinese nightingales (sun-birds) – originate from India and the Himalayan region. The main food of most species are seeds, grains, fruits, and insects as well as fresh greens of grasses and wild herbs. The living conditions – and especially the food supply – differ considerably from region to region, and the birds have adapted to the food supply of their respective homelands in the course of evolution. However, the food spectrum is generally always quite varied. The varied nutritional range of Vitakraft is precisely adapted to these nutritional needs. The right mixture of high-quality ingredients ensures an optimal and species-appropriate supply of nutrients – for a healthy and long bird life.

The feed types

Main feed:

A main feed such as Premium Menü or Premium Menü Soft-Mix covers the basic nutritional needs of the birds

Kräcker^®:

The delicious Kräcker^® fulfil several basic functions: The exotic birds have to work for their food – just like in nature. This helps fight boredom and keeps the birds busy in a manner appropriate to their species. At the same time, pecking promotes beak care

Nature Snacks:

Nature Snacks. Healthy treats from VITA NATURE^®, which support the natural behaviour of the birds (e.g. pecking the seeds from natural millet spikes).

Treats:

Snacks such as Bisquiti^® serve as variety and reward and are a valuable aid in taming and habituation

Food supplements:

Complementary feed such as Vita Fit^® Mineral serve to strengthen and nourish the animal. They help to meet the needs in special life situations (e.g. during growth, after illness, in particularly active animals, and during breeding)

Tips for feeding

• Change the food daily or remove the empty grain husks from the food bowl or dispenser, and fill up with new food.
• Special Kräcker^® for exotic birds for species-appropriate nibbling and pecking – for natural occupation and beak work
• Feed a varied diet
• Provide fresh drinking water daily
• Offer fresh fruit

Behaviour

The group of exotic birds and softbills includes different species, some of which are open and curious and some of which are rather shy and reserved. With the rather shy species it is especially interesting to observe the behaviour in the group. But in the end, each animal is an individual – and many a bird has been able to amaze its owner with its unusual character.

The new “family member”

In the first few days, a bird needs a lot of rest in order to get used to its new environment. In order to disturb the bird as little as possible, the set-up of the bird cage should be well prepared. You can stay close to the animal after it has moved in and keep talking to it in a gentle voice. However, it is better to keep at least one day of rest at first. By observing its behaviour, you can tell exactly whether the bird has already settled in: If it pecks a few grains from the bowl or cleans itself extensively, it already feels in good hands in its new home. Because all pet birds are sociable animals, they should be kept only in the company of conspecifics. Animals that are strangers to each other first need some time to get used to each other. It is better to keep a close eye on the animals!

How to tame exotic birds and softbills

Some species of this bird group (e.g. many finches) do not become as tame as parakeets. Nevertheless, it is our goal that the animals lose their shyness towards humans in order to achieve a harmonious coexistence. After about a week, a new animal has settled in somewhat and you can gradually familiarise the bird with the human hand. The best way to do this is with a treat (e.g. with VITA NATURE® Naturhirse):  Hold the millet calmly in the cage, and speak soothingly to the bird. It usually comes after a short time curious to nibble on the treat. This process should be repeated regularly so that the bird learns that the hand brings only good things.

All pet birds are sociable animals. If you talk and play with them a lot, some species become quite trusting. However, because humans cannot completely replace conspecifics, birds feel comfortable only in the company of other conspecifics. Socialising does not detract from their trusting nature and sociability towards humans.

Grooming

The birds thoroughly groom their feathers several times a day. They also like to take a bath occasionally. As a rule, they do not need human help for grooming.

Beak care

A sharpening stone and a strong natural branch should be available to the birds at all times. Sharpening is an important part of beak care. With the Vita Fit® Mineral mineral stone, vital minerals, trace elements, and natural lime are absorbed at the same time.

Claw care

If the birds have rough natural branches with a large diameter in their bird cage, their claws will wear naturally. If the claws nevertheless become too long, they must be shortened from time to time. The pet shop, breeder, or veterinarian will be happy to show you how to do this properly.

Moult

The need for vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is particularly high during the change of plumage. Supplementary products such as Vita Fit® Pro-Feda® Moulting Aid and Vita Fit® Mineral provide additional nutrients and active ingredients.

Cleaning the bird cage

Depending on the size of the bird cage and the number and size of the birds, the sand should be renewed about once or twice a week. Once a week, the base should be washed with hot water. In the process, the perches and toys are also wiped with a brush or damp cloth, and food and water bowls are thoroughly cleaned with hot water. Once a month, a major cleaning is required: The bars should also be rinsed with hot water. But please do not use harsh household cleaners.

Keeping exotic birds and softbills can bring a lot of joy – because they truly are special and magnificent animals. If you pay attention to some important points before bring your birds home, nothing will stand in the way of a long-lasting friendship. For example, a balanced diet and a suitable bird cage are important.

Check-list for the initial set-up:

• A spacious bird cage
• Perches with different circumferences for foot gymnastics (at least thick enough so that the bird can’t reach all the way around them)
• Unsprayed natural branches as a perching and climbing possibility
• Toys for occupation
• If necessary, a nest and nesting material
• Bath house for daily refreshment
• Bird sand (e.g. Premium SANDY with lime and important minerals)
• Feeding bowl or feeder filled with main feed such as Vitakraft Premium Menü
• Bird bath with fresh drinking water or Vita Fit^® Vogel-Trank^®
• Mineral stone (e.g. Vita Fit^® Mineral) for mineral supplementation and beak care
• Kräcker^® for exotic birds for beak care and species-appropriate variety

The right location for a bird cage

Birds love company – a bright, sheltered corner in the living room can therefore be the ideal location for the bird cage. From an elevated place, the animals can closely observe what is happening around them. Spacious outdoor or indoor aviaries are also particularly nice.

• Birds are sensitive to drafts and bright sunlight. The bird cage should thus not be placed too close to a window. Our pet birds also do not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations.
• In the kitchen, many dangers (e.g. hot stove tops and toxic cleaning agents) lurk.
• Birds like fresh air. In summer, you can put an aviary in a corner of the balcony or garden; it should be well protected from the sun and wind.

For species-appropriate keeping of finches and softbills, care must be taken when keeping them indoors in order to ensure that they get enough exercise. They need large bird cages or aviaries in which the perches are placed so that the birds can also fly a bit within their housing. Because these pet birds are quite social, they should be kept at least in pairs in order to be comfortable. Generally, regular free flight is also recommended in the home to keep the birds healthy and lively. To make it easier for the birds to return to their bird cage after free flight, they should be fed only there. Some species are also well suited for keeping in an outdoor aviary.