Brochure: Five Ways to Prevent Early Death in Birds

This brochure was created in July, 2004 by Laurel A. Rockefeller. To request a .doc version for non-profit use or to purchase full-color copies for your office, please email White Jade at [email protected] or the author directly at [email protected].

Front Cover:	Your cockatiel can live to be 30. Your cockatoo can live to be 100. So why does the average companion bird only live to reach half of its expected life span? Early death in birds is preventable. Here's 5 ways to give your bird a longer, happier life.
Inside Text:	Research before you buy: The parrot family includes several groups representing hundreds of species and subspecies, each different from the next. Before you buy, learn about your group, species, and subspecies. Learn what your type of bird needs in terms of space, environment, and foods. Provide appropriate, not adequate, housing: A one size fits all mentality is a fast track to early death. Cage bars that are too wide or too narrow can lead to strangulation, amputation, and other life threatening injuries. Born To Fly: Humans who don't exercise develop heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other life threatening conditions. Birds are just as vulnerable, largely by living in conditions preventing sufficient exercise. Flight is the total body workout that tones muscles, prevents obesity, and keeps the heart strong. The more room to fly and opportunity to fly, the stronger and healthier your bird will be. Variety is the key: Dog food is for dogs. Cat food is for cats. Bird food is for birds, right? WRONG. Most humans and companion birds should overlap their diets by about 80%. The same foods that are healthiest for you are usually healthiest for your bird too. Though parrots tend to be lactose intolerant, high calcium, high protein, and vitamin-mineral rich "people" food are key to a healthy bird. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and avocados, share your healthy choices with your bird, especially whole grains, fresh fruit, meat, and cooked eggs. Healthy mind, healthy body: Your companion bird is one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth. Intellectually and emotionally, your companion bird is the equal of a 2-3 year old human with most the same needs. Toys, lots of social interaction, and intellectual challenges prevent mental illness, self mutilation, and violent behaviors.
Back Cover:	Copyright 2004. Laurel A. Rockefeller