CAGES - Metal cages, with removable tray bottoms (with grill above, to keep the bird from its own droppings) lined with paper are the most sanitary. Change paper as needed!

From the birds point of view, there is no such thing as a cage being too large. From our point of view, (apartments, small houses, etc.) a smaller one may fit our needs better. A good rule of thumb, as a minimum, the cage should be large enough for the bird to flap its outstretched wings, with additional space of one third of the wing span on each side. Bar width should be narrower than the birds head. The cage should not be placed in a draft, direct sunshine, or near house plants. * Minimum Dimensions for a Green Cheek care are 24" long,15" tall and 14" deep.

PERCHES - Perches should be of different sizes to exercise your birds feet. Remember, your bird's feet should go 3/4 of the way around on his main perch. However, allowing your bird to play on top of his cage or walk on the floor will also exercise his feet. Natural branches of varying sizes make better perches than do one size dowel rods. Be careful not to use poisonous plants. Some SAFE plants include: eucalyptus, pine, oak, manzanita, and fir. Furthermore, always use dried branches for perches and be sure they have not been sprayed with a pesticide. Water fountains should be kept above perches, not on the floor.

FEEDING - At present, many inaccurate, if not false, ideas still exist about the proper nutrition of pet birds. We do not have all the answers today either, but through constant research and observation great strides have been accomplished over the last 5-10 years. It has been learned that birds require a variety of foods for a balanced diet. A good seed mix (never feed just one seed) for your species of bird should be available at all times. Specially formulated pellets can be used instead of seeds. All diets should include vegetables, greens, and/or fresh fruits a minimum of every other day. You may give, as a treat from the table, "human food", but watch that fat. When feeding seeds, supplemental vitamins and minerals should be given. (Some seed mixes are vitamin fortified) calcium should be provided in the form of mineral blocks, cuttlebone, or ground oyster shell. Keep all food and water dishes clean. Remove uneaten vegetables and fruits before spoilage. Give fresh water at least daily. In recent studies it has been found that Health Grit is not a requirement for hookbill birds. In fact it may actually impact in the crop and cause death. Caution: Walnut shell bedding, corn cobb litter or any other non digestible material, if ingested, may lodge in the crop and not be digested.

HEALTH - Healthy birds should be active and alert, with clear eyes and nostrils, and smooth, unruffled feathers. Get to know your bird, and watch for any abnormalities. Be alert for changes! Should you perceive your bird is sick you must get help immediately.... Birds can die very quickly. First you must get him warm, very quickly. The easiest thing to do is put a heating pad over the cage turned on "high" and then totally cover the cage with a blanket so that just a small portion of the front is open. Get the heat up to 95 or 100 till the bird looks comfortable. (A birds normal internal temperature is considerably higher than humans) Give him plenty of water and vitamins along with his favorite foods and keep him quiet and calm. Then call your vet.

Should the bird break a nail or feather and start to bleed, put the bird in a towel and use either hydrogen peroxide or an antiseptic powder used to stop bleeding on the affected area. (Flour or corn starch may be used in an emergency) Hold him gently and apply a light pressure till the bleeding stops, If it's a broken blood feather, you must remove the rest of the feather (try a pair of pliers) and then apply gentle pressure. If you can not stop the bleeding get him to a vet immediately.

WING CLIPPING - Both of your bird's wings should be clipped at least every 6 months. Most birds can fly very well with only one wing clipped and if he flys away you chances of getting him back are very small. We recommend that, even if your bird only flys around the house, both his wings be clipped. Flying into overhead fans, cooking pots, windows, etc. is very dangerous. Please clip his wings for his own safety. (Most clipped birds remain more loving!) Do not attempt clipping wings without proper instructions. If a blood feather is cut or broken, severe bleeding will result which could result in death.

TOYS - Caged birds should have many (only a few at any given time) for amusement and exercise. They may be homemade or bought, but as with a child, keep safety in mind.

BONDING - Most birds will bond with only one member of the household; however, they will accept other members of the family and friends as part of the "flock". They should be handled and played with by many different people, (right from the onset) to encourage this.

Birds can make loving, amusing and intelligent companions, but it takes a great deal of care and attention to ensure they stay that way. This information is offered as a guideline for keeping your bird (or birds) healthy and happy.