| Livestock Guarantee Thank you for buying your pet from our store. Please remember that all pets must be properly cared for throughout their lives. We pride ourselves in supplying healthy pets and never knowingly sell one that is sick, injured or suffering any visible deformity. Please contact us immediately if your new pet appears unwell within two weeks of purchase. We will be happy to replace, refund or consult our own vet depending on each individual case. City & Guilds Qualification At PamPurredPets we actively encourage our staff to be knowledgeable in all aspects of pet keeping. We have our own in - house training programme which all staff follow during their first six months with us. After completing this programme many progress on to the City & Guilds in Pet Management, which is a nationally recognised qualification. |
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| Suitability Budgies, cockatiels, canaries and finches all make very popular pets. Some can be hand tamed, some can be taught to talk, but they are all very fascinating. Caring for a bird is much simpler than looking after a cat or dog, making birds suitable pets for older children. However, it should be remembered that a bird’s life span is fairly long. Budgies, for example, may live between ten and twelve years. Budgies and cockatiels can be kept on their own provided you have time to entertain them. Canaries and finches are best kept in pairs or in a community. If you want to keep a cockatiel on its own to tame, then we suggest you purchase your pet when it is less than 4 months old or buy a hand-reared cockatiel. If the bird is older then it may not tame and could become depressed from being isolated. Housing Appropriate housing for your pet is essential. PamPurredPets sell an extensive range of bird cages. Please ask an assistant for advice on the most suitable cage for the type of bird chosen. It is advisable however to buy the biggest you can afford. Birds spend a considerable amount of time in their cage and need plenty of room to flap their wings, fly and climb. Your pet’s home should be sited away from draughts, direct sunlight and strong odours, for example tobacco smoke. Perches should be differing widths so as to provide exercise for their feet. Natural perching from fruit trees is ideal, (providing it is clean and not contaminated with any chemicals/pesticides), as perches of different diameters exercise your bird’s leg and foot muscles in a natural way and will also help to prevent the occurrence of sores. When placing perches in your bird’s cage ensure there is sufficient space so that the bird’s tail feathers do not touch the floor or that it’s head does not touch the top of the cage. Sanded perch covers should also be used to help trim your pet’s nails. The bottom of the cage should be covered with loose sand to a depth of approximately 1cm or alternatively sandsheets can be used. Birds can only be acclimatised for living in outdoor aviaries between 1st May and 31st October, as any other time is too cold. Allow your birds one week to adjust to their new surroundings before letting them out. Feeding PamPurredPets sell prepared mixes for all the birds mentioned which provide a good balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids. In addition your bird should be provided with an iodine block and a piece of cuttlefish, as these are important sources of minerals and are also used by the bird to keep its beak sharpened and in good condition. Grit is also essential as birds use it to digest their food, as they do not have teeth. To add variety, small amounts of thoroughly washed green food may be given. Proprietary bird treats may be provided regularly as they are a useful diet supplement. Do not feed your bird any foods containing coffee, chocolate, lettuce, rhubarb or avocado as these can be harmful. Fresh drinking water should be supplied daily in a clean container, which cannot be soiled by your bird. It is vital you check your birds and their food and water supply twice a day. |
Handling Most birds, but particularly budgies and cockatiels are extremely social and intelligent creatures. With patience and care many can become finger tame. Slowly place your hand in the cage whilst talking to your pet in a soft reassuring tone. If the bird flutters wildly gradually withdraw your hand. Repeat this process until the bird becomes accustomed to your hand, then place your finger under the birds chest gently nudging him until he climbs on. Budgies and cockatiels in particular respond well to a variety of toys. PamPurredPets stock a comprehensive range of toys and accessories for your pet. It should be remembered however that if you provide your pet with a mirror, dummy bird or companion it is less likely that your bird will learn to talk. Health & Hygiene The cage should be wiped clean daily and sand sheets replaced regularly. The whole cage and its contents should be scrubbed with warm water and a mild disinfectant weekly. Bathing is of tremendous benefit to any bird, providing entertainment and stimulating preening and feather care. Bird baths can be purchased, which attach on to the side of the cage or alternatively a spray bottle filled with luke warm water can be used, (do not add soap or detergent!). A bath should be given in the morning so that the bird has time to dry off before it roosts. Only place approximately 1cm of water in the bath. Birds beaks grow continuously. If the beak is not worn down naturally it will become overgrown and will need to be clipped by a vet. Providing mineral blocks and cuttlefish will help to wear the beak down. It is a good idea to give your pet a regular health check. PamPurredPets stock a wide range of remedies for certain ailments. However in some instances veterinary advice should be sought. Contact your vet if your bird becomes inactive, sits puffed up with feathers ruffled, becomes constipated or has diarrhoea, sneezes, has nasal discharge or generally appears ‘off colour’. Shopping List
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