Many people, when looking for pets, will often go the traditional route of a cat or a dog, neglecting the fact that many exotic animals make excellent companions. Pets of the avian variety are wonderful additions to almost any household. Birds are intelligent, responsive and a great deal of fun to own.

The most important aspects in owning a bird are correct feeding and housing. Good nutrition is the best way to prevent your bird from becoming ill, since most ailments are caused by malnutrition.

In gathering information for this column, I spoke with Dr. Claire Hamer, a veterinarian at All Pets Animal Hospital in Ames. She has considerable experience with birds and their medicine. Hamer recommends a diet consisting of 80 to 100 percent pelleted food specially formulated for your bird’s specific breed. Pelleted diets can be obtained in pet supply stores that carry bird merchandise.

Up to 20 percent of the avian diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. Table foods are also acceptable. The general rule for supplementation is, “anything good for humans is good for birds,” according to Hamer. This, of course, excludes junk foods. There are a few items that you should avoid giving your bird. Avocado, salt and alcohol are toxic to birds. Chocolate can also be dangerous, and only very small amounts can be allowed on occasion as a special treat.

It is best to feed your bird twice a day to keep it on a schedule. The bird will most likely be hungry at these feedings and more willing to try new foods.

Housing, as with any animal, is extremely important to your pet bird. The enclosure in which your bird stays should be wide enough for the animal to spread its wings fully and not touch either side of the cage. Unlike what most cages offer, the enclosure should be wider than it is tall, but at least twice the height of the bird. The cage should be durable and made of nontoxic materials. Galvanized cage bars and metal water containers that are soldered at the seams can cause lead poisoning in your bird.

For the bottom of the cage, materials such as newspaper, paper towels, paper bags and butcher paper should be used. Paper does not promote the growth of pathogens, and should be replaced daily. The entire enclosure should be thoroughly cleaned weekly. Cleanliness limits the bird’s exposure to droppings, and increases its chances of staying healthy.

Perches are also an important part of the cage. A perch should be made of nontoxic hardwood branches that are free of chemicals or pesticides. Perches should vary in diameter. Providing different thicknesses of branches can prevent foot problems, so the bird’s foot will not be in the same position all the time. It is best that the perches be irregular in cross section, and not perfectly cylindrical. Otherwise too much pressure may be placed on the same area of the foot, resulting in foot problems.

Many people place toys and mirrors in the cage with their birds. While toys provide stimulation for the pet and decrease boredom, many toys are not safe. Toys with snap clasps and/or open links can ensnare the bird and cause injury. The safest commercial toys have closed links and screw clasps, and are free from hooks or sharp edges. The best type of toys to occupy your bird while you are away are natural materials, such as pine cones, vegetables, vines and tree branches. Always make sure none of the materials you offer to your bird have ever been sprayed with chemicals.

Many owners choose to clip their birds’ wings to prevent flight. A proper wing clipping will not completely disable flying, it will simply make it difficult for the bird to sustain a long flight. It is recommended that wings be trimmed eight to 12 weeks from the beginning of a molt, when the flight feathers have begun to grow back.

Bird nails and beaks also need to be trimmed occasionally. It is best to leave this task to a veterinarian unless you are skilled in trimming. Cutting too much from the nails may cause them to bleed and may cause considerable pain. Some owners use sandpaper to try to “file” the nails down on their birds’ feet. This is not recommended, since the sandpaper can actually do more harm to the feet, and is not really effective in keeping the nails short.

A healthy bird should have clear, bright eyes with no discharge and open, unobstructed nares (nostrils). Its feathers should be bright and smooth, with no transparency or ragged edges. The feet should have an even, reptilian or scaly appearance, with no abrasions or flaking. Its nails and beak should be hard and smooth. Your bird needs to stand erect and have no lumps or bumps on its body. If any of these characteristics are missing from the appearance of your bird, a veterinarian should be consulted.

Birds make wonderful and entertaining pets. They have substantial personality and intelligence, and many of the breeds (especially the larger parrots) can live up to 25 to 50 years. Make sure your bird gets the chance to have the longest life possible.

Julie Hansen is a senior in zoology/pre vet from Monterey, California.