Table of Contents
Keeping birds at home is a beautiful and peaceful experience β their chirping fills the air with life. But many Indian bird owners, especially beginners, unknowingly make mistakes that can affect the health and happiness of their feathered friends.
Whether you keep budgies, lovebirds, finches, cockatiels, or Java sparrows, this guide will help you avoid common pitfalls and give your birds the life they truly deserve.
1. β Keeping Birds in Small Cages
π« The Mistake:
Many bird owners in India still use cramped cages meant for short-term holding, not daily life.
β The Fix:
Choose a spacious cage that allows your bird to flap its wings, climb, and fly short distances. For budgies and lovebirds, go for a cage at least 18β x 18β x 24β. Bigger is always better.
Remember: A cage is not just a home; itβs their entire world.
2. β Feeding Only Market Mix or Bajra
π« The Mistake:
Relying only on bajra (pearl millet) or cheap bird mixes from local kirana stores leads to nutritional deficiencies.
β The Fix:
Offer a balanced diet that includes:
- Foxtail millet, sunflower seeds, safflower
- Fresh veggies (carrots, spinach)
- Seasonal fruits (apple, papaya)
- Herbal blends (moringa, basil, chamomile)
LIPAβs millet-based herbal superfood blends are a great choice for Indian bird diets.
3. β No Clean Water or Changing it Once a Day
π« The Mistake:
Leaving the same water for 2β3 days, especially in Indian summers, causes bacteria to grow.
β The Fix:
Change water twice a day, and clean the bowl or bottle thoroughly. Use mud-free filtered water if possible.
4. β Ignoring the Importance of Sunlight
π« The Mistake:
Keeping birds indoors 24/7 without natural sunlight limits Vitamin D production and affects mood.
β The Fix:
Place the cage in a well-lit area where the birds can get morning sunlight (not harsh afternoon sun). 30β60 minutes of indirect light is enough.
5. β Single Bird, No Socialization
π« The Mistake:
Birds are social animals, especially budgies and finches. Keeping just one without any interaction can lead to loneliness and depression.
β The Fix:
- Keep birds in pairs or groups
- If keeping one bird, spend quality time daily talking, playing, or letting it sit near you
6. β Using Mirror Toys as Substitutes for Companionship
π« The Mistake:
Mirrors confuse birds into thinking they have a mate. This causes them to bond with a reflection and become emotionally frustrated.
β The Fix:
Avoid mirrors or use them only briefly. Instead, give your bird real interaction with another bird or your voice and attention.
7. β No Toys or Stimulation
π« The Mistake:
Birds get bored too! An empty cage leads to stress, biting, or feather plucking.
β The Fix:
Add perches, swings, chew toys, and rotate them every few weeks. Even a guava twig can keep a budgie entertained for hours.
8. β Not Trimming Nails or Checking Beak Overgrowth
π« The Mistake:
Long nails can get caught in cage bars. Overgrown beaks can cause feeding problems.
β The Fix:
- Add rough natural perches (like neem or bamboo)
- Provide cuttlebone or mineral block
- If needed, visit an avian vet for trimming (donβt try at home if unsure)
9. β Overbreeding Without Nutrition Support
π« The Mistake:
Allowing lovebirds or budgies to breed frequently without giving them extra nutrition results in weak chicks and tired parents.
β The Fix:
Add breeding support herbs like moringa, fennel, and coriander powder to their diet. Offer egg food, soaked seeds, or soft grains during breeding season.
LIPAβs herbal fertility support blend is designed for this very purpose.
10. β Not Watching for Early Signs of Illness
π« The Mistake:
Indian bird owners often notice problems too late, when the bird is already weak.
β The Fix:
Look for:
- Fluffed-up feathers
- Less chirping or sitting quietly
- Watery droppings
- Lack of appetite If you notice any, isolate the bird and consult a vet early.
π§‘ Final Thoughts
Keeping birds is a joy, but also a daily responsibility. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes, youβre giving your bird a longer, healthier, and happier life β and building a bond thatβs truly special.
Whether you’re raising a cheerful pair of budgies, a flock of finches, or a single curious lovebird, remember: a little care goes a long way.
π¦ Explore LIPA’s Healthy Bird Food Blends
Crafted for Indian conditions and bird species
β
Herbal superfoods
β
No fillers or preservatives
β
Loved by budgies, lovebirds, finches, cockatiels, and more!
π Visit LIPAβs Store