Photo credit: meeboonstocker

Pet birds love to go outside and soak up the sunshine just as much as anybody else. With the right precautions, it can be a fun experience with added health benefits.

At the right time of the year, when it’s sunnier and warmer outside, it’s a great time to introduce your pet bird to the great outdoors. Getting some sun and fresh air has many health benefits, both to their minds and bodies.

Physical Health Benefits

Sunshine is essential to the production of Vitamin D that strengthens bones, teeth, nails and skin. It is also instrumental in the health of muscles, nerves and the immune system.

When you take your bird out into the sunshine, their bodies will literally soak it up, converting it into essential Vitamin D3. There’s something about UVB light that provides the nutrient necessary to synthesise Vitamin D in the body. In more scientific terms:

“During exposure to sunlight, 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin absorbs UV B radiation and is converted to previtamin-D3, which in turn isomerizes into vitamin D3.” (Boston University)

Mood-Boosting Benefits

We all know that people can suffer from seasonal depression during the long winter months, this is true of birds too. This is due to the days being shorter and getting fewer hours of sunshine. Soaking up the sun can boost your bird’s mental health and improve their mood. This again is due to Vitamin D.

Sun exposure and Vitamin D are essential in healthy neuromuscular functions in the brain. Vitamin D is also necessary for the production of serotonin and melatonin, which work together to maintain brain health, cognitive function and calm within the body:

“When people are exposed to sunlight or very bright artificial light in the morning, their nocturnal melatonin production occurs sooner, and they enter into sleep more easily at night. The melatonin precursor, serotonin, is also affected by exposure to daylight. Moderately high serotonin levels result in more positive moods and a calm yet focused mental outlook.” (Environmental Health Perspective)

So it is essential that your bird gets about 5-15 minutes of sunshine a day. If you can’t bring your bird outside or they show signs of intense fear when you do, you will have to provide them with artificial light and regular exposure every day to ensure good health.

Introducing Your Bird To The Great Outdoors

Getting your bird used to going outside takes time and patience. The trick is to take it step by step until they get accustomed to the idea.

The first step is to move your bird’s cage close to a window, where they can observe the goings-on outside. Make sure they are not in direct sunlight and provide shade by half-covering the cage with a towel. Try opening the window, so they can get the benefit of a cool breeze and the sense of the scents outside. You can do this for 5-15 minutes a day to get them used to the idea.

During this time, it’s important that you stay with your bird, supervising them and giving them reassurance.

Next, move the bird cage outdoors, preferably on a porch or balcony and repeat the process every day for 5-15 minute intervals. If your bird takes to the outdoors, you’re ready to introduce them to wearing a harness or their outdoor cage or carrier.

Safe methods of taking your pet bird outdoors

Harness and Leashes

If you do decide to use a harness or leash on your pet bird, you will have to introduce them to the idea slowly. Each day try something new. First place the harness where your bird can see it. Then place it in the cage. Next, touch them lightly with it. Lastly, try it on them to see if they like it. If that works out, you’re ready to take them outside.

Just a few things to be wary of when using a harness or leash. If your bird is startled by a loud noise or a big bird flying overhead, they will instinctively take off and try to fly to safety. Because they are tethered by the harness, they will reach the end of the leash very quickly and come crashing down to the ground, resulting in broken bones and concussion. So be mindful of your surroundings and limit your time outside with your bird on a leash.

Bird Carrier

The same rules apply to a bird carrier and introducing your bird to it slowly for a few minutes each day. This will take some time and your bird may not feel safe being outside. When they are ready to venture into uncharted territory, again take your time. Only spend a few minutes a time when you first head outside.

Outdoor Cage

The important things to remember for an outdoor cage is to pick a shady spot with filtered sunlight. Your bird will quickly overheat if they are left in direct sunshine. You can cover half of the cage, so they can take a break from the light. You will want to supervise them at all times and make sure they have all the food and water they need. To keep them healthy, all they need is 5-15 minutes of outdoor time a day.

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