3. A STUDY ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN SELECTION, HOUSING AND FEEDING PET BIRDS IN THRISSUR DISTRICT

A systematic intervention was made in the present study in the subject of selection criteria, housing and feeding strategies followed in pet bird rearing by their owners. A detailed questionnaire was prepared and data was collected from 35 aviculturists to operationalise the study. General appearance, type, breeds, active nature, coat, nature of droppings and eyes which were the physical indications of health and pedigree of the bird were checked by the owners while selecting the birds. Pigeons were the birds of preference due to the monetary gain from bird rearing but difficulty in treatment of birds were experienced. Most of the owners constructed comfortable aviaries instead of cages for the birds. The roof was made of aluminum sheets. No bedding materials were used but sand with shell grit was practiced by few rearers. In feeding pet birds, owners adopted advice from sources like internet, television, magazines etc. and followed their own feeding schedule for birds.

Key words: Pet birds-management practicesselection, housing and feeding