Pionus in their natural environment are often seen in pairs, or small flocks of ten or so birds. Currently, Pichu lives alone, and it is recommended she does so until puberty and hormones settle.

Pichu has a varied diet. In the mornings she gets freshly chopped vegetables (with a small amount of fruit). She has ad-lib extruded pellets (P15 tropical or original) and sprouted seeds 2-3 times per week.

Pichu must always have access to fresh water and this is checked frequently throughout the day in case she has dropped seed, food or chew toys in her bowl or has droppings in the water. Her water is dechlorinated with one tiny drop of reptisafe.

Pichu will need access to cuttlefish bone to nibble on.

Bird Cage
Pichu has a large bird cage, which is used only as her ‘safe place’, which is for her to sleep at night and / or at times when we need her to be inside (usually if we have another animal out, or a client is not so keen on her free flying). However, she spends most of her day joining in with our everyday activities and has access to most of our learning space.

Perches for Pichu vary in texture and diameter, as this prevents arthritis in later life. Some of her cotton perches are wrapped in vet-wrap, as this makes them easier to clean and softer on her feet.

Substrate
Pichu does not use the bottom of her cage, like some other parrot species, so paper towel is used in the cage bottom, mainly for hygiene purposes as it is easier to clean.

Heat & Lighting
Pichu does not need heating (as our learning space is an ideal temperature for her), but on long winter days indoors, she has access to an avian specific UV light.

Aviary
Pichu has access to a secure outdoor aviary for the warmer months of the year, and this ensures she can get access to a wider range of enrichment, views and of course, access to sunlight and the benefits from the ultra-violet rays.

Pichu needs a significant amount of mental stimulation, she craves company and needs human companionship during waking hours, and/or toys to play with.

Toys can be homemade, cardboard, paper, beads etc, and natural toys, such as stems of bramble, apple stems/branches, or other safe forage are good as these require Pichu to hold the item herself, which helps her foot strength and mobility, they also help keep her beak at a desirable length.

Favourite toys include a bowl of buttons, which she loves to throw at you!

Importantly, Pichu needs to fly! She needs to be allowed to use various high places as perches, and has a variety of toys and places to hang out within the room. She loves a cardboard box to both hide in and destroy!

– Pichu sleeps overnight in her cage and needs to be let out by 08:30am, but settled for bed with lights out by 19.30-20.00
– Feeding as per routine
– Check and replace the water bowl every morning
– Remove and throw out any left over fresh food and provide fresh chop in the morning
– Top up pellets, daily and provide a small bed time treat
– Clean the bottom of her cage daily and spot clean areas where she has perched

Daily
Spot clean, wherever Pichu has pooped
Check toys are still safe, in good condition and not at risk of causing her injury
Remove old food from her enclosure

Weekly full clean
Removing and cleaning all perches, toys and bowl, disinfecting with Avian Safe disinfectant
Cleaning the whole cage / bars of the cage and disinfect
Cleaning behind and under the cage