House sparrows are one of the most common backyard birds in many parts of the world. While they may be considered a pest by some, house sparrows can make interesting and enjoyable pets for bird enthusiasts who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly care for them. Taking care of a house sparrow requires providing the right diet, housing, environment and medical care. With their feisty personalities and vocalizations, house sparrows do require more specialized care than some other pet bird species. By learning about their needs and habits, you can successfully keep a house sparrow happy and healthy.
Is It Legal to Keep a House Sparrow?
In most areas, it is legal to keep a house sparrow as a pet. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Native house sparrows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States. This means you cannot take a wild house sparrow from its nest or environment without a special permit.
– Non-native house sparrows are not protected. So if you live in an area where house sparrows are considered an invasive species, it is usually legal to take one from the wild to keep as a pet.
– It is legal to acquire a captive-bred house sparrow from a breeder or pet store. This is the best option for obtaining a house sparrow legally.
– Local laws may differ, so check municipal and state laws before capturing or purchasing a house sparrow. Some areas prohibit keeping native songbirds as pets.
When in doubt, opt for adopting a captive-bred bird rather than removing one from the wild. And be sure to acquire any necessary permits or licenses required in your area.
Selecting a Healthy House Sparrow
When choosing a pet house sparrow, pick the healthiest, most vigorous bird possible. Avoid any birds that seem sick, injured, weak or malnourished. Some things to look for in a healthy house sparrow:
- Bright, clear eyes – eyes should be free of discharge or crustiness
- Smooth, well-groomed feathers – feathers should not be ragged, dirty or covered in mites
- Active and alert – healthy birds are active with good energy levels
- Proper feather growth – growing feathers should be smooth, not bent or constricted
- Clean vent area – bottom/vent should be clear of feces
- Straight, sturdy legs – legs should not be damaged or deformed
- No visible injuries or abnormalities
Juvenile birds may be more susceptible to health issues, so an adult house sparrow over 1 year old is generally best for a pet. Try to handle the bird prior to purchasing and make sure it seems tame, calm and comfortable with humans. Also look for any leg bands, which may indicate the bird is a lost pet.
Housing Your House Sparrow
House sparrows are social, active birds that need room to hop and fly within their enclosure. The ideal house sparrow habitat is:
Minimum Enclosure Size
– 18″ x 18″ x 18″ for one sparrow
– Add 6 additional inches in length for each additional sparrow
Bigger is always better when housing active birds like house sparrows. Provide the largest enclosure possible.
Cage/Enclosure Type
– Stainless steel or powder-coated cages are durable and easy to clean
– Avoid lead, zinc or toxic metals
– Horizontal barred cages allow climbing
– Proper ventilation is important
House sparrows enjoy climbing, so provide cages with horizontal bars. Make sure the bar spacing is narrow enough that the bird cannot squeeze through or get its head stuck.
Perches
– Natural tree branches of varying widths
– Rope perches
– Cement, plastic and wood dowel perches
– Sand down any rough perch edges
– Clean/disinfect perches regularly
Provide a range of perch sizes and textures to exercise feet and prevent pressure sores.
Bedding/Litter
– Paper or aspen wood shavings
– Pellet litter or corn cob bedding
– Change litter frequently to prevent bacteria growth
– Avoid cedar, pine or clay cat litter
Line the bottom of the cage with a few inches of bird-safe litter or bedding. Spot clean daily and change completely every 1-2 weeks.
Nesting Area
– Provide a nesting box or coconut hut even if not breeding
– Line with soft bedding materials like hay or wood shavings
– Will help bird feel secure and settled
House sparrows enjoy having a dark, enclosed space to retreat to. Provide a nesting area for roosting and sleeping.
Toys
– Ladders, swings, ropes and bells
– Treat balls and foraging toys
– Natural wood, straw and cotton rope toys
– Rotate toys weekly to prevent boredom
House sparrows are intelligent, playful birds that need mental stimulation. Provide plenty of fun toys and activities in their habitat.
House Sparrow Diet
House sparrows are omnivores and need a varied diet to thrive. Feed a quality seed mix along with pellets, vegetables, fruit and insects:
Primary Diet
– Fortified seed mix with millet, oats, canary grass seed, etc.
– High quality pellets formulated for small songbirds
– Fresh water changed daily
Seeds and pellets should make up around 75% of the diet. Provide seed mix in a feeder and pellets in a bowl.
Vegetables/Fruits
– Cooked sweet potato, peas, corn, carrots, beans
– Berries like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries
– Apple, pear, melon, mango, papaya, figs
– Chop/grind veggies and fruits for easier eating
Around 20% of the diet can be fresh produce like chopped veggies, sprouted seeds and chopped fruits. Introduce new foods slowly.
Protein Sources
– Mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers
– Hard boiled egg
– Cooked chicken, turkey or beef
– Bean sprouts and lentils
Provide 5-10% of the diet as protein sources like insects, egg food and sprouted seeds. This gives key amino acids.
Grit
– Fine gravel or sand
– Crushed oyster shell
– Mineral block
Grit helps house sparrows digest seeds and whole grains. Provide a small dish of bird-safe grit.
Supplements
– Calcium supplement 2-3 times a week
– Multivitamin with vitamin D3 1-2 times a week
– Probiotics during molting/illness
Light supplements can help fill any nutritional gaps in the diet. Use as directed on the packaging.
Avoid
– Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol
– Raw beans or dry beans
– Avocado
– Onions, garlic, citrus
– Fatty or salty foods
Do not offer house sparrows chocolate, alcohol, avocado, caffeine or other toxic human foods. Stick to bird-safe choices.
Caring for Your House Sparrow
Proper care and maintenance is important for a house sparrow’s health and happiness:
Companionship
– House sparrows are social and do best paired or in groups
– Same-sex pairs usually get along better than mixed genders
House sparrows should not be kept alone. Provide bird companions or frequent interaction with humans.
Cleaning
– Spot clean droppings daily
– Change food and water daily
– Replace litter every 1-2 weeks
– Disinfect perches, toys, cages monthly
Keep the cage clean to prevent disease. Clean food bowls, change litter often and use bird-safe disinfectants.
Grooming
– Trim overgrown beaks and nails as needed
– Provide a bird bath for feather cleaning
– Check feet and vent for debris regularly
Trim nails and beaks if they get overgrown. Give access to a bird bath or shower to keep feathers clean.
Exercise
– Minimum 2 hours supervised outdoor time daily
– Ensure outdoor enclosure has shade, perches and shelter
– Watch closely for predators when outside
House sparrows are active birds that need daily flying exercise outdoors. Make sure their outdoor habitat is secure from predators.
Enrichment
– Rotate new toys into habitat weekly
– House sparrows enjoy foraging for treats
– Provide social interaction and training time
– Play music or nature sounds
Prevent boredom by providing new toys, foraging activities, training sessions and social interaction on a regular basis.
Molting
– Occurs 1-2 times per year
– Increase protein during molts
– Supplement vitamins
– Provide bathing opportunities
– Remove loose feathers promptly
Molting takes a lot of energy, so increase protein sources during this time. Make sure the bird can bathe frequently to help loosen old feathers.
Common Health Issues
House sparrows are relatively hardy, but can be prone to certain health problems. Watch for these common conditions:
Obesity
Caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise. Prevent with a balanced diet, limited treats and plenty of flying time.
Intestinal worms
Roundworms and tapeworms are common. Use deworming medication from a vet if worms are seen.
Bacterial infections
E. coli, pseudomonas and other bacteria can cause illness. Signs are lethargy, diarrhea, ruffled feathers. Use antibiotics from a vet.
Psittacosis
Bacterial disease also called parrot fever. Can be transmitted to humans. Causes respiratory issues.
Mites
Microscopic mites cause irritation, feather loss and skin lesions. Treat with sprays or spot-on products.
Abrasions
Foot sores, skin injuries and wound are common. Keep substrate soft and avoid rough perches.
Egg binding
Reproductive disorder in females when an egg gets stuck. Requires emergency veterinary treatment. Spaying can prevent.
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation and discharge from the eyes. Usually the result of infection or irritation. Use antibiotic eye drops from a vet.
Overgrown beak and nails
Beaks and nails that are too long can lead to deformities and inability to eat. Trim regularly as needed.
See an avian veterinarian right away if your sparrow shows any signs of illness. Proper health care is essential.
Finding an Avian Vet
It’s important to have a trusted avian vet you can turn to if health issues come up with your house sparrow. Here are some tips for finding a qualified bird vet:
– Get recommendations from other bird owners in your area
– Search online directories like the Association of Avian Veterinarians
– Look for vets that list avian/exotic specialties
– Ensure the vet sees small companion birds, not just large parrots
– Ask about experience with songbirds like sparrows
– Make sure they are qualified to prescribe medications
– Find a vet you trust and can develop a relationship with
– Confirm they have emergency services available
Schedule an initial consultation to establish care. Then you’ll have a vet ready when needed. Annual checkups are recommended as well.
Tips for a Healthy, Happy House Sparrow
Here are a few key tips to keep your pet house sparrow healthy and thriving:
– Select the right size cage with room to move
– Use safe, bird-friendly litter and bedding
– Feed a varied diet with seeds, pellets, produce
– Change food and water daily, keep the cage clean
– Provide several hours of supervised outdoor flying time
– Rotate new toys and activities frequently
– House sparrows are social – provide companionship
– Trim overgrown beak and nails as required
– Watch for illness and take to a certified avian vet
– Shower or mist frequently for feather care
– Give probiotics during illness or molting
– Find an experienced avian vet for checkups
With the right care, your house sparrow can live 5-10 years or longer. These busy little birds make lively, feisty and rewarding companion pets when properly cared for.
Conclusion
House sparrows require specialized care compared to other pet bird species. But if you provide the right cage setup, nutrition, maintenance and healthcare, a house sparrow can make an entertaining and lively pet. Their vocal personalities and active antics can be a source of great joy when you get to know these busy backyard birds up close. With a little research and preparation, you can successfully keep a happy, healthy house sparrow in captivity.