The Pet Castle

Quality Foods Different species and sizes of birds have different dietary needs. Some birds are able to crack open seeds and nuts, while other, soft–billed, birds need softer foods. We carry several lines of both seed and pellet diets for birds. We also carry bulk food for those that like to customize their bird’s diet. In addition to their normal diet, birds should also receive healthy treats to both supplement their diet and to aid in alleviating boredom with their diet.

Perches Birds require a variety of perches in different sizes and textures. Birds that are kept on uniform size and shape perches may develop deformed feet due to the over use of some foot muscles and the under use of others. To prevent this problem, it is best to provide a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as textures, for your birds comfort. We carry a variety of perches made from natural woods, plastic or mineral, in a large variety of lengths, sizes and diameters.

Toys Being called a bird brain may be seen as an insult, however, birds are very intelligent animals. Birds are very prone to becoming bored in their cage, which can lead to destructive behavior. They may destroy their cage, or possibly begin to pluck their own feathers. To keep this from happening, we carry a wide range of toys for birds of all sizes. Our toys come in many different materials, from wood and leather, to hard plastic and even metal spoons and forks for holding treats.

Supplements and Medications We carry several different vitamin and mineral supplements for birds, as well as oral antibiotics and other medication and first aid supplies. We also carry natural remedies that may help with nervousness and feather plucking. Come by the store or call for full details.

Cages We carry cages for smaller birds, and we can special order cages for your larger birds. You can peruse our catalog at our online store. From there, you can order the cage and have it delivered directly to your home. Or to save on shipping costs, record the item number and call us! We’ll place the order for you and have the item delivered to the store.

Breeding Supplies The Pet Castle carries supplies needed for breeding smaller birds, and we are able to special order equipment needed for larger birds. We keep in stock several sizes and types of nesting boxes, as well as nesting materials. We also carry several lines of “egg food” for birds ready to lay eggs. Once those eggs hatch out, we also keep in stock several lines of foods for hand feeding the baby birds.

Store Info

We’re open 7 days a week for your convenience!

• Monday thru Saturday
• 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday
• Noon to 6:00 p.m.
• Online 24⁄7⁄365

804 642–5702

In the Rt. 17 Plaza

4123 George Washington Memorial Hwy
Rt 17 Hayes, VA

Tips, Hints & Tricks

Birds are intelligent animals and relatively easy to care for. They are also simple to train and are typically eager to learn new things. Birds require minimal grooming and are extremely social creatures. They are also inexpensive to feed and don’t take up too much space. If you’re considering getting a pet bird, please stop in to talk to one of our knowledgeable staff members to be sure to get off to a good start as a new bird owner.

• Before bringing home your new bird, have your cage set up and in place. Buy the largest cage you can afford and have the room for.
• Make sure the bars of the cage are closely spaced so that your particular bird cannot get his head caught or worse – squeeze through and escape!
• Birds usually spend most of their time on the perch highest in the cage. Make sure there is plenty of head room for them. Also, be sure to position the perch far enough from the sides of the cage so that the bird’s tail does not rub on the bars.
• Birds should eat at least half their own body weight in food per day to be healthy.
• Every bird’s cage should have a third dish and this one should be used for soft foods such as vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, treats and cooked foods. This dish should be kept clean to prevent growth of bacteria.
• One of the many perches in your bird’s cage should be a “pedicure” perch. This perch has a rough surface and will help keep the bird’s nails from overgrowing and thus eliminating frequent required trimming. Place this perch near one of the food dishes to be sure the bird perches on it daily.
• Be sure to provide lots interesting and assorted toys in your bird’s cage and rotate the toys often to maintain interest in them and relieve boredom.
• Birds love to use their feet to play! Provide your bird with a toy box filled with smaller toys they can pick up with their feet.
• It’s much easier to clean your cage every day instead of waiting until the mess is overwhelming.
• A spray bottle filled with water and a little white vinegar makes a great spray to soften those dried–food spots. Just spray, wait a few minutes, and wipe clean.
• Some common foods that can cause illness or death in birds include chocolate, apple seeds, onions and avocados.