Getting a new pet bird is an exciting time, but there’s lots to think about beforehand.

If you are considering introducing a new feathered friend to your household, it is important to do your research so that you know about the bird you are investing in, both the good and the bad traits of the species, and to be sure that it is the right fit for you.

Birds can be wonderful pets, and with so many species to choose from, it is usually possible to find one that is likely to be a good match for your family. In addition to looking for the ideal feathered friend, you’ll also want to be prepared with all the things your new buddy needs.

Indoor Bird supply checklist

You’ll need to make sure you’re prepared with all the supplies your new feathered friend will need. Here are some things that your list could include:

• Cage
• Perches
• Toys
• Food
• Storage containers (for food)
• Water bowl
• Cage liners
• Litter
• Grooming equipment
• Cleaning equipment
• Hide away box (or similar)

What species is the friendliest?

Budgies certainly make the list, but cockatiels and canaries make great pals too, while not requiring expertise. Known for their beautiful song, canaries provide great companionship. On the other hand, all finches (including canaries) require plenty of exercise, room to fly and mental stimulation through toys. Cockatiels are friendly and inquisitive. This species takes more work and a little more knowledge than the others, so only get a cockatiel if you feel that you’re up to the challenge.

What do you need to take care of your bird?

Now that you’ve chosen your pet, it’s to time to prepare for its arrival. It’s wise to get everything you need before you bring him home as you don’t want to be caught off guard on the essentials.

Vets

At the beginning of your pet’s life, it is very important to register with a local vet. This way, you can keep track of their medical records and be sure that they are as healthy as possible. A vet’s services are also essential in the event of an emergency or for routine checkups. They can advise on what needs to be done, give vaccinations when required, and administer injections if needed.

Cage and accessories

Make sure it’s big enough for your animal, this will depend on his size and how many birds you have.

An appropriate cage is perhaps the biggest initial expense in getting set up for a new feathered pet. This is not a place to scrimp, for your bird will spend many hours in this new home and it is important that it be comfortable, so purchase the largest cage you can afford that has bars appropriately spaced for the species you are adopting. All birds should be able to fly in their cage, and not just stand and flap their wings. In addition to the housing, include perches, ladders, swings, and toys. Design your cage with room to fly or hop around between “branches.” Bring in plenty of fun things as well to keep him mentally stimulated.

Be sure that the bars are spaced appropriately to prevent escape and look for features that make caring for your buddy easier for you, such as easy-to-clean surfaces and castor wheels to allow for easy moving. Place the cage in the middle of a busy area in your home, ideally with a window view. Your bird should always feel part of the family and have things to watch even when not flying loose about the house.

Perches

When choosing a perch, choose those that most closely resemble branches. The variation in size and diameter will exercise your bird’s feet and allow it to find spots to stand that are most comfortable. Getting a few will add variety to the cage and encourage your bird to exercise.

Be sure to put perches in places where your bird can still comfortably fly; look for corners and edges to set the perch, not right across the” flight zone”.

Toys

Birds adore toys and tend to like bright colours, especially puzzle toys—some species more than others. Small birds often love mirrors, bathtubs, and small plastic toys they can “beat up.” Larger birds often love bigger wooden toys which can be chewed and destroyed.

Most birds will have a very large toybox and the toys can rotate over time. If your bird has a large or powerful beak, you can expect that toys may be destroyed constantly, so be prepared to replace them frequently.

This can get expensive quickly, but sometimes you can make your own toys using items such as paper towel rolls, cardboard boxes, and scraps of untreated wood. Look at a wide variety of commercial toys and see what your bird likes. From there, your imagination is the limit! Just be sure that your bird isn’t likely to hurt itself with the toy (like hooking a toenail) or eat small plastic parts.

Food and storage

Do your research and look for veterinary sources recommending the food specific to your species of bird, be it bird seed, dried fruit/vegetables and/or kibble. Don’t be tempted to settle for something that is unhealthy just because your bird “likes it” or was eating this food when you adopted him.

Get an appropriate seed mix for the species, millet is a nutritious grain used to feed many types of bird, bird grit can aid your bird’s digestion and cuttlebone provides calcium and mineral supplement for your bird.

Some food comes in resealable bags, but we recommend buying storage containers to maintain freshness.

Water

Your bird’s cage should include a reasonably sized water bowl (based on the size of the bird).

Toileting

Litter should be sand, or wood based.

Cage Liners

The base of your bird cage will need to be cleaned regularly. It is important to find a liner that is safe to use and inexpensive for you to clean. Simple black and white newspaper works well for some birds (especially if your bird does not play on the bottom of the cage).

There are safe cage cleaning solutions which can help to loosen up any mess left behind by your feathered friend, allowing you to wipe them off. Be sure to keep your bird out of the cage until it is entirely dry, so they don’t ingest any of the cleaning solutions.

Grooming equipment

Your bird needs a bird bath for stimulation and to keep itself clean. Your bird will also need nail clipping from time to time. Buy a shower perch, spray bottle for cleaning, clippers, and styptic powder before you attempt a bath or trimming. You’ll also need the basics, like small towels.

Cleaning equipment

Just like your home, his cage needs regular cleaning, top to bottom. The food and water dishes will be easy to wash, but the cage requires a proper scrubbing. Some come apart for easier cleaning; regardless, you’ll want a brush, pet-friendly cleanser, and replacement liners.

Hiding Place

Everybody needs a place to go to be alone, and this includes your feathered friend! Make sure that there is one corner of the cage dedicated to “privacy.” This might just be a few pieces of cardboard which your bird can sneak behind, a box with one side cut out of it, or even a “fluffy sleep hide” designed specifically for birds. As long as your bird can get away whenever they feel the need for some privacy, it will work.

What else should you do for your bird?

Your bird will need their nails trimmed, and your veterinarian can teach you how to do that or even do it for you.

It doesn’t really count as an item, but you need to prepare a space in your home for the bird. If you have a larger variety, it’s essential that they have somewhere to fly around outside of their cage, daily. Your best bet will be to bird-proof a designated room where you let him have some degree of freedom but don’t leave him long without supervision if there’s anything he might get into or a way to escape. Remember that ceiling fans, radiators, and smoke all present a hazard to birds.

With good research and careful preparation, birds can be a wonderful addition to the household and long-lived companions. Choose your adopted species carefully, and research all the supplies you will need, and you will be off to a great start with your new feathered friend!