The Cage

It is best to purchase the largest cage possible.  Remember - this is where your bird will be spending a good amount of his or her time.  The cage should be sturdy, safe (free of open wires or bars to get caught in), and escape proof.  Also, think about your own lifestyle and opt for a cage that is relatively easy to clean.

Perches

Your bird will need a variety of shapes, textures, and diameters of perches.  If you pick branches from trees, they need to be washed with mild soap and water to eliminate pesticides and other toxins.

Toys

Birds are intelligent creatures who need a lot of positive stimulation.  Treat your bird to a wide selection of store-bought and/or hand-made toys and practice changing them around every so often to reduce the chance for boredom. (Hint: a tall wooden ladder placed outside of the cage provides great exercise for your bird.)

Cleaning

A regularly cleaned cage is vital to your bird's health.  We recommend the following:

Daily

• Change the liners (newspaper is the best).
• Wipe off excess debris from perches  (Hint: try using an emery board) and from food dishes.
• Wash the water dishes out with mild soap and water or at least rinse and wipe thorougly to rid them of scum.
• Vacuum and/or sweep excess seeds and debris from the area.

Weekly

Give the cage a good scrub down and include the following:

• Wash all food and water dishes with a mild soap solution (see the reference section for more information on soap solutions).
• Wash down the cage with a soap solution.
• Clean the perches thoroughly of debris.
• Change the liners.
• Remove any seeds and other debris from the cracks and crevices of the cage.
• Vacuum and/or sweep thoroughly around and underneath the cage.

Temperature Control

Avoid exposing your bird to extreme temperatures and keep the cage away from drafts.  Your bird will need and benefit greatly from sunlight as well as artificial lighting such as Vita-Lite.  Keep a towel around part of the cage so your bird can hide from direct sunlight as well as have some privacy.

Sounds

While it is difficult to keep your home totally noise-free, try to keep the cage in a room that is relatively peaceful and quiet.  If you are gone all day, try leaving on some soothing music for your bird to enjoy.

Sleeping

Most birds need between 8 to 12 hours of restful sleep to maintain optimal health.  We recommend that you put a night light in the bird's room.  Some birds, particularly cockatiels, are prone to having night frights, and a night light can help to alleviate these occurences.  Once the lights are off and the doors are closed, try not to enter the room as this can scare some birds and prompt night frights.  If you need to enter the room, try speaking softly first so your bird knows it's you and not a predator.

If your bird does have a night fright, enter the room and turn on the lights.  Speak softly and reassuringly to your bird and wait until he or she is safely on its perch and relaxed before you turn off the lights again.

If your bedroom is far from the bird's room, consider investing in a two-way radio (like the ones made for babies' rooms) so you can hear any disturbances.  You will also need to make sure the bird did not develop any broken blood feathers as they will have to be removed immediately lest the bird die. (see the health section for more information on blood feathers)