It’s super exciting to welcome a feathered friend into the family! To make their transition into your home as smooth as possible, we’ve put together some items you should have before you collect your new bird!
The first thing you’ll need is a cage! Always buy the largest cage you can accommodate, so your beaked buddy has plenty of room. Remember, this is where they’ll spend most of their lives. It needs to be wide enough so that they have plenty of room to stretch their wings out fully, and tall enough to accommodate long tails. It should also have a grate in the bottom for easy cleaning, and to keep your bird separate from their mess!
It's a good idea to get an additional smaller cage for travel or whilst you’re cleaning their main cage. We also suggest a cage cover or a clean, lightweight blanket to cover their cage at night.
You don’t need anything fancy for these - cage liners, paper towels or newspaper should do just fine! The advantage of using paper over something shredded is that it makes the tray easier to clean out and allows the easy monitoring of droppings for your bird’s health.
The usual choice for bird food is pellets or seed mix, along with some tasty treats - all specially tailored for your breed to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Wider food dishes encourage your beaked buddy to try new food items but ensure they’re sturdy as to withstand being stood on and pecked! Look into any additional vitamins and minerals your bird may need too.
Keeping your bird entertained will keep them happy as well as prevent health and behavioural problems. They need lots of enrichment, so swap toys out regularly to keep your pet engaged. A swing, rope perch and something stimulating is a good start!
Both your bird and their cage will need to be cleaned regularly. You’ll want a bird-safe cleaner for the cage and a spray bottle for your bird! Fill the bottle with water and spritz your bird to give them a bath. You may find that your bird prefers cleaning itself in water, but this is a starting point.
Now you have all the essentials to welcome your feathered friend home! You may find some extras once you get to know your new pet, but these basics will help them settle into your home easier.
