How Do I Set Up a Home for My Bird?
Knowing what your bird needs and giving it the right kind of home is important. Learn as much as you can about your bird’s habits to keep it happy and healthy. Talk to bird veterinarians and experienced bird breeders, and read trustworthy books and websites.
Caring for Your Pet Bird
What Kind of Cage Should I Get?
The cage needs to be big enough for the bird to move around. Small cages can stress birds out and lead to problems. The cage should be at least one and a half times the size of the bird's wingspan in all directions, so that it has room to stretch. If you want to keep more than one bird in the same cage, make sure the cage is even bigger.
Not all birds get along, and they might fight if they're in the same cage. Talk to a bird vet about whether particular birds can live together peacefully and how to introduce new birds to each other.
Most birds prefer rectangular cages instead of round cages because they like having corners to sit in. Where you place the cage also matters. Some birds need to be where people are. Other birds feel safer in quieter spots. Avoid putting the cage near windows or air-conditioning, because it can get too hot or too cold. Don't keep the cage in the kitchen, because smoke or cooking fumes can be bad for birds.
Most birds shouldn't have their cages covered at night, because that can stress them out. Instead, if it gets cold, increase the temperature in the room or move the cage away from drafty windows or vents. Birds usually do well at temperatures that are comfortable to people.
Do Pet Birds Need Exercise?
Just like people, birds need exercise to stay healthy. Make sure your bird can move around in its cage, and provide perches and toys to keep it active. Avoid mirror toys that might confuse birds and stress them out.
Birds should be let out of their cages to exercise, but make sure they're safe and supervised during this time.
