Bird Care 101: A Primer for New Pet Parents

Welcoming a pet bird into your home for the first time is incredibly exciting, but it can also be quite daunting. If you’ve never cared for a bird before, there’s a lot of important stuff you need to know to give your feathered family member the best possible care.

There are also lots of common myths and misconceptions out there about the best way to care for a bird, so it’s essential that you know how to give your bird the best start to life in your home. At the same time, remember that birds come in different breeds, shapes, and sizes, so individual care needs will vary.

But if you’re preparing to become a pet parent to a bird for the first time, keep reading for our bird care 101 guide.

First and foremost, the secret to a happy life for your pet bird is good health. Just like for any type of pet, diet plays a crucial role — so check out the “Feeding” section further down the page for details on the best nutrition for your feathered family member.

Parasite control

Parasite control is a must. Birds can be susceptible to external parasites like lice and mites, as well as internal parasites like worms and giardia. Your vet can advise you on the best parasite prevention methods for your pet, while it’s also important to recognize the signs of a parasite infestation.

Keeping their cage clean is also a must, so head to the “Cleaning” section on this page for tips on maintaining your bird’s home sweet home.

Bathing

Just like you’d take steps to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, you also need to keep your bird’s feathers in tip-top condition. To do this, give them the opportunity to bathe in lukewarm water at least once a day. How often they’ll like to bathe will vary depending on the bird, but bathing a few times a week will ensure healthy feathers and skin.

Beak and claw maintenance

Another important health requirement for birds is to keep their claws and beaks sharp. Happily, this is something your bird can take care of themselves — with a little bit of help from you. Providing perches with varying textures and diameters will help wear their claws and beak down naturally, while providing cuttlefish and other chewing toys can also help.

Monitoring your pet bird's health

Some birds are more than capable of concealing the signs and symptoms that they are unwell. While this is an important defense mechanism in the wild, it means that health problems can often go undetected.

That’s why, as a pet parent, it’s up to you to keep a close eye on your feathered friend and recognize the signs they’re not at 100%. Signs of illness to look for include:

• Changes in their droppings
• Fluffed or messy feathers
• Loss of appetite
• Change in drinking habits
• Behavioral changes
• Weakness or lethargy
• Drooping on their perch
• Breathing difficulties
• Vomiting
• Weight loss or gain

If you notice any of these signs, get your bird to an avian vet for a check-up.

Common health problems and symptoms in pet birds

There are many health problems that bird parents should be aware of. Let’s take a look at 5 conditions that can affect popular bird varieties.

Respiratory disease

There are several causes of respiratory disease in birds. Common culprits include:

• the Chlamydophila bacteria
• fungal infections like Aspergillosis
• exposure to environmental toxins like cigarette smoke and non-stick cookware

Certain species can be prone to specific conditions. For example, budgies are susceptible to chlamydiosis. Symptoms include labored breathing, tail bobbing, frequent sneezing, and coughing.

Scaly face

Scaly face is caused by microscopic mites known as knemidokoptes. The condition commonly affects budgies and canaries.

Signs of an infestation of these burrowing mites appear around the beak, mouth, and eyes. Scaly face is highly contagious and is treated with ivermectin.

Yeast infections

Also known as candidiasis, yeast infections can affect a bird’s gastrointestinal tract. Commonly caused by the candida albicans fungus, yeast infections cause loss of appetite, regurgitation, ruffled feathers, weight loss, and lethargy.

Cockatiels and lovebirds are 2 species that can be affected. Antifungal medications are used for treatment.

Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)

This life-threatening disease affects many parrot species. Also known as Macaw Wasting Disease, PDD is thought to be related to avian bornavirus.

It affects the nerves of the digestive system, preventing a bird from absorbing nutrients properly, and also affects the nervous system. 

Symptoms include weight loss, regurgitation, ataxia, tremors, and undigested food in feces. Treatment focuses on supportive care.

Obesity

Obesity is a common problem in pet birds. Caused by poor diet and lack of exercise, it can also lead to a range of other conditions, including arthritis and diabetes.

Treatment involves switching to a lower fat diet and providing more opportunities for your bird to stay active.

A note on zoonotic diseases

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. Unfortunately, some pet birds, particularly parrots, can spread diseases to people.

The best-known of these is psittacosis or chlamydiosis, also known as “parrot fever”. This highly contagious disease can also affect pigeons and other birds, but as its name suggests, it’s most commonly associated with parrots. 

Caused by the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci, psittacosis is most commonly spread via the feces and respiratory tract secretions of infected birds when people inhale the bacteria. According to the CDC, psittacosis can cause fever, muscle aches, breathing difficulties, and a dry cough in people. Pneumonia can also  occur in some cases.

Safety tips for disease prevention

There are also other zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from humans to birds, including salmonella. As a result, it’s important to take the proper precautions when handling or caring for a bird:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching your bird, their feces, or anything in their cage.
• Clean and disinfect your bird’s cage thoroughly at least once a week.
• Give the cage a daily clean to ensure proper hygiene.
• Keep your bird indoors where they won’t come into contact with wild birds.
• Make sure your bird has regular vet check-ups.

From playing games of hide and seek to emitting a quite stunning array of squawks, chirps, tweets, and screeches, pet birds can exhibit all manner of unique behaviors. Some of them are cute, some of them are funny, some are a little strange, and some can even be a little alarming.

As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of some common bird behaviors and what they mean. In many cases, there’s a perfectly natural explanation for why your bird does what they do. Here's a quick look at the behaviors we'll cover below:

• Preening
• Messing up their cage
• Beak grinding
• Regurgitating
• Napping
• Pulling your hair
• Hiding
• Vocalizing
  

Preening

Preening is your pet’s way of keeping their feathers clean and in perfect condition to help them take to the sky. Preening feathers also protects birds against the elements, which is an important part of survival in the wild, and can even help them catch the eye of the opposite sex. However, if your bird starts “over-preening”, this could be a sign of anxiety, boredom, or other issues.

Messing up their cage

If you commonly wake up or return home to find your bird’s cage looks like a bomb went off, this could be a sign that they’re bored or unhappy. Without enough toys and environmental enrichment to keep them occupied, your pet could turn to destructive behavior to ease their boredom.

Beak grinding

Ever noticed your pet bird grinding their beak just before drifting off to sleep? Don’t worry: it’s a sign that they’re relaxed and content!

Regurgitating

Regurgitating food is another perfectly natural behavior for birds. They do it to feed their young or feed a mate, and it can even be a sign of courting behavior. Just don’t confuse regurgitation with vomiting, which is a sign of illness — you may find partially digested food in their feathers or around their cage after they vomit.

Napping

Does your feathered family enjoy a power nap or 2 throughout the day? This is a common and normal behavior, so it’s usually nothing to worry about. But if your pet starts sleeping for longer periods, or if they’re showing other symptoms of being unwell, it might be time to get them checked out by a vet.

Pulling your hair

Does your parrot pull your hair? This could be their way of preening you and demonstrating their affection, but it’s also a way to attract your attention.

Hiding

There are multiple reasons why your bird may try to hide from you. Sometimes it can merely be playful behavior and their way of initiating a game. In other cases, it could indicate that they’re stressed or anxious, or even be a sign of nesting behavior. Context matters, and you’ll also need to watch their body language carefully for any clues.

Vocalizing

One of the first things new bird pet parents notice is that their pets make a lot of noise. Not only that, but they’re capable of producing a dazzling array of sounds. Here are some common vocalizations to keep an ear out for:

• Chirping. Generally a sign that your bird is happy and content.

• Whistling. Another happy sound, whistling is also a way for your bird to attract your attention. In other cases, your parrot could be mimicking a sound you’ve made in their presence in the past.

• Chattering. Most often heard early in the morning or in the evening, softer chattering is often a sign that your bird is happy and relaxed. Louder chattering can be a way to try and get your attention.

• Screaming. A sound associated with some parrot species, screaming can indicate that your bird is frightened or distressed. In some cases, it can also be a way of getting attention.

• Talking or mimicry. Some parrots have an amazing ability to copy human speech and other sounds. So whether they’re repeating a word or phrase they’ve heard or just mimicking the sound of the doorbell, you can expect plenty of audio entertainment.

• Hissing. Cockatiels in particular are capable of producing an unusual hissing sound. It can indicate that your pet is anxious or frightened and doesn’t want you to come any closer.

Common behavioral issues in pet birds

Birds behaving badly can be a worry, a nuisance, and sometimes even a menace. Here are some common behavior problems in pet birds and what causes them.

Feather plucking

Feather plucking can be difficult to solve because it has myriad possible causes. The first step is to rule out any medical reasons why your pet is pulling out feathers, such as a skin infection. Next, consider whether stress could be the cause — for example, if you’ve just moved house or got a new pet.

Then there are lifestyle factors to consider, as birds can pluck their feathers due to boredom, overstimulation, a poor diet, and even sexual frustration. With so many potential causes, it’ll take some detective work on your part to get to the bottom of the problem.

Aggression

This is another behavior with several potential causes. Sometimes it’s caused by springtime hormones, but aggression can also be a response to fear, stress, or past trauma. Some birds can even become jealous of another family member or pet, so take your time to determine the exact cause of your bird’s behavior.

Biting

Biting can sometimes be a perfectly normal behavior — after all, your bird uses their beak to interact with their environment in so many ways. But some birds will also bite out of fear, aggression, jealousy, or even because molting is making them grumpy.

The good news is that proper socialization and handling can go a long way towards tackling any problems — more on that further down the page.

Territorial behavior

Hormones play a part in territorial aggression, which tends to be at its peak during mating and nesting season. Regular time out of the cage can help reduce territorial behavior, while proper handling and ongoing training are also effective.

Resolving behavioral issues in pet birds

Whatever bad bird behavior you’re tackling, remember these simple tips to help solve the problem:

• Define the problem. What is it, when does it occur, how often does it occur, and when did the behavior start?

• Watch your bird closely. Keep a close eye on your bird’s body language and general behavior. Do you notice anything else out of the ordinary?

• Consider possible causes. From a lack of environmental enrichment to stress, fear, or even medical issues, there are myriad possible causes of undesirable behavior. Work methodically to eliminate potential causes.

• Try a solution. If you think you’ve found the cause, experiment with ways to counteract it. For example, if your bird is stressed due to a change in routine, try returning to their old schedule. If it doesn’t work, go back to the drawing board.

• Ask for help. A specialist avian vet will be able to help you troubleshoot issues and suggest cures for behavior problems, so don’t be afraid to seek help.

Despite the fact that some pet birds can talk, they can’t exactly tell us how they’re feeling. That’s why it’s important to be able to understand bird body language and what it indicates. Here are some common body language signs to look for:

• Beak clicking. Beak clicking is a common bird behavior that could indicate a few different things. Budgies, for example, can use it to show happiness, but parrots may use it as a threat. Keep a close eye on your pet’s overall body language to figure out exactly what they’re trying to tell you.

• Beak wiping. The main reason why birds wipe their beak on things is to keep it clean, but this behavior can also help prevent their beak becoming overgrown. 

• Tail flaring. Parrots commonly fan out their tail feathers as a sign of excitement, so keep an eye out for other body language cues that may indicate their excited state.

• Ruffled feathers. There are a few different reasons why your bird may have ruffled feathers. While it’s a natural part of the preening process to help remove any loose feathers and debris, it could also be a sign that your feathered friend is cold or unwell.

• Dilated pupils. Also known as eye pinning, this common parrot behavior is easy to notice as the bird’s pupils dilate and constrict. It can be a warning sign of a few different things, so it’s important to examine your pet’s body language as a whole. If their overall body language is generally relaxed, the bird may simply be curious about something. But it can also indicate excitement or even aggression, so keep your eyes peeled.

• Shivering. Shivering helps birds stay warm, which is why you’ll commonly notice this body language cue after they take a bath. However, shivering can also be a sign of excitement or anxiety.

• Standing on 1 leg. This behavior is down to heat retention. Your bird’s legs aren’t covered with feathers, so tucking 1 away and leaving the other exposed to the elements helps them stay warm.

• Flapping wings. Wing flapping is a simple way for pet birds to show that they’re happy, get some exercise, or even get your attention. They can also do it simply to stretch, and you might see it more often when your pet is molting.

• Head bobbing. Head bobbing is a common attention-grabbing behavior, and your bird may use it to let you know they’re hungry or they want to be let out of their cage. However, parrots are also known for their dancing abilities, so they may bob their head in time to the rhythm of music.

Most birds are social creatures who require a companion to stay happy and healthy. Without the right social interaction they can become bored, depressed, and destructive.

But if you’re thinking of getting a companion bird for your existing bird, it’s not just as simple as buying any cute pet with a beak and wings. Instead, you’ll need to consider the following factors:

• They won’t necessarily get along. Don’t automatically assume that your existing bird and your new bird will be BFFs. They may be ambivalent towards one another, or they may even be aggressive and violent.

• Understand your bird’s personality. Some birds enjoy spending time with other birds; others are more solitary creatures and prefer to be the only pet in the home. For example, if your parrot has been the only pet in your home for several years, the introduction of a new pet might be more than they can handle.

• Size matters. Avoid housing a small bird with a much larger species to avoid the smaller pet suffering any injuries. Look for birds of a similar size.

• Gender matters. Did you know that if you try to keep 2 male canaries together, they’ll fight? Of course, you’ll also want to make sure the birds you house together aren’t going to start breeding. With this in mind, consider the sex of both birds before trying to pair them together.

• Behavior matters. Pairing a rambunctious, energetic species with a quieter, laid-back bird probably isn’t going to work. Research the temperament and energy levels of any species before deciding whether it’s right for you.

Introducing a new bird

Once you’ve found the perfect companion for your feather-kid, take note that you can’t introduce them straight away. Instead, there’s a 6-week quarantine period for new birds brought into the home — this will ensure that they don’t bring any diseases that could infect your existing pet. 

You’ll need to keep the new bird isolated in a separate room to your first bird, with no contact at all between them. Only feed your new bird after you’ve fed your existing bird, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the new bird. Watch your new bird for any signs of illness, and get them checked out by an avian vet at the beginning and end of the quarantine period before introducing them to your existing pet.

Once they’ve served their time in quarantine, they can meet their new buddy. Keep the following tips in mind to help ensure a safe introduction:

• Take it slowly. It could take months for your bird to accept their new housemate, so don’t expect them to become fast friends. You’ll need to be patient and allow them to gradually become accustomed to each other.

• Getting started. Start by moving your new bird’s enclosure into the room that your existing bird calls home. This will give them a chance to eyeball the other bird and get used to their presence.

• Watch their reactions closely. Watch their body language and behavior closely to see whether either bird appears threatened or anxious. If your first bird is territorial, you may need to make the introduction in a neutral area of your home. You can also give food treats to help them feel comfortable around each other.

• Give your first bird plenty of attention. To avoid any jealousy and stop your first pet feeling like you’re trying to replace them, make sure to give them plenty of attention.

• Put them together. Now it’s time to give your 2 pets the time to play together out of their cages. Give treats to reward good behavior, and watch interactions closely for any signs of discomfort. Over time, your 2 pets will hopefully grow used to each other and learn to live together happily and harmoniously.
  

What pet birds can be kept alone?

Before you rush out and get a feathered companion for your pet bird, take note that not all birds are as social as others. This can be down to a bird’s individual personality, but there are also some species such as canaries that will often fight when housed together.

Animal welfare groups generally recommend housing pet birds with at least 1 other bird for their health and wellbeing. But if your pet simply prefers the solitary life, take note that they still need plenty of daily interaction with you. Birds are social creatures that need companionship, so socialization is essential to help them form a strong bond with you.

Pet birds are not meant to be simply locked in a cage and forgotten about. These are remarkably intelligent, curious, and unique creatures, and they simply won’t cope without mental stimulation.

This is where environmental enrichment comes into play. Environmental enrichment is all about creating a space for your bird that encourages them to stay active and exercise their minds. This is crucial for your pet’s health and happiness as it prevents boredom, makes each day interesting and exciting, and helps them stay in shape.

Bored parrots can engage in all manner of destructive behavior — from feather plucking to messing up their cage — so it’s in your own best interests to provide plenty of environmental enrichment for your pet.

Ideas include:

• Toys (chew toys, interactive puzzle toys, foraging toys)
• Perches
• Ladders and climbing toys
• Swings
• Mirrors
• Baths
• Hiding spots

Rotating your pet’s toys regularly can help prevent boredom becoming a problem, while it’s also essential to ensure that any toys you choose are made from bird-safe, non-toxic materials.

Of course, you can also provide enrichment that’s outside the cage. For example, your parrot may enjoy watching TV with you or having their cage placed somewhere they can feel like an integral part of family activities. However, be aware that they will often also need to be able to retreat to a quieter, less stimulating environment whenever they want.

Another crucial way to provide enrichment for your pet bird is to let them out of their cage every day. Flying is the most natural behavior in the world for your bird, and it’s also great exercise, so they must be given a daily chance to spread their wings.

Providing an hour a day when your pet can get outside their cage will do wonders for their health and happiness. However, you’ll need to follow a few simple safety tips to ensure that they don’t come to any harm during these flying sessions:

• Secure the space. First and foremost, make sure there’s no way your bird can escape the space. Make sure all windows are shut, and that another member of the family won’t open the door while your bird is enjoying some exploration time.

• Provide enrichment. Provide perches and toys for your bird outside of the cage to encourage them to move around. This will increase their level of activity and also provide mental stimulation.

• Don’t forget about food and water. Provide food and water for your bird to help them stay hydrated and also as a reward for exploring their environment. 

• Watch them closely. Finally, make sure you supervise your pet’s free-flying sessions closely. That way you’ll be able to act quickly if they get into any trouble. It’s also important to leave their cage door open so they can go back inside whenever they want.

Bird-proofing your home

Want to keep your pet bird safe and secure during their free-flying sessions? These tips will help you bird-proof your home:

• Close your curtains or blinds to stop your bird flying into the window.
• Cover up mirrors.
• Remove any plants that may be toxic to birds.
• Remove any human foods that are toxic to birds (find out more about toxic foods further down the page).
• If you’ve got a ceiling fan or any other type of fan, turn it off.
• Put any cleaning chemicals, paints, etc. away.
• Ensure the paint within the home is not lead based
• Store any pharmaceuticals out of reach.
• Remove any other pets from the space.
• Remove any pots of water from the stove and make sure the stove is turned off.
• Make sure your bird can’t access the bathroom.
• Watch out for any small gaps or crevices where your bird could become trapped.

Should I clip my pet bird's wings?

Wing clipping is a controversial topic that generates plenty of debate in the bird world. Clipping a bird’s wings involves trimming a bird’s primary flight feathers in order to restrict their ability to fly.

People clip their birds’ wings for several reasons: to stop their bird escaping and flying away, to prevent their bird from flying into hazards, such as ceiling fans or closed windows, and to make it safer for a bird to play outside their cage.

But despite these potential benefits, there are also several drawbacks of wing clipping you should be aware of:

• While it’s often not designed to completely stop flight, wing clipping prevents your bird from moving around in its most naturally instinctive way.

• Clipping a bird’s wings as a baby can impact its physical and mental development.

• The lack of mobility can cause stress for your bird, which can in turn lead to behavioral issues.

• Being unable to fly could cause muscle loss and limit your pet’s ability to exercise.

• Wing clipping can injure your bird if the procedure is performed incorrectly.

So should you clip your pet bird’s wings? No — it can be painful for the bird and cause behavioral problems, and most vets don’t recommend it.

The good news is that there are other ways you can keep your bird safe while flying. The first step is to create a safe home environment for flying — see our tips above. You can also use training to teach your pet how and where to fly safely in your home, and provide plenty of environmental enrichment to ensure that they stay active but don’t try to escape.

Can you train a pet bird? The answer is a resounding yes. Pet birds, particularly parrots, are intelligent creatures and typically respond well to training. In fact, training your bird is important to stop them developing any unwanted behaviors, to keep them safe in a range of situations, and to strengthen the bond you share with your pet.

Why you should train your pet bird

• It strengthens your bond. Training helps you build a better relationship with your bird. It allows you to understand why they behave the way they do and allows your bird to learn the basics of how you want them to behave. The result is a bond built on trust.

• It helps keep them safe. Training can help you to protect your bird from hazards and dangerous situations. For example, you may want to teach your bird how to fly safely in your home, how to come back to you when called, or even how to behave on a visit to the vet.

• It offers mental stimulation. Training also provides much-needed workouts for your bird’s brain, so regular training sessions offer a welcome mental challenge. This can prevent boredom from setting in.

• It helps you prevent undesirable behaviors. Training also allows you to tackle any behavior issues your bird has, such as biting or aggression, and redirect them towards more positive behaviors.

And while training can sometimes be practical and serve a real-world purpose, at other times it can simply be for fun. In fact, you might be surprised by the fun tricks birds can learn, such as:

• Playing dead
• Bowing
• Fetching an object
• Climbing a ladder
• Talking

The possibilities are just about endless, so why not find out what your bird is capable of?

Bird training tips

Preparing to teach your pet some good behavior or train some tricks to impress your friends? Remember these bird training tips:

• Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement training techniques produce the best results. By giving your bird a high-value reward in return for the desired behavior, they’ll come to associate that behavior with positive things.

• Consider clicker training. Using a clicker when your bird does what you want can be a great way to reinforce the behavior, so consider making it part of your training routine.

• Be patient. Some birds learn new skills easily; others will take a while. But getting frustrated will only confuse and frighten your bird, so take a chill pill. A steady supply of patience is a must when training any animal.

• Make it part of your daily routine. Regular training provides great mental stimulation for your pet, so try to train your bird every day. But rather than giving them 1 marathon session per day, try to break it up into a few bite-sized training sessions of up to 10 minutes each.

A balanced diet is a cornerstone of good health. Unfortunately, many first-time bird parents are unaware of what it takes to meet a pet bird’s nutritional needs.

One common myth is that birds should eat birdseed and nothing else. In reality, birdseed is high in fat and doesn’t offer all the nutrients your pet needs, so feeding a birdseed-only diet could cause serious health problems.

Cockatiels, budgies, and other parrots will do best with a high-quality pelleted food which is specifically formulated to provide all the nutrition they need. This forms the bulk of their diet, providing all the protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids they need to stay happy and healthy.

This brings us to another myth: that pelleted diets are too boring for your bird to eat day in and day out. While it may appear that way to you, that’s not what your pet bird thinks.

Besides, with pellets forming the base of their diet, you can also provide variety (and extra vitamins and minerals) by ensuring that your bird has access to fresh fruit and veggies every day. From apple and mango to broccoli and pumpkin, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Your pet can still enjoy some high-fat birdseed — but only as a treat rather than a major component of their diet — while a steady supply of cuttlefish bone helps them keep their beak sharp. Along with access to plenty of fresh drinking water, your pet has now got all the key ingredients they need for a wholesome diet.

Safe and toxic foods for pet birds

If you’re thinking of sharing food with your bird, exercise caution. While some “human” foods are perfectly safe for birdy bellies, others can be highly toxic. In some cases, they can even be fatal.

Foods birds can safely eat include:

• Apple
• Carrot
• Pumpkin
• Leafy greens
• Pasta
• Sweet potato

Of course, remember that each food may have special preparation requirements to be safe to feed to your bird — for example, apples must have their cores removed — so do your research first.

Some common foods that are toxic to birds and should be avoided are:

• Chocolate
• Onion
• Garlic
• Avocado
• Caffeine
• Candy that contains xylitol
• Tomato plants
• Food that is high in salt
• Rhubarb
• Mushroom

If you’re not sure about the best diet for your pet bird, ask your vet for advice.

Shelter is another essential requirement for your pet bird. But when giving your feathery friend a place to call home, it can be hard to know where to start. Let’s look at how and where you should house your pet bird, and what you can do to create a safe and welcoming environment.

Should I keep my pet bird inside or outside?

This is a common topic of debate among bird lovers. Some people believe that keeping pet birds in cages indoors is cruel, while others believe that keeping birds indoors is the best way to protect them from extreme weather and predators while also making them feel like part of the family.

Whichever side of the debate you support, it’s worth considering the pros and cons before deciding to keep your pet indoors or outdoors.

Keeping a bird indoors

If you keep a pet bird indoors, you can keep them safe. They get to live in a clean and climate-controlled environment, well away from any predators and extreme weather. You can provide flying opportunities for them inside, but without the worry of them escaping.

However, you’ll need to make sure you give them plenty of interaction, enrichment, and time out of the cage, while the noise and mess some species make can take a little getting used to.

Keeping a bird outdoors

If your bird is housed outdoors, you can keep them in an aviary. This means more space for them to explore and more chances for social interaction with other birds. They can also benefit from spending time in the sun, but hot or cold weather, escape attempts, environmental contaminants, and predators like cats are all risks. 

Whichever option you choose, your bird will adapt to their environment. So if you decide to move an indoor bird to an outdoor enclosure, or vice versa, it could be a tricky transition. A change of living arrangements can be very stressful for your bird, potentially leading to all manner of problem behaviors, so think very carefully before deciding whether to change things up.

Safety tips for outdoor pet birds

If you are housing pet birds outside, these tips will help keep them safe and healthy:

• Weather protection. The aviary needs to provide adequate protection against the elements. Your bird needs to be able to get out of the rain, wind, snow, and sun, and to find a spot in the shade at any time of day. Don’t forget they’ll also need somewhere dark to retreat to when they want to sleep.

• Protection against predators. Your bird enclosure must be completely secure against predators such as cats. At the same time, you’ll also need to make sure that there’s no risk of your birds escaping.

• Avoiding pathogens. Your outdoor enclosure will need to be situated in an area where your bird won’t be exposed to any environmental contaminants, for example pollution, pesticides, or toxic plants.

• Space needs. The more space your birds have to call their own, the better. At the bare minimum, they need to have enough space to spread their wings, but the best approach is to get the largest aviary you can.

Types of bird cages and enclosures

Remember, it’s vital to let your pet bird out of their cage regularly for mental stimulation and exercise. Without this, their wellbeing will suffer greatly.

That said, you’ll also need to find a safe and spacious cage or enclosure for your feather-baby to call home. And when you’re ready to start shopping for an indoor cage or enclosure, there are a few different options to choose from. First, you’ll need to consider the material:

• Metal cages are sturdy and long-lasting, but be aware that the metal can heat up in the sun. Stainless-steel cages in particular are a popular choice and easy to clean.

• Wooden cages are durable too and can often be easier on the eye than some metal cages. However, they require a little more in terms of maintenance and can be expensive. They can be difficult to keep clean and disinfect, especially if one of your bird develops an infectious disease.

• Plastic cages are affordable, lightweight, portable, and easy to clean. However, they don’t offer the same longevity and could be damaged by strong beaks.

Next, you’ll need to choose a cage design. Floor-based cages are quite large in size, providing plenty of space for your bird to spread their wings. Tabletop cages are smaller and easier to move, while there are also hanging cages available if you’re short on floor space. 

But the most important factor to consider when choosing a bird enclosure is size. The bigger the bird, the larger the cage they’ll need. And regardless of whether your pet is a cute little finch or a magnificent macaw, buying the largest cage you can fit in your home is always the best bet.

Finally, don’t forget to consider bar spacing. A gap of more than half an inch between bars will be large enough for some small birds to get stuck in, so choose carefully.

Cleaning your pet bird's cage

Regular cage cleaning is essential to keep your bird healthy. Unfortunately, birds can be quite messy, so cage cleaning is a key maintenance task you’ll need to fit into your routine.

You’ll need to clean your bird’s enclosure every day. This includes changing the cage liner or paper, cleaning up any other droppings or debris, and giving food and water dishes a wash.

Once a week, you’ll need to give the cage a thorough clean to reduce the risk of disease. This deep clean involves pulling the cage apart to clean and disinfect all surfaces, perches, accessories, and dishes. Of course, make sure you use bird-safe cleaning products that are non-toxic.

There are a few other tips to remember to help keep your bird’s cage clean:

• Make sure all water and food containers are elevated and away from perches to avoid them becoming contaminated by droppings.

• Rotate toys regularly, and clean and disinfect toys each time you take them out of the cage.

• Check for any hidden cracks or crevices where droppings and debris may accumulate.

• Staying on top of cage cleaning each day will not only ensure a hygienic environment for your bird, it’ll also make your weekly deep clean quicker and easier.

Proper handling is essential to your bird’s health and wellbeing, and also to the bond you and your pet share. If you can get them used to being handled from a young age, it’ll produce a wide range of benefits later in life.

Once your bird knows the “step up” command, they’ll be a whole lot easier in any given situation — whether you’re trying to help them escape a dangerous situation, getting them examined by a veterinarian, or just cleaning their cage. At the same time, you’ll also be able to handle your bird without causing them any harm.

The best approach is to get them used to being handled every day. Patience is important here as you’ll need to start off by letting your bird get used to your presence. Talk to them gently and, if they’re calm and relaxed, start by hand-feeding them a treat or 2 while they’re in their cage.

Over time, you can graduate to putting your finger out for them to step onto. Say “step up”, and reward them with a treat when they step onto your finger. With a bit of repetition and a softly, softly approach on your part, your bird will soon become “finger-tame.”

Remember a few other tips to safely handle your bird:

• Don’t rush the process as this will only frighten your pet.

• Don’t try to grab your bird — this will frighten them and could also cause an injury.

• Keep a close eye on their body language for warning signs that they’re uncomfortable and may be about to bite.

• Not all birds appreciate human contact, so recognize the signs that they’re uncomfortable and don’t try to force them into a stressful situation.

It may take time and plenty of patience, but your bird should eventually be comfortable being handled out of the cage.

Bringing home your first-ever pet bird may be daunting, but don’t let that put you off. Birds make wonderful, loving pets and can bring so much joy into your life. And if you’re willing to put in the research and work required to give your feather-baby a loving home, you’ll be rewarded with an adorable companion.

Here’s a quick recap of all the essential bird care basics we’ve covered above:

• Pet birds are adept at hiding the fact that they’re ill, so keep a close eye on your pet for any signs that they are unwell.

• Some diseases can spread from birds to humans, so providing a hygienic environment for your pet and washing your hands after handling them is crucial.

• Preening, beak grinding, and a wide range of vocalizations are all natural bird behaviors.

• Behavioral issues like feather plucking and biting can have many possible causes, so it may take some trial and error until you find a solution.

• Most birds are social creatures who require a companion to stay happy and healthy, but you’ll need to carefully manage the introduction of a new bird to your existing pet.

• Environmental enrichment in the form of toys, perches, swings and more provides essential mental stimulation for your pet and encourages them to be active.

• Your bird needs time out of their cage every day to fly in a safe environment.

• A balanced diet for most pet birds consists of a commercial pelleted food supplemented with fresh fruit, veggies, and cuttlefish bone.

• Choosing a suitable enclosure for your bird is essential — the more space they have, the better.

• To keep your bird healthy, clean their cage daily and give it a deep clean once a week.

• Proper handling is important for your pet’s safety and will also help you build a relationship of trust with your bird.