by Diamondd

Created on: March 20, 2009   Last Updated: March 25, 2009

What to buy for a new pet bird

If you plan to buy a bird, decide ahead of time what kind of bird you want. This will make a difference in terms of what items you need to purchase. All birds are not created equally, so do your research and know what you want first. Remember, the larger birds can live for 30 years or more, so it's a lifetime commitment. Parakeets, and the smaller birds only have a lifespan of a few years, but can be very engaging pets under the right circumstances, and tend to be less aggressive and prone to bite than some of the larger varieties.

The very first thing you will need to purchase, even before the bird, is the cage that your bird will be living in. Take into consideration the size of the bird, and then make sure it has plenty of room to move around. Some of the smaller ones will be more active and like to move around quite a bit in their cage. This will be their home and sanctuary, so it needs to be appointed correctly in order to make the bird comfortable. Strategically arranged perches are of paramount importance. It not only gives them a place to sit and view the world, it also provides a way for the bird to get away from you when you have to stick your hand in the cage to replace food and water. You need to give them plenty of time to get used to you before you start any kind of familiarity type training. Let them get used to their surroundings. Providing a perch that is in a high corner farthest away from where you will be reaching in will allow the bird to feel much safer until such a time when it has become your best friend and enjoys your attention. There is nothing cooler than a pet bird who will fly over to sit on your hand, but birds, especially the smaller ones, are frightened very easily, so take your time, and don't expect miracles right away. Believe me, they want to be your friend. Birds are very social and will enjoy your company as much as you enjoy theirs. One other thing I should mention about the perch is that it needs to be the proper size for the bird's feet. It is not good to have the diameter of the perch so small that the bird's toes overlap when gripping. It is also a good thing to have the perch covered with the rough sand paper material that will fit right over it, it helps to keep the bird's toenails worn down so they don't get too long.

Consider what kind of toys you want your bird to have. Most of them are curious and like to play. I've never had a bird that didn't like something with a bell on it, so

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