My First Bird: What do I prepare?

Birds aren’t exactly people’s first thought when they’re thinking of getting a pet. And while they can be a hassle, they’re still just as adorable and affectionate as any other pet! But if you’re considering what to prepare before you bring a feathery friend home, here are some things to take note of!

 

Items you’ll need

Be sure to have your home neat and tidy even before your new pet arrives! You should also have their own, separate home set up too, so be sure to have these things on hand:

  • A cage (Large enough to not cramp fully-extended wings and tall enough to accommodate long tails)
  • Cage liner
  • Food (A mix of bird pellets, fruits, and vegetables)
  • Food and water bowls
  • Perches 
  • Toys

Keep in mind that these are only beginning items! Expect yourself to buy refills and replacements as time goes by and your bird becomes more accustomed to their new home, so be sure to take note of their changing needs and wants!

Photo by lusyaya on Freepik.com.

Preparing their home

Before your bird come home, make sure to clear your house of these items or keep them out of reach from your flying friend:

  • Electrical cords
  • Toxic plants
  • Caffeinated or alcoholic drinks
  • Aerosol sprays and candles

Also take note that ceiling fans, mirrors and glass panes are pretty dangerous for your bird as well: they can’t see glass or spinning fan blades, so they might knock into them and get themselves injured.

Their cages should be made of a sturdy and non-toxic material, and should be able to accommodate twice the wing-span of your feather pal! Perches should also be installed inside their cages, made from a pesticide-free and non-toxic material as well.

Photo by fototigra on Freepik.com.

 

Preparing their diet

Birds have a rather diverse diet, especially between different birds such as budgies and cockatiels, who tend to eat seeds and grains as they’re granivores. It’s best to do your research based on the type of bird you’ll like to get, but a good diet for birds generally consist of:

  • Bird pellets
  • Fresh or dehydrated fruits and vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Cooked brown rice

Some foods to avoid include:

  • Garlic and onions
  • Chocolate
  • Avocados
  • Meat and dairy products

This is because most of these are toxic to your pet, and will cause serious illness if ingested!

Photo by kwanchaichaiudom on Freepik.com.

 

Making them feel welcome

To ensure that your bird enters a loving and welcoming home, you’ve got to prepare stuff that helps them settle in! Toys are a big part of it as they provide a source of entertainment and activity for your flight-loving pet and helps stay mentally stimulated and happy.

Chewing and nibbling on their toys also help them to maintain their beak and nails, and since they’re naturally inclined to chew, having a toy to play around with will help prevent them from self-mutilating. Providing them with toys can also distract them from other easily-chewed items around the house, such as electrical wires and carpets.

Also ensure that your house is well-ventilated and that there shouldn’t be any second-hand smoke in the house. Just as it’s harmful to humans, cigarette smoke is equally dangerous, if not more, to your birds. Be sure that your hands are washed and sanitised before handling your feathery pal too!

Photo by steveeeee on Freepik.com.

Handling a new pet is always tough, much less one that can fly about the house. But every good owner will be able to learn much more about their pet as time goes on, so don’t give up and always ensure that you’re providing the best for your beloved bird!

 

References:
https://www.petmd.com/bird/care/evr_bd_must_have_bird_supplies_for_pet_birds 
https://pets.webmd.com/getting-a-pet-bird#1 
https://www.wonderwall.sg/family/all-you-need-to-know-about-keeping-birds-as-pets/