Now that you've chosen a bird perfect for your family, your schedule and your lifestyle, you'll need to decide on how you want to welcome this new pet into your home. A new bird, whether it is a large macaw, a small finch, or a pair of lovebirds, needs the chance to settle into the new home, so it's unlikely your new pet will hop happily from arm to arm within the first few hours, or even days, of her arrival in your home. The key to helping a bird adjust to its new home is preparation.
After you have thought through all of your reasons for getting this particular bird, put yourself into your bird's position, and think of some things to make her arrival and first few days comfortable and less stressful. Consider purchasing an oversized cage, one that will allow an extra perch, or an extra toy, such as a ball, for your new friend to enjoy both inside and outside of the cage. Whatever features you choose, focus on the fun and delight this new pet will have and give to you and your family. The new bird well deserves to feel part of the family!
The Bare Necessities
For all birds, you need to buy the largest possible cage you can afford and fit into your household. All birds appreciate the ability to move around as much as possible and exercise their wings.
Food and water dishes are sometimes included with the cage, but make sure to check on this feature before you complete the purchase. These dishes should be adequate for what you plan to feed the bird, such as fresh fruit or pelleted food, which will need special containers to minimize any mess. Water dishes should encourage a bird to drink, not to be used as a toilet. Make sure you have cage liner material, and a removable bird dropping tray - one the bird cannot get to - for easy cleanup and maintenance. Since birds love to take baths, buy a spray bottle or birdbath for this purpose. Never use an empty household cleanser bottle, since the chemicals, despite diligent washing, can remain and poison your pet.
A variety of toys are available for your bird and they're a necessary item to greet a newly arrived bird. Most birds favor rings and swings to use for perches or pecking objects. Birds also enjoy balls, blocks of wood, and rawhide toys. These toys will provide an opportunity for socialization and exercise for your bird. Be sure to choose toys specifically for birds, and keep in mind the size of your bird when you purchase toys - little toys for little birds, and big toys for big birds.
You'll also need bird food such as seeds for hard-billed birds and pellets for soft-billed birds. Nectar for specialty birds, such as hummingbirds, is a necessity. This is a great way to begin individual socialization training with your bird.
A Little Something Extra
The amount of extras your provide your bird will arise from your family's schedule and the needs of your particular bird. Most birds need plenty of stimulation, and if left alone for several hours during the day, will enjoy the extra toys in the cage, a birdbath for bathing, extra perches and a larger cage.
Bringing It All Together
The arrival of a new bird to your home tends to be stressful, especially if you have children in the home. Your new bird will likely be stressed, but don't let this be a letdown to you and your family. Instead, follow this step-by-step guide for a more enjoyable arrival home:
- Purchase all the essential supplies. Get the cage, feeders, food, toys, perches, cage liner and cage cover before you arrive home with the bird.
- Plan to get the other necessary supplies as soon as possible. Think about when you will purchase a birdbath, bird nail trimmers, first aid supplies, bird shampoo, clippers, cage/aviary cleaners and disinfectants and scissors for wing trimming. All these items, of course, are not absolutely necessary, but if you plan to be providing a majority of the extraneous services to your bird, such as simple medical care, grooming and cleaning, it is advisable to have these on hand.
- Bird-proof your entire house. Although you may not be sure if you are going to let your bird free to fly about your home, it is necessary to double-check windows and doors for secure latches and screens to protect against your bird escaping. Make sure there are no poisonous materials available, such as open litter boxes or fabric soaking in a bucket of bleach. This includes the garage, and all closets and pantries in the house or apartment.
- Advise everyone in the house when the new bird is coming home. Alerting family members beforehand will give them time to prepare their rooms. You will also have time to prepare other pets already in the home of the new pet's arrival.
- Plan alternate activities for children shortly after your bird arrives. Since your bird will need some quiet time after its arrival home, think of something you and your children can do to give her that time. The activity must be something that will easily divert attention from the new bird.
Getting Acquainted
You and your bird can look forward to many years of enjoyable time together, but don't forget to do further research on your new bird's behavior and socialization, training and handling, grooming and cleaning. Consider planning regular checkups with an avian veterinarian to ensure your bird's good health, and think through arrangements for your bird if you have an upcoming trip within six months of her arrival.
With thoughtful preparation, the days surrounding your bird's arrival will be filled with joy and fun, and the start of a wonderful life for you and your bird.