Congrats on welcoming home your new bird
THE PETCO NEW BIRD GUIDE
We’ll help you navigate the exciting journey into pet parenthood with helpful tips, expert guidance and shopping recommendations for all your milestones together.


1. Building your bird’s home
Help them feel safe and comfortable in their new home.
1. Building your bird’s home
Help them feel safe and comfortable in their new home.
Habitats
Your bird’s habitat should be large enough for them to fully spread both of their wings without touching the sides of their habitat, if not larger.
Litter and Liners
Paper-based options help keep their habitat clean and maintenance easy by catching droppings.
Perches and Playstands
Provide a place to stand, climb and play to help them stay physically and mentally healthy.
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Habitats
Your bird’s habitat should be large enough for them to fully spread both of their wings without touching the sides of their habitat, if not larger.
-
Litter and Liners
Paper-based options help keep their habitat clean and maintenance easy by catching droppings.
-
Perches and Playstands
Provide a place to stand, climb and play to help them stay physically and mentally healthy.
2. keeping your bird happy
Playing with your bird every day helps build their confidence and comfort level to help strengthen their bond with people.
2. keeping your bird happy
Playing with your bird every day helps build their confidence and comfort level to help strengthen their bond with people.
Toys
Not only should you buy a variety of toys to help keep them mentally engaged, but also try rotating them regularly so your bird doesn’t get bored.
Play Gym
Provide daily stimulation to help their brain stay sharp.
3. Finding the right nutrition
Set a strong foundation for their physical health with quality nutrition.
3. Finding the right nutrition
Set a strong foundation for their physical health with quality nutrition.
Food
Species-specific bird food provides the well-rounded nutrition they need for vitality and longevity.
Treats
Use treats to teach your bird new tricks to help them gain social skills.
Feeders and Waterers
Ensure fresh water and food are available at all times.
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Food
Species-specific bird food provides the well-rounded nutrition they need for vitality and longevity.
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Litter and Liners
Paper-based options help keep their habitat clean and maintenance easy by catching droppings.
-
Perches and Playstands
Provide a place to stand, climb and play to help them stay physically and mentally healthy.
4. BUILDING YOUR BIRD’S GROOMING ROUTINE
Birds have grooming needs, too! These basics can help keep their health on track.
4. BUILDING YOUR BIRD’S GROOMING ROUTINE
Birds have grooming needs, too! These basics can help keep their health on track.
Cuttlebones
As your bird pecks and chews, cuttlebones help naturally trim their beak and provide calcium for their bones.
Bird Baths and Misters
Help birds keep their feathers clean as they preen them while also hydrating their skin.
Nail Care
While some perches help grind birds’ nails naturally, their nails sometimes need extra care to stay at a comfortable length. Birds only need one concrete perch as more than one can irritate the bottom of their feet.
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Cuttlebones
As your bird pecks and chews, cuttlebones help naturally trim their beak and provide calcium for their bones.
-
Bird Baths and Misters
Help birds keep their feathers clean as they preen them while also hydrating their skin.
-
Nail Care
While some perches help grind birds’ nails naturally, their nails sometimes need extra care to stay at a comfortable length. Birds only need one concrete perch as more than one can irritate the bottom of their feet.
5. Understanding your bird
Birds are intelligent animals who need time to adjust to their new environment. Below are some key characteristics to know so you can help them adjust:
Socializiation
Birds need continual stimulation in their habitats, and some types of pet birds can become frustrated or bored if they are not allowed time out of their habitat every day for interaction.
Vocal behaviors
Each bird species has different chatters, chirps and noise levels. Knowing what is considered normal for your bird can help you spot issues.
Preening vs. plucking
Preening is a normal, healthy behavior while plucking may be a sign of an underlying health problem, stress or boredom.
6. SPECIES-SPECIFIC CARE SHEETS
Once your bird’s essentials are squared away, help support every aspect of their health by learning about the nuances of their specific species.