Caring for your bird

Smaller birds like budgies, cockatiels, canaries and finches are the most common pet birds. You should choose a bird that will best suit your lifestyle. The tiniest members of the parrot family, parakeets (budgies) are the easiest to keep. Finches and canaries are also generally less messy and independent. Cockatiels are popular birds that can provide companionship for up to ten years or more. Larger parrot-type birds like cockatoos, amazons and macaws generally crave companionship and need extra exercise and attention. You will need to spend a lot of time with these birds and if left home alone, they often become noisy or depressed.

Place the cage at eye level, usually about five feet above the ground. An overhead lamp or nearby light fixture is often desirable, and is beneficial to the health of your bird. You want to avoid drafty windows and vents to keep him healthy and you may want to keep him away from windows to keep him from getting stressed and frightened. Birds need 12-14 hours of sleep.

Allow your new bird two or three days to get familiar with its new surroundings. Make sure that it eats regularly and has plenty of fresh water and seeds. Most parrot-type birds, including budgies, have their primary flight feathers trimmed during taming (this will also prevent many injuries and escapes).

The best bird food always provides the best nutrition. Absolutely forbidden are chocolate and avocados, as both can be lethal to parrots. Nails should be trimmed regularly.Birds are intelligent creatures and they need stimulation. Select good quality, safe toys as boredom causes destructive and undesirable behaviors. Change and add toys often. 

Bathing can stop feather plucking, will help to prevent over preening. Shower your parrot 2 to 3 times a week in the winter and 3 to 5 times a week during the hot summer months.