First thing to remember is that any pet is a big responsibility and as crazy as it may sound to some of you, a bird may live 20, 50, or even 100 years.
When thinking about getting a bird, make sure it's what you really want. No matter what kind of pet you want to get or already have, make sure that it makes you happy. When I am in pain or upset, my birds comfort me and help me through whatever. It's nice to come home and have someone want to see you so much. You know that they are not just a pet but a friend or family. Keep this in mind while figuring out what you want; many of these animals will be with you most of your life and they may even out-live you. This is why it is important that you want them as much as they want you. Birds are not like your average cat or dog, you can't just put them in a cage and expect them to behave correctly. Birds are not domesticated; they are often thought of like children, you have to teach them how to behave otherwise they go back to what comes natural.
Also remember that with it living so long that cost will also continue too.
When thinking about getting a bird, make sure it's what you really want. No matter what kind of pet you want to get or already have, make sure that it makes you happy. When I am in pain or upset, my birds comfort me and help me through whatever. It's nice to come home and have someone want to see you so much. You know that they are not just a pet but a friend or family. Keep this in mind while figuring out what you want; many of these animals will be with you most of your life and they may even out-live you. This is why it is important that you want them as much as they want you. Birds are not like your average cat or dog, you can't just put them in a cage and expect them to behave correctly. Birds are not domesticated; they are often thought of like children, you have to teach them how to behave otherwise they go back to what comes natural.
Also remember that with it living so long that cost will also continue too.
Preparation For The Home
Cage:
First get a cage that will be comfortable in. No matter what size your bird is they will always enjoy a larger cage. You might not have the extra money for a big cage that costs a couple hundred dollars, but there are other places to find cages cheaper than the average pet store. When you do find a cage, if it is not from the pet store, be aware of rust and missing pieces. If there is rust you can't just cover it up with any paint, you have to make sure it is for birds.
Perches:
Secondly, you will need to have perches. Most places will tell you that you need as least two, at different heights and different sizes. I recommend putting one perch up high in the cage where the bird can sit on it without hitting the top; birds feel safer when they are in the highest spot possible. Consider real tree branches, they are very good for the bird. However, be aware that some types of wood is dangerous for birds. Birds enjoy picking off bark from branches. They also will rub their beak on the branch, which will keep their beak in good shape and feels good. The branch naturally has different sizes for their feet.
Toys:
Another thing you will need is the toys. Birds need toys to play with and keep them engaged. You should have several different toys for them to play with. You should have different toys to change out every once in a while; the birds will get bored after a while with toys. Sometimes it may be difficult to find toys that your bird really like, so don't go out and buy too many before you find out what your bird likes. Sometimes it helps if you play with the toy in front or with your bird; when they see you playing with a toy they find it more interesting and maybe more likely to enjoy the toy.
Food and Nutrition:
Don't forget about the food! Each bird has a different type of food that it should eat and will like to eat. Although all birds will be healthier if you add it fresh fruits and vegetables. It will be easier to get a bird to eat fresh food when they are young. It also helps when they see you eating the same thing because they think it better. Getting your bird to eat at the same time as you is bonding time.
Even though you may figure that as long as you have water then your bird will, is not always correct. Remember, your bird is much smaller than you, thus is more sensitive to changes. Sometimes your city may put more chemicals in the water to make it safe for us but will be hard on birds. You may also go under a water advisory. If one of these things happen, what will you do for your bird? To help during these situations, you may want to have a couple of bottles of water kept back for your bird. You may also want to have your bird on bottled water all the time to avoid these situations completely.
Something you need to have in the cage at all times is a cuttle bone. Birds love to use and play with cuttle bones. These help to keep the birds healthy.
Another thing you should keep in the cage at all times is a vitamin or mineral block. Of course these keep the bird healthy and they enjoy using it. Owners often like to get the pink colored blocks because when the bird uses it, they get their beak pink and it is fun to watch.
Even though you may figure that as long as you have water then your bird will, is not always correct. Remember, your bird is much smaller than you, thus is more sensitive to changes. Sometimes your city may put more chemicals in the water to make it safe for us but will be hard on birds. You may also go under a water advisory. If one of these things happen, what will you do for your bird? To help during these situations, you may want to have a couple of bottles of water kept back for your bird. You may also want to have your bird on bottled water all the time to avoid these situations completely.
Something you need to have in the cage at all times is a cuttle bone. Birds love to use and play with cuttle bones. These help to keep the birds healthy.
Another thing you should keep in the cage at all times is a vitamin or mineral block. Of course these keep the bird healthy and they enjoy using it. Owners often like to get the pink colored blocks because when the bird uses it, they get their beak pink and it is fun to watch.
What Bird Is Right For You!
Think about what you really want or need. Do you want something big or small? Are okay with loud noise the majority of the day or do you require more quiet time? Do you want something more personable or something more to watch? Are you willing to work with the bird a lot? Each of the birds have different traits and qualities that you should think about and examine before you commit to getting a certain bird. You also need to look at the living environment that the bird came from. If the bird comes from a place that it doesn't get any attention, you will need to do a lot of work to get it tamed down and ready to build a good relationship with it.