Parrot Adventure

How to Select and Purchase a Pet Bird

BEFORE YOU BUY
1. Visit places that sell birds, like stores and bird fairs.
2. Ask lots of questions, listen and ask more.
3. Do some research, online is easiest, about the types of birds you have seen / liked, and birds that are similar. If you have a home, noise is not a problem, but if an apartment or condominium, narrow your selection to the quieter birds.
4. Think about "your commitment" as in the time you can spend with a bird. Parrot type birds (everything from Parakeets (budgies) to Cockatiels, Conures and even larger) - need your time, need to be part of your family, and should not be ignored. Think of a parrot like a dog: a part of your family that must be fed and wants to be talked to and played with every day.
5. Consider cage size - it must not be too small - and include in your budget the price of a T Stand or Play stand for the bird when out of its age. Birds enjoy their own space and are happiest when that space is near you. A play stand is perfect for that.

WHEN YOU BUY
1. Who will you buy from? Buy in person. Do not buy sight unseen internet or online ad. Go to see the bird first! If you are buying an expensive parrot for thousands of dollars: isn't that worth the drive to see it first, even if in another state? Scams on birds happen daily - see before you buy.
2. Does the bird appear healthy? Chewed feathers, closed sleepy eyes, droppings stuck to the underside of the tail, dirty cages: all signs of potential problems to avoid.. Birds that are happy and easy to touch are good choices. Birds that are reclusive, unresponsive, overly aggressive of simply "look bad" are bad choices.
3. Think about vet care. You might not need a vet, hopefully not, but ask the seller who they recommend if problems occur. You might someday need an "avian vet," so put that number in your phone in case you need it someday.
4. What if you don't like the bird? Birds have distinct personalities and might not exhibit their true nature when you first meet them. Or, they may even grow to have a different personality in your home. Ask the seller for the right to exchange your healthy bird if it is not right for your family. A free exchage is not too much to ask.

WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR BIRD HOME
1. The first day, the first week, are the hardest times for your pet. The bird is suddenly the only bird in the house, their cluthmates and bird friends are gone. They are alone in a strange cage and a strange house. This is stressful and can create stress related issues like "not eating" or becoming depressed. You can minimize this by considering what the bird is seeing, hearing and feeling.
2. Cover the back 1/2 of the cage, and leave the front 1/2 open all day and night - for at least the first week. Covering the back half creates a secure safe area, so that the bird does not feel surrounded by the new home.
3. Feed the identical foods the bird was accustomed too. If you change the food in the first week, the bird may be too frightened to eat and could die. Also: do not use "covered" cups" which the bird might be afraid to put its head into - and consider that the bird might be wary fo new colors and new shapes for cups. Multiple areas for food are best for new birds. Change water and clean the water cup every day.
4. Keep the cage up at least 30" off the ground - higher is better. birds always feel more secure at the top of the tree. And be sure that food is at "the top of the tree" as well - meaning that if the bird sits at the top of a tall cage, there should be food up there as well since the bird may be too frightened to come down to the bottom. Spray millet clipped to the end of the perch makes a nice "upper level" feeding area until the bird gets comfortable with your home and its new cage.
5. Don't play or excessively play with a new bird until it is happily eating, drinking and moving around the cage. A little handling and love may actually help - but too much simply makes the transition even more scary.

Most of this new-home stress passes after the first week - and then the personality, love and joy that is part of bird ownership begins. Lots and lots of love!

Mike & Becky @ Parrot Adventure