What to Buy Before Getting a Pet Bird

Choose formulated pellets or a seed mix appropriate for the species and size. Ask an avian veterinarian about the right balance for your bird.

Useful for training and bonding. Keep treats a small share of the daily diet and confirm they're safe for the species.

Sturdy, easy-to-clean dishes for food and water. Many cages need at least two sets to separate food from water and treats.

A spare set of dishes makes daily cleaning routines faster and ensures food is always available during washing.

Prioritize usable interior space and safe bar spacing over overall height. Bigger is almost always better for horizontal movement.

Paper liners make daily cleanup simple and let you monitor droppings for health changes.

Vary diameters and materials so your bird can grip comfortably and wear its nails down naturally.

A secure, ventilated carrier is essential for vet visits and any travel, and should be introduced calmly before it's needed.

Many birds enjoy a shallow bath dish or gentle misting. Bathing habits and preferences vary a lot by species.

Some owners use a light conditioning spray during heavier molts; check with an avian veterinarian before regular use.

Rotate toys sized for your bird's beak strength to encourage natural foraging and chewing behavior.

For supervised outdoor time only, using a size matched to the individual bird after gradual, reward-based training.