At Cuckoo's Nest Aviary we take caring for Parrots seriously. Unfortunately in the world today there are too many homeless pets and we should all take measures to ensure this problem is eliminated. Prior to purchasing a new parrot there are things to consider...

Why do I want a parrot?

Parrots for the most part are self-centered, with a "me first" mentality. It is their right! Asking a parrot to share its life with you is a very serious decision; one that should be made with much care and consideration. You should never buy a bird on impulse. Put some thought into your decision, do some research, read books, search the Internet. You shouldn't rush your decision as with proper care your potential new parrot can live for many years. Some parrots have the potential to live 50 + years.

While our birds are hand fed and more importantly "Hand Socialized" it is important to understand they still have needs and will on occasion test your tolerance.

Finding the right bird for your lifestyle is important. You should write down 10 reasons why and 10 reasons against purchasing a new parrot. If you decide a "Parrot" is for you, Great! Falling in Love with a bird changes and enhances your life. We should know; "It changed ours".

The ideal home for a bird needs to be comfortable, secure, offers exercise, and playtime.

A cage should be large enough that a bird can stretch out its wings without touching the sides, while on the perch, their heads should not touch the top, nor should their tail touch the sides or floor. The shape of the cage is also important. Birds should have a little room in their cage to jump from perch to perch.

The spacing of the cage bars should not be so wide the bird can slip between them, or even get their head caught attempting to escape. Birds love to be able to climb all around the inside of their cage, and this includes hanging upside-down. It is recommended that cages have horizontal bars (side to side) bars on top as opposed to a solid material. Larger birds have powerful beaks and can easily destroy small cages. An all-metal (or even wrought iron) cage is a must for larger parrots.

Cage doors and the way they are fastened are also an important consideration. Doors that are kept shut with simple spring action may be appropriate for smaller birds like a budgie or canary, but will not be secure enough for a Quaker, Senegal, or Indian Ringneck Parakeet. Birds will even learn to open their cage doors. We have a Senegal that simply loves letting everyone out on any given day. Locks may be a necessary consideration when you're not at home for a long period of time.

If you purchase a used cage, it is important you carefully examine it for defects. Metal cages should be free of rust because a bird can ingest rust particles and cause damage to their crop. Used cages should also be completely cleaned and disinfected in case the previous occupant had an infectious disease.

Recommended Cage Sizes:

Okay...So you know you want a bird. You checked out the cage sizes and know what you need to purchase. Next is the "Accessories", what goes inside the cage:

Perches

Perches that vary in diameter are best for your parrot as it offers various diameters. Ideally perches made of bird safe wood with the bark left is best. Safe woods for birds include Manzinita, Apple, Beech, Elm, Willow, Ash, Cactus, Fir, Hawthorn, Pine, Poplar, Arbutus, and Birch. In case you use branches from trees on your property or from friends, be aware some may have been sprayed with insecticides or pesticides! You can easily clean using 10% bleach to water solution. Leave on for about 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Then as an added precaution, bake the branches in an oven (350 Degrees) for about 10 minutes. This will eliminate any insects attached to the branches.

Place as many perches in the cage as you can comfortably fit while allowing your bird room to climb and play between them. A Sandy perch is helpful in keeping nails more manageable but should not be the only perch provided as birds can develop foot ulcers and arthritis from spending too much time on a hard surface.

And one last point to mention about perches...Don't place above a food dish for obvious reasons.

Toys

I can't stress the importance of providing TOYS. Toys are important to the health and well being of companion parrots. With their intelligence parrots become bored quickly. Keeping them entertained will help prevent behavior problems such as screaming, biting, and feather picking. In addition to entertainment, wood toys help keep beaks in good condition. With plenty of toys to chew, taking your companion parrot to the vet for beak trimming will not be necessary.

Whether for fun, exercise, or socialization, toys are an important feature of your bird's daily life. Birds are individuals with different personalities and preferences and keeping a supply of your bird's favourite toys on hand for their enjoyment will make for a happy, well socialized pet.


So you have the cage, perches and now Toys "lots and lots of toys". Other accessories you may want to consider would include: Play Gym's (Floor Stand or Cage top), Bird Stands so your bird has a spot in every room.

Birds are naturally mischievous (in a fun way) and will get themselves into many unusual predicaments. With that being said it is important that you "bird proof" your home as we all know your new companion will not always be in the cage. Since we spend a lot of time in the Kitchen...lets start their.

Kitchens

First, housing a bird in the kitchen is probably not the best choice as there are too many potential hazards. Hot stove elements, open pots while cooking or even a sink full of water may be potential dangers. Cleaning products present possible hazards if ingested. Over-heated teflon-coated cooking appliances release a toxin that does not seem to affect humans but will cause death to a bird within 24 hours. However, if the kitchen is your only option, simply exercise caution and keep those wings clipped. Off to the bathroom...

Bathrooms

Bathtubs with water, open toilet bowls and full sinks are possible dangers to a bird. Birds are not known for their ability to swim and excessively hot water may severely burn a bird. Now off the rest of the house and potential problem areas.

Electrical Cords

A very inviting potential toy for your pet bird is the soft, rubbery, chewable coating of electrical cords. Unfortunately inside is not a gooey surprise! There is the obvious potential danger of electrocution, facial burns and even a serious fire hazard, electrical cords must be hidden away or unplugged.

Open Windows, Doors

We believe in keeping bird wings clipped to prevent injury. However, all windows and doors should be kept closed. A domesticated bird will not survive in the outdoors. Potential hazards include other animals and weather. Not to mention, it is very difficult to entice the friendliest of parrots down from the top of tree.

Fans

The bird cannot see the blades while they are in motion... need we say more.

Other Pets

Cats, dogs and other furry creatures can be a potential danger to your bird. Even though you trust your four legged companion with your heart and sole, keep in mind they have a natural hunting instinct and your bird may become the victim. I know one of our birds loves biting our dog Sisco...now Sisco looks for the opportunity to pounce, sometimes. You should never leave your animals alone together unattended.

Mirrors and Windows

Birds don't understand the concept of glass or mirrors. To the bird, there is nothing solid, just open space to fly. The result of a bird flying free can be fatal if smashing into a window or mirror. A very good reason to keep wings clipped on your companion birds.

Fish Bowls / Aquariums

Like a toilet or sink, any open container of water should be considered a danger zone.

Lead and Zinc Poisoning

Lead is commonly found in many places around the house. Examples include curtain weights, solder on cages or plumbing, older paints, batteries, Tiffany lamps, stained glass windows, some costume jewellery and zipper teeth. Lead is soft, fun to chew on and easily swallowed. Also known as heavy metal toxicosis, lead and zinc poisoning is life threatening.

Air Pollution

Birds are very sensitive to pollutants in the air and are vulnerable to second-hand smoke. Cigarettes, cigars and pipes should not be used around your bird. Cooking fumes, gases such as carbon monoxide, cleaning products, paints, varnishes, fire place fumes and dirty household air ducts may cause respiratory problems. Ventilate the environment well after use of any of these products before returning the bird to the area.

Common Household Products

Of course there are always common household products everyone should be aware. This doesn't pertain to birds only, other pets should be considered.

Plants

Birds like to explore their world with their mouths. This means that houseplants may get tasted or perched on. Of course, cacti and birds don't get along, and some other types of plants may be toxic. We have made a list of known plants that are safe for birds. However, a better solution would be to simply restrict access to any plants.

Safe Plants