Things You'll Need:
- Weaning cage
- Perches
- Hanging toys
- Newspaper or substrate
- Heavy, shallow dishes such as ceramic crocks
- Foot toys
- Heat lamp or small space heater (optional)
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Step 1
Mount two or three perches low in the cage. They should be just high enough to prevent the birds' tail feathers from dragging on the cage floor. Depending on the species, this could be anywhere from a few inches to a foot from the bottom of the cage. Be sure to leave plenty of space between perches to prevent contamination of food bowls.
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Step 2
Hang a few toys from the top or sides of the cage. Baby parrots often enjoy cuddling with soft, stuffed toys. Chew toys may also be appreciated, especially if they are made of soft, colorful wood.
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Step 3
Place a nest substitute in the cage for the baby parrots to hide and sleep in. Some options include a bird tent, "Happy Hut," or a closed cardboard box with an entry hole cut into it.
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Step 4
Line the cage floor with several layers of old black-and-white newspaper or substrate. If using substrate, choose an absorbent material, such as aspen shavings. Newspaper or substrate must be changed daily or more often, since the baby birds will spend much of their time on the floor of the cage.
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Step 5
Place heavy, shallow food and water bowls on the floor of the cage. Fill the water bowl to only 1/2 an inch deep to prevent aspiration or drowning. Lead-free, glazed ceramic crocks work well for as dishes for young parrots.
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Step 6
Add another dish or basket filled with foot toys. Most baby parrots prefer foot toys, perhaps because they are smaller and less threatening than larger hanging toys.
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Step 7
Place the weaning cage in a warm room, ideally with a temperature of 76 to 82 degrees F. If the temperature in the room is lower than this, you may wish to use an additional heat source, such as a heat lamp mounted outside of the cage.
