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Step 1
Make sure the cage is the right size for your bird. Most stores will try to sell you a cage that is far too small for the breed. For a cockatiel, the smallest cage you should buy is 18” x 18” x 24”. (Twice as tall as the bird is long, including the tail.) Use this as a gauge to pick the right size for your breed, and remember, you need to get bigger cages if you want to keep more than one bird.
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Step 2
Make sure the cage is sturdy, does not have paint that will chip, and does not have built-in food and water dishes. The bars should be spaced no more than half the width of the bird’s head to prevent it from getting caught in the bars, or escaping. A removable bottom with a sliding tray is best for easy cleaning. Go for a cage with a large door, to make getting the bird in and out easy.
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Step 3
Make sure the perches are the right size. Pinky diameter is good for parakeets, middle finger size for a cockatiel, and so on for larger birds. Try to have more than one size perch, as birds can develop arthritis in their feet from always being on the same size perch. Get sanded perch covers to aid in keeping your bird’s nails from growing too long.
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Step 4
Do not buy toys that are painted, as the paint can be eaten and poison the bird. Do not buy thin plastic toys, as they can crack, and your bird may swallow the sharp bits. Never buy toys that contain nickel, as it is poison to birds.
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Step 5
Never buy your bird a toy that has a mirror, or is shaped like a bird. Some will tell you that this keeps the bird from being lonely, but if you pay proper attention to your pet, this will never be an issue. Birds can bond to mirrors and bird-shaped toys, and see them as mates. If this happens, the bird will become antisocial, and even aggressive, attempting to protect their “mate”.
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Step 6
Be careful with toys that have bells. Jingle bells have holes that a bird’s toes can get caught in. Clacker bells may be poorly made and the clacker can be chewed off. Bells can be fun for a bird, but make sure the clacker is well attached, or that the jingle bell has holes that the toes cannot get caught in.
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Step 7
Unfinished wood toys are great for birds. Provide perches, ladders, unfinished wood beads and swings for your pet. They’re safe to chew and fun to climb on. Once your bird is well trained, put a standing perch on top of the cage and toys nearby for outside playtime.
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Step 8
Change out your bird’s toys from time to time to keep them from getting bored. Males in particular need variety and entertainment to stay happy.
