Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Pet Bird

Do You Have the Room for a Proper Bird Cage?

Your bird will need a secure cage that’s large enough for them to comfortably move from perch to perch, stretch their wings, climb, and exhibit all of their natural behaviors. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the size of the bird cage they need, so before you bring a pet bird home, consider their cage needs, where the cage will go in your home, and if you actually have the space for it.

Be sure to put the cage in an area where your bird will be able to see you throughout the day and where they can get a bit of sunshine, but bear in mind that it shouldn’t be a drafty area. Also important to note: kitchens aren’t recommended because fumes from nonstick cookware can be harmful to pet birds.

The size and shape of the cage will depend on the type of bird you plan on getting (e.g., a tiny finch versus a large parrot). And if you can keep more than one bird in the same cage, it should be large enough that all of them will have enough space.

Even when it comes to what goes in their cage, it’s important to do your research based on species. For example, what types of toys do they prefer and what types of perches should you buy? By answering these types of questions, you’ll know what you should purchase to set the cage up properly.

An example is the Yaheetech Bird Cage, which is appropriate for small and medium birds like parakeets, cockatiels, and lovebirds. It has wheels so you can roll it into place and move it as needed, and is designed to be easy to clean. Plus, for enrichment, you can let your bird play on top of the cage, with its ladder, perch, and food and water bowls.

Do You Have the Time to Interact With and Clean Up After Your Bird?

Be sure you have time to spend with your bird to keep them happy. These are social and intelligent animals, so without enough attention, entertainment, and interaction, they can experience stress and boredom, and might start exhibiting negative behaviors like feather plucking, repetitive movements, and excessive vocalizations. This is yet another reason to thoroughly research a bird’s care requirements before deciding if they’re right for you.

Also, pet birds can be very messy. When eating, they’ll drop bits of food and seed shells that can land on the floor outside of their cage. If you give your bird a dish to take baths, they’ll splash water. And you’ll find their feathers outside of the cage, too, especially when they molt.

Be ready to sweep or vacuum daily to keep the area around your bird’s cage neat, and refresh food and water bowls every day. Clean the cage at least weekly to disinfect everything, add new cage liners, and make sure the enclosure is safe and hygienic for your bird.

Do You Want a Bird Who Will Come Out of Their Cage?

Some bird species, such as finches, can remain in their cage and you can spend time near them while they’re hopping along their perches or flying across their cage. However, many species, such as parrots large and small, do best when they’re given time to play and interact with you outside of their cage daily.  

Having a bird come out of their cage to sit on your finger, shoulder, or on a play gym can be a lot of fun. Depending on the species and an individual bird’s temperament, they might even enjoy cuddling or learning tricks.

A bird play gym like the PawHut Bird Stand gives your pet their own place to hang out while outside of their cage. Roll it into place and let your bird climb the ladder, relax on the perches, eat some food, and play with hanging toys. Plus, the tray will catch droppings and food, helping to keep your floor clean.

Before getting a bird who requires time outside of their cage, there are things to consider. For example: Do you have a secure bird-safe room where they’ll be able to walk or fly around without getting hurt, especially since there are a lot of hazards and toxins they can encounter in a home? Can you ensure your bird won’t get out, since many birds go missing? Do you have other pets who might view your bird as prey?

Remember, every bird has a unique personality, and socializing them to enjoy handling will require time and effort if they haven’t already been trained. Learning bird body language will help you decipher what they’re thinking and feeling, which is important because they can bite if they feel stressed or threatened.

Are You Financially Able to Care for a Pet Bird?

Many bird species can live for decades when properly cared for, so in addition to considering the initial costs of getting a bird, think about the long-term costs. Again, doing the research and asking the right questions upfront will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of expenses.

Cages can be surprisingly pricey, especially if you need a large one, and things like perches and toys wear out and need to be replaced often, so be sure you can budget for them in addition to a high-quality, species-appropriate diet (e.g., fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds) and other supplies.   

Veterinary care for birds can be expensive, and not all vets are trained to work with birds, so know who to go to in the event your bird gets sick or needs a checkup.

Would You Mind Hearing a Bird’s Loud Vocalizations?

Some birds chirp beautifully and fill your home with their songs, while others screech loudly or mimic sounds and words. You might be surprised by how much they vocalize and how loud they can be throughout the day.

Do you live in an apartment where neighbors might be bothered by your bird’s vocalizations? Do you have a baby, young children, or other pets who won’t enjoy hearing a very loud bird? If that’s the case, quieter birds, such as finches or parakeets, may be suitable.     

As you research any species you’re considering, find out how loud they are, and ask yourself if you’ll be able to tolerate the noise they make.

Where Do You Plan on Getting the Bird?

Once you’ve decided that you want to share your home with a bird, it’s time to think about where you’ll get your pet. You can purchase birds from pet stores or breeders, and many are available for adoption at rescues and shelters. Avoid getting any birds who were caught and taken from the wild.  

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.