This is a practical setup checklist for preparing your home before a new pet bird arrives. For help deciding which species might suit you, see our Species Comparison Guide and the Knowledge Centre’s Choosing Your First Pet Bird guide.
Equipment checklist
- A cage appropriately sized for your species – see our Parrot Cage-Size Guide
- Several perches of varying diameter and texture
- Food and water dishes (and a spare set, for cleaning rotation)
- A formulated pellet diet appropriate to your species
- A cuttlebone or mineral supplement
- Safe, species-appropriate toys for mental enrichment
- A travel carrier, for vet visits or emergencies
- A cage cover, for a dark, quiet sleep environment
- An avian-experienced vet identified in advance – see our Avian Vets directory
Room safety-proofing
Before your bird arrives, prepare the room(s) it will spend time in:
- Never use non-stick (PTFE) cookware near birds, or in a kitchen connected to their airspace when in use – overheated non-stick coatings release fumes that are well documented as highly toxic to birds, often fatally so, with very little warning.
- Turn off ceiling fans and be mindful of open windows or doors during any supervised out-of-cage time.
- Cover or secure mirrors and windows during free-flight time, since birds can injure themselves flying into glass.
- Keep other pets (cats, dogs) securely separated from the bird at all times, not just supervised.
- Remove or secure houseplants that may be toxic to birds, and check candles, air fresheners and scented products, since some can also affect birds’ sensitive respiratory systems.
The first few days
- Give your new bird time to settle in without excessive handling or attention in the first few days.
- Keep the routine calm and predictable while they adjust to a new environment.
- If you already have other birds, a quarantine period for a new arrival is commonly recommended before introducing them, to reduce the risk of spreading illness – discuss appropriate quarantine length with an avian vet.
- Book a check-up with an avian vet in the first couple of weeks if you have any concerns, or as routine good practice.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need before bringing a bird home?
At minimum: an appropriately sized cage, perches, food and water dishes, a suitable diet, enrichment toys, and an avian vet identified in advance.
Is non-stick cookware really dangerous for birds?
Yes – overheated non-stick (PTFE) cookware is well documented across avian-care sources as releasing fumes that are highly toxic to birds, often with little warning. Many bird keepers avoid non-stick cookware entirely.
Should I quarantine a new bird from my existing birds?
A quarantine period is commonly recommended when introducing a new bird to a household with existing birds, to reduce the risk of spreading illness. Discuss an appropriate length with an avian vet.
Ready to browse suitable listings? View bird adverts from sellers on The Aviary Hub.
Comments