Yay for Cute Birds

So you picked up a new pet bird from Petsmart 10 minutes ago. And it's been squeaking in its cardboard box the whole way home. You forgot to buy a cage!? Well that's going to be a problem.

Having a bird as a pet can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in your life. They are in general amazing intelligent, smart, elegant and sweet animals that you can have as your companion. But all this doesn't come for free. There are many things that you must take into consideration in caring for your bird.

First thing's first. That gorgeous budgie of yours needs a cage. Your best bet here would be a starter cage that has a few wooden poles in it and troughs to place bird feed and water. These are good if you have 1 or 2 small birds, like budgies or sparrows. However, if you've bought a larger bird, like a parrot, macaw or parakeet, you'll definitely want a large cage, maybe as big as your desk or even bigger, if you decide you want to let your bird fly around.

As well, you must realize that almost all birds are by nature, very inquisitive and playful. They often need toys and trinkets (best left to dangle from the ceiling of the cage) that they can bat around and play with, or you'll soon end up with a very miserable bird. These are usually pretty cheap and you can get them at PJ's Pets, Petsmart or any other pet store.

The next thing you need is to buy food for your bird. Most birds have special foods designated just for that kind of bird. For example, some bags of bird food cater to small birds, like canaries, budgies and finches. However, there are other types of bird food that cater to larger birds like macaws and parrots. As well, there are many different types of birdfood. One of the most common and basic types is grain feed. It's basically a bag of seeds that you can feed your bird. Then there are the more exotic kinds like those colorful synthetic foods that sort of remind you of Fruit Loops. The most important thing to remember here though, is to buy the kind that is for your species of bird. Aside from that, you should be fine. Oh and, buying your budgie treat food (like spray millet for example) is always a good idea, but don't overdo it.

Now that you have all the basics, you must take care of your bird after it has settled down. Some ways to do this? Play with it, talk with it, and simply be around it. Birds, like most other house pets long for affection and companionship, and leaving them alone will only make them resent you more (so don't come running when your bird tries to peck you to bits!). Playing with them, letting them stretch their wings once in a while and giving them new toys and treat food will make them happier, live longer and like you more.

As well, you need to regard basic maintenance procedures like putting newspaper on the bottom of the cage (otherwise you'll have a hard time getting all that bird scat out) and refilling the food and water regularly.

And one last thing; don't leave your bird alone by itself for prolonged periods of time. Especially if you go on vacation, make sure you arrange for a friend to take care of it while your gone. Even better, get it a companion bird so it isn't as lonely.

Be sure to regard all of these basic bird care rules, and you'll be well on your way to hearing sweet chirping in the morning.

kamster

btw I actually wrote this about a week ago. Thanks goes to Helium for the prompt.