It’s a kite! It’s a plane! No… it’s a new feathery friend coming to join your home! Bringing a new companion Bird home is quite an experience that could open the door to a world of delightful companionship. These intelligent and beautiful creatures can become lifelong friends, especially since many species live more than 50 years!
Of course, it’s essential to provide them a smooth transition into your home, ensuring that they live in a nurturing environment. Whether you’re a first-time Bird owner or looking to expand your avian family, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to acclimate your new feathered friend to their new home.
ADOPTING THE RIGHT BIRD
Not all Birds are the same. Take the time to research various Bird species to find the perfect match for your lifestyle, space, and commitment level. Consider size, temperament, noise level, diet, and exercise requirements.
Remember, the bigger the Bird, the larger the space they will need. Sometimes, larger Birds mean louder screams, so take that into account, especially if you live close to other people. Ideal Bird companions for beginners include Budgies, Cockatiels, Green-Cheek Conures, and LoveBirds.
COPYCAT BIRDS
Parrots are incredibly smart Birds who can mimic human speech and sounds. Some can even learn to communicate basic phrases!
PREPARING THE LIVING SPACE
BIRDS NEED THEIR SPACE
Invest in a well-constructed and roomy cage that allows your Bird to spread their wings comfortably. Make sure they can elevate their tail feathers in that cage. Also ensure that there is plenty of room for toys and accessories.
PROVIDE PERCHES
Provide perches of different sizes and materials to promote foot health and prevent discomfort. Stick to perches with natural textures with various sizes and girth, and don’t use those smooth dowels as the sole perch to help them avoid getting Bumblefoot (swelling or scabbing of the bottom of a Bird’s foot due to constant and consistent pressure).
CHOOSE A SAFE LOCATION
Place the cage in a draft-free area away from direct sunlight, kitchens, and potential household hazards. Having an electric fan or air-conditioner blowing on them will cause them to get sick, while direct sunlight may make them overheat. Keeping them near a kitchen also poses a lot of risks because things like Teflon, smoke, and other things in the air could make them sick.
KEEP ARTIFICIAL SMELLS AWAY
Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems, so once you have a new feathery friend in the house, you’ll have to say goodbye to air fresheners.
Even using perfumes or electronic cigarettes will cause problems, so if you’re going to use them, be sure it’s away from your feathered friend.
DO SOME BIRD PROOFING
Birds love to chew, so be sure to remove any toxic plants, expensive items, or dangerous electrical wires. Birds will chew on things — that’s all part of caring for them!
ALL-SEEING EYE
Nope, we’re not talking about the symbol you might see in a conspiracy movie! We’re talking about Birds having remarkable eyesight.
They can see a vast range of colors… including some that humans cannot perceive. They not only see far and wide, but also more than we do!
