Whether your knowledge of birds comes from Woody Woodpecker, Tweety or “Polly wanna cracker?”, they make great companions: Some will cuddle with you, others will play and, of course, many will chat. Just keep in mind that they are a serious commitment; many live as long as we do.

Must Have Items

• Cage – The largest appropriately constructed model you can afford with no sharp edges (hookbill birds with curved beaks, such as conures, cockatiels and parakeets need a cage with horizontal bars, as they are climbers by nature)
• Cage papers black-and-white newspapers are great, as are brown paper bags
• Grate for the bottom of cage; can be made from 1-inch mesh or purchased at pet store
• Plastic paint scraper for cleaning cage without damaging it
• Perch, preferably several, of differing shapes and thicknesses; branches of fruit trees are ideal (cherry branches, however, are toxic to birds)
• Cleaning supplies for cage and perches
• Food and water dishes that fit the cage openings
• Food – seed mix or pellets
• Toys – just a few in the cage at one time, including tree branches, popsicle sticks, toilet paper tubes, knotted pieces of string, crumpled white paper, rawhide dog bones for chewing
• Treats – made from scratch or purchased at a pet store, including millet spray and sprouted seeds
• Specially made bird carrier for trips and vet visits, or a heavy cardboard box with a lid and holes poked in it
• Blanket for wrapping carrier in cold weather
• A highly recommended avian veterinarian
• Plant sprayer for cleaning bird or cage-door birdbath
• Calcium – in block form or as a cuttlebone

Nice to Have

• An extra, inexpensive cage to be used when cleaning the regular cage
• Books on keeping birds and on your specific breed
• Gram scale for weighing your bird to make sure it’s in good health (a tiny drop in weight could indicate serious illness)
• A fan to circulate fresh air for your bird, who needs temperate conditions
• Nightlight so the bird can find its way to its dishes in the dark
• Cage cover, especially if it gets cold in your home in the evenings
• Dustbuster or other handheld vacuum for daily freshening of cage
• Extra set of food and water dishes for when dishes are being washed
• Bellbirds often enjoy having a bell in their cage, but choose a model without a removable clapper or other small, swallowable parts
• Jungle gym – Make it yourself from dowels and boards or purchase at pet store
• T-shaped stand on wheels for moving the bird around your home
• Hair dryer with low setting for drying bird after baths
• Vitamins to be added to food only, such as wheatgrass powder