Necessary
Adoption Certificate or Bill of Sale – Needed to identify that your bird belongs to you.
Bedding (bottom of cage) – Your choice, but no sand or cat litter.
Bird Bath Tubs – All birds need to bathe. Tubs are better for smaller birds.
Cage – Choose one that is species appropriate.
Carriers – Keeps bird safe while traveling.
Cleaning Agent – Wide range available, from soap and water to a chemical.
Extra Food Dishes – Several sets that are dishwasher safe.
Extra Perches – Make sure they are different widths, textures, and safe.
Extra Water Bottles – Make sure they are dishwasher safe.
Fruits/Veggies/Cereals/Grains – Feed a wide range and variety to your birds.
Instructions – Ask seller about health, diet, routine, care, and behavior.
Pellets (depends on bird) – Some birds love pellets. Others don’t. Many varieties are available.
Seeds (depends on bird) – Use good seed mix with fruits and veggies. NOT A COMPLETE DIET.
Spray Bottle – Birds need regular baths. This method is good for most birds.
Syringes (no needles) – For feeding babies or medicating sick birds.
Thermometer (for babies) – Good quality to check temperature of feeding formula.
Toys – Buy several species appropriate toys and change occasionally.
Veterinary Exam – Annual checkup and fecal is needed for all birds.
Weaning Foods (for babies) – Helps ease the transition to adult food.
Recommended
Bottle Brushes – Toothbrushes are excellent for cleaning bottles and cups.
Cooking Mixes – Can be made in batches and frozen for use later.
Covering for Floor – Protects your floor and carpeting. Choose easy to clean or replace.
Cuttlebone – Good mineral source for small birds.
Distilled Water – For baby birds, sick birds, and when you travel.
Extra C-Clamps – Replace O-rings on toys. Use for safety reasons.
First-Aid Kit – Put your own version together inexpensively.
Magazines – Bird Talk, Pet Bird Report, Birds USA, etc.
Millet Spray – Good for treats. Use Sparingly.
Mineral Blocks – Comes in different shapes and flavors. Good for all birds.
Playpens – Good place for your bird to play safely when not in the cage.
Scrapers – Good for cleaning perches and the cage.
Stands – Good for play time, traveling, or training.
Optional
Bird ID: Microchip – Permanent way to identify medium to large birds.
Covers (depends on bird) – Some birds need to be covered. Others do not like it.
Extra Cage – Good when traveling with your bird or as a sick cage.
Full Spectrum Lighting – Gives your bird the full spectrum of lighting.
Heat Source – Used to keep baby or sick birds warm. Ask your veterinarian.
Incubator – Great sick cage especially if you have several birds.
Ladders (depends on bird) – Especially for cockatoos and other escape artists.
See guards/Cage Aprons – Helps keep birds from throwing food out of cage.
Sick Cage – Good to have in case bird gets sick or injured.
Therapeutic Perch – Helps to wear nails down. Should be highest perch.
Extra Care
Feeding Spoon – If the bird isn’t weaned. Some breeders use syringes instead of spoons.
Formula – Ask breeder for unweaned birds. Ask an avian vet for sick birds.
Minerals – Ask your avian vet if your bird needs more.
Supplements – Ask your avian vet if your bird needs some.
Swings – Some birds love swings, while others may not. Great toy if it’s liked.
Vitamins – Ask your vet if your bird needs more.
