Birds make excellent pets but it is important that you learn about the type of bird you are thinking of purchasing so that you can offer him the best care you can. They are social creatures and love the company of humans. Spending time with your new bird will create strong bonds which will last a lifetime and bring both you and your bird lots of pleasure.

Bird Cages are available in a range of shapes and sizes and as your bird will probably be spending a lot of time inside his cage, it’s important to choose the correct model for your bird.
They come in 3 main designs - Gym Top, Open Top and Solid Top. Gym Top Parrot Cages have a separate tray and perching area built on to the top of the cage and are a great idea if your Parrot spends a lot of time out of the cage or you don’t have a separate Play Stand. Open Top Parrot Cages have a similar purpose but are of a much simpler design - generally the top panel opens up in 2 halves and you can fit a perch across the top. Solid top parrot cages can be used if your bird doesn’t come out of the cage very much, or you use a separate play stand.

Bird Cages can be purchased in a powder-coated finish which involves an electro-statically charged coloured powder being applied to the cage which is then baked on at high temperature. This method produces a smooth, high quality finish on the cage.
They are finished with non-toxic paints, (Independent toxicity test results are available) resulting in a long lasting and safe environment for birds.

The bird cage and it’s contents must be kept in pristine condition at all times to ensure a happy, lively, healthy and long living pet parrot. Remember to change his water daily to ensure it is fresh and clean and feed your parrot on appropriate good quality food.

Choose as big a bird cage as you can, try and make sure that each dimension is at least as big as the bird’s wingspan. Alwlays allow for toys, perches and other cage fittings and try to leave plenty of unobstructed space for your Parrot to exercise.

Most Parrots are much happier in large parrot cages which provide them with plenty of room to swing from toys, hang from the bars, flap their wings and generally have fun.

Make sure the bar spacing (the size of gap between the bars) and the bar diameter (the thickness of the bars) is appropriate for the bird you choose.

The best place to site your birds cage is in the corner of a room or in an alcove. The solid walls will help your bird feel secure in it’s new home. Site the bird cage away from drafts, heaters, televisions etc and also out of direct sunlight

If your bird is going to be in a busy room which is occupied until late at night I would recommend a separate sleeping cage or a bird cage cover which would allow your parrot 10-12 hours of quiet, uninterrupted sleep

ideas-4-pets supply cage covers to help shut out draughts, light and noise and give your bird the privacy to get the rest it needs

Read up on specific breeds of birds as this is a personal opinion, but if your desire is for a single hand-tamed pet, then you are probably better to go for an English bred, preferably hand reared bird.

It is still possible to tame an older imported bird but it is obviously more difficult.
English bred birds are already adjusted to our climate and weather conditions, and are generally fit and healthy.

An African Grey will make the best talker, although a young Amazon can talk well and will be very playful and entertaining.

Whatever type of bird you choose remember that like all living things, you will have to devote time to your bird and to the daily tasks of keeping him clean, healthy and happy.