The Complete Care Guide for Pet Birds

Birds are intelligent, social, vocal, and capable of forming bonds that last decades. But they're also among the most demanding pets to keep well.

Choosing the Right Bird

• Beginner-friendly: Budgies, cockatiels, canaries, finches
• Intermediate: Conures, lovebirds, caiques
• Advanced: African greys, Amazon parrots, cockatoos, macaws
• Many parrots live 20-80+ years — a lifelong commitment

Housing

• Your bird should fully extend both wings without touching the sides
• Keep away from drafts, direct sunlight, and the kitchen — cooking fumes are deadly
• Provide multiple perches of varying diameter; natural wood branches are ideal

Diet

• Pellets should make up 60-70% of most parrots' diets
• Fresh vegetables daily — leafy greens, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli
• Seeds and nuts as occasional treats only
• Never feed: avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, or alcohol

Social Needs & Enrichment

• Most parrots need 2-4 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily
• Rotate toys regularly — foraging toys, shreddable toys, puzzle feeders
• Positive reinforcement training builds trust and mental stimulation

Health

• Find an avian vet — not all vets treat birds
• Feather plucking is often a sign of stress, boredom, or illness
• Annual vet checkups are strongly recommended
• Never use non-stick cookware fumes, candles, or aerosols near birds

At CROPTIRE BARNYARD, wings, scales, fur, or fins — every pet deserves to thrive. 🦜🐾