Bringing home a new bird from the pet store can be an exciting experience! However, there are some important things to consider before and during the process of transporting your new feathered friend. Proper planning and preparation will help ensure a safe and stress-free transition for your bird to its new home. In this article, we will walk through the step-by-step process of how to properly bring home a new bird from the pet store.
Do Your Research on Bird Care
Before bringing any new pet home, it is essential to do thorough research on that animal’s proper care, housing, nutrition, and other needs. There are many different bird species commonly kept as pets, and each has its own specific care requirements. Spend time learning about the particular species you plan to bring home by reading books, trusted websites, and talking to experienced bird owners. Some good basic research topics include:
- Proper cage size and setup for that species
- Ideal environment – temperature, humidity, light
- Normal behavior and personality
- Proper diet – seeds, pellets, fruits/veggies
- Enrichment and toy needs
- Expected lifespan
- Common health issues
The more you understand about your new bird ahead of time, the better prepared you will be to give it an excellent home right from the start. Don’t wait until after purchasing a bird to learn about its care – do research first.
Purchase Proper Bird Supplies
Before you even go pick out your new feathered friend, make sure you already have the essential supplies ready at home to care for it. At minimum, you should have the following ready and waiting:
- An appropriately sized cage for the species
- Several clean perches of various sizes and materials
- Dishes for food and water
- Variety of healthy foods – pellets, seeds, chopped veggies
- Grit supplement
- Calcium/mineral supplements if needed
- Several bird-safe toys
- Grooming supplies – nail clipper, mister, etc
- Bird-safe cleaning supplies
- Cage cover for nights/travel
Having all the right supplies prepared ahead of time will make the transition much smoother once you bring your new bird home. It will also show the pet store staff that you are an informed and responsible bird owner.
Selecting Your Bird
Once you arrive at the pet store, take time to observe all of the birds and select your new companion carefully. Look for the following signs that indicate good health and temperament:
- Bright, alert eyes and attitude
- Smooth, well-groomed feathers
- Active, energetic movement around cage
- Healthy weight – not too plump or thin
- Clean, dry vent area
- No visible wounds, growths, or bald spots
Avoid birds that seem lethargic, stressed, or have messy feathering or vent areas. Also beware of birds that are overly aggressive or vocalize excessively, as they may be more challenging pets. Patience is key – don’t rush your decision. Take time to observe behavior and make the best match.
Ask the store staff questions about each bird’s background, personality and care. Purchase the healthiest, calmest bird possible that seems to connect with you.
Transport Your Bird Safely
Once you’ve selected your new feathered friend, it’s time to transport them safely home. Follow these tips:
- Ask the store to place the bird in a small, secure travel carrier rather than letting you hold the bird.
- Keep the carrier covered with a lightweight fabric during transport.
- Don’t keep a new bird in your lap during the car ride. Secure the carrier in the back seat.
- Drive carefully over smooth roads to avoid jostling the carrier.
- Keep the car interior quiet and calm so your bird can relax.
- Do not let young children hold or disturb the carrier during transport.
- Never transport new birds in the bed of a truck – keep inside your car.
Proper transportation home is key to reducing stress on your new bird during this transition. Go directly home and avoid unnecessary stops with your new pet in the car.
Arriving Home
Once home, move your bird’s travel carrier directly into the prepared cage or aviary and open it there. Allow your new bird to emerge into its new home at its own pace, without being forced out. Offer familiar food and water immediately. Resist overhandling the bird – allow it time to settle in quietly. Ensure other household pets are kept away at first. Keep the room peaceful and comfortable. Sit nearby talking softly or reading to help the bird begin to acclimate.
During the first days home, continue keeping the environment calm and make interactions positive but brief. Offer tasty treats by hand to build trust. Avoid exposing your new bird suddenly to loud noises, music, guests, other pets, or stressful stimuli until it is fully settled. Pay close attention to its droppings to ensure it is eating/drinking enough and not becoming ill. Keep a healthy routine of dietary and enrichment offerings. Be patient – allow at least several weeks for your new bird to fully adjust to its new family and home.
Establish a Veterinarian
Another vital task upon bringing home any new pet bird is establishing a relationship with an avian veterinarian (vet that specializes in birds). Locate an avian vet in your area by searching online directories, calling local practices, or asking for referrals from other bird owners. Schedule an introductory wellness visit for your new bird within the first few weeks. The vet will perform an exam, check for parasites, and establish important baseline health records for your bird. Having an avian vet already lined up ensures you can get prompt care if any medical needs arise during the sensitive transition to your home. Maintaining annual checkups with your bird’s vet will keep them healthy for years to come.
Conclusion
While the process may seem complicated, taking the right steps will set you and your new feathered friend up for a happy life together. Do ample research beforehand on proper species-specific care and have all the necessary supplies ready to welcome your new bird home. Evaluate bird candidates at the store carefully and select the healthiest, most easygoing individual. Transport them safely and allow plenty of adjustment time once home. Identify an avian vet for checkups to ensure continued good health. If you invest ample preparation and patience upfront, you’ll be rewarded with years of companionship with your wonderful new bird!
Frequently Asked Questions
What size/type of cage do I need?
The appropriate cage size and type depends on the specific species of bird you are getting. As a general rule, the bigger the bird, the larger the minimum cage size should be. For small birds like parakeets or finches, aim for at least 18″ x 18″ x 18″. For medium birds like cockatiels, a minimum of 24″ x 24″ x 36″ is recommended. Large birds like amazons or macaws need huge enclosures measuring at least 4 ft x 3ft x 6ft tall. Proper bar spacing, materials, and shape also varies by species – do ample research beforehand.
How much will supplies cost?
The initial investment for a proper starter set of bird supplies often ranges from $200-$500 depending on the species. Larger parrots and their massive cages raise costs significantly. Ongoing costs for food, toys, and vet care typically range from $20-100 per month depending on the bird. Budget more upfront when first establishing everything you need for a new bird’s home.
What food/diet do I need?
Most pet birds thrive best on a pelleted base diet supplemented with fresh fruits/veggies and a small amount of seeds or nuts. The specific proportions, brands, and food items vary widely by species. For example, parakeets do well on a diet of 75% pellets, 20% veggies, and 5% seeds while amazons need 50% pellets, 35% veggies, 10% fruits, and 5% nuts/seeds. Do research to learn your particular bird species’ optimal diet.
How do I choose a healthy bird?
Select your bird in person and look for: smooth/shiny feathers, bright eyes and alert activity, good weight, clean dry vents, lack of discharge, wounds or bald spots. Personality-wise, seek a bird that seems inquisitive, friendly and relatively calm/quiet. Avoid birds that are overly nippy, fearful or loud. Let the bird perch on your finger to evaluate temperament before buying.
Can I leave my bird alone while at work?
Leaving a lone bird unattended for 8+ hours is not recommended. Either get two birds who can keep each other company, or look into hiring a pet sitter to check in and interact with your bird midday while you are gone. Even better, see if you can work from home part or full time. Frequent interaction and mental stimulation is crucial to pet birds’ health and happiness.
How do I transition a new bird into my home?
When bringing home a new bird, set up their cage ahead of time with familiar food and toys ready. Transport the bird in a covered carrier directly to their cage at home. Allow them to emerge into the new environment at their own pace. Keep the room peaceful and resist overhandling at first. Slowly introduce positive interactions, tasty treats and enrichment over the first weeks. Don’t expose a new bird suddenly to loud noises, visitors, other pets etc. Be extremely patient and allow ample adjustment time.
How do I tame/train my new bird?
Taming and training birds takes immense patience and time. Begin by hand feeding treats to build trust and positive association. Next, have your bird step up onto your finger/hand for treats. Slowly build up stepping up, recall training and other simple commands via positive reinforcement. Avoid punishment or forcing interactions. Build a bond through talking, singing and clicker target training. Consistency is key – interact positively with your bird daily.
What health issues are common?
New birds should see an avian vet for an initial wellness checkup and to test for parasites. Ongoing health issues to monitor include respiratory infections, fungal/bacterial/viral diseases, overgrown beaks & nails, feather destructive behaviors, obesity, reproductive issues, gastrointestinal problems and more depending on species. Annual vet exams plus prompt care when issues arise is key.
How can I find an avian vet?
Search online directories, ask at your local vet offices, or reach out to local bird clubs/shelters to find vets in your area that specialize in bird health. Narrow your search to vets that have actual avian-specific training and certification, not just a “special interest”. Check reviews and visit the office to ensure the vet seems qualified and knowledgeable. Establish care early on for your new bird’s ongoing health.
Are birds better as single pets or in pairs?
While some birds can thrive solo as pampered, petted “only birds”, most do much better psychologically and behaviorally with a same-species companion. Exceptions include extremely territorial types like cockatoos. Otherwise, strongly consider adopting two compatible birds that can provide companionship. Ensure you are prepared for double the work and expenses of a pair before committing.
Where can I find bird supplies?
Pet stores carry basic bird supplies, but often at high prices. Check out specialty bird/exotic stores for better selection and value. Online retailers like Chewy also have huge inventories of bird products. Buy cages secondhand when possible, but always purchase new for food, perches, toys and grooming supplies. Vet offices and local bird clubs can suggest reputable supply sources too.
What cleaning precautions should I take?
Bird droppings carry bacteria, fungi and viruses that can be harmful. Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning cages or handling waste. Use natural, bird-safe disinfectants to scrub the cage weekly. Replace food/water dishes, perches, toys and cage lining regularly. Ensure proper ventilation. Quarantine and monitor new birds separately. Practicing good hygiene helps keep your flock healthy.
