The New Nation - Internet Edition

Birds come in an amazing variety of shapes, colors and personalities. Finding the right bird is essential to having a happy relationship with your pet bird. Some birds need a vast amount of attention and work, especially larger parrots, but even small parrots need a lot of love and attention in order to be happy.

Many people are drawn to parrots such as amazons, african greys, cockatoos and macaws as they are gorgeous birds that are very trainable. Greys and amazons are coveted for their talking abilities. However, these very trainable birds are also the most challenging and most demanding as pets. If you are interested in a parrot, it is extremely important to examine your motivation for getting a pet bird, along with your ability to commit to hard work needed to successfully live with one of these demanding birds over the long haul (most are very long-lived).

That said, birds certainly have the potential to be wonderful companions. As with any pet, find out as much as you can about birds you might be considering before making the huge commitment to bird ownership. Beginners who do not have a lot of time to spend with a pet bird should consider species such as canaries or finches. Those with a bit more time an an interest in parrots could consider budgies or cockatiels, which are smaller members of the parrot family but which are friendly, relatively quiet and easy to tame (look for a young bird). Other members of the parrot family which might be considered by beginners include lovebirds, pionus parrots, poicephalus parrots, parrotlets, quaker parrots and grey cheeked parakeets. And while doves and pigeons are often overlooked as pets, they can make quite good companions as they are quite and sociable.

Most people are so excited about their new pet birds that they forget all about the supplies and organization work that is required before they bring him or her home. Here at Bird Tricks, we have put together information that will help you organize yourself and your new pet bird before you walk them through your front door. Here are a few tips we provide to our customers.

Your new pet bird will need some supplies before you go and bring him or her home. First you will need the obvious, which is a cage. Make sure when you buy the cage that you ask your vet or breeder the dimensions you will need and then match them as close as possible with your new cage. Next on the pet bird supply list is the accessories to the cage, the toys and the perch. Make sure you have ample room again to arrange all of these goodies where your new pet birds will find them.

Going forward with the live pet bird supply list is a time to set aside all of your food, treats, and supplements. The first few days you have your pet bird home with you the feeding will be trial and error. Be sure to ask your breeder for the feeding list and schedule and then follow it when you first arrive home. After a few days, you will notice your new pet bird has a unique routine and timing. You can then adjust the feedings to his behavior.

You should also keep the pet bird supply list handy so you can refer to it often and add to it as needed. And of course don't forget the toys! That is a must for any bird.

Don't be alarmed if your pet birds do not eat a lot the first few days. The trip home will have been a bit overwhelming for your new pet. Also, give him or her plenty of room and time to sleep so they can recoup after the ordeal of moving.

Putting together a separate closet or drawer for all the supplies will help you to always know where they are and to help you keep organized. You will be able to locate anything you might need in a moment's notice.

The first few days your new bird will be listening to and watching everything. Make his adjustment calm and easy by having all your supplies handy, yet out of the way. When your new bird realizes you are prepared for his every need, he will relax and enjoy the new home.