The best advice you can give a new parront?

[CakeMarie]

I would love to hear some advice as I will be adopting a cockatiel by the end of June most probably!
Anything at all helps!

 

[Scott]

A few considerations delivered in a free-conscious POV...

Read from this forum and other sources to learn about life with a bird! View the various "stickies" and bird-safe your home prior to adoption. Make sure this is a good companion to fit your lifestyle.

Spend time at various sources to determine the best species for you. (cockatiel is generally a great choice!) Consider adopting from a rescue if available.

There is a philosophy of "letting the bird choose you." Sometimes there is little choice, but if multiples of a desired species are available, one or two may be especially attentive to you.

Never purchase a young bird unweaned! Ensure the source has disclosed hatch date and verified the bird is eating autonomously. Consider a well-check at a certified avian vet as soon as feasible.

Purchase the largest cage affordable (within reason) and outfit with safe toys.

Diet is crucial to a bird's health and longevity. Determine the best mix of "chop" (fresh vegetables/fruits) pellets, seed, and treats. There are endless threads discussing diet and techniques.

I'm sure others will chime in with helpful advice. Good luck, let us know abut the search!!

 

[psychocircus91]

Scott hit the nail on the head, and you are definitely starting in a good place.

I think my single greatest piece of advice, from experience of volunteering at a rescue, rescuing a couple birds of my own, and owning parrots from childhood: Parrots are a huge commitment.

You will have ups and downs throughout life. You will likely have times when parrot ownership seems too overwhelming with the rest of your life. Always remember your initial excitement.
Remind yourself, that even when you are busy and it isn't the best of times in your parrot relationship, staying in a stable home is ideal for a parrot. After the downs, the ups will return.

 

[Violet_Diva]

My top 5

Read, research, learn & keep learning!
Do as much species specific research you can to ensure you provide the best possible care for your new companion. Read all that you can, and always ask questions if unsure. Every day you will continue to learn based on your experiences with your new friend.

Check, double check & triple check!
Safety is very important. Getting into routines to ensure your bird is safe is very important. But it is easy to make mistakes, so always recheck. If you plan to have your birdy fly around in your house for exercise, always make sure the windows and doors are shut and that the door is locked so no-one can just walk in and open the door. Make sure you don't have any non stick pans in your kitchen as the fumes can kill. Always double check that cage doors are secured. So many bad things can happen to birds and unfortunately many of them are 100% preventable.

Always have emergency plans!
Have a bird first aid kit with basic emergency essentials.
Have savings put aside so if you have a medical emergency you are able to provide the care required. Have a good avian vet on hand. Have a travel cage / pet carrier on hand for emergency evacuations. You never know when seconds will count. Where is your nearest avain vet and how will you get there?

Be consistent & patient (It's never the birds fault)!
You only get out what you put in. If you put in time and patience you will be rewarded. Always be consistent in how you behave with your bird, if you are inconsistent they won't understand what is or isn't acceptable behaviour. If you accidentally scare them they can panic or lash out with a nasty nip or zoom off into a wall or window and hurt themselves.

Be prepared for mess!
Poop, food, feathers, dust, they are little mess factories. However much mess you expect, it's probably more than that

 

[GaleriaGila]

Yes, I second all the above. My best advice? Exactly what you're doing... researching, and reaching out, and reading!

 

[CakeMarie]

Thank you everybody so much!!!!