WHAT TO LOOK FOR when selecting a bird. Require genetical information about the bird. Examine the birds in which you are interested; first from a distance, and see if they are sufficiently active. A bird that sits moping in a corner with its feathers puffed out should not be purchased. Take a prospective purchase in the hand and gently blow its breast feathers to one side; its breastbone should not stick out like the blade of a knife. I advise to buy a young bird that was hand feed and in just starting on seed. They are much more gentler and you will be able to train him the way you would like rather then an older bird. If you buy birds from a friend who has successfully bred them, ask to see the parent birds. If they are fit and healthy and the youngsters strong and nimble; then you can buy without any qualms.

I recommend buying your bird from a breeder. Buying a bird from a breeder you can see the parents, the conditions the birds are kept in. You want a healthy and clean accommodations. When dealing with a breeder, they will be able to give you more information about your new bird then most pet shops. I have experienced that a pet shop hires staff that is unable to answer most questions I might have about birds. There are some good pet shops out there, however you are not able to see where the bird came from.

You should also locate a avian veterinarian who specializes in birds ahead of time incase you have to seek a vet quickly.

CHECK YOUR STATE to see if your bird is required to be "Closed Banded". The State of Florida requires that all birds that are sold must have a "Closed Band" on their leg. Many pet shops, flea markets do not have "Closed Bands". The bands will bears the year that bird was born along with the breeders initials to whom breed the bird and a number.

WILL YOU DO WELL WITH BIRDS? yes, if you use common sense. People with "Green thumbs" do well with plants because they observe. Events in their gardens or indoor pots and react intelligently to them. You can bring the same simple logic to your efforts with birds, and with good results. But you will not do well if you believe there is only one right way to do things. You will not do well if you refuse to weigh alternative opinions. Don't believe all of what anyone tells you, including me. Trust someone who tells you "This worked for me, so it might work for you." Have healthy skepticism for anyone who says, "You can't do it that way", or "That won't work", or "You must do it this way". They are making the mistake of generalizing their own experiences into a natural law.

ONCE BIRD IS HOME-Let the bird get used to it's new enviroment by keeping him in the cage for about the first week or at least until the bird is eating well and not showing signs of nervousness or stress.

FOOD-Fruits, berries, vegetables, hard boiled eggs, pasta, rice and leafy plants are great food for your bird. NO CHERRIES as they are toxic to birds.

COVERS AROUND CAGES-I have experienced that when I put wire screening around the bottom portion of the cage, the floor is cleaner and also the bird can still see out of his cage.

PERCHES-You can buy perches from your local pet shop, however I find that going out in my back yard or on a hike, you can find many branches to use as perches for your bird's cage. They not only feel more like they are out in the nature, but it also cuts down on cost. There are many birds that chew their perches and this can be costly. However DO NOT use branches that have been sprayed with toxic chemicals or insecticides. The branches should be green branches, preferably of fruit trees (EXCEPT CHERRY) and or willow trees. Before installing your newly made perches, scrub all branches with a non-toxic disinfectant (such as diluted chlorine bleach) then rinse and dry well. You can also purchase wooden dowels to make perches. Different diameters which will help keep your birds feet strong and healthy. A perch should be thick enough to keep the bird's claws from going all the way around.

CLEANING CAGES-Your regular routine of changing the bird's paper, or what ever you have choosen to use in the bottom of the cage will also include a thorough cleaning of his cage, food cup and water cup once a week. Each week, the whole cage should be scrubbed down with disinfectant, hot water and a sturdy brush. The disinfectant will kill bacteria and any other organisms, like fungi and viruses, which cause disease.

CLIPPING YOUR BIRDS WINGS-I have found that when clipping only one wing, the bird is off balanced and injuries can occur. I always clip both wings as it will slow the bird down.

TRIMMING THE NAILS-When trimming the nails, it is best to pare off a little at a time, so that you do not cut into the expose the nail's quick. The "quick" refers to the blood and nerve supply that grows partway down the nail. In light- coloured nails the quick is easily seen, but the black nails hide it completly.

EXERCISE-Is very important. You bird should have some free time outside of confinement. You can purchase or make many different play areas built from stimulating activity.

BATHING-They love to bath, you can purchase a bird bath at a local pet shop or place a saucer filled with water in their cage or at their play center.

TRAVELING on a trip. Cover that cage completely with a light cloth so that the bird is safe from drafts. Seeing the scenery flit by in a moving car is no treat for your bird. It will simply upset him and make him nervous. A thin cloth will let enough light through so that the bird can see his food and he stays calmer if he is in the dark. But you must be sure to stop at least every couple of hours, remove the cloth and let the bird eat and drink in peace.

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