advice needed - basic supplies and equipment for first bird

[highclouds]

There may be a list somewhere on this site of what we need for our first bird (we are thinking budgie) but I have not found it. I have compiled a list myself and would really appreciate comments. Here it is:

1. cage 32x21x35
2. cage cover
3. booda rope perch 5/8"
4. manzanilla perch 32x 3/8-1/2
5. parrotopia sandyperch bolton
6. 3 to 5 toys -unsure what kind
7. cuttlebone & clips
8. millet spray
9. lixit water bottle & accessories
10. stainless steel dishes/crock dishes/plastic dishes
11. bird bath
12. snuggle sack/plush hideaway/fabric home
13. bird scraper & enzymatic cage cleaner
14. food

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Adele

[4HAND]

Nutriberries are also a fun toy and good food. I have a couple of conures{a sun and a blue crown} and they love their nutriberries. If you get a Happy Hut or something similar you should closley inspect it to make sure that there are no strings hanging off the bottom. Some birds have been injured by the strings.
Good Luck,
Nolan

[birdsnreps]

birds will play with anything they can get their beaks on, so just make sure your toys dont have any long strings or little rings or hoops that they might get caught in. after your bird starts playing with his toys, just check every day to make sure he hasnt pulled loose any strings or anything. just make sure they are safe :) other than that, you have a good list there :)

[swanwillow]

you have a bigger list than I ever did, I acquired things slowly while I was getting my fids, and after for the toys.

budgies are so ADORABLE! Try to find a hand-tamed one, and you'll have a friend forever.

[birdlady49]

Originally Posted by highclouds

There may be a list somewhere on this site of what we need for our first bird (we are thinking budgie)
1. cage 32x21x35
2. cage cover
3. booda rope perch 5/8"
4. manzanilla perch 32x 3/8-1/2
5. parrotopia sandyperch bolton
6. 3 to 5 toys -unsure what kind
7. cuttlebone & clips
8. millet spray
9. lixit water bottle & accessories
10. stainless steel dishes/crock dishes/plastic dishes
11. bird bath
12. snuggle sack/plush hideaway/fabric home
13. bird scraper & enzymatic cage cleaner
14. food

I'd eliminate #12 and #13. Number 12 can be a dangerous toy. It may have been on this board but someone's bird strangled on a loose thread from the hideaway. Others wrote they heard similar stories. Number 13 -- nothing beats good old soap and hot water with some human scrubbing to get everything squeaky clean.

For a budgie, you don't really need stainless steel dishes. Plastic dishes (replaced when they can no longer be cleaned) work just fine. Same for crocks.

Budgie toys are plentiful. Budgies are very destructive so small plastic and/or safe wooden toys would work. Don't get a mirror. The bird will be more interested in his reflection than he will be of you and he might be more difficult to train as he won't want to leave his "buddy."

[saucie]

For #5, the vet told me that those types of perches may cause foot problems. I don't know if it includes that brand though. He recommended a cement perch for nail trimming.

Also, you may want to get a spray bottle with a mist setting along with the bird bath.

You'll need something to line the doodoo area of the cage with too.