mexican red head 22yrs old questions

[Diver]

Hi, I'm 26. My birdy is about 22. He/She is a mexican red head.

My dad got the bird when I was much younger, and I've had the bird for about a year now.
My dad didn't get him out of the cage much, which has led to him being a bit difficult to handle at times.
I want to get a new cage, but I'm not sure what kind of cage to get or how to make a smooth transition from old to new.
His toys are also a bit old and I'm sure he would like some new ones, but again I'm not sure what toys are best to go with or how to introduce them.

I am on a pretty tight budget, so it's going to be difficult to find the right products.
I feel like buying a used cage is dangerous, because I don't know if the previous inhabitant was sickly or if there is any safe way to sterilize the cage.
Toys are a tough issue because most of what I see in the store is SO expensive, I would have to eat pork and beans from the dollar store to be able to afford them.
I read an article (skeptical to say the least) about someone who was making parrot toys from found objects around the house and dollar store. Like papertowel/toilet paper tubes, plastic straws and other plastic things. I would NEVER use any of this unless I knew it was 100% safe, which is why I am asking around to get a good amount of feedback.
So... in short. I'm looking for cheap, but safe toys/accessories that I can make on my own. And a good way to save money on a 'new' cage.

If something stands out as very dangerous/irresponsible, please be constructive with criticism. I'm new at this and need good, solid advice.

I've also set up an appt to speak to my vet about this, I just wanted to get some bird-owners opinions as well.

Thank you.

Also,
after reading through some of the posts, I know that one thing that would most likely help is getting on a schedule with him. Sadly, he doesnt get much attention, but I would like to change that by making up a schedule to follow daily. Does anyone know of a good outline for a schedule and what to include? I know it's a little vague, but perhaps some of you have a schedule or routine you follow with your bird.
I have cats and a dog, too, so i'm trying to bird proof a room... I'm close to clueless about that.

[chapala]

AS far as a used cage, You can put on a 10% chlorine solution all over, let sit about 10 minutes, rinse really, really well, and let dry in the sun, if possible. I don't see any problem with that.

As far as toys, some wood and something to shred are good to start with since they like and need to use their beaks. You can buy toy parts and assemble them yourself - it's much cheaper than buying ready-made toys.

How about perches? They need a variety for healthy feet, different diameters, different surfaces. I like natural branches (bird-safe wood), rope perches, and rope boings. I got a new re-homed Lilac-crowned Amazon six weeks ago, and she loves the rope perch. I had to take the boing out because she started tearing into it with her beak and never sat on it. I also have a concrete pedicure perch in each of the bird cages.

what is the diet of this bird? Amazons are prone to fatty liver disease and other health problems on high fat diets, and need a diet with a fair amount of fresh vegetables and a little fruit, in addition to pellets and/or grains and legumes.

Good luck with taming this bird! I'm taking it very slowly with mine, who never was handled in the many years with the previous owner.

[Diver]

he is on zupreem (trix looking mix) for med to large parrots
along with a small amount of seed mix added (i think its a blend by ecotrition) it has seed, dried fruits, veg and beans and nuts.
i mix them about 3:1

we also give him fresh fruits and veg, pretty much anytime we are eating fresh stuff, he is too. we give him anything besides avocado, grapes.
he loves fresh greens too, chard, spinach, celery hearts
he gets small amounts of cheese and nuts.
he is very fond of combos like "banana walnut and apple walnut" if we say it, he gets very excited, then does a dance and rings his bell when he's done eating it
he gets pizza and mac&cheese as often as i do, which is once or twice a month. he gets a small corner of one slice about the size of a teaspoon. same amount with mac&cheese.

he has a wooden perch and a rough gritty perch. the wooden is up top where he sleeps, the rough ones in front of his food/water dishes.

[chapala]

when you need to buy pellets again, it sounds like he's getting Rainbow or "fruit" mix. Those are artificially colored and flavored, and it is better to feed the natural Zupreem. So before you run out, I suggest you buy the natural and begin mixing it with the other until you run out of the "fruit" and are on 100% of the natural color.