1. How much time should my bird spend outside of the cage?

It all depends on your preferences, routine, and your birds personality.  Some birds stay out all day and only use the cage for sleeping.  Some times birds need quiet time and prefer going in their cage for a bit.

2.  How do I know which size cage is best for my bird?

When choosing a cage take into consideration your birds adult size, the width between the bars, and the cage door and latches.  The cage must be large enough to allow your bird to fully spread his wings, climb freely, and have two or three toys.  If the bars are spaced too widely, your bird could get out, get stuck between the bars and seriously injure itself. The cage door needs to be large enough to take your bird in and out easily and have good latches.  Bigger is always better so if you are wavering between two sizes choose the larger one.

3.  What kind of perches do they need?

Birds spend the majority of their time standing on their feet.  A variety of types and sizes should be supplied.  Wooden dowels that are normally supplied with the cage are not the most beneficial because  their smooth, uniform surface puts pressure on the same part of the foot when it stands.  Natural branches are better.  Some safe branches to use are ones for most fruit and nut trees, ash, elm, dogwood and magnolia.  Cut the branches to fit the cage, scrub them with with detergent, rinse well and dry in the sun.  Cotton rope makes good perches.  Concrete and mineral perches help to groom nails and beaks and also work well.

4.  How often does the cage need to be cleaned?

Cages should be cleaned daily and disinfected weekly.  All items should be able to be cleaned in hot soapy water or put through the dishwasher.  Disinfecting can be done by mixing 1/2 cup bleach with 1 gallon of water.   Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. 

5. What kind of scents are bad for birds?

Birds have different respiratory systems than we do.  Scented candles, air fresheners, smoke (cigarette, burning dinner or fires) and burning Teflon (non stick coatings) can be fatal to birds.

6.  Do they have to have toys?

Birds should have plenty of toys to stimulate and occupy their time.  Caged birds can't expend their energy flying and foraging and toys help fill the void.  Remember to check toys for damage daily.  Rotate the toys every several days to a week to keep the bird interested.  The toys are meant to be chewed and destroyed.  A bored parrot is at risk for behavioral problems.

7.  What size bird is best for me?

Large birds make execeptional companions, but as a rule the larger the bird the bigger the commitment.  The larger the bird the louder, messier, more demanding and higher the financial responsibility.  If you are a first time bird owner a small to medium sized bird is recommended.

8.  What time commitments are required?

Daily exercise, social interaction and time out of their cages are all needs of parrots.  Different species require different amounts. Research and find one that best suits your lifestyle.

9.  Are allergies a concern?

People who have allergies, or breathing problems, would not want to purchase a "high dander" bird such as Cockatoos, African Greys or even little Cockatiels.  Their feather dust can be a problem.  Eclectus parrots have very little dander if any.  Dander can somewhat be controlled with hepa filters and regular bathing of your avian companion.

10.  What do you expect from your parrot in behavior and temperment?

Different species have different behaviors and temperments.  Some are eager to come out and socialize while others prefer to be seen and not touched.

11.  What is the financial aspect of owning a parrot?

Generally the larger the bird the more expensive it is to maintain.  Remember along with the bird and the cage purchase there must be toys so they don't get bored or destructive, fresh foods, seeds, pellets if you choose, and veterninary care.