Beginner’s Guide to Pet Bird Care: What Every New Owner Should Know

Welcoming a pet bird into your home can be a joyful, feathery adventure—but it’s important to get started the right way. Here at Animal Medical Center of Bel Air, we often meet first-time bird owners from Bel Air, MD, who are eager to do their best but feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities. That’s totally normal! This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know to ensure Polly thrives in her new home.

Why Birds Make Great Family Pets

Birds can be affectionate, intelligent, and social. Unlike dogs or cats, they don’t need to be walked or groomed extensively, and they can live comfortably in smaller homes or apartments. Many birds, like parakeets and cockatiels, are also budget-friendly and relatively easy to care for … if you set things up right from the start.

Choosing the Right Bird for Your Family

Not all birds are created equal when it comes to personality and care requirements. Here are a few common beginner-friendly options:

• Budgies (Parakeets): Talkative, playful, and low maintenance.
• Cockatiels: Gentle and social with a long lifespan.
• Finches: Quiet and best kept in pairs or groups.

Choosing the right bird for you is very important. Some of our feathered friends are very loud, while others have extremely long lifespans. Do some research and talk to a veterinarian before choosing a species to ensure a good match for your household.

Beginner-Friendly Pet Bird Checklist

Before bringing Polly home, make sure you have the essentials:

• Proper-sized cage with horizontal bars for climbing
• Perches of different textures and sizes
• Bird-safe food and water dishes
• A balanced bird food mix (ask your vet for brand suggestions)
• Toys for mental stimulation
• Cage liner or paper for cleaning
• Bird-safe cleaning supplies
• A covered sleeping area or cage cover
• First aid kit and bird-safe grooming tools

Check with your local vet clinic for tailored recommendations based on the bird’s species.

How to Set Up the Cage

Your feathered bestie will spend much of her time in her cage, so it should be both safe and enriching. Place it away from direct drafts, windows, and kitchens. Use non-toxic materials for toys and avoid scented candles or aerosols nearby.

Line the bottom with newspaper or a bird-safe liner for easy cleanup. Add a few different perches and at least 2–3 toys to prevent boredom. Rotate toys weekly to keep Polly engaged!

Daily Bird Care Basics

• Fresh food and water daily: Birds need access to clean, fresh water and a proper diet, including seeds, pellets, and fresh veggies.
• Social interaction: Even birds that don’t talk enjoy being talked to. A few minutes a day of friendly chatter or training goes a long way.
• Cage cleaning: Spot-clean daily and do a deep clean weekly.
• Sunlight and sleep: Birds need 10–12 hours of quiet, dark sleep every night. Cover the cage if needed.

Vet Visits and Health Tips

Polly should visit a veterinary clinic at least once a year. New bird owners in Bel Air, MD are often surprised to learn that birds hide symptoms of illness until it’s advanced—so proactive care is key. 

Here are some things to look for:

• Changes in appetite or droppings
• Fluffed-up feathers for long periods
• Sudden aggression or lethargy
• Missing feathers
• Noisy breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Cloudy eyes
• Tail bobbing
• Changes in waste
• Hypersomnia
• Voice changes
• Dirty Feathers
• Excessive drinking
• Eyes
• Breathing
• Cere issues
• Closed eye
• Difficulty walking or flying
• Generalized Weakness
• Head tilt
• Lameness or shifting of body weight
• Plucked feathers

Call your animal hospital if you spot any of these or if Polly just seems off. 

Fun Birdie Facts

• Polly’s beak never stops growing—offer chewable toys to help her maintain it.
• Birds can learn their names and even play peekaboo.
• A happy bird might grind her beak or gently chatter before bed.

Final Thoughts

Bringing home a bird is a joyful step into a vibrant, feathery world. At Animal Medical Center of Bel Air, we’re here to support new bird owners every step of the way. From wellness checks to emergency care, our compassionate team of vets is always ready to help.

If you’re ever unsure, call our pet clinic—we’re just a chirp away.

This article is intended for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for specific medical advice and care for your bird.