Come fly with us.....

Are you prepared?

What to have prepared before you pick up your bird

• cage - cleaned and disinfected, air or sun dried (1/2" bar spacing, large front-opening door, grate on bottom)
• seed, water, and treats in cups placed inside the cage (wait until you arrive home to add fresh foods)
• paper lined bottom so that you can monitor droppings

When you arrive home, place the bird in his/her new cage so that he/she may eat and drink. Do not make any cage adjustments while the bird is acclimating to your new home. The only exception is: once you have established his or her favorite perching spot, make slight adjustments so that food and water is near that perch. Some birds are too stressed from the journey to explore to find food and water so this will ensure that the bird is easily able to receive what it needs to live. Try to pick a high spot in the cage for extra food and water while setting it up so that you only need make those slight adjustments. Save all brightly colored or large objects until the bird is acclimated.

Additional paper towels on top of the grate will eliminate some cleanup and make it easier to do spot checks on feces.

Schedule

What schedule were they on at the breeders house? Were they are awakened at or before dawn, and provided with fresh and cooked/warm foods at that time. Were they are covered by dark? It helps during acclimation to adhere to as much of the bird's previous schedule. You will have ample time to ghradually adjust their sleep schedule if this does not allow you time with your bird in the morning and at night. Just remember, they need 12-14 hours of uninterrupted sleep each and every night. Any abrupt change, or lack of sleep, will result in a cranky bird!

Tip: At dusk, your little companion will become quiet and will not be as active. If you need help bonding with your parrotlet, this is the perfect time to hold, pet, and cuddle him/her. They are even liable to fall asleep in your hand while you pet their little head. Female owners will most likely discover that their bird is trying to find a special spot under their hair, behind their neck. Remain vigilant with scented hair products.

Security

Security is always an issue with any parrot. Be sure the cage is covered at night with a dark, breathable fabric. During the day, your new companion should be allowed ample time for naps in a quiet, secure location.

The location of your cage should also be based on security. Your companion should have a minimum of one solid wall behind or beside the cage. A cage in the middle of the room does not provide him/her with any sense of security.

Children and Pets

If you have children and/or pets in your home, this poses additional considerations and supervisory duties for the primary caregiver.

Before deciding on the purchase of companion parrot, we ask that you carefully review and consider the following:

• age(s) of children
• maturity and responsibility level of children
• daily household activity level
• location of cage
• pet access to the house
• extra time necessary for the primary caregiver to provide additional supervision

We strongly discourage the purchase of a Parrotlet if you have small children, cats, or dogs. Parrotlets can live more than 20 years, but unfortunately, most do not survive because they succumb to accidents.

Travel Cage or Carrier

We strongly urge you to purchase a travel cage or pet carrier (available at all pet stores for approximately $9-12, depending on size). The plastic and wire pet carrier is perfect for the ride home and can also be used for transport to and from the veterinarian's office. It also has a handle and can be broken down for storage. The larger the transport cage or carrier, the greater risk of stress induced from the ride.

If you have purchased and equipped the proper sized cage for your new companion, it should be too large for the ride -- the toys and accessories may actually hit the bird while in transit. Small cups (for food and water) are also available at the pet store for just over $1. These tiny cups are the correct size for your travel carrier.

When you arrive home, you should be able to put your new companion in its (completely furnished) cage and begin the acclimation process. Do not wait until you get home with the bird to prepare the cage.

Food they have been eating

• Pellets - ZuPreem fruit flavored (parakeet size)
• Seed - Kaytee Fiesta, Volkman's Parrotlet Super, Higgins Safflower Gold Additions: hemp, safflower, Sunshine Delight seed mix, hulled oats, wheat
• Millet spray
• Egg Food - Protein 25 (Higgins) (used in weaning or during molts)
• Vegetables - Fresh/raw and cooked (cooked veggies offered warm), Goldenfeast (dried)
• Fruit - Fresh, Goldenfeast (dried), Cooked - Beak Appetit, Hornbecks, Kaytee Creations
• Bread - Birdie Bread with fruits or veggies (jiffy mix or corn meal, fresh fruit, dried fruit, and baby food); small amounts offered a few times a week (offered warm)
• Treats - Small Bird Treat from Sunshine Bird Supply, various fruit and vegetable sticks, nutriberries (available in a few varieties)
• Eggs -cooked, hard boiled or scrambled (once a week)
• Pasta/Rice - mixed with cooked vegetables (offered warm with veggies)

Never feed avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, or soda to your bird!

Please review this food list prior to picking up your bird. Any change in diet should be gradual.