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Learn some tips about bringing your new pet bird home for the first time. Find out what supplies and actions will help her feel most at home.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Search Petco for the information needed about your bird’s body language. We will help you look for the signs in your bird & help you communicate with them.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Learn how to take care of large Hookbill, recommended diet and housing setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to take care of your pet Finches, recommended cage size, diet & housing setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your local Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
A number of factors go into finding the best pet bird for you and your family. Read through these questions and tips to select which life long companion is right for you.
Updated on June 12th, 2026
There are many places to look for budgie toys online, and doing a simple google search can help you find them. Looking at places such as Petco (if available in your area), Drs Foster Smith, etc, or other online pet stores can give you an idea of what's available and can be shipped to you. most places will also mark the size of the toy so you can pick out ones appropriate for budgies.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
That's a lot of questions! When getting a new bird, it is best to keep them in a separate cage for a few weeks (quarantine) to make sure they do not spread any illness to each other. Once the new bird checks out safe, you can keep them near each other to get used to hearing/seeing each other, and then gradually introduce them, whether on a shared play pen, or in a cage that is large enough to comfortably house both. Make sure you have extra food and water dishes, toys, perches, etc so that they cannot fight over these resources or become territorial. Each bird will have different markings depending on the type of coloration the bird is (there are different varieties of markings) so this will greatly depend on if you purchase a bird with similar markings or not.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Depending on the type of bird you are planning to get, a more social environment may be best. I would also recommend considering proximity to the kitchen in your home as well as lighting in the room. It’s best to keep the bird in a room further from the kitchen to avoid potentially toxic fumes and in a room that does not get too hot or cold during the day. It is always best to acclimate birds slowly to their new environment. I hope all is well with your new pet!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Parakeets, also called Budgerigars, are small members of the parrot family and they can become good mimics. The average adult size is 7 inches long, head to end of tail. The average life span is between 10 to 20 years with proper care. A well-balanced Parakeet diet consists of: Specialized pellets should make up 60-70% of diet, fresh vegetables and fruits and small amounts of fortified seeds Clean, fresh, filtered, chlorine-free water, changed daily. Do not feed birds: avocado, fruit seeds, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol; it can cause serious medical conditions. Avoid sugar and high fat treats. Things to remember when feeding your Parakeet: Fresh food and water should always be available. Vegetables and fruits not eaten within a few hours should be discarded. Remember, treats should not exceed 10% of total food intake. Housing Parakeets acclimate well to average household temperatures, not to exceed 80°F; be cautious of extreme temperature changes. The habitat should area that is well-lit and away from drafts. A habitat approximately 18"W x 18"D x 18"H, with metal bars spaced no greater than 1-2" apart, makes a good home for one Parakeet. A flight habitat is strongly recommended. It is best to provide the largest habitat possible. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. Perches should be at least 4" long and 3-8" in diameter; a variety of perch sizes to exercise feet and help prevent arthritis is recommended. A metal grate over the droppings tray will keep the bird away from droppings; line the droppings tray with habitat paper or appropriate substrate for easier cleaning. To avoid contamination, do not place food or water containers under perches. Parakeets can be kept alone to bond with pet parent or in pairs to bond with each other. Different birds she not be housed together. Normal Behavior Parakeets are talkers, but their little voices are sometimes hard to hear. Active and need daily time out of their habitats to interact with family. Keep in pairs if unable to devote daily interaction time. Provide foraging toys, which provide important mental stimulation. Housing Maintenance Clean and disinfect the habitat and perches regularly; replace substrate or habitat liner weekly or more often as needed. Replace perches, dishes, and toys when worn or damaged; rotate new toys into the habitat regularly. Ensure that there are no habitat parts or toys with lead, zinc or lead-based paints or galvanized parts as these can cause serious medical issues if ingested by your bird. Do not use a lot of cleaning agents around your bird a natural cleaner. Grooming & Hygiene Provide filtered, chlorine-free, lukewarm water regularly for bathing; remove the water when done. As an alternative, mist the bird with water. Clipping flight feathers is not necessary, but when done correctly it can help prevent injury or escape; consult an avian veterinarian on what is best for your bird. Nails should be trimmed by a qualified person to prevent injury to the bird. Signs of a Healthy Animal: Active, alert, and sociable Eats and drinks throughout the day Dry nares and bright, dry eyes Beak, legs and feet normal in appearance Clean, dry vent Smooth, well-groomed feathers Common Health Issues Chlamydiosis: Appetite loss, fluffed feathers, nasal discharge, green stool. Seek immediate avian veterinary attention. Diarrhea: Fecal portion of stool is not formed. Multiple causes from diet change to internal parasites. Consult with an avian veterinarian and ensure proper diet. Feather plucking: Bird plucks own feathers; may be due to boredom, poor diet or other illness. Consult your veterinarian and relieve boredom with attention, new toys or new space. Mites (scaly face and leg disease): White deposits on eyes, beak, legs, and feet. Consult your veterinarian. Red Flags Beak swelling or accumulations Fluffed, plucked, or soiled feathers Sitting on floor
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It is possible she injured it in transit to the store or at the store. If there is no active bleeding, you can keep an eye on it. If she appears sensitive or painful, have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet. You can also return her to the Petco for treatment or exchange.
Updated on September 24th, 2025