Preparation begins before the bird is reserved.
A parrot is not a decorative pet. Noise, chewing, food mess, daily social needs, veterinary costs and lifespan vary enormously by species. Before ordering, ask for current information about the individual bird and decide who will provide care every day, during travel and if the household changes.
Step 1
Match the species to real life.
Compare adult size, typical sound level, safe cage dimensions, diet, social needs and expected lifespan. A Budgie or Cockatiel has different equipment and handling needs from an African Grey, Cockatoo or Macaw, but every parrot needs daily care and enrichment.
Who will refresh food and water, clean, train and provide supervised interaction every day?
Where will the cage, play area and travel carrier fit without exposing the bird to fumes or drafts?
Can the household support appropriate food, toys, equipment and routine or emergency avian veterinary care?
What is the long-term plan if housing, work, health or family circumstances change?
Step 2
Set up the cage and safe room first.
Choose the largest practical species-appropriate cage with safe bar spacing, secure latches and enough usable space for movement. Place perches so droppings do not contaminate food and water. Keep a clear route between perches and avoid overcrowding the cage with toys.
- Use several bird-safe natural perches of varied diameters; avoid making one smooth dowel the only foot surface.
- Position the cage away from kitchens, smoke, sprays, candles, direct vents, radiators and harsh direct sunlight.
- Give the bird household contact without placing it in nonstop traffic, noise or handling.
- Secure windows and doors, turn off unsafe ceiling fans and supervise all out-of-cage time.
Step 3
Start with familiar food and clean supplies.
Ask what the individual parrot is eating now and obtain enough of that food before arrival. Sudden diet changes can add stress and reduce intake. Discuss any gradual transition with an avian veterinarian, especially for a young bird or a bird with a medical history.
Use washable bowls, replace water daily and remove perishable fresh foods before they spoil. Keep a gram scale suitable for the bird and record weight at a consistent time; a trend can reveal a problem that feathers hide.
Keep avocado, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol away from parrots. Protect birds from tobacco and vaping residue, aerosol sprays, perfumes, pesticides, overheated non-stick cookware and other chemical fumes. Ask an avian veterinarian before offering an unfamiliar food, plant or supplement.
Step 4
Choose an avian veterinarian before arrival.
Save the clinic’s normal and emergency numbers, confirm its hours and learn how you will transport the bird safely. Arrange a new-bird examination promptly after arrival and follow the veterinarian’s individual recommendations for testing, diet and quarantine.
If other birds live in the home, prepare a separate room and separate supplies. A commonly recommended quarantine period is 30–45 days, but your avian veterinarian should determine the appropriate length, tests and introduction process.
Find an avian veterinarian through AAV →Step 5
Keep the first 72 hours quiet and predictable.
- ArrivalMove calmly.
Place the travel carrier near the prepared cage, reduce noise and follow the transfer instructions provided for that bird. Do not invite a crowd or force handling.
- First dayObserve without hovering.
Confirm that the bird finds food and water. Watch posture, breathing, activity and droppings while allowing uninterrupted rest.
- Days 2–3Build trust gradually.
Use a soft voice, predictable movements and rewards the bird already understands. Keep the routine stable and avoid forcing touch or step-up behavior.
- OngoingTrack changes.
Record weight, appetite and behavior. Contact an avian veterinarian promptly for weakness, breathing difficulty, reduced eating, sitting on the cage floor, bleeding or major droppings changes.
Step 6
Parrot-proof the household.
Remove immediate risks
- Open doors, windows and unscreened exits
- Moving ceiling fans and hot surfaces
- Open toilets, sinks, buckets and aquariums
- Electrical cords, lead, zinc and unsafe chewable objects
Plan a healthy routine
- Predictable dark, quiet sleep time
- Daily social contact and reward-based training
- Rotating bird-safe chewing and foraging toys
- Supervised exercise in a secured room
Before pickup or delivery
New pet parrot arrival checklist
- Species-appropriate cage with secure doors and safe bar spacing
- Natural perches in varied safe diameters
- Current food, separate food and water bowls, and a small food scale
- Bird-safe toys for chewing, climbing and foraging
- A quiet sleep plan and a safe daytime cage location
- Carrier or travel crate kept ready for veterinary visits
- Contact information for an avian veterinarian and emergency clinic
- A separate quarantine room if other birds already live at home
- Removal of fumes, toxic plants, open water, unsafe fans and escape routes
- Time for a calm arrival with no forced handling or crowded introductions
Continue preparing
Explore the birds, then confirm the individual details.
Browse the current parrot listings, choose a sex preference and quantity, enter the delivery address, then review the complete total before secure card payment through Stripe.