Rules can still vary by city, county or species. Check your state before buying.
Laws change. Verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing.
Check your state's rules →Housing and enclosure setup
Buy the biggest cage you can fit, wider than it is tall for flyers. Bar spacing matters: about half an inch for budgies and finches, up to 1-1.5 inches for macaws.
Use natural-wood perches of different widths, swap toys weekly, and give parrots several hours out of the cage daily. Keep birds away from kitchens — fumes from overheated non-stick cookware can kill them.
Diet
For parrots, a formulated pellet as the base plus fresh vegetables daily; seed and nuts are treats. Finches and canaries do well on a quality seed mix plus greens and egg food.
Never feed avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onion, garlic, salty food or fruit pits.
Health basics
Birds hide illness. Fluffed-up sitting, tail bobbing, changed droppings, discharge from nostrils or sitting on the cage floor all need an avian vet the same day.
Feather plucking often points to boredom, stress or diet. Weigh weekly on a gram scale.
Lifespan
Finches and canaries 5-10 years; budgies 5-10; cockatiels 15-20; conures and lovebirds 10-20+; African greys, cockatoos and macaws 40-60+ years — often longer than their owners.
Beginner tips
Start with a budgie or cockatiel before a large parrot. Large parrots are loud and need hours of interaction.
Some states restrict particular birds (for example monk parakeets) or require CITES paperwork for certain parrots. Check your state before buying.
General guidance only. Nothing here replaces an exotics or avian vet who knows your animal.
Track it instead of guessing
Log weights, feedings, health events and care reminders for free in the keeper tools.
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