Cages:
Buy as large a cage as you can, but keep in mind the bar spacing. Spacing too wide could allow the parrot to get his head stuck, causing injury or death. Also be sure the door fits tightly and cannot be wedged apart by tiny heads trying to escape. This can also lead to a dead bird. Beware cheap cages that contain zinc, as it is poisonous to birds. Powder-covered cages or stainless steel cages should both be safe. Buying cages and bird supplies on the internet runs usually � the cost that you will pay in pet stores. A couple of good sources to buy discount cages are: http://www.birdcages4less.com/ or there are quite a few bird cage stores on Ebay.
Proper Bar Spacing:
� Budgies/finches/canaries 3/8� to ��
� Cockatiels/small parakeets/sm. conures/lovebirds �� to ��
� Large conures, large parakeets, med.-sized parrots,
mini macaws, small cockatoos, African grays,
amazons, eclectus �� to 1 ��
� Large cockatoos & macaws 1 �� to 1 ��
Minimum Cage Size: (Measurements are L x D x H)
� Budgies 14x14x14 inches
� Finches, canaries: (flight cages) 36x18x18 inches
� Cockatiels/small parakeets/small Conures/lovebirds 18x18x24 inches
� Large conures, large parakeets,
medium-sized parrots, mini macaws 20x20x24 inches
� Small cockatoos/Eclectus/African grey/amazons 24x20x24 inches
� Large cockatoo/amazons/macaws 5x3x5 feet
Perches
Make sure you have the right size perches for your parrot. There is a proper size range for each species, and there should be at least 3 varying sizes and textures within this range installed in his cage to keep his feet in good shape.
Toys:
Being as smart as they are, a parrot just cannot have too many toys. Toys are fairly expensive, but as you get acquainted with more bird people and begin the hunt for cheap but safe toys yourself, you will be able to save big bucks in this area. Once you learn what types of toy parts to buy and what your parrot likes, you can make toys yourself for very little investment.
Since you are a beginner toy connoisseur, perhaps it is best to start out with a few at your local pet store. Keep a couple of things in mind. The bigger the parrot, the bigger and stronger the toy must be and still you will have to expect them to methodically disassemble any toy you bring into the house. That is part of the fun. Your hope is that it will last long enough to make the price worthwhile..