Birdman Index

Equipment	Need Basis	Comments
Adoption Certificate or bill of sale	Necessary	Needed to identify that your bird belongs to you
Bedding - (bottom of cage)	Necessary	Your choice-but no sand or cat litter
Bird bath tubs	Necessary	All birds need to bathe. Tubs are better for smaller birds.
Bird ID: microchip	Optional	Permanent way to identify medium to large birds.
Bottle brushes	Recommended	Toothbrushes are excellent for cleaning bottles and cups.
Cage	Necessary	Choose one that is species appropriate.
Carriers	Necessary	Keeps bird safe while traveling with them.
Clean agent	Necessary	Wide range available, from soap and water to a chemical.
Cooking mixes	Recommended	Can be made in batches and frozen for use later.
Covering for floor	Recommended	Protects your floor & carpeting. Choose easy to clean or replace.
Covers	Optional. Depends on bird.	Some birds need to be covered, others do not like it.
Cuttlebone	Recommended	Good mineral source for small birds.
Distilled water	Recommended	For baby birds, sick birds and when you travel
Extra C-clamps	Recommended	Replace O-rings on toys, use for safety reasons.
Extra cage	Optional	Good when traveling with your bird or as a sick cage.
Extra food dishes	Necessary	Several sets that are dishwasher safe.
Extra perches	Necessary	Make sure they are different widths, textures & safe.
Extra water bottles	Necessary	Make sure they are dishwasher safe.
Feeding spoon	Depends on bird	If bird isn't weaned. Some breeders use syringe vs spoon.
First aid kit	Recommended	Put your own version together inexpensively.
Formula	Depends on bird	Unweaned birds ask breeder, Sick birds, ask avian vet.
Fruits/Veggies Cereals/Grains	Necessary	Feed a wide range and variety to your birds.
Full spectrum lighting	Optional	Gives your bird the full spectrum of lighting
Heat source	Optional	Used to keep baby or sick bird warm, ask your veterinarian.
Incubator	Optional	Great sick cage especially if you have several birds.
Instructions	Necessary	Ask seller about health, diet, routine, care and behavior.
Ladders	Optional, depends on bird.	Especially for cockatoos and other escapte artists.
Magazines	Recommended	Bird Talk, Pet Bird Report, Birds USA, etc.
Millet Spray	Recommended	Good for treats, sue sparingly
Mineral blocks	Recommended	Come in different shaps and flavors. Good for all birds.
Minerals	Depends on bird diet	Ask you avian vet if your bird needs extra.
Pellets	Necessary/depends on bird	Some birds love pellet, others don't Many varieties available.
Play pens	Recommended	Good place for your bird to play safely when not in the cage.
Scrapers	Recommended	Good for cleaning perches and the cage.
See guards, cage apron	Optional	Helps keep bird from throwing food out of cage.
Seeds	Necessary/depends on bird	Use good seed mix with fruit & veggies. NOT A TOTAL DIET
Sick cage	Optional	Good to have in case bird gets sick or injured.
Spray bottle	Necessary	Birds need regular baths. This method is good for most birds.
Stands	Recommended	Good for play time, traveling or training.
Supplements	Depends on bird	Ask your avian vet if your bird needs extra.
Swings	Depends on bird	Some birds love swings others may not. Great toy if liked.
Syringes (no needle)	Necessary for babies	For feeding babies or medicating sick birds
Therapeutic perch	Optional	Helps to wear nails down. Should be highest perch.
Thermometer	Necessary for baby birds	Good quality to check temperature of feeding formula.
Toys	Necessary	Buy several species appropriate toys and change occasionally.
Treats	Recommended	Give occasionally. Many kinds available.
Veterinary Exam	Necessary	Annual checkup and fecal is needed for all birds.
Vitamins	Depends on bird's diet	Ask your avian vet if your bird needs extra.
Weaning foods	Necessary for baby birds	Helps ease the transition to adult food.