Is there anything I should know when I bring home my parakeet to help it adjust to its first few days in a new home?

Make your new bird feel at home. It will feel insecure in a strange place, so gradually introduce it to the surroundings. Cover all sides of its cage except the front. Each day, turn back the covers a little. As the bird feels more comfortable with your home, it will feel more secure. For a younger bird, this usually takes 2-3 days; older birds may need 7-10 days. Birds also feel more secure when they have a routine. Feed your bird its meals and snacks at the same time each day and give it a bath at a scheduled time. Do not, however, give it new toys and mirros right away. Birds, just like humans, can only learn so many new things at once. The bird will be eager to play once it knows you and its new home.

Do most birds like to cuddle?

Most birds love to cuddle and play once they know you. Spend time making friends with your bird. Approach the cage quietly so you don't scare it. Remove the bird from its cage with gentle hands. Hold it 5-10 minutes in your hands. Let it hide if it wants, then return it to the cage. You may need to do this for a few days until the bird becomes more comfortable. Once it can rest in your hands, extend your hand and stroke its body, starting from its head to its tail. The bird may not warm up right away, but don't worry. Like any pet, birds become outgoing and playful when they become more secure with their owner.

Every time I put my hand down for my bird to sit on, he tries to bite me. Is he a mean bird or does he just not like me?

Be gentle when handling the bird. If you suddenly move or jerk your hand, the bird may grab it out of fear. It takes time for the bird to learn to perch on your hand, so start slowly. Get the bird to face you when it tries to perch on your finger. It will feel more comfortable and not want to escape. Talk to it gently and keep your body as still as possible.

I'm wondering if my bird's cage is big enough. Do I need to cover it at night?

Birds need plenty of room to stretch their wings and extend their tails freely. Get a cage a couple inches longer than the bird's wingspan and provide enough room for at least two perches. Different shaped perches allow the bird to rest different parts of its feet. A bird is an active animal, so it needs plenty of room to move around. A larger cage allows more room for the bird to play and exercise. Cover the cage with lightweight material. Put the cover on the cage at night and leave it off during daylight hours.

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