Bird starter kit: what to buy first (and what to skip)

Quick answer

Buy for safety and routine first: a properly sized cage, varied perches, a simple foraging setup, and a travel carrier. Skip gimmicks and focus on items that prevent stress, boredom, and unsafe handling.

Essentials you should buy first

1) Cage that fits the species

Bigger is easier. Confirm safe bar spacing.

2) Perch variety

• natural wood perches (multiple diameters)
• one flat perch
• optional rope perch if monitored

3) Food and water bowls

Stainless steel is easy to clean.

4) A travel carrier

This is for vet visits and emergencies. Get it before you need it.

5) Safe toys for enrichment

Start with:

• one shredding toy
• one foraging toy
• one movement toy

Rotate weekly.

6) Cleaning basics

• paper liners
• bird-safe cleaner
• a small brush for bowls and bars

Helpful, but not required on day one

• play stand
• gram scale for weekly weigh-ins
• a simple air purifier (helpful for dusty species)

What to skip

• sandpaper perch covers
• unsafe bells or tiny parts that can trap toes
• heavily scented cleaners
• random supplements without vet advice

FAQ

How many toys do I need?

Quality and rotation matter more than quantity. Start small and rotate.

Do I need a cuttlebone?

Many birds benefit from a calcium source, but needs vary. Ask your vet and watch for overuse.

Should I buy a mirror?

Sometimes it helps boredom, sometimes it triggers hormonal behavior. If behavior gets worse, remove it.

Next step

Once your starter kit is ready, focus on sleep and a calm daily routine. Those two things prevent most early problems.