Anything I've missed?

[Ben]

Hi,

Darwin the Senegal will be with me in under two weeks, so I'm checking I've got everything I need. Please tell me If I've overlooked anything. In no particular order I've:

1. Located nearest Avian Specialist vet and will be registering Darwin ASAP.
2. Identified non stick cookware and arranging to replace with Stainless steel saucepans and enamel baking trays.
3. Ordered cage (Haiti AG cage)
4. Bought a sturdy table and about to order a table top play gym/stand
5. Ordered a swing, spare perches and a variety of toys
6. Bought a clicker and some bamboo chopsticks for eventual target training
7. Bought new plastic spray bottle for bird showers
8. Looked into supplements and food. Darwin will be delivered with a supply of these
9. Selected suitable location in home for cage
10. Made sure I was able to provide a good home - longterm!

Seriously, I've been looking forward to owning another bird for years and only now do I feel I am financially secure enough to do so.

Any thoughts?

[Michael]

Ok, first off it looks like you have thought this through quite well. Let me mention some optional but recommended extras beyond that:

1) Rug or mat to go under the cage. You will ruin your original floor in no time if you don't put something underneath. I use a 6x8' Rug underneath the two of my bird's cages so things that fall out land on it.

2) Cheap king sized black flat bed sheet for covering the cage at night

3) Lamps with full spectrum light bulbs and timers. I have 4 lamps in my bird area and they are on timers to simulate daytime from 9AM to 9PM for my birds. This is especially helpful if I come home late (like after dark). It keeps them on a regular sleep regime and it provides them with full spectrum light to some degree.

4) Air purifier, handheld vacuum, cleaning supplies. You will love the vac. All the loose down feathers and crumbs are much easier to clean up with one.

5) Carrier, not sure if the bird comes with one.

6) Treat food. For starters get a parrot seed mix to offer as treats for training/bonding.

7) A set of parrot training perches for teaching your bird tricks, potty training, and just convenient place for it to sit

[Ben]

Thanks for the advise (and the sneaky plug - love it! )

I have considered your perches before but am a bit worried about the cost of shipping to the UK plus the inevitable custom charges!

Hmmm. I hadnt considered a rug. I have laminate flooring so may be an idea. I will also now be investing in a handheld vac, so thanks again for those suggestions.

The place I am buying my bird from provides a good quality carrier so thats sorted and my partner is home all day so not sure I'll need the lamps?

[Michael]

Yeah, sorry. Shipping to Europe is pretty much out of the question as it costs more than the original stands.

[lainmai]

I'm pretty sure you guys have Black & Decker Dustbusters in Europe - check them out for a cheap & decent hand vac. I swear by mine (I own 2) and my parents love the 2 they have in the house & the RV as well.

[entrancedbymyGCC]

I'd add Poop-off wipes or similar for quick cleanups. Millet spray for treats. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Water bottle if you want to teach him to use that. Gallerstein's Pet Bird Owner's Handbook.
Paper for cage bottom. MORE TOYS. You can never have too many toys.

[pchela]

A boing! Birds love boings ! I don't know what kind of toys you've bought but you'll need some for shredding some for chewing (wood) some for foraging and some for climbing/swinging.

Skip the supplements and vitamins and just feed a good diet. Especially do not use the ones that go in their water.

Nutriberries are usually much appreciated as a treat.

[a.susz]

not to get off topic but i put a nutriberry in my birds fresh food this morning and it got pretty wet and crumbly, my red belly really enjoyed it. yes nutriberries are a must!

[Ben]

I'd add Poop-off wipes or similar for quick cleanups. Millet spray for treats. Lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Water bottle if you want to teach him to use that. Gallerstein's Pet Bird Owner's Handbook.
Paper for cage bottom. MORE TOYS. You can never have too many toys.

Thank you. I had considered some kind of wipe, any type recommended?

A boing! Birds love boings !

Gonna have to google that one.

[Michael]

Don't buy the wipes. They are very over priced. You are much better off getting the spray and using a cloth or paper towels.