Getting Ready for Your Baby

Whether you're heading to a vet appointment, going on a trip, or simply need a safe way to transport your bird, a quality carrier is essential. It should be well-ventilated, easy to clean, and appropriately sized for your bird to feel safe without too much room to slide around. Below are a few options I recommend, based on safety, practicality, and comfort for your feathered friend. 

-Prevue Travel Cage: https://amzn.to/4gqteUK

-Bird Carrier Backpack: https://amzn.to/3IgkW53

-Bird Carrier Bag: https://amzn.to/3Ikkse2

-Bird Carrier with Shade Cover: https://amzn.to/47F8Ahe

Yaheetech 63'' is the cage model we’ve been using extensively in our aviary for many years. It comfortably fits one — or even a pair — of birds from each species we work with. It’s easy to assemble, sturdy, and stands up well to pressure-washing. One of the best features is the convenient rolling stand, which keeps your birds at eye level (something they absolutely love) and allows you to move the cage around your home with ease. Occasionally, the seller offers coupons, so be sure to keep an eye on this page.

-Model Yaheetech 63'': https://amzn.to/4nvcBJR

And Yaheetech 54" is very similar, but offers a more budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice, especially if you plan to house each bird separately. While it maintains the key benefits of sturdiness and functionality, one standout feature is that it comes in five different color options, allowing you to better match it to your home décor or personal style. It’s a solid, practical choice that doesn’t compromise on quality, even at a lower price point.

-Model Yaheetech 54": https://amzn.to/3VcTRmg

This is the perfect way to spoil your feathered friends! Nearly twice the size of the Yaheetech 63", this spacious enclosure provides ample room for a variety of perches, toys, and other enrichment items — ideal for promoting both physical and mental stimulation. Our grass parakeet flock lives in this model and couldn’t be happier with all the extra space to explore and play. If you’re looking to go the extra mile in providing a comfortable, enriching environment, this cage is a fantastic investment.

-Model PawHut 65": https://amzn.to/3KhkPql

Lineolated parakeets are known to prefer long, horizontal cages that suit their natural movement and lifestyle — making this model a great alternative for your feathered companion. It offers plenty of side-to-side space for climbing, which is especially beneficial for active, curious birds. A particularly useful feature is the built-in divider, which allows you to safely separate two birds during introductions, giving them time to observe each other without direct contact. As a bonus, this is the exact model we use in the Kai Birds breeding program as a weaning cage! That means your baby bird will already be familiar with the setup, making their transition to your home much smoother. This cage is available in both black and white to better suit your home’s aesthetic.

-Model Yaheetech 41.5" (with rolling stand):  https://amzn.to/3IlCGMl

-Model Yaheetech 41.5" (without rolling stand – designed to sit on a table or dresser): https://amzn.to/41MVTx3

Our babies are introduced to a variety of pellets to help them become familiar with different types, flavors, and textures. This is the pellet mix they are weaned onto. As is often the case with the healthiest foods, TOP's may be ignored or eaten last by baby birds. You can choose to start your bird on just Harrison's and Roudybush, or you can stay consistent and continue to include at least a small amount of TOP's in their diet. 

-Roudybush Daily Maintenance Nibbles: https://amzn.to/4gnzXyA

-Harrison’s High Potency Fine: https://amzn.to/3VJOLxX

 (must be switched to Lifetime Fine after 1 y.o.: https://amzn.to/4n9w0A7)

-TOP’s Mini: https://amzn.to/46vVCkK

At Kai Birds, we produce our own freeze-dried chop, which can be conveniently served in its dry form and boasts a long shelf life — several years when sealed and up to a year once opened. We regularly update our recipes, as birds can quickly become bored with repetitive meals, and a varied mix of vegetables and grains is essential to their health. You can find detailed information about our product here: https://kaibirds.com/freeze-dried-chop

Seeds should be fed in moderation, especially once your bird reaches sexual maturity, as excessive seed consumption can contribute to hormonal behavior. That said, a high-quality seed mix still plays an important role in your bird’s diet—as a form of enrichment, mental stimulation, and even as a highly desirable treat during training sessions. Here are a few high-quality seed mixes I recommend:

-TOP's Napoleon's Seed Mix: https://amzn.to/4gkE26t

-Flocksentials Organic Parakeet Food: https://amzn.to/4nkeUPy

-Kiki's Daily Maintenance Blend: https://amzn.to/4me8ReD

Birds need a consistent source of calcium in their cage to support bone health and overall well-being. You can choose between a mineral block or a cuttlebone with a holder—both are effective options. Just be sure to check it regularly and replace it as needed to ensure your bird always has access. 

-Mineral block (apple flavor is a favorite among our birds!): https://amzn.to/4mS3LWu

-Cuttlebone with Holder: https://amzn.to/4poPZMU

While additional supplements aren't typically necessary if your bird is on a balanced diet, there are a couple of exceptions I recommend for special circumstances: 

1. During a rough molt – this supplement can provide extra support: https://amzn.to/462FbMN

2. For hormone-related behavior, especially during adolescence – this may help ease the transition: https://amzn.to/4pyu7Pc

The standard dowels that often come with bird cages are not suitable for your bird’s feet in the long term. They provide uniform pressure points, which can lead to foot problems over time. It’s important to replace them with natural perches made from non-toxic types of wood, which offer varying diameters and textures to promote foot health. The easiest option is to purchase ready-to-use perches — they typically come with fasteners, are simple to install, and don’t require sterilization. If you prefer to make your own, be sure to use untreated, pesticide-free wood from non-toxic species, and thoroughly sterilize it before placing it in your bird’s cage.

Recommended natural wood perches:

-Grapevine: https://amzn.to/3Igz6D5

-Applewood: https://amzn.to/4nna6sJ

-Manzanita: https://amzn.to/46nsFq3

-Prickly Ash Wood: https://amzn.to/48brmNd 

-Coffee (Java) Wood: https://amzn.to/4gmnmM0

Avoid using sandpaper-covered perches that are marketed for grooming purposes. These can irritate or even injure your bird’s feet and are generally not recommended. 

In our setups, we also include one rope perch per cage, placed at the highest point to serve as a cozy sleeping spot and to let the birds rest their feet. However, rope perches can pose risks — some birds may chew on the fibers, swallow threads, or get tangled. Always supervise your bird when using a rope perch, and remove it if you notice chewing or signs of damage. 

-Rope Perch: https://amzn.to/4nvfb2s

While we're on the topic of sleep and comfort, it’s worth mentioning that most birds should not have enclosed huts or soft hideaways. These cozy-looking accessories can trigger hormonal behaviors like aggression or egg-laying once your bird reaches maturity. The only exception is the Lineolated Parakeet, which naturally seeks burrows in the wild. A tunnel-style hut with openings at both ends is ideal for them and has never caused hormonal issues in our experience. For all other species, it’s best to avoid anything that resembles a nest. 

-Fluffy Hut (Size S): https://amzn.to/48cEq50

-Cartoon Print Hut (Size S): https://amzn.to/4mTCy5M

-Seagrass Hammock: https://amzn.to/4nsYQuV

Many cages come with thin plastic feeders, which are not ideal for long-term use. Over time, these can develop micro-scratches that harbor bacteria, making them difficult to clean thoroughly. I recommend switching to feeders and waterers made of stainless steel, ceramic, or high-quality, thick plastic, which are more durable and hygienic.

-Stainless Steel Feeders – A durable, hygienic option for everyday use: https://amzn.to/4nNZGmv

-Quick Lock Feeder – A great solution for birds that have developed the habit of flipping their stainless steel bowls :  https://amzn.to/4n5RWw0

-Acrylic Seed Feeder – Helps reduce mess and seed waste : https://amzn.to/4mfRkCW

-Ceramic Bowls –  Ideal for Bourke’s and Splendid Parakeets, which naturally prefer ground feeding due to their lifestyle: https://amzn.to/4giaWVq

During the weaning process, your baby bird is also introduced to silo-style waterers. These can be a great option for birds that like to make "soup" in their water bowl — dropping food or pooping into it and contaminating the water multiple times a day. However, keep in mind that silo waterers are harder to clean thoroughly, so I’ve included a link to special cleaning brushes below for your convenience.

-Silo Waterer: https://amzn.to/4mTvLci

-Bottle Cleaning Brush: https://amzn.to/3VfBjlo

Another helpful addition is a bird bath. While your bird may occasionally use it for bathing, most of the time it will serve as a secondary water source — especially useful if the primary one runs out or becomes contaminated. Just remember: fresh, filtered water must be provided daily, even if the water still looks clear. Bacteria can accumulate quickly, even in seemingly clean water.

-Quick Lock Bird Bath: https://amzn.to/42qmuQL

-Hanging Bird Bath: https://amzn.to/42ns7Px

-Acrylic Bath Tub: https://amzn.to/47AcXKq

-Large Bird Bath: https://amzn.to/3JZ7KlA

Keeping your bird healthy goes far beyond just offering a good diet — it also means creating the right environment, monitoring their physical condition, and responding to subtle changes that may indicate a problem. Birds are masters at hiding signs of illness, so proactive care is essential. In this section, you’ll find simple but effective tools and practices that help support your bird’s long-term health and comfort.

Regularly tracking your bird’s weight can be extremely beneficial. All the species we work with are prey animals in the wild, which means they instinctively hide signs of illness to avoid appearing vulnerable to predators. As a result, sudden weight loss is often one of the very first and only visible signs of a health issue. To monitor your bird’s weight, you can use a bird scale with a perch, or train your bird to comfortably sit on a standard kitchen scale. Weighing your bird regularly (preferably at the same time each day) can help you catch any health concerns early.

-Scale with Perch: https://amzn.to/47HwOHA

-High Precision Kitchen Scale: https://amzn.to/3HWagsl

From time to time, you’ll need to clip your bird’s nails — usually when they become too sharp and start scratching your skin, or even begin causing discomfort to your bird.  For most birds, this happens every 1–3 months, depending on factors like perch type, activity level, and environment. You can either take your bird to a professional groomer (at Kai Birds, we offer nail trimming for $15) or learn how to do it at home. If you choose the DIY route, you’ll need bird-safe nail clippers and a hemostatic agent on hand in case of accidental bleeding.

-Small Nail Clippers: https://amzn.to/4mdJtWa

-Styptic Powder: https://amzn.to/48bOqLR

-Seal It Wound Gel: https://amzn.to/3Vfq6kQ

To help keep hormones in check, it’s essential to provide your bird with 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night. If your bird lives in a shared living space and turning off the lights isn't an option, using a breathable cage cover is a great solution.  Tip: Be sure to check the cover’s dimensions and make sure it fits your cage properly before purchasing.

-Explore Land Bird Cage Cover: https://amzn.to/3K2EY3u

-Prevue Bird Cage Cover: https://amzn.to/4giSEU2

-Colorday Bird Cage Cover for Large Bird Cage: https://amzn.to/4nnXGks

Several household appliances can be incredibly helpful when caring for a feathered friend — especially if you live in colder states like Minnesota. Pet birds thrive at temperatures between 70–75°F, and the easiest way to maintain that is by using a space heater. However, most space heaters emit fumes that are toxic to birds’ sensitive respiratory systems. The safest option is an oil-filled radiator, but even that should be run in a separate, well-ventilated room for a few days before using it near your bird. 

-Oil Filled Radiator: https://amzn.to/4mYCaTr

Air purifiers are especially beneficial —particularly for cockatiel owners — as they help reduce dust and dander, improving air quality for both the bird and the humans in the household. 

-Air Purifier with HEPA Filter: https://amzn.to/4pjRBan

In dry winter months, a humidifier can help prevent respiratory irritation and dry skin. The ideal indoor humidity for pet birds is between 40% and 60%. 

-Humidifier – We have one of these in each room, and they’ve worked wonderfully for years: https://amzn.to/4gsj6ea

-Smaller humidifier from the same brand: https://amzn.to/4mi9P9E

Finally, it's a good idea to have a thermometer with a built-in hygrometer, so you can continuously monitor both temperature and humidity in your bird’s environment.

-Digital Thermometer + Hygrometer: https://amzn.to/4maOEXb

To keep your birds happy and healthy, it’s important to stay on top of the mess they make — in and around their enclosure and anywhere else they can reach! :) To help you in this never-ending race, I’d like to share a few handy tools and tips we use in our aviary to reduce cleaning time. 

For cage lining, we use 18" masking paper, which — after trying many alternative s— turned out to have the best absorbent qualities and does the best job at hiding droppings. 

-Cage Lining Paper (you'll need to fold it just a bit to fit the cages I recommended): https://amzn.to/4mTynXE

For everyday cleaning around the birds, we typically use plain water or a 50/50 mix of 5% white vinegar and water (just be sure to rinse well afterward, and avoid spraying this solution near your bird directly). For deeper cleaning, you can use F10 Veterinary Disinfectant — a safe and effective option for aviary use.

That said, in most cases, bird droppings can be cleaned easily by spraying with warm water, letting it soak for a few minutes, and wiping it off with a microfiber cloth.

-F10 Veterinary Disinfectant: https://amzn.to/4gFwfAJ

-5% White Vinegar: https://amzn.to/47Hkyae

-Spray Bottles: https://amzn.to/3VfbAcD

-Microfiber Cloth: https://amzn.to/464UOU0

We also love using natural sponges, such as those made from coconut fiber, around both the birds and the rest of the house. They’re biodegradable, effective, and safe — so you don’t have to worry if tiny bits are accidentally left behind on accessories after cleaning.

-Cellulose and Coconut Scrubber Sponge: https://amzn.to/3KiDwtO

-Coconut Scouring Pads: https://amzn.to/4n4wqYC

These species are playful birds with strong curiosity and plenty of energy. Conures especially are known for their busy beaks and love of chewing, while the other two thrive on interactive play and toys that encourage movement and sound. All three species need a steady rotation of safe, engaging toys to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom-related behaviors such as excessive screaming, plucking, or chewing on cage bars. Toys made from natural wood, shreddable materials, safe bells, and foraging designs are excellent choices.  However, wood that is too hard and intended for larger species may be too challenging for them to chew on — and will most likely be ignored. Important tip: Always supervise with toys that contain ropes, or fibers and remove bells to keep your bird safe.

-Original Bird Kabob: https://amzn.to/46hBCkJ

-Wesco Bird Kabob: https://amzn.to/3Kkq091

-Super Shredder Ball: https://amzn.to/4nOdcGL

-Foraging Balls (remove bells): https://amzn.to/41Pcr7J

-Beakwhich (remove bell): https://amzn.to/4mc1vIk

-Cardboard Treat Block (add seeds): https://amzn.to/3K1dLy6

-Corn Cob and Loofah Slices: https://amzn.to/4nyvsDP

-Parrot-Dice: https://amzn.to/41NBGY6

-Haystack: https://amzn.to/4m7kPqd

-Flower Tower: https://amzn.to/4n2M9HC

-Octopus Pinata: https://amzn.to/41Qa8kM

-Dream Catcher: https://amzn.to/46nK7L6

-Pickin’ Pocket: https://amzn.to/48d3Sr1

-Put A Cork in It!: https://amzn.to/48e6MvK

-Jolly Jingler: https://amzn.to/3Ii81zp

-Balsa Block Buster: https://amzn.to/46Cqjok

-Birdie Keyboard: https://amzn.to/4mZ4PI7

-Triangle Bouncer: https://amzn.to/46Ag83E

-Big Stick: https://amzn.to/3VOiQMP

-Bagel Cascade: https://amzn.to/4gqrzhS

If you want to add some fun and unique additions to your bird’s cage, consider enriching your bird’s environment with these safe and stimulating options:

-Bamboo and Hemp Rope Swing (remove bell): https://amzn.to/4n8BBqu

-Applewood Swing Hammock: https://amzn.to/4gtkKvW

-Platform Swing with Climbing Ladder: https://amzn.to/3ViXLKg

-Prickly Ash Ladder: https://amzn.to/4ntKV7V

-Rope Ladder: https://amzn.to/46CMFpL

-Walk Ladder: https://amzn.to/46rBSxH

-Changeable Climb Ladder: https://amzn.to/4grXIWb

-Seagrass Woven Platform: https://amzn.to/4mjGvzw

Bourke’s Parakeets, along with their close relatives like Splendid or Scarlet-chested Parakeets, have much softer beaks and are noticeably less destructive than many other pet bird species. Because of this, people often get common store-bought bird toys, notice their parakeet shows little interest, and wrongly assume that these birds simply don’t need toys. Nothing could be further from the truth!

These gentle grass guys absolutely benefit from enrichment and mental stimulation — they just need toys that match their behavior and physical abilities. Below are several examples of toys that are well-suited for keeping your grass parakeets happy, curious, and engaged. Important tip: Always attach toys close to their perches. Unlike budgies, grass parakeets are not climbers.

-Super Bird Creations Sola Balsa Stack: https://amzn.to/469lTnu

-Super Bird Creations Sola Surprise: https://amzn.to/42ufiD7

-Small Sola Bird Balls (tip: poke a hole and add a zip tie to attach them to the cage): https://amzn.to/4pqoRgw

-Sola Wood Roses (tip: you can hide seeds in between the petals to make it a foraging toy!): https://amzn.to/46Aqfpa

-Sola Stick Stack: https://amzn.to/4pl6xFp

-Planet Pleasures Mini Brush (preening toy): https://amzn.to/47AN653