Housing for a pet bird should include perches, food and water bowls, hygiene items, cage liners, and security. The size of the cage should be as large as can be accommodated in the owner's home and at least wide enough to allow the bird room to spread its wings. Ideal perches are clean, replaceable, natural wood branches that are pesticide free and nontoxic. It may be necessary to have multiple, strategically placed perches available to accommodate the activity level of the bird. Newspapers, paper towels, and other plain liners are favored over wood chips, corn kernels, kitty litter, or sand for lining the cage so that the droppings may be clearly observed.
Some birds also prefer a site for privacy, such as a paper bag, a towel, or a nest box.
Daily cleaning of food and water bowls and the cage floor will alert the owner of any potential problems with the food or possible signs of illness. Thorough cleaning of the entire cage is recommended once a week. Physical activity is essential for a healthy pet bird. Some species may be able to havesupervised freedom from the cage or be allowed to fly around the home. Toys must be selected carefully as to not endanger the bird.