A collection of frequently asked questions about bird care, covering parakeets, parrots, finches, supplies, diet, health management, and more
At minimum, you need a cage (at least 2–3 times the bird's body length in width), perches, food and water dishes, a heater (for winter), and a thermometer/hygrometer. For parakeets and parrots, provide chew toys as well. Place the cage in a quiet spot with good ventilation, away from direct sunlight. Initial costs range from ¥10,000–¥30,000 for small birds and ¥30,000–¥100,000 for medium to large birds. See our Bird Care Beginner's Guide for more details.
Budgerigars (budgies), Java sparrows, and Lovebirds are recommended for beginners. Budgies are friendly and can learn to talk. Java sparrows are gentle, easy to hand-tame, and relatively quiet. Lovebirds are affectionate and cuddly. Check out the listings in our bird category.
The ideal temperature varies by species, but generally 20–28°C (68–82°F) is appropriate. For young or sick birds, maintain 28–30°C (82–86°F). Ideal humidity is 40–60%. In winter, use a pet heater with a thermostat; in summer, avoid direct sunlight and use air conditioning. Sudden temperature changes can cause illness, so constant monitoring with a thermometer/hygrometer is important.
Pellets (complete nutrition food) are recommended as the staple diet for their balanced nutrition. A seed-only diet tends to be nutritionally deficient, so ideally combine pellets with seeds. Offer vegetables like mustard spinach, bok choy, and broccoli, and fruits like apples and bananas as supplements. Never give avocado, chocolate, caffeine, or alliums — they are toxic to birds.
Starting with a young bird (during hand-feeding or weaning stage) gives the best chance of success. Repeat short handling sessions (10–15 minutes) daily, and reward the bird with treats when it steps onto your hand. Avoid loud voices and sudden movements, and gently call the bird by name. Buying a hand-tame bird from a breeder means it is already comfortable with people. Browse hand-tame birds in our bird category.
Daily checks should include feather condition (whether they are fluffed up), eye brightness, beak color, droppings (color, amount, consistency), appetite, and activity level. Birds instinctively hide illness, so visit an avian veterinarian at the earliest sign of anything unusual. An annual health checkup is also recommended.
Noise levels vary greatly by species. Budgies and Java sparrows are relatively quiet, while cockatiels and conures tend to be louder. Effective noise management includes using cage covers, installing soundproof panels, and choosing the right cage location. Maintaining a regular routine (12 hours of dark, quiet sleep) can also help reduce excessive vocalization. Consult the breeder before purchase to learn about the species' noise characteristics.
Birds are shipped in ventilated cardboard boxes with perches, food, and water. Heat packs or cold packs are included depending on the season. Open the box promptly upon arrival and transfer the bird to a cage in a quiet, warm environment. Avoid handling too much on the first day — just check food and water and let the bird rest. See our Live Animal Shipping Guide for more details.
Lifespans vary greatly by species. Budgies live 7–10 years, Java sparrows 8–10 years, cockatiels 15–25 years, African greys 40–60 years, and large cockatoos can live 50–80 years. If choosing a long-lived species, plan carefully for the bird's future care. See our Bird Care Guide for more information.
On BreederDirect, you can buy directly from verified bird breeders. Since the birds are lovingly raised by the breeders, you can get detailed information about their personality and health. With no middleman markup, you get fair pricing, and our escrow system ensures secure transactions. See our User Guide for details.