Overview: Two bird worlds, one set of priorities

Indoor pet birds (parakeets, cockatiels, conures, lovebirds, parrots) thrive under careful daily care, enrichment, and safety. Outdoor birds (sparrows, finches, robins, jays, doves, hummingbirds) benefit from thoughtfully placed feeders, clean water sources, and native plants. This guide covers practical cage choices and enrichment for indoor birds, plus feeders, water holes, and housing options to support birds outdoors.

Indoor birds: cages, toys, and everyday issues

Choosing the right cage

• Size matters: Bigger is always better — allow flight or wide wing-span movement. For parrots, choose a cage that’s at least twice the bird’s wingspan in width.
• Bar spacing & material: Match bar spacing to species to prevent injuries. Stainless steel or powder-coated cages are durable and easier to clean than cheap plated metals.
• Layout: Offer horizontal space for movement, several perches at different heights, and easy-access doors for cleaning and interaction.

Perches and cage setup

• Provide a mix of perch types: natural wood (varied diameter), rope, and flat grooming perches.
• Keep food/water dishes away from droppings and replace them daily.
• Line the cage tray with newspaper or bird-safe liners for quick cleanup.

Toys & enrichment

Birds are clever and need mental stimulation. Rotate toys every few days to keep novelty. Consider:

• Foraging toys that hide treats — encourages natural searching behavior.
• Chewable wooden or palm toys for beak maintenance (not toxic wood).
• Mirrors and bells (use sparingly: some birds over-fixate).
• Puzzle feeders and shreddable paper for larger parrots.

Diet, grooming & health basics

• Use a base of high-quality pellets tailored to the species, supplemented with fresh fruits, veggies, and occasional seeds.
• Offer frequent, shallow baths or misting for feather care.
• Regularly trim nails and, if trained, wings — but only if you know how or have a professional groomer/vet do it.
• Keep up with avian vet checkups and watch for subtle signs of illness: fluffed feathers, appetite loss, or behavior change.

Outdoor birds: feeders, water holes, and houses

Choosing feeders

Different birds prefer different feeders. Match the feeder to local species and maintain hygiene.

• Tube feeders: Great for finches and small songbirds; seed-based.
• Hopper & tray feeders: Attract a range of species; easier to clean.
• Nectar feeders: For hummingbirds — keep nectar fresh and change every 2–3 days in warm weather.
• Suet feeders: Attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, and titmice, especially in winter.

Water: ponds, baths & moving water

Water is as important as food. Options:

• Shallow birdbaths (1–2 inches deep) with textured bottoms for footing.
• Solar or electrically-powered drippers/misters — moving water attracts birds more than still water.
• Keep water clean — change frequently and scrub algae to prevent disease spread.

Houses & shelter

Natural shelter and safe nesting sites make yards bird-friendly:

• Install nest boxes sized for species you want to attract (bluebird boxes, chickadee houses, etc.).
• Plant native shrubs and trees for food, cover, and nesting spots.
• Place houses away from prevailing winds and on predator-safe mounts (e.g., baffles on poles).

Seasonal & neighborhood considerations

• Keep feeders consistent in winter — many birds rely on them when natural food is scarce.
• During nesting season, avoid moving feeders near active nest sites to reduce stress.
• Use window decals or external screens to reduce collisions if you have many visiting birds nearby.

Shared responsibilities: safety, hygi