KeetKeeper_YYZ

Hi all! I go by KeetKeeper online — I have 2 budgies (Ziggy and Bowie, yes rock themed) and I'm also a weekend birder who hits Tommy Thompson Park and Humber Bay regularly.

I found this forum looking for help with Ziggy who was having some feather issues (resolved now, turned out to be diet-related). Stayed because the community seems genuinely knowledgeable and kind.

Happy to be here and looking forward to learning more. Also happy to share birding spots around Toronto if anyone's interested!

I'm trying to decide between getting a budgie or a lovebird as my very first bird. I live in a 1-bedroom apartment and work from home. I can dedicate a good few hours a day to interaction. Which would you recommend for a first-time bird owner?

Try adding harder materials: chunks of pine (not cedar or treated wood), coconut shells, thick leather strips (untreated). Also cactus wood is indestructible and birds go nuts for the texture.

Paper cups with treats inside, folded shut, placed in the cage. My budgies spend 20 minutes working those open. Also muffin tins with tennis balls covering each cup — the foraging puzzle keeps them busy.

I put tape on windows so birds can see the glass. Also make sure ceiling fans are clearly off and labelled, and close off any rooms you don't want the birds to access.