Cage Requirements

As with any pet bird, plan to buy the biggest cage you can afford...the bigger the better. Make sure you buy a square cage...a round cage gives no feeling of security. The handreared companion bird should be offered lots of out-of-cage exercise. Time with it's keeper or maybe a playgym is a must. This will make up for being locked up during the day. Most birds regardless of size, have very strong beaks so make sure the cage is well built. Some of the more sturdier cages are made for larger parrots so be mindful that the bar spacings are not too wide for smaller species. Conures need to roost in a box or a tent at night, so it is important that one is provided at all times. Bird tents can be purchased from most pet shops. A medium sized one is good for Conures. The tent should be placed as high as you can get it in the cage. 

 Cage Placement

Most handreared companion birds like to be in the thick of the action. Hiding away down the end of a long hallway will have your bird vocalising its disapproval  . The other end of the scale might be right next to a doorway that the kids barge through repeatedly without notice, scaring the daylights out of your bird each time. Choose a location where the bird can receive some human attention, without being in the way. Try and avoid cold draughts and also full sun . A location near a window allowing a view of the garden or into the street to watch the people go by might be nice.

Toys And Accessories

Birds love to play and therefore require some toys to keep them occupied while you're away. We like to make our own toys by basically drilling a small hole into various shapes of wood cut from branches. Make sure you're not cutting up something poisonous!!! I like to use gum trees. Thread the pieces onto a length of wire with a loop on one end to stop them coming off and a hook on the other to hang it from the cage roof. There are many toys available from pet stores but make sure you buy strong ones (I'm too tight). It works well to have a few different things and alternate them every couple of weeks.  Cuttlefish and a small calcium bell is a good thing, although some individuals might chew them up and spit them out in less than a minute...just because they can!

Food / Water bowls

Feeders will need to be sturdy and well attached. I have Birds that will flip a full bowl of fresh fruit and veggies out just for fun. Placement of water/food bowls requires thought. I'm right handed so I like to place them on the left side of the door. Also avoid placing them under a perch for obvious reasons.

 
 Homemade Birdtoys. Cheap and easy!