Diet, Housing & Health
How often can I give my bird millet and treats?

We recommend keeping millet and treats to training purposes or if you leave the house etc! Millet is a fantastic way to bond with your bird in the beginning they go crazy for it! How ever much is up to you as the owner but we would not recommend having it in the cage 24/7
What do I feed my bird?

Every bird should be on a High quality seed, Pellet and Fruit and Vegetable diet. We recommend Avigrain brand of seed and Vetafarm Nutriblend Mini pellets.
How often should I give vegetables & fruit?

We recommend giving your bird fruit and vegetables (chop) daily! Ensuring you are removing at the end of the day. In summer you will find your chop spoils quicker due to high temperatures.
How often should I clean my birds cage?

We find that spot cleaning your cage weekly can drastically help with monthly deep cleans! We recommend spot cleaning daily if not weekly to ensure your birds health is top priority, Obviously we have busy lives so don't beat yourself up if you cannot do weekly or daily! Monthly big deep cleans will do! Ensuring you are cleaning your perches, bowls, toys etc in hot soapy water and drying in direct sunlight!
How often should I mite & worm my bird?

You should be worming and miting your bird every 3 months!
Do I have to cover the cage at night?

This is all personal preference, here at Nurtured Nests we do not cover our birds at night, if you would like to implement this into your routine you're more than welcome!
Where should I place the food & water in my birds cage?

For the first couple of weeks we recommend placing all dishes on the floor of your cage as this is what they are used to. Seed on one flat dish, Chop on one flat dish and a shallow bowl of water on the floor. You can also put seed and chop in bowls higher up in the cage while they transition to higher up in the cage!
Do I have to get my birds wings clipped?

No you do not have to get your birds wings clipped at all! We unlike a lot of hand raisers give you the option! We will always ask with you weather you would like wings clipped or not. We will not mutilate your bird if you would like them clipped. We simply trim 3-4 Flight feathers. For a bird coming into a new home we recommend having them slightly clipped, but it is entirely up to you!
Why does my new bird have a leg ring?

We add a closed or open band with a unique identifier to ensure that DNA results are correctly attributed to the right bird, for our records and tracing of genetics and also as a secondary identification of ownership. This number will correspond to the number on your DNA certificate, and the band should be retained if removed. 

There have been cases where leg rings have caused injury to parrots by getting caught, or chewed/clamped tight cutting off circulation. It is up to your discretion whether to keep their band on or have it removed by the vet at their annual health check-up.

Process in Adopting your baby
When can my bird come home?

Every single bird weans at their own pace. Some fast and some slower just like children! We will let you know once your baby has started the weaning process and give a date your baby will be able to go home! We ensure all our birds are eating independently for 2 weeks without dropping weight before they are able to go home.
What should I bring when I pick up my bird?

You will need to bring your travel cage with a suitable perch and food and water dishes. Please do not bring a box, we will not let your bird leave without a proper crate or cage. If you have not paid in full prior to your appointment, please bring cash and ensure your crate is clean and disinfected. Travel cages are also available for purchase for $15.00.
How can I pay for my bird?

We prefer Pay ID or bank transfer if it has cleared the day before your appointment. Holding deposits are fine to pay via bank transfer. All deposits are non-refundable, and a $20-$100 deposit is required to hold birds prior to weaning (price depends on bird), or to ensure your space on our waiting list. Please note we do not accept bank transfer of the final balance on pickup day as it is not guaranteed to be cleared the same day. No birds will be released without balance paid in full.
Do you offer payment plans?

Yes we offer Afterpay! You are also more than welcome to pay off your bird in increments as long as final payment is made before pick up.
What happens if my baby passes away while being hand raised?

Unfortunately on some rare occasions this can happen. This is what your deposit is for you will be given the option to select a different baby or a refund of your deposit. We will do everything to best accommodate to you if this unfortunate situation arrises.

Can I buy a bird that is unweaned and feed it myself?

No. We only sell our baby birds once they are confidently weaned and feeding themselves successfully. The sale of juvenile birds to owners without proper experience and knowledge is extremely dangerous for young birds, and can even be fatal.
What happens when my circumstances change and I can longer care for my bird? Can I return it to you?

Yes, all purchases come with our Lifetime Return and Support Guarantee. Please note we do not pay for returned birds.
You don't have what im looking for?

You are welcome to text message India on 0420 665 930 with a message stating your name and what you are specifically looking for.
Can I visit my bird?

We do not normally allow people to visit our nursery in person, as it poses a high risk of bringing in germs or disease which can harm our vulnerable babies. If you are interested in one of our nursery babies feel free to contact us.
Do I have to get DNA done?

No! This is completely optional!