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New bird owners often find there is so much to worry about once they’ve brought their new parrot home. He comes home happy and healthy but how does a bird owner keep him that way?

Another important consideration for bird owners is water quality. If you have well water, you probably plan to have it tested before using it as your bird’s water supply. However, even public water systems can have too many chemicals for your bird’s safety at times.

While you can give your birds bottled water, this water also is not always bacteria free. Instead, you may want to install a filter on your tap so that you can give your birds water that is as pure as possible.

Of course, stressors in the environment are also a concern. If you have a cat or dog, you should be sure your pet is not allowed to sit and stare unblinkingly at your bird for long periods of time.

Allowing your cat to try to put his paws in the cage is even more stressful and dangerous. Birds can die from stress. Cat scratches and cat bites are also a serious problem. Cats have so much bacteria on their teeth and claws that your bird can die from a minor cat scratch.

Pests such as mice and roaches are another environmental concern. In addition to stressing birds when they dart about, these pests can carry diseases and bacteria that could prove fatal to your new pet.

Finally, since birds seem to enjoy staring out the window, many owners think they should hang their cages on the porch during the day. Unfortunately, there are so many outdoor dangers for birds today, such as mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus, that leaving your bird on an unscreened porch can be potentially fatal.

When you add stray cats and the danger of having the cage door pop open to the equation, taking your bird outdoors for the day can be a really bad idea.