As for the cage setup, take the swing, the hut, the wooden perches, the hanging toys, the toys connected to the cage wall… and shuffle them around every week or 2 weeks for the first 3-4 months. This may be harder with females as they tend to get more territorial with the inside of their cage but it will get them used to things being switched around. Although, females don’t generally care until they reach maturity and have something to defend. Then switch it to once a month until they’re about 6-8 months old and have granted you access to them as you being part of their flock. That way if you have to move, or get a dog, or have a baby or switch job shifts they’re less apt to freak out and start destructive behavior and self-mutilation. Since were on the subject, I would HIGHLY advise NOT getting a bird if you have or plan on getting a cat. I don’t care if fluffy has been with you for 15 years and can barely fog a mirror. Cats aren’t like dogs that can be trained that lil birdie is a pet not a meal. I’d attach it if it weren’t an upsetting picture but there is a picture of a dead lovebird all over social media because ol’ fluffy who had been the bird’s buddy for years managed to get him even while he was inside the cage. Again… another “I’m so heartbroken over my precious baby X.” Sure you’ll look online and see pictures of cats and kittens with lovebirds that are cute and cuddly but once again, cats have instinct and instinct is nature. Don’t fight nature.
Luk at thoze cyut lil bardays!
Speaking of which, birds’ natural homes are in trees. High up in trees because the higher they are, the more they can see flying predators and food and the further they are away from ground or climbing predators. Hence when you’re setting up your bird’s cage, try to set it up with at least one corner, preferably the corner farthest from either the window they can see outside through or the furthest from wherever they can see you/the room the best and have things hanging from the top like foliage of leaves to give them a bit of cover. Having a hut or covered sleeping vessel pretty much takes the place of that.
There is a segment here about the Tidy Seed food dish and water silo at the end that are very important and will hands down make the biggest difference out of anything you can do or buy to save money, keep things clean and lessen the work you have to do to keep your bird happy.