I have had birds since the late 1950's (oops, shows my age).
Back then we knew little about the proper care of a bird.

1. My first little Budgie was in a cage so small I wouldn't put a cricket in it today
2. You never gave your bird fresh veggies or fruit...only seed.
3. A pet bird was just to look at.

What do you all remember about way back when we were so ignorant?

I didn't realize that my budgies could talk! Looking back on it I think they did. I just wasn't listening. I also never read books on them. Makes me wonder what I am missing today!

I have had many budgies that talked...only the male ones though.

I kept my first bird, a cinnamon cockatiel, in a round cage and never even thought to feed it fresh foods. I was NOT so good at keeping the water clean

Oh ya, the round cage...like the one I had my first quaker in with the shaded top to keep the sun out.

Exactly!

I bred budgies in my bedroom in small cage, never gave any fresh besides millet I used to grow in paper cups. I did not know budgies could eat anything besides seed. I also had a teil in a round cage no wonder the birdie plucked a little. I used to let them out to fly and then try catch them again with a net, I did not know you just wait till they go back themselves.

I knew that all birds enjoy music & seemed to enjoy our company. I didn't know they crave companionship and their joy [Budgies] in singing is only part of their joy in life. Out of the cage time was not even considered. That saddens me a lot as their cages were smallish - no bigger than what I have now. But they were in there all the time & nail clips only happened when I, a teen, noticed.

I am glad I changed. I know I can keep changing.

I didn't know birds were a family interactive pet. Yes, birds DO bite. I had no idea that once I had a parrot I would spend hours upon hours looking threw forums and web sights on a perpetual journey for more information.

Too True!