Pet birds make intelligent and friendly pets. With so many different breeds and types of birds out there, you’re sure to find the perfect feathered friend for your family.
Here are five things to consider before purchasing a bird as your next pet, thanks to pet lover Kim Taylor…
5 Things you need to know before buying a bird
1. Birds Can Be Noisy
While dogs bark and cats rarely do more than purr or meow, birds can be quite chatty. This is an appeal for many pet owners who find birds to be incredibly interactive and friendly. Certain breeds of birds, like parrots and parakeets, will repeat words and phrases that their owners say. Things like, “Hello”, the pet owner’s name, or questions like, “How are you?” are common things bird owners enjoy teaching their pets. Family and friends are delighted over hearing the birds talk.
Just encourage people not to place their fingers or hands too close to the bird’s cage. Birds are known to bite, especially when they feel threatened or jealous over their owners. When birds aren’t playing or making idle conversation, they also squawk, chirp, shriek, and cry. Often, there’s no rhyme or reason of when or why birds decide to make noise. It may be while you’re in the room or it could be while you’re sleeping, trying to work, or even when you’re not home. You should consider this especially if you have neighbors in close proximity.
2. Consider Other Pets in Your Home before buying a bird
Neighbors aren’t the only people you need to consider when bringing home a bird. If you have other pets in the house, there are a few things you should know. If you have a dog, whether or not it’s a hunting breed, you need to be careful of interactions between your pup and your bird. In fact, it’s probably best to never leave your dog alone with your bird or keep them separate at all times.
The same holds true for cats, but your feline friend might make friends with your bird faster than a dog. Try supervised interactions between your cat and bird. Don’t force the connection or bond. And keep an eye on both animals when they’re in the room together. The most important thing to consider is the temperment of both animals. Use your judgment when allowing your bird and other pets to interact.
3. Consider Cost and Space
As with any pet, you should first consider the cost of a bird including supplies, food, veterinarian bills, and the bird itself. As with dogs, different types of birds are more costly than others. The Palm Cockatoo can cost over $15,000, whereas a small parakeet is much more cost effective ranging anywhere between $10 and $60, depending on the size.
In addition to purchasing the bird itself, you’ll need a cage with liners, a perch, food, toys, and a hiding place for when they want privacy. The size of the cage will depend on the breed of bird and the number of birds you have. If you’re starting with one but think you may purchase more birds in the future, invest in a larger cage. You can get most of your pet supplies online or visit a pet store to get accurate measurements for the cage and the space you have available.
4. Find the Right Veterinarian
No matter what type of pet you have, you’ll need a trusted veterinarian. The truth of the matter is, all pets get sick or encounter complications at one time or another. Pets also need vaccinations to keep both them and their owners safe and healthy.
An avian vet is one that specializes in the treatment and care of your feathered friends. Locate an avian vet that is in close proximity to your home. This will make routine and emergency visits much more convenient for you and less disruptive for your pet. Other things to consider are how long the veterinarian has been treating birds, if they’re a member of the AAV (Association of Avian Veterinarians), and if they’re familiar with the particular species of bird you have.
5. Pick the Best Breed for Your Family
If you’re new to bird ownership, you should start with an even-tempered, low maintenance breed. Cockatiels are especially charming and recommended for first-time bird owners because of their lovable nature, reasonable cost, and low-maintenance. Other options include African gray parrots, Cockatoos, Macaws, and Budgies. Before purchasing your new feathered friend, make sure that you’re buying from a reputable breeder. Bird rescue organizations can also help you and your family find a bird who needs a loving home.
About the author:
Kim Taylor is a wife, mother, and animal lover. She is the proud mom of 2 beautiful girls and one very fat cat, Boots. Kim enjoys writing, yoga, traveling, and volunteering at her local animal shelter.
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