|
|
|
Choosing The Right Pet Bird
By Tamara Sevigny
An innocent person visits a local pet store. Once inside, they find themselves face to face with a stunning, brightly colored Macaw who greets them with an animated "Hello!" Minutes later they are driving home with their new parrot.
All too often this happens and the pet store offers little information on the bird. Come to find out Macaws can live for almost 100 years and have special dietary requirements, and require lots of daily attention.
Situations like this lead to homeless birds or unhappy owners. If you are considering getting a pet bird make sure that this does not happen to your family. Review these tips on choosing the right bird and do plenty of research on the species you choose so that you are prepared before the bird even gets home.
Additionally, once you choose the type of bird that is right for you and your family, you may want to consider bird adoption. You can save the life of a bird that was given up.
Size
Size is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a species of bird. Your bird’s size will determine how you will care for it as far as housing, interaction, training, etc. The bigger the bird, the bigger the commitments are involved in keeping it. Larger birds make outstanding companions but can be messier, louder, and more demanding then a smaller species.
Nutrition and Maintenance
Some birds require special care, exercise or specific diets. Lories, for example, are beautifully colored, medium sized birds, but have sensitive digestive systems which require them to be fed a diet of only nectar, pollen, and fruit. Their specialized diet causes them to produce liquid droppings, which requires more frequent cage cleanings then other species. Little details like this can lead to unhappy owners who didn’t do their research before buying or adopting a bird.
Behavior and Temperament
Do you want to have a bird that will come out and play with you on a daily basis, or one that can be seen and not touched? Different species of birds have different behavior patterns and temperaments. A parrot will act much differently and require more exercise then a parakeet. Make sure you look into the personalities of different species to make sure that you and your bird will get along well.
Budget and Finances
Depending on the species of bird you choose, you could have a lot of expenses. Many large birds will initially have a large purchase price, and then some require big specialty cages. Then there is the accessories – toys, treats, food, etc. But even smaller birds, which are initially much less expensive, will still have some expensive involved and all will require a lifetime of veterinary care.
Time Commitments
Little birds, such as Finches and Canaries don’t require a lot of exercise, but many large birds, such as Hookbills will need your daily attention, some as much as two hours in order to be happy and healthy. So, while you are budgeting your costs for your bird, make sure you also budget the time it will take to keep them happy.
By putting the time into choosing the right bird you are ensured to get a compatible bird to your lifestyle. A little research can go a long way to ensuring a long and happy relationship with the right species of bird for your family.
|
|
|
|
|
|
