Birds as Pets
There is a wide variety of birds that make ideal pets, but birds are not for everyone. Most species of bird require alot of human interaction, and a large roomy cage with lots of toys to entertain them. Some birds are very independent and do a fine job of entertaining themselves, while most need social interaction on a daily basis. If you are thinking of a bird as a pet, take some time to do some research into the traits of the various species being considered. A bird which is an ideal pet for someone who is home the majority of the time, may be nothing but trouble for another who is away at work for eight hours a day. Generally speaking, most of the exotic birds are very intelligent, and can become bored, depressed, or stressed without sufficient human interaction and stimulation. Such feelings can induce self mutilation and other unhealthy habits in most companion parrots or birds.
To maintain your pets mental health and social skills, they should have more than an hour a day of human contact. Birds generally like set routines, and do not often tolerate changes in their environment very well. It is common for birds to form a tight bond with their owner, and it is important that they be exposed to a variety of situations to maintain a people friendly attitude. Exposure to being out of their cage, exposed to young people, older people, males, females, and other pets is important or your bird may become a "one person pet".
Selecting a bird as a pet may be a life long commitment, so longevity is something that should be taken into account. Although some birds have a normal life span of just a few years, there are others that can easily live 50, 70 or even 100 years or more. It is a common misconception that birds are very easy to care for, needing only fresh water and food each day. Their cages must be cleaned daily to avoid respiratory and bacterial infections from their own waste, and most species require frequent replenishment of toys and other entertainment which can be costly. Their foods consist of seeds (seeds can be equated to junk food for birds), so should not be the only kind of food they are given. Pelleted bird foods have been developed which contain everything necessary to keep a bird healthy, and should always be available. Daily portions of fresh fruits and vegetables will round off a healthy diet. Although your bird can eat most of the foods that you consume, there are a few things that their bodies cannot metabolize, or do a very poor job of it. Chocolate will never be tolerated by birds, and it can be a lethal snack for most. Foods very high in natural oils (such as avocados), should be avoided as well as some dairy products. Consult a vet for diet restrictions for the type bird you have, as it may vary from species to species.
Birds can be "house" trained in that they can be trained to "poop on demand", but this does not mean that cleaning is not a major portion of pet care. Cage cleaning is an ongoing task that can consume a significant amount of time on a daily basis. Unfortunately many of the people who purchase birds as pets fail to consider the traits of the varied species or how much time an effort they may require. Some birds talk constantly while others don't say a word but are boldly vocal. Some need a lot or personal attention while others are very independent. All to often owners become dissatisfied when their pet does not meet their expectations, and it ends up being released or abandoned.
To maintain your pets mental health and social skills, they should have more than an hour a day of human contact. Birds generally like set routines, and do not often tolerate changes in their environment very well. It is common for birds to form a tight bond with their owner, and it is important that they be exposed to a variety of situations to maintain a people friendly attitude. Exposure to being out of their cage, exposed to young people, older people, males, females, and other pets is important or your bird may become a "one person pet".
Selecting a bird as a pet may be a life long commitment, so longevity is something that should be taken into account. Although some birds have a normal life span of just a few years, there are others that can easily live 50, 70 or even 100 years or more. It is a common misconception that birds are very easy to care for, needing only fresh water and food each day. Their cages must be cleaned daily to avoid respiratory and bacterial infections from their own waste, and most species require frequent replenishment of toys and other entertainment which can be costly. Their foods consist of seeds (seeds can be equated to junk food for birds), so should not be the only kind of food they are given. Pelleted bird foods have been developed which contain everything necessary to keep a bird healthy, and should always be available. Daily portions of fresh fruits and vegetables will round off a healthy diet. Although your bird can eat most of the foods that you consume, there are a few things that their bodies cannot metabolize, or do a very poor job of it. Chocolate will never be tolerated by birds, and it can be a lethal snack for most. Foods very high in natural oils (such as avocados), should be avoided as well as some dairy products. Consult a vet for diet restrictions for the type bird you have, as it may vary from species to species.
Birds can be "house" trained in that they can be trained to "poop on demand", but this does not mean that cleaning is not a major portion of pet care. Cage cleaning is an ongoing task that can consume a significant amount of time on a daily basis. Unfortunately many of the people who purchase birds as pets fail to consider the traits of the varied species or how much time an effort they may require. Some birds talk constantly while others don't say a word but are boldly vocal. Some need a lot or personal attention while others are very independent. All to often owners become dissatisfied when their pet does not meet their expectations, and it ends up being released or abandoned.