Birds As Pets

Considerations before Purchasing a Bird

Birds are interesting and rewarding but very demanding as pets.

1. Bird Behaviours and Required Basic Needs

Bird as a Pet

Birds are emotionally complex creatures and very sociably interactive.

1. Birds are Highly Social Creatures

Bird as a Pet

1. Many birds are social – think flocks – and require daily interaction to avoid depression, loneliness, self-abuse
2. Birds are very active – requiring large amounts of mental stimulation
3. Birds require appropriate toys for their bird breed
4. Rotation of activities is necessary for bird health
5. Noise level for birds needs to be a consideration for personal and neighbourly audio comfort – certain birds have an obnoxious annoying continuous scream
6. Birds are messy – shedding feathers – seed husks everywhere – possible poo piles outside cage

Consider your bird choice for your neighbours and your peace and enjoyment.

2. Financial Costs

Bird as a Pet

Birds are an investment:

1. Initial Set-up costs

• Cost of an appropriately sized cage for your bird pet – flight ability is essential
• Cost of appropriate number and placement of perches
• Food and water containers
• Toys for amusement and mental health
• Nesting area box

2. Continuing costs:

• Quality species-necessary foods
• Veterinarian suggested pellets
• Fresh quality produce
• Toy replacement
• Cage replacement parts/items as they wear out from bird use
• Annual veterinarian costs
• Emergency contingency fund for possible unexpected/accident-created veterinarian bills

Remember: some birds live 10-59 years – are your prepared for continuous  longevity-costs.

3. Considerations for a Single Parent

Bird Ownership and Responsibilities

Bird as a Pet

Bird ownership is a constant activity:

1. Supervision and Child Safety considerations

• Possible bird bite if frightened or mishandles
• Are you prepared for training your child/children in bird ownership
• Are you prepared for the time and effort to train some species of birds

2. Parenting and Bird Responsibilities

• You work
• You parent your child/children
• You have tasks running your home
• You must give your bird quality attention daily
• You need me-time too

3. Air quality concerns may arise due to feather dust

• Can cause allergies in your family
• Demands constant detailed cleaning

If you and your child/children are seeking a cuddly pet, perhaps a bird is not for you or your family as birds bonds very selectively and bonding takes a considerable period of constant reinforcement.

4. Considerations for a Single Lady

And Pet Bird Ownership

Bird as a Pet

Bird ownership will limit your personal lifestyle flexibility:

1. You must be home daily for feeding and water
2. Are our hours of work regular to assure your home bird responsibilities
3. Are you a frequent work traveller – do you have a reliable bird sitter – can you afford a bird-sitter
4. Are you a condo/apartment dweller – consider noise tolerance as some birds are really noisy – are there rules regarding birds in your building
5. Are you ready for a potentially overly-dependent bonding with a pet bird

Are you ready for possible emergency veterinarian bills.

5. Home Safety Requirements and Environment

Bird as a Pet

Remember – birds fly if allowed in your home:

1. Ceiling fans are a hazard
2. Window that are clear showing the outside world can be flown into
3. Mirrors can cause anxiety with aggressive males believing there is another competing male in the mirror
4. Open doors and windows and you bird may be long gone – it takes considerable effort to capture a bird unless it is completely domesticated
5. Air quality – birds are extremely sensitive to fumes – candles, incense, smoke, non-stick/Teflon cookware
6. Bird Cage Placement is Vitally Important

Bird as a Pet

• Cage should be in a lace to allow your pet bird to interact sociably with others in the room
• The cage should not be any drafty locations for bird health reasons
• The cage should be in a quiet location without sudden noises

7. Daily Care and Time Commitment

Caring for Your Pet Bird

Bird as a Pet

You need to regulate your daily routine to include your pet Bird:

1. Depending on your bird’s species – daily interaction will take 1-2 hours
2. Cleaning time is constant – replacing cage liners, clearing usual food mess and there may be poo dropping everywhere
3. Feeding routine must be consistent and timely – fresh food and water daily
4. Regulated out-of-cage flight time is necessary for physical well-being and mental happiness

Birds are living creatures and must be attended to constantly.

8. You Pet Bird’s

Emotional Well-Being

Long-Term Physical Fitness

Bird as a Pet

Consider the following possibilities:

1. Birds are known to bond with one individual – this may lead to an unhealthy dependency – or undesirable jealousy
2. There is the possibility that your pet Birds will outlive family relationships
3. Your pet Bird may be in your life after a personal relationship or a given work job
4. You pet bird may outlive your original life-stage and desire for a pet of any kind
5. Are you ready for potential negative behavioral challenges – feather plucking, boredom, stress biting, disturbing activities, screaming sessions

Birds, like any pet, require patience and a pet owner personality amiable with a feathered friend.

9. Reality Check-List

For Your Bird Purchase Consideration

Bird as a Pet

1. Do you have daily time, desire and energy for pet bird interaction
2. Are you ready for a daily mess
3. Are you ready for your pet Bird’s song/squawk/scream
4. Do you have the correct home environment /size for bird flight
5. Do you have an accessible bird veterinarian within a reasonable travel distance for checkups and emergencies

Are you ready for your chosen pet Bird breed’s full lifespan.

“All Birds are Eager Escape Artists”

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