|
Perhaps you've seen the ads--a beautiful bird is perched on someone's shoulder, sharing a treat or enjoying a head scratch from its owner. You thought, "Hey, I'd like to have a bird like that!" The temptation to rush out and buy the first pretty bird you see is hard to resist. But before you take the plunge and bring home a new bird, consider a few points:
--Do you and your family have enough time for a bird? Birds are highly social creatures and some of them are very demanding of attention! Cockatoos, for instance, can become depressed and unhappy if not given the attention they require. An unhappy bird may begin to pluck its feathers or start screaming constantly for attention. Unless you have the time to devote to one of the more demanding breeds, pass on these lovely birds. You owe it to yourself and to the bird to be sure you are making the right choice.
--Do you live in an apartment where bird noise may be bothersome for your neighbors? A large parrot has very healthy vocal cords! These beauties can, and will, be quite vocal at times. Some of the smaller birds, such as cockatiels, love birds, some of the smaller conures, or parakeets and canaries make wonderful apartment birds. Each of these birds is packed with personality and, though noisy in their own rights, are not noisy enough to disrupt an entire apartment building!
--Do you have other pets in your home? If you already have a dog or cat, will you be able to supervise them at all times? Some pets are able to interact peacefully with each other with no problems. But it is a fact that some ‘alpha' pets are quite jealous and will seek to harm the newcomer. Unless the bird will be in a room with a door than can be closed to prevent the other animals from getting too close, always make sure you are there to keep an eye on things. All it takes is one swipe from the cat's claws or one bite from your dog and your new bird could be killed.
--Do you realize the importance of a good diet for your bird? Birds don't just live on seeds alone. They require fresh fruits and vegetables, the occasional snack of ‘people food', and lots of fresh water. Don't make the mistake of thinking that the package of generic bird seed you see in the grocery store is adequate for a pet bird. It isn't.
--Are you willing to purchase the largest cage you can afford for the bird? Bars must be spaced closely enough together to prevent the bird from getting its head caught and to prevent the smaller birds from squeezing through and escaping. A large enough cage is one that allows the bird plenty of headroom with enough room to spread its wings fully with a few inches of space on either side. You wouldn't want to spend all your time in a closet...don't expect your bird to be happy in a cage that's too small.
--Do you have your heart set on a large macaw, cockatoo or Amazon? If so, do your homework before making the purchase. There are many beautiful handfed babies available. They are expensive, but well worth it. Check the phone book for listings of breeders, or do an Internet search. Also ask at pet shops, veterinarian clinics or talk to other bird owners. Find out what to expect BEFORE you bring one of these big, exuberant birds home with you.
--Don't overlook the small birds! Cockatiels, lovebirds, parakeets and conures are fantastic companion birds. They don't know that they're not 'big birds' and have personalities as fabulous as the larger species. They can learn to talk, too!
Sharing your life with a companion bird can be extremely rewarding. With good care and diet, the larger breeds have very long life spans! Study up on the birds you are interested in, read books, ask questions, visit breeders and pet shops, and get some hands-on experience before making your decision. By asking all the right questions, looking at all the angles and playing with lots of different birds, you will be able to make the right choice and share many wonderful years with your avian companion.
|
| |
