Great! For some people, a bird can be a fantastic pet. However, for any potential bird owner, there are several things that are important to think about.
In the wild, birds thrive on a great deal of territory and many birds also thrive on a large community. In other words, most birds live to fly and to socialize. Unfortunately, these are often the very things we take away from a bird when we choose to have them live in captivity. Birds are intelligent, emotional animals with very specific needs different from cats and dogs. If you are thinking of getting a bird, please make sure you are prepared for a needy, long-lived (in some cases, over 50 years!) animal.
Much in the same way new parents buy all the baby supplies they can think of BEFORE the baby arrives, the same strategy is best for birds. Pre-purchasing will also decrease the likelihood of impulse buying. Make sure you have the set up, and then look around for your perfect feathered companion. It can be much more difficult to purchase a bird and then realize how many more dollars are needed just to house, feed and entertain this new pet.
First off, most pet stores do their best to not sell dangerous or unnecessary products to bird owners. However, some sales personnel may be under-informed or not as up-to-date as one would like. Make sure you do the research first and go into the store with a list of things you’ve decided you need. Better yet, consult with your veterinarian about what is best for your new bird! For example, did you know most birds do not actually thrive on an all seed diet? That some metal-based toys can be very dangerous? That adding vitamins to the water are not likely necessary? The good news is that there are many valuable resources available, especially if you are willing to take your time.
Stay tuned for Beginners Guide to Bird Set Up…
