10 Points To Consider Before Adopting A Pet Bird

Once you decide to adopt a pet bird, you should get one that fits your family and lifestyle; you have to not only think about the quality time you have to spend with your pet bird, but also consider 10 more important points.

10 points to consider before adopting a pet bird:

1) Since birds are extremely intelligent with a remarkable capacity to learn new things, they prove to be fascinating pets for owners that offer them enrichment. In the absence of quality and frequent interaction, consistent mental stimulation and environmental enrichment they are sure to develop emotional problems and self-destructive behaviors.

2) It is wrong to think that birds are easier to care for and do not require walks, scooping of litter and taking him out for potty; they cannot be easily popped into the cage when busy or out. Pet birds do demand some attention and it is difficult to ignore them because they are extremely vocal and noisy.

3) It is true that birds are easier to train than a dog or a cat as they love to learn and enjoy attention from their humans. But some birds like parrots could easily pick up words, phrases and sounds they hear around the house and embarrass you while you entertain guests.

4) Birds don't require much grooming as they are naturally clean and they do a good job at keeping their feather coats shiny through preening. You could also give them a mist spray, shower or a bath with plain tepid, clean and filtered water and have their beaks and nails trimmed on a regular basis. But sometimes these pet birds also preen their owners.  

5) It is unhealthy to confine pet birds to the cage all day, except at night. Also they are one of the messiest family members because their droppings, food and water are often found in the floor area under the cage, requiring a daily clean-up.

6) It is a wrong presumption that pet birds can be kept in a small space and is ideal for those living in an apartment or condo; this does not make sense even for small species like budgies, canaries and finches. Even these small pet birds have a lot of energy and need a bigger cage to burn off calories.

7) It is true that birds are very social and easily bond with humans who interact with them outside the cage for hours. If you prefer to keep your pet in his cage most of the time, he will turn unhappy and will become self-destructive. It is however significant to note that some birds would bond with one member of the family and could turn aggressive to certain family members.

8) Most people are of the opinion that it is inexpensive to feed a bird; but this is not true as most birds have to be fed a high quality diet of species-specific commercial pelleted food, fruits, veggies, and sprouted grains. Also substantial amount needs to be spent on toys and other supplies, and medical examination from an avian vet as birds have a tendency to easily hide their diseases. 

9) Another consideration is the noise level; especially big pet birds are prone to shrieking that could make you very unpopular in the neighborhood. Also you may have to pay a higher rent just because you own a bird.  

10) Lastly pet birds live for a long time as compared to a dog or cat that may predecease you; it would however be difficult to contemplate who would look after your pet bird once you are gone. A decision about what kind of pet is best for you should always include considering what is also best for the pet.

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