Some Bird Basics

I've noticed that a lot of people seem to be getting birds lately. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like every time I turn around, there is someone at a pet store buying a bird. Some are the cute little parrots, but some are the huge African Grays or Macaws. I guess I just wonder if all these people what they're getting into.

Birds are great! Please don't think I'm saying otherwise! They can be wonderfully trained, highly affectionate pets. But they aren't like any other pet. They have specialized needs that you should think about before buying one. This way they will be happier and will settle in faster. You will also be happier because there will be less surprises.

One of the first issues is that birds need space to roam. Think about it . . . they're BIRDS! Why does it surprise people when they don't do well caged up all the time? They are naturally built and inclined to fly for miles, not just sit and look pretty! Giving them a big cage and allowing them to explore your entire living room is a minimum requirement.

Another thing is the time you need to spend with them. Birds are highly intelligent and sociable, and need at least a couple of hours interaction with you a day. This isn't difficult to do when you're home. Many birds love nothing better than to hang out on your shoulder while you go about your household duties.

Since they are so intelligent, many birds have a tendancy to grow bored easily. You need to ensure that they are given enough toys and treats that they don't feel the need to start screaming and destroying things. Often boredom turns into agitation, and sometimes birds will start pulling out their own feathers if the boredom isn't alleviated.

Finally, people need to acknowledge that some parrots can live up to 80 years! If you buy a parrot, you are buying a friend for life! This is one of their biggest perks, but it can also be a major drawback. An unfortunate number of parrots end up in shelters because the owners didn't realize they lived that long, and changes in their living situation prevent them from keeping the bird. If you don't know if you can care for a bird for that long, don't buy one.

If you really want a bird, look into the different types. They all have very different personalities, and when you know what kind of personality you can expect, you can make a great match between you and your bird. This will lead to a long and happy relationship.