Benefits of Owning a Bird

Birds are rapidly gaining on becoming the next 'mans best friend'. After all, your dog or cat doesn't talk to you! People, especially animal lovers, have always been fascinated with birds. They are such beautiful creatures, and if they are hand fed from about 3 weeks old they are extremely loving to their human!

Contrary to what many people believe, birds need another bird or a human to bond to. Birds bond for life – if they have a mate that dies, often a healthy bird will die. Do not get a bird for a pet that has previously bonded with another bird. The bird will never bond with you, and could be quite mean.

If you are planning on getting a bird, you must consider where you live. People living in close proximity to other people should never get a large breed of bird such as a Cockatoo or Macaw. Large birds require large bird cages, and these are not easily placed in apartments.

Birds instinctively call to the flock in the morning and at night, just as they do in the wild. Because they fly, their call must be heard a great distance away. When a large bird calls it is almost deafening! Your close proximity neighbors will hate you!

Good birds for apartment dwellers are finches, canaries, love birds, parakeets and cockatiels.

Finches and canaries are not for handling; they are for watching and listening to. A love bird can be handled if obtained directly after weaning. The bird cages required for these little birds can be as small as 18" x 18". None of these birds talk.

Parakeets and cockatiels are very popular small birds. They will bond with you, and the males will talk your ears off! Both of these birds have stunning plumage colors. The appropriate bird cages should be 24" x 24" and have at least 3 toys.

Birds should be fed and watered daily. Sometimes their seed bowls appear full, but if you look closely you will see that all of the 'seeds' you saw are actually empty hulls. If you live in a hot climate, especially with no air conditioning, give your bird fresh cool water 2 or three times a day.

Remember, you must interact with your bird every day. The time invested will be very rewarding. You will have a bird that loves and will talk and play with you.