Are you ready for a pet bird?
Monday, September 4th, 2006Are you thinking about getting a bird as a pet?
Then ask yourself the following questions before you run out to your nearest pet store or breeder to buy one.
- Do I have time to take care of and give attention to my bird?
You have to spend time preparing food, keeping the cage clean, keeping it healthy, and play with it at least for an hour everyday - Do I have room in my house for a bird, it’s cage, and it’s accessories?
Make sure you have enough space in your house or apartment to place the cage. And remember, the bigger the bird, the bigger the cage. (Be sure to study the do’s and don’t of cage placement. There are places in your house that are very dangerous for your bird.) - Am I ok with some feathers and seeds falling on the floor? Am I a neat freak?
All birds are fairly messy and you’ll have to clean up after them. I mean you don’t have to pick up poop like you do for a dog or a cat but you’ll have feathers and seeds lying on the floor around the cage and will have to clean that up. - What type of bird and how many do I want?
The type of bird and the number of birds you would like to get should depend on the size of area available in your house to keep the bird(s). The bigger the bird, the more space you’ll need. If you get a male and female, you’ll have to think about the possiblity of them breeding. - Am I ready for a long-term commitment?
It’s not unusual for cockatiels to live 15-20 years and parakeets to live 12-14 years. Getting a pet bird is a long-term commitment. Please don’t get a pet bird until you are ready for the commitment. There are already too many birds in rescue and adoption centers.Please research information about the pet bird you would like to get before you get one. Otherwise, you may be in for a surprise. If you’ve already done all the research and decided that you are ready for a pet bird, then get ready for a long, and happy relationship!
