Pet Articles
Things To Think About Before You Buy A Pet Bird
Author: Lee Dobbins
While a bird is an easy pet to care for, they do require just as
much commitment and preparation as any other type of pet.
Whether you are buying a small parakeet or an large parrot, you
should make sure that you are prepared to care for your new
feathered friend properly.
One thing that all pets, including birds need is attention. If
your schedule has you working long hours and not spending much
time at home, perhaps you should consider a fish tank instead of
a bird. A bird cannot be left in it’s cage alone all the time
and still be expected to be friendly on the odd days when you
feel like playing with it. Some birds require more interaction
than others, but they are social creatures and need you to set
aside some time each day to play with them. You can use this
time to teach them tricks and strengthen the bond between you.
When considering bringing a bird into your home, you must think
about the safety of your new pet. Are there other pets in the
house that could be threatening to the bird? Are there tiny
nooks and crannies that a bird could get into and hurt himself?
Do the other members of your family leave the windows and doors
open where the bird could fly out and be lost? All these things
must be considered for the safety of your new pet
The purchase and placement of his cage is another consideration.
You must buy a cage that is the right size for your bird. Many
parrots become quite adept at opening their own cage doors so
you should consider how easy the cage is to break out of. The
cage should be made out of a safe material and have bars spaced
in such a way that the bird cannot get his head stuck in between
them. There should be no sharp edges and their should be
appropriate food and water dishes as well as perches inside the
cage. Cages can be expensive, but don’t skimp on this as it is
your pets new home!
Before you buy the cage, consider where you will be keeping it.
It is best if the cage can be in a quiet corner but near family
activities as your bird really wants to be part of the family.
You should keep it out of direct sunlight, and away from any
drafts or anywhere that could have a sudden change in
temperature like in front of the heater or air conditions. Avoid
placing the cage in the kitchen as fumes and hot surfaces can be
hazardous. Be aware that the fumes from nonstick pans can be
deadly to a pet bird, so make sure you get rid of all your non
stick pans before bringing your bird home. Of course, you will
want to keep the cage out of the path of traffic so you need to
buy a cage that is the appropriate size for your bird as well as
the right size to fit in the intended area.
Depending on the size of your bird, you may want to consider the
level of noise that he will produce. Parakeets make little
chirpy noises that, for the most part, are not annoying.
Conures, on the other hand have a shrill call that goes right
through you. Most happy birds will not yell constantly, but it
is natural for them to call out at times so make sure you (and
your neighbors) can handle the level of noise produced by the
bird.
Finally, make sure that you want to commit to the care that is
necessary to have a happy healthy bird. You’ll need to clean out
the cage daily and make sure you provide fresh food and water.
Food your bird a varied diet and have him checked by a vet
(preferably one who specializes in birds) every year.
Birds can be very rewarding pets and take minimal care but they
must be provided with a comfortable and safe environment and
your companionship in order to thrive. Many birds can live for
20 years or more, so you are making a long commitment when you
bring home your new feathered friend. This commitment to care
and companionship is well worth it, however, as the rewards of
owning these enchanting creatures are many!
About the author:
Lee Dobbins is owner and editor of ePet Pet Center where you
can find information on every type of pet including pet birds
