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Choosing a Bird, continued

Choosing a Bird That Is The Right Size For You.

A large bird can be a wonderful companion, smart, playful and some can be taught to talk, but the basic standard is, the larger the bird the bigger the commitment you will be making.  If for example, you

choose a bird as large as a Macaw they will be messier, noisier and harder to handle or socialize than a Canary. 

It is much better idea if you are a novice bird owner to choose a small to medium bird, to get your “feet wet” as they say, learning and understanding the care that a bird will need before you bring home a large Macaw parrot.  The behaviors of many large birds are very different than many smaller birds and it can be a shock to realize how difficult they can be to handle.

There are many birds in the small to medium class that will have the temperament that you are looking for when you first decided that choosing a bird was a good choice of a pet for your family.   That list includes birds from the tiny Finch to the Amazon parrots. Or a Cockatiel like these beautiful birds in the picture to the left.   Link>>> Starter bird

Behavior and Temperament 

This is an extremely important area to consider when choosing a bird.  You will need to decide whether you want a bird that will want to socialize with your family out of his cage or whether you just want a bird that will look beautiful in its cage like these tiny canaries on the right. 

It is also important when choosing a bird just like any other animal to keep in mind that although the species may in general exhibit certain temperament or behaviors, every bird is an individuals and each will be different. 

Also, how they have been socialized or raised prior to joining your family will also have a lot to do with temperament.  A bird needs to be familiar with people and comfortable being handled from a very young age, if you want a bird you can handle safely.  This is one of the reasons it is so important to get your bird from a reputable breeder or pet store.

The behaviors your bird exhibits will have a lot to do with a whether or not you have a successful experience as a bird owner so it is very important that you understand what to expect from the species of bird you choose and that you spend time with the individual bird before you bring it home. 

Understanding the Care a Species Will Need Before Choosing a Bird

Many birds have special diets that require you prepare fresh food for them daily.  The reason some have such beautiful plumage is due to the foods they naturally consume, and not all their needs can be met with commercial bird kibble.  On top of food preparation, comes keeping their cage and play areas clean and of course the bigger the bird, the bigger the cage to maintain. 

Of course, it isn’t just the cage that needs to be kept clean, but the area around the cage because most birds are messy and many have a habit of dropping food bits on the floor around the cage.  Part of keeping a bird healthy is to keep their space clean, so many birds will need their cages cleaned (and the area around their cages) almost every day.  Another area of care is grooming, from water or sand baths to clipping nails and wings, birds require grooming just like many other pets. My Amazon, Maggie loved "showers" under the kitchen sink sprayer.
 
When choosing a bird it is important that you realize you will need to provide for their emotional health as well as their physical needs.  As I mentioned before

many birds are extremely social and will need a lot of attention from you.  I had a Pionus parrot (like the one on the right) who wanted to be in the middle of whatever I was doing, from taking a shower to fixing dinner.

Speaking of attention, many parrots don’t sing, or talk (like in the movies) but screech and squawk, particularly if they feel neglected and want your attention.  They can make so much noise the neighbors will complain.  I was not expecting this when I first began living with birds.  Be sure you know what amount of care and attention you have available to give before you choose a bird. 
         
             Very Important!!

Do not feed birds fruit seeds, avocados, chocolate, alcohol or caffeine as these can cause serious medical problems.

Bird owners should avoid non-stick cookware and appliances as they can release fumes hazardous to your birds health.

Budget, Finances and Choosing a Bird

Again, the standard holds, the larger the bird the more expensive to keep them.  You need to keep in mind how much you need to budget when choosing a bird.  Many larger birds start out costing thousands and the equipment that goes with them can run almost that much.  It isn’t unusual for a quality cage for a Macaw to cost close to $1000.00.  Then you have to add in accessories, and toys and equipment to keep them occupied and we are talking expensive.  Then you have food and vet bills. 

Smaller birds also can be surprisingly costly, although they may not be as expensive to purchase.  Many smaller species are extremely delicate and need specialized veterinary services that can be costly.  When you are choosing a bird, cost is an area you want to do your research, you don’t want to forget to factor it in to your decision.

 

Remember many bird species can live a very long time, you may be passing them on to your children.  Consider the costs over the long run in feeding, housing and caring responsibly for these magnificent creatures.

Time Commitments When Choosing a Bird

I am sure you are beginning to realize that there may be a significant time commitment that you need to consider when choosing a bird.  Many birds, particularly “hookbills” need at least two hours a day of exercise, out of their cages (they must be supervised when out of their cage), and then there is socialization with the family.  That isn’t even taking into consideration time for food preparation and cage maintenance. 

Keep in mind also, that many of the more intelligent birds get very attached to their people and do not do well if they are handed off to new families.  I have experienced a bird that could be said to have died from “failure to thrive” after losing his human family.  He stopped eating and just faded away.  So please be realistic when choosing a bird so that it is right one for you. 

Small birds like the Canary or the Finch are much more independent and do not require that you spend a lot of time with them.  There are many other

species that fall somewhere in-between.  The main thing is that when choosing a bird, you understand the amount of time you realistically have available, because if you can’t give the bird the amount of time that it needs, you are not being a responsible pet owner and will probably end up finding a new home for your bird. 

As with almost anything, the more research you do when choosing a bird, the better the experience is going to be because you will make the right selection.  I know if you haven’t been around birds, you will find it hard to believe but it is extremely important that you are compatible with not only the species of bird but the individual when choosing a bird, so resist the impulse buy, and take some time to make the best choice.

  *A Brandeis University researcher has shown that an African grey parrot with a walnut-sized brain understands a numerical concept akin to zero – an abstract notion that humans don't typically understand until age three or four, and that can significantly challenge learning-disabled children.  www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2005-07/bu-agp070805.php