Birds are clever, bond with their owners and don’t need to be walked. But there are some key things to know before you take the plunge.
This blue budgie is a playful parakeet with a typical lifespan of 5–10 years. Macaws and cockatoos can live to be 70–80 years old.My middle schooler decided she wanted a pet. Our oldest had a cat and the youngest was in charge of the dog, so of course she wanted something different. Growing up, I had the usual pets: fish and cats. So when my daughter announced she wanted a bird, I told her she had to do some research.
We weren’t alone in considering adding a bird to our family. In the U.S., birds are the fourth most popular pet behind dogs, cats and fish, and they grew in popularity during the pandemic. You’ve probably seen videos of cockatiels, parrots and budgies singing, dancing, solving puzzles or even talking. They are clever, bond with their owners and don’t need to be walked — but before you bring a bird home, there are some basics to know.
Birds are not domesticated like dogs and cats, so their behavior can be less predictable. They also don’t have as many ways to communicate their emotions as dogs and cats .What’s in your house — besides children — is also important to keep in mind.
You’ll also have ongoing costs, such as for food and vet bills, though if you provide proper care for your bird, you’ll likely save here. Birds also love toys. Wilson, whose cockatiels have a habit of shredding books, has to keep them occupied with other things. “If you get a toy, it’s probably going to be gone in a week. And we just constantly are getting bird toys just because they’re here by themselves during the day while I’m at work and they need something to do.
Once you have your bird, your first step should be a trip to a vet with an avian specialty, says Jones. “You’re going to want to get the bird examined and make sure it’s in good health.” As for our family? After giving us a bird presentation and saving up her own money to purchase the cage, toys and food, our daughter Alice is the proud owner of a parakeet. PopTart has been doing well and is quieter than we thought. She’s the perfect companion for my daughter, who is quiet herself.
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