Exploring the Considerations for Choosing the Right Bird as a Pet

1. Introduction

Before choosing a bird, you need to determine what kind of bird is right for your lifestyle. Birds can live 20 years or longer, so the decision to adopt one should be carefully weighed. Birds require care throughout their lives, and while they do not need social interaction like dogs, they do move about and desire physical interaction. By choosing carefully, you will ensure maximum happiness for both you and your feathery housemate. Some of the considerations to make when choosing a pet bird include the time you can spend with your companion, how much space you have, noise restrictions, breed or species limitations you might have, and the expense of care.

When choosing a bird, consider the time each bird takes. Cleaning, training, socialization, feeding, and medical care all require a good deal of time. You will want to be sure you have enough time to devote to the species you choose in order to maintain a high quality of life for your housemate. You must also consider the space you have to dedicate to your bird. Have you got a spare bathroom or another pet-proofed area? No matter the size or age of the bird, you will require space to allow him out with a bit of overhead room. Birds that are cooped up in cages for too much time can become quite distressed and suffer psychological and physical problems. Smaller birds need a lower chunk of time and space, but should still be allowed out regularly. Your bird can be held in the house as long as you are pleasant in your quarters. However, I strongly advise you to inquire about breed or species restrictions before making your purchase. There may be some communities where big birds or screaming species are prohibited.

2. Understanding Different Bird Species

If you wish to have a charming bird as a pet, then the first thing you will have to consider is the species of bird that you will have in your house. This is highly crucial so that you can know more about the needs and characteristics of the birds. Birds are extremely diverse, with different markings, colors and sizes, as well as behavior, quirks and diets, so you will have lots of alternatives to pick from. This article will explore the various bird options available to aid you in carefully deciding which one is best for you, your family and your lifestyle.

Different Bird Species. Many different species of birds are frequently bred in captivity. Individuals or households may own domesticated birds. Many families incorporate more than one species and typically have between 2 to 5 birds. Birds, depending on their size and era, may sound like singing. If you get to listen to bird noises admirably, there are the more attractive birds: canaries, parakeets, finches and lovebirds, while other types may make noises hard to bear. After you've focused on a bird, whether you can live with a tweeter in the space, you ought to do some enquiry on the birds to figure out if you can adjust to the existence of bird smells in your home if they're irritating to you.

2.1. Common Pet Bird Species

Selecting your first pet cat generally means going to a local animal shelter and browsing the different felines needing a home. Choosing the pet dog that fits your lifestyle usually involves visiting a shelter or breeder. But picking just the right bird as a pet is often a difficult decision to pin to the map, especially if you’re a first-time bird owner and new to the concept of the many different bird species. This guide to picking the right pet bird is valuable for those who are already beginning to shop around for a feathery friend, or for people who are at least curious about what types of birds are most commonly kept as pets.

Some of the more common bird species that make the best pets include the finch family, canaries, macaws, cockatiels, lovebirds, parakeets, parrots, and cockatoos. Some birds are more reliant on their families than others and can easily become distressed if left alone for long periods of times, calmness is another factor that should be considered. Amazons, budgerigars, cockatoos, conures, doves, Eclectus parrots, lories, lovebirds, macaws, and Senegal parrots are all breeds that require substantial social interaction to maintain their mental health. Birds, like many other pets, are also sold in varying temperaments; males and females tend to approach life in different ways. For example, some female Amazons, especially those that haven’t been introduced to new people or life outside of their cages, may act aggressively towards men and dislike men in general. No single bird is the same, but many bird owners have observed personality differences that often serve as strong guides for bird selection.

2.2. Exotic Bird Species

The myriad of exotic species is a world completely removed from the standard starlings and parrots often thought of when considering pet bird species. From the captivating beauty of tiny finches, the cheekiness of cockatoos, to the elegant singing of hard-to-find canaries and countless other behavioral and aesthetic fascinations, exotic species runs the gamut. They all pose special considerations for potential owners: Some species require more of a time commitment than normal, frequent sessions out of cages, consistent monitoring for working on behavioral modification, and quality nutrition specific to their needs. There are species that are extremely prone to developing plucking and self-mutilation issues when neglected or anxious and will need special care and attention to bring into a more normal state if acquired in this condition. Birds, in general, can be physically fragile animals, more susceptible to things like household toxins and disease than dogs or cats to which many of us have become accustomed. However, many genera (parrots, toucans, hornbills) of exotic species are in fact hardy birds used to beefing with everything due to the competition in the areas of the world to which they are native. Vets are skewing away from "cat and dog vets" such that more of them are becoming specialists in exotic animal treatment — critical for exotics due to their peculiar physiological responses to certain medical therapies.

All this aside, bird care and ownership is filled with unique and unforgettable moments, like learning to tell when your bird is happy when it's angry, singing or calling in its language, or sounds that are particular to its own breed. The freshness of clean feathers, the daily maintenance of its own beauty, and its talents and survival mechanisms that arise when gradually establishing its mutual trust can be both a curious thing to observe and meaningful from an emotional standpoint. Purchasing a bird often must be seen as a long-term commitment, mainly because it is the one responsible for its fate, which brings the owner to a commitment. A parrot could potentially outlive you, especially many of the larger breeds like macaws, Amazons, and African greys. In general, parrot species tend to be the most cognitively sophisticated birds and would likely require the most enrichment to stave off boredom; therefore, they generally also require the greatest time commitment. With extended and proper planning, care and attention, anybody analytically contemplating bird species can eventually understand the help birds can bring them physiologically, psychologically as well as emotionally.

3. Lifestyle and Space Considerations

While pet bird ownership may require less of a time commitment compared to traditional pets, birds are still a big responsibility because they are undomesticated. Since some pet bird species can live for decades, it’s important to choose a pet bird that suits one’s lifestyle. Bird gestation varies by species, but lasting relationships may change throughout life events, such as moving to a different home, developing different lifestyle demands with work and travel, changing housing, or starting a family. Birds are not amenable to change, and stress may lead to behavioral issues if incompatible from the start. Considering space as well can determine the best pet bird to acquire. Large, active birds require large spaces or enriched environments. Apartments may not be suitable for homeowners to keep loud birds as neighbors, as it could lead to eviction.

The pet bird species’ natural environment requires consideration of life quality, training, and enrichment. Some natural birds are free-roaming flocking species. How would these birds react to being caged, even if they are allowed out of the cage for more freedom? Such birds may be antisocial among people, although the majority may bond with furniture, toys, and other birds in fixated, single-species cities. Serious bite potential occurs when trying to communicate with a studiously maintaining bird. Birds of wild corners were often reticent. Bonds may eventually be developed (or established with ease by the company of other birds), although these birds are not always the best bird species for starters, novices, or families. The first-time owner can feel more confident with a domesticated pet bird in a house or as a companion.

4. Time and Commitment

1. Topic

4. Section: Time and Commitment

Being a bird owner is a big responsibility. Many birds live long lives; some can expect to live more than 50 years. They need daily interaction to manage stress and prevent boredom. Before you decide to bring a bird into your home, be truthful with yourself about the time commitment involved in caring for them. Money can be used to buy some of these items, but the time to care for, feed, socialize, and clean up after them cannot be bought and will have great rewards in the long run. Some ideas to consider prior to bringing a pet bird into your home and life are more in-depth grooming, dietary, and behavioral care. If you consider getting a bird, do not think of it as if we are getting it for our/my child or children. Think of it more as "I am getting a bird. I want a feathered friend - are there any that have your personality?" Animals in general are awesome, but they are work too. Are you ready for the responsibility?

Exotic birds currently have a long list of some pet owners who are unable to meet the socialization needs of the bird, and because of the demand, they are more likely to end up in second, third, and fourth homes. If you travel frequently, your bird may not get the time it deserves and needs. It is not fair to leave your feathered pet birds in a cage for more than 6-8 hours day after day, week after week, month after month. A socialization regimen might be impossible for a traveling business person or family. Bird boarding is available for those going on vacation or travel, but some birds may not take to an unfamiliar environment where the owner can be gone for a few weeks. Just because a parrot comes from the rainforest does not mean it will be content to remain isolated in our home while we are gone all day at work or school. Birds are very intelligent and require consistent interaction on a daily basis.

5. Financial Considerations

Most of the considerations that must be taken into account in order to find the right type of bird to keep as a pet are related to how, when, and why a person wishes to incorporate a bird into their lives. One of the last questions to ask is whether the person has enough money. Getting a bird from an aviary or breeder can be quite expensive depending on the type of bird and whether it is hand-raised. If young children will be involved, a hand-raised bird may be a good idea. Pellet food, in itself, is also expensive, but only a small part of the total amount of money that would go to keeping a bird. A good cage will be quite expensive and the birds are quite messy, so bird owners may find themselves buying new clothes quite often. A bird owner might also have to invest in a high efficiency air purifier and a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

Birds have a long lifespan, and because little is known about how they age, getting pet insurance is a good idea. Depending on the coverage limit and the age, pet insurance can cost between $15 and $30 a month, with low or no deductibles. If a bird is injured or becomes ill, vet care will be expensive. Specialist avian vets can charge between $200 and $300 for a physical exam. Becoming a bird owner is expensive, but not all of these expenses have to be made at once. Because birds are so long-lived, though, potential bird owners should evaluate whether or not they would have the finances available to provide such an animal with everything it needs throughout its entire life.

6. Health and Care Requirements

The health and care requirements for birds are as individual as the species themselves. Some birds need 8+ hours of exercise daily and a species-appropriate diet. Does this sound like something you would like, or something you could manage? That is the key question to ask when choosing a bird pet. A cockatiel needs less room to fly than, for example, a macaw. And a single bird needs more attention from its carer than two birds in mutual company. In other words, the living requirements for a bird are absolutely species specific. A young and healthy bird can also live for 100 years. There are such birds in your environment, as pets, and in zoos. Of course, this is a nice prospect. And who else can tell you that a bird has been "yours" for so long? But then this choice requires deep thinking. Long-term education is required. It is certainly not just a matter of feeding.

Feeding pet birds is also important. In general, pet parrots eat a complete bird diet consisting of seeds, dried fruits, dry vegetables, and pellets. The mixture provides all the necessary vitamins and minerals. For some parrots, we also give fruit or vegetables. Pay attention to the food and drink of the birds. Do not give anything that has become somewhat rotten, stale, or moldy. Always change the water of the birds. It must be fresh every day. Give the birds enough room to play, hang enough toys in their cage, feed them with delicious food, and love them with all your heart. Regularly clean the cage and the toys in it and eventually take care of the birds' feathers. Trim the wings every now and then and take your parrot to a vet for a check-up. This keeps you and the bird healthy and in good company. Regular spraying is also recommended for birds to keep their feathers in top condition and to keep the beak, ear, and nostrils clean, strengthen the immune system, and keep them in good hair/feather condition. (EFSA et al.2023)(Lees et al.2022)(Verhoeven et al.2022)(Millsap et al.2022)(Soriano-Redondo et al.2020)(Develey, 2021)(Gautron et al.2021)

References:

EFSA AHAW Panel (EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare), Nielsen, S.S., Alvarez, J., Bicout, D.J., Calistri, P., Canali, E., Drewe, J.A., Garin‐Bastuji, B., Gonzales Rojas, J.L., Schmidt, C.G. and Herskin, M.S., 2023. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA Journal, 21(2), p.e07788. wiley.com

Lees, A.C., Haskell, L., Allinson, T., Bezeng, S.B., Burfield, I.J., Renjifo, L.M., Rosenberg, K.V., Viswanathan, A. and Butchart, S.H., 2022. State of the world's birds. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 47(1), pp.231-260. annualreviews.org

Verhoeven, M.A., Loonstra, A.J., McBride, A.D., Kaspersma, W., Hooijmeijer, J.C., Both, C., Senner, N.R. and Piersma, T., 2022. Age‐dependent timing and routes demonstrate developmental plasticity in a long‐distance migratory bird. Journal of Animal Ecology, 91(3), pp.566-579. wiley.com

Millsap, B.A., Zimmerman, G.S., Kendall, W.L., Barnes, J.G., Braham, M.A., Bedrosian, B.E., Bell, D.A., Bloom, P.H., Crandall, R.H., Domenech, R. and Driscoll, D., 2022. Age‐specific survival rates, causes of death, and allowable take of golden eagles in the western U nited S tates. Ecological Applications, 32(3), p.e2544. wiley.com

Soriano-Redondo, A., Gutiérrez, J.S., Hodgson, D. and Bearhop, S., 2020. Migrant birds and mammals live faster than residents. Nature Communications, 11(1), p.5719. nature.com

Develey, P. F., 2021. Bird conservation in Brazil: challenges and practical solutions for a key megadiverse country. Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation. sciencedirect.com

Gautron, J., Réhault-Godbert, S., Van de Braak, T.G.H. and Dunn, I.C., 2021. What are the challenges facing the table egg industry in the next decades and what can be done to address them?. Animal, 15, p.100282. sciencedirect