If you like birds and enjoy watching them in your garden, it is possible that a bird would be an excellent pet for you. But before you decide whether to offer a home to a bird there are a few questions that you should ask yourself. A pet birds can be more demanding and costly than you might imagine and you must be sure that you are able to properly care for your new feathered friend.

What Level of Care Can You Provide?

The various species have very different needs and you should ensure that you are in a position to devote the required amount of time to your pet. How much time to you realistically have available each day? You must consider that cages need cleaning out regularly and that your bird may need grooming. A zebra finch won’t place too many demands on your time but a parrot would be a very different story. Parrots are highly intelligent animals which need constant stimulation and are not suited to owners who are out at work all day.

It is best to research the different species to establish which is best suited to your circumstances.

How Much Can You Afford to Spend on Your Pet Bird?

As with any pet, purchasing your bird is the just the beginning of what could be a significant financial commitment. You will need a suitable cage for your bird together with the cage furniture and pet bird toys that they require. You will have a regular investment in food to budget for and then there are the vet’s bills, cleaning supplies and the cost of care should you go on holiday. The larger the bird, the more expensive it is likely to be. A small bird will be relatively inexpensive but a parrot could cost you more to look after than a dog.

You should choose a pet which will not stretch your finances too much and which will not require you to make too many sacrifices elsewhere.

Is a Bird Compatible with Your Lifestyle?

Birdsong and chatter can seem appealing and entertaining in small doses but could you really cope with a noisy fellow? Birds can have incredibly loud voices and they tend to like using them! The screeching and talking may be incessant. If you like a quiet life them think carefully about whether you could put up with the noise before you invest in a pet bird.

You should also consider whether or not a bird will be a boon or a serious issue for the rest of your family. If your partner works from home, they may not appreciate a squawking Lori or a talkative parrot creating a soundtrack to their day. Your kids may find large birds intimidating and children’s sudden movements can frighten birds. Some people even suffer from an intense fear of birds which can be very distressing.

Your other pets are also potentially problematic. Parrots are not great companions for hunting dogs, for instance, and you must be able to keep budgies and moggies apart!
Having said all of this, pet birds can be highly rewarding pets which considerably enhance your day to day life. It is simply important to be aware of the implications for you and your family before you make your choice.