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Considering a Pet Bird? Ask Yourself These 7 Critical Questions
By Simon Blake
Birds can make wonderful pets and companions and there are many different
birds to choose from. Two of the most popular are cockatiels and parakeets.
Cockatiels and parakeets make wonderful pets that only require simple daily
care. They don't take up a lot of space, they eat small amounts of food, and
they don't require a daily walk outside. They love being around people and
often want out of their cages just so they can be closer to you. Some even
learn to talk.
You're not alone in considering a pet bird. In fact, according to the American
Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), birds are the 3rd most
popular pet behind cats and dogs.
It all sounds great doesn't it? Slow down a little bit, before you rush out to buy a
cockatiel or a parakeet, take some time to think about whether or not you are
ready for a bird companion. There are a few things for you to consider before
you decide if you're ready for the responsibilities that comes with parakeets
and cockatiels.
Do yourself a favor and don't buy a parakeet or cockatiel until you ask yourself
the following questions:
Do I have enough patience for a bird? Cockatiels and parakeets are social
animals and they like attention. You should give them at least a half an hour of
attention a day to keep them happy.
Am I a neat freak? All birds (not just cockatiels and parakeets) can be fairly
messy. You're probably going to have some feathers and bird seed to pick up
around the cage.
Can I care for my bird properly? You're taking the right first step by looking for
information about birds. It's important for you to know all of your cockatiel's or
parakeet's needs before you bring him or her home.
Don't make the mistake of assuming that since you already have a dog, cat or
some other pet, that you know how to take care of a bird. Birds have very
different needs than other pets. I'm afraid it's a little more complicated than
sticking your bird in a cage and giving it water and birdseed.
Do I have room in my house for a bird cage and other 'bird accessories"? You
need to think about where you're going to place the cage in your house before
you walk in the door with it. And remember, the bigger the bird, the bigger the
cage. (Be sure to study the do's and don't of cage placement. There are places
in your house that are very dangerous for your bird.)
Do I have the time to give my bird what it needs? In addition to the time you
should spend with your bird giving him or her attention, you should spend
some time preparing meals for your bird. A proper diet for a healthy cockatiel
or parakeet includes fresh vegetables and fruits - not just seeds.
Exactly what type of bird (and how many) do I want? Decide whether you want
a female or a male bird. Maybe you would like to have a pair of birds so that
you can breed them. It's easier to think through these types of questions now
instead of waiting until you're talking to a breeder.
Am I ready for a long-term commitment? As I said above, it's not unusual for
cockatiels to live 15-20 years and parakeets can live 12-14 years. Getting a
pet bird is a long-term commitment. Please don't get a cockatiel or a parakeet
thinking that you're going to "try it for a while". There are already too many
birds in rescue and adoption centers.
Pet birds can bring a lot of fun and happiness into your home. If you don't
know what to expect before you bring one home, you may be in for a surprise.
However, if you've gone through the checklist above and decided that you're
ready for a new feathered family member, then congratulations! Get ready for
a long, loving and happy relationship.
About the Author
Simon Blake is a bird lover and the author of Cockatiel Secrets and Parakeet Secrets. Discover how you can have a happy, healthy and well behaved pet bird.
http://www.CockatielSecrets.com/
http://www.ParakeetSecrets.com/
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/10620.html
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