In terms of companionship, birds are similar to dogs in that they are highly intelligent and have a flock nature, so they will want to spend their time with you.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As with any new pet, there are some things you should consider before purchasing a bird.
Firstly, deciding on the type of bird can be a difficult task.
Lots of research and talking with other bird owners and your vet would be recommended to discover all of the pros and cons of the various species available.
When making your decision, remember the type of bird you eventually own should fit into your lifestyle with a minimum of disruption to both you and the bird.
Breeds of birds that are good company, but will reside mostly in their cage, include canaries or finches.
If you’d like a small companion to come out of the cage, consider a budgie or cockatiel.
Parrots and cockatoos are more demanding, but will certainly give more in return.
Hand-reared birds are also an option, but are much more expensive to buy.
It is a good idea to get your new avian friend vet-checked soon after purchase.
As an evolutionary survival mechanism, birds are very good at masking illness, and so any health issue may go undetected for a prolonged period of time.
Your vet can also advise on diet, environmental enrichment ideas and answer any other questions you may have.
Keeping a pet bird is different to a cat or dog and requires special dedication and love.
Doing some quality research prior to buying a bird and getting the right advice can make a huge difference in how you and your bird get along.
