Birds as pets

[Jojo]

Birds as Pets
Lisa Keelty
Environmental and Wildlife Technician
AFA Certified Aviculturist


Birds as human companions is probably one of the most debated topics in the pet industry today. Although there are more and more breeders, stores and organizations that specialize in the care and maintenance of everything from canaries to macaws, many people still walk by caged birds scoffing at how cruel it is to keep them as pets. On the flip side, those same people who make those comments usually have little or no knowledge about birds, jumping to quick assumptions that the parrot they saw is unhappy and will live a miserable life. No doubt, parrots are intelligent, social, comical, and beautiful animals. They have feelings, can experience pain, happiness and excitement. In the wild they live in complex family groups, communal flocks and are often monogamous. All of these exotic traits have made them highly prized as pets, however their greatest attributes also create many complicated and sometimes dangerous situations when living in a human home.

Let us make no mistake, as much as we try, as much as we give, humans cannot come close to replicating a natural environment in captivity. A house or apartment is a far cry from the canopy of a rain forest. That being said, is it really appropriate to have birds as pets? Are they truly suitable for a life in captivity? As much as we'd like to think the answer is black and white, it is not.

There are too many people who buy exotic birds on a whim or as "trophy" pets. The cute and cuddly cockatoo at the pet store can be a dangerous allure, and the big macaw on the shoulder of his new owner can demonstrate wealth and an big ego boost to the rich man. Unfortunately these are the exact situations where people should not buy a large parrot as a pet. After they become too loud, too destructive, too demanding they are discarded like a used toy. This is not the fault of the bird. Imagine having a baby and then finding out to your dismay that a baby takes a lot of work! It may sound like a ridiculous comparison but that is exactly what parrots are, a lot of work!

Before any new owner buys a bird as a pet they should seriously consider many things. How much time do they have to spend with their new pet on a daily basis? Are they able to provide ample stimulation and proper training? How long lived is the bird they wish to purchase? How much space do they need? How much will food, toys, vet visits and accessories cost on a monthly/yearly basis? Are they willing to do a lot of research before jumping into a purchase or adoption? You should never cheap out when acquiring a pet bird, regardless if it is a pair of finches or an amazon parrot. Remember, a pet cannot change or adapt its lifestyle to your every whim, it is the owner which must make adaptations and sacrifices for the pet. Like all things, there is a big responsibility and price in pet ownership.

Despite irresponsible owners there are many individuals who devote their lives to their feathered friends. They provide engaging and stimulating environments, proper care, training and much love. These lucky birds tend to be much better balanced individuals who thrive with their human families. There are countless refuges that take the time and money to rescue abandoned parrots and attempt to give them a second chance. Certainly every Polly will go through their moments, no relationship is perfect even when dealing with animals, but it is these people who do what is truly important; they put the needs of the bird first, over what the human wants.

When things are done right many types of birds can make long lasting loving pets and they can indeed be well suited for a life with people. However when the real intention of buying a bird is for the human's desire first and the pet's care second, this would be when the idea of owing any pet should be avoided all together. There are enough animals out there waiting for adoption as it is.

The reality today is that birds are pets, and that probably will not change any time soon. Instead of seeing ourselves as owning theses animals as property, we should consider ourselves guardians and take our responsibility for caring for them very seriously. Educating ourselves and others about bird ownership is important and could help save a life either through adoption or prevention.

Below are some things to consider before becoming an avian care taker.

All birds are different. Each species has different needs. Look at each family individually to find out which group or species is the most appropriate for you.

Birds can live a very long time. Budgies can live up to 10 years, and larger parrots can live past 50.
Many species of birds do better in pairs then alone.

Some species of birds have special dietary needs. Consider this carefully since the diet can have a direct effect on the messiness of the food/droppings.

Cages should have ample space for movement, toys and activity. Some birds may benefit from a second smaller sleeping cage. Always purchase the largest cage possible, it is the bird that will be living in it, not you.
All birds require specific accessories and toys which should be changed on a regular basis.

At some point there will be some kind of Vet expense. Find a recommended local Avian Veterinarian to work with. Yearly checkups are recommended.

A parrot's personality and behaviour will change from birth until maturity which can take as long as 6 years or more. Know what to expect when a chick turns into an adolescence.

Some parrots are loud and destructive, behaviours which cannot be erased in captivity, only redirected.
Parrots require a lot of training and socializing, which should not be a one person job. All birds interact with many different individuals in the wild, in captivity it should not be any different. Learn how to engage your family and friends into bird care. Even 5 minutes a day with a stranger can have a positive impact.

Consider price last when picking a species. Less expensive does not mean that one bird is better or worse then another. Base your decision on which species fits your expectations and commitment best.

If planning to adopt make sure you can accommodate the potential special needs an abused, neglected or poorly trained parrot might have. Re-training a parrot can be more difficult then training a chick.

Never buy a bird because it talks, because of its color or its size.

Research, research and research. New information is always being published. No one knows everything. Talk with Veterinarians, bird owners and clubs. Get as much information as you can.

Prepare for the worst, especially if you are planning on owning a long lived species. Make sure if something happens to you, your beloved pet has a person or place to go.

Know when you are in over your head. Even with the best intentions and preparations bird care is not for everyone. If you are not able to provide for your companion properly, take the necessary responsible steps to re-home your bird.