Buying a bird is a major commitment that should be carefully considered and researched. Owning a bird requires a significant amount of time, money and adaptation to the needs of the animal. All types of birds are noisy, messy and require daily attention.
Since birds have very delicate respiratory systems, they must live in a smoke and pollution free environment. Air fresheners, cigarettes, pesticides and some cleaning solutions can make birds sick and even cause death.
If you decide that you are ready to make the long-term commitment of caring for a bird, you need to carefully think about what type of bird to buy. It's essential to choose a species that fits well with your family's life style.
A general rule is that the larger the bird, the more it will cost to buy and maintain. You can buy a Finch for about $10 while an Amazon parrot may cost up to $800. You will also need to buy a cage, toys, food, and set aside sufficient money for vet visits. For most birds you will need to buy pre-formulated pellets, greens, sprouted seeds, and fruits. Birds like lories, toucans have very specialized diets while others such as finches, canaries and doves have simpler needs.
Different types of birds require different amounts of socializing. If you are often gone or busy, you should not get a single parrot, a cockatiel or a budgie because these breeds needs lots of socialization or they become skittish. Parrots should be allowed out of their cage on a daily basis to exercise and interact with people. If you are unable to make this time commitment, finches, canaries or a pair of lovebirds would be a better choice.
A general rule is that the larger the bird, the more it will cost to buy and maintain. You can buy a Finch for about $10 while an Amazon parrot may cost up to $800. You will also need to buy a cage, toys, food, and set aside sufficient money for vet visits. For most birds you will need to buy pre-formulated pellets, greens, sprouted seeds, and fruits. Birds like lories, toucans have very specialized diets while others such as finches, canaries and doves have simpler needs.
Different types of birds require different amounts of socializing. If you are often gone or busy, you should not get a single parrot, a cockatiel or a budgie because these breeds needs lots of socialization or they become skittish. Parrots should be allowed out of their cage on a daily basis to exercise and interact with people. If you are unable to make this time commitment, finches, canaries or a pair of lovebirds would be a better choice.
On the other hand, if it is important to you to be able to handle the bird, then you would want to get a cockatoo or another type of large parrot. Birds such as finches and canaries do not do well with a lot of petting or touching and do not usually develop a strong pet-owner bond.
Beyond the day-to-day time you spend with your pet, you also need to consider the lifespan of the pet you choose. While Budgies tend to only live for 8 years, cockatiels can live for 20 years and an Amazon or African Grey parrot lives from 50 to 100 years! It is important to think about what would happen to your birds in the very real chance that they outlive you.
The noise level is another concern for most owners. The squawking of a parrot can upset other pets that are sensitive to sound. If you have young children, their noise and quick movements can make birds nervous. Your living situation and personal comfort, therefore, may limit the type of species you can own. If you live in an apartment and buy a cockatoo, macaw or another large parrot you will most likely face some angry neighbors. Budgies and cockatiels are quieter than large parrots. Finches, doves and canaries are on the farthest end of the noise spectrum so these may be a good choice for apartment dwellers.
Once you have considered all the practical issues, the next consideration to think about is the personality and vocal ability of the bird. Some birds are known for talking, mimicking voices, whistling, or singing. Personality also varies by breed. Some types of bird are affectionate, gentle, energetic or playful. While researching the type of bird you wish to purchase, it is important to remember that each bird is an individual and may not match up to the typical traits of its breed. There have been African Greys who don't say a word and cockatiels who are skilled speakers.
Before you make a final decision as to the type of bird you want to own, you should be certain that you will be able to give your new friend all the care and attention she or he needs to be a happy, well- adjusted bird.
This article is one of many featured at http://www.parrotsite.com A website dedicated to the world of Bird Lovers. Want to learn about How A Revolutionary Speech Training Method Will Change How Bird's Learn To Talk. Copyright © 2006 Parrotsite.com. All rights reserved. - This article is available for reprint on your ezine, website or ebook. You MUST agree NOT to make ANY changes to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zevs_Borealis
Beyond the day-to-day time you spend with your pet, you also need to consider the lifespan of the pet you choose. While Budgies tend to only live for 8 years, cockatiels can live for 20 years and an Amazon or African Grey parrot lives from 50 to 100 years! It is important to think about what would happen to your birds in the very real chance that they outlive you.
The noise level is another concern for most owners. The squawking of a parrot can upset other pets that are sensitive to sound. If you have young children, their noise and quick movements can make birds nervous. Your living situation and personal comfort, therefore, may limit the type of species you can own. If you live in an apartment and buy a cockatoo, macaw or another large parrot you will most likely face some angry neighbors. Budgies and cockatiels are quieter than large parrots. Finches, doves and canaries are on the farthest end of the noise spectrum so these may be a good choice for apartment dwellers.
Once you have considered all the practical issues, the next consideration to think about is the personality and vocal ability of the bird. Some birds are known for talking, mimicking voices, whistling, or singing. Personality also varies by breed. Some types of bird are affectionate, gentle, energetic or playful. While researching the type of bird you wish to purchase, it is important to remember that each bird is an individual and may not match up to the typical traits of its breed. There have been African Greys who don't say a word and cockatiels who are skilled speakers.
Before you make a final decision as to the type of bird you want to own, you should be certain that you will be able to give your new friend all the care and attention she or he needs to be a happy, well- adjusted bird.
This article is one of many featured at http://www.parrotsite.com A website dedicated to the world of Bird Lovers. Want to learn about How A Revolutionary Speech Training Method Will Change How Bird's Learn To Talk. Copyright © 2006 Parrotsite.com. All rights reserved. - This article is available for reprint on your ezine, website or ebook. You MUST agree NOT to make ANY changes to the article and the RESOURCE BOX MUST be included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zevs_Borealis
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