You want a pet, so why not get a bird? Birds are small and quiet & you just put a bit of seed and water into the dishes and change the paper on the bottom of the cage each day – right?

Nothing is further from the truth. Although some birds are quiet – many are definitely not quiet and the sweet little Conure at the pet store can, and will make as much noise as a large Macaw. Seed is not even recommended as a food for your bird, except for a treat sometimes and the water dish may have to be cleaned several times a day.

Before actually going shopping for your new pet, you absolutely MUST research the needs of the different types of birds. Everyone knows the beautifully singing Canary, but there are several different types of Canaries. Some Canaries are known for their singing and some are known for their looks. What about a Parakeet? Everyone knows about Parakeets, but what many people call a Parakeet is actually a Budgerigar or Budgie and the different sizes & types of Parakeets will amaze you. Then there are the little finches to consider. So many different types & colours – maybe a few different ones would be nice, but they can’t all get along together.

Oh – but you want a talking parrot. Well, the Budgie is a great talker and so is the Cockatiel. In the larger parrots, good talkers are African Greys, some of the Amazons, Eclectus, some of the Conures as well as more that I don’t have personal knowledge of. But – out of the best types of talking birds, you might get one that doesn’t talk. What would you do then? If all you wanted was a talking bird & the bird doesn’t talk, would you then decide that you don’t want this bird? Also, many birds that have the ability to talk, also have the ability to scream.

Birds have long lifespans. Some of the larger parrots can live 50 years or more with proper care. Are you prepared to provide for this bird for his entire life and are you willing to make sure that this bird will be looked after if he lives longer than you do?

The related links I have provided on the right hand side have more detailed information on the needs & lifespans of various types of pet birds.

Every week, I receive calls from people who are looking for new homes for their birds, even though I do not rescue birds. The reasons given range from the bird is too noisy, the bird is biting, the bird is plucking, they don’t have enough time to spend with the bird, they are having (or just had) a baby. None of these are valid reason to get rid of your pet, although they would have been valid reasons for not getting one in the first place had you done your research.

I am certainly not trying to talk you out of getting a bird. I just want to make sure that you are aware of the commitment required. You must research your prospective bird’s needs and habits. If you are prepared to provide the proper care for this bird for his entire life – then go ahead & get yourself a great companion. If you’re going to get tired of all the work and noise in a few years then please don’t get him.

After many years of pet bird ownership, I have decided to write e-books about the care of some of these wonderful birds.