Owning a pet is an extremely rewarding experience and can be very beneficial for your family. They teach responsibility and skills that cannot be learned in other ways. Certain pets encourage fitness and exercise, while others are fun and help you to relax. If you love watching birds in your garden and you love the thought of one sharing your home with one, then becoming a bird owner could be an excellent choice of pet for you and your family. However, owning a bird isn’t always easy and requires a lot of time, energy, and patience. There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself before welcoming a pet bird into your home, and you need to do your research. To help you understand more, here are some things you need to consider before becoming a bird owner.
Level of Care
The level of care your bird requires will depend on the species. Just like any pet, owning a pet bird is something you will need to commit to. Some species of birds have extremely long lifespans. Whatever their lifespan may be, you need to make sure you will be able to care for them their entire life. If you work long hours, then you must decide whether you have enough time to clean the cage on a regular basis. If you own a highly intelligent bird, then you need to make sure you can provide the constant stimulation that they need in order to remain happy and sane, so research is key.
Cost of Ownership
Just like any pet, the cost of purchasing a bird is just the start of a significant financial commitment. Before you bring your new pet bird home, you will need to purchase a suitable cage, plus furniture for the cage, pet bird toys, and any bedding they require. Once you have paid out these initial costs, you will need to continue to pay for food, fresh bedding, new toys and entertainment, cleaning supplies, and the cost of care when you go on holiday. You will also need to consider pet insurance and vet bills. It is important to remember that the bigger the bird, the more expensive the care will be.
Lifestyle Compatibility
Chatter and birdsong may sound like an entertaining and appealing experience that comes with bird ownership, and it is great in small doses. However, birds have very loud voices and they like to use them, which could become difficult to deal with after a while. If you like a quiet lifestyle, then a bird may not be right for you. You should also consider the rest of your family when making this decision. Just because you could handle the noise, it doesn’t mean your partner or children will. If you have small children or other pets, then a bird may be intimidating or scary, and could even put your bird at risk.
Children and Pets
As mentioned previously, taking your household into consideration before you bring home a pet bird is important, especially if you have children and other pets. If you get a large bird, then small kids may feel scared or intimidated by their new pet. If you have a small bird, then young children may be too rough when it comes to handling their feathered friend, which could inflict mental or physical strain on the bird. Your other pets could also be potentially problematic. If you have a pet with a strong hunting instinct or a bird that is threatening, then this could cause problems in your home.
Do Breed Research
Doing your research into different types of birds, their lifespan, diet, cages/enclosures, etc., is crucial when it comes to deciding whether a pet bird is a good choice for your family. There are many different domestic breeds available, and you should not go for looks and size if you are planning to introduce a bird into your home. If you have not owned a pet bird before, then getting a breed that is good for beginners is recommended. You should always thoroughly research the breed of bird you are getting, as well as the breeder/supplier, in order to support the right people who actually care.
Educate Your Kids
Once you have done your research on bird ownership, the next step would be to educate your kids on what birds are and how to care for them. If you have younger children, you can teach them the beauty and elegance of birds by making your garden bird-friendly. Caring for wild birds requires less pressure than a pet bird and teaches kids the responsibility of looking after an animal, without the temptation of handling them. To start welcoming wild birds, you should check out Little Peckers for garden bird supplies. Here you can find bird food, bird feeders, plus items for your pet bird, for a great price.
Vets and Insurance
When it comes to owning any kind of pet, the most expensive cost that you’ll face during their lifetime will most likely be in the form of vet bills. Birds are classed as exotic animals, so only certain vets will know how to diagnose and treat illnesses. Before you bring a pet bird home, you need to make sure that there is an exotic vet nearby, who can treat your bird if they do get sick. To help you save money on unexpected vet bills, you should take out pet insurance for your bird. You should choose a pet that will not push your finances too far and one that won’t require you to make too many sacrifices.
Every bird has its own personality and every breed has its own needs and requirements, so doing your research into the bird you want to welcome into your home is essential. Some birds will be easy pets, while others will require a lot of time and training to adapt to life in a home. However, they are extremely rewarding, smart, and loving pets, which will make you smile and laugh in return.