Things to consider before buying or adopting a pet bird

Are you looking for a pet bird? Birds are smart and they enjoy being part of a flock, so you need to make sure that you have what it takes to take care of them properly. If you already own a bird, you can consider getting him/her a companion. Welcoming a bird into your home is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. This commitment should only be made if you’re sure that you can give them everything they need to live a healthy and happy life. If you’re ready to take on this new adventure, you can find pet birds and accessories on Junk Mail.

Photo credit: Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Things to consider before getting a pet bird…

- Can you meet the needs of your bird?

In their natural environment, birds spend their day flying in their flock and exploring their surroundings. They choose mates and enjoy eating a wide range of foods. Being confined to a cage is lonely and boring for birds. As a result, they may suffer from depression or neurosis. You may see them pulling out their feathers or hurting themselves. You should be prepared to meet the needs of your pet bird in order to ensure their emotional and physical well-being.

They’ll require a good supply of accessories as well as drinking water and water they can use to preen themselves with. Birds also need a wide range of food specific to their breed. Research the requirements of your specific bird carefully to ensure that they get the right nutrients. Be prepared to feed them seeds, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. You also need to invest in a cage that is big enough so they can move around easily and not get anxious.

- Are you ready to live with common bird behaviours?

Birds are very vocal animals, which is something you’ll have to get used to. You can expect your birds to wake you up early as they start making noise at sunrise. You should be willing to adjust your sleeping schedule to feed them their breakfast soon after they wake up. Birds also make a mess by throwing their food around so you can expect to clean up after them daily. Noisy birds may also cause a problem with your neighbours if you live in an apartment or complex. Don’t expect your bird to like everyone as many birds will pick a favourite in your family.

- Are you ready to adopt two birds?

Birds are flock animals and they usually need a friend to keep them company. If you own a single pet bird, you need to take care when you’re introducing a companion. Make sure that you take him or her to an avian vet for a medical assessment first. It’s advisable to make sure that they get treatment for any diseases before they meet your bird. Once you’re given the all clear, you should put them in a cage next to your bird’s enclosure so that they can get to know each other.

Photo credit: Ilianna Brett on Unsplash

Observe them for a week, and if they appear to be friendly with each other, you can start by putting them on separate play stands for a supervised visit. Put your bird on their play stand first. Then open the door of the new bird’s cage so that they can come out when they feel ready. Leave their cage where it is with the door open so that it can go back to safety any time that it chooses. You’ll need to have numerous supervised visits to check that the birds have bonded properly. Make sure that you’re certain they get on well before you leave them together unattended. It’s important to remember that birds, just like people, may take exception to one another. In this case, you’ll need to have plenty of room to keep them separated.

- Will your bird be able to fly short distances inside the house?

Birds love flying so letting them out of the cage to move around in the house and even fly short distances is advisable. But to make sure they don’t fly away, you’ll need to keep their wings clipped. Make sure that you remove any hazards from the house so that they don’t get injured while exploring. Add a play stand with toys for them to rest on and to keep them entertained. Also cover your couches with throws that you can remove and wash easily, as your pet bird will leave some droppings while exploring.

- Are you prepared to remove hazards from your home?

If you get a pet bird, you’ll need to be willing to remove hazards from your home and address any other risks. The following items can put your birds at risk:

Scented candles, incense, and air fresheners

• Cigarette smoke
• Certain houseplants
• Ceiling fans
• Electrical wires
• Big windows and mirrors
• Chemical household cleaners

Now that you know more about adopting a pet bird, you can put careful consideration into whether it’s the right choice for you or not. Welcoming a bird into your home is a big responsibility as some birds can live up to 90 years. Visit Junk Mail today for pet birds and accessories.