Pets can be a big responsibility. They are not always easy to take care of and they often require a lot of time and money. Birds, in particular, need special considerations for their unique needs. If you’re thinking about getting a bird as your next pet, here are 6 things you should consider first.
Consider the size of your home before getting a bird
Birds need plenty of room to fly around, so if you live in a small apartment, getting a bird might not be the best idea. Not only will the space influence your decision, but also the noise level. You don’t want your neighbors complaining about all that squawking.
Birds by nature are quite active and curious. If you’re thinking of getting a bird, be sure that you ’re home most of the time. If you’re going to be gone for long periods of time, your bird might become lonely and start to act out.
These birds will need your attention and care every day. In addition, they are naturally curious and will require a lot of mental stimulation in order to stay happy. They also like socialization just as much as they enjoy time for themselves, so you will need to find a way to balance all of this.
Buy a cage that is large enough for the type of bird you want to get
Bigger is always better. While it might be easier to find bird cages that will fit in your home, make sure you consider the size of the bird and its flying abilities before making a purchase. If possible, check how much space the cage takes up overall.
Birds are naturally curious and they have an amazing ability to escape from their cages. Make sure that the doors and windows are very secure before letting your bird out. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a huge cage, consider an aviary or outdoor enclosure instead. This way you can still keep your bird close by but give it plenty of room to fly.
Think about how your bird will fit into your household
If you’re considering a parakeet, make sure they are compatible with other pets in the household, especially cats.
While you might think that birds are the safest pets, parakeets are actually extremely curious and they love to chew on things. They will often pull off pieces of carpet or furniture, even when inside their cages. If you have a cat, make sure it’s safe to have around your bird before letting them out. Make sure that they are okay around small children as well. Squawking and biting might not seem like a big deal to you, but it can be frightening for younger kids.
Is it safe for the bird to be released in your home?
Birds need fresh air so make sure there’s plenty of room in your house for them to fly around and perch on high places when they feel like it. If you want a bird that lives inside your house, make sure there are no open windows or doors when they’re out. You don’t want your bird to fly off and end up somewhere unsafe.
Birds can carry diseases and parasites. They also get sick relatively easily. Make sure your home is completely clean before bringing them in, but also be mindful of the germs they could spread to you.
Are you up to the commitment?
You will need to feed your bird high-quality food every day. You should also make sure they get enough sunlight, fresh air, and activity throughout the day.
Like any other pet, a bird requires adequate care and attention. If you’re thinking about getting a bird, make sure you have enough time and money to give them everything they need.
Pet birds can be quite expensive. If you don’t want to spend more than $500 on any pet, get a fish instead. While some species of birds (such as budgies) are more affordable than others, you will need to pay a minimum of $150 and upwards for most of them. Some birds can live up to 80 years, so make sure you’re prepared.
Does your personality match have a bird as a pet?
If you’re a very active person, having a bird might not be the best option as they need your attention. Keep this in mind before making a purchase. Birds often mimic their owners’ voices and emotions too, so if you want to have a happy and healthy bird, make sure the both of you are compatible from day one.
If you’ve read through the points we made and still want to get a pet bird, then great. We hope this article has helped you find some guidelines for what to consider before getting your feathered friend. But if not, that’s okay too. There are plenty of other pets out there waiting for their forever homes—and they don’t have feathers or beaks. Whatever type of animal is right for you, just make sure it’s legal in your area and safe enough so both animals can thrive happily together.
