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Birds Make Fine Feathered Friends

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Ranked #10,630 in Pets & Animals, #273,038 overall

Birds are an interesting choice of pet

Each breed has a unique personality and quality that will make them the ideal choice for some homes.

All birds are long-term investments. Even the tiny parakeet has a life span of around 15 years. The larger birds (like the larger parrots) can live up to 100 years.

All birds need plenty of love and quality time with their owners. They are social animals by nature and when adopted into your home, you and your family become the flock. That means time must be spent each day holding the bird, petting the bird, and interacting with the bird.

Prevue Pet Products F030 Aviary Flight Cage, White

Amazon Price: $233.83 (as of 05/29/2012)

This is a great cage for small, multiple birds that love to fly around. Two large doors provide easy access for cleaning. Each large door contains small doors to allow quick access without your birds escaping. There is also available outside access to the included food bowls so feed time is quick and simple. Features: Includes: 4 plastic double cups, 2 wood perches, pull-out bottom grille and drawer for easy cleaning. 2 large side locking doors, with small doors inside them. Side opening cup doors make feeding birds easy. Rolling casters make moving your cage easy.

Do You Have Enough Space for a Bird in Your Home?

Space can be an issue when it comes to housing a bird. Even smaller species need a cage that is roughly 2' x 2' x 5' in order for the bird to have enough room to get around.

The cage should be kept out of drafts and preferably high off the ground. Inside the cage there needs to be a water source, wood to chew (and maintain the beak), and a place for feeding.

There should also be several perches to entertain the bird. Larger birds will need more room and more perches.

Learn More About Bird Care

Some Considerations

Birds are noisy. While many people find their songs soothing, close neighbors (in apartments or condominiums) could find the high-pitched chirps annoying. Talking birds can be just as annoying (or even more so).

Birds are messy. They may be beautiful and they may sound nice, but they aren't the cleanest animal on the block. They tend to throw food around while eating (and it doesn't all stay in the cage) and their droppings just fall where they may. Preening (fixing their feathers) can also cause a mess. Keeping the cage and surround area clean is a daily chore.

Birds are not cheap. Although you may be able to purchase some varieties for a small price, the cages, dishes, perches, and other accessories will quickly add up.

Birds take time - at least 15 minutes each day just for basic care (like feeding and housecleaning). Getting a pair of birds will help reduce the amount of time needed for interaction.

Birds Need to be Entertained as Much as Possible

A Look at Breeds

Finches and canaries are good choices if you aren't able to spend a good deal of time with the birds. You can purchase more than one, and they will help keep each other entertained. Budgies are currently one of the most popular small birds sold in most American pet shops.

Senegal parrots and conures are mid-sized parrots that can be entertaining and cuddly pets. They can be loud and may not make a good choice for apartments. The Nanday conure or the Quaker parrot are also mid-sized. Although they are loud, they can be good choices for learning a limited vocabulary.

The Yellow-naped Amazon Parrot is a great talker with a spicy personality. They have a natural ability to mimic most noises, particularly human speech. They are clever, gentle and usually obedient, but they also require much attention. You'll see these handsome fellows in a lot of larger pet stores with bird selection - and because of their speech range you'll find them frequently guest starring in television shows and movies on the big screen.

It's like catnip for birds ~ they'll love it and YOU!

Wesco Pet Original Bird Kabob Shreddable Bird Toy

Amazon Price: $3.20 (as of 05/30/2012)

Bird Kabobs are the ultimate shreddable bird toys. Made from a soft pithy wood. They are irresistible to all hookbill birds from parakeets to macaws. They satisfy the instinctual need of these birds to chew. They have been described as bird catnip. Recommended by veterinarians for for birds with feather picking problems. Legendary among bird lovers worldwide. You'll be amazed at the site of your bird enjoying the bird Kabob. These are truly the most sensational bird toys ever made.

Many bird breeds will live for 15 years and some have been known to outlive their owners. Be sure to do some research before bringing your feathered friend home to live.

Birds are a Fantastic Learning Pet for Families

My First Bird (My First Pet Library from the American Humane Association)

by: Linda Bozzo

Amazon Price: $20.87 (as of 05/30/2012)

Each title begins by describing the desirable qualities of the featured pet. Following chapters pose and answer questions about the basics of the animal's needs, including food, care, and health. The books direct readers to shelters, rescue groups, and local veterinarians to find a pet. The material is brief, providing a general overview, with little in-depth advice or guidelines. Attractive, heartwarming color photographs induce readers to want to take every creature pictured home.

Comments

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MissMerFaery Oct 15, 2010 @ 7:06 pm | delete

Lovely lens! Congrats on the purple star. I grew up with budgies and my grandparents kept parrots.

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terrapin719 Oct 16, 2010 @ 2:37 pm | delete

Thank you :) My first purple star too. Parrots fascinate me and Ive always wanted one, but I don't think I could handle one, lots of work and a pricey vet bill.

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SofiaMann Oct 8, 2010 @ 11:35 pm | delete

Congratulations on the purple star. Beautiful Lens. I like birds very much.

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terrapin719 Oct 16, 2010 @ 2:37 pm | delete

Thank you Sofia :)

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WordCustard Oct 4, 2010 @ 3:39 am | delete

Birds are so beautiful but you share some important advice for potential bird owners to ensure they are prepared for the bird's needs. Congratulations on the purple star!

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terrapin719 Oct 16, 2010 @ 2:35 pm | delete

Thank you! :)

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Lisa-Marie-Mary Sep 30, 2010 @ 8:24 am | delete

I just love birds and I really miss having them. They are definitely a lot of work, though.

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terrapin719 Oct 16, 2010 @ 2:34 pm | delete

They are quite a bit of work ~ I think people underestimate just how much work they'll be when they go to the pet store and get a pair of pretty birds.

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sandyspider Sep 30, 2010 @ 8:21 am | delete

Wonderful lens on birds. Congrats on your Purple Star.My grandparents had a parakeet named Happy. I think the bird was lonely, because he always seemed to be crabby.