Pet birds make wonderful companions for people of all ages. People enjoy having pet birds because they live long, productive lives, they are affectionate and like to cuddle, and are often talkative and friendly.
Popular Pet Birds
Some popular species that make good pets are the Parrot, Macaw, Amazon, African Grey, Sun Conure, Finch, and Cockatoo. What type of bird you choose for a pet will depend on the facility space you have for housing the bird and what characteristics you are looking for in a bird. It may also depend on the amount of money you have to invest. A bird can cost as much as several thousand dollars and the bigger the bird, the bigger the bird cage you'll need.
Characteristics of Pet Birds
Pet birds vary in size, color and personality. Each breed of birds can be expected to look and act a certain way, but even two birds of the same species have their own unique personalities. Most birds will form a strong bond with a single person and may have a hard time when that person is not available for them.
One thing some non-bird owners might not realize is that birds can be very affectionate. Most birds like to cuddle and will do just about anything to get human attention. They like being talked to, being hand-fed and having special treats.
Life Span of Pet Birds
One thing that makes birds a unique pet is that they can live up to 50 years. Comparing their life span to the typical 15 years of a cat or dog and a fish that is lucky to make it a year, birds life longer than most other pets. This can be especially nice for the pet bird's owner because he will essentially have a friend for live, but it can also be bad for the bird because he may have to have several owners in his life time.
Caring for Your Pet Bird
Early care for pet birds is crucial. They need to be weaned at the right time, hand fed for proper socialization and need all around good care and nurturing. It is important to buy your pet birds for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Pet birds require a lot of attention, affection, play time, bathing, feeding and other maintenance like nail and wing clippings. Over time they need regular vet check ups, new bird toys to occupy their time and a healthy diet that will enhance their long lives.
