(excerpted from ASPCA 3-5-10)
Welcoming a bird into your home can mean a world of cheerful song and beautiful plumage, but adding a feathered friend to your family is not to be taken lightly. Birds require specialized housing and diets, and their veterinary care can be quite costly. The ASPCA recommends never getting a bird from a pet store, but rather seeking a reputable bird breeder or adopting a bird instead. The experts at the ASPCA have put together a list of the top 10 things you should know before getting a bird:
Adoption is Great Option: Many avian rescue groups and local shelters are overflowing with unwanted birds. Petfinder.com is also a good resource to help with the search.
Birds live a long time: Some birds live between 25 and 60 years, so be prepared for a life-long friend.
Find a reliable avian vet: Your bird will require the same veterinary care that a pet cat or dog would, except you would need to visit a veterinarian that specializes in birds.
Birds love a varied diet: Seeds, grains, beans, vegetables, fruit and a high quality pellet food are all good choices, but it is also important to note that most birds need to eat half their weight in food each day!
Birds can be noisy: Birds sing and chirp, but they can also screech and squawk. Some of their vocalizations can be ear-splitting, which may upset neighbors if you live in an apartment building or other close quarters.
Birds like space: A typical cage for small birds should be about 25 inches tall and 25 inches from front to back.
Birds are sensitive to their environment: It is extremely important to place your birds' cage in a warm, bright area away from drafts and direct sunlight. Avoid kitchens at all costs--birds are extremely sensitive to fumes from self-cleaning ovens and Teflon-coated cookware.
Birds are social butterflies: Birds should be taken out of their cages and handled every day for at least an hour. Daily exercise and ample out-of-cage time are essential to to a happy, well-adjusted bird.
Birds need exercise: Just like any other pet, birds can become overweight and unhealthy if they don't get enough exercise. Be sure to secure the room before allowing free-flight, by closing windows and doors, turning off ceiling fans etc.
Birds are naturally clean: Birds are self-cleaners, and will preen their feathers daily. No need for shampoos or baths--a simple nail trim will do.
Hopefully these tips will start you off on the road to happy bird ownership!
