Considering a Pet Bird? Ask Yourself These 7 Critical Questions
Posted: Sunday, September 18, 2005
by Simon Blake
http://www.cockatielsecrets.com/
Birds can make wonderful pets and companions and there are many different birds to choose from. Two of the most popular are cockatiels and parakeets. Cockatiels and parakeets make wonderful pets that only require simple daily care. They don’t take up a lot of space, they eat small amounts of food, and they don’t require a daily walk outside. They love being around people and often want out of their cages just so they can be closer to you. Some even learn to talk.
It all sounds great doesn’t it? Slow down a little bit, before you rush out to buy a cockatiel or a parakeet, take some time to think about whether or not you are ready for a bird companion. There are a few things for you to consider before you decide if you’re ready for the responsibilities that comes with parakeets and cockatiels.
Do yourself a favor and don’t buy a parakeet or cockatiel until you ask yourself the following questions:
Do I have enough patience for a bird? Cockatiels and parakeets are social animals and they like attention. You should give them at least a half an hour of attention a day to keep them happy.
Am I a neat freak? All birds (not just cockatiels and parakeets) can be fairly messy. You’re probably going to have some feathers and bird seed to pick up around the cage.
Can I care for my bird properly? You’re taking the right first step by looking for information about birds. It’s important for you to know all of your cockatiel’s or parakeet’s needs before you bring him or her home.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that since you already have a dog, cat or some other pet, that you know how to take care of a bird. Birds have very different needs than other pets. I’m afraid it’s a little more complicated than sticking your bird in a cage and giving it water and birdseed.
Do I have room in my house for a bird cage and other ‘bird accessories"? You need to think about where you’re going to place the cage in your house before you walk in the door with it. And remember, the bigger the bird, the bigger the cage. (Be sure to study the do’s and don’t of cage placement. There are places in your house that are very dangerous for your bird.)
Do I have the time to give my bird what it needs? In addition to the time you should spend with your bird giving him or her attention, you should spend some time preparing meals for your bird. A proper diet for a healthy cockatiel or parakeet includes fresh vegetables and fruits – not just seeds.
Exactly what type of bird (and how many) do I want? Decide whether you want a female or a male bird. Maybe you would like to have a pair of birds so that you can breed them. It’s easier to think through these types of questions now instead of waiting until you’re talking to a breeder.
Am I ready for a long-term commitment? As I said above, it’s not unusual for cockatiels to live 15-20 years and parakeets can live 12-14 years. Getting a pet bird is a long-term commitment. Please don’t get a cockatiel or a parakeet thinking that you’re going to “try it for a while". There are already too many birds in rescue and adoption centers.
Pet birds can bring a lot of fun and happiness into your home. If you don’t know what to expect before you bring one home, you may be in for a surprise. However, if you’ve gone through the checklist above and decided that you’re ready for a new feathered family member, then congratulations! Get ready for a long, loving and happy relationship.
About the Author:
Simon Blake is a bird lover and the author of Cockatiel Secrets and Parakeet Secrets. Discover how you can have a happy, healthy and well behaved pet bird.
http://www.CockatielSecrets.com/
http://www.ParakeetSecrets.com/
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)I am trying to download an ebook I purchased from cockatielsecrets and cannot find a link to get the book I purchases - help
My sister moved a year & a half ago.She owned 2 cockatiel birds.She decided she would only move one with her & give the other to a shelter(claimed bird was mean).I couldn't bear the thought of this bird in a shelter,so I took it home.With time ,the bird & I became very close.. I would let her out of her cage & she would always come over to me & loved her neck rubbed. She was an awesome pet..but ,I don't live alone. She would not take to anyone else in the home & they complain about my bird everyday.. So one day I couldn't take the complaints. I search for a home ,for my bird .So I my friend's boss ,said he was interested,because he had a niece,34 years old, whom he wanted to give my bird as a gift.She was home all day . I thought, perfect!!.My bird would have company,so I gave my bird up ,cage & all..I felt so sad & lonely, I couldn't stand it..2 days later, I asked for my bird back..& the man would not give her back..He ,all of a sudden said his niece has a 7-year old who has fell in love with my bird..I called him back twice.He will not return my bird.Folks.Everyone makes mistakes in life,giving my bird away was a big mistake for me..because this is my home too..I took care of my bird,cleaned & spoil my bird. Everyone in this home needs to understand pets can also be loved. And if they love me .They should understand this, they are gone almost all day. & I was stupid not to stand up to them.. the only time they heard her make noise,was when she woke up in the morning..other then this, she was much to herself,& yes ,she made noise when she heard my voice..but I kept her company everyday.Played hide & seek!.She loved music,it keeped her quiet.Watch tv together. Its been 2 months..I really miss her,I wish I could get her back. Is there any law,anyway to get my bird back?,Am I being selfish?
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