Owning a bird

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If you want to have a pet bird, there are several things that you should have in mind before you decide what species you should choose. Be mindful of the time you can give your bird and the noise level that you can tolerate. Birds like parrots need a lot of attention from their owners and some species can really drive you crazy with their sharp sounds. When choosing your bird, you should look for a species that fits your personality, your lifestyle and your living space. Given that many birds have a long life, it is better to choose your future companion carefully and responsibly, because you cannot return it as you do with a broken product. Having a pet is a commitment, so make sure that you are ready for this responsibility.

Here are some other things to think about, before buying a pet bird.

Price

How much money you can afford to spend on buying a bird is not everything; do not forget that you must also buy a cage (large enough to be comfortable for the bird, equipped with toys and recipients for food and water. There will also be monthly expenses for food and bedding, plus periodic expenses for vet check-ups. Prices for pet birds are different, depending on the species that you want. Do not buy a bird for a lower price, from unauthorized sellers, because you may end up with a sick pet.

How much time do you have to offer?

You must consider the time you can spend with your bird, both on the short term and long term. In the short term, think about how much time you can spend with your pet every day. If you're not much at home, choose a pair instead of a single bird. Parrots for example require a lot of attention and attach to their owners. If they feel neglected, they will be unhappy and may even get sick.

On the long term, keep in mind that certain species (for example large parrots) can live 50-80 years or even more and they have difficulty adapting to a new home and a new owner. So, if you cannot take full responsibility to raise such a bird, do not buy it.

The space

Make sure you have enough space for a large cage. Do not buy a small cage, because all birds need space to be comfortable and happy. The bigger the bird, the greater must be the cage. Most birds also need time spent outside the cage, so make sure to provide them the chance to fly and play in a safe room.

The mess and the damage

Birds are messy, especially when they eat, and manage to make a mess around the cage as well as inside. Grains, feathers, feather dust, bedding granules etc? you will have to clean them very often. You must also consider cleaning the entire cage periodically, to keep a safe environment for your winged companion.

Food

Most species of birds can eat a pre-formulated food, available in pet stores, along with a variety of fresh products: vegetables, grains, cereals and fruits. However, certain species have very strict diets and you should determine if you can afford to offer them what they need throughout their lifetime.

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